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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–
eZine Issue #159 – January 20,
2021
Publisher: Judith Briles
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
In This Issue
1. Author Tools … Discover and Experience Ask Judith Anything
2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Discover Sheridan Books
3. AuthorYOU February Program … Guidelines for Children’s Books and Creating Press Releases
4. Dr. Judith Briles’ Unplugged Experiences … be there
5. Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in March
6. AuthorYOU Salons … register for February and March
7. Hot podcasts for January … Add to your calendar and listen/learn
8. Question of the Week … What is the most important item a website needs?
9. Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week … jumping cat
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This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s™ Roof
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Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
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In talking with a client early one morning this past week, I shared a book that I truly loved and bought for several friends as a Christmas gift. Charles Mackesy’s delightful and insightful The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is thought-provoking, a book for our times, a book of hope in uncertain times, and a visual delight hits #1 for me. It was also Barnes & Noble’s book of the year in 2019.
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I remember being in a B&N store in December of 2019 when it was announced. Busy working with 20 of the AuthorYOU.org authors at the annual BookFair event I organize to feature them throughout the day, I didn’t have time to explore what the book was about—my first glance suggested that it was kids. Later, I thought.
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Later became December of 2020. It’s not for kids—adults first, then share with the kids. It reveals a tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse who find themselves in an unplanned time of togetherness. They share their fears and discover kindness, hope, friendship, and love. So perfect for right now. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is a little book loaded with life lessons for ALL AGES! Treat yourself and get a copy. Mine is on my coffee table in the living room where I can see it every day. Picking it up, I pull a nugget out of a page and move into my day.
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I absolutely believe that your insights and words matter more than ever. Write and share them. For yourself. For others. It’s part of moving forward.
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My moving forward encompasses this first quarter. There is LOTS going on this time of the year. I’ve got three of my Dr. Judith Briles Unpluggeds (Publishing, Book Marketing, Social Media) revised for two 4 ½ hour Friday and Saturday afternoons in January, February, and March. The Early Bird for January ends this Friday—I added a few more days with the—save moneys and get registered. Details are below.
AuthorYOU.org renewals are in play this month. DO NOT MISS BEING A MEMBER. We will be checking for all that sign up for events at the either the AuthorYOU discount or for members only. If you aren’t, you will be unregistered and notified of such.
· If you want to participate in the free AuthorYOU monthly Salons, you need to be a member.
· If you want to participate in the quarterly free Ask Judith Anything online sessions,
you must be a member.
· If you want to get discounts to publishing providers that have been arranged for, you must be a member.
· If you want to participate in the monthly AuthorYOU programs at discount rates, you must be a member.
· If you want to participate in my Author Friendly Friday early AM coaching
sessions at a reduced rate (saving 33%), you must be a member.
· If you want to participate in the Tech Tool workshops starting up in April, you must be a member.
· And there’s more coming on the list.
Tis that simple. Membership is $127 a year. Join HERE: https://authoru.org/join-author-u/why-join-author-u.html
I’m honored to have the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast added to the Google podcast roaster. That means we are heard on 10 different platforms—very cool!
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The virtual Unplugged Experiences will roll out online January through March: Book Publishing Unplugged January 29-30; Book Marketing Unplugged February 26-27; and the NEW Social Media Unplugged March 26-27. Info below, details are on TheBookShepherd.com website.
Remember—your voice, your influence, your actions matter. That’s my week … how’s yours?
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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 4 million downloads of various podcasts in 2020 already! Fun watching the download numbers—something that I look at each morning with my hot mug of tea.
Last week, the insight of writing coach Anne Janzer filled my ears … and thousands of others. This week, marketing guru Susan
Gilbert joins me once again for branding with your core message. Tune in.
Lots of info on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast.
You can select which podcast is for you from over 350 shows and 4,000,000 total downloads … the latest will always be posted on top of the show page: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast--it goes directly to the Show Page, where you can view all podcasts at once—just scroll … you’ve got a lot to pick from to expand your learning and how to curve.
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Add these to your calendar now. Details will all be posted under the Events tab on the website.
Dates are subject to change due to COVID-19 notices
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1. January 20, 27 – Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course
2. January 21 – Ask Judith webinar for AuthorYOU members only
3. January 29-30 – Book Publishing Unplugged Online
4. February 6 – First Saturday AuthorYOU program online- press release power and children’s books
5. February 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online for AuthorYOU members only
6. February 26-27 – Book Marketing Unplugged Online
7. March 6 – First Saturday AuthorYOU program online-
8. March 10, 17, 24, 31– Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course
9. March 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online
10. March 13 – AuthorYOU Salons – online for AuthorYOU members only
11. March 26-27 – Social Media Unplugged Online
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| AuthorYOU members … the February second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons of the year is slated for February 13th WILL BE VIRTUAL, most likely through April. It starts at 9.00 a.m., ending at 11.30 a.m. This is where the ONLY agenda is YOU … and YOUR questions … bring and ask … and get answers.
Held via Zoom, a special email blast will be sent to AuthorYOU
members … it’s a day by day scenario in a COVID world. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS—see you there.
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I love mentoring authors, their books, and supporting their vision. If you want intense, one-on-one time with me over a several month time frame PLUS the ability to call me or email with a quick response, join my Mentor Program. There is 2 spot opening in February —if you want an accelerated six months that deals with your infrastructure; your influence building; your what? … this may be the missing ingredient in your mix.
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Want tips for authoring and Publishing? Last week’s podcast was all about swag and bling for your book, to support your book and book marketing forward! Make sure you have paper and pen out … and ready to click on your computer
fast.
http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast
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Discover and Experience … Ask Judith Anything
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FREE For VIP AuthorYOU Members …
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… join me on THUR, January 21 for a kickoff for 2021 … you ask me any question you have about book publishing, book marketing, writing a book … or just getting a "little
juice" to start your engines and create the Vision for 2021.
REGISTER HERE … This Event is Free to AuthorYOU members. Non Members pay $25 and register at the PayPal button at the bottom of the page. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1627582185886953744
I’ll be on LIVE and bring you on the mic to respond to YOU and possibly ask additional questions. This is a NO PowerPoint presentation. Depending on the question, Judith may go to her website or the Internet to reveal part of the answer.
PS It’s a FULL 90 minutes to hone your 2021 vision for author and publishing success (or deal with the 2020 leftovers!).
PSS If you register and you are a Nonmember of AuthorYOU.org, you will be invoiced $25
to participate.
DAY: Thursday, January 21, starting at 4 pm Mountain time.
AuthorYOU Members REGISTER HERE … https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1627582185886953744
If you are not An AuthorYOU Member, Register Here: $25
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AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit …
Sheridan Books
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Kathy Brown, Sales Representative
734-385-1540
Kathy.Brown@Sheridan.com
Sheridan Books is a leading book manufacturer providing publishers with complete book manufacturing services. At Sheridan, we take care of all the details so you don’t have to. The difference? State of the art capabilities, our passion for providing great service and always putting you first.
In addition to superior service, high-quality products, reliable on-time delivery, and competitive prices, SBI is proud to provide you with the following:
Four Color Text Printing — When you are looking to add a splash of color to your text and components than look no further than Sheridan Books. Our color presses, and commitment to providing reliable and consistent color allows you to print full four-color throughout, making your book visually appealing and stand out from the rest.
eBook Services – Are you interested in converting your titles to eBooks or selling eBooks from your website but don’t have the time or resources to take this on? Sheridan’s Electronic Content Services (ECS) takes the hassle out of converting your
titles to leading eBook formats and provides you with a direct to consumer distribution sales solution.
Digital Printing — When looking to print lower quantities, test market a new title, or avoid inventory and inventory costs, Sheridan’s Digital Print Advantage (DPA) program does the trick. From 1-500 copies DPA can produce your titles digitally on-demand. With DPA you submit and order your digital print titles online and softcover books are produced in as little as two
working days and hardcover books are produced in five working days.
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Take the freeze off of February… Attend AuthorYou online program—it’s FEB
6—save the date!
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Part I PRESS RELEASE POWER …
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You want your press releases to work for you. Tips and Tactics galore on the first Saturday in February via Michell Davis and ExpertClick.com.
1. Push technology for your news releases — pushing your news out ten ways including Google News. Plus, blog syndication to pull
your posts and push syndicate. — PR Week called us: "dating service of PR."
2. Use of an Internet Press Room designed for SEO with inbound links from tens of thousands of other member’s press rooms and news releases – driving inbound links to your website. — USA Today called our website: "A Hot Site."
3. Be in the 35th annual Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons. — The New York Times called it: "Dial-an-Expert."
Special 15% discount link for AuthorYOU members:
www.ExpertClick.com/discount/AuthorU
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Part II THE INS AND OUTS OF PRODUCING CHILDREN’S BOOKS
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Award-winning book designer Nick Zelinger tackles the challenging task of how to create a children’s book you can be proud of — and sell by the boatload!
In the Art of Children’s Books, he will set the stage for:
· What to look for in an illustrator.
· Setting guidelines for you
and your artist.
· The most common mistakes
authors make and how to avoid them.
· Identifying pitfalls to avoid — saving you time, money, and aggravation.
· How to determine size, fonts, and printer.
· The challenges and
limitations of printing in color.
· And much more.
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a children’s author, there’s lots of takeaways in this session including why adults should be reading children’s books for their own writing. Nick Zelinger of NZ Graphics is a multiple award-winning book designer with over 30 years’ experience in graphic design, print media, and publishing.
He and his clients have garnered more than 150 national and international book awards. Nick’s dedication to detail, his commitment to deadlines, and his fervent belief that being a team player is essential for success in the publishing world, have kept his clients coming back.
And … he’s loved reading children’s books since he was a kid … and still does.
WHEN: Saturday, February 6th
TIME: 9 AM Mountain
WHERE: Your computer via Zoom
COST: $15 AuthorYOU members - $25 non-members
REGISTER: https://authoru.org/event/feb?instance_id=1551
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Register for Unplugged Experiences Now! Early Bird ends on January 11th
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They are all up on the website with discounts for participating in multiples. The Speaking Unplugged Experience will be held in person this summer in Denver.
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Are you ready to take your writing, your manuscript, your book to Publishing Success?
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Would you be willing to invest two afternoons over a Friday and Saturday to get all the publishing and strategy information you need ... information and strategies that will create the Game Plan to be an awesome and seriously successful author?
January 29-30, 2021 will change your authoring life ...
Experience two days of Judith ... no pitches, just Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged delivering an amazing depth of publishing, authoring, and marketing information that she has derived from her 30 + years in the publishing field and as The Book Shepherd.
Create the bestseller you dream of ... turn into the award-winning and sought after author you aspire to ... brainstorm the crowdfunding program to fund your project ... get the
answers to the questions you have ... all of them.
Reserve Your Spot NOW
Location? Your computer.
Details here for Online Book Publishing Unplugged in January
https://thebookshepherd.com/online-book-publishing-unplugged-on-january.html
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Are you ready to take your writing, your manuscript, your book to Book Marketing Success?
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Would you be willing to invest two afternoons over a Friday and Saturday to get all the book marketing, strategy, and tools you need ... information and strategies that will create the Marketing Game Plan to be an awesome and seriously successful author?
It’s Book Marketing or Bust time February 26-27,
2021
Location: Your Computer.
Savvy, successful authors have learned that they cannot solve their marketing problem the next day by simply repeating what you did yesterday, last week, last month … or certainly, last
year. Reserve Your Spot NOW
It’s time to morph … it’s time to get help.
Details here for Online Book Marketing Unplugged in February
https://thebookshepherd.com/online-book-marketing-on-february.html
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Would you like to turn YOU and the BOOK you have or are creating into the book and authoring success you want?
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Would you be willing to trade just 2 afternoons over the weekend to get all the social media influence building and positioning information you need ... information and strategies that will create the success ladder to be an awesome author?
-This is the WHY
-This is the STRATEGY
-This is the HOW
-This is the WHAT to USE
-This is the YES … YOU CAN!
It’s time for Kick Butt Social Media Influencing March 26-27, 2021
Location: Your Computer.
Create the bestseller you dream of ... turn into the award-winning and sought after author you aspire to ... get the answers to the questions you have ... all of them …
become the influencer you and your book should be. Reserve Your Spot NOW
Details here for Online Social Media Unplugged in March
https://thebookshepherd.com/11522-2.html
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AuthorYOU Salons … register for February - March
FORWARD … Salons are a Free benefit for VIP AuthorYOU members.
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If you have book marketing, writing, publishing questions, show up. It’s online on the second Saturday beginning at 9 am Mountain time. Here’s the link to register: https://www.meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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Create an Amazon
Bestseller Campaign in March 2021 … for Your bestseller course in 4 weeks
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January is SOLD OUT– next session begins March 10
There are 23 steps in your journey … a journey where you could pay someone to travel and implement for you … or one where you can roll up your sleeves and learn how to create, implement, and execute. As in DIY.
The Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online course is the latest. I will take you through each step during the four weeks. When you complete #17, you are ready to execute.
My goal is for you to have all components for your campaign DONE before your
implementation/execution day. All social media tease pushouts done and scheduled before the big day starts—and I help you write each one of them!
Dates: WEDNESDAYs at 4 pm MT for each 90-minute session: : March 2021: 10, 17, 24, 31
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller-campaign-for-your-ebook-online-course-in-4-weeks.html
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Hot podcasts slated for this month
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You can always listen in via our websites: www.AuthorYOU.org (click on the On the Air image on the Home page—wait for it to upload. Or
www.TheBookShepherd.com (click on the Resources tab).
January 7 Social Media Strategies and Busting Myths – Susan Gilbert
January 14 Getting Your Words Out -Anne Janzer
January 21 Building Your Brand with Your Mission - Susan Gilbert
January 28 Press Release Power -Mitchell Davis
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Question: What is the most important item a website needs?
Answer: There are several. Your website should be designed to offer content; support your credibility; build trust; and collect emails. In that order.
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Book Shepherd "Fun" or an
"Uh-Oh" of the Week
Love it when I find a fun shorty—a quick smile, a laugh out loud, a learn something new, and a sip of tea … and back to work—perfect. Smile time
enjoy— Cat Jumps Over Kitchen Floor Because She’s spooked
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You can pick my brain … minimum time is 30 minutes. If you need one-on-one-time with me, I’m always open for a few minutes to give you some quick input. But, and it’s a BIG BUT, many call and expect far more than a few minutes.
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This is called a "consult" and I would be delighted to schedule time with you for "just you and your many questions" that need answers. You can book time with me it at: http://bit.ly/JudithCoaching
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| Author Friendly Friday this week …
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Join Author Friendly Fridays: a fun, sharing and a dynamic closed group. You can join in the next week. It’s a full hour when you can ask questions—any question. And, I always include a few strategies to get your authoring life ahead of the competition.
It’s for paid subscribers ONLY and we do it on Zoom.
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This is how each call starts: I share a few strategies, tips and tools that attendees can immediately start to use. All share … and ask plenty of questions. They get answers. Definitely an excellent way to start a Friday. Those of you who aren’t participating, you are making a mistake. I love the variety of books and authors who have chosen to participate. What’s also fun, is the energy that can be felt with what everyone is working on. Love it!
Here’s the link to take advantage of it and subscribe: https://thebookshepherd.com/product/author-friendly-fridays-subscription
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Podcast expands to 7 networks … Follow us and learn …
new shows every Thursday.
And, if you have listened, support our podcast and post a review. Thank you!
The AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is now heard on SEVEN podcast channels. How cool is that? Listeners can tune into the weekly (always new – no repeats) show on:
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That’s my author and publishing news for today … what’s yours?
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About Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd ™
Book Publishing expert Judith Briles, aka The Book Shepherd has shepherded more than 1,000 authors and created 500 best-sellers and award-winning books. She knows publishing inside and out from both the traditional and independent sides. Judith is an advocate for authors within her blogs, podcasts and speaking engagements. What’s her pet peeve? Two words: publishing predators.
She hosts the podcast AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing that generates over 100,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.
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