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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #138 –August 26, 2020
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue

           
1. Author Tools … Discover Videoticle

2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Meet Nick Zelinger – NZ Graphics

3. New Webinar …  Create an Amazon eBook Bestseller

4. Webinar Replays … Dazzling Graphics, Tiny Content, and Workbooks

5. Hot podcasts for AUGUST … Add to your calendar and listen/learn

6. Author’s Assistant Program … Is the Author Assistant for You?

      7. Question of the Week … Can authors shine when COVID is everywhere?
     
      8. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week … Leaving the Dog Alone with a Whole Chicken


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof

Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
There isn’t one of you who hasn’t gone through a rough patch. Some may feel you’ve had more than your fair share. Others seem to be able to just roll through them.

When a “whammy” lands, it can paralyze your thinking, your forward movement. Stunning you with the stoppage; the out-of-the-blue arrival; or even the suddenness of it. Or, it can deliver an opportunity to do a “regroup” … asking and answering: Am I doing what I want to do? Do I love it?

My recent whammy two weeks ago brought up the Am I doing what I want to do? Do I love to do it? Can I still do it? “Absolutely!” was my response. And, I will continue, but with a few new boundaries. Where the past always carried unlimited empathy and forgiveness of authors getting distracted and prolonging completion; encountering their own dramas and having it spell over in out work sessions—I’ve had to declare stop. My workday which would be fulltime for most people is now halftime for me. Drama and excuses are physically taxing. No longer allowed.

When the rough patches of life hit you, a new day awaits. You can declare everything is over … and you can regroup … a start over the day.

Working with authors and their book projects at all levels has been my life when I chose to step away from the massive travel that could easily land me in a dozen states a month. That evolution came from another whammy … a slip and fall in a marble hotel lobby that kids had dropped vanilla ice
cream on a white marble floor that no one noticed. The result was a brain injury that took me two years to overcome. And a full redirect … a regrouping of what I would do for the rest of my life. I’m there once again. My regroup is that I’m doing what I want to … love to do. Instead of going at 110 miles an hour; I’ll be coasting at 80. It will be fine.


What about you … is there a whammy in your life?


And love this …

Don’t forget … Nominations are open for next year’s Induction for the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame. Who are your favorite authors? Why? Are they connected with Colorado in any way? Nominations are created and submitted online. Inductees will be announced in June of next year and the fabulous Gala will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Put the date on your calendar. Last year, it was a wonderful dinner event with the Inductees sharing insights, funnies, and ahas as they accepted their Induction. And, it was SOLD OUT. You want to be there in 2021. Nominate your favorite authors now: http://ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org/

Onward …

Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 3million 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.

This week, My guest is Jules Marie, who has oodles of social media moxie reviews and what to do today, under COVID times. Lots of excellent tips the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. Join me.

You can select which podcast is for you from over 350 shows … 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.


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



1.   August 11 – Webinar-For Authors: Targeting Book Reviewers

2.   August 25 – Grabbing Book Reviews webinar

3.   September 5 – AuthorYOU Zoom morning program Fall Forward Time for Authors

4.   September 9, 16, 23, 30 – Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course

5.   September 12 -- AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only


AuthorYOU members … the September second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons of the year is September 12th WILL BE either live in my home or virtual—it depends on the status of where Colorado is on “Stay home”. It starts at 9:00 a.m., ending at 11.30 a.m.

As of this writing, it will be an in-person event—if it changes and goes virtual via Zoom, a special email blast will be created with a password on Friday, September 11th… it’s a day by day scenario in a COVID world. BRING YOUR QUESTIONS—see you there.

 
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 are 4 spots opening in September—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.

Want Tips for Authoring and Publishing? Last week, Donald Kelly and I did a step by step to create a sales strategy for your book on the podcast! Make sure you have paper and pen out … and ready to click on your computer fast. http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

 
JOIN the new AuthorYOU …

Renewals were in January for AuthorYOU … if you didn’t, it’s an oh-oh. You have been blocked from the updated benefits and discount codes.

Stay involved—if you don’t, it’s a publishing boo-boo. AuthorYOU promises its members a lot and delivers more. And wait ‘til you see the bundle of goodies and discounts we are starting to post on the website for Members only. All will be up before the end of the month. Yup, it’s a good idea. Not a paid-up member? JOIN or RENEW AuthorYOU today. Benefits galore.   
JOIN AuthorYOU today. https://mp.gg/e9d1o
And a heads up—hold the FIRST Saturday of each month for our live event meetings—

1
Discover and USE – Videoticle
Turn your videos into word docs easy peasy
What a nifty tool: all you need to do is It’s in three steps:
copy the link of where a video is on YouTube.

Step 1. Copy a YouTube video link from youtube.com or the YouTube app.
Step 2. Paste the link above and hit "Go".
Step 3. Save time and data. Enjoy your video article (Videoticle) in multiple languages!

Right now, this is a freebie-download the app.

Tip—take your videos—open the app and copy the link in. Save the copy … and WOW … you can now covert to a blog and use the copy for something else you are working on. Have some fun and try it and save a printable content form of videos you discover in the appropriate files—very cool:   https://www.videoticle.com/
 
2
AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit... Discover NZGraphics
Nick Zelinger – NZ Graphics
720-560-3390

NickZelinger@gmail.com

Website: NZGraphics.com

Nick Zelinger and NZ Graphics bring over 40 years of design expertise to your project.

Services: Book cover & interior layout, logos, graphics Specializing in design for the printing of books, catalogs, newsletters, posters, ad design, postcards, brochures, corporate identity packages and logo design. ,Compelling graphic design that meets your deadlines and does not blow your budget. Special rates for all AuthorYOU members.

3
Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign
for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks in September!

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.

Dates:
WEDNESDAYs: September 9, 16, 23, 30
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/calendar
 
4
Webinar Replays
August 25th

August’s webinar is all about solving common problems that authors face when publishing and selling books. It’s about getting MORE people to buy your book and get reviews.

That's a big one, right? Get ready to receive more sales and easy ways and systems to do that. Yes, you do need REVIEWS –and that will be covered … but there is so much more …

The 7 common problems are identified and of course, sharing a solution for you right in the training.

Common Problems for lack of sales include:
· Not having an audience
· Not having an automated system to work for you to get reviews and fans
· Not having a way to effectively communicate with your fans
· Easily connecting with POTENTIAL followers...
· and a whole lot more

Yikes, the sad part is that you can have everything RIGHT like:
· The perfect title
· The perfect cover
· The perfect editing
·  Even the perfect ending ...

But if you lack certain components in your book listing, you could have worked your butt off for nothing. Oh ugh …

Let’s remove that familiar “ugh” feeling watch and act:

Replay here: https://vimeo.com/451835254


Discover Book Brush … July 28th

If you are an author who doesn’t know Photoshop from the other—and doesn’t want to spend the money for it OR want to learn it—discover a nifty and elegant multi-facet tool that delivers high-quality images for all things books—even ads!

Learn how to create eye-catching marketing images for all things social media. Plus explore video effects, create Box Set images, design your own covers, and more! You’ll discover handy tips & tricks along the way and there will plenty of time for Q & A.

· It's easy peasy for authors to create high-quality advertising graphics—hands down. The 3D cover templates are awesome.

· If you want to save oodles of time excites you (and reduce frustration), you won’t want to miss this!

Listen and Watch REPLAY: https://vimeo.com/442678704

Replay of July’s Create Big Payoffs with Tiny Content

Discover a 5-Step Process Of Creating Passive Income with the Tiniest Amount of Content

Sometimes called low content, my guest for this all-new webinar workshop calls it tiny content. I like that!

Whatever it is—it’s all about doing just a small amount of work to generate on-going profits in your author and publishing business.
Get ready to learn:

-what low content products are and where you can pull content from.
-how they are so simple to create and put up for sale and get traffic.
-and how they can be very lucrative for virtually anyone. ANYONE!

Replay of June’s Create a Workbook that Pops webinar

Is there a Workbook in your midst? Have you thought about taking your sage advice within the covers of your books and creating a WORKBOOK?  One that you can sell as a new product?

Why not create one … or several?

June’s webinar was all about the “how-to” for Workbooks. Lots of tips and strategies. It’s ideal for the established author, coach … anyone who has advice that can be turned into a new product … and did you know that WORKBOOKs sell for more per unit than a book? Now you do.

Listen to replay: https://debbiedrum.lpages.co/workbook-wealth-judith/

5
Hot podcasts slated for this month
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).

August 6 Creating an Amazon Bestseller– Judith Briles

August 13 Creating Pre-Launch Book Buzz– Judith Briles

August 20 Create Super Sales – Donald Kerry

August 27 Social Media under COVID – Jules Marie
6
The Author Assist
Do you suffer from publishing overwhelm? Do you find that you don’t have enough time to invest in yourself? Do you struggle with social media and email marketing? Do you need someone to help you create online content or to manage and schedule posts to promote your book, business, or expertise?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you probably need an assistant, and it’s more affordable than you think.

Affordable than you think.

Whatever your needs are, I will work with you to help make your author and publishing life easier.

What Can Your Author’s Assistant Do for You?
Limited space... ONLY 4 available

· Manage your Social Media Platforms: Including. But not limited to—scheduling content, helping you write and create content, finding graphics, inspirational quotes, hashtags, and or create online posters to help you generate ideas for growing your social media presence.

· Manage your Email Marketing: including building your website’s opt-in page complete with automatic responders, help you write and create email blasts and newsletters complete with layout, and schedule your weekly email blasts.

· Website Maintenance: Making changes to your existing website, including updating images, editing, and rewriting content, bios, and profiles. Experienced in WordPress or Wix, but open to learning other web design platforms.

· Manuscript Evaluations: Read your manuscript and talk to you about ways to improve your writing, story, the plot, character development, etc.

· Publishing Support: Including researching and connecting you to editors, cover designers, eBook designers, printers, etc.  and comparing quotes.

· Presentation Support: Including creating Fliers, PowerPoints, Brochures or handouts, and Research. 

· Write Press Releases to help you get some media attention for your book, business, or expertise.

· Write Query Letters that you can send to agents or publishers.

· Event Planning and Event Coordinating: Including researching venues, creating invitations, contracts, and organizing your event.

· Manage your Product Sales System and CRM: For business clients or Authors who sell a lot of other products.

· Free attendance of any program that Judith is giving during your six months

Bobby Crew is the Author’s Assistant. He will explain what to do first, depending on the goals you’re trying to reach, and walk you through the process. It will be up to you to decide whether to implement what I recommend. There are only 8 spots. Is one yours? Call or email him to determine if it’s a fit. Bobby@AuthorYOU.org

7
Questions of the Week:


Question: Can authors shine when COVID is everywhere?

Answer: Yes, yes, and YES! Your findability and visibility is essential. A recent Harris Poll found that an average of 48% of U.S. adults were using social media more since the outbreak began. You want to reach the people who are online but be careful about the messages you share. Compassion and inspiration are in. Think of your marketing strategy. What platforms are you going to use and how often are you going to post? If you decide to post daily, write about your book/event/sale on two days. On the other days, you choose from some non-promotional suggestions.

If you are making posters—make more. Incorporate your own quotes and others. Make sure you include/embed your name and your website on them. Use the free version of Canva and BookBrush to create fast and visually attractive posters that will catch you’re a visitor to your social media’s platform pop. And don’t forget to retype the words on your poster in the message box—SEO doesn’t read what’s on a poster-it just knows that an image exists. Listen to the Social Media Bliss under COVID podcast that airs tomorrow on AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing -
http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast That’s a start.

8
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— Smile time enjoy— Leaving the Dog Alone with a Whole Chicken



Get your copy today – Available in Print, eBook, Audiobook  http://bit.ly/1000000speech
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.

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


Author Friendly Friday this week …

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.

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  

Podcast expands to 7 networks … Follow us and learn …
new shows every Thursday.

GO to the SHOW page and select which podcast is for you… the latest will always be posted on top: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

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:
Get the latest #AuthorU-Your Guide to #Book #Publishing radio podcast with @MyBookShepherd via iTunes here:   http://bit.ly/PublishingPodcast


That’s my author and publishing news for today … what’s yours?
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.

 
 
 
The Book Shepherd


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