Share
Preview
Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #142 – September 23, 2020
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue

           
1. Author Tools … Discover Woobox

2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Meet Casey Demchak

3. New October Program …  Avoiding Publishing Spookiness

4. How to Tuesdays in September … one more 30 minute webinar with BookBrush

5. AuthorYOU Salons … register for Oct, Nov, Dec now

6. Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in October

7. Webinar Replays … Amazon Reviews, Dazzling Graphics, Tiny Content and Workbooks

8. Hot podcasts for September … Add to your calendar and listen/learn

     9. Question of the Week … How do I increase engagement?
     
    10. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week … puppies storytime


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof

Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
I’m so honored. Last week, Amazon Music notified me that the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing is now included in its offerings. We were invited to submit our podcast a few months ago and delighted to hear that we landed! The podcast is now carried on NINE outlets—very cool.
We will be creating a new campaign using #Amazon #AmazonMusic and #Podcast to see if we can pick up more listeners and fans to our podcast. In the 350++ shows I’ve done … we have never done a repeat. Every week … it’s new and fresh. Oh, that doesn’t mean that a “topic” isn’t repeated—but there are always new twists to it as time goes by. Every once in awhile, I’ll do an “oldie, but a goodie” in a share of things that I see that work and authors shouldn’t forget about.

When I set up the shows I do each month, rarely are they planned more than a month out. Some podcast hosts book guests months in advance. I don’t. I want my airings to be current and relevant … content and topics that are important NOW. So for me, flexibility and being on alert of author needs is always at the top of the list.

Loved the two the “short” webinars with BookBrush these past two Tuesdays. Next week, a deep dive into creating a “boxed set” look. I’ll be using it for a bundled promtion next month for my own books.

And, what fun we had on the Author Friendly Friday coaching session. Can’t wait to see what the participants reveal to all of us this Friday.

This week is video week—I’m doing all new opening videos for each of the Tabs on my website—makeover time is getting closer!

And bravo to AuthorYOU members Jeannette Seibly for her book The Secret to Selling Yourself Anytime, Anywhere: Start Bragging! And Mara Purl for her What the Soul Suspects – both hot off the press, on Amazon and recommended. With Jeannette’s—in 3 steps, be able to grab any listener’s attention. Mara is a master storyteller—perfect for those who like mystery with a paranormal twist.

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/

Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 4million 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, I’ll be doing a deep dive into book marketing without spending a dime. My guest is Debra Jason—passionate about authors building their influence and marketing—this week we are focusing on marketing in the turbulent COVID times. Lots of info on 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. September 9, 16, 23, 30 – Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course

2. September 15, 22, 29 – How to Tuesdays – In-depth short webinars on BookBrush

3. October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Judith’s Friday Friendly Private Coaching

4. October 3 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – Avoiding Publishing Spookiness

5. October 10 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only

6. November 6, 13, 20, 27 – Judith’s Friday Friendly Private Coaching

7. November 7 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – writing bonanza

8. November 14 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only

9. December 4, 11, 18, 24 – Judith’s Friday Friendly Private Coaching

10. December 12 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only


AuthorYOU members the October second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons of the year is slated for October 10th  WILL BE VIRTUAL through the end of the year. It starts at 9.00 a.m., ending at 11.30 a.m. This is where the ONLY agenda is YOU … you bring questions … and get answers.

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 October—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? Great tips on marketing in the turbulent COVID time on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. Join me.
http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast

 
JOIN the new AuthorYOU …

Renewals were in January for AuthorYOU … if you didn’t, it’s an oh-oh.

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 – Woobox
If you are thinking of a contest for a promo you are doing … or to increase your engagement, Woobox may be the tool for you. You can pop your products and services on your blog and on social media. Woobox enables you to create anything from online games to contests to lead pages that will help you increase sales. Which means you collect names and emails.

The site gives you plenty of suggestions to spark your imagination including forms, giveaways, coupons, polls, hashtag contests, and more on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Pricing ranges from free to fee. Each has an “unlimited” campaign feature within the option. Check it out at https://woobox.com/#
 
2
AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit... Meet
Casey Demchak

Core Marketing Messaging Consultant
720-289-1107

https://www.CaseyDemchak.com/

An award-winning copywriter and consultant Casey Demchak writes marketing materials that sell books. The marketing message platforms he creates for authors include back cover copy, Amazon descriptions, website sales pages, eblast promotion copy, author bios, and more. Learn more at www.caseydemchak.com.

AuthorYou members will receive a 10% discount on all projects!
3
Avoid Publishing Spookiness –
SATURDAY, October 3 at 9 AM Mountain Time
October is typically the biggest month where book sales land. With COVID this year, who knows what will roll out!

But what we do know is as authors are immersed in getting their book out; prepping and executing marketing strategies, that the overwhelm and spookiness surfaces.

Today’s program is about slaying and deleting the ghosts that surface for EVERY author. Ghosts that become the barking dogs that stop the flow and seed self-doubt. Ghosts like:
·
No one will buy my book.
· I can’t promote and market my own book … or me.
· This is too hard.
· I’ll think about “it” after I have my book printed.
· I don’t want to do or learn any techie stuff.
· I’m too busy.
· It’s just too complicated.
·  Etc., Etc., Etc.

It’s LIVE, meaning that any questions you have, will be answered.

PLEASE don’t wait until the last minute to register. We send out the handouts the day BEFORE the program begins. 

If you can’t make it LIVE, register anyway. You will be sent the handouts and video copy of the program later in the week. You must be registered to get this—and it’s only for those who can’t attend the live presentation.


WHEN: Saturday, October 3 at 9 AM MT - Zoom Online


WHERE: your electronic devices … this is online. When you register, a link will be sent to you.

COST:  $15  AuthorYOU members; $25 Nonmembers

4
It’s the FINAL HOW TO TUESDAY in SEPTEMBER

We have three SHORT (30 minutes) in-depth “show you” webinars scheduled this month. The first was yesterday. The replay was only available to those who registered, no exceptions. That means if you want to participate forward, you need to pre-register NOW … even if you can’t attend live—you will get the replay.

The full Book Brush webinar last month was hot … and as promised, we are giving you shorties to reveal the power of each of the key tools that Book Brush generates within all versions of its platform … including the free side.
Join Kathleen Sweeney from Book Brush & Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd, for a series of FUN live Book Brush How-to Tuesdays that are exclusive for AuthorYOU and The Book followers! There is no fee for these.

You must sign up for each session—the links are included within the links that Kathleen created below. We will be using the Zoom platform generated from Book Brush. You will get the replay.

Time zones are: 12pm Los Angeles • 1pm Denver • 2pm Chicago • 3pm New York   (GET live links in for each one


5
AuthorYOU Salons … register for October, November, December now
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/

6
5 Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in October
for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks in October!

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 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: October 7, 14, 21, 28
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/calendar

 
7
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/

8
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).

September 3 Frugal Book Marketing Tips– Carolyn Howard-Johnson

September 10 PR in COVID and Beyond – Jules Marie

September 17 – Graphics Magic via BookBrush– Kathleen Sweeney

September 24 – Marketing in COVID and Beyond – Debra Jason
9
Questions of the Week:


Question: Do you have any suggestions for building engagement and followers?

Answer: Yes, I do. Start with your website. What do you have to “entice” anyone visiting it to share their name and email? Create an “opt-in” or “lead magnet” feature on your Home page. One that offers solutions or “something” that someone who would be searching for your keywords/theme/expertise can offer. Consider adding a second one on an interior page. Create a social media campaign to push it out on all your social media channels to drive people to your website to “grab it”. How about a contest that engages others … of course you are going to send them to your website to participate.

10
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— love dragon story telling time to puppies:

 
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


Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign