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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #141 – September 16, 2020
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue

           
1. Author Tools … Discover  Facebook Live Tools

2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Meet 1106 Design

3. New October Program …  Avoiding Publishing Spookiness

4. How to Tuesdays in September … 3 Different 30-minute webinars on BookBrush5. Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign in October

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

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

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

      9. Question of the Week … How to I get Endorsements?

     10. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week … love sneaky cats!


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof

Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
Oh my … oh my …. she’s arrived. Until I get the full functioning of my left leg/foot back, I’m a mere passenger … but Goldie is oh-so-cool. Make her journey from Arizona to Colorado late last week, she arrived in my driveway on Friday under the guidance of Heart Sisters Ellen and Glenda. Getting my appointment for registering is at the top of my “To Do” list this week … and then decide “who” will be my drivers until my final surgery is done in late October.
Love it that so many have dropped in … carefully … this past week. Bruce and Joneen with fabulous Godiva Chocolates (perfect for a round of Mexican Train Dominoes); Connie and Ed with veggies galore that let to cooking yummers; Derrick with a “we can get this done” and being central in readying the garage for its new car mate; Bev and Dan for a delicious BBQ and lots of talks; Al and Francie for nibbles, drinks, and talk, talk, talk; family in to celebrate Ellen’s birthday; catching up with Bob, an old friend and so delighted to see once again; and back in the kitchen—cooking, cooking, and more cooking.

Last week, two of my favorite backyard gardener foodies dropped by with bags of veggies. Over the weekend, lunch became multiple bruschettas… platefuls as the munching began—the tomatoes, garlic, and basil did a happy dance in my mix on top of freshly toasted baguettes, olive oil and garlic—my secret for popping garlic is to zest it, making it a paste and opening the flavor.

My back deck became a fast gathering spot for several of my neighbors as the drifted over and ended up spending the afternoon—iced tea, vino, and chowing down! And oh yes, conversations galore. Beautiful weekend afternoons in Colorado.


Looking forward to the series of all three of the “short” webinars with BookBrush … love this nifty tool for authors. Yesterday’s was a short 30 minutes—the next is slated for our How to Tuesdays—info below. AND, you can only get the replay if you are registered to the webinar—it’s not available to the masses.
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 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, I’ll be doing a deep dive into book marketing without spending a dime. My guest is Jules Marie—passionate about social media building and publicity for authors. 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 3 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – Avoiding Publishing Spookiness

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

5. November 7 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – TBD



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 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, Jules Marie and I did a whirlwind of ideas and tips for PR Pop 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 – Facebook Live Tools
Who doesn’t want a “graphic designer” in your pocket … or at the fingertips? Love the “word” usage options, especially for posters and pushouts. The site has plenty of quotes that you can grab—morph a tad—and push out. Build your influence factor globally. Add jazzy visuals to your website and blogs. Download the app and explore for your phone (that means you can let your snazzy ideas happen on a post in real-time).

Here’s the full website HERE: http://www.wordswag.co/ and check them out the tutorial HERE.

 
2
AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit... 1106 Design
1106 Design, LLC /Michelle DeFilippo

md@1106design.com
http://1106design.com Phone: (602) 866-3226

1106 Design is your one-stop source for manuscript editing, book design and self-publishing advice, with hand-holding. We offer best-seller quality manuscript editing, book cover design, and book interior design services to make your book as good as it can be, one that will impress buyers and reviewers alike.

If you’re overwhelmed with the conflicting and often suspect the information offered online by large companies catering to the “hobbyist” publisher, rest easy. We’re NOT a self-publishing company. We’ll patiently walk you through all the necessary steps to self-publish your book the legitimate (and profitable) way.

You’ll talk to real people who fell in love with books a long time ago, not telemarketers working from a script. We’ll work closely with you to create a beautiful, easy-to-read book that others will fall in love with, too.
When your book is complete, every penny of revenue is yours, forever (other than printing costs and unavoidable retailer discounts). We never “share” your profits. We’ll offer helpful advice, specific to your situation, and we’ll even tell you if you don’t need one of our services. (The nuns who taught us are dead, but they’re still watching.)

Book publishing is a fiercely competitive business. Amazon will display your book next to similar best-sellers, so your book must measure up to succeed. For complete information, please visit our website where you can subscribe to our weekly Tips and Tools and download my free book, “Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing,”

We work for authors across the US, and beyond. All you need is a completed manuscript and an internet browser. Let’s go!

AuthorYOU members get a discount to 1106 design.

3
Avoid Publishing Spookiness
SATURDAY, October 3 at 9 AM Mountain Time
It’s Time to Avoid Publishing Spookiness
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 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

Tuesday, September 22nd: Author U Exclusive: Cover Creator 101    HERE


5
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

 
6
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/

6
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

8
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

9
Questions of the Week:


Question: Do you have tips for getting Endorsements and a Foreword for my book?

Answer: Yes, I do. In fact, this week’s blog gives 12 tips on how to do the reach out. Read it here: https://thebookshepherd.com/doing-the-ask-getting-endorsements-and-forewords.html 

And don’t forget to post on your Book tab on your website, share in your social media profiles with a link to your book page –either website and/or Amazon (and say thank you). Plus, add a Praise or People Are Talking to the front of your book. It’s shout out time.

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 sneaky cats!

 
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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