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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #77 June 26, 2019
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue
      
1.   Author Tools … Discover How to Rock with Photos
2.   AuthorYOU … Member benefit feature – Meet Ashlee Bratton and Ashography
3.   Publishing 101 for Newbies … July and August Summer programs
4.   June Webinar … Replay of 30 + Sizzling Hot Tips
5.   July programs … free group brainstorming and annual BBQ—be there
6.   Hot podcasts for JUNE… 4 to put on your calendar (always archived)
7.   Question of the Week … When do I start marketing?
8.   Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week … a new turkey trot!


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof:
Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU.

Never, in all the Unplugged workshops that I’ve delivered, has there been so much camaraderie and laughter within the two-day timeframe. We learned a lot. We played a lot. We laughed a lot. How healthy! And for the attendees—the takeaways were huge.

Is there value to face-to-face gatherings? In a heartbeat, it’s a HUGE YES. I like online learning and participate and teach within the platform. In the hundreds of online functions I’ve taught in; led in; and been a participant in … none of them have had the power of a connecting in person with other participants and the speaker. None.


The power of the "in-person" connecting with other authors is stratospheric. The support. The insights. The ahas that can just pop up and out. With the exception of August and December, AuthorYOU and The BookShepherd have monthly events. Sometimes multiple. In person and online. The author who desires to be seriously successful dials in and shows up. Do you?

Loved the insights and fun from Monday’s 30 Sizzling Tips webinar. Make sure you listen in. And … if you are interested in the annual Publishing at Sea adventure I do every January … the clock is ticking for signing up. BONUS—anyone who registers between NOW and the 30th, gets a FREE pass to my all new Book Publishing Unplugged event in October. Details on the webinar replay that went out yesterday.

Finally, summer weather arrived this week here in my home state of Colorado. It was amazing to see so many neighbors pulled to the outdoors, craving warm weather, a little sunshine and no thunderstorms that dumped mega inches of rain along with the dreaded step-sister of devastating hail. I must say, looking West and viewing the mountains—they were beautiful with their snow-whatever lays freshly fallen. But in late June? Enough is enough, at least for this girl.

We are two weeks away from our annual BBQ. If you are in Colorado … the question is: are you coming? If so, get registered pronto. The schmooze factor is the icing on the cake. I’m getting all the fixings next week.

Make sure you hold the dates and take advantage of the early bird sign-ups for my all new Book Marketing Unplugged slated for October 18-19 here in Denver. I’m look forward to delivering a new program.

The July Saturday Salon will be held on the 13th– join me at my home—we call it Casa Quatar! The AuthorYOU Salons for Julyif you are in Colorado—come for coffee or tea … it’s on me. It’s a perfect way to start your Saturday for author savvy and know-how. Details HERE.  

 
NEW Summer Special for Newbies for Publishing I’ve blocked out 3 days this summer to roll up my sleeves and do an all day Publishing 101 for Newbies. Meaning you are truly green to all things publishing. Thinking that there may be a book in me. Of course, I think and ask: should it come out
The July Saturday Salon will be held on the 13th– join me at my home—we call it Casa Quatar!

The AuthorYOU Salons for July —
if you are in Colorado—come for coffee or tea … it’s on me.It’s a perfect way to start your Saturday for author savvy and know-how. Details HERE.  

If you are a Newbie, it will be one of my original Salon formats, a 9-4, includes lunch and snacks, writing exercises, limited size. Dates will be on a Saturday, June 15, July 20, August 24. Details on my website under Events on The Book Shepherd.
Is your writing getting stiff? Want to goose it up? This week, Master Writing Coach Cynthia Morris shares a variety of essential tips to move your writing faster and forward. All on our podcast.
 
The next Unplugged is a new one: Book Marketing Unplugged. Book Marketing Unplugged! Want to morph your author and book life. Join me in June for two fun and deep-diving days at my annual Book Publishing Unplugged event. The dates are October 18-19.
The Hotel is the Hilton Inverness (nice!). October is beautiful in Denver and our classroom overlook a small pond and golf course where you will be able to view the changing colors. Perfecto for learning, a bit of escape and spending two days with me. Space is always limited. Always new info—come! Details are on The Book Shepherd website.

And, how was your week and what are you planning as you go forward?

 
JOIN the new AuthorYOU …

If you didn’t it’s a publishing boo-boo. Feedback from Saturday’s in-person gathering was excellent. Several first-timers joined immediately.

The online NO PITCH one-hour only webinar that focused on new strategies for the New Year yesterday got "fantastic" feedback. 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 AuthorYOU today. https://mp.gg/e9d1o
And a heads up—hold the FIRST Saturday of each month for our live event meetings—

1
Author Tools – Print What You Like
In the 30 Sizzling Publishing Tips webinar on Monday, ace author-photographer Ashlee Bratton reminded participants tips to get the best photos ever. Start with:

1. Get over the photo-loathe. Everyone hates getting their photo taken, but your author photos connect you to your readers. Bit the bullet and book your appointment for professional photos.

2. Unleash on your photographer. Tell your photographer all kinds of things. Tell them why you need photos. Tell them about your book—genre, the last time you had photos taken, who your audience is, branding color scheme, what’s your editing "wrinkle quotient," and what your layout & launch timelines are.

3. Strut your stuff. Bring multiple outfits. Chances are you’re using photos in multiple outlets (print, web, social media, promo materials), so be sure to have a variety of choices to showcase yourself in different contexts.

4. Be in the know. Know what you’re getting! Not just any ol’ photo package will do. You need to have commercial printing rights with your photos, and you need to have the right digital format for your layout team.

5. Flash that smile. Enjoy your session. You’ve got to get photos done anyways for your project, might as well have some fun with it.

Relax, your photographer’s got this.


 
2
AuthorYOU Member Benefit … meet John Maling for Indexing

AUTHOR BIO PORTRAITS

I love working with authors because I am one. (It takes one to know one!) All the hard work put into creating, editing, layout, marketing, launching and publishing is all due to the siren call of writing. You have a message, a project and a reason to tell the world and share your story. My passion lies in photographing author bio portraits and being a part of book publishing projects that matter. Tell me about your book so we can tell the world who you are. You’re an author… you need an author photo worthy of your book bio, website, and promo materials. I can help.



 
3
AuthorYOU Programs – June 29


Over 80% of Americans think they want to write a book. Is that you? Do you know the "why" of why your book should be available to others? And, do you need to learn the basics of publishing, what it takes to turn your vision, your words, into a print book?


Designed in an all-day workshop guided by Judith, Publishing 101 Workshop for Newbies is for those who think they want to write a book; who want to write a book; are currently working on a book; and want to discover the publishing options that are viable today. It’s the first step … a baby step, but a huge one. This is not my Unplugged event.

The Publishing 101 Workshop for Newbies has been created for you if these questions are in your space and you are feeling lost in the forest of authoring and publishing: Should I publish? How do I get started? What do I do? Which way should I go? Help!
It’s time to get found.

Come network with other authors to be and get direction and guidance from The Book Shepherd to start your publishing journey.

There are three available sessions this summer: June 28th , July 20th, and August 24th. Each session will be from 9:00-4:00, and lunch and snacks will be included.


Space availability: limited to 10
Cost$77
Location: Casa Quatar: Judith’s Salon, Deck, and Yard in Aurora, Colorado

                       Is the Publishing Plunge for you?


Details and registration:
https://thebookshepherd.com/summer-time-newbie-publishing

4
AuthorYOU Programs –June ...

It’s yummers and schmoozing time … ready for our annual BBQ. The date is Saturday, July 6th.
It’s our annual BBQ gathering … NO AGENDA … just good eating … excellent conversations … catching up. Bring you and yours to Casa Quatar (aka Judith’s home) where all the women are amazing, all the men are awesome, and all the authors sell more books than the average author.

The grill will be fired up. There’s plenty of yummy food options—don’t bring any please-we have it all covered. Adult beverages included. JUST SHOW UP … but do tell us you are coming. Don’t forget — there are s’mores around the fire pit!

Park on the street if there is room in the driveway, use it!

Time: 4:30pm to 8:30???

Place: Judith’s Deck and Yard: 8122 S. Quatar Circle, Aurora aka Casa Quatar! This is a gated community (Heritage Eagle Bend)–you will be sent directions and the gate code the week prior to the BBQ via email.

Single: $15
Couple: $20

Tell me you are coming: https://authoru.org/event/its-the-annual-author-bbq

5
This Month’s Webinars …
REPLAY … 30 PLUS Sizzling HOT Publishing, Marketing and Author Success TIPS

Here is the link for the replay: https://vimeo.com/344219843


The Bonus: a free spot at Book Publishing Unplugged. Open until June 30th.

On MONDAY, June 24 (7 ET, 6 CT, 5 MT, 4 PT) … 30 awesome and Hot Publishing Ahas and Tips from six amazing publishing pros: Sandy Lawrence, Judith Briles, Daniel Hall, Rebecca Finkel, Kelly Johnson, Mara Purl and Ashlee Bratton. Plus, we always throw in a few more that you won't want to miss!

What author and writer doesn't want savvy insider tips and ahas on publishing, publicity, book marketing, book design, making money on your book and the latest awesome gizmos and gadgets authors can use?

Don't bother to pop the popcorn--you won't have time to eat it--you will be taking notes like crazy!

AND ... Make sure you register even if you can't attend the LIVE presentation ... you will automatically get the replay the next day.

Here’s the replay … it’s 90 Minutes and the clock is ticking … ends on June 30th.


REPLAY of Hollywood Webinar
Is There a MOVIE in You?  Maybe …

Here’s Your Webinar REPLAY with Ken Atchity
Hollywood Producer and Emmy award nominee who sold the Hollywood Blockbuster "The Meg" (International sales exceed 500 million) and 30+ other Hollywood Deals
:    

https://realfasthollywooddeal.com/judith

The Webinar introduced the latest in deal-making and how-tos to what is going on in Hollywood. The VALUE of what Ken Atchity brings to the party is his vast experience and success as both agent and creator of stories and books that have been converted to both the big and small screen. You will be guided step-by-step by him on the "how-to" of creating treatments … so critical – and for those of you who do pick up on the deal that Ken offers.

6  
Hot podcasts slated for this month
· Pulling Your Words Out with Cynthia Morris
· Discover StoryBook with Ana Benitez
· Snagging Sales with Ideal Words with Tom Antion
·  The Ultimate Lead Magnet/Opt-In with Judith Briles
· Awesome Hooks with Joan Stewart
7
Questions of the Week:


Question: : When should I start to market my book?

Answer: Immediately, as in today. If you are just thinking about your book; just taking pen/pencil to paper; just opening a file for the "book"; just noodling ideas before you even start writing … marketing starts now. With little seeds that you will fertilize, water, nurture, and grow as your ideas and book evolves. Building a readership via your blogs (called a fan base); setting goals for yourself; visualizing what the book will look like when it debuts; getting to know "who" you are writing for; determining "who" your comparables/competitors are; gathering images that will support themes and ideas within that will be used to build buzz as you post on social media; networking with other authors—what works—what hasn’t, etc. Book publishing and book marketing is a string of spurts, bursts, sprints and marathons strung together. It is never is an overnight adventure.

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 sip of tea … Oh my … the Mailman is chased by a turkey!

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

I Love giving away free stuff to—if you've never bought an audiobook via Amazon—my newest book is free to you NOW-grab it with this special link for anyone who hasn’t subscribed to Audible via Amazon HERE: http://bit.ly/FREESpeechAudio

wait, Wait, WAIT—there’s more: grab your bonuses by emailing Judith@Briles.com a copy of your receipt after you invest for your speaking success when you purchase my print book, eBook or audiobook.

Buy one book and get:

#1 the Word document of my Speaking Contract/Agreement featured in Chapter 14

#2 the pdf or eBook of How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos

Buy 10 books and get:

#1, #2, and #3: one hour of my consulting time (value $475) when you purchase 10 print copies  (1 for you; 9 for gifts or giveaways)

Join me on MONDAYS at Noon Mountain Time for Facebook Live with Live at Noon with Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd. For me, it’s a shorty—always less than 30 minutes. Grab an early lunch (or a late one) and get the latest in publishing tips, author strategies, and book marketing goosing ideas. Most times, it will be just me. Sometimes, I will have a guest—someone within my team of publishing pros that I work with and refer my clients to.

Here's how to join in: you will find it on the Judith Briles - Publishing with The Book Shepherd group or on my Time Line—I never know where it will land. If it’s within the Publishing with The Book Shepherd group ... it's a "closed group" meaning that you have to join it to participate.

JOIN here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookPublishingHelp/.
I’ll post an announcement on various Facebook pages in the early AM and then again 30 minutes before we start.

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: https://thebookshepherd.com/pick-judiths-brain


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.

Here’s the master link for iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/author-u-your-guide-to-book/id493527713?mt=2&ign-Jampt=uo%3D4

And, if you have listened, support our podcast and post a review. Thank you!

The AuthorYOU – 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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