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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #79 July 10, 2019
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue
      
1.   Author Tools … Permalink Shortener

2.   AuthorYOU … Member benefit feature – Meet Casey Demchak

3.   Publishing 101 of Newbies … July and August … Extravaganza … Unplugged programs … wowsa!

4.   Webinars … Replay notice of 30+ Sizzling Tips

5.   Come Cruise with Me … January 25 --- fab workshop, excellent play

6.   Hot podcasts for JULY… 4 to put on your calendar (always archived)

7.   Question of the Week … do I need a subtitle?

8.   Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week … walk the dog!


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

Ahhh … "the quiet" of summer descends for me … no more big events happening until September rolls around with the exception of my two Publishing 101 for Newbies days on July 20th and August 24th along with the second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons. That means I’m buried in re-writes for clients and finalizing their books for production and moving them to print. On my deck, sipping cool beverages as I work. The peacefulness of a light breeze reminds me that I’m in the right place … and definitely at the right time. Perfecto!

I always relish the conversations that are causal and pop up when friends gather on a summer afternoon. Saturday afternoon, authors set the stage, their stories, chatter and schmoozing were the main course. Loved it!


Come cruising with me. The 2020 Publishing at Sea cruise begins in Miami, FL on January 25, 2020. Watch the clip below of the webinar replay that this year’s faculty did a few week’s ago. It’s below—30+ Sizzling Tips. And join us. Details at www.PublishingAtSea.com … or just call me.

Don’t you love it when something rolls out in front of your eyes as a delightful surprise? Typically, John and I slip out in the late afternoon on Tuesdays—kind of our "date day." Movies are the first destination then dinner. Why Tuesdays? Ahh, it’s the discount day for Stubs members at AMC theaters. This past Tuesday, we slipped into Toy Story 4. Loving the previous ones, I knew it would be a flick that wouldn’t assault my ears and eyes with blood, guts, vulgarity, you name it. What did "assault" me was a wonderful story, unexpected with its twists and turns … and reveal. Go see it—a summer treat from Disney and Pixar for ALL. The mastery of animated movie-making And make sure you sit through the ending to the reveal of all the voice actors. More "adds" pop up. Yup, the old gang is back …
Tom Hanks is Sheriff Woody. And, Keanu Reeves
is a kick as Dude Caboom.

The power of the "in-person" connecting with other authors is stratespheric.
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?

Throughout the summer, we have the monthly second Saturday gatherings in the front front of my home—AuthorYOU Salons. Our BBQ is this weekend. In September, Joan Stewart presents an all day publicity Extravaganza; in October, Heather Delaccio delves into the delights and insights and how-to of Pintertest and in November, Mara Purl delivers "pearls" and the craft of writing. December is our annual Holiday schmooze and in January—that’s January of 2020 … it’s Publishing at Sea. Yup, we have authors and their succes on our mind!

HOT NEWS we are doing a mini-Extravaganza on Saturday, September 7th. Who’s the start … why the Publicity Hound, Joan Stewart. It’s a full day of press release how-tos, hot seats, publicity tips. Full details on the AuthorYOU.org website under events. Early bird is on until August 15.  AND … this is Joan Stewart’s FINAL presentation … do .. not … miss … it. Details are on the website … www.AuthorYOU.org .

 
 
NEW Summer Special for Newbies for Publishing I’ve blocked out 2 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.
If you are thinking that there is a book in you. Of course, I think and ask: should it come out. 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 Saturdays - July 20, August 24. Details on my website under Events on The Book Shepherd.

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.
Want Tips for Authoring and Publishing?This week on our podcast: AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, get the Over 50 of them!
 
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 overlooks 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 below. The early bird registration is on and I expect this baby to sell out early.

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 – Create Shorter Permalinks
On the 30 Sizzling Tips webinar we did in June, one of the "hot" tips from Kelly Johnson was a reveal on how to shorten the looooooooong links that often bubble up with blog titles. Here’s what to do:

Permalink for blog posts
Want it to be relatively short
Keyword/phrase included

Delete prepositions and conjunctions (ex: the, of, and, for, to) – these are called stop words and do not influence searches
Eliminate "exciting" or "flowery" words such as stunning, amazing, awesome
Delete most numbers in a permalink (ex: 5 ways to leverage your book marketing – no one is searching for 5 ways to leverage book marketing; they search for book marketing or ways to leverage book marketing)

Ex of Permalink:

https://thebookshepherd.com/are-you-a-publishing-and-writing-procrastinator.html

 
2
AuthorYOU Member Benefit … meet Casey Demchak

Casey Demchak, Copywriter & Consultant

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!
Casey@CaseyDemchak.com

 
3
1– July 20 and August 24 ... Publishing 101 for Newbies
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: 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

Is the Publishing Plunge for you?
2- Mini- AuthorYOU Extravaganza – Killer Press Releases and Hooks for You and Your Book with Joan Stewart!
Create a Killer Press Release
&
How to Create the Ultimate BOOK Hook

Saturday, September 7

How to Write Killer Press Releases That Sell Books

Nine out of 10 author press releases belong in the trash bin. The Publicity Hound will show you how to write a killer press release for your fiction or nonfiction launch and give you ideas galore for other types of releases you can write throughout your publishing career. You will learn:

· The 9 elements of the perfect launch press release.

· Samples of press releases for fiction and nonfiction.

· The best free and paid press release distribution services.

· Key elements to include in your releases so you sell books in bulk, get invitations to speak and invite the media to call on you when they need sources and interviews.

· Easy ways to come up with your own press release ideas by helping other authors on the hot seat.

Book Hooks: Fun, Timely, Compelling Angles for Pitching Your Book

If you can’t think of at least a half dozen juicy angles to pitch to the media so they cover you and your book, help is on the way. The Publicity Hound will give you more than a dozen hooks you can use to promote your expertise, your topic, and your book. You will learn:

· The difference between a press release and a pitch, and why they work hand in hand.
· The easiest place to start your publicity campaign.

· Unusual angles for fiction authors, including ways to promote your expertise.

· Fun hooks that most other authors would never think of using.

· Easy ways to come up with your own ideas for book hooks and angles by helping other authors on the hot seat.

Let’s send off The Publicity Hound in style!

Register: https://authoru.org/event/mini-authoryou-extravanganza?instance_id=1498

3- The Book Marketing Unplugged is Coming … Early Brid Rates Up NOW
Question: When should authors start marketing their books?
Answer: The day they start writing it.

Okay … so must authors don’t get a "pass" on this question. So, let’s reframe the question:

Question: When should authors start marketing their books?
Answer: The day they start writing it.

Okay … so must authors don’t get a "pass" on this question. So, let’s reframe the question:

Question: When should authors start marketing their books?
Answer: NOW.

When your car begins to make an awful noise and just stops, you know you have a problem … right?

When your basement is flooded; when you noticed that there are watermarks on your ceiling; or that water is seeping through yo,r window edges, you have a problem … right?

  When your computer goes blank and doesn’t respond, you know you have a problem … right?

BUT … what about marketing your book? Do you have a problem? YOU DO, if you have ANY of these symptoms:

· There are people who would benefit from your book, and you aren’t connecting with them.

· There are people who are interested in your topic or your genre and you haven’t reached out via social media to connect.

· There are people within social media that are interested in your topic and who aren’t engaging with you.

· There is a change you are focusing on that relates to the premise of your book … and others "don’t get it."

· You are having difficulty persuading book buyers or your target market to buy your book.

· Your ideal/target market doesn’t connect with your reasoning, rationale, solutions, or storyline within your book.

· Your social media and email contacts are less than 1,000.

· You have engaged the "BB" gun approach to marketing—just aim anywhere; push it out to anyone at any time.

Do any of the above sounds like you? If yes, you have a marketing problem.

If that is you, then how much time are you spending working on a marketing solution? What are you investing in your time, energy and money to learn and create a plan that works? Savvy authors have learned that you cannot solve your marketing problem the next day by simply repeating what you did yesterday, last week, last month … or certainly, last year.

Solution: Attend and participate in the first annual The Book Shepherd’s Book Marketing Unplugged.

Successful authors have learned and practice: if my book marketing success is to be … it’s up to me. Join Judith Briles for Book Marketing Unplugged this fall. It’s a two-day intensive with just Judith. And YES, there will be hot seats for each participant.

Date: October 18-19

Site: HILTON DENVER INVERNESS – 200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112

REGISTER NOW: https://thebookshepherd.com/book-marketing-unplugged

4
Come Cruise with Me!

Over 7 days fabulous days January 25 to February 1, 2020
Get ready to change your publishing and authoring life.


It’s a working, learning vacation on the fabulous Symphony of the Seas!
Authors who need a crash course in book publishing before they write; need to create demand for books that aren’t selling; who want to learn the latest strategies in marketing, publicity and how to keep the sanity in an overwhelm world can learn the inside secrets of how to create, write and market the book success that they envision during a Caribbean cruise.
The "Create the Ultimate Bestseller at Sea!" cruise includes training sessions and laser coaching.

At sea, participants will attend intensive sessions on strategic book marking, distribution, publicity, professional speaking, social media and other topics important to creating a bestseller. They can also take advantage of laser coaching with the four experts. In port, participants are free to relax and enjoy the sites or just lounge around the massive ship that has something for everyone.

OUR PROMISES TO YOU:

· You will get the realities of publishing in today’s world.

· The how-tos of selling your book wherever books can be sold.

·  Access to five publishing experts that you would have to pay a minimum of $300 an hour for anyone of them on a one-on-one consult.

· The tools that you need to be successful in publishing.

· Address problems that are unique to you and your book.

·  Shattering that publishing is a lonely business syndrome. You will learn and share from other participants problems and success stories–the Publishing at Sea Village is ready for you!

·  One-on-one consulting with the expert of your choice.

·  When you get off this cruise, you will take away a clear plan of what you want to do and how to do it.

·  After the cruise, a follow up Q&A session.

COME … there is limited space in our block.

Details
at: http://publishingatsea.com/

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. https://vimeo.com/344219843

6  
Hot podcasts slated for this month
Tuesday, July 8th  No Pitch Webinar for VIP AuthorYOU Members ONLY—the replay was emailed directly to members the following day.

· Awesome Hooks with Joan Stewart
· Story Boarding Your Book with Judith Briles
· How to Prep for a TED Talk with Andi O’Connor
· 50+ Tips for Authors with Judith Briles


7
Questions of the Week:


Question: I have the title for my book. Do I need a subtitle?

Answer: Maybe. If your book is fiction—no … but do add if it’s a series (the name of it) or at least A Novel. If nonfiction, that’s a big YES. Make sure you have your key word within it, if not already in the title. Think of your title is the "lure" and your subtitle as the "promise" of what is within.
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 … and back to work—perfect. Calling all dog lovers ... have you thought about having a private chef for your pooch?

This is amazing: https://bloom.bg/2KuBN5f


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: 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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