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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #116 – March 25, 2020
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue

           
     1.  Join in on the Friday VAHH … Virtual Author Happy Hour

     2. 
April Program … it’s an Audiobook Goldmine

3. Author Tools … Bookbrush

4. How to Write a NF Book in 4 Weeks

5. Webinar Replay … Card Decks Rock!

6. Speaking Unplugged … sell oodles of books moxie via the cash Cow 2-Step and get the super-duper Bonus in May

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

8. Question of the Week … How do I stay connected?

    9. Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week … BookNooks


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof

Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …

As we are all in a quasi "lockdown" a la COVID-19, my questions for you are:

· How are you staying connected?

· What kind of catch-up projects are you working on since away from home/work meetings are scuttled?

· What are you doing to explore opportunities that you haven’t had the time to focus on?

· What?

As I wrote last week: We are all in this together. Be smart. If you don’t need supplies—as in really need them, take a pass from stores. If your suppliers do home deliveries, take advantage of them. This is an ideal time to hunker down and become creative. Fine-tune projects that are still in limbo. Create new ones. What is on your "to-do" list. Let’s move them to the "done" list. There’s a lot happening. More anxiety and stress. Take a deep breath. It’s free. Pause. It’s free. Express gratitude to those who have helped you. It’s free. Find a movie or series on TV. There are thousands that are free.


My project that is work and client-related: I’m going to re-offer my How to Write a Short Nonfiction Book in 4 Weeks. Interested—join me starting Wednesday, April 1 for four consecutive Wednesday afternoons starting at 3 pm Mountain. Details below and on my website at TheBookShepherd.com under Events.

And—it’s closet time. I’ve been wanting to remove so many of the things that I don’t use any longer… or at least, haven’t since I moved three years ago. Time to take down and prep to move them out. When the Goodwill is available—it will be with my bags of goodies. Could I take all to a consignment shop and get some money? Sure … but this will be easier for me vs pricing, tracking, and thinking about it any further. Goal time—project will be done by my next ezine! And then my home next … easy peasy: find three more feet of width space in the garage for a "guess what is coming to stay" this summer.

The Audiobook 2020 event is now a REMOTE event … its’ an OPEN WEBINAR CLASSROOM … we are doing a living webinar format on Saturday, April 4th beginning at 10 AM. Grab your coffee, its grubby time –socks welcome. Details to register below. There is a cost of only $11 … and all attendees will get Richard’s multi-award winning book: The Author’s Guide to AudioBook Creation.

Speaking Unplugged dates
are now in MAY. Details HERE: http://bit.ly/Unplugged-Speaking. Treat yourself ... Come … it’s fun and lots of take-aways. Savvy attendees have learned that it’s smart to stay on-site at the hotel. The site is the Embassy Suites DTC North. The NEW DATE is May 29-30. We usually gather for a let our hair down dinner and bonus time together Friday night. Alumni participants of previous Unpluggeds always get a deep discount.

Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? Over 100,000 authors download episodes every month! Here’s a new link to the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast SHOW page. Tomorrow is a focus on YOU ---the feeding and care and your health with food expert Connie Pshigoda. Connie is the author of The Wise Woman’s Almanac—one of my personal favorite books—eating with the "season"—that’s now springtime. You can select which podcast is for you from over 300 shows … the latest will always be posted on top: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast


Stay well and take care of yourself.


Add these to your calendar now. Details will all be posted under the Events tab on the website.






1. March 24 Webinar  Creating Fabulous Card Decks that Sell YOU and YOUR
Book!

2. March 27 – VAHH – Virtual Author Happy Hour

3. April 4 – Creating Your Audiobook 2020-remote meeting

4. April 11 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only

5. May 2  AuthorYOU program – TBD

6. May 9 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only

7.
May 29-30 – Speaking Unpluggedconfirmation of "go-no go" will be made this week.


The MARCH Saturday AuthorYOU Salon will be held Saturday, April 11th – if you are an AuthorYOU.org member, join me at my home—we call it Casa Quatar! All start at 8.30 am —we’ve moved the time up by popular demand!

The AuthorYOU Salons
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.  
https://www.meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons/events/260321129/

Notice: depending on the status of COVID-19, this could be cancelled.

 
Want Tips for Authoring and Publishing? Tomorrow on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast, editor-in-chief Tom Lutz joins me as we dig into book reviews and author promotion.

 
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—

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Who says we authors have to become invisible? Not me … how about a gathering once a week to check in with each other as we have distanced ourselves within our home.
WHAT?! You say. Sure … Routinely, I have gotten together with friends via Skype for "Skypetails" – a catch-up call with wine for John, iced tea for me, a few appetizers to nibble on … and our friends who live out of state gather their "feed/drink" and we share an hour via cyberland. Laughing. Reveals. Having a good time—staying connected.

Noodling as we all are in during the "lockdown" … I’m going to propose we do a VAHH—Virtual Author Happy Hour on a weekly basis. My Zoom Room can have up to 100 participants at any one time. We can share what’s up. Support each other during this time. Who knows. It’s ZoomTail time!

I am happy to host a gathering where we can share resources and support for each other at this time. The details to join are below.
ZoomTails … Virtual Author Happy Hour

FRIDAYs Forward until lockdown is over … 5:00 - 6:00ish PM Mountain Time Join Zoom

Strong Suggestion: copy and save this link to reuse on Fridays for the VAHH … once I’m on … I will not be answering my phone or text.
Join via your computer (ipad and iphone work but not as well as desktop/laptop) using the link. I’ll be sipping tea.



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Are you ready to discover The Audiobook Wizard’s Guide to Audiobook Creation – 2020 Version? It's happening on April 4th --- Remote meeting via Webinar

Things have changed rapidly in the world of audiobooks since Richard Rieman’s award-winning book, The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation, (part of Judith Briles’ AuthorYOU Mini-Guide Series), debuted in 2016.

·  For the first time last year, half of all Americans over the age of 12 have listened to an audiobook

·  There are new major competitors to Amazon’s Audible in the audiobook creation world

· Nonfiction books (History, Biographies, Memoirs) are overtaking many other genres among audiobook listeners

The Audiobook Wizard, Richard Rieman will share:

· How to Avoid Audiobook Publishing Predators

· When Narrating Your Own Book is the Best Option

· How You Can Cover the Cost of Audiobook Production through Crowdfunding

· How to Use Audible’s new promotional codes to get reviews and boost sales

…and much more.


About Presenter Richard Rieman   


Richard Rieman, known in Denver as "The Audiobook Wizard," is an acclaimed authority on indie audiobook publishing. He has narrated and produced hundreds of Indie-published audiobooks and is the author of the Global eBook Awards Gold Medal Winner in Writing/Publishing, "The Author’s Guide to Audiobook Creation."

Richard is also an Audible Approved Audiobook Producer (Top 10%), a 2019 Gold Medal National Ben Franklin Independent Book Publishers Assn. (IBPA) Award Winner for Audiobook Nonfiction, and a 5-time winner of the EVVY Award for audiobook narration and production.

When: Saturday, April 4 from 10 am to Noon Mountain time

Where: REMOTE … this will be a webinar—cost is ONLY $11

BONUS: All attendees will get Richard’s book: The Author’s Guide to AudioBook Creation

REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5012841042399753229

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Discover BookBrush
How you like a Stand-alone solution for create visual ads?  You definitely don’t need to be a techie or Geek wizard for this one. As some would say: Pretty much idiot proof. :)   Ads & Social Media Images for Authors ... easy to use tool for authors... and a free version, which is fine

https://bookbrush.com/

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Write a short NF Book next month … as in 4 weeks! April 1, 8, 15, 23 at 3 p.m. Mountain

Are you writing non-fiction? Would you like to write non-fiction? How would you like to write a book FAST? Really fast? You can and the reality of today's non-fiction market is getting a book out there, in the hands of your ideal reader. It could be for business development, labeling yourself as the go-to expert, gathering media attention. The landscape is yours.
What is short? How about 40,000 words? Pulling from your files; your already published work. Add a new twist. New elements. Out of your head. New how to … and via your computer.

It’s a virtual workshop on Wednesdays in April. Join me for a limited class to enhance your success.

Get ready for fast-paced sessions on writing and how to create a book that isn't a tome. Judith's books have ranged from the 400 page Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace to the 96 page The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors and Writers. She will cover:

  • How to hone-in on your topic and title and structure
  • Why short is the new black
  • Could your book be a series?
  • What parts are vital to your topic, vision and work?
  • The pitfalls you will run into and how to circumvent them
  • Social media assists
  • How to mind-map and get started
  • and much more ...

Judith Briles is your Mentor and Guide on How to Write a Book in Only 4 Weeks virtually and has created a special online course starting in April.

REGISTER: https://thebookshepherd.com/write-a-book-in-only-4-weeks-in-denver

Get registered NOW … space is very limited. You will have "work" to do between the live sessions. And yes, she will record them so you can review the lessons and homework.

5 Webinar REPLAY from March 24th
 
Create the Ultimate Card Deck for Your Book, Your Expertise, and to Sell REPLAY starts now.

Listen and watch here: https://rosiebattista.com/replay-judith/
· Learn how to create an awesome Deck of Cards that will compliment your book and your expertise.
· Expand your creativity with what you have already written; what you are currently writing; and thinking forward with.
· Discover the 3 questions you must answer to get started with your Card Deck.
· Learn why a Card Deck is the perfect add-on for your authoring and publishing business.
· Very cool ways to leverage and use your Card Deck.
· How to use an "E-Strategy" developed by Rosie Batista to create your customized Card Deck.
· How you can do this yourself!

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Want to Sell Oodles of Books?
Join me in Colorado for my 4th Speaking Unplugged slated for May 29-30th – it’s all about creating the Cash Cow 2-Step!
Would you like to turn the book you have or are creating into a money machine that cements your expertise and authoring success?

Would you like to know how powerful you, your book and experiences are and how they can influence and change others one word at a time?

Would you like to turn your book, your ideas, your mouth into a business that creates a lifestyle woven with travel, fun, global friends and financial success?


If that’s a YES, get yourself to Denver and show up for the 4th annual Speaking Unplugged bootcamp next month. You can with the smart and savvy strategies, you will reveal in this interactive and fun intensive workshop. With over 35 years of speaking on the platform, Dr. Judith Briles will show you how to become a successful professional speaker … a speaker that will soar your book sales. Since the 80s, speaking has been her #1 way to sell books … over 1,000,000 of them!

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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).

March 5Marketing Pizzazz & Pop for the New Decade – John Kremer

March 12 Finding and Working with Literary Agents – Sandra Bond

March 19 Add-ons for Your Book Promotions - Rebecca Finkel

March 26 Wellness Tips for Authors - Connie Pshigoda

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Questions of the Week:


Question: How do I stay connected with others during the "shelter in place" time?

Answer: Zoom and Skype are common in the workplace world. Why not use them? There’s Facebook Live, Google Hangouts, Eventbrite is creating an "upcoming virtual events" feature. I suggest you do a Google search for apps and sites for virtual events … Add in "free" and see what pops up. Guaranteed, you will see more over the next month or two.

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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. Love this: Not a cat or a dog … but a book …as in booknooks—very cool when we can all visit a bookstore once again.

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.

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:

iTunes - Player FM - Stitcher - MixCoud - Bluburry - iHeart Radio - Toginet Internet Radio

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

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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