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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–
eZine Issue #140 – September 9, 2020
Publisher: Judith Briles
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
In This Issue
1. Author Tools … Discover WordSwag
2. AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Meet Sheridan Books
3. New October Program … Avoiding Publishing Spookiness
4. Create an Amazon Bestseller
Campaign … starts today
5. Webinar Replays … Amazon Reviews, Dazzling Graphics, Tiny Content and Workbooks
6. Hot podcasts for September … Add to your calendar and listen/learn
7. Author’s Assistant Program … Is the Author Assistant for You?
8. Question of the Week … What Tabs should I have on my website?
9. Book Shepherd
“Fun” of the Week … Cat moves in
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This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s™ Roof
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Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
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Last Saturday, I made the decision to start the AuthorYOU First Saturday and invited authors Debra Jason and Jeannette Seibly to present on the Zoom platform. I knew it was Labor Day weekend … but really, weren’t most of you at home with your morning beverages and not out cramming in the last official weekend of
summer? We built the program; sent out announcements that it was happening and two dozen authors said, “I’ll be there.”
Those who attended were treated to two flawless presentations by two pros over a two-hour timeframe—Jeanette on building a powerful pitch for YOU quickly and with high impact; and Debra on how to bust out on Instagram and build your fan base. For those who attended, a grand slam home run. For those who chose to bypass, you missed out.
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If your objective is to be seriously successful, add October 3 and November 7 to your calendar. We will take December off. October will be about Avoiding Publishing Spookiness. Information will be posted on the AuthorYOU.org website this week. The preview details are below.
Next week, discover How-To Tuesdays. Throughout September, Book Brush will deliver a series of 30-minute shorties—just the insider’s tips and tricks of using their free tool. Don’t miss this. Starting on the 15th at 1 pm Mountain time and each Tuesday for the month. Details on the website
One morning last week, as I opened the door to my back deck, I felt it. A “snap” that we gardeners feel as summertime begins the transition. Sure enough, Fall has sprung here in the Rockies—and being the go-getter environment it is, it decided to preview Winter as well. On Monday, our temps were in the mid-90s. On Tuesday, we woke up to the mid-30s and in the mid-morning, the white stuff decided to add its flourish. Today, we are a landscape that
artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell would embrace for his canvas.
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My grandkids were at my door to help cover some of my flowering pots—moving all the ones from the front of the house into the garage to protect them from the sudden early freeze; laying protecting covering for my hardwood floors inside the house and hauling in the deck pots for protection; plus bagging the one pots and some of the shrubs in the back. Done! As they left, they said they be back Thursday to unwrap and move all back.
Kiddos … got to love ‘em!
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| On Monday, two of my favorite backyard gardner foodies dropped by with bags of slicing tomatoes, cucumbers, japeonaos, different squashes then what I grew, garlic, shallots, basil, oregano, mint, and much more. They had loaded their car with bags and boxes and produce and making the rounds to friends to share the bounty—before the big freeze came in to wipe all out!
I knew they were coming, and alerted immediate neighbors to come and share what was left … and they did!
Looking forward to leading serveral fabulous authors through my 23 steps to Create the Amazon eBook Bestseller starting today. If you register by 1 PM Mountain time, you can be included. We start at 4 PM. Details below.
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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 Carolyn Howard-Johnson who has oodles of frugal book marketing tips and what to do today, under 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.
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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
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| 1. September 9, 16, 23, 30 – Amazon eBook Bestseller Online Course
2. September 12 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only
3. September 15, 22, 29 – How to Tuesday with Book Brush
4. October 3 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – Avoiding Publishing
Spookiness
5. October 10 – AuthorYOU Salons-free for AuthorYOU members only
6. November 7 – AuthorYOU Zoom online morning program – TBD
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| AuthorYOU members … the September second Saturday AuthorYOU Salons of the year is September 12th WILL BE either live in my home or virtual—it depends on the status of where Colorado is on “Stay home”. It starts at 9:00 a.m., ending at 11.30 a.m.
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.
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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.
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Want Tips for Authoring and Publishing? Last week, Carolyn Howard-Johnson and I did a whirlwind of ideas for frugal book marketing tips on the podcast! Make sure you have paper and pen out … and ready to click on your computer fast. http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast
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| 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.
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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.
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| And a heads up—hold the FIRST Saturday of each month for our live event meetings—
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| Discover and USE – WordSwag
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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).
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AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit... Sheridan Books
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A leading book manufacturers providing publishers with complete book manufacturing services. At Sheridan we take care of all the details, so you don’t have to. The Sheridan difference? State of the art capabilities, our passion for providing great service and always putting you first.
In addition to superior service, high-quality products, reliable on-time delivery, and competitive prices, SBI is proud to provide you with the following:
Four Color Text Printing — When you are looking to add a splash of color to your text and components than look no further than Sheridan Books. Our color presses, and commitment to providing reliable and consistent color allow you to print
full four-color throughout, making you book visually appealing and stand out from the rest.
eBook Services – Are you interested in converting your titles to eBooks or selling eBooks from your website but don’t have the time or resources to take this on? Sheridan’s Electronic Content Services (ECS) takes the hassle out of converting your titles to leading eBook formats and provides you with a direct to consumer distribution sales solution.
Digital Printing — When looking to print lower quantities, test market a new title, or avoid inventory and inventory costs, Sheridan’s Digital Print Advantage (DPA) program does the trick. From 1-500 copies DPA can produce your titles digitally on-demand. With DPA you submit and order your digital print titles online and softcover books are produced.
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Avoid Publishing Spookiness –
SATURDAY, October 3 at 9 AM Mountain Time
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It’s Time to Avoid Publishing Spookiness
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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.
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Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign
for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks in September!
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 the 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: September 9, 16, 23, 30
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/calendar
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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
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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
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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/
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| Hot podcasts slated for this month
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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
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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
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Question: What Tabs should I have on my website?
Answer: There are seven I think of as essential: Home, About, Speaking, Media, Book (or Store), Blog, and Contact. What you add with them will be based on your and your work. Ideally, add a video to each of the Tab pages.
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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 learn something new, and a sip of tea … and back to work—perfect. Smile time enjoy— Cat Decides To Move Into This Guy's House:
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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.
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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
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| Author Friendly Friday this week …
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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.
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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
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Podcast expands to 7 networks … Follow us and learn …
new shows every Thursday.
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:
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That’s my author and publishing news for today … what’s yours?
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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.
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