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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #300 – September 27, 2023
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
In this Issue
1. Author Tips & Tools... Discover Woobox
2. Publishing Help ... Tech Help with Caspicom
3. AuthorYOU Program ... Give Your Following a Boost with A Contest
4. Author Autumn Tea ... Become a participant
5. Book Marketing Unplugged ... And Social Media - October dates
6. Webinar ... REPLAY 30 + Tips in 60 Minutes tomorrow
7. Book Marketing ... November Amazon Bestseller
8. Hot podcasts for September … Add to your calendar and listen
9. Question of the Week … Any suggestions for building
engagement and followers?
10. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week … CODA happy time–Both Sides Now
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This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s™ Roof
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Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU … and
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I loved the two Speaking Unplugged workshops this past week. Friday was designed for the Online participants. Saturday was In-Person in my Conference room. Hubby John’s take was, “Are you sure you are working down there—there sounds like there is too much laughter?” Yup, there was a lot of laughter—always good for learning enhancement ... and memory.
An Online Speaking Unplugged participant Ron Beach said, “Thank you for another great session. I’ve taken this before. This was the best. I learned more ... and can immediately use what you demonstrated and gave me to move forward.” And In-Person Christine Kahane said, “Spending the day with Dr. Judith for her Speaking Unplugged workshop is like drinking from a fire hose that you never want to stop drinking from.”
Next up is Book Marketing and Social Media Unplugged Early Bird Ends next weekend. Friday, October 20 is ONLINE and Saturday, October 21 is IN-PERSON. Details are below. I am purposefully keeping all sessions are 10 in number. It means I get to know you ... your book ... and can deliver immediate how-to ideas that are specific to you. The best.
There is lots more happening for your consideration. The October IN-PERSON workshop on creating and
executing a book contest to build followers and influence will be happening On October 7th. The annual Authors’ Autumn Tea happens on October 14th. If you are interested in participating in the Publishing at Sea event that will happen February 2-9, this Saturday is the last day to do it.
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All Fall Barnes & Noble book signings are set up. November 18 will be in Lakewood. December 2 at Southlands, 10th at Colorado Blvd, and 16th at Boulder BN. The Authors’ Autumn Tea is October 14 to be held at the Denver Women’s Press Club—are you and your books being featured? And are you coming to support the authors who are? ... Do you want to participate? On October 14th, the Autumn Authors Tea will be held at the historic Denver Women’s Press Club from 1-4. Come and
schmooze, buy books ... or be a PARTICIPATING AUTHOR—sell your books. You need to let me know your druthers NOW.
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Reminder ... the October Author Salons will be ONLINE ONLY on October 14.
AuthorYOU members … the October second Saturday AuthorYOU Salon is slated for Saturday, the 14th and is ONLINE ONLY from 7 am to 9 MT.
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Reminder... please add these emails to your contacts ... depending on what the topic/resource is for it, emails will be sent from either my email, the Hall's email, or AuthorYOU’s ... Forward, make sure you check your Spam folders until your email service recognizes any of the emails below ...
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eMails that will be used for the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame include:
Info@ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org
Info@COGreatAuthors.org
Judith@ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org
Judith@COGreatAuthors.org
eMails that will be used for The Book Shepherd:
Judith@Briles.com
Judith@TheBookShepherd.com
Info@TheBookShepherd.com
eMails for AuthorYOU:
Info@AuthorU.org
Info@AuthorYou.org
This week on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast— With so much going on in the book world, this week’s podcast, is a solo with just me. The topic: Speaking: Creating, Contracts, Book Sales. Tune in.
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The last Amazon Bestseller workshops will be in November. Dates are 1, 8, 15, 22—four consecutive Wednesdays from 4 to 5.30 MT. Space is limited. This is direct coaching from me throughout. If being a bestseller is a goal, this is the time to register to participate. Remember, Alumni participate at half price.
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This week on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast— With so much going on in the book world, this week’s podcast, is Bobby Crew. As a Virtual Assistant for authors, he’s created multiple book contests that work—for launches, for getting a book mojo back, for building influence. This is a sneak preview of the morning workshop we will be doing live for the author community in Colorado on October 7th. Tune in.
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Have you subscribed to my new YouTube author and publishing tips channel? Always less than three minutes … a new one pops up five days a week, Monday through Friday. Become a subscriber and take a peek—there are already 190 short videos posted: https://bit.ly/Author-PublishingTips
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| Lots of happenings below. My theme for the year, Be a DOER ... not a dreamer is off to a fast and big start. It’s the perfect few lines to noodle on and infuse yourself with inspiration each Saturday on my new blog.
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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 16 million downloads now of various podcasts since the podcast started six years ago.
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You can select which podcast is for you from over 600 shows … the latest will always be posted on top of the podcast home 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.
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1. October 7 AuthorYOU program - Creating contests for book promotion
Koelbel Library Final Day for Early Bird Registration
2. October 12
Thursdays with Judith – Questions Authors Walk - ONLINE
3. October 11 Author Hall of Fame Happy Hour with Patricia Raybon – ONLINE
4. October 14 Authors Tea – Denver Women’s Press Club, Denver
5. October 20 Social Media-Marketing Unplugged ONLINE
6. October 21 Social Media – Marketing Unplugged Online and In-Person- Denver
7. November 1, 8, 15, 22 Create an Amazon Bestseller
8. November 4 Crafts Show at Heritage Eagle Bend Club
9. November 8 Author Hall of Fame Happy Hour with Jill Tietjen– ONLINE
10. November 11 AuthorYOU Salons –ONLINE & ON-PERSON - AuthorYOU members only
11. November 18 BN Lakewood
12. December 2 BN Southlands
13. December 10 BN Colorado Blvd.
14. December 16 BN Boulder
15. December TBD Holiday party ...
16. January 6 AuthorYOU program – Workshop ONLINE—60 Tips in 90 Minutes
17. January 13 AuthorYOU Salons –ONLINE & ON-PERSON - AuthorYOU members only
18. February 2-9 Publishing at Sea Cruise
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AuthorYOU members … the October second Saturday AuthorYOU Salon is slated for Saturday, the 14th, and is ONLINE only from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. MT. Remember, there must be a minimum of five participants outside of me if they are registered by Friday noon, the day before. If not, I will cancel. Info is below … you need to be registered to attend.
https://www.meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons/
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I love mentoring authors, and their books, and supporting their vision. If you want intense, one-on-one time with me over a several-month period PLUS the ability to call me or email with a quick response, join my Mentor Program. There is ONE spot open —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, Marketing and Publishing?
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Each month, you will get a variety of topics on our monthly podcast. Never a repeat program … always fresh, listen in. http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast ...Every Tuesday, a new blog is posted. On Wednesdays, a new edition of this newsletter. On Thursdays, a new podcast. SHARE THEM with your author friends.
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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. https://mp.gg/e9d1o
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| 1 Discover and USE – Woobox
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If you are thinking of a contest for a promo you are doing … or to increase your engagement, Woobox may be the tool for you. You can pop your products and services on your blog and on social media. Woobox enables you to create anything from online games to contests to lead pages that will help you increase sales. Which means you collect names and emails.
The site gives you plenty of suggestions to spark your imagination including forms, giveaways, coupons, polls, hashtag contests, and more on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Pricing ranges from free to fee. Each has an “unlimited” campaign feature within the option. Check it out at https://woobox.com/
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| 2 Meet AuthorYOU VIP Member Benefit … Tech Help with Caspicom
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Vasif Alimuradov
Email: Vasif@Caspicom.com
Phone: (720) 841 8694
Website: https://www.pcrepaircompany.com
Mon – Fri: 8am-7pm MT
Sat: 9am-5pm MT
Sun: CALL
Do you have IT Problems? Vasif Aimuradov and Caspicom Computer Repair Services can help! Caspicom specializes in PC and Laptop repair and support for small companies and individuals in the Denver Metro Area.
It’s as-needed professional services include ongoing PC/Laptop maintenance, network setup, data backup and recovery, virus and spyware removal, software and hardware installations and upgrades, remote support, and much more.
What’s the Caspicom difference?
- No travel fees
- Free diagnosis
- Same or next-day service
- Arrives on time
- Highly competitive rates
- 7 days a week service
- No weekend or after-hours upcharges
- All 5-star Google customer ratings
Vasif’s mission is to develop long and successful relationships by providing high-quality customer service and up-to-date technical knowledge.
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3 October Saturday Author Program ... It’s Time to Give Your Following a Boost with A Contest
Final day to register for Early bird
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Don’t Be A Scaredy Cat!
Does social media give you the goosebumps? Well, overcome that fear in October’s AuthorYOU Monthly Meeting at Koebel Library in the Denver Tech Center. In this interactive workshop you will create a contest/giveaway with a social media campaign that stands out! Grow your social media following or boost your email list.
Takeaways Include:
1. Understanding Different Types of Campaigns
· Contest and Giveaways
· Opt-In Promotion
· Campaigns to grow followers
2. What Hashtags to Use
3. Easy Social Media Schedulers to Choose from so you can set it and forget it.
4. Create Social Media Posts that Stand Out
5. How to get more people to see your posts.
Your presenter is Bobby Crew, the “Author’s Assistant.”
With years of experience working with authors and helping them break through their barriers with social media and creating email marketing campaigns that work, he is here to help you grow your following with contests and giveaways. Bobby Crew is Author of the bestselling horror collection, Dining with Devils. He is the
Author’s Assistant and continues to help authors as a virtual assistant to build their publishing platforms.
Where: Koelbel
Library
5955 S Holly St, Centennial, CO 80121
When: Saturday October 7th, 9:00am-12:00pm
Location: Koelbel Library, 5955 S Holly St, Centennial CO
Cost: $25 for AuthorYOU members ... $50 for nonmembers
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| 4 Last chance to Participate ... Authors Tea – Denver Women’s Press Club,
Denver
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Saturday, October 14 – 1 to 4 pm
Only 3 Spots left!
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| It’s that time of the year for many of my favorite people: Authors!
If that’s YOU, my question is: Are you interested in being featured at my annual Author’s Tea slated for Saturday afternoon, October 14th in Denver at the Denver Women’s Press Club. Parking is good. We will be in the clubhouse
and in the lower garden area.
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The Annual Authors’ Fall Holiday Tea will be held on:
Saturday, October 14 from 1 – 4 pm
I will be the hosting the gathering At the Denver Women’s Press Club at 1325 Logan St, Denver CO.
Think of this as a book marketing coop. The catch is that you MUST bring guests. No exceptions. I bring at least 40. Our site will be the Denver Women’s Press Club. MEMBERS
will see it in the DWPC newsletter and come as well. Meaning, overall attendance could double.
You need to invite and bring guests as well. It won’t work unless you do. It doesn’t matter that your friends/family already own your book—but they don’t know about other local authors. Friends are cheerleaders for you and your books to those they meet when at the schmooze fest ... and believe me, it is.
Here’s the deal:
1 You are invited to be one of “the author stars”—this is limited to approximately 20 authors. This means that your books will be for sale to other guests for Holiday shopping and that you have 30 seconds or LESS to pitch your book to the crowd … expect 100+ to be there. You will have a space/table to display.
2 Be prepared to schmooze and deliver the “right pitch” … it sells books—each year, some people walk out with a good dozen titles for gifts for others.
3 Bobby Crew will handle all sales—if, on credit card, we will withhold 15% to cover credit card fees and what I pay Bobby for his time … all checks will be cashed and any moneys due you for your
books will be included with those purchased via credit card. Your check for sales will be sent out within two weeks.
4 YOUR cost is two-fold:
· $25 now to be included—you can send a check or call me and pay by credit card. This will cover the cost of food and beverage for attendees—sweets and sandwiches along with teas.
· INVITE & BRING people. This is a marketing coop … you need to get people there. It’s a MUST … not a “coast” … Let your fans and friends know NOW to HOLD THE DATE. I will be posting the event on the AuthorU.org site, two Meetup Groups and sent out invites via evite.com to 300 personal contacts.
Think about it. If each of us bring 5 to 10 friends … that means anywhere from 100 to 200 lookers and buyers. Last year, 150 came and enjoyed … and bought books! You need to make this commitment.
No kidding—new people for shopping are critical. Invite EVERYONE you know to come and enjoy. And please understand, the more you invite, bring, get to come, the better—for you, and the other authors. Yes, they may already have your book—but they may buy more for others as they get into the spirit of the event—it’s contagious!; AND they get the opportunity to hear about other books that just might be the perfect gift for brother Bob, Aunt Sharon, Mom, Gramma or Dad. And you.
What you need to do now … let me know now that you are IN … email me TODAY at Judith@briles.com and in the subject line: OCT author tea … there are limited slots … is one yours?
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Join me for the October Book Marketing / Social Media Unplugged
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October 20th - ONLINE
October 21st- IN-PERSON
Limited to a MAX of 10 participants each session.
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Avoid book marketing & social media la-la land
Question: When should authors start marketing their books and using social media?
Answer: The day they start thinking that they will write and publish a book.
Okay … so most authors don’t respond, “I did exactly that.” So, let’s reframe the question. How about:
Question: When should authors start marketing and using social media tools to implement their book and author success?
Answer: NOW.
Question: Can I do both at the same time for my book and author success?
Answer: YES … You can.
It’s action time on your side ... Register TODAY ... attend Judith Briles COMBO Book Marketing & Social Media Unplugged ONLINE or IN-PERSON.
Join me for the COMBO Book Marketing and Social Media Unplugged in October. It’s an all-day Intensive starting at 8.30, and ending at 4.30 pm. … And YES, there will be hot seats for each participant.
ALERT: Early Bird pricing ends on Saturday, October 7
NEW Registration rates will increase $100 the next day.
Dates:
· October 20 Social Media/Book Marketing combo Unplugged ONLINE – $197
· October 21 Social Media/Book Marketing combo Unplugged IN-PERSON - $237
(lunch included)
· Alumni $150
Register: https://bit.ly/MarketingSocMediaUnplugged
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| 6 Become an Amazon Bestseller in November
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Starts November 1 at 4 pm ... will you attend?
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Are you ready to turn your eBook into an Amazon bestseller? The August Bestseller session is an online workshop that shows you the strategies and steps to claim your bestseller status.
Today is the last day to register for my Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online course, Sign up by Noon MT so you get the handouts. Available only to a limited number of participants.
Dates are November 1, 8, 15, 22 beginning at 4 pm to 5:30 pm on four consecutive Wednesdays.
Can you get results?
Can you grab #1 for more than an hour like many of these campaigns?
Yes, yes you can. Every participant has earned the Bestseller ranking.
Let’s do it ...
Register: https://bit.ly/AMZBestseller
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AuthorYOU Salons … October -November
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Register now for the next few months September Online and in- Person and October is Online only– starting at 7 to 8.30 am MT. AuthorYou members will be emailed the link on Friday. Salons are a Free benefit for VIP AuthorYOU members only.
RULES …
1. You must register for this.
2. If less than 5 people are registered by Noon on the Friday before, event will be canceled. No exceptions.
If you have book marketing, writing, publishing questions, get answers. Or, you just want to schmooze a bit, It’s ONLINE and IN-PERSON on the
second Saturday of each month. You MUST be a paid member of AuthorYOU.org to participate. ONLINE starts at 7 am to 8.30 am MT – IN-PERSON at 9 am MT. Here’s the link to register and getting notices/reminders forward:
Register here: https://www.meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons/
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| Hot podcasts slated for September
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September 7 Niche Marketing in Character – Rob Jacob
September 15 Intellectual Property– Ava Doppett
September 22 Creating Online Courses – Keith Newhouse
September 28 Creating Contests for Promotion and Influence - Bobby Crew
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| Question of the Week ... Any suggestions for building engagement and followers?
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Answer: You can always use the “old-fashioned” with a notebook or simple Excel spread sheet … BUT, it’s a tad out of date. In my offices, we use Quickbooks for most of our needs—from invoicing for bulk sales; updating inventories; connecting our bank accounts; processing credit cards; creating P&Ls and much more. You have the ability to talk to a live bookkeeper and even discover freelancers who are QB experts.
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Funny 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—the power within the Oscar Best Picture winner- CODA ... and the closing –Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now song by Emilia Jones. If you missed this movie—it’s on Netflix.
Listen here:
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Get your copy today – it’s my life on steroids … earning a Baker’s Dozen plus ONE in book awards. Now Available in Print, eBook, Audiobook. http://bit.ly/whengodsaysno
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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 11 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 eleven 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 250,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.
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©2023 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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