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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #385 – May 21,
2025
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Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
I create books authors never have to apologize for …In this Issue
1. Discover … WorldCat.com
2. Meet Author Help … Help U Write
3. May Webinar … Copyright in the Age of AI … TODAY
4. June AuthorU Program … Digital Marketing Strategies
5. Hot podcasts for May … Add to your calendar and listen
6. Author Salons … June posted-get registered
7. Question of the week … All my Amazon Reviews aren’t showing-help!
8. Smile time … 13 Minutes of Laughs … perfect
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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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It was a whirl-wind week with so much going on. Book signings. Workshops. Webinars. Foodie cooking. Brainstorming … and the usual work with my clients.
Saturday from 9 – 3, author
Hilary Afshary of Dorm to Doorstep and I had a great time talking with book buyers and readers and signing. That evening, I was cooking with friends where the host declared San Francisco as the theme. A long day but lots of fun.
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Jane Wood, author of Schools, delivered a jam-packed session loaded with ideas
to position each of the 12 participants books and how to pitch them to the decision maker. We will be making this an Unplugged workshop in the future.
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Yesterday, the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame board met and approved the 12 Inductees for the September 6 Induction. Several of them are HUGE names in publishing … I am excited. Plan on coming to meet these amazing men and women whose words have made the difference to millions
globally.
I’m looking forward events popping in May …
1. Today … May 21, a webinar will be presented in the late afternoon—Copyright and the Age of AI. You want to be in on this. It will be recorded. Details below.
2. May 31 BN with Joseph Caldara and I will be signing books at the Southlands Barnes & Noble. If you have middle school boys in your life, Joseph’s books are a perfict fit.
Make sure you are signed up for today’s webinar.
Do you want Amazon success? I can make it happen for you. My next Amazon Bestseller Workshop will be on four consecutive Wednesday afternoons: June 4, 11, 18, 25. Details are here if you want a bestseller: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller/
The class is available for registration.
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| May is here … and throughout the month I’ll be focusing on Speaking Success for you and your book. Grab a variety of quotes and tips for encouraging others, and yourself, to read, read, read and be smart with your authoring and publishing decisions.
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| And it’s Woof Wednesday ... as an author, marketing is essential, from the get-go. Social media is an essential resource for your book marketing. What are your doing to build your influence? It’s all about persistence and perseverance ... over
time.
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Author Salons are on the second Saturday of each month—they are always the second Saturday of the month details posted below. June will have both ONLINE and IN-PERSON gatherings if enough sign up for them. Remember,
if there isn’t a minimum of five participants by Friday afternoon, the session will be cancelled. The Salons are a benefit with AuthorU membership, the next date is Saturday, June 14th.
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| Kudos for our podcast, AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing … I’m honored that our podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by Mashable and Feedspot. AND, that Goodpods identifies it in its Top 100. It’s all about patience and persistence over seven years!
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Are you getting my Tuesday and Saturday BLOGS? Tuesday is about info and meaty—all designed for your author and publishing success. Saturday is about chewy and re-juicing.
Read in less than a minute. Make sure you are registered to get them: https://thebookshepherd.com/author-newsletter/
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That’s my week … how’s yours? Lots of happenings below.
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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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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 21 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. May 21 Copyright and AI webinar
2. May 22 Podcast 10 Must Do Book Marketing Strategies
3. May 29 Podcast Essential Author DOs and DON'Ts with Rebecca's Finkel
4. May 30 Tea at Judith's for Dorm to Doorstep Book Celebration
5. May 31 Judith at BN Southlands with Joseph Caldara
6. June 4, 11, 18, 25 Amazon bestseller workshop
7. June 7 AuthorU Monthly program – Strategic Digital Marketing
8. June 11 Author Talk – with Jeanne Abrams
9. June 14 Author Salons – online and in-person
10. June 20 Ask Judith on Zoom
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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 Author Tools – Discover WorldCat.com
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| 2 Discover Carolyne Ruck and Help-U-Write
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Help-U-Write Editorial Services
Info@Help-U-Write.com
https://Help-U-Write.com
Help-U-Write offers “Editing and Proofreading” as a package service, although they are really two different processes.
Editing serves a very useful purpose. It’s essential for the indie author of today. Sometimes you will have used “jargon” or “slang” that is very familiar to you because you use it daily, but it is unfamiliar to your audience. At times, an event needs more explanation because it is unique to a particular locale. Occasionally, we will even suggest that you present the ideas in a slightly different order so that it will be easier for the reader to understand your meaning. At all times in the editing process, we suggest changes….it is up to you whether you wish to follow the
suggestions or go a different direction.
Editing and Proofreading can be billed by the job or by the hour, depending on the length or difficulty of the manuscript. For short pieces, we usually charge by the hour.
If you’re interested in talking with us about editing or proofreading your manuscript, please email us at info@help-u-write.com. Write “Editing” in the subject line.
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May Webinar … Copyright in the Age of AI
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TODAY, Wednesday, May 21 3 PT, 4 MT, 5 CT, 6 ET
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Copyright in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
In a world increasingly shaped by AI-driven innovation, how do we navigate the complexities of copyright law? This presentation explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and
intellectual property, addressing pressing questions about authorship, ownership, and accountability.
Through real-world case studies, legal insights, and ethical perspectives, we will examine the challenges and opportunities AI brings to creative industries. Join us as we discuss strategies for creators, businesses, and policymakers to adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape, fostering a fair and innovative future for all.
Date: May 21
Time: 3 PT, 4 MT, 5 CT, 6 ET
Registration: https://bit.ly/CopyrightAI
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Hot AuthorU June Saturday … Digital Marketing Strategies
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Saturday June 7 at 9 am MT
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Get ready for plenty of tips on creating digital marketing for your author success, starting with the your website.
Your take aways include:
• Aha-digital marketing includes anything that uses technology.
• Why the author website is the most important part of a marketing strategy.
• Use Yast and Pho to post metadata.
• How to create a planning calendar.
• How SEO can improve awareness of your brand.
• Why authors need to attach keywords to every page of their website.
• When to use ads.
• Why authors should create and update Google Business Page on an ongoig basis.
• Don't do Google ads-too expensive.
• What updates authors should do now on their websites.
• And, of course, much more.
This is FREE to AuthorU members.
Register Here: https://www.authoru.org/event-details-registration/may-program-implementing-digital-marketing-strategies
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Hot podcasts slated for May
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
December is a “redux” month. I’ve identified the top five podcasts that aired in 2024—all worth your learning and listening pleasure ... whether the first time or a repeat. Starting with #4 this week … #1 was a tied, so two will be revealed!
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May 1 Getting Your Books into Schools – Jane Wood
May 8 Copyright in the Age of AI – Dan Miller
May 15 Creating Your Book Marketing Timeline – Judith Briles
May 22 10 Must Do Strategies for Book Marketing – John Kremer
May 29 Essential Author DOs and DON'Ts - Rebecca Finkel
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Salons for June… meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| Question of the Week ... When I checked up on amazon I only had one book review. I know with your help I had at least 11 - 12 reviews and I've had them for a while. Is there anything I can do about this? What's going on with Amazon?
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Answer: The one review shows on the eBook format. The 12 that were
on the “paper” format are there … just a different page. The eBook and paper pages need to be merged to one. The best way to do this is via Author Central. Did you ever create the Author Central account? If you haven’t, do it here: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/ That’s the portal you go through to make changes happen and you will do it with a live phone call that Author Central will create.
Once you are on Author Central, go to your Author Central website/portal. Click on the “Contact” – you will need to keep “drilling down” as it as questions. Keep “clicking” to get to the spot where you click on “call” or “text” … click on CALL and you will have a phone call within minutes. Tell the individual who calls you that you have two separate pages for the same book—one for eBook and the other for paper—and that you want to combine them
to ONE. She/he has the magic wand to do it.
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Smile of the Week Love it when I find a shorty video that amuses and creates laugh out loud moments. 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. Got 13 minutes? Here’s a reel of Carol Burnett and gang’s bloopers—so much fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b5C6Xp3pwA
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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 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 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.
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| 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/author-friendly-fridays/
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Podcast has expanded 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 which generates over 250,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.
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©2025 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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