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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue #70 May 8, 2019
Publisher: Judith Briles

Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue
      
1.   Author Tools … Twitter chat tools

2.   Author rejections happen … yes, they do!

3.   Book Publishing Unplugged … June 21-22 are the dates-ONLY 8 spots left

4.   May and June programs … a BookCamp and Book Sales Skills and free group brainstorming—be there

5.   Oh, So HOT May Webinar Series … Facebook is tomorrow

6.   Authors Hall of Fame … nominate an author—deadline is in ONE week

7.   Hot podcasts for May … 4 to put on your calendar (always archived)

8.   Question of the Week … What printers do you suggest?

9.   Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week … Doggie School Bus!



This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof:

Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU.

Here in Colorado, the weekend was great; then cool weather floated in on Monday and Tuesday. I got my fingers in the dirt—front porch is set up and planted; ditto for the back deck. My seedlings are perking along … looking forward to landing in "real dirt" in a week; the lower yard is starting to come alive.

One of my favorite things is to discover the glory of my first sightings that my new trees that were planted last year are starting to leaf out. And … Who knows what the rest of the week will bring!
What I do (did) know was that Saturday’s afternoon was awesome … that is for the 20 authors who came out to get a hoot of a program (as in we laughed lots!) along with book loads of savvy selling tips, strategies, insights, and how-tos. Bobbi Boldon promised the attendees lots and delivered even more! This was a time that shouted: you snooze … you lose!

Bobbi challenged us; did a "sales" reality check; show us how to pitch "ourselves and books" without pitching, luring in the listener. And then—gulp—how to deal with the ever-present rejection that can be hanging around the corner.


Are you new to publishing? This week’s (and last week’s) podcasts are dedicated to the newbie author. And, it never hurts to have a review of essentials in the publishing journey. Listen in.

Only 8 spots left for Book Publishing 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 June 21-22.

The Hotel is the Hilton Inverness (nice!). June is delightful in Denver and our classroom overlooks a small pond and golf course. Perfecto for learning, a bit of escape and spending two days with me. Space is limited. Early bird rates are on—always new info—come! Join me. Details on website

AuthorYOU Salons is on May 18th—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.  

Just ONE week left to nominate authors for Hall of Fame. Who’s on your list? Don’t forget … it’s the Colorado Author Hall of Fame nominating time. What author(s) have made an impact on your life? What author(s) have been trailblazers in publishing? Have you explored the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame? The website is official and live. You all got an eblast on it. We are now posting social media. Blogs are being added. AND go to the site, click on the Nominate tab and NOMINATE an author—living or passed—who has a body of work that has made its mark on readers, on society, on the workplace. Words are powerful. They expand imaginations. They take you places you never thought you would go. They give answers. They make you laugh. Yes, they are powerful.

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.

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—


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Author Tools – Two of my new crazy favs …
I love gizmos and gadgets and discovering new tools for we authors. How would you like to create "free" products that you can sell via your website … or use as a "lure" … and opt-in to bring in visitors and turn them into fans via the creation of Cheat Sheets? Bet you would.
Most think that Twitter is just a blast of words and ideas and not much engagement. Have you thought about creating a "chat" with all those who follow you? Here are a few tools to use to create an exclusive chat stream with your followers:
TweetChat

Learn what’s happening now on Twitter. Heck, create "the moment" with TweetChat, a tool that helps you focus on a single-hashtag conversation. You can target a specific audience with hashtags—you start it with the one(s) of your choice and see if others chime in. Make sure you announce that you "are on" to your @ handle at least an hour before, include the hashtags and GO!

Twitterfall

Twitterfall helps brands (that’s you and your book and your expertise) hop on the latest trending in your target market to engage in. It’s free.

 
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Author rejections happen … yes, they do!
Are your book sales on the light side? Are they limping along? Do you know that every author needs to master the art of selling? And do you know why?

How about ... Ineffective authors lose books sales. And money. Could that be happening to you?  If so, that's a tad of a downer.

At the core is sales. Selling books. Pitching your book ... and yourself. Even if no one told you that the job description for "author" and "writer" had "sales" sandwiched between the covers, you need to realize that you and every other author else is in sales from the moment the day starts. It may not be all about your book, but sales are in play. Be it convincing yourself that you are going to tackle a problem that’s been looming; deciding between the chicken or taco salad; interacting with an irritated customer, colleague or boss; or wooing others to your point of view . . . you are selling—either to yourself or others. And that includes books.

That’s the challenge. The general public often thinks of a salesperson as a liar, manipulator, or fast-talker. If your mannerisms/styles are those of the "perceived" salesperson, trust and credibility take a hit. I mean, no authors want others to think that they are liars and overall bad people. Long term relationships may never materialize if that happened. Rejection is in play.

Rejections Happen ... all the time!
Oooh ... the rejections word--no one likes them. No one wakes up and says, "Hooray ... I can hardly wait for the next rejection." But here's what's happening: when you can’t handle rejection, you don't want to pick up what you perceive to be a 250-pound phone or meet new people because you just know that the rejection experience will happen. It feels awful.
With all the electronic gizmos we have today for communicating, is phone contact necessary—be it good news or bad news? You bet. Outside of actual one-on-one contact or live video, phone interfacing is crucial. Hearing voice tones adds a significant dimension to any words that flow.

Begin with the end in mind.

Sounds good—what does it mean? That means being clear on the specific goals you want to achieve and then determine the specific activities necessary to attain those goals. If it's selling more books--yes!--then start there.

When Will rejection happen?
Of course, it will, and the time is: anytime. To overcome the pit in your belly when it smacks you in the face, start with:

  1. Separate what you "do" in your role—AUTHOR— from who you "are" as a human being—i.e. self-worth and self-esteem. Regardless of whether someone chooses your solution—you are still the same human being ... creative, dependable, funny, generous, etc.

  2. Set your goals, set them high and go for it. Rarely do you excel unless you stretch yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve. Be clear on your personal vision and goals, have a plan to achieve them and refuse to let anyone or anything stand in your way.

  3. Use a sales process that is focused on continually adding value and is all about the other party, which is something many talk about but few implement. This is will relationship selling surfaces. Yes, it focuses on Relationships, Engaging, Leveling, Asking, Tailoring and Endorsing. It’s all about creating trust and credibility so you can quickly clarify, qualify and move forward.

Relationships are built on trust and credibility—with yourself and others.
We authors need to think of it as being a member of the 4-H club is essential in building relationships—Humor, Humility, Honesty, and cHutzpah. Instead of raising critters … you are raising a book!
Engage others in something of interest about them. It’s all about THEM ...  not you.

The axiom, knowledge equals power is inaccurate. It’s knowledge plus implementation equals power. The more you know, and you can use, will put you ahead of the class. You will know that it is "about them" so you are perceived as a "partner" versus a vendor or salesperson.
Level your expectations every step of the way. Gain mutual commitments about next steps. If there is no next step—stop.

This is appropriate with almost any interaction for effective communications—whether a job interview, meeting with a co-worker/boss/peer or prospect ... or selling books. Ask, "What would you like me (or do I need) to do next?" Clarifying expectations eliminates confusion.

Asking questions—lots of them—is essential.
The more you know, the better you can provide a solution that fits the need.

Tailor your solution to meet their specific needs—no more no less. Remember, you are a problem solver.

Endorsements are always good to pull from. Gain them from everyone who you know that has benefited from your sage words. The more "buy-in" you have up front, the greater your chances of a successful sales going forward.
When you’re selling yourself and your book, this how to differentiate yourself and create long-term relationships. A smart author move.

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Power Packed Social Media BIG 5 MAY Webinar Series
Session ONE was all about finding and focusing on your target market. Replays are only available to those who paid to play. Session TWO, which is this Thursday, is a deep dive into cracking Facebook for marketing. Get ready to snap, crackle and truly POP using the social media platforms for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. It all happens in the May Social Media Webinar series. You can still subscribe – when you do, you are sent the webinar links.

AND … it starts TOMORROW, Thursday.
Registration is on the website under Events.  

AuthorYOU will deliver on every Thursday live session beginning at 11 a.m. Mountain Time throughout May. Each will last up to 90 minutes, depending on question. This is a special PAID webinar series, not a freebie.

Put the 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 on your calendar now. If you are registered, you will get the replay. It will not be available to the public.

There are two ways to participate.

1.    Get all 5 for $100 (saving $25)
2.    Cherry pick which ones you want at a $25 each
Registration is on the website under Events. 


4
AuthorYOU Programs – May and June

Author YOU mini BookCamp … Hop on the Ultimate Book Marketing from Concept to Craft Creation to Completion  … Saturday June 1 at Smokey Hill Library.


… Hop on the Ultimate Book Marketing from Concept to Craft Creation to Completion  …
Saturday, June 1


Our AuthorYOU said that it was marketing help you needed the most attention. WE read the results. We heard you. And we are going to should out marketing tips throughout the year—some of our meetings are dedicated to marketing only. Others open other realms. Show up. We will reveal the "why" and uncover the "how to".

YES – YES … this is an OH SO YES for authors!  We are going to show you how to juice up your creative Juices. Young kids have regular craft time in school. AuthorYOU’s June program is a type of Mini-BookCamp … we are going to:

·   Fuel your creative juices … even when you thought you were on the low side of the awesomeness scale.

·   Transition from Blah to WOW … yes, you will with our guidance during the morning.

·   Create quality posters … you will come away with several that will enhance your book marketing.

· Have fun … discovering new ways to shout you and your book out with more flash and flare is fun!

This is a BRING your laptop day-a must. This is a day that you need immediate access to the jpg of your book cover. This is a day that you will come away with a variety of visuals and images that you can instantly start sharing within your social media platforms; within your blogs to be; within personal emails … your imagination is your "within" …

Date: Saturday, June 1

Location
: Smokey Hill Library from 9 to 12.30 p.m.

Details: https://authoru.org/events.html

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Nominate an Author to the Hall of Fame …
do a "like" and support the power of literacy … have you yet? Don’t delay! one more week to nominate!
Discover the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame. Just launched, it’s ready to celebrate and honor the legacy of authors connected with Colorado.

What authors, you might say or think? And how do they need to be connected? Good questions, here’s how:

·  Authors who have been born in Colorado;
·  Authors who lived at one time in Colorado;
·  Authors who came and come to Colorado as a muse and backdrop to create work;
·  Authors who write about Colorado; and
·  Authors who use Colorado locations as props within their work.

Yes,  authors who have made a difference to millions of readers with revelations, insights, solutions, and amazing storytelling. The Hall wants to ensure that their insight and visionary achievements will not be forgotten.

Effective this month, the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame is officially ALIVE via its website. Nominations are now OPEN for the first class of Inductees during the summer of 2019. All genres welcome!

The mission of the Hall is to: honor and promote the works of outstanding published authors from all genres and generations to ensure their legacies will not be lost.

The Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing and preserving the history about the accomplishments of past and present authors who have created and published books. Both historical and contemporary authors who have shared their words of wisdom, encouragement, and entertainment are celebrated.

Explore our website:
https://www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org

Nominate an Author Who Has Made a Difference


·  Support the Hall by shouting out to others who love "words" and "books." 
· Support it by nominating candidates for the 2019 Induction.
· Support it by attending the bi-annual Induction ceremony;
· Support it by telling others across Colorado.

We will start a funding program as the year progresses. A HUGE thank you to Nick Zelinger for designing our logo and to Michelle Renee for creating our website.

6 Get ready to turn the book you have or are creating into the book and authoring success you want!
Would you be willing to trade just 2 days to get all the publishing and strategy information you need ... information and strategies that will create FREEDOM to be an awesome author? You should.

Get ready for 2 Author changing days ...
it’s Book or Bust time June 21 - 22, 2019 - Denver CO

ONLY 8 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Location: HILTON DENVER INVERNESS
(303) 799-5800
200 Inverness Drive West, Englewood, CO 80112
Cost for Hotel is $169, and it is good through May 20th

Last 5 years sold out ... don't miss out ...

Bonus presentation includes Author Gizmos and Gadgets!

Last 5 years sold out ... don't miss out ...
Awesome authors came from everywhere ...
where will you come from?


Experience two days of Judith ... no pitches, just Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged delivering an amazing depth of publishing, authoring, and marketing information that she has derived from her 30 plus years in the publishing field and as The Book Shepherd. You'll also have a BONUS session that will deliver an intensive implementation workshop using gizmos and gadgets that are used in social media and marketing.
Kelly Johnson, my favorite Geek Girl, will join me as we unveil our personal favorites that will make your authoring life soar.

Create the bestseller you dream of ... turn into the award-winning and sought after author you aspire to ... brainstorm the crowdfunding program to fund your project ... get the answers to the questions you have ... all of them.
Judith is the master book publishing coach and guide.

Reserve Your Spot NOW
for 2 Colorful Brain-Jammed Days, including all meals.
June 21-22, 2019

· Avoid the Blunders, Bloopers, and Boo-Boos ... that even seasoned authors make.

·  Create your Unique Selling Pitch ... what will make you shine and rise above the author crowd?

·  Create an Author SWOT Analysis (ASA) just for you and your book ... it develops YOUR unique positioning.

· Create an AWESOME Author and/or Book One-Sheet ... you need one that shouts you out ... it's brag time to hook readers.

· If you are just starting down the authoring and publishing path, you will come away with a personalized strategy to create and develop your book.

  • If your book is ready to birth, you will come away with amazing steps and ahas on how to soar its official launch and develop your next steps.

  • If your book has birthed, you will come away with how-tos, re-directs and the latest and greatest in strategies to goose it about the masses who are shouting for buyer attention.

  • If your book, and you, want to create a PRE book launch that sells books and gets you noticed, you will learn how.

· Identify and Grow SuperFans that will devour everything you write and publish.

· If you want to be Pitch Perfect ... it's the way to sell your book, and few authors succeed. You will now.

·  If you want to create a fast and fun book teaser ... you will!

· If you want to look at crowdfunding ... you will learn the ins and outs of a campaign and create a dummy one just for you--even if you don't think crowdfunding is for you ... you never know! Two years ago, Ashlee Bratton paid close attention. She raised over $9,600--guess what paid for her production? Will you be next?

·  If you want to make serious money as an author ... you will come away with the "how to strategies" that are doable--not sure make-believe.

  • If you want to open your creativity channels ... you will love the exercise Judith walks everyone through.

  • If want to know tricks of the social media marketing whirlwind ... you will learn which platforms work best for which books and how to drill down into them.

  • If you are still noodling on what a Platform is, you will not only get it, but you will drill down into yours and embrace it.

  • If you haven't done a GamePlan for your book, no matter what stage it’s at, you will (or will revisit what you thought your GamePlan was) ... and discover amazing "ahas" along the way about both You and Your Book.

  • If ... what are your "IFs" ... there will be hot seats throughout. Those who are registered by May 21st not only get a discount, they will be "entered" into a drawing that will allow three attendees to take the hot seat and get immediate laser coaching. How cool is that?

  • Get Ready for the Goal Setting and Stepping Stone GamePlan that will be the game changer for your success.

  • Creating Timelines for your publishing success.

Creating a Publishing Budget that works with your money resources

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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).
·Tips for Newbie Authors Part I with Judith Briles
·Tips for Newbie Authors Part II with Judith Briles
·Creating Dazzling Products with C J McDaniel
· Book Sales Strategies Part I with Bobbi Boldon
· Book Sales Strategies Part II with Bobbi Boldon

 
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Questions of the Week:


Question: What printers do you recommend and how should I select one?


Answer: Your question is so timely! Yesterday’s blog for AuthorYOU was all about printers and who, we at AuthorYOU, recommend that you work with. The bottom line when it comes to whom you select must include these elements: 1- quality (I know—this should be a given, but there are mediocre printers out there); 2- customer service (and stepping up to the plate and FIXING screwups that have occurred on its side … are they reachable); 3- timing (when will the books be delivered); and 4- price (sometimes the low bid may be aced out because of timing and or the quality. Get multiple bids … and make sure that the printer you select routinely does your type of book. The link for the blog on recommended printers is HERE.

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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 … What fun Doggie School Bus picks up pups for 'school'… Ha!

Get your copy today – Available in Print, eBook, Audiobook  http://bit.ly/1000000speech

I Love giving away free stuff to—if you've never bought an audiobook via Amazon—my newest book is free to you NOW-grab it with this special link for anyone who hasn’t subscribed to Audible via Amazon HERE: http://bit.ly/FREESpeechAudio

wait, Wait, WAIT—there’s more: grab your bonuses by emailing Judith@Briles.com a copy of your receipt after you invest for your speaking success when you purchase my print book, eBook or audiobook.

Buy one book and get:

#1 the Word document of my Speaking Contract/Agreement featured in Chapter 14

#2 the pdf or eBook of How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos

Buy 10 books and get:

#1, #2, and #3: one hour of my consulting time (value $475) when you purchase 10 print copies  (1 for you; 9 for gifts or giveaways)

Join me on MONDAYS at Noon Mountain Time for Facebook Live with Live at Noon with Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd. For me, it’s a shorty—always less than 30 minutes. Grab an early lunch (or a late one) and get the latest in publishing tips, author strategies, and book marketing goosing ideas. Most times, it will be just me. Sometimes, I will have a guest—someone within my team of publishing pros that I work with and refer my clients to.

Here's how to join in: you will find it on the Judith Briles - Publishing with The Book Shepherd group or on my Time Line—I never know where it will land. If it’s within the Publishing with The Book Shepherd group ... it's a "closed group" meaning that you have to join it to participate.

JOIN here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookPublishingHelp/.
I’ll post an announcement on various Facebook pages in the early AM and then again 30 minutes before we start.

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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