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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–

eZine Issue
#23 June 13, 2018
Publisher: Judith Briles


Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors

In This Issue

1. Are you a Quacker or a Peeper about Your Book?
2. Get The AuthorYOU Extravaganza is Coming! Early Bird ends in June AND you can win your spot!
3. Another great tool that is a no-brainer …
4. Hot podcasts for the month coming …
5. Webinars slated for June and July …
6. Question of the Week …
7. Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week


This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s Roof:

Hello and Good Day to all of you.

Yesterday, I spent the morning with author Charles Fischer and the final stages of the edit for The Power of the Socratic Classroom. It’s a game-changer for students. It’s a game-changer for teachers. In the afternoon, I caught up with long-time friend, #1 Denver radio AM host Dom Testa to celebrate his news that he’s getting married this fall; collect the new editions of his Galahad series for grandson Ryan (surprising him with them when I take him to Alaska in a few weeks); and getting him to commit to keynote the 2019 Extravaganza based on his journey and his new book: The Color of Your Dreams-Write Your Damn Book Already.

The delightful medical mystery series that debuting author A R Nicole will roll out this summer is now at the back cover stage and website development (three books coming—Descent this summer; Torment in the winter; and Ascent next summer). Courtney Miller has his latest book back for his final look over all edits (all 600 pages of it!). Love the beginnings of Lisa Reinicke’s own story … and what a story it is. Ron Beach’s The Virtual Divide is so close to saying DONE and Jenny Salimi’s two Hearts books head to the printer this week. And this month (and next), I’m deep into the amazing memoir of Lori Golden and My House of Lies. It’s a book that every, and I mean EVERY, person who has dealt with sexual abuse should read. As a victim, as a survivor, as a family member, as a therapist.

For me, I’m so grateful to have so many truly amazing and awesome individuals in my life—their stories and experiences never cease to amaze me.

And to add icing to the cake, grandkids landed on my summer doorstep with dog Lucy. When Ryan said, "I like movies that have a heist in them," off we went to see Ocean 8. We all had a good time.

Finishing up on my workbook for next week and ordering in supplies, we are ready for my annual Book Publishing Unplugged event that is SOLD OUT for next week—look forward to being with so many authors who want to succeed. 

MEET me when I’m on the road. I’m looking forward to traveling this year to work with Texan authors at the July 27-29 event in Dallas, TX; authors from Colorado and multiple states in Breckenridge, CO August 23-26; Michigan authors at the Booktoberfest in Dexter, MI on September 8; Alaskan authors in Anchorage, AK September 20-22; and Florida authors in Altamonte Springs, Florida October 18-20.

Are you in Colorado on July 21? Come to our annual BBQ. It will be held in the afternoon at CADA—the Colorado Automotive Dealers Associations facilities with terrific schmoozing rounds; fire pit for toasting marshmallows and just a fun and relaxing afternoon. All you bring is yourself—family members welcome.

Details are posted under Events on the website.
https://authoru.org/event/its-the-annual-author-bbq?instance_id=1423


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

My newest book will start its rolling out this month … reviews are starting to post. How to Create a $1,000,000 Speech. Amazon has ordered additional copies—get your copy here. I promise—it will increase your book sales. Get it here: http://bit.ly/1000000speech.


Author Friendly Friday this week …
9 Eastern time and again at 2 pm ET. It’s a full hour when you can ask questions—any question. Starting now, it’s for paid subscribers ONLY and we do it on Skype. I loved the comment last week when one of my participants said that she really liked doing it this way—when I see others at events—the Extravaganza—we are already friends. I like it too!

Here’s the link to take advantage of it and subscribe: https://thebookshepherd.com/product/author-friendly-fridays-subscription


And, what, there’s more. We have all new webinars set up through June and planning July. This month covers LinkedIn on June 12 and How to Create a 7-Figure Income via the FIVE steps to persuasion on June 19. Details below.



AND … How’s your week going?


 
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Do You Quack About Your Book … or Just Peep Here and There?




As summer unfolds, many authors slide into the lazy … sometimes hazy days that heat and sunshine can bring. I get it … but there’s still work to do.
How about getting your Quacker in gear. Tell the world … book buyers … your friends … your family … let retail outlets know what you are up to … let the local media know … quack, quack, quack. Do it by:

1 Writing a media release—include a book cover on it as well as a website that reporters and producers can get more info. Make sure you have an email, day and cell phones on it. Send it to every contact you can things of. Include:

· Any associations you are a member of.
· The local media … if there is anything in the news going on that connects in any way with your title or expertise—pick up the phone and make an immediate pitch.

· The national media—print, TV, radio.
· Key Internet resources, such as the HuffPo and Slate—especially if you can tie it into anything that is remotely related to your topic.
· Groups that are connected with your topic.
· Is there something that you can "newsjack" and tie your work and your book to?


2 Social media is your pal—get it up on your Facebook pages, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, Instagram and anything else you are connected with. Not be shy—ask your friends to tell their friends … and either link the notices to your website so that they can see the book is available for sale or the Amazon link.


3 If your email Signature doesn’t have your book cover in it, add it and make sure you say include award-winning in the description if you have won a book award.


4 Write a Blog about your book … make sure you now include anything that has come your way from a fan, an aha or linking to news that has surfaced.


5 Review your Amazon page. And don’t forget Author Central page. What’s missing? Remind people to post reviews—follow up with an email that includes the link to your book’s Amazon page.  Make it easy for them!


6 Send your media release to a PR service for national distribution—this is part of your marketing dollars. There’s a variety of media/press release sites—check out Google for a list.


7 Update your website. If you haven’t created a media tab on it yet, this is the time. Dive into the awesome programs that Joan Stewart has to guide you. If you have already received book reviews, this is a good spot to add them so others can read them as well. Don’t forget to post book reviews on your Amazon page as well if the book reviewer hasn’t.


8 Keep on marketing … you as the expert … and your book.


Quack, Quack, Quack


If you don’t, you will turn into a little peep … and those get eaten!



2   The AuthorYOU Extravaganza is Coming! Do you want to WIN Your Spot? You can ….
Early bird registration ends this month

Hear Ye … Hear Ye … Hear Ye … awesome author Lisa Reinicke is sponsoring ONE lucky attendee who registers for the AuthorYOU Extravaganza between now and June 30th—that's when the early bird ends. Get registered NOW—500 bucks are 500 bucks and why shouldn’t YOU be the lucky (and I do mean lucky) recipient?

ALL Extravaganza entries between NOW and the 30th will be put in the magic random drawing basket. Someone gets a totally free pass.


And I love this … one of our final sessions on Saturday is a hands-on workshop where everyone will actually create a TipGraphic under the guidance of John Kremer and Daniel Hall and publish it on Saturday, August 25. A fabulous, easy peasy way to promo you, your expertise, and of course your book.

In just 71 Days

Get ready for all-new Author YOU Extravaganza in 2018. Get ready for Education—the deep dive type. Get ready for entertainment— laughing is the perfect way to end a jammed-packed day of information. Get ready to meet the Who-Who’s in Publishing Service Providers in our Exhibit Hall—your village to create an awesome book, publicity campaign, uncovering sponsors, promotion and much more. And get ready to change your book and authoring life
Here’s the Opening Line-up starting August 23rd:


Starting with a pre-Author YOU Extravaganza VIP Advanced Book Marketing Breakthrough Intensive on Thursday afternoon starting at 1.00 p.m. on August 23rd with:


Followed by the first Author YOU Book Pitch Fest sponsored by
Thomson Shore. Open to the public, 15 authors with manuscripts
at least 75% completed can pitch their books to five publishing pros.
ONE WINNER will walk away with a publishing bonanza package:
editing, cover design, interior design, and printing. Value: Priceless

Followed by the Grand Opening in the evening … meet our fabulous
Exhibitors up front and in person. They’ve got the smarts, experience and
d tools to make your book shine. And they are available to you through
h Saturday.

As you meet and greet, why not eat? Yes, indeed …
we will have dinner Friday in the Exhibit area …

Get ready to laugh the night away with our entertainment
with entertainer Chris Voth … it’s a perfect way to spend a
long day that has been packed with publishing info.

Meet the talented and fun Chris Voth:
An accomplished comedian, Chris Voth is
a licensed teacher, and a published author. He has made several national television appearances, including the Late Late Show, Last Comic Standing, and Comics Unleashed. He also appeared in his own half-hour special on Altitude Sports Cable and was chosen for the prestigious Great American Comedy Festival. A 17-year comedy veteran, Chris is a past winner of the Denver Comedy Works Competition and has worked with everyone from
Dave Chappelle to Larry the Cable Guy to Linda Ronstadt.

The Question is: will you?
Register—early bird ends on June 30
http://authoryouextravaganza.org/



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More Great Tools
Goose up your visual marketing. Create a visual "grab" for like fans of competing books or complimentary authors.

Lines to use include … If you like ______; you will LOVE _____. If you are a fan of ______; you will want _______ …. Or a variation that fits you.


Daniel Hall is a friend; a prolific producer of info products and author of a book I recommend. This is what I did:
 
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Hot podcasts slated for May - August
In JUNE
· Advanced Strategies on LinkedIn-pre webinar with Mike O'Neil
· How to Create a 7-Figure Income with Tom Antion
· The Business of Being an Author with Jane Friedman

· How to Write a Book Really Fast with Dan Janal

In JULY
· How to Get Associations to Hire Speakers with Ed Rigsby  
· Publicity How-tos from a 70-Year Pro with Irwin Zucker
· Pitching You and Your Book with Joan Stewart
· What the Hell is Amazon Doing? with Amy Collins


In AUGUST
· How to Propel Your Book Launch with Kimberley Grabas
· Discovering the Anatomy of Fiction Writing with Barb Wilson
· Discover the Latest Strategies for Advanced Book Marketing with John Kremer
· Insider Tips on How to Market Author as Speaker to Meeting Planners with Tonya Hoffman
· Are You Branding You … Really? with Kathy Meis

In SEPTEMBER

· Revising and Repurposing What You’ve Already Done with Anne Janzer 


Here’s the master link for iTunes: http://bit.ly/PublishingPodcast

And, if you have listened, support our podcast and post a review. Thank you!


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More Webinars are coming … more Webinars are coming


 
JUNE 19:  4 PT, 5 MT, 6 CT, 7 ET p.m.


Want a 7-Figure Income? Learn the 5 critical techniques of persuasion that can make people want to buy from you!


· Do You Know Why Copywriting Power Is Crucial to Your Writing and Book Marketing Success?
· And, Do You Know that it IS in Your Reach?
· Do you know 5 critical techniques of persuasion that can make people want to buy from you?

Well, I've got them for you in the form of a high content webinar that could literally change the course of your business and your life.

Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3977977385275459075

Multi-Millionaire marketer Tom Antion will deliver our final webinar in June that pretty much rocked the world of many of his previous attendees. How would you love to have your publishing world rock with people intrigued with your words; your marketing copy; and anything you write? You will learn the #1 skill that's made Tom successful and share FIVE exact methods to make it work for you.

If you want to improve your business immediately, I suggest you make the time to watch this extremely high content webinar and implement what is recommended. It could very well be the tippy point to your success.


JULY 18: 4 PT, 5 MT, 6 CT, 7 ET p.m.

How to Create a Caviar Audiobook on a Tuna Fish Budget

Did you know that audiobook sales revenue is up 32% so far for the year 2018? Do you have an audiobook to take advantage of this growing market?
Don't miss this opportunity to join the Audiobook Revolution!


REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6320070193348322562

Find out:


  • What's brand new in the audiobook world
  • The new audiobook creation competition for Amazon and Audible
  • How to independently publish your audiobook yourself or with help
  • How authors can make more from their audiobooks than their eBooks
  • The key steps to set your audiobook up for success
  • Planning your next audiobook (key decisions)


You can have an audiobook version of your book created (with help!) for hundreds, not thousands, of dollars. Here's how!

REGISTER: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6320070193348322562

YES, there will be a REPLAY. Please register to make sure you get it if you can’t attend live. Date: Wednesday, July 19, 2018. Time: 4T, 5 MT, 6 CT, 7 ET


I know you are busy and I don’t want you to be left out-the library webinar we did last week was excellent.

Did you know that library buying is up—way UP? Over 70% of the U.S. population uses libraries every month. In the area I live in—Denver, Colorado, libraries have a $9,000,000 budget for new books, ebooks, audiobooks. Wherever you live, your community has a budget as well. How cool is that!

THIS WAS SO HOT:
even if your book is not ready yet–maybe the end of the year or early next year—jump in. You will be "grandfathered" at the reduced rate (guaranteed, the price will increase significantly the next go around).

"Left Out" means the awesome PITCH TO 8,000 LIBRARIES for only $399 disappear soon … you, of course, can get it for $399 until Amy Collins and I pull it. As always, it’s a choice. I’m doing it … I want my audio, eBooks and print books to be reintroduced to 8,000 libraries, just like you do.
Reminder … here’s what you get:
· Get your book in front of 8,000 libraries around the country who have requested information about books to acquire.
· Your cost is 5 cents per library pitch.
· A full-color listing designed and laid out showcasing your book.
· Having someone (that means not you) do the follow-up to determine if there is interest in acquiring your book for the library.
· A detailed report after the mailing and follow-up calls that includes the number of librarians who actually clicked on the order button for your book.

Here's the link for the REPLAY. Don’t miss out on this one … there were 12 slots available for the JULY mailing—several were taken during the live presentation last night:


                                     https://vimeo.com/272930535

NEXT, here’s click on the link to participate:


                                  http://newshelves.com/authoru
 
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Questions of the Week:



Question:
What is Matchbox? I keep hearing people mention it and I don’t get it.

My answer: A great question. Matchbox is a "match-up" program created by Amazon that is actually a "push" for selling your print book. It’s if you buy the print book, you can get the eBook for a deep discount.

When you load your eBook into the KDP program on Amazon, there is a box that asks if you want to participate. Mark YES, then you have the option to offer your eBook for free, .99, 1.99 or 2.99. IF the print book is purchased. You need to select the price point. Then, market the "special" … as in Buy my book and get the eBook for FREE … or something like that.

It’s a good thing.


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Book Shepherd "Fun" 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. I loved this story—when Mom’s away look what Dad and awesome 4-year-old whip up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ea8OekKkd0

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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