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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #448– August 5, 2026
Publisher: Judith Briles |
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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 and Use ... Linkedin Live
2. Meet ... Foreword Reviews
3. Get Registered … 30 Book Marketing & Publishing Tips in 60 Minutes
4. Tick Tock for Summer Author Food Fest … On August 15
5. Get Registered … Is there an Amazon Bestseller in You? September is Open
6. Aspiring Authors Celebration … Come to the Luncheon
7. Hot Podcasts for August … Add to your Calendar and Listen
8. Question of the Week … Do I have to buy a book on Amazon to post a review?
9. Smile Time … "It’s Rocky Mountain High Time"
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This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s ® Roof |
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Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
Loved the fun we had on Saturday’s Author Gathering. We did videos that will snap, crackle, and pop to use on Instagram and TikTok. Since it was August 1, it was Colorado Day. I made a special video, under 30 seconds to celebrate and announce my new book, Appetizers with Judith. Did I get book sales on Amazon? Yup—love it!
We also went down how to connect with and reach out to top influencers in your genre. If you are an author, you are missing out on how to take your connecting with genre fans to the next level. In September, the Author Gathering is in-person. That means Colorado - on September 5, 9 to 11 am. You must register for this freebie.
My mobility is coming back. Stitches out. With increased strength, I’ll be behind the wheel again. Thanks to many of you for well wishes, funnies, even a few meals post surgery. I’ll be a new gal!
And it’s author gathering time… just eating and schmoozing and catching up. Happening on Saturday afternoon, August 15th—come to the Food Fest. You must get registered no later than next Monday. Details below.
It’s a HAPPY DANCE for me … both the eBook and Print book of Appetizers with Judith is available. Now … to plan out a 6-month book support launch.
If you like appetizers … get your copy here: bit.ly/4yEi6Mt
P.S. – Get your own copy … and please, PLEASE, post a review on Amazon. |
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Another happy dance … I’ve received notices that two of my books: The Secret Rise and Cooking with Judith will be winning book awards in the coming week. Nice! 2026 American Fiction Awards announced this week that The Secret Rise was the WINNER in Historical Fiction-Fantasy... woot
Forward … this past week has had me home bound, recovering from hip replacement surgery. Looking forward to not being wheel chair bound in bookstores! Here in Colorado, I’m setting up local author book signings with Barnes & Noble Book Fairs for fall. Sunday, October 25 with be Southlands in Aurora, CO day.
Did you increase your KDP eBook pricing? Amazon lifted payouts to 70% of all eBooks priced between $2.99 and $12.99, up for the previous ceiling of $9.99. What does that mean to you? At $9.99, your net is $6.99 … at $12.99, it is $9.09 per eBook download from readers. I increased mine.
The “I’ll be there” clock is ticking for the annual author gathering schmooze and eating is in play. Definitely make sure you add Saturday, August 15th starting at 4 pm to your calendar. The location is my home … it’s the Author Gathering Food Fest—formerly the Author BBQ— food, author friends, and catch up. Get registered NOW. Details below. |
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On this Thursday’s Podcast
Last week, yours truly, Judith Briles, delivered the goldmine podcast episode not to miss: How to Grow Your eMails with the Ultimate Opt-In. This week, author Heather Elliott explores the Power of Mindfulness in Your Writing and Marketing. |
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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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Top 10 podcast for book marketing and Top 100 for book publishing tips for authors! You can always listen in via our websites: www.AuthorU.org - click on the Resources tab on the Home page—pick your podcast. |
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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 22 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. August 1 Author Gathering, Online Only
2. August 5 Webinar 30 Book Marketing & Publishing Tips in 60 Minutes
3. August 6 Podcast … Author Mindfulness … Heather Elliott
4. August 13 Podcast … Building Community with Communicating …Terri Murphy
5. August 13 Book Launch and Tasting … at Denver Women’s Press Club with Judith
6. August 15 Author Gathering Summer Food Fest … Judith's Home
7. August 20 Podcast … How to Write a Movie in 21 Days …Viki King
8. August 27 Podcast … How to Write a Memoir … Dan Janal
9. August 28 Book Launch and Tasting … at Judith’s home
10. September 5 Author Gathering, In - Person Only
11. September 9, 16, 23, 30, Amazon Bestseller Workshop
12. September 11 … Aspiring Authors Celebration |
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1. Discover and Use … LinkedIn Live |
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If you are using LinkedIn, you need to discover LinkedIn Live … video streaming live. Ideal for speakers and authors who are building their connections. Here’s the PLUS, in my opinion: LinkedIn doesn’t have the bad rap of false info and “news” that Facebook has.
Apply here: https://www.linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/lv-app
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2. Meet … Foreword Reviews |
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https://www.forewordreviews.com
https://www.forewordreviews.com/awards/
Foreword Reviews is a Folio Award-winning magazine, and the only journal exclusively dedicated to reviewing books from independent publishers, university presses, and self-publishers. Each issue features 150+ book reviews, in-depth articles previewing category trends, book-industry specific opinion pieces, and bound special sections covering award winners, audiobooks, and more.
Its Foreword Indies Book Awards are the premier attention getter for independently published authors and publishers.
VIP AuthorYOU Members get a free 1-year subscription to Foreword Magazine. You must contact Foreword Reviews directly to start your free subscription.
AuthorYOU Members also get:
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3. Get 30 Publishing Tips via
6 Publishing Pros TODAY! … Calling All Authors and Aspiring Authors ! |
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30 + Publishing Tips in 60 Minutes from the Publishing at Sea Faculty
Join us for a webinar on WEDNESDAY, August 5, 2026, for 4 PT | 5 PM | 6 CT | 7 ET
Are you an author or an aspiring author? Get 30+ Essentials Tips in 60 Minutes for author and publishing success via the wisdom of six publishing pros. Participants will take away a variety of snap, crackle, and pop ideas to juice up their marketing, writing, publicity, and social media influence from the Publishing at Sea faculty. If that's on your TO DO list, get registered NOW. It's happening on Wednesday, August 5 at 5:00 pm MT.
Register NOW for 30 + Publishing Tips in 60 Minutes from the Publishing at Sea Faculty on Aug 5, 2026, 5:00 PM MDT.
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4. Tick Tock for Summer Author Gathering Food Fest … Time is running out to say “I’ll be there” on Saturday, August 15 … Are you coming? Reservations will cut off on
August 10th. |
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Come to the Annual Summer AuthorYOU Gathering Food Fest
When: August 15, at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM MDT
Where: Judith’s Home. 8122 S. Quatar Cir. Aurora, CO 80016
Join your fellow authors for some great food, fun and networking at the annual AuthorYOU Food Fest. There will of course be plenty of beer and wine.
Singles: $20
Duos: $30
Grab your spot: https://bit.ly/AuthorFoodFest
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5. Is there an Amazon Bestseller in You?… September is Open |
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Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks! Starts in September
“Judith’s Amazon BestSeller program works!! I hit #1 in at least 9 categories before 11 AM on launch day. Do yourself a favor – take Judith’s class and FOLLOW HER GUIDANCE! You’ll be an Amazon BestSeller too!”
– Suzanne Asaff Blankenship, Author of How To Take Care of Old People Without Losing Your Marbles
If you want to create this:
Sign up for our next sessions for September 9, 16, 23, 30
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 later. 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.
Requirements:
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Two hours of your time online each week via Zoom with Judith Briles. Late Wednesday afternoon will be our start time.
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Social media presence. Thousands would be good but not crucial. You will learn tips and tricks during each session that will have new adds every week.
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An “I want to be #1 and I can do this attitude” and commitment to do the work during each session and post-work each work.
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A computer.
Times: 4.00 P.M. to 5.30 P.M. MT
Cost: $299 special Alumni rates at $150
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller/
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6. Aspiring Authors Celebration |
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Every other year, Colorado unpublished authors have the opportunity to submit for a combo cash and one year mentoring program. Sponsored by the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame, Barnes & Nobel, and AuthorU.org. This year, fourteen men and women ranging from 26 to 78 will be honored. The nine judges were “wowed” with the range of the applicants … so much so, that additional scholarships were added.
Join us at the Denver Inverness in the DTC area on September 11 at 11.30 am. The location and site are upscale and a pleasure to be at. Get your ticket … it’s one that had “tax deduction” with it. Lunch and program is included. Details are on the Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame website. Bios and photos will be added this week.
Get your tickets here: https://www.coloradoauthorshalloffame.org/attend-now
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7. Hot Podcasts Slated for August |
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
August 6 Creating Mindful Change for Authors … Heather Elliott
August 13 Building Communications to Make Authors Shine … Terri Murphy
August 20 How to Write a Movie in 21 Days … Viki King
August 27 Get Your Book and Memoir Written … Dan Janal
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8. Question of the Week ... Do I need to buy a book on Amazon to post a review on it?
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My Answer: NOPE … you do not. What you must be is a CUSTOMER of Amazon to post a review for any product sold on Amazon. Meaning, that you spend at least $50 a year on any product(s) on its website. Toothpaste and batteries count. There are other “rules.” Suggest you Google the latest “guidelines for posting book reviews on Amazon”— that will take care of additional questions.
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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.
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/author-friendly-fridays/ |
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Want tips for Authoring, Marketing and Publishing? |
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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, and 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. You can book time with me at: https://thebookshepherd.com/pick-judiths-brain |
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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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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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Follow us, listen, and learn … new shows every Thursday. 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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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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Podcast has expanded to 11 networks … Follow us and learn … new shows every Thursday.
GO to the SHOW page and select which podcast is for you… the latest will always be posted on top: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast
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And, if you have listened, support our podcast, and post a review. Thank you!
The AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is available on all major 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 #podcast with @MyBookShepherd via iTunes here: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast |
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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.
© 2026 Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd |
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