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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #400 – September 3,
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 … Heepsy
2. Meet Author Help … Meet Bernard IP Law
3. Author Success
… REPLAY Webinar: 30+ tips in 60 Minutes
4. Author Success … October Amazon Bestseller classes open to register
5. Hot podcasts for September… Add to your calendar and listen
6. Author Salons … September is posted—get registered
7. Question of the week …
How many words should a novel and novella be?
8. Smile time … Betty Garth Brooks & Huey Lewis ”Working for a Livin” |
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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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Check the skies—September is a major bird migration month. Tis best to keep your extra night lights off—birds fly better during the night with less illumination.
What fun to be back in my favorite bookstore on Saturday: Barnes & Noble in Colorado. Joining me was my fiction writing partner Brian Barnes and Children’s bestselling author Linda Rae Schaal. Our location was the Colorado Blvd. store—love the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the staff.
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Sharing with those who stopped at our table about the upcoming Author Hall of Fame
Induction, three said, “How do I get tickets?” Sending them the link, all signed up. How cool is that?
In my Tuesday blog, I focused on Amazon’s Author Central window, specifically, the Author Profile. With a few tips to revamp yours—make sure you do it. https://thebookshepherd.com/amazons-author-central/
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I keep wondering, how can September be here ALREADY? Really? But here it is. Colors changing. I’m thinking we have an
early winter—ugh for me. Once I get cold, I am cold. Where has the year gone? My author and writing focus for September will be: Banned Books Month. I will share a variety of quotes and tips for encouraging authors add sparkle to what they write and speak out about the crime, in my opinion, of banning books.
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The Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Induction is 3 days from now for the BIG event. Meal choices are confirmed … the Program will be picked up from the printer tomorrow, coming in at 38 pages. What fun it was to tally up the number of books sold by our combined Inductees … 60 million? Can you guess who is the lead seller?
It’ the perfect Saturday night date … whether just for you, your date of choice …
even create a table of friends who love books and support the authors who create them. It’s time to get your tickets—it’s now moving to last chance … I’m excited to see what the evening unfolds and reveals—there is always a surprise … or two.
There are 2 tickets left. Does one have your name on it? Get your tickets now - https://bit.ly/GreatAuthors ... If fact, if you want to claim them, you better call me directly.
We will be skipping the first Saturday of September program because the Hall event is on the same day. Later in the month, we will have a settle back into authorland.
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| It’s Woof Wednesday … are you taking advantage of using the
hastag #WoofWednesday on your social media?
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Podcast Thoughts ... On Thursday, Author Steve Snyder joins me with several tips to soar with creating a biography (he’s was on his war hero father),
accumulating over 2,000 reviews and the most recent, signing the movie option this month—what a ride for him.
https://www.youtube.com/@DrJudithBrilesTheBookShepherd/podcasts
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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. September 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, September 13th
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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. September 6 Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame Gala
3. September 13 AuthorYou Salons
4. September 19 Ask Judith anything
about Publishing and Book Marketing
5. September 20 Speaking Unplugged – Online
6. October 1, 8, 15, 22 Amazon Bestseller
7. October 4 AuthorU Program
8. October 9 Author Talk
9. October 17 Ask Judith anything about Publishing and Book Marketing
10. October 25 Speaking Unplugged – Online
11. November 8 AuthorU Program
12. November 21 Ask Judith
13. November 22 BN Book Fair Fort Collins
14. November 29 BN Book Fair Colorado Blvd.
15. November 30 BN Book Fair Lakewood-Denver West Village
16. December 7 Barnes and Noble Southlands Book Fair
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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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Another search engine that has a slew of advanced filters for sluethers. You
can discover influencers based on their social media channels, locations, even the number of followers. Theire is info about the engagement rate, even a cost for possible collarboration. There’s a fee plan starting at $49 a month. Check it out at: https://www.heepsy.com
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Julie Bernard
https://www.BernardIPLaw.com/
Julie Bernard is a registered patent and intellectual property attorney who brings twenty-five years of experience to the
table. Julie focuses her practice on US and international patents, US and international trademarks, copyrights, intellectual property portfolio strategy and management, transactions and licenses, and technology transfer. Julie provides balanced general, transactional, and intellectual property legal advice based on her significant experience and proven track record related to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and the structuring and negotiation of licenses and other agreements.
Free Intellectual Property Consultation AuthorYOU members get a free consultation valued up to $400
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Author Success … Replay Webinar – 30 tips in 60 Minutes
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30 + Publishing Tips in 60 Minutes from the Publishing at Sea Faculty
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Are you an author or an aspiring author? Get 30+ Essentials Tips in 60 Minutes for author and publishing success. 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 20 at 4.00 pm MT.
REPLAY: https://vimeo.com/1111918029
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if you are interested in participating in the Publishing at Sea cruise February 15-22, there are ONLY 3 staterooms left in our group. Call me with your questions. You need to commit by October 1 – final payments due November 1. Details here: https://PublishingAtSea.com
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| Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks!
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“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
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Sign up for our next session for October 1, 8, 15, 22
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;
1. 90 minutes of your time online each week via Zoom with Judith Briles. Late Wednesday afternoon will be our start time.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. A computer. A free account on either Canva and BookBrush.
Dates: Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22
Times: 4.00 P.M. to 5.30 P.M. MT
Cost: $299
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller/
Amazon Class Alumni $150
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Hot podcasts slated for September
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
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| September 4 Idea to Book to Movie Contract - Steve Snyder
September 11 Creating Listening and Visibility - Dr Jacalyn Kerbeck
September 18 Author Goals - Deb Eckerling
September 25 Maximizing the Sound and Quality of Your Voice - Rachel Alena
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Salons for September meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| Question of the Week ... How many words should a novel and novella be?
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Answer: Try this: Anything that is more than 30,000 words is a novel. Anything between 10,000 and 30,00 words is a novella. Anything with a word count between 1 and 10,000 words is a short story.
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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. Smile time enjoy— This past week was Labor Day Weekend—Listen in to Garth Brooks and Huey Lewis … “Working for a Livin” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPd3balTFZw
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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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