|
|
Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #404 – October 1, 2025
|
|
|
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
I create books authors never have to apologize for …In this Issue
1. Discover … Use One Look
2. Meet Author Help … Discover Caspicon for Computer Help
3. Webinar … AI Comparative Videos -REPLAY
4. Author Success … October Amazon Bestseller classes–SOLD OUT … next session: January
5. Hot podcasts for October… Add to your calendar and listen
6. Author Salons … October-November are posted—get registered
7. Question of the week … How can I avoid my emails landing in a spam folder?
8. Smile time … Revisit the classic “September” as it goes by |
|
|
This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s ® Roof
|
|
|
Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
|
|
|
|
|
| Fall time is falling … I see it everywhere. My big maples are still sporting lots of green… I’m waiting for the intense reds to
appear. The deck finches are chowing down … winter is next.
All Barnes & Noble Fall dates are set up for Book Fairs. This is the big book selling season. And why not reach for best selling status as well. This afternoon I look forward to working with eight authors to achieve their dreams of becoming #1.
|
|
|
|
|
I set the date for the official Book Celebration of Brian Barnes and my Book 3, The Secret Rise along with Cooking with Judith for October 18th. I’m cooking on a Saturday AM to celebrate with book loving friends. Not sure of my menu but I have a few weeks to put it together. Want to join in? Let me know.
|
|
|
|
|
I am so ready to get back to the Publishing at Sea cruise slated for next February 15-22. It's on one of my favorite ships—love the Central Park area for schmoozing and relaxing--has always been a personal favorite. AND … our group is SOLD OUT.
|
|
|
|
|
The second Saturday Author YOU Salons for October and November are posted.... remember the deal ... at least FIVE besides me must be signed up ... Right now ... both are a NO GO unless you sign up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| It’s Woof Wednesday … are you taking advantage of using the
hastag #WoofWednesday on your social media?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Author Salons are on the second Saturday of each month—they are always the second Saturday of the month details posted below. October 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, October 11th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That’s my week … how’s yours? Lots of happenings below.
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Add these to your calendar now. Details will all be posted under the Events tab on the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. October 1, 8, 15, 22 Amazon Bestseller
2. October 1 Last day to sign up for Publishing at Sea 2026
3. October 8 Author Talk with Jeanne Abrams
4. October 11 AuthorU Salons
5. October 16 Webinar with Jackie Lapin Marketing Your Books with Locations
6. October 17 Ask Judith anything about Publishing and Book Marketing
7. October 25 Speaking Unplugged – Online
8. November 1 AuthorU Program
9. November 8 AuthorU Salons
10. November 21 Ask Judith anything about Publishing and Book Marketing
11. November 22 Barnes and Noble Book Fair Fort Collins
12. November 29 Barnes and Noble Book Fair Colorado Blvd.
13. November 30 Barnes and Noble Book Fair Lakewood-Denver West Village
14. December 7 Barnes and Noble Southlands, Aurora Book Fair
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Want tips for Authoring, Marketing and Publishing?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It’s happened to every writer: You know that a word exists to describe someone or something, but for the life of you, you have an out of mind experience and can’t grasp it. Maybe OneLook can come to the rescue. It’s a reverse dictionary, which encourages writers to type a phrase or related word so the site can display a variety of related words. A simple search for “baby kangaroo” reveals joey, for example; “wine god” suggests both Bacchus and Dionysus, but also “bacchanalia,” “dionysiac,” and Silenus, a lesser-known companion of Dionysus.
You can also ask questions, like “Who is Elmo’s best friend on Sesame Street?,” or solve crossword clues when you don’t know all the letters. Try it … you might like it for your writing enjoyment. It’s a freebie. https://onelook.com/
|
|
|
| 2 Need Computer Help? Meet Caspicom
|
|
|
|
|
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8am-7pm MT Sat: 9am-5pm MT Sun: CALL or textDo you have IT Problems? Do you want computer and tech chaos resolved?Vasif Aimuradov and Caspicom Computer Repair Services can help! Caspicom specializes in PC and Laptop repair and support for small companies and individuals in the Denver Metro Area.
It’s as-needed professional services include ongoing PC/Laptop maintenance, network setup, data backup and recovery, virus and
spyware removal, software and hardware installations and upgrades, remote support, and much more
What’s the Caspicom difference?
· No travel fees
· Free diagnosis
· Same or next-day service
· Arrives on time
· Highly competitive rates
· 7 days a week service
· No weekend or after-hours upcharges
· All 5-star Google customer ratings
Vasif’s mission is to develop long and successful relationships by providing high-quality customer service and up-to-date technical knowledge.
|
|
|
|
|
| REPLAY How to Create Comparative Marketing Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Book Comparatives with a twist of video was the most recent webinar topic. It’s a variation of the standard poster with a huge twist to it—voice and active video.
Full Webinar REPLAY: https://vimeo.com/1123469425
Now, it’s show and tell time. Charles walked the attendees through the process and included links will demo how to create them on your own … or he offered a super deal where he does it for you. Here’s the link to get Charles to do the magic for you: Authors@EnigmaSeries.com
Here are the link REPLAYs for videos used within the webinar:→ 1st comparative link:
Trailer of book-cine style: Enigma Broker technothriller trailer: https://youtu.be/NH25PADPtU8→ 2nd comparative link:
Enigma Broker vs The Terminal List trailer: https://youtu.be/3HJRw8E9KEk
As a side note … he suggested a trailer with a humor warning twist … as in here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t read the Enigma Jewels that was done over the summer: https://youtu.be/G3fnpqrGoJ4
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online Course in 4 weeks! OCT SOLD OUT … Signup for January 2026: 7, 14, 21, 28.
|
|
|
“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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up for our next session for January 7, 14, 21, 28
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, January 7, 14, 21, 28
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Hot podcasts slated for October
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
|
|
|
| October 2 How to create author overnight success in 30 years! Mara Purl
October 9 Power of Marketing with Locations in a Book Jackie Lapin
October 16 Book Proposals Create an Author Success Guide Path Deb Eckerling
October 23 How to Create Rock Star Visibility at Events Rebecca Finkel & Judith Briles
October 30 Why and How Authors Should Become an Amazon Bestseller Judith Briles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Salons for October -November meetup.com/authoryousalons/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Question of the Week ... How can I avoid my emails landing in a spam or junk folder?
|
|
|
|
|
Answer: Great question. Let’s face it –the email blockers are on the prowl … they are hungry to do the block and toss to the spam folder.
If you sending out an email blast, start with personalizing your email greeting. Hello Martha … not blank or generic. Use a first name. Make sure your subject line is honest. Avoid using the word “free” and definitely avoid ALL CAPS and asking from the get-go .. add my email to your address book or contacts.
|
|
|
|
|
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—As FALL begins to unfold, the first month to pass through is September … and why not revisit the classic “September” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 at: http://bit.ly/JudithCoaching
|
|
|
| Author Friendly Friday this week …
|
|
|
|
|
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/
|
|
|
|
|
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:
|
|
|
|
|
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 which generates over 250,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.
|
|
|
|
|
©2025 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
