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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #413 – December 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 … Discover Duck Duck Go
2. Meet Color House Graphics
3. Holidays are coming ... Don’t Be a Tardy Bird … Holiday Lunch
4. Webinar … REPLAY AI Comparative Videos -REDUX
5. Hot podcasts for December… Add to your calendar and listen
6. Author Salons … January and March 2026
7. Question of the week …Where can I get royalty free photos?
8. Smile time … 12 Days of Christmas – a hoot! |
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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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| Thanksgiving wasn’t the full day off I had planned … oh, I
got the shows in I wanted to … what I didn’t realize last week that it was going to be six hours dedicated to outdoors and getting my holiday lighting up. It just happened when I met my new friend David on Wednesday who said, “I can be at your house early to help you with your light displays.” Doing my happy dance, he was there at 7.30 am with his nephew and the two of them are now on my “go to” list for help.
That afternoon, I did the Macy Parade catch up and settled in for the National Dog Show. Another happy dance, The dog I liked the best came out as Best in the Show—Soleil, a black Belgian Sheepdog. She was
gorgeous!
On Monday, my new best friend fix it guy texted me, “I have a few hours today. I’ll be over to get your new hot tub set up.”
Now I have two essential guys who are my go to fix it … almost anything. Most of us need support help at some time. Seek it. Your life will welcome
it.
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Last weekend, there were two Barnes & Noble Bookfairs at the Colorado Blvd store on Saturday and the Denver West Village in Lakewood bookstore on Sunday..
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The final Barnes & Noble Book Fair bookstore will be at the Southlands Mall in Aurora on this Sunday, December
7th… I hope you come see us.
Sunday, December 7 BN Book Fair Southlands
– Aurora
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Don’t be a tardy bird …
December will bring the Author Holiday Lunch on Saturday December 13 … that is an IN-PERSON only gathering. Food (lots), schmoozing, gift exchange. My house. You have only one more week to commit.
If you are a lunch person, this would be a good place to be … plus you will have your afternoon free for other events. December
doesn’t have enough days in it. Details below to register and say “I ... we ... will be there.” As fall marches on … I decided to move beyond and start setting up for the holidays. All the leaves are gathered. Plants that need to be cut back for the winter are all winterized. The fall wreaths are now shouting Christmastime. Out came my giant teddy bear. Outdoor lights ready to land somewhere—anywhere. The dining room table is ready to be dressed for the season as the mainroom island and bar.
Planning forward for the Author Holiday party next month. Look forward to seeing you there. I have a few other gatherings for close friends on my
calendar for around my holiday table all set for conversations and eating.
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The HOLIDAY Party is a Lunch catered by the Olive Garden this year and slated for Saturday, December 13th. Meet for the Author Holiday lunch at noon in my home. If you are a brunch person, this would be a good place to be … plus you will have your early
morning free and late afternoon free for other events. Also—it’s daylight. Perfect. December doesn’t have enough days in it. Details below to register and say “I ... we ... will be there.” I look forward to seeing the AuthorU.org members one more time before the end of the year.
If you read my blog this week , it’s all about What do Authors and “The Gambler” have in common? Lots. The Gambler’s four key words:
hold ‘em, fold’em, walk, and run could save all of us plenty of mistakes, money, and time. https://thebookshepherd.com/thegambler/
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The second Saturday Author YOU Salons are over for the year—the next one is January 8 ... remember the deal ... at least FIVE besides me must be signed up ... Right now ... You gotta sign up. Here’s where: https://Meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons
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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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On last Thursday’s podcast, it was the conclusion of a four-part podcast month. Each week, I focused on the theme: Is there a book in you? With steps to start pulling it out each of the four weeks in November. This week opens the reveal of the top four podcasts this year. I’m honored that the show I did on how to create a speaking game plan kicks off the month at #4 with over
130,000 downloads.
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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. December 7 Barnes & Noble Book Fair Southlands, Aurora
2. December 13 Author Holiday Party
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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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If you tired of being tracked online and want an easy solution, check out DuckDuckGo.com … I’m using now for total incognito searches online. The
tracking bit is getting out of control, in my opinion. Check it out—tis free. https://duckduckgo.com/
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| 2 Discover Sandy Gould, Color House Graphics
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Color House Graphics is a nationwide printing and book manufacturing company that provides digital and offset printing, eBook conversions, and custom binding and finishing. With quick response manufacturing and personalized service, you will quickly learn that CHG is your go-to manufacturer for all your production needs.
Visit colorhousegraphics.com and request a quote for your next project.
As an AuthorYOU member, you can save 5% on new print orders.
CHG: Where trust, technology and experience come together.
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| Author Holiday Lunch ... Saturday December 13
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The Sign-Up Clock is Ticking … are you coming?
Fun, Laughter, Great Food, Interesting Gifts, and Amazing Schmoozing—the food is always excellent, the networking, schmoozing and laughter not to be surpassed.
Members choose to have it during the daylight hours ... who knows what the weather will be in Colorado.
This year, the annual author holiday gathering will be a LUNCH
Date: Saturday, December 13th from NOON to ???
Bring: One unmarked gift to exchange in the off-the-wall
Wacko Pick and Steal after dinner. If there are two in your party, bring two, please.
Location: Judith and John's Home: 8122 S Quatar Cir, Aurora, CO 80016, USA
Cost: $21 per person or $36 per couple
Single Person $21
Couple $36
… includes Brunch and Beverages (no tipping!) Think Italian ... the Olive Garden Grill will be the food creator ... plus, as always, you will get a few of my appetizers from my next cookbook!
Gifts: We do an exchange--the Wacko Pick and Steal exchange to be exact; please keep your cost value to less than $15—hot items in the past: wine; nifty gadgets from Home Depot and Costco; sports stuff; movie tickets; goofy and quirky can be fun …
Sign up here: https://www.authoru.org/event-details-registration/author-holiday-lunch
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| 4 Author Success … REPLAY Webinar– How to Create Comparative Marketing Videos
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Within the Publishing at Sea workshops last February, tech thriller author Charles Breakfield wowed the participants with his take on the Book Comparatives with the assist of AI. It is a variation of the standard poster with a huge twist to it—voice and
active video. Everyone wanted more.
Feedback from live participants was excellent … hope on board for a twist to your marketing.
Link here: Full Webinar REPLAY: https://vimeo.com/1138873620?fl=ip&fe=ec
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Hot podcasts slated for December
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
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| December 4 #4 Creating a Speaking game Plan Judith Briles
December 11 #3 Judging Books and Contests Jules Marie
December 18 #2 Refresh, Repurpose and Roar Judith Briles
December 25 #1 Write with Color and Personality Mara Purl
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| Salons for 2026
meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| January and March are the first dates of 2026 … February is a skip … Judith is coordinating the Publishing at Sea cruise with 28 awesome authors during the month.
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| Question of the Week ... I’m looking for free image resources. Any suggestions?
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Smile of the Week 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 and enjoy— You haven’t
seen the 12 Days of Christmas this way … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXtCSUqKNTk
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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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