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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #393 – July 16,
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 … Enable Voice dictation on Computer
2. Meet Author Help … Midwest Book Reviews
3. Ask Judith … July 18 at 3 MT
4. Annual Summer Eat and Schmooze Time … August 16
5. Hot podcasts for July… Add to your calendar and listen
6. Author Salons … August is posted-get
registered
7. Question of the week … How often should I post on social media?
8. Smile time … Queen at Live Aid |
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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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Calendar Friday, July 18 in the afternoon at 3 MT. Bring your questions of publishing, marketing, podcasting … what? Details and link below. It’s “pick my brain” invite.
This weekend, it’s Barnes & Noble time. Techno thriller writerRox Burkey will be joining me at the Southlands BN on Saturday the 19th and Lakewood-Denver West Village on Sunday the 20th. Come get my latest book.
I Love the new maps included by our Ukraine illustrator in the front of the book and we added a list of characters and their connections in the back of the PS section—that’s where I land a chapter from the next book The Secret Awakening, Book Club Discussion Questions, About the Authors, How to Contact Us, etc. You can get it here: https://bit.ly/4l9LrH9
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I did a bestseller campaign on The Secret
Rise 10 days ago and earned multiple badges. On Sunday, August 9, I will do a gathering in my home to celebrate appetizers and drinks at 4 pm for fan and friends.
Plan on good eats on Saturday, August 16th. It’s our annual Summer Eat and Schmooze Time. I’m not sure of the menu yet… whether it’s a full blown BBQ or a catered affair. But I promise, my awesome Kahlúa Cake dessert will be on the menu.
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And the Gala … yes the GALA … it’s happening on September 6th. Two of the top selling fantasy authors will be inducted—Rebecca Yarros and Jim Butcher and 11 more. It’s time to get your tickets … I’m excited to see what the evening unfolds and reveals. Dom Testa will again be our Emcee.
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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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My blog this week is all about book reviews. Wise authors
encourage … and seek reviews. And they get them posted on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads. Author Central is the secret sauce window. https://thebookshepherd.com/bookreviews/
Podcast Thoughts ... This month, I will do solo podcasts each week. On Thursday, How to Avoid Publishing Mistakes and Blunders, Part 1. Listen or view the podcast.
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Throughout July, I’m focusing on Author Freedom and the power of what our words and stories can do. Throughout the month, I shared a variety of quotes and tips for encouraging others, and yourself to deal with author overwhelm and keep your mojo in play.
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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. August 9 ONLINE ONLY 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, August 9th.
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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. July 17
Podcast How to Avoid Blunders and Mistakes Part 1
2. July 18 Ask Judith online
3. July 19 Barnes & Noble - Southlands
4. July 20 Barnes & Noble - Lakewood
Denver West Village
5. July 24 Podcast How to Avoid Blunders and Mistakes Part 2
6. July 25 Book Publishing Unplugged - Online
7. July 26 Book Publishing Unplugged - In-Person
8. July 31 Podcast Creating
Your Author’s Walk
9. August 2 BookBrush’ Book MarCon
10. August 16 Annual Summer Eat and Smooze Time and Judith’s Alive Day
11. August 30 Barnes & Noble Colorado Blvd
12. September 3, 10, 17, 24 Amazon Bestseller
13. September 6 AuthorU Monthly program
14. September 6 Colorado Authors' Hall of Fame Gala
15. September 20 Speaking Unplugged – Online
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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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| 1 Author Tools – What Enable Dictation on Your Computer
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| Are you using voice to dictate emails and texts instead of typing? And doing it via your computer?
To enable dictation, you’ll have to go into your settings on a PC or Mac. You may have to put Speech dictation in the search box when you open settings. You may even be able to set up shortcut via one
of your function keys on keyboard—admit it, you most likely never pay attention to them! It speed things up.
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| 2 Discover Midwest Book Reviews
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James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
www.MidwestBookreview.com/
Since 1976, Midwest Book Review has been committed to
promoting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. The MBR publishes the following monthly book review magazines specifically designed for community and academic librarians, booksellers, and the general reading public:
• The Bookwatch
• California Bookwatch
• Children’s Bookwatch
• Internet Bookwatch (a compilation of The Bookwatch, Library Bookwatch, and Wisconsin Bookwatch)
• Library Bookwatch
• MBR Bookwatch (reviews by senior volunteer reviewers)
• Reviewer’s Bookwatch (reviews by all other volunteer reviewers)
• Small Press Bookwatch
• Wisconsin Bookwatch
Reviews are posted on the Internet with a number of thematically appropriate websites, databases, and online discussion groups such as alt.books.reviews. Our reviews are also available through Internet bookstores. Midwest archives
all reviews on the Midwest Book Review website for a minimum of five years.
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about
Book Publishing and Book Marketing
The Book Shepherd is YOURS for 60 Minutes!
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The Book Shepherd, Judith Briles is YOURS for 60 minutes on Friday, July 18th at 3 pm MT to ask any question you have about book publishing, book marketing, writing a book ... or just getting a "little juice" to start your engines after the Holiday rush from
the past few weeks.
Post your questions as soon as you come on ... Judith will come to you LIVE and bring you on the mic to respond to YOU and possibly ask additional questions.
It's 60 minutes to seed your 2025 success... and why not? Grab your favorite beverage; just listen in ... or ASK, ASK, ASK! It's time to re-juice and rekindle your author energy!
Join Zoom Meeting – click on it or copy/paste
https://zoom.us/j/95000476418?pwd=3ZRTEhb1TDrTvzcjps9ov0r3Tpihbg.1
Passcode: authors
Add to Your Calendar: Friday, July 18th at 3 MT (2 PT, 4 CT, 5 ET)
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AuthorYOU Annual Summer Eat and Schmooze … August 16
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Come to the AuthorYOU Annual Summer Eat and Schmooze
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Join your fellow authors for some great food, fun, and networking at the annual AuthorYOU Annual Summer Eat and Smooze There will of course be plenty of beer and wine. No need to bring anything, food and drinks will be in abundance. Family members are welcome.
When: August 16th, at 4:00 PM to ?
Where: Judith’s Home 8122 S. Quatar Cir. Aurora, CO 80016
Cost: $20 for singles or $25 per couple. All food and beverages included
Prices will increase $5 on Monday, August 4th
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Hot podcasts slated for July
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
December is a “redux” month. I’ve identified the top five podcasts that aired in 2024—all worth your learning and listening pleasure ... whether the first time or a repeat. Starting with #4 this week … #1 was a tied, so two will be revealed!
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July 3 How to Create Crowdfunding Success – Judith Briles
July 10 How to Find SuperFans for Your Genre – Judith Briles
July 17 How to Avoid Publishing Mistakes and Blunders, Part 1 – Judith Briles
July 24 How to Avoid Publishing Mistakes and Blunders, Part 2 – Judith Briles
July 31 How to Your Author Mojo
Alive with the Author’s Walk – Judith Briles
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Salons for August meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| Question of the Week ... How often should I post on social media?
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Answer: It depends … it depends which platform you are using; it depends on when your targeting audiences is using it; it depends on what type of posting you are doing. You can do a Google search for “best times to post of
social media –latest” and see what pops up. You need to remember that the Internet is 24/7. Where is your reader audience. What countries—what times zones. That’s where you start.
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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— unbelievable performance by Freddie Mercury and Queen at Live Aid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-0ygW-B_gI&list=RDo-0ygW-B_gI&start_radio=1
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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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