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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #379 – April 9, 2025
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May Author U Program … Digital Marketing Strategies Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
Create. Strategize. Develop. Publish. Achieve.In this Issue
1. Discover … Tube Buddy
2. Meet Author Help … Meet Edit Barb
3. April Webinar … Mischief Book Marketing
4. April Unplugged … Press Releases
5. May Author U Program … Digital Marketing Strategies
6. Hot podcasts for April … Add to your calendar and listen
7. Author Salons …
April and May posted
8. Question of the week … When do I create an Author Central account?
9. Smile time … Robin Williams puts on his chef hat with Martha Stewart
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This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s ® Roof
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Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU … and
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My bees are back ... not sure how they know, but the catlins have opened and the bees are a ’buzzing. As I leaned over the rail on my deck this AM, the lilacs are promising leaves to come, and I see clusters of daffodils waving at me.
Happy Spring Dance for me. So happy—although I know that in the 35 years I’ve lived in Colorado—that it snows in April ... I did it two weeks ago. Uncovered the winterizing of the deck furniture and have loved being able to catch some rays. With the lanai, out I go with computer and creativity to write. What’s not to love?
Another Happy Dance ... What a weekend at the Denver West Village and Southlands Barnes & Noble bookstores. We sold lots of books, and young Darius Huskey joined us at the tables in Southlands—selling and signing 73 books for book lovers while he was there.
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This weekend, AuthorU members can participate in the Author Salons on Saturday. Online is from 7 to 8.30 and In-Person, 9 to 11. Here’s your link to register: https://www.meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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I’m jazzed … Brian Jud will join me for an awesomesauce webinar on Book Marketing Mischief for Authors next week. Any you will be, too. It’s all happening at NOON MT on April 15. Details are below. Yes, it will be recorded. Get registered now: https://bit.ly/MischiefMarketing
On Saturday, May 3, Jules Marie comes to the AuthorU community again and reveals insights into creating digital marketing strategies. For AuthorU.org VIP members, it’s a freebie starting at 9 am and goes to 11 am. If you are a nonmember, it’s $25. Details will be posted next week.
Do you want Amazon success? I can make it happen for you. My next Amazon Bestseller class is available for registration.
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With almost 4,000 downloads, I grabbed International Bestseller in four countries a week ago when I decided to set up a solo run with my techique and did a “set it and forget it” strategy. And the TaDah happened.
Thank you to readers in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.
#1 Quick & Easy Cooking
#1
Casseroles
#1 Meal Cooking
#1 Cookbooks-Food & Wine
#1 Comfort Food Cooking
My next Amazon Bestseller Workshop will be on four consecutive Wednesday afternoons: June 4, 11, 18, 25. Details are here if you want a bestseller: https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller/
The AuthorYOU Salons are posted for April and May. Always the second Saturday of the month. Remember—there must be at least five registered for these events by the Friday before. If not, I cancel and delcare the next morning my just a JB time to do whatever. It’s schmoozing and learning with other authors and coming aways with tips galore. Get registered here—remember this is an AuthorU.org benefit. https://www.meetup.com/authoryousalons/
Smart Thoughts ... This week, it’s about audio books: Creating Your Audiobook! With Becky Parker Geist on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. Listen in only or watch and listen on my YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@DrJudithBrilesTheBookShepherd/podcasts
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| It’s April … Avoid Book Publishing Blunders Month —grab
a variety of quotes and tips for encouraging others, and yourself, to read, read, read and be smart with your authoring and publishing decisions.
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| And it’s Woof Wednesday ... as an author, marketing is essential, from the get-go. Social media is an essential resource for your book marketing. What are your doing to build your influence? It’s all about persistence and perseverance ... over time.
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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. April 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, April 12th.
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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. April 10 Podcast – Creating Your Audiobook! with Becky Parker Geist
2. April 12 Author Salons – online and in-person
3. April 15 Marketing webinar with Brian Jud
4. April 17 Podcast Book Marketing Fiction Formula for Authors with Brian Jud
5. April 18 ASK Judith Zoom —Publishing and Book Marketing
6. April 18 Create Sizzling Press Releases Unplugged - Online
7. April 19 Create Sizzling Press Releases Unplugged In-Person
8. April 24 How to Create a Book in a Flash! with Dan Janal
9. May 3 AuthorU Monthly program – Strategic Digital Marketing
10. May 10 Author Salons – online and in-person
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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 – TubeBuddy Do you want more views on your YouTube channel? How about know when to push out your new videos?
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If you have a YouTube channel or are ready to create one, TubeBuddy could be the perfect add to your author toolbox. You can connect with more people on YouTube and increase your subscriber rate with this inexpensive tool. Features include promotional timing, a keyword research tool, publishing templates, branding enhancement, and much more.
Starts at $4.80 a month. https://www.tubebuddy.com/
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| 2 Meet Member Benefit … Edit Partner, Barb Wilson
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Barb Wilson
Editing doesn’t need to be a painful, drawn-out process!
Website:
www.editpartner.com
Phone: 989-284-8769 (EST)
eMail: Barb@EditPartner.com
With over thirty years of experience in editing/proofreading, she has edited numerous books in all genres, from nonfiction to children’s stories to erotica. She specializes in developmental (content) edits and also offers additional services such as
manuscript critiquing/evaluation, proofreading, and line edits. Her enthusiasm for the craft of writing and her positive approach to working through obstacles like writer’s block, POV problems, head-hopping, and plot arc issues will help you complete your project—while having less stress and more fun! Check out her web page at www.editpartner.com to see the variety of services currently offered. She can combine multiple services and customize them to fit your particular project needs.
Services: Currently offering content editing for fiction and non-fiction, detailed critiques, copy editing, and ghostwriting. Barb specializes in enhancing the flow, clarity, and power of your work, ensuring no reader will want to put it down. She believes a great editor/author relationship is based on collaboration, communication, and respect. Newbie authors more than
welcome! Ask about a free sample edit.
AuthorYOU members get 10% off of editing services.
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| 3 April Webinar … Mischief Book Marketing
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Hey Authors ... want some big ideas?
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April's AuthorU webinar will focus on book marketing that steps outside of social media. It’s all about Creative Ways to Put a Little Mischief in Your Book Marketing …
Register now: https://bit.ly/MischiefMarketing
Your takeaways include:
• Promotion is more than social media.
• Not spending more money ... but tips on spending it wisely.
• Ways to "hit" people in ways that are unique and memorable.
• Creative promotional tools to stand out in a positive way.
• How to be different and better ... when you are not first.
• Embrace a catalyst for a different way of thinking.
• Ideas to help you get unstuck.
• How to be different, coordinated and targeted in your book marketing.
Brian Jud is the author of Beyond the Bookstore and How to Make Real Money Selling Books (without worrying about returns). He is a book-marketing consultant, speaker, and president of the Premium Book Club. Brian is also the Executive Director of the Association of Publishers for Special Sales.
Register NOW: https://bit.ly/MischiefMarketing
Date: Tuesday, April 15 at Noon MT … 11 PT, 12 MT, 1 CT, 2 ET
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information
about joining the webinar. The session will be recorded.
Suggestion: there will be many websites and resources identified. Suggestion you have paper and pen ready to go.
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Online Friday, April 18
Online 1 pm to 5 pm (12 PT, 1 MT, 2 CT, 3 PT)
In- Person Saturday, April 19
8.30 am to 12:30 P.M MT
Space is limited to 5 participants each for Online and In-Person
Do you want to shout out news … about your book, your happenings, YOU?
You can. And I will help you.
Details and Registration here: https://thebookshepherd.com/press-releases-unplugged/
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AuthorU.org May Program … Implementing Digital Marketing Strategies
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Get ready for plenty of tips on creating digital marketing for your author success, starting with the your website.
Your take aways include:
• Aha-digital marketing includes anything that uses technology.
• Why the author website is the most important part of a marketing strategy.
• Use Yast and Pho to post metadata.
• How to create a planning calendar.
• How SEO can improve awareness of your brand.
• Why authors need to attach keywords to every page of their website.
• When to use ads.
• Why authors should create and update Google Business Page on an ongoig basis.
• Don't do Google ads-too expensive.
• What updates authors should do now on their websites.
• And, of course, much more.
This is FREE to AuthorU members.
Register Here: https://www.authoru.org/event-details-registration/may-program-implementing-digital-marketing-strategies
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Hot podcasts slated for April
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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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April 3 Books-Books-Books … Create a Book Cover that Shouts Out! - Nick Zelinger
April 10 Creating Your Audiobook! - Becky Parker Geist
April 17 Book Marketing Fiction Formula for Authors - Brian Jud
April 24 How to Create a Book in a Flash! - Dan Janal
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Salons for April … meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| There are no Salons in March … Authors are at the Publishing at Sea conference … join next year’s slated for the Eastern Caribbean February 15-22, 2026.
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| Question of the Week ... When do I create an Author Central account on Amazon?
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Answer: As soon as you can. Meaning, when your book—whether it’s an eBook, print book, audiobook is posted … you are considered good to go. Get yourself up there pronto.
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Smile of the Week Love it when I find a shorty video that amuses and creates laugh out loud moments. Not sure that Martha Stewart knew what she had invited into her kitchen when Robin Williams decided to make tacos with her. It’s a fun watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZW5j_dW6QM
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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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