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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #390 – June 26,
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 … “Easter Eggs’ with elgooG
2. Meet Author Help … Foreword Indies book awards
3. Author Talk … Meet Hall of Famer Penny Rafferty
4. Ask Judith … July 18 at 3 MT
5. Book Publishing
Smarts … Book Publishing Unplugged
6. BBQ Time … AuthorYOU annual August 16
7. Hot podcasts for June … Add to your calendar and listen
8. Author Salons … July are posted-get
registered
9. Question of the week … How do I participate in all the Barnes & Noble events you do?
10. Smile time … Summertime Shadow Art with Louis Armstrong
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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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And … it is here ….My latest book written with Brian Barnes dropped in as a 540 page turning historical fiction read. Throughout next month, I’ll be doing signings for The Secret Rise at several of the Barnes & Noble stores in the Denver Metro area. We are excited! 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’m loving the sun, with a little rain mixed in. Summer garden is in and growing—loving the tomatoes starts to pop out. And my of my favorite “show offs” in the garden pots is boasting it’s brilliant colors this week. And, my huge tadah that is a JOY
deliverer … the old lower garden pathway was removed and new flagstone was added from the back gate to the full lower patio. On my get this done list from the time I moved in to my new home eight years ago. Happy Dance here.
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Side gardens are yielding beautiful roses this week. The baby birdies are growing in their small nest—maybe
gone in another week. This weekend is a quiet one, just foqr me.
Today is the last session of the Amazon Bestseller class —it’s been a fun month as just to be published books get ready for an Amazon goose to start their book buzz.
Good information to know: In California, a bill has gone in effect that I would love to see it nationwide: If you've ever forgotten to cancel a subscription after a trial period, Bill AB 2863 will benefit you directly. From now on, companies will not be allowed to automatically renew a service without your explicit consent. This ends tacit renewal practices that often led to unwanted and unexpected charges on your card. Yes, I would love it here in my homebase of Colorado. I sent this info to my State Representative.
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| Last Friday’s two-hour Digital Marketing Strategies was a great way to spend a morning. Presenter Jules Marie shared a varied of tips and tools for a dozen participants who were on live. The full replay is only available to VIP AuthorU
members and has been sent out via email.
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It’s Woof Wednesday … are you taking advantage of using the hastag #WoofWednesday on your social media? In my historical fiction series written with my co-author Brian Barnes, Shadow the “wolf dog” is a major character … and in the the latest in the season debuting this wee, The Secret Rise, Shadow delivers a super surprise. You can get it here: https://bit.ly/4l9LrH9
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Podcast Thoughts ... This month, I will do solo podcasts each week. On Thursday, How to Create You Speaking Game Plan … speaking in 50 states plus multiple countries is how I sold over a million copies of my books. Listen or view the podcast … and if you do not have a copy of How to Create a Million Dollar Speech, you need to have one pronto: https://bit.ly/40fEYSQ
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June is almost over… throughout the month I focused on Author Success for you and your book. Throughout the month, I shared a variety of quotes and tips for encouraging others, and yourself to use the #1 way to sell books. Next month is Author Freedom Month.
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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. July 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, July 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. June 4, 11, 18, 25 Amazon
bestseller workshop
2. June 26 Podcast How to Create the Author Speaking Game Plan
3. June 27 Author Friendly Friday Coaching
4. July 9 Author Talk with Penny Rafferty
5. July 13 Lone Tree B&N private
6. July 18 Ask Judith
7. July 19 Southlands B&N private
8. July 20 Lakewood B&N private
9. July 25
Book Publishing Unplugged - Online
10. July 26 Book Publishing – In Person
11. July 3 Podcast How to Create Crowdfunding Success
12.
July 10 Podcast How to Find and Build SuperFans
13. July 17 Podcast How to Avoid Blunders and Mistakes Part 1
14. July 24 Podcast How to Avoid Blunders and Mistakes Part 2
15. July 31 Podcast Creating Your Author’s Walk
16. August 2 BookBrush’ Book MarCon
17. August 16 Author BBQ and Judith’s Alive Day
18. September 3, 10, 17, 24 Amazon Bestseller
19. September 6 AuthorU Monthly program
20. 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 – Google Easter Eggs – elgooG
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| 2 Discover Foreword Reviews & Foreword Indies
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Foreword Reviews is a Folio Award-winning magazine, and the only journal exclusively dedicated to reviewing books from independent publishers, university presses, and self-publishers. Each issue features 150+ book reviews, in-depth articles previewing category trends, book-industry specific opinion pieces, and bound special sections covering award winners, audiobooks, and more.
Its Foreword Indies Book Awards are the premier attention getter for independently published authors and publishers. EARLY BIRD entries end on June 30.
VIP AuthorYOU Members get a free 1-year subscription to Foreword Magazine. You must contact Foreword Reviews directly to start your free subscription.
15% off website ads and FTW
ads
15% off Clarion Reviews
15% off Trade shows
15% off Subscription Renewal
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Join bestselling Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Inductee Penny Hamilton as she takes center stage and reveals her journey to becoming an author and aviator ... oh the places she has been ... and will go.
Register NOW: https://bit.ly/WEDAuthorHappyHour
On July 9th, this is your Zoom link:
https://bit.ly/AuthorTalkHappyHour
or LIVE on ZOOM ... passcode is Hall
Who Is Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Ph.D.?
With over 30 years authoring articles and books, Penny Rafferty Hamilton reflects her passions–aviation, Western heritage, and women’s history and calls Granby, Colorado home. A world-record setting aviator, she currently focuses on aviation and aerospace.
· Her "Penny the Pilot"program has been a cornerstone in many school teaching preschoolers and elementary children about the history of women in aviation.
· The FAA Central Region bestowed its Champion of Aviation Education Award and ABC-TV in Denver recognized her with its Everyday Hero award in 2009.
· Her ground-breaking Teaching Women to Fly Research Project findings were published in the Proceedings of the Human Resource Development International and in the International textbook, Absent Aviators: Gender Issues in Aviation.
· Books include Arcadia Images of America Around Granby and Absent Aviators: Gender Issues in Aviation, America’s Amazing Airports, Inspiring Words for Sky and Space Women, and 101 Trailblazing Women of Air and Space.
· She is honored to be a Laureate of both the Colorado Aviation and Women’s Halls of Fame.
· She holds a world aviation speed record.
· She was inducted into the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame in 2019.
It's a great author stop and awe time with the Inductees of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame. All sessions will be recorded and registrants will receive the replay ... and they are FREE.
Listen in. Join in the conversation. Have fun. Ask Penny your questions.
Author Happy Talk is live the second Friday of each month and features one of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Inductees.
Register NOW for one or all sessions slated for 2025 HERE: https://bit.ly/WEDAuthorHappyHour for Registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. On Wednesday morning, you will get a reminder and the Zoom link.
Penny and I look forward to our hour with you.
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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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Book Publishing Smarts … Book Publishing Unplugged
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| JULY 25 Online … JULY 26 In Person
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Would you like to turn the book you have or are creating into the book and authoring success you want?
Would you be willing to trade just a day to get all the publishing and strategy information you need … information and strategies that will create FREEDOM to be an awesome author?
July 25 -ONLINE
8:30 A.M to 3 P.M
July 26th – In – Person
8:30 A.M to 4 P.M
Early Bird ENDS on July 7th
Awesome authors came from everywhere … where will you come from? Experience one full day of Judith–either online via Zoom … no pitches, just Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged delivering an amazing depth of publishing, authoring, and marketing information that she has derived from her 30-plus years in the publishing field and as The Book Shepherd.
Create the bestseller you dream of … turn into the award-winning and sought-after author you aspire to … brainstorm the crowdfunding program to fund your project … get the answers to the questions you have … all of them.
Judith is the master book publishing coach and guide.
Reserve Your Spot NOW
for a Colorful Book Brain-Jammed Day.
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/judith-briles-book-publishing-unplugged/
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BBQ Time … AuthorYOU annual August
16
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Come to the Annual AuthorYOU BBQ
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Join your fellow authors for some great food, fun, and networking at the annual AuthorYOU BBQ. 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
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Hot podcasts slated for June
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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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June 5 How to Create the
Author Book Concept Game – Judith Briles
June 12 How to Create the Author Website Opt-In Game Plan – Judith Briles
June 19 How to Create the Author Book Marketing Game Plan – Judith
Briles
June 26 How to Create the Author Speaking Game Plan – Judith Briles
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Salons for July meetup.com/authoryousalons/
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| Question of the Week ... How do I participate in all the Barnes & Noble events you do?
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Answer: First: You must be a member of AuthorYou.org. Contact me and if I have an opening spot at the next event, you register to participate—note, the number who can is limited. It’s a first come, first serve ... with a string attached. It’s not an all about you event. This is a marketing coop. Coop with the bookstore. And coop with the other authors in attendance. You must cross promote on site. Help
sell you tablemates books as well as yours. If you don’t, you won’t participate at future events.
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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— perfect for summertime … How cool is this shadow art to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Simply wonderful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4yJTDZKqjo&list=RDn4yJTDZKqjo&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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