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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #338 – June 19, 2024
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
Create. Strategize. Develop. Publish. Achieve.
In this Issue
1. Author Tips & Tools ... Discover AnyVoo
2. Author Benefit ... Richard Rieman, Audiobooks
3. June Author Webinar … Book Positioning is June 20-tomorrow
4. Hot podcasts for June … Add to your calendar and listen 5. Salons … July and August are available to register
6. Question of the Week … How do I approach a bookstore for a signing?
7. Book Shepherd “Smile” of the Week … Jeanne Robertson humor
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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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Denver’s mercurial Tattered Cover awaits approval from the Bankruptcy Court for Barnes & Noble to take over ownership and operations.
I’m optimistic for authors and the community of Colorado. My experiences with working with the managers and staff of many of the BN stores has been positive for the members of the AuthorU.org community. We sell cases of books every time we are in a store and we get paid. BN has been
instrumental in the creation of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame through its Book Fairs.
In 2023, the Hall honored BN and the stores in the Metro Denver area for Community Achievement and Best Bookseller for Authors.
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The weather has been warm and repairs from the hail damage have started. My new lower and side pathways are replaced, new umbrellas are up and the ones that made swiss cheese look whole have been trashed. Next up is roof and gutter work.
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With Summer Solstice, it’s often a time to take a few days and relax. And it’s also the time to noodle what’s next for the final quarter of the year. What’s next. Do the list thing … but then prioritze. Just focus on the must do—the nice to do will have its turn. Deadlines are happening this month is the book award world. American Fiction Awards and Best Book Awards have deadlines to enter. The blog I wrote last week is an update on many of the awards for your consideration. Get it here: https://bit.ly/2024BookAwards The AuthorU community will be doing a special webinar with Bublish on the 20th. There’s a nifty tool you will want to grab. Details are below to register. Don’t forget to check out my new site JudithBrilesBooks.com is totally dedicated to just my writing. And I’ll be introduction my new Judith’s Readers Circle—one of the goodies I’ll be giving aways is a mini cookbook of some of my personal recipes. Join and download it. I’m already getting feedback from those who are using the recipes I shared.
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It’s Authors’ Success Month all during June. Are you ready to keep your momentum going? In June, my new posters will focus on Author Success Month with your own Author’s Walk.
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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 rejuicing. Read in less than minute. Make sure you are registered to get them: https://thebookshepherd.com/author-newsletter/
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This week, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast focuses on AI and Publishing – with publishing expert and founder of Bublish, Kathy Meis Summer is here and book sales can be sizzling. Join me for a full hour of tips and ideas.
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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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If becoming an Amazon bestseller is on your To Do list this year, get signed up for my next series of classes that starts in August. Details on TheBookShepherd.com under events.
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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 18 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 20 Author Webinar … Book Positioning
2. June 20 Podcast – AI and Publishing
3. June 27 Podcast – 15 Author and Publishing Snafus to Avoid4. July 13 AuthorYOU Salons – ONLINE & ON-PERSON - AuthorYOU members only
5. August 3 - Author BBQ
6. August 4 BN BookFair Briargate, Colorado Springs, CO
7. August 7, 14, 21, 28 Amazon Bestseller workshops
8. August 10 AuthorYOU Salons –ONLINE & ON-PERSON - AuthorYOU members only
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AuthorYOU members … the July second Saturday AuthorYOU Salon is slated for Saturday, the 13th, ONLINE or IN-PERSON from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. MT. Remember, there must be a minimum of five participants outside of me if they are registered by Friday noon, the day before. If not, I will cancel. Info is below … you need to be registered to attend. https://www.meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons/
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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 Discover AnyVoo … Webcam Backgrounds
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Do you revolt when you see some of the virtual backgrounds that are the norm for many on the online presentations? Me too—especially the ones that fade in and out; cut off hair and faces if the speaker moves their face just a tad; and of course, the ones that are clearly unprofessional—as in bedrooms with unmade made or rooms in disarray. It’s time to discover AnyVoo.
Thinking marketing forward every time you are on an online video anything. You can create a customizable fabric background that stretch over a frame that you then attach to a stand (meaning it’s portable) or hang from the wall behind you. It’s reversible, so you have two background options. Think of your logo, tag line, even your book covers. From $206. Kinda cool. https://AnyVoo.com
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2 Meet Richard Rieman – Imagination Videobooks
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Discover Imagination Videobooks and the Audiobook Revolution if you want to:
· Decide the best way to produce, distribute, and market your money-making audiobook.
· Look for a great audiobook narrator.
· Be an independent publisher looking to create audiobook versions of your titles.
· Look for audiobook masterclasses online.
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Get tips on audiobooks and audiobook creation.
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Want to create a Children’s Video Book.
· Want audiobook and videobook success.
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3 Author Webinar … Book Positioning
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What Is Book Positioning and Why Does It Matter?
In this one-hour webinar, you'll learn about book positioning—one of the most critical but also one of the most overlooked steps in the publishing process.
You'll learn the necessary steps to position your book for optimal discoverability and sales as well as how to do important research to inform your decisions throughout the positioning process.
Finally, you'll learn the best time is to position your book and how effective positioning informs a professional publishing timeline and process. And, of course, we'll leave time at the end to answer your questions.
Registration: https://bit.ly/BookPositioning2024
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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.
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June 6 Digital Workbooks - Parchelle Tashi June 13 Book
Signings and Events - Judith Briles June 20 AI and Publishing - Kathy Meis
June 27 15 Hot Author Tips – Rebecca Finkle and Judith Briles
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AuthorYOU Salons for July and August
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Question of the Week ... How do I approach a bookstore for a signing?
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Answer: It starts with a phone call … and be prepared with your initial pitch. It could also start with personally visiting the bookstore you want to do a signing.
On the phone, ask for the manager or the individual who sets up INSTORE author signings. Introduce yourself and tell them you the author of a fantasy/sci-fi/womens fiction—whatever—book and the title. That you would be honored to do a signing at their store and invite friends and contacts to attend. Saturdays are usually best. Listen to the response. They may want you to send something—be prepared to give the ISBN if they ask and they will check if they can order it
through Ingram. Some may allow a consignment arrangement.
In Person will require the same approach. Take a one-sheet of your book and the actual book with you. Decisions are often made quickly.
Part of your job is to get visitors there as well. Think swag—bookmarks, posters, a vertical banner or one for your table.
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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—Discover the Southern humor of Jeanne Robertson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YFRUSTiFUs
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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 it 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 a 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.
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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 expands 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 that generates over 250,000 downloads a month. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd, email: JudithBriles.com and phone: 303-885-2207.
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©2024 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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