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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for
Authors
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Newsletter Issue #420 – January 21, 2026
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Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for AuthorsI create books that authors never have to apologize for …
In this Issue
1. Discover … Authory
2. Meet … Amazon’s DRM-Enabled, deadline is NOW
3. Ask Judith … February
4. February Author Program … Press Releases on February 6
5. Author Success Zoom Time … REPLAY 60+ Hot Author Tips in
90 Minutes
6. Hot podcasts for January … Add to your calendar and listen
7. Salons for the New Year … March and April
8. Question of the week … How often should I have photos
taken?
9. Smile time … Mama Dirty Dances
This Week Under The Book Shepherd’s® Roof
Hello and Good Publishing Day to YOU …
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I’m enjoying the participants in the Amazon Bestseller Class—today is session three. It’s always fun to see ideas come alive and success awaiting them as they prep for their campaigns. The next Amazon Best Seller class will begin on April 1st... get registered https://thebookshepherd.com/create-an-amazon-bestseller/
And my countdown continues ... the Caribbean is sounding mighty good as I write this ... and the Publishing at Sea cruise sets sail in 25 days. Sun, warm sun is what my body needs now, surrounded by water. I can already sense the peacefulness as the ship leaves the port. And the enthusiasm as I greet 25+ authors the first evening over dinner. We are doing a special How to Create Awesome Photos on the Cruise with Ashlee
Bratton for cruisers only on FEB 3. Perfect timing.
This week, it’s studio recording time. I’m taping all the podcasts for February—thing book reviews; finding money available to authors and writers; identifying the core elements to thriving; and learning about the latest, and definitely not the greatest, on new online scam schemes directed toward authors. Definitely an information-rich hour each week for the heart of wintertime.
What’s on your list to: Becoming an Author on Fire? Tis my theme for the year … and for me, it means
lots of changes. Flipping some of the things that I do … adding new items to my consulting and marketing mix. Becoming an Author on Fire brings "thriving" into your radar. What say you? Are you ready to drop what’s not working? Ready to step into something new?
There are lots of changes bubbling up on KDP and its DMR program. Date to pay attention to is January 20—that is today … did you clarify what your druthers were? Details below. My opinion: ENABLE DRM.
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Once again, the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame will award up to five $2,000 plus Mentorship scholarships. And submissions are coming in! Total value to an aspiring, unpublished author is $17,000. Do you know someone who is an unpublished author who desires to be? Get them to submit their applications NOW.
On Monday, I had two calls from exciting writers and looked forward to submitting for scholarship consideration.
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My blog this week is perfect for the time … Publishing tip for newbie authors: what you write, page-by-page in your Word document/PDF, may have little to do with what it looks
like in the formal book layout. https://thebookshepherd.com/yourwordssing/
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On last Thursday’s podcast, John Kremer joined me for tips on how to Tame the Google Monster. This week, I’ll be focusing on Power Strategies for Instagram with Jules Marie.
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Top 10 podcasts for book marketing and Top 100 for book publishing tips for authors! You can always listen in via our websites: www.AuthorU.org - click on the Resources tab on the Home page—pick your podcast … or, TheBookShepherd.com - click on the Blog-Podcast-YouTube tab.
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That’s my week … how’s yours? Lots of happenings below.
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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. January 21 - Amazon Bestseller #3
2.
January 22 - Podcast … Instagram Power Strategies for Authors … Jules Marie
3. January 28 - Amazon Bestseller #4
4. January 29 - Podcast … Support for Unpublished Authors … Judith Briles and Mara Purl
5. February 1 - Barnes & Noble Colorado Blvd Judith Briles and Mara Purl
6. February 3- 4 MT Private Webinar for Publishing at Sea participants
7. February 5 - Podcast … Book and Writing Contests
8. February 6 - AuthorU Program … Creating Your Press Releases Forward
9. February 7 - Barnes & Noble Southlands, Aurora Judith Briles and Joseph Caldara
10. February 12 - Podcast … Online Fraud
11. February 15-22 - Publishing at Sea workshop
12. February 19 - Podcast … Book Reviews
13. February 26 - Podcast … Bring the Thrive Factor to Your Writing
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Want to automatically back up your work in an easy-peasy portal that offers other bells
and whistles?
Authory aggregates everything you've ever written or recorded and generates a beautiful portfolio page so you can showcase, share, and save your work in progress, as well as anything else you load into it. Cost ranges from free to $18 a month. https://authory.com/
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Discover Enable DRM on Amazon KDP --- ends TODAY
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Next week, on January 20, 2026, Amazon will allow verified purchasers to download EPUB and PDF files for certain Kindle eBooks. This applies only to DRM-free books published through Kindle Direct Publishing.
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There is a plus for "e" readers—it means that they can redistribute any of the Amazon digital files to your other platforms—tablets, phones, computers … ever OTHERs. You may be thinking this is a great idea. I don’t. It also means it can be redistributed anywhere. Someone can get your eBook and now push it out to Timbuktu.
For authors who publish without DRM, this update puts attention on your KDP account. You have a decision to make.
- This change does not affect eBooks that currently have DRM enabled. You need to verify.
- Authors publishing new DRM-free eBooks after December 9, 2025, will have downloads enabled by default. This is so ugh!
- Downloadable EPUB and PDF files increase reader flexibility but also lower the barrier to redistribution. Think publishing pirates.
- HUGE suggestion asap … keep DRM enabled … or immediately do it via your KDP account.
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Ask Judith ANYTHING about Book Publishing and Book Marketing in February … The Book Shepherd is YOURS for 60 Minutes!
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Judith Briles is YOURS for 60 minutes on Friday, February 27, at 3:00 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 start smoke ‘em your Author 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=SH5vWqz0SkvVIZIgnC95lHCmCAi2km.1
Password: authors
Add to Your Calendar: Friday, February 27at 3:00 MT (2 PT, 5 CT, 5 ET)
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AuthorU February Program
Friday, February 6 from 2:00-4:00 MT
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Press Releases … DO Authors Need Them … YES They Do!
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If you don’t tell the media your story with a press release, who will? This is a live webinar. It will be recorded. The savvy author will be there in person to get your questions answered.
Your takeaways include:
- How to create a list of your media to send to.
- Strategies to create a compelling hook.
- Use the trifecta of promo to create and push out the press release.
- Tips for including value-added information to your release.
- How to create a quarterly PR schedule.
- Marketing with short videos.
- Where to distribute your press release.
- How to distribute your press release.
- How to create a media list.
- Why your headline must be clear, concise, clever, and compelling.
You will get a variety of tips and tricks for building your influence and getting the media’s attention. Get ready to craft a strategy and put it into action.
Your Presenter: Jules Marie is a certified social media manager and marketing specialist. Her website is 33Words.us.
When? Friday, February 6 from 2 – 4 pm MT (1 PT, 3 CT, 4 ET)
Cost? Free to VIP AuthorU.org members. $30 for nonmembers
Register: https://www.authoru.org/event-details-registration/press-releases-do-authors-need-them-yes-they-do
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REPLAY Calling all authors and authors-to-be out there
...
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It’s the Author Luck of the NEW YEAR last Saturday … a great program delivered by seven publishing pros with oodles of tips for your author success. You will get countless ideas and tips to move you forward toward author success.
Here’s the video replay link: https://vimeo.com/1151557678?fl=ip&fe=ec
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Podcasts slated for January
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Ranked in the Top 10 podcasts for book marketing for authors by FeedSpot.
February is a moving-forward month. You can just listen via audio or view on YouTube. And a WOOT … On GoodPods, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Publishing has been honored with TOP 10 badges in four different categories.
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January 1 Your Words Matter ... Judith Briles
January 8 Book Marketing Strategies for 2026 ... John Kremer
January 15 The Google Monster ... John Kremer
January 22 Instagram Power Strategies for Authors ... Jules Marie
January 29 Support for Unpublished Authors ... Judith Briles and Mara Purl
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Salons for the New Year … March and April
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| March 14 will be up next. February is a skip … 27 other authors and I are at sea
With The Publishing at Sea Cruise from February 15 to 22.
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Question of the Week ... How often should I have photos taken?
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Answer: Great question ... and the answer is ... it depends. For book cover, your About
page on website, media, and speaking purposes, I suggest updating every two years. You need to look CURRENT.
For candid shots, they are candid and often cover several years. You can have some fun here. But be real. We are all on an aging path.
Being 60 and using a photo for media purposes when you were 40 is absurd. And too many do it. In my opinion, I would update every two years.
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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 enjoy—As a long-time fan of the Carol Burnett Show, Mama takes the stage … and owns it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i10SQ5pWpIM
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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, and 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 it 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 strategies, tips, and tools that attendees can immediately start to use. All share … and ask plenty of questions. They
get answers. An excellent way to start a Friday. Those of you who aren’t taking part 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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Follow us, listen, and learn … new shows every Thursday.
GO to the SHOW page and select which podcast is for you… The latest will always be posted on top: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast
And, if you have listened, support our podcast, and post a review. Thank you!
The AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is available on all major podcast channels. How cool is that? Listeners can tune into the weekly (always new – no repeats) show on:
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Get the latest #AuthorU-Your Guide to #Book #Publishing #podcast with @MyBookShepherd via iTunes here: http://bit.ly/BookPublishingPodcast
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.
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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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©2026 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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