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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors
Newsletter Issue #294 – August 9, 2023
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
In this Issue
1. Author Tips & Tools... Discover Manta
2. Publishing Help ... Meet Midwest Book Review
3. BookMARCon ... Get marketing savvy this weekend
4. Webinar ... NEW-Book Brush Strategies Replay
5. Book Marketing ... Final Amazon Bestseller scheduled
6. Author BBQ ... In 17 days
7. AuthorYOU Salons … Posted through September
8. Hot podcasts for August … Add to your calendar and listen
9. Question of the Week … What is a Super Fan?
10. Book Shepherd “Fun” of the Week … I’m not a cat!
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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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I loved working with the FAPA community last weekend ... the Florida Author’s and Publishers Association. Seeing old
friends, meeting many new ones. Keynoting Saturday morning, we did a special session on Friday. Week before I was in Las Vegas, and this Saturday I will do an online session for Book Brush at their first, and I hope to be annual, BookMARCon three-day event. And then ... it’s concentrating on the final setup and staging for the Authors Hall of Fame Induction Gala on September 11th.
When I return from road trips, I usually head to the kitchen for my re-rooting. On the flight back from Florida, I polished up the first to chapters of my new fiction series. Izzie, my protagonist, likes to cook. A few of my personal recipes will be in
each book.
Knowing I wanted to play with one of my favorite desserts, it was experiment time. The outcome was JB’s Easy Peasy Mini Tiramisu. Starting with a full cup of coffee and adding rum (lots) to dunk Lady Fingers in for when I was ready to do the assemble. I have lots of glassware and the perfect small clear containers were pulled from under the bar. I hit the freezer and pulled out chocolate chips and grated and quickly chopped. Heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla were whipped together. Ahhh, I had frozen raspberries for finishing. And TaDah ... to the garage refrigerator the finished tray went.
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| Friends were over for catch-up and dinner that night ... my well-eating Guinea Pig pals. All declared a winner. Next round, I will sub in Kahlua for the rum. To the book, it will be added.
Quick question ... Have you registered for Book Brush’s BookMARCON starting this Friday? It’s all online—live ... but, you will have unlimited access to all the session replays. Info below.
Got questions? Add this Thursday to your Calendar ... any questions about marketing, publishing, and books is the open topic for the
OPEN hour, starting at 11 am MT.
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The next Author Hour Happy Talk in August, Colorado Author’s Hall of Famer Charlotte Hinger is with us for an hour on Friday.
Published with New York and Independents, Join in with her mystery writing strategies and historical investigation to add flair on August 11. https://bit.ly/FRIAuthorHappyHour
This Saturday, both online and in-person Author Salons are a go.
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On November 4, my home community of Heritage Eagle Bend hosts its annual craft’s fair on Saturday, November 4 in the ballroom of the Clubhouse. I have a table for books and authors. Hours are 10 to 2. We can take TWO more. Let me know if you are interested in participating be calling/texting me at 303-885-2207.
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The Colorado Authors Hall of Fame announced its new last week. Press releases start now. Their bios and photos are up on the website and plans are in place for the Gala Induction. Plan on joining us on Monday, September 11th. It’s a dress up event.
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Stay at the hotel—many of us are for networking and schmoozing. Twelve Inductees will be announced this week. Dom Testa will emcee once again with Phil Grinrod supplying predinner music. Hits in the past and back by request.
THIS event is now 70% sold out. Get your tickets now - https://bit.ly/GreatAuthors and why not gather eight friends and create YOUR table? It’s a night to remember to celebrate the Inductees, the legacies, and much more ... not to mention FUN. There will be only twelve—ten Living and two Passed (they will have family members represent
them)—bet you can’t guess who the two are. All other Inductees will be there, in person. Tickets are available here:https://bit.ly/GreatAuthors
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The last Amazon Bestseller workshops will be in November. Dates are 1, 8, 15, 22—four consecutive Wednesdays from 4 to 5.30 MT. Space is limited. This is direct coaching from me throughout. If being a bestseller is a goal, this is the time to register to participate. Remember, Alumni participate at half price.
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This week on the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast— With so much going on in the book world, this week’s podcast, is with Authors Hall of Famer Patricia Raybon–all about Cracking the Writer's
Puzzle.
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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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| Lots of happenings below. My theme for the year, Be a DOER ... not a dreamer is off to a fast and big start. It’s the perfect few lines to noodle on and infuse yourself with inspiration each Saturday on my new blog.
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Have you ever explored the network website where I store all my podcasts? … Holy Moly … over 14 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. August 2, 9, 16, 23 Amazon Bestseller workshops
2. August 10 Ask Judith – Online only
3. August 11 Happy Hour Author Talk with Hall of Famer Charlotte Hinger
4. August 11-13 BookBrush BookMARCON
5. August 12 AuthorYOU Salons – IN-PERSON & ONLINE - AuthorYOU members only
6. August 19 Barnes & Noble – Westminster
7. August 24 Webinar for Publishing at Sea with Faculty
8. August 26 AuthorYou BBQ
9. September 9 AuthorYOU Salons – IN-PERSON & ONLINE - AuthorYOU members only
10. September 11 Authors Hall of Fame Induction Gala – In Person only
11. September 22-23 Speaking Unplugged – In Person
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AuthorYOU members … the August second Saturday AuthorYOU Salon is slated for Saturday, the 12th and is at the ONLINE time only this month, 7 am to 8.30 and IN-PERSON 9 am to 11.30 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 and DON’T Experience … Amazon Spoofing
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The number of reported suspicious emails, phone calls, text messages and links to phony webpages are growing like topsy. DO NOT RESPOND to them. If they have Amazon’s name in them (many do), this is what you do:
Report them immediately … to Amazon.
It takes fraud, scam, phishing, and spoofing attempts seriously. If you receive correspondence you think may not be from Amazon, let them know immediately. Here’s
how:
Suspicious Emails or Webpages
To report a phishing or spoofed email or webpage:
1. Open a new email and attach the email you suspect is fake.
For suspicious webpages, copy & paste the link into the email body.
If you can't send the email as an attachment, forward it.
Note: Sending the suspicious email as an attachment is the best way for us to track it.
Note: Amazon can't respond personally when you report a suspicious correspondence to stop-spoofing@amazon.com, but you may receive an automatic
confirmation.
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| 2 Meet James A. Cox - Editor-in-Chief
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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:
· Internet Bookwatch (a compilation of The Bookwatch, Library Bookwatch, and 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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| 3 BookMARCon ... Get marketing savvy this weekend
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BOOKMARCon happens this weekend.
Here is the link to register for Book Brush’s BookMARCon event
for all 3 days with lifetime access at the early bird rate that ends TODAY: https://bookbrush.com/bookmarcon/
Here is my code to use to get your discount:BookMARConJB
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| 4 Lunch & Learn
... Book Brush Strategies Update REPLAY
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She's back ... Kathleen Sweeney is ready to reveal a Book Brush Refresher in a fast-paced Lunch & Learn … and easy peasy goodies you can do with stellar images and the latest tools.
If you are an author who doesn’t know Photoshop from the other—and doesn’t want to spend the money to buy it OR want to learn it—discover a nifty and elegant multi-facet tool that delivers high-quality images for all things books—even ads!
Learn how to create eye-catching marketing images for all things social media. Plus explore video effects, create Box Set images, use animation, design your own covers and more—lot’s more! You’ll discover handy tips & tricks along the way and there will be plenty of time for Q & A.
· It’s author ambrosia … animations are hot and you will open your portal via BookBrush.
· It's easy peasy for authors to create high-quality advertising graphics—hands down. The 3D cover templates are awesome.
· It’s an author happy dance time. If you want to save oodles of time excites you (and frustration), you won’t want to miss this!
This will be recorded. ALL registrants will receive it, even if you can't attend when it's presented live on August 2nd.
Here's the reply: https://vimeo.com/851221262?share=copy
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| 5 Become an Amazon Bestseller in November
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Starts November 1 at 4 pm ... will you attend?
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Are you ready to turn your eBook into an Amazon bestseller? The August Bestseller session is an online workshop that shows you the strategies and steps to claim your bestseller status.
Today is the last day to register for my Create an Amazon Bestseller Campaign for Your eBook Online course, Sign up by Noon MT so you get the handouts. Available only to a limited number of participants.
Dates are November 1, 8, 15, 22 beginning at 4 pm to 5:30 pm on four consecutive Wednesdays.
Can you get results?
Can you grab #1 for more than an hour like many of these campaigns?
Yes, yes you can. Every participant has earned the Bestseller ranking.
Let’s do it ...
Register: https://bit.ly/AMZBestseller
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| 6 Author BBQ is next month ... come on the 26th! in 17 days!
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Come to the Annual AuthorYOU BBQ
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 26th, at 4:30 PM
Where: Judith’s House
8122 S. Quatar Cir. Aurora, CO 80016
Cost: $15 for singles or $25 per couple. (all food and beverages included)
Singles: $15
Space is limited. Select Single or Couple from the Dropdown Menu Below
Register: https://thebookshepherd.com/come-to-the-annual-authoryou-bbq/
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AuthorYOU Salons … August-September
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Register for the next few months – The Saturday AuthorYou Salon will be ONLINE only starting at 7 to 8.30am MT. AuthorYou members will be emailed the link on Friday. Salons are a Free benefit for VIP AuthorYOU members only.
RULES …
1. You must register for this.
2. If less than 5 people are registered by Noon on the Friday before, event will be canceled. No exceptions.
If you have book marketing, writing, publishing questions, get answers. Or, you just want to schmooze a bit, It’s ONLINE and IN-PERSON on the second
Saturday of each month. You MUST be a paid member of AuthorYOU.org to participate. ONLINE starts at 7 am to 8.30 am MT – IN-PERSON at 9 am MT. Here’s the link to register and getting notices/reminders forward:
Register here: https://www.meetup.com/AuthorYOUSalons/
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Hot podcasts slated for August
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August 3 Websites for Author Success - Michelle Renee
August 10 Cracking the Writer's Puzzle - Patricia Raybon
August 17 Author Success via Niche Writing - Manuel Ramos
August 24 Book Reviews and More - Sandra Dallas
August 31 Speaking: Creating, Contracts, Book Sales - Judith Briles
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| Question of the Week ... What is a Super Fan?
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Answer: Good question. Super Fans follow authors and genres. Anything the other publishes, they buy. New books in a genre, they buy. Usually women, over 40, they become vocal marketing support for books and authors. Super Fans are good things to have!
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Funny 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. If you didn’t catch the short video of the lawyer who had been turned into a cat meme by his kiddos, it’s a hoot “Im not a at” "I'm here, live, I'm not a cat" – cnn.it/3ahoWyd
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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/product/author-friendly-fridays-subscription
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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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©2023 Judith Briles - The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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