Author U Your Guide To Book Publishing

The experts agree that publicity is 10 times more valuable than advertising ... but what is it ... and what do you need to do to get it for your book? Critical questions and today's show has the answers. Judith Briles' guest today is Sandra Beckwith, a book marketing coach and award-winning former publicist. She talks, and reveals, what it is and how to get your share of it. Sandra will even divulge some of her insider success secrets that come from years of working with the press. Hot! Throughout the hour, they will cover: -What is it? -How does it differ from advertising? -Essential buzz-building mindset. -Using that mindset to attract media attention. -3 best and easiest-to-use publicity tactics. -How to build a publicity media list. -Mistakes to avoid. -Common mistakes even the pros make.

Good writing has to grab the reader immediately, then draw them into the world the author has created. It may seem that is just takes "talent" to accomplish this. Actually, it also takes skill. Talent can't be taught. Skill can. Joining Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and host, is Mara Purl a best-selling and an award winning fiction and nonfiction author. Before that, she wrote and produced a hit show radio drama for the BBC. She'll be presenting an interactive Flash-Fiction Session where participants are actually going to create a piece of work in 45 minutes. Throughout the hour, we will cover: 1 - Premise -- What's your story about? What's one of your deepest beliefs as a writer? How do you get it on the page? 2 - Narrative Voice -- What do you have to say? What "voice" will say it? 3 - Character Development - 1st person, 2nd person and 3rd person. One can be limiting; one puts the reader in the hot seat; one is the reader. 4 - Story structure - Screen writing has one of the tightest kinds of stru

There’s an astonishingly huge difference between publishing your own book, and taking on other authors and trying to make a profitable business out of publishing their books. As the Indie Publishing field matures, we’re starting to see more authors attempt this leap. Others are forming publishing cooperatives, and still others are acting on plans to create small presses. Joining Judith Briles, The Book Shephered is Joel Friedlander is an award-winning book designer, a blogger, the author of A Self-Publisher’s Companion: Expert Advice for Authors Who Want to Publish and the recently published The Self-Publisher's Ultimate Resource Guide. He’s been launching the careers of self-publishers since 1994 and writes TheBookDesigner.com, a popular blog on book design, book marketing and the future of the book. Joel is also the founder of the online training course, The Self-Publishing Roadmap. They will discuss the positive and expected evolutionary changes, as simple organisms develop into more complex ones, creati

Today's show is all about the ONE, single missing piece in web marketing. You are probably up to your eyeballs in how to do this and how to do that. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, LinkedIn ... you name it; a lot is repetitive yet there is ONE SINGLE oversight. No more for the listeners to AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing. My guest today is Marty Dickinson is the co-author of Web Marketing All-in-One for Dummies. He is also a 20-year full-time web marketer and certified platinum level service provider for CloudNet360 and he's here to talk to us about a new discovery he's made that simply NO ONE is talking about when it comes to selling more books, getting more speaking gigs, or simply running a business...He claims, this One Missing Piece is the key to consistent growth in a shaky economy. Your take-aways include: -The One missing thing to your web marketing success and business. -Treat every website visitor like they are a piece of gold. -Convert more website visitors to customers

No matter how much you think you need to publish a book--surprise, you may need more. The world of crowdfunding keeps changing for authors. Back again is the amazing Amanda Barbara, bringing AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing listeners a wealth of information on insider tips and tricks to be successful with a campaign. Today, you’ve struck gold. Her motto is: Pubslush is not successful if you aren't successful. I love this attitude. Amanda is the CEO of PubSlush, the #1 crowdfunding site that is dedicated to authors and their books. She is an advocate for all things crowdfunding in the publishing world; speaks frequently at publishing conferences; and is a philanthropist at heart--serving on a variety of boards for children's literacy and the PubSlush Foundation. Join us for a compelling conversation, where you’ll hear all about: -What the key changes in crowdfunding for the author are in 2015. -Why Pubslush is different from everyone else and why you should care. -How to create the right rewards for y

No matter how well you write, let’s face it, most authors aren’t online marketing experts. Chances are, you have neither the time nor budget to develop that expertise — you just want trustworthy advice and easy-to-implement ideas that will produce results! Well, today, you’ve struck gold. My guest on January 15, 2015 is a highly skilled writer, editor and digital marketer. Meet Hunter Boyle. As an editor, he’s grown several email lists, and as a marketer, he’s worked with best-selling authors across all genres. Hunter's first job out of college was producing iconic author Saul Bellow’s final literary magazine, but his long career in publishing is firmly rooted in the digital side. Join us for a compelling conversation, where you’ll hear all about: •The biggest mistakes authors make with digital and email marketing •Proven tactics to grow your fan base with email and social •Simple changes that will make your website more “sticky” •Tips for increasing engagement with your fans online •What best-selling aut

With upwards of 3 million new books being published every year, it's tough to achieve publishing success. As an author, even if you've written a great book, there are so many missteps you can take that can derail your chances for success. There are things you need to do before you write, marketing that needs to take place before and after your book is printed and so much more. My guest, Bret Ridgway, has been a guest on this show multiple times where he's shared his insider knowledge about the world of information marketing. His latest book is co-authored and titled: Mistakes Authors Make: Essential Steps for Publishing Success that can help your learn to avoid the fifty biggest mistakes that authors make. -What's the end game for your book? -How many of the "hats" that an author might wear really fit you? -The little talked about subject of book consumption -How are you going to attract the browsing buyer? -Building name capture mechanisms inside your books Another terrific program with Dr. Judith Briles,

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into all the nuances of working with a Book Shepherd ... from your idea to manuscript to execution to the TaDah--your book. She is solo today... as a Book Shepherd to hundreds of books that have launched, she "see's books" and wants to make sure that the author sees his or her book as well. Her website is www.TheBookShepherd.com Book Shepherd's are master project managers of the creation of your book. A Book Shepherd should be a master of multiple components in publishing--from writing, to design, to marketing, to knowing what players will bring your book alive and so much more. Publishing isn't a piece of cake--it's work. A great Book Shepherd is the icing on your cake. •What is a Book Shepherd? •Where do you find one? •What does a Book Shepherd cost? •What are the must haves/dos in working with a Book Shepherd? •What can a Book Shepherd do for the Author and the Book? •What does a Book Shepherd cost? •What is the Author's responsibi

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into how to "work an author event" and "celebration." With her is million book bestseller Susan RoAne. Her book, How to Work a Room was published 25 years ago and celebrates a new edition this year. Learn: -Hot tips for creating a book celebration. -What the key differences between book signing and a book event. -The #1 reason how a book signing ca work. -Tips on how to make your book event festive. -How "small conversations" can sell lots of books. And, as always ... much more. Another great hour with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and CEO of AuthorU.org.

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into jkey components of the Author's Journey--from idea to execution to outcome. With her is author Ashlee Bratton who launched Life Before the Lottery this fall after a crowdfunding venture. -Where do ideas come from? -How does an author deal with the unexpected--all the hiccups that can pop up at any time? -What are the must haves/dos to make the author journey successful? -What types of author pics do you need to complete the package of an author? -What are the must haves to create a successful crowdfunding campaign and what should be avoided? -When should the promo start for a book--before or after the author has it in hand? -What types of venues should be considered for a book launch/celebration? -If the clock could be wound back, what should the author do, and not do? -What's next in the Journey? And, as always ... much more. Another great hour with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and CEO of AuthorU.org.

This week's show focuses on all the gizmos and gadgets, online shopping carts and email marketing/newsletter services that can make the author's publishing, writing and marketing life sane. Kelly Johnson, Judith's favorite Geek Girl, joins her today. Kelly is the owner of CornerstoneVA.com. You will learn about: -Mail Chimp -AWebetr -Constant Contact -Vertical Response -CloudNet360 (Premium Web Cart) -1ShoppingCart -InfusionSoft and much more. Get ready for a great show on Authoru U-Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd!

Throughout the final quarter of the year, Judith features top members of "her team" in the creation of THE BOOK. This week's show comes back to the cover and interior... with a different voice, Michele DeFlippo, the CEO of 1106Design.com. Critical advice: love your book cover because buyers look at it, and buy it. Starting with the COVER, they explore: What is a book cover? A package that answers the buyer's only question: What's in it for ME? How should it look? Like similar bestsellers. Capture the correct mood. How should it work? The right words, arranged in the right way, on the front, back and spine. All marketing roads lead to your book cover. This is not the place to save money. How to hire the right designer. Someone who cares enough to challenge your thinking. Concepts vs. variations. No financial surprises! Continuing with the INTERIOR ... Why you should never use Word to lay out your book. Why Do-it-yourself templates are plain vanilla, boring. You are sold the level you can work with, not

How would you like to win a contest that is based on the quality and creativity of your work? You can. AuthorU.org is sponsoring, along with two dozen other majors--likes IngramSpark, Thomson Shore, New Shelves, The Book Shepherd, Tattered Cover Book Store, the BookBar, Total Printing Systems, Cornerstone Virtual Assistance, WaveCloud, Color House Graphics, 1106 Design, NZ Graphics, F+P Design, the Publicity Hound, Creative Journey, US Book News Awards Editing, Ashography and Daniel Hall Presents. There are four main categories: Fiction, NonFiction, YA-Juvenile, Childrens The one single catch: you cannot be already published (meaning you have books for sale) in the genre you are entering. You will get all the details in the show aired on Thanksgiving--the how-tos, what-fors, and the prizes. DON'T MISS IT! The Early Bird entry ends on November 30th ... all manuscripts must be received by January 15th. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the Draft to Dream Book Publi

Are all printing options alike? Do you have a clue on what happens once you engage a printer--what happens before the ink goes on? And what happens in the cover printing and binding? Most authors don't think about it all ... and as an author, you should. Good questions to ask and the answers are within today's show PLUS 21 Answers to questions you should be asking ... for what is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the Top 20 plus 1 Questions that every author, every publisher should ask a printer. Think of it as Part II of the session early this month on printing books--this round with Sandy Gould who brings 17 years of printing experience to produce your best book. Sandy is one of the expert voices from Color House Graphics. 1. Do you provide printing services for self-publishers and authors? 2. What types of files do you accept? 3. What should my designer receive from you before they prepare files for my book? 4.

Are all book designers alike? It's a good questions and the answer is, No way ... and you need to know what's out there and which is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in what's between the sheets and on top of your covers when it comes to book designing with a multi-award winning cover and book designer, Nick Zelinger of NZ Graphics. Nick knows books inside and out. -Learn Tips and Tricks on how to prep your manuscript for the designer. -What types of designs work best with different genres? -Cover options ... so your book isn't the ugly one. -How to work with your designer to maximize your return. -How to use parts of your cover within your interior. -Differences in Fiction and NonFiction designing. -How to make your cover and interior competitive. And, as always ... much more. Nick Zelinger is a graphic designer for over 20 years, has worked for ad agencies and printing companies; been an art director for an aviation maga

Are all book printers alike? It's a good questions and the answer is, Nope ... and you need to know what's out there and which is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in all things relating to book printing with Dave Raymond, the Regional Sales Manager at Thomson Shore and knows books! www.ThomsonShore.com -Are printing fees negotiable? -What types of paper are best for certain books. -Cover options ... the good, the bad and the oh-so-ugly. -IDing the best print methods. -Differences in digital vs. offset. And, as always ... much more. Join Judith Briles, the Book Shepherd, and Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing

This week's show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing is all treats, no tricks. Using social media to sell your books is the portal that every author needs to understand, to use, and remove the resistance roadblocks that hinder their results. Today's guest is Aliza Sherman, a pioneer in all things "web"--she is an co-author of the best-selling Social Media Engagement for Dummies. Her early work on the Internet and in the early days of Silicon Alley helped pave the way for today's new media industry. You will learn: -How much time do you need to invest in social media. -How much money do you need to invest in your social media strategies. -How to build your author platform through social media. -How to create a community and get it thriving. -How to create pre-sales via your social media channels. -How to convert your postings to purchases. -How Fiction authors can develop characters and narrative with social media tools. -How to avoid social media pitfalls.

Nope, eBooks didn't eliminate print books, contrary to what many thought would happen--print books are doing well, in fact, sales were up 4.3% this summer. BUT, eBooks are an important part to your mix. Today's show will focus on some of the old, but lots of the new--especially with what's bubbling up with eBooks for kids. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in all things eBooks with Nick Taylor. Nick designs eBooks for authors and publishers, is based in the U.S. and has the skills to make your book look awesome. Nick is an author of several fiction fantasy books--he gets what authors are facing in today's world. •What's hot with ebooks today. •KIDS' ebooks... a whole new world. •How to market your ebook--is there a twist from print books? •How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. •Yes you can, how to include illustrations. •When to bundle your book sales with print book. •How to prep your book for ebook conversion. •What to pa

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into Creativity with a Twist--how to develop the skill that we all have. Her guest is Ronda Sheya, principal in the Sheya-Group.com in Colorado. AND, one of the creative forces when Radio Disney started. •How to break the creative block. •Why is creativity different from invention. •How to use creativity in your book marketing and promotion. •How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. •ID the key steps in getting your creative juices salivating. •Why "clutter" is the enemy of all creativity. •How to capture ideas quickly. *Why "play" is essential to creativity. And, as always ... much more. Another great hour with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and CEO of AuthorU.org.

Your photos are a critical component to any author's online and offline presence. The questions: What photos are on your website?, What photos and images are in your social media outreach? and What photos and images are you using to support both you and your book? become critical in your overall Game Plan. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into what's what in photos today with master photographer, Ashlee Bratton. Ashlee is an award winning photographer (Ashography.com) who has the skills to make authors look awesome? Ashlee is also the author of the just released, Life Before the Lottery. -What types of author pics do you need? -Different locations to use. -How much should you pay and how to negotiate. -How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. -What are the key components of putting a video together. -Is any video better than no video? “Done is better than good.” -What works for you, your pics, your books, your promo ... everything ...