Friday, March 29, 2013

Authors: It’s Book Award time …


What do you do when you win a book award? The savvy author tells others about it. Don’t count on your publisher to do it if you are published by someone other than your own company. Get your computer open and:

1. Create the publicity to now support your book and drive up book sales. Write a media release that includes who awarded you, in what topic area. Make sure you include your book title (I’ve actually seen this forgotten), you as the author, publisher and where the book is available. For example, I live in Colorado—the top book store in Denver is the Tattered Cover—include that the book is available (and make sure it is). If you have a judge’s comment and appropriate, include it.
2. Tell the media world … it’s bragging time. Send the media release to your local newspapers, TV, radio or any organizations you belong to.
3. Think social media. Let your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Fans know … add the link to Amazon’s page for your book. You can create a video and post on YouTube. When I hear about AuthorU members or Book Shepherding clients, it is immediately posted on our Facebook Fan pages and announce in The Resource eNewsletter.
4. Have a photo with you, your book, award … post it, post it, post it … on all social media sites. If appropriate, link to them as well.
5. Blog it … blog about it on your blog; and if there are other blogs you’ve been following or are appropriate to connect with announce to their world as well.
6. Add that you are an Award-Winning Author to your signature line for all emails.
7. Don’t forget your website. Get it on the Home page—include a photo of you and your award and book. Add it to your Media page … if you don’t have one, create it—use the logo of the group that honored you … once you win one award, that seem to start multiplying. Add to the page as they come in.
8. Bravo … it’s celebration time—share it with your friends—have a party!

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.


Thursday, March 28, 2013

Authors: You Don’t Have to Answer Every Question When Doing Media



Authors: You Don’t Have to Answer Every Question When Doing Media
Ha! You’ve landed an interview on your book; you’ve prepped, only to discover that they person interviewing you is clueless. The odds are that they have not read your book–the back cover, yes; flaps, yes–their producer has supplied the questions that will come your way.
Or, they have their own agenda. What to do?
Your answer: Why take control, that’s what you do!
Remember growing up, you were told to answer any question an adult asked you? With the media–forget it. Authors need, no must, learn how to deflect a question when appropriate.
How about:
You: If I understand your question correctly, you’re really asking is/if …
Now, give your take—it doesn’t matter if it’s not directly connected.
You: Your question triggers another I need to address first …
Take this and run with it.
You: That question just may not have an answer. My take on it is …
Have fun … what is your take?

You: The answer to that question just might be too off the wall for some—what I’ve found (in my studies, interviews, research, etc.
Yes … tell them.
Sometimes there’s an ulterior motive—the interviewer may have a personal problem around your topic. One time I was in NY and learned that the person interviewing me had been demoted because of the behavior I was discussing in my book! If you are unclear, simply say.
You: That’s really interesting … why do you ask?
Let her respond, then restate and loop back to your book, your expertise.
If the interviewer has info wrong or facts incorrect, acknowledge it and state what needs to be corrected. If it’s said that you are an expert in a certain field, and you are not, correct it immediately—don’t let it slide. One time, I was on Geraldo and he announced to the audience that I was an expert in why women steal other women’s boyfriends! You’ve got to be kidding, me? As soon so as I responded to a question, I immediately let all know that’s not what my expertise was. And, if you find yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to end the interview—I’ve done it several times … it’s called the wrong fit.
When you are asked a zinger (and it happens) or an off-the-wall question, have some fun—humor is your ally–use it to deflect a question tossed at you—don’t forget to smile when you respond:
You: Wow … what a zinger of a question … do you want to create a minor uproar and get me into deep doo-doo?
Just say anything you want to … as in, “When I did …”
You: That’s amazing … did you run a contest to come up with the most outrageous question?
Then reference it slightly, but lead to where you want to make your key points.

You: You’d need a Ph.D. in Trivia to handle that one … let’s look at it closer …
Now, take it and twist how you want it to support your book.
Remember … you are MAKING their show sing on your stuff. Don’t be passive and ever so polite. Miss Manners may approve, but not in the book marketing game. You are an expert. An interesting person. An amazing author. If the host gets side-tracked, swing it back to what you want to talk about.
Phone interviews are always easy—you don’t have to dress and you have your notes to refer to. It’s smart to be able to move around, adds energy to your voice, you can use your hands … and don’t forget to smile. Having a mirror on your desk can help to remind you to.
When it comes to live TV—always wear “your” colors, what looks best on you—don’t forget, you need makeup, even men.
Finally, have fun. Make sure you have a copy of your book with you and that the host references where it can be purchase … and you should as well. If you are speaking locally, reference it; if you have a book signing, reference it; if you have some hot tips on your website on the topic, reference it. Remember … this is pitch, and information time.
Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Authors Beware … What You See and Write In Word Is Not What You Get!


Authors Beware … What You See and Write In Is Word Is Not What You Get!
After spending several hours with a client who was incredibly frustrated (and most likely PO’d at me for being the messenger) that what she had so carefully structured in her 8 x 11 print out version was most likely NOT going to be the same presentation in the interior design of the finished book.
Here’s the heads up: what you put down, page-by-page in your Word document/pdf may have little to do with what it looks like in the formal book layout. So … don’t make yourself crazy in trying to format things in the future. Just make your words sing.
You want to break up your copy—today’s eyes only will take in so many works—give them a break. Use Sub-titles to lead into new sections. Use call-outs and boxes—no, don’t box the words for visual change in your Word document as well as to accent major ahas and thoughts.
To do this, help the interior designer out … insert a “lead in” to the section/segment that tells the layout person this is special—needs to be handled differently from text.
Most prefer a “start box” at the beginning of the special text; “end box” at the end… doesn’t means it’s in a box, just that something will happen around this copy—be consistent and use that type of formatting throughout. Once the designer knows your “signature” his or her journey with you will be so much easier.
If your call-outs have special sections that must be contained on a specific page or between paragraphs, the probability of creating “gaps” or “holes” may be created—leaving the preceding or ending page “short”.
When your add all kinds of bells and whistles within your original manuscript, a layout nightmare is created, almost requiring a page-by-page tweaking (meaning more costs)—designers have got to create a template for the book that is customized for you, but consistent. Just because a word count is the same on a Word document page, doesn’t mean that it will lay down the same in a formal book layout program—breaks, leading between lines, bolding of words/phrases/paragraphs, # of paragraphs, sub-titles, illustrations and callouts, etc. will alter the final lay down. Guaranteed.
Your designer will work with you and recommend a text font to use in the book, as well as title and sub-title font. Remember—eBooks are in their own world … the reader, on the eReader selects the font that she or he wants, as well as the size.  That careful layout that you envisioned becomes a fantasy. Just make your words sing.
Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Do a “Like” on Author U and The Book Shepherd on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @AuthorU, @MyBookShepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

6 Pillars to Build Your Author and Book Business Online Video



Last year, Author U created it’s radio show, Your Guide to Book Publishing, that is available for downloads with the last five available for instant download on the Home page of www.AuthorU.org.  
6-columns
This year, Author U is kicking it up. We will be videoing many of our workshops and presentations … and the Extravaganza. Those videos will be available for purchase to start your own Video Library. The first available comes from the rock star event that was held in January.
Of the four years we have been doing AuthorU BookCamps, January’s workshop with online expert Amber Ludwig, was the single best one that we've done. The topic?

 6 Pillars to Build Your Author and Book Business Online
It included hot strategies and tools for authors with topics including: brand identity, website development, content strategy, building your readership, product development, social media and advanced training on affiliate marketing and join venture partnerships. Amber Ludwig rocked. And so will you.
We video-recorded the entire day and now we are ready to give you access to the day for just $97. If you are serious about getting your book out there and building a real, responsive following,click here to get the details and order this video series now:

judith-100-Edit
 Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Chief Visionary Officer and Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 30 books including her latest, Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms that official launches in March of 2013.  Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Your Guide to Book publishing on the www.RockStarRadioNetwork.com.  Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com


Monday, March 25, 2013

Becoming Part of the Author U Community with Your Know How!


Author U continues to grow and growWe have just received notification that we are the proud owner of an official registered trademark! TheExtravaganzahas only 30 seats left and six weeks to fill them! The odds are high—we will be sold out this year. All Exhibitor spots are already taken. TheAuthor Shark Tankalready has one member ready to take a swim. The Extravaganza is going to show every participant how to create the “edge” as an author; and for their book.
We have plans for many new programs and services to help our Author U® members create quality books, as well as market and sell more books. Meaning money and adding to your bank account.  In other words: achieve success as an author. Isn’t that your goal?

The hiccup is that we need some assist.  We have more ideas than people to implement them. Are you feeling creative? Would you be willing to volunteer some time to help us continue to grow?
Please consider being a committee chair, working on a committee or just being available for specific projects, such as the BookCamps, Webinars and other items that that last year’s Board Retreat identified.
Here are some of the areas in which we need help HELP with and in:
Publicity: Big time. We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute press releases and generate publicity in general. We need someone who knows who the media players are, especially in Colorado to support annual Extravaganza … or is willing to track them down.
Benefit to you: network with the media for Author U and make relationships that could benefit you as an author/expert and your publishing business.
Communications: We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute regular updates to Author U members, partner organizations, sponsors and advertisers.
   Benefit to you: establish relationships with industry suppliers that can help you when publishing your next products

The Resourceezine: Now created and published nine times a year, there are certain sections that are always there. Your task would be to take on a few of them, gathering info, find people to write short articles (including you) and do and submitting to our layout person.
Benefit to you: Stay up to date on the hot marketing topics of the day and learn more about publishing in general as you review the submitted articles; exposure of your expertise as a contributor.

Annual Extravaganza: Always held the first weekend in May, this year’s is #4—each year, they are bigger and better. We want to keep the “better” in the mix. Most of the speakers for May 1-3, 2014 are already booked. Your involvement would be to work with Judith in getting the best location, arrange for speakers and help put the program together. Kind of a Jack or Jill of all things.
Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize a conference is priceless. The contacts you will make among speakers, exhibitors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.

Colorado BookFest: One of the top “to do” items that birthed from the Summer Retreat was to create an annual Colorado BookFest that would attract authors as participants nationally and become the “go to” place in an outdoor Faire
environment over a weekend in July or August. Booths would be marketed and sold to authors and publishers. There will be “pockets” where authors will be scheduled to talk about their books. Books will be sold by the individual authors within their booths. Working with Communications and Publicity will be important for the BookFest’s success. The word needs to get out to ALL formats for anyone who loves books.
      Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped for a booth.

Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame: This will have its own Board and operate under a 501c3 status. A bi-annual induction event will be created honoring authors who have lived in Colorado at some time; who have used Colorado as a “backdrop” in a book; or have come stayed in Colorado to write. A Nomination form needs to be created; a game plan on how to get information out that CAHF is in play. Committee needs to be set up to evaluate nominees; type of event (lunch or dinner); location for it, etc.
    Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.
You will never be on your own when helping with any of these projects. The Author U staff and board members can and will provide you guidance, content and names of people to contact (just ask). There would be no out-of-pocket costs to you for helping with these programs—in chairing or being on a committee. If any of the above sings to you, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
What say you?
Author U®is the premier authoring resource in the country creating community, education, guidance, vision and success for the serious author.

Friday, March 22, 2013

The Passion Factor for Authors


The Passion Factor
I’m lucky. I’m passionate about what I do when working with authors and their books and about the books that I writeWhen authors attend my various Publishing and Speaking Salons, they know what they are writing or want to speak about. They come with enthusiasm … and passion. And many show up a bit overwhelmed with the whole process.
It’s their passion that fuels their engines and enables them to work one more hour, take one more step to write their “baby” and get it to lay-out and design and on to the printer. It’s their passion that allows them to roll up their sleeves and create a marketing and promo plan and even speak about it.
If you want to write a book, you’ve got to love the topic/cause. If it’s just something to do, my question to you is this: “Why do it?”
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone should write a book, attempt to create a small press, or become an independent publisher. Maybe someone said “you should,” but the real question is “should you?”  Does a deep internal drive say, “Yes, your thoughts, your words need to be read, seen, or heard”?
If so, go for it. Embrace and wallow in it. Commit to it with your time, your talent, your energy, and yes, your money. This is an investment that can change the lives of others as well as yours.
I write primarily in the business genre with an emphasis on professional development in the workplace. For the past two decades, 90 percent of my speaking engagements were within the healthcare sector. It’s a niche I developed a passion for but, truth be told, one that I fell into—not be design. It happened when I spoke in upper state New York, and a group of hospital executives heard me. A domino effect ensued that took my words and work to other hospitals. It led to the creation of three books specifically for that industry.
Now, I’m morphing once again. Twenty-eight books later (who would have thought!), I’m leaving health care, an industry that has delivered revenues that most authors and speakers would envy, and directing my energies to authoring and publishing, a field I know a great deal about. I’m one of those rare birds who has successfully (and sometimes not so successfully) published with New York. I’ve also led publishing associations, crafted and chaired several publishing conferences, created a successful imprint, founded a consulting and project management practice for authors, and developed long-term partnering relationships with most of the experts in the independent publishing market—friendships that were seeded in the 80s.
I know publishing … and it is a passion. I wouldn’t be pouring in the hours to develop Author U the way I am without passion. Sometimes, I work odd-ball hours seven days a week to complete a book about publishing that will go to press this year and to present with Brian Jud and Dan Poynter in Advanced Book Marketing workshops throughout the country—a passionate commitment to our joint vision. With that same passion, I have teamed up with John Kremer and Rick Frishman to create the Show Me About book series—Show Me About Book Publishing, an idea that came from a breakfast meeting where we said, “What if … what if we created a book together …”
We nailed the series title that morning and came up with a dozen different book ideas between sips of coffee and tea, each building on the other as ideas bounced around the table. And we decided that my book would be the lead, but all of us would be on each book as the trio of authors. We are excited about Show Me About Book Publishing—not the normal tome of 500 pages that many publishing books birth at—but key concepts, practical tools and solutions … all in a 240-page format.
Next up are Show Me About Book Publicity and Social Media, Show Me About Book Marketing, and Show Me About Book Special Sales and Niche Marketing. Other titles are being considered. We have a vision, a commitment, and a passion for the project.
What topics, areas do you know about—either by schooling, life experiences, the school of hard knocks? Are there subjects you gyrate toward or that others tell you that you are a whiz at?  Do you have a deep, burning desire to advocate a cause or reach out to help others? Is this what you write about?
Publish about? Is this what you are willing to commit the time, energy, and money to support?
Guaranteed … it’s the passion factor that will drive your work, your book, to completion and success. It has mine.
Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Do a “Like” on Author U and The Book Shepherd on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @AuthorU, @MyBookShepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

The Amazing Power of Books



The Amazing Power of Books
When Amazon’s eBook sales, a la Kindle, exceeded its print book sales that we authors and publishers love so well, the “book sky is falling” dooms-dayers and sayers came out of the woodwork.
Stop it! Printed books—pBooks—are not going to disappear. There’s a significant body of evidence growing that not only are pBooks here to stay, they do some downright wonderful things for reader.

Books have power!
The University of Tennessee has been exploring students’ test scores for the past three years. Research led by Richard Allington has found that students who brought “real” books home had significantly higher reading scores than those who didn’t. It seems that those who toted books home avoided the “summer slide” that data has shown to impact so many students during the summer hiatus. For lower income kids, the decline is even greater.
Kids are important … they are our future. In The Shallows, author Nicholas Carr’s thesis is that the expansion and use of the Internet is a major contributor to a short-attention-span culture.

Those who tout the Internet as the “end all to be all” got some bummer news when Jacob Vigdor and Helen Ladd of Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy examined 500,000 fifth- through eighth-graders’ computer usage. The results: the greater the use of home computers and high-speed Internet, the greater the DECLINE in math and reading scores.
Research in over two dozen countries has also shown that kids who grow up in homes that have hundreds of books stay in school longer and do better academically. When you see the modeling factor, it becomes part of your life. What’s interesting about these studies is the timing. Facebook and Twitter belong to this decade. So do the kids in these studies. Is there a direct correlation between the increased use of the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter and the increased school drop-out rate and decline in math and reading scores and comprehension? Could the increased use of all things Internet be harmful to a kid’s academic performance … and eventually career?

If you are a parent, pay attention! If you are someone who requires comprehension or the use of math in your work, pay attention! You just might be in deep doo-doo if you decide that the electronic format is the only way to fly … read … do everything.
We live in the Internet vs. paper book era. In my opinion, neither will go away. The Internet is a Godsend for quick research, tracking things down, spreading the word—whatever the “word” is. It’s also an amazing rumor mill, burping up misinformation right and left in a format where gossip thrives.

Books require a bit more vetting and investment. With the exception of a “crash book”—one that is rushed into publication within a few weeks (usually tied to something sensational)—the great majority of printed books are grown and nurtured into a package—one that you can savor and enjoy as you unwrap each page and chapter. Tap into book power. Accumulate and keep books in your house. (Your kids will thank you.) Learn how the Internet can support book and brand. And don’t toss one out for the other.
One last thing: put away your buggy-whip scenario.

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Do a “Like” on Author U and The Book Shepherd on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @AuthorU, @MyBookShepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Book Publishing: Everyone is a Publishing Professional

Everyone is a Publishing Consultant/Professional … really?

Years ago, I was a financial planner … before financial planning was a profession. Starting as stock broker with EF Hutton, I learned that savvy investors did something besides buy and sell stocks and bonds. An early bird in the CFP arena (Certified Financial Planner), I eventually left Hutton to start my own company, where I specialized in overall financial planning. Then a national study was done on up-and-coming professions … and being a Financial Planner (now with caps!) was at the top of the list. In fact, the fellow who headed up the study was so impressed with the results that he quit his day job and became a Financial Planner.

Fast forward to today. I've been coaching and shepherding authors for almost 20 years now. But it wasn't until last year that I formally tossed in the day-job towel and embraced Book Shepherding full-time.


Ironically, I’m now hearing more and more people saying that they are publishing consultants. With the explosion in the self-publishing fields, it seems as though everyone and their distant cousin is laying claim to being an expert. But are they, really?


The answer is a resounding NO. Someone who wrote a book a year ago is not an expert—or even ten years ago if that’s their solo effort. Sure, lessons have been learned throughout the process. Usually, those lessons are one-dimensional, their own experiences. They haven’t walked the paths of others that, guaranteed, deliver a variety of twists and turns.


In financial planning, I always warned clients to never, never, never trust someone with their money unless that person had been in the “business” for a minimum of five years, be it stocks, annuities, insurance, real estate, commodities, fill-in-the-blank. Why? You want them to make their learning curve mistakes with others … and their money, not yours. Most people in the “advising” professions don’t survive—80 percent drop out the first year and another 10 percent the next. That’s why I've always recommended the five-year mark. There’s a reason they are still there.


The same principle holds true in publishing. You want to work only with someone who knows the path, has worked the journey, has survived through the maze of obstacles and detours that surface. This applies to a printer, publisher, designer, coach or consultant, or anyone else in the book business. Are there new entries into the field? Absolutely! Just think of the electronic publishing world. Even with that, eBooks are not new … they've been around for many years. It’s just now that the world is paying attention.


Don’t get suckered in to someone’s siren call to you. The odds are that they don’t have the depth and moxie to get you through the ups and downs that are sure to come your way. Never, never, never trust someone with your publishing issues unless they've been in the business for a minimum of five years.



Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Book Publishing: Book Editors and Book Publishing Are Like Peanut Butter and Jelly


Book Editors and Book Publishing Are Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
Why so many authors think that their friend who teaches literature at the local college, or their sister who
loves everything they write and do is the perfect editor for their work is beyond me. Your editor can make or break your work—she can shape and shore it up … or, put in some commas and check your spelling. There are now more self and independent published books than those produced by the traditional NY houses—and too, too many have minimal, if any, editing. Think “ruthless editing.” Cut and shape, hire a pro—and, when in doubt, cut it out.
Look for an editor who “gets” your topic … it will save you hours in their education. Let them know if there are quirky or unusual phrases or words in the beginning. If all the editor is doing is copy–the grammar and punctuation–he won’t be thinking about what sub-heads and layout should be. Somewhere along the line, authors began to think that editors worked at minimum wage … wrong. You will pay from $25 an hour and up–most are going to come in the $50 an hour range. The cleaner the copy you give them, the less you are going to spend.
Book publishing and editors are like peanut butter and jelly–finding the right combo will enhance your book from the get-go.
Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd (www.TheBookShepherd.com) and the Founder of Author U (niversity (www.AuthorU.org), a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 28 books including Show Me About Book Publishing, co-written with John Kremer and Rick Frishman and a speaker at publishing conferences. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do “Like” AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Monday, March 18, 2013

Becoming Part of the Author U Community with Your Know How!


 Author U continues to grow and growWe have just received notification that we are the proud owner of an official registered trademark! TheExtravaganzahas only 30 seats left and six weeks to fill them! The odds are high—we will be sold out this year. All Exhibitor spots are already taken. TheAuthor Shark Tankalready has one member ready to take a swim. The Extravaganza is going to show every participant how to create the “edge” as an author; and for their book.
We have plans for many new programs and services to help our Author U® members create quality books, as well as market and sell more books. Meaning money and adding to your bank account.  In other words: achieve success as an author. Isn’t that your goal?

The hiccup is that we need some assist.  We have more ideas than people to implement them. Are you feeling creative? Would you be willing to volunteer some time to help us continue to grow?
Please consider being a committee chair, working on a committee or just being available for specific projects, such as the BookCamps, Webinars and other items that that last year’s Board Retreat identified.
Here are some of the areas in which we need help HELP with and in:
Publicity: Big time. We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute press releases and generate publicity in general. We need someone who knows who the media players are, especially in Colorado to support annual Extravaganza … or is willing to track them down.
Benefit to you: network with the media for Author U and make relationships that could benefit you as an author/expert and your publishing business.
Communications: We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute regular updates to Author U members, partner organizations, sponsors and advertisers.
   Benefit to you: establish relationships with industry suppliers that can help you when publishing your next products
The Resourceezine: Now created and published nine times a year, there are certain sections that are always there. Your task would be to take on a few of them, gathering info, find people to write short articles (including you) and do and submitting to our layout person.
Benefit to you: Stay up to date on the hot marketing topics of the day and learn more about publishing in general as you review the submitted articles; exposure of your expertise as a contributor.

Annual Extravaganza: Always held the first weekend in May, this year’s is #4—each year, they are bigger and better. We want to keep the “better” in the mix. Most of the speakers for May 1-3, 2014 are already booked. Your involvement would be to work with Judith in getting the best location, arrange for speakers and help put the program together. Kind of a Jack or Jill of all things.
Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize a conference is priceless. The contacts you will make among speakers, exhibitors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.

Colorado BookFest: One of the top “to do” items that birthed from the Summer Retreat was to create an annual Colorado BookFest that would attract authors as participants nationally and become the “go to” place in an outdoor Faire
environment over a weekend in July or August. Booths would be marketed and sold to authors and publishers. There will be “pockets” where authors will be scheduled to talk about their books. Books will be sold by the individual authors within their booths. Working with Communications and Publicity will be important for the BookFest’s success. The word needs to get out to ALL formats for anyone who loves books.
      Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped for a booth.

Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame: This will have its own Board and operate under a 501c3 status. A bi-annual induction event will be created honoring authors who have lived in Colorado at some time; who have used Colorado as a “backdrop” in a book; or have come stayed in Colorado to write. A Nomination form needs to be created; a game plan on how to get information out that CAHF is in play. Committee needs to be set up to evaluate nominees; type of event (lunch or dinner); location for it, etc.
    Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.
You will never be on your own when helping with any of these projects. The Author U staff and board members can and will provide you guidance, content and names of people to contact (just ask). There would be no out-of-pocket costs to you for helping with these programs—in chairing or being on a committee. If any of the above sings to you, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
What say you?
Author U®is the premier authoring resource in the country creating community, education, guidance, vision and success for the serious author.

 
Dr. Judith Briles 
The Book Shepherd - The Author and Publishing Expert

Create. Strategize. Develop. Publish. Achieve.
Chief Visionary Officer: AuthorU.org