Monday, April 28, 2014

Has Authoritis Got You Down? 5 Steps to Heal Author Overwhelm

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Do you have high performance patterns and strategies, yet throw them out the window when faced with ... Facebook? Do you twitch instead of Tweet and become disconnected instead LinkedIn?  Would you rather pine for something else besides Pinterest? Or how about your Blog, is it blogging you down?
How do we overcome this perplexing dilemma? Your 5-point healing plan begins here.

Step 1  Revisit a time when learning was fun. 
Explore, play, experiment with the new media. You don’t have to be the perfect adult. Be willing to try something new—maybe a dance class; a cooking class; something outdoors—skydiving; how about archery, golf or a speed reading class ... even gulp, a class on something that is computer oriented? download
You may feel incompetent and foolish for a few months, but practice and more practice moves you up and out. Get out of your comfort zone. Be willing to look foolish. Silly. Outrageous. Embrace the learning curve.

Step 2 Start with the basic stepsStepsClipArt
Your established high performance pattern will help you select the right marketing and social media steps to take. If you write articles, you may  find that blogs feel natural to you.  If you have a sales background, you may be comfortable starting with Twitter. If you like to chatter and connect with people, you may migrate toward Facebook and Pinterest. Whatever you choose, go with your strengths and desires.

Step 3  Connect to your creativitytumblr_inline_mwgq3qWbI81spnatd
This is the fun part. Get ideas from others, but march to your own drummer. Integrate what feels and looks authentic to you. You may try to get someone else’s system work for us. Why not? Look at their success, it's working, it may for you as well. It may ... Remember, their process works for them because it is their process. If you work in similar ways, it may also work for you. But if feels foreign, awkward, and you hate it—probably it won’t. Find one that fits you, or create a new one tailored to your needs and personality.


Step 4  Get organized and dump your clutterdownload (1)If you’re buried in clutter and keep adding more to it, don’t expect to get a lot done. It won’t happen. Clear out the clutter. Organize your writing life.
If you’re too busy, hire someone to help you and focus on getting rid of unnecessary “stuff.”  Having someone with you will keep you on track. Embrace the Dump Zone.


Step 5 Write something every day.
One of my favorite books is Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Within it,he revealed that he sets writing goals for himself every day, including holidays.
Most of us have some kind of writing routine—otherwise, we wouldn’t be authors. But do you have a similar routine for promoting your books? Let’s say you write 2,000 words a day, and you’ve finished your book--as in done. How will you use that now-free time?
You are the author of your time as well as of your book, so explore the social media options and choose the ones that work for you.
Write your own prescription for overwhelm, and you will find your cure for Authoritis.


 JB_pic_2013-2 Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U,  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. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers  and a speaker at publishing conferences.
Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author's Arkand exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook.  If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

Tips and Tricks to Create Your Audio Book at the Author U Extravaganza

Oh my ...  4 days to go and counting to the Author U Extravaganza ... tic, tic, tic. Do you have two minutes? Here's what's happening in 10 days for authors ... 
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Have you created an audio book to match your "book-book"? Why not? Did you know that you could make one in a short period of time for minimal moneys? You can and Daniel Hall is going to show you how.

Why come to the Author U Extravaganza? ... let Daniel Hall, the webinar king and audio bookspeaker at the Extravaganza on "audiobooks, the billion dollar industry authors forget about.
Take a peek:






Not just another pitch fest ... the Extravaganza is an Info-Fest for Authors everywhere!Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 ... Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.

Tips, Tricks and Savvy Tools at the Extravaganza

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5 Days until the 

Extravaganza! 

Tick ... Toc ... Tick... Toc...


Tips, Tricks and Savvy Tools at the
Author U Extravaganza …
a fantastic Baker’s Dozen Plus Plus!



1  Food? Why yes, glad you asked … food

 There is Breakfast and Lunch on Friday and Saturday; Dinner and entertainment Friday. For those attending Thursday sessions, there is a healthy snack mid-afternoon for Eagle and Eaglet attendees and Dinner with the Deep Dive Session.

2      Lights, Camera Action … Get a videoreel
Create a short (4 minute or less) VIDEO while you are at the Extravaganza this year. You could talk about your book; snippets of character dilemmas; a pitch for a book launch; you; the next book as a “tease” to current fans; you can post it on your website and YouTube. Use your imagination. Only available to attendees. Click here: Cost is $50.

3          If you are in Denver on Wednesday, come to the Schmooze-orama at 5 pm … There’s a networking gathering at thaytthe Roots25 TapHouse on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency for friends and attendees. Meet new faces … over 250 attending! This event is open to our LinkedIn group members.


4          Get into the tank … the Shark Tank!  tank One spot left, is it yours? Register here: https://www.secureinfossl.com/carts/shopping_cart/showCheckout/4947030.html


5          Plan on a massage … massage Debra is back with her magic hands and your neck, back and shoulders will thank you. You register for this onsite. Friday and Saturday only.


6          Get a massagefree …Anyone who adds another person to their Extravaganza registration gets a FREE onsite massage at the Extravaganza … hot! … and the second person gets a discounted for registration fee.


7          Speakers will be available for the Pick Their Brains feature… Get 15 minutes of intense laser coaching. Sign up at registration, starting Thursday afternoon. These are limited in number. pick brain


8          Meet the Pros is held Friday afternoon just before dinnertable …you get three table hopping opportunities with our Pros in rounds of 8. Remember, if the table is full, go to another. The list of all sessions will be given to you at registration.

lol
9          Do you like to laugh?  If so, Tim Gard is ready for you after dinner on Friday … a great way to end a long day. Want to include someone at dinner—extra tickets are $60 per person. Let us know.

10        Wowza …The Silent Auction has over $17,000 in items for your shopping pleasure. Values range from $10 to over $1,400. The Auction goes live on Thursday afternoon and ends at 1:30 pm Saturday. wowza


11        Your Exhibitors await you  …36 of them! Make sure you play Exhibitor Bingo … someone will win a full Registration to the 2015 Extravaganza.wowza



12        The Extravaganza will be on video and available both in CD and DVD … order your favorite sessions before you leave at the 81 Media table in our registration area … there’s a special bundle price for all of them.Thursday’s Strategy and Platform opening session and Deep Dive Work and all Sessions on Friday and Saturday. 81



13        Your Swag Bag  will have 3 books plus a 242 page Extravaganza Workbook   … The Author U Bookstore will carry many of the speaker’s main books—get them … plus there will be other goodies.swag

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14        Bring your lap top … there’s “juice” at all the tables in the main Ballroom Free stuff reminder: there is free parking for day attendees—overnight attendees get free wi-fi in their hotel room.light
15        Sell your book during Extravaganza  …we will have a limited # of time slots that you can sign and sell your book. Location is at the entry to the Exhibits | Auction | Food area. You handle all sales. You need to register by contact our offices at either 303-885-2207 (Judith) or 303-585-1969 (Nancy). book sale

Reminders …
Location: the Hyatt Regency, Denver Tech Center. All meetings are on the second floor.
Times:
Wednesday - Schmooze-orama 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Thursday - 10 a.m. to 11.50; 12.10 p.m. to 4.30 followed by Exhibits and Dinner; Deep Diver Workship with Penny Sansevieri from 6.00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday - 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Saturday - 7.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Auction and Exhibits close at 1.30 p.m. today.

Your Registration Hosts will be Nancy Chase, Philippa Burgess and Peggy Ireland. Ward Lucas will be our Master of the Agenda Friday and Saturday … see you then!

Judith Briles




Friday, April 25, 2014

Remove the Sucky Factor from Your Website at the Author U Extravaganza

Oh my ... 6 days to go and counting to the Author U Extravaganza ... tic, tic, tic. Do you have two minutes? Here's what's happening in 6 days for authors ... 
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Is your website a dud? Dated? Or do you just need one? When you look at it, do you make excuses, or just feel yuck--someday I'll fix this? yuck
Amber Ludwig has worked with over 250 authors creating their websites ... none are duds and none of them have the sucky factor. Get her insider tips of how to get yours back on track in Denver, Colorado.

Take a peek:




Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 ... Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.
Why come to the Author U Extravaganza? ... let Amber Ludwig, author website strategist and speaker at the Extravaganza on "the essential  pillars of every author websites" tell you why ... Not just another pitch fest ... the Extravaganza is an Info-Fest for Authors everywhere!


Amber Ludwig is an ace on to have for every #author when it comes to websites, social media and strategy.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvnJb4N-WWo

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Newbie Nuggets for Authors via Author U Extravaganza

Oh my ... ONE WEEK to go and counting to the Author U Extravaganza ... tic, tic, tic. Do you have two minutes? Here's what's happening in 7 days for authors ... 
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Are you feeling author overwhelm? How about being OD'd with what to do next with your publishing? Would you like an insider's tricks and tips to show you how to get with the publishing maze with your sanity intact? Or do, you need a refresher course? Nick Zelinger's Nuggets for Newbies is the place to be on May 1st in Denver, Colorado.
7 days  to go ... Why come to the Author U Extravaganza? ... let Nick Zelinger, multi-award winning interior and cover designer tell you why ... 



Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 ... Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Look what’s happening at the Author U Extravaganza – Tim Gard!

WOW … only 8 days to go for the Extravaganza! Here’s what is going to happen …




Friday night, May 2nd will be delicious and fun. The food is excellent at the hotel and Tim Guard will add his twist to dessert with his zany humor—you don’t want to miss it—all after Meet the Pros on Friday night and included with your registration for Friday and Saturday–a dozen tables of info–you are doing table hopping during the hour … and get THREE Pros an arm-lengths away to ask anything!




Who is Tim Gard?, you ask. Here’s a peek:




And of course … we will have our Auction … amazing items (over 70) to choose from … one is perfect for you!



Of course, you can get a Friday only ticket … but show up early. We run from 8 am to 9 pm!

If you aren’t signed up, SAVE $100 … here’s the discount code for Friday-Saturday combo AUEX100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb8NzmWLH34

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Ka-Ching for Authors at the Author U Extravaganza with Joel Comm

Oh my … 9 days and counting to the Author U Extravaganza … tic, tic, tic. Do you have two minutes? Here’s what’s happening in 9 days for authors …




Just how good are you at monetizing YOU and YOUR BOOK? If you are like the great majority of authors, not so hot … in fact, fairly miserable.

10 days  to go … Why come to the Author U Extravaganza? … let Joel Comm, social media guru and speaker at the Extravaganza on “Ka-Ching … monetizing you and your book” tell you why …

Well, you will be after spending an hour with Joel Comm … Ka-Ching is exactly what we all need.

Take a peek:



Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 … Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Make a $1,000,000 from Your Book - Learn How at the Author U Extravaganza!

Oh my ...  10 days to go and counting to the Author U Extravaganza ... tic, tic, tic. Do you have two minutes? Here's what's happening in 10 days for authors ... 
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How would you like to make a living with your words ... as in full time? You can!

money11Why come to the Author U Extravaganza? ... let Judith Briles, multi-award winning
author, The Book Shepherd and closing speaker at the Extravaganza on "creating/making
a $1,000,000 speech on your book" tell you why ... Not just another pitch fest ... the Extravaganza is an Info-Fest for Authors everywhere!

Take a peek:




Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 ... Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.

The Publishing Path ... Which Road Do You Take?

Which book path is for you--traditional ... self ... independent ... which? Four words can get you focused: timing, control, quality and money. All are key factors when it comes to publishing.



 
Timing—if your manuscript is completed, you can have it edited, cover and interiors designed, printed and in your hands within four months. With traditional publishing, you can have your manuscript completed and it will most likely be in your hands in 18 months.


Clipart Illustration of a White Person Holding His Arms Out With
Control—if you get a group of authors together who have traditionally published, one of the most common grumblings you will hear is that they don’t like the way their book looks—covers and interiors and they really have been in a fog when it comes to book sales.

Quality—just a few years ago, a close friend had her 5th book published by the same NY publisher that did my second book in the mid-eighties. Over 30 years between our respective publications. The book she proudly gave me was a month old and a trade paper. The interior paper was thinner than mine when we took it off my book shelf to compare; my trade paper cover was still flat—hers was already curling up. Hers, of course, was more than twice the retail price of mine.




Money—is an important thing to look at. Most traditional publishers are pushing for “net” royalty deals. If your book is $20 retail, the net for sales to wholesalers and distributors will be less than $10 per book—meaning that the royalty is based on the less than $10 amount.


The last two years have been brutal to the “average” author—non-fiction sales are in the 3,000-5,000 area. That means anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 in royalties, depending on the percentage your contract stipulates—royalties that are paid twice a year, with a deferral of three months after each closing period; and usually with a hefty percentage hold back for reserves—meaning books get turned back and the publisher wants to cover its tush and not overpay you (and come knocking on your door to now pay them).
You may be thinking, "Wait, my publisher says I can get 20% royalties ...."

 You may, but you are dealing with one of the many pay-to-publish offerings or a vanity press. Sure, they will pay you more--but here's the truth: they sell very, very, very few books. Very few. With any of these types of operations, it's going to be YOU that sells your book. Too many authors and authors-to-be get duped thinking that they have a traditional publisher ... and-they-do-not. You may have been hooked by one of the many publishing scams, ripoffs and/or publishing predators out there.

In other words, this isn't going to seed your retirement—don’t quit the day job!

As a savvy self and independent publisher—when you create a Platform to reach out to your crowd, your sales will not only be greater, the financial reward will be significantly enhanced. For me, I know that I can sell 3,000 copies of a book and net $40,000 to $50,000 higher than my traditional publishing contracts that I used to live with.



It’s your choice … but do the math always.
Measure your time, investment and potential return.





Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U,  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. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers  and a speaker at publishing conferences.

Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook.  If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

What’s New at the Author U Extravaganza – Pitching YOU and YOUR Book!

Oh my … 11 days and counting to the Author U Extravaganza … tic, tic, tic.Do you have two minutes? Here’s what’s happening in two weeks for authors … 




Just how good are you at pitching YOU and YOUR BOOK? If you are like the great majority of authors, not so hot.





Well, you will be after spending an hour with Mary Jo Fay … Creating Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch for Your Book is exactly what we all need. Take a peek:









10 days  to go …Why come to the Author U Extravaganza … let Judith Briles, Founder of Author U, tell you why. Not just another pitch fest … the Extravaganza is an Info-Fest for Authors everywhere!

Smart authors will be in Denver, May 1-3 … Use AUEX100 code for discount for the Extravaganza.




The Wise Author Expects the Unexpected in the Publishing Journey …

Picture this … it’s mid-March 2014 and I live in Colorado. Typically, March is our snowiest month. To my surprise, I noticed an old bulb bulging, one that bloomed in December of 2012. One that I had promptly forgotten about post the Holidays after I had moved the small pot that it was in to the garage.

“Hmmm, maybe it might like a little water?” was my thought.

Over the next few weeks, I offered it a drink now and then and moved it to a window ledge for full
southern exposure. To my surprise, and delight, it gulped up whatever I thought to put in the dish. And surprise, growth began. On April 1st; I found myself daily checking out what my unexpected surprise was yielding.

Two weeks later, two stems stood 14 inches tall. I was in awe at the resurrected Amaryllis coming back to life.

And then, it burst out in its glory.   Like a new mother, I proudly showed off my unexpected surprise to anyone who came into my home. And now, I’m telling all of you about it.

Wow … it made me smile; I was happy to see what would unfold each morning when I went it to see it with my early cup of tea. A few quiet moments
before my day went into high gear was just what I needed.

If you are like me, when I’ve gotten a Christmas Amaryllis, I’ve always thought of it as a one trick flower. No more. It’s done with its glorious blooming, bulb and all shrinking to the forgotten bulb that someone how I had kept in a pot for over a year—forgotten. For whatever reason, the little bulb that could became the big bulb that would, deciding it was no shrinking flower.

We authors are surrounded with possibilities … possibilities that need to be given a little nurturing and care so that they can come full circle and bloom. Sometimes our efforts seem to go nowhere—we scratch our heads and kick ourselves in the tush thinking/saying … what was I thinking to go down this rabbit hole …?

The marathon of authoring and publishing that you are in takes time for success. Expect the unexpected along the way. Just like the Amaryllis that springs to life. Usually when it is expected. And delightfully, when unexpected.





Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U,  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. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers  and a speaker at publishing conferences.

Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook.  If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

What’s Happening at the Author U Extravaganza – it’s a Blog Fest!

What’s Hot at the Author U Extravaganza? Blogging is HOT, HOT, HOT!


What author wouldn't want to spend three 




amazing days with Joan Stewart, the Publicity Hound? Joan has two high-content  sessions slated at the Extravaganza. You’ll know more about the insider down and dirty tricks to rock and rollin’ with blogging than you even imagined.


Tammy Bleck is going to reveal to the Eaglets on Thursday tips on how to monetize your blog that few think about, much less do … and these gems are so easy! Don’t miss her session.






And what author wants to win Joan’s outrageous Cheese Hat? Watch this short video … you too, can be the proud owner! 











Get seriously successful … get to the May 1-3 Author U Extravaganza … Don’t forget, the discount code is AUEX100 off of Friday and Saturday.