Author Wise Tips

Every book has a starting point for its journey. Along the way, the author sharpens their ideas and gathers the tools to be successful.

Start with:

#1 Be smart from the get-go! Savvy authors learn quickly that books are a business. Creating cobwebs in your garage or basement shouldn't be an option. Knowing what your book cost (really cost, not an estimate—that means you crunch the numbers so you have a true unit/book cost); knowing who your reader and buyer is (it is not everybody—get off that soap box); knowing how to drill down in your market to become the whale in the pond (much better than the sardine in the ocean); and learning how to position yourself outside and beyond the traditional book sales path (the bookstore) assures that you will move books.

#2 Get the right people on your team … the sooner, the better. Creating and selling a book is not a solo operation. Whether it’s assistance in the creation; the layout; the design; editing; the marketing; the electronic world; foreign rights; or any of the other publishing avenues you find yourself in, don’t go it alone. Learn from other’s mistakes. Don’t be afraid to ask other authors—Who have you worked with and would you want to work with them again on another book? Did they create stress … or de-stress the process?

#3 Get the wrong people off your team immediately … today. If a consultant, supplier vendor, representative, or seller isn't working, dump them. Books usually don’t get second chances; neither do authors. If someone is the wrong fit, open the door and move them out. Don’t let loyalty to someone because you like them (or were referred) create a hazard. If it isn't working, it isn't working. Get off the bus.

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 (ForeWord Indie/Fab Book of the Year), 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. Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Unplugged, a two day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. 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 Judith Briles – TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.