Friday, October 31, 2014

Author Alert: If You Snooze ... You Lose

Are you a snoozer?
Are you looking for the perfect phrase, word, idea? Are you stuck? Wouldn't getting unstuck and moving forward be a fantastic goal.  Today is Take a Snooze Day? Is that a good idea? Have you been snoozing where it comes to your book. Maybe this is the day, the week, the month, the year when your book is no longer in your dreams or chatter ... it becomes a reality.
 
181iv7orxmci2jpg                        
Make a decision to go forward or eliminate vs. the one that you have practiced—to do nothing.
Moving from wannabe author to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe speaker to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe anything to the real thing is totally possible this coming year.
Is there a book in you? Most think there is. And most don’t get them out. You could have the makings of a fantastic novel, a creative young adult series, and exquisitely illustrated young children’s stories. Cookbooks, health, space, romance, intrigue, how-to or business book may be lurking in your creative closet.
You just may be able to take your career to a whole new level with the creation of a book. Adding to your professional credentials, if done right, could position you as the expert in a specific field. A book could talk you to a whole new level, a different type of professional business card. Amazing doors can open with book in hand.
Many wannabe authors, speakers, or whatever, practice the art of one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, three to get ready, three to get ready … and they never go. They keep reaching for one more thing; one more piece of information; another interview; another who knows what. Sometimes, it’s just another excuse. Their book never gets written, much less published. Their quest for the perfect book has become the enemy of creating a good book, even a great book.
Perfection and Procrastination go hand-in-hand. Break the bond and move forward today.
Step 1:  Choose a spot  any spot that is yours and yours alone. It’s the “Do Not Cross … Author at Work” sport. Authors need their space and time. Space will contain all the ingredients you need to support you. Think computer, phone— if necessary, pens, pencils, paper, files with reference items that you've collected, notes you've saved or made to support your topic, other reference books, a favorite snack (I confess—I've written an entire book with M&Ms and Cheetos being the reward each time I finished a chapter), beverage of choice, toys, etc. Your space. Claim it and let others know that when you are in your space, it’s a “Do Not Disturb … Author at Work” sanctuary.
caution
Find time. Some authors have to work specific hours; others are more loosey-goosey. Do what works for you, but do it.
Step 2:  Just do it … even if what you get down looks like gibberish. Is it a cliché? Nope, it’s a start. You can’t move forward to publication until you’ve got some words. So dump them out. Think of it as a giant puzzle. Sometimes just finding all the edges takes time.  As in a puzzle, colors begin to gather, segments within it come together, and it does come together if you persevere.  The more you organize your thoughts, stories, stats and general info, the better it is when it comes to the first dump. The general topic, sub-topics, stories/facts/stats to support the topic all go into magic piles.
Where you choose to “dump” is your choice. Some still write all by hand … if you having been procrastinating or dragging your feet—it’s best to bypass this method and either pick up the latest version of Dragon’s Naturally Speaking where you can literally put on a headset with a mic and start talking or glue yourself to a favorite spot and just start writing—writing anything to kick start your creative juices.
With Dragon’s program, your works get transcribed to your computer, and then you clean up spellings and missed words after your dictation is done.  Here’s what you don’t do with a speaking program: watch it as it unfolds on your computer. Guaranteed, it’s the kiss of author death.  You will want to stop. In fact, you will stop. Your creative juices vaporize as you start to correct spelling and do a first run at editing.  DO NOT DO THIS.  You need everything flowing when you are in your zone—you don’t need to make the written word perfect … yet.
Step 3:  Get help. You may need book coaching to goose you. You may need to get the big picture in place where you can see the book, even virtually feel what it will look like. Do you know your title … or do you need some help in creating it—don’t be surprised, titles can change as a book progresses … and it can be as firm as a slab of cement. If it’s firm, a mock up of a cover might be the visual encouragement that keeps you going. You will need an editor—content or grammar? All authors need editors who edit (this is not your friend or sister, although they can be readers) … all authors no exceptions.  
House of Cards-
Plan on engaging other professionals who create books—interiors and exteriors. Will illustrations or cartoons enhance your work? Unless you are a pro in book design, book covers, illustrations, etc., don’t go down that path. Don't expect to do it cheaply—what does that say about you and the quality of your work?
Step 4:  Make up your mindIt's a new year ... changes are everywhere. What’s it going to be—your first book? A new book? A workbook or Teacher’s Guide to accompany one that you have already written? How about a stellar speech and/or workshop that will take you new places and create new places to see your book? Or an audio program? Do you see a video version of your book or creating Exercises and Projects for readers to use and enjoy? The paths you choose can be multiple, which makes it exciting for the Author.
Your book can do amazing things ... you need to bring the amazing you to the party and invite the pros in for the journey.

 
 
 
2014_JBriles-1Judith 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 and 1/2 day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  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://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio . 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.

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of October 30

It’s Thursday at
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...
Oct. 30  Mischief.jpg c

button_podcastsToday

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on Author Photos… as in casual images, book covers, promotion, website images, products, and training. Judith Briles has Aliza Sherman as her guest—they will be deep diving into the latest in social media management for authors—Aliza is the author of Social Media Management for Dummies.Tune in at 6 Eastern, 5 Central, 4 Mountain, 3 Pacific and for our out-of-the-country members and followers … you are going to have to do the clock crunching for your time zone at http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio .  You can also go to the Home page of http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and are instantly there! 
Author Success: Your book should be first on the topic; if not, better than what's published; or, be different and add a twist. ~Judith Briles

Here’s your Top Ten Tweets for the past week  
AuthorUTweet211-300x240 (1)

Tweets are faster than a speeding bird … below are Author U’s Top Ten Tweets from the past week that you may have missed …
Success & Resources
Social Media and Marketing Strategies
Writers & Writing
Fun and Cool Things to Know
button_podcastsRemember …
you can listen to over 140 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success: http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and you are instantly there! Or you, can go to the radio show’s home page and do the same: http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio  .      

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of October 30

It’s Thursday at
Att006E2A68
...
Oct. 30  Mischief.jpg c

button_podcastsToday

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on Author Photos… as in casual images, book covers, promotion, website images, products, and training. Judith Briles has Aliza Sherman as her guest—they will be deep diving into the latest in social media management for authors—Aliza is the author of Social Media Management for Dummies.Tune in at 6 Eastern, 5 Central, 4 Mountain, 3 Pacific and for our out-of-the-country members and followers … you are going to have to do the clock crunching for your time zone at http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio .  You can also go to the Home page of http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and are instantly there! 

Author Success: Your book should be first on the topic; if not, better than what's published; or, be different and add a twist. ~Judith Briles

Here’s your Top Ten Tweets for the past week  
AuthorUTweet211-300x240 (1)
Tweets are faster than a speeding bird … below are Author U’s Top Ten Tweets from the past week that you may have missed …
Success & Resources
Social Media and Marketing Strategies
Writers & Writing
Fun and Cool Things to Know
button_podcastsRemember …
you can listen to over 140 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success: http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and you are instantly there! Or you, can go to the radio show’s home page and do the same: http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio  .      

Friday, October 24, 2014

Get ready for the Author U Circles Member Only Coaching

Author U Circles Are Here!***
Author U Circles

We launched Author U Circles at our last live event in Colorado in October, and they were tremendously successful. As in we had to stop the chatter! Now we are bringing them online via your phone, anywhere you are as an Author U member benefit.  The Author U Circles are exclusively for paid up AuthorU.org members—no guests allowed. Not a member? … join here: AuthorU.org

What’s the value? … Priceless!
 How about not paying for an hour of specialized coaching?
 How about being the “fly on the wall” and get answers to questions others pose that you haven’t even thought of?
 How about engaging with others who are on the same journey as you are?
We invite you to join an Author U Circle. Each call will have a facilitator and a group of authors who are in a similar stage in the process. Bring your questions. We will have answers.
These calls will be on Mondays at 5 pm MT throughout the month. They each will last between 30 - 50 minutes. 
1st Monday - Writing 
2nd Monday - Platform Building 
3rd Monday - Production 
4th Monday – Marketing & Book Sales
Where are you in your process? Pick one of two Author Circles and mark your calendars. 

writer

 Writing - November 3, December 1 and January 5







social media
 Platform Building Social Media - November 10, December 8 and January 12 







book wordle Book Production - November 17, December 15 and January 19 





bookmarketing


  Marketing Book Sales - November 24, December 22 and January 26 




Get your time zone on your calendar now and number to call in: Mondays at 4 pm PT, 5pm MT, 6 pm CT, 7 pm ET

*** The call in phone # and access code were sent to all members in a special email from Judith Briles with all the updated info and passwords.   Please check your email for the subject line: Get ready for the Author U Circles Member Only Coaching .

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Top Twitter Tweets of October 23

It’s Thursday at
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...

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button_podcasts
Today
Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on Author Photos… as in casual images, book covers, promotion, website images, products, and training. Judith Briles has Nick Taylor as her guest—they will be deep diving into the growing world of kids’ ebooks.Tune in at 6 Eastern, 5 Central, 4 Mountain, 3 Pacific and for our out-of-the-country members and followers … you are going to have to do the clock crunching for your time zone at http://togi.us/authoru.  You can also go to the Home page of http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and are instantly there! 

Here’s your Top Ten Tweets for the past week  
AuthorUTweet211-300x240 (1)

Tweets are faster than a speeding bird … below are Author U’s Top Ten Tweets from the past week that you may have missed …

Success & Resources
  • #Author alert: Fantastic data, stats, and advice on how to Get Your Pitch Noticed by a Major #Publisher - klou.tt/1x1eotczlwgjr
Social Media and Marketing Strategies
Writers & Writing
Fun and Cool Things to Know
  • Star Wars art for your “grown up” bedroom walls is.gd/Ak4o31
button_podcastsRemember …

You can listen to over 140 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success: http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and you are instantly there! Or you, can go to the radio show’s home page and do the same: http://togi.us/authoru.     
 

Monday, October 20, 2014

Special FREE Webinar ... 7 Things Your 2015 Ninja Publicity Plan

Join us for a FREE Webinar on Wednesday, October 22 at 4 PM Mountain Time
Ninja copy
You must know the 7 essential things that will let people in your target market see, hear, find, follow, study, recommend and eventually hire you.
                      Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/425739766

When someone comes to Joan Stewart, the Publicity Hound, with a publicity
problem, it's usually because 2 or 3 of these 7 critical elements are missing. You can't cherry-pick which ones you want to do. You must do them ALL. 
And if you start doing them today, you'll be kicking some serious butt next
year. Joan Stewart is presenting the ALL DAY BookCamp in Denver in person on November 15th ... this is the perfect set up for it ... and if you are on
the fence in attending, you will "get" why you ... and your book should be there as well. There are Hot Seats in the afternoon--will you be selected?

You will learn:
· The 7 "old school" tactics that don't work anymore but authors are
still relying on them.  
· A killer tip that can pull traffic like a magnet to your YouTube channel.   
· A key mistake authors make and why it seldom gets them the kind of major
publicity they want. 
· The short exercise that will determine how well you know your target    market.  
· 21 questions you should ask to help determine the kind of audience that wants to read your books.
· The truth about press releases.
· The one place to look that will give you material galore for creating content--it's right in front of you!
· The one thing you must be willing to pay for if you're not willing to spend time
looking for it for free 

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: 
https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/425739766

Friday, October 17, 2014

The Book Shepherds on Publishing: which is for you?

Recently, I responded to a query from an author who wanted to transition from self-publishing to traditional publishing. She had successfully sold 60,000 books on her own. The first words out of my mouth were, “Why would you want to do that?”

And then …
I'm afraid you are in for a rude awakening if you go the traditional route. Yes, you can get the attention of an agent and publisher with 60,000 book sales—especially since the traditional publishing averages LESS than 5,000. What’s motivating you—maybe ego? Do you think there will be less work on your side involved with creating sales? Maybe you think a publisher will promote like hell? Think again. Most publishing via NY is about printing your book—it is expected it will already have the first pass of editing; that anything that you might get in advances will go directly toward you using for re-marketing efforts, a la publicity, etc.

la-la land

I just did the number crunching of a book I created in 1987. After 28 rejections, a small NY publisher picked it up—how much money went under the table to them was significant—my agent (a biggie in the biz) referred to them as a "crook publisher"—not until I woke up, took control, created new work in the same venue and published and promoted myself, did the numbers start showing. To date, with speaking, consulting, book sales from multiple generations—about $4 million has been generated.
Why would you want to lose control? Why would you want to most likely create an inferior product to one you could do own your own—do you know that publishers are actually reducing the amount of glue used in binding?
marketing and publishing
 
 
 
 
2014_JBriles-1
 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 and 1/2 day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  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.

Authors: Make Up Your Mind

Are you a procrastinator? Are you looking for the perfect phrase, word, idea? Are you stuck? Wouldn't getting unstuck and moving forward be a fantastic goal. 


                       
Make a decision to go forward or eliminate vs. the one that you have practiced—to do nothing.

Moving from wannabe author to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe speaker to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe anything to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. 

Is there a book in you? Most think there is. And most don’t get them out. You could have the makings of a fantastic novel, a creative young adult series, and exquisitely illustrated young children’s stories. Cookbooks, health, space, romance, intrigue, how-to or business book may be lurking in your creative closet.
You just may be able to take your career to a whole new level with the creation of a book. Adding to your professional credentials, if done right, could position you as the expert in a specific field. A book could talk you to a whole new level, a different type of professional business card. Amazing doors can open with book in hand.
Think Disney

Many wannabe authors, speakers, or whatever, practice the art of one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, three to get ready, three to get ready … and they never go. They keep reaching for one more thing; one more piece of information; another interview; another who knows what. Sometimes, it’s just another excuse. Their book never gets written, much less published. Their quest for the perfect book has become the enemy of creating a good book, even a great book.
Perfection and Procrastination go hand-in-hand. Break the bond and move forward today.

Step 1:  Choose a spot … any spot that is yours and yours alone. It’s the “Do Not Cross … Author at Work” sport. Authors need their space and time. Space will contain all the ingredients you need to support you. Think computer, phone— if necessary, pens, pencils, paper, files with reference items that you've collected, notes you've saved or made to support your topic, other reference books, a favorite snack (I confess—I've written an entire book with M&Ms and Cheetos being the reward each time I finished a chapter), beverage of choice, toys, etc. Your space. Claim it and let others know that when you are in your space, it’s a “Do Not Disturb … Author at Work” sanctuary.
Find time. Some authors have to work specific hours; others are more loosey-goosey. Do what works for you, but do it.
caution
 
Step 2:  Just do it … even if what you get down looks like gibberish. Is it a cliché? Nope, it’s a start. You can’t move forward to publication until you've  got some words. So dump them out. Think of it as a giant puzzle. Sometimes just finding all the edges takes time.  As in a puzzle, colors begin to gather, segments within it come together, and it does come together if you persevere.  The more you organize your thoughts, stories, stats and general info, the better it is when it comes to the first dump. The general topic, sub-topics, stories/facts/stats to support the topic all go into magic piles.

Keep on learning as you write
Where you choose to “dump” is your choice. Some still write all by hand … if you having been procrastinating or dragging your feet—it’s best to bypass this method and either pick up the latest version of Dragon’s Naturally Speaking where you can literally put on a headset with a mic and start talking or glue yourself to a favorite spot and just start writing—writing anything to kick start your creative juices.
With Dragon’s program, your works get transcribed to your computer, and then you clean up spellings and missed words after your dictation is done.  Here’s what you don’t do with a speaking program: watch it as it unfolds on your computer. Guaranteed, it’s the kiss of author death.  You will want to stop. In fact, you will stop. Your creative juices vaporize as you start to correct spelling and do a first run at editing.  DO NOT DO THIS.  You need everything flowing when you are in your zone—you don’t need to make the written word perfect … yet.
 
Step 3:   Get help. You may need book coaching to goose you. You may need to get the big picture in place where you can see the book, even virtually feel what it will look like. Do you know your title … or do you need some help in creating it—don’t be surprised, titles can change as a book progresses … and it can be as firm as a slab of cement. If it’s firm, a mock up of a cover might be the visual encouragement that keeps you going. You will need an editor—content or grammar? All authors need editors who edit (this is not your friend or sister, although they can be readers) … all authors no exceptions.   

Don't Forget the librarian

Plan on engaging other professionals who create books—interiors and exteriors. Will illustrations or cartoons enhance your work? Unless you are a pro in book design, book covers, illustrations, etc., don’t go down that path. Don't expect to do it cheaply—what does that say about you and the quality of your work?

Step 4:  Make up your mind. It's a new year ... changes are everywhere. What’s it going to be—your first book? A new book? A workbook or Teacher’s Guide to accompany one that you have already written? How about a stellar speech and/or workshop that will take you new places and create new places to see your book? Or an audio program? Do you see a video version of your book or creating Exercises and Projects for readers to use and enjoy? The paths you choose can be multiple, which makes it exciting for the Author. 

Your book can do amazing things ... you need to bring the amazing you to the party and invite the pros in for the journey.

SEA_NYE_GP0550 BB


 
2014_JBriles-1Judith 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 and 1/2 day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  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.