Monday, June 30, 2014

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

After spending several hours with an author 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” phrases 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, bolting of words/phrases/paragraphs, # of paragraphs, sub-titles, illustrations and call outs, 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, the reader selects the font that she or he wants, as well as the size.  That careful layout that you envisioned becomes a fantasy.





 
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.

Calling All Authors ... Get Off the Excuse Train ...

Your writing, your book, or about-to-be-book, should be planning its next step. Completion, publishing, marketing ... Summer is here. Is your writing HOT, or are you stalled? Your writing, your book, or about-to-be-book can't be created, or survive, if the Excuse Train is in motion.  



Don’t we all get stuck at some time? The list is endless with the number or reasons, and gulp, yes, excuses as to why we can’t … or won’t do things. It’s the excuse rut. The perfect scapegoat as to why we don’t move on and out.

How many times have you heard someone say …

#1  I don’t have time … to write my book …

#2  I don’t have time … to market my book …

#3  I don’t know where to start … on my book …

#4  I don’t know how to … or don’t want to … do social media …

#5  I don’t … have time to learn about the publishing business …

#6  I don’t … ?

How many times have you said any fraction of the above? And what is your excuse for not going forth, for not getting something done that is important to you and/or your book?


As we are in the midst of summer, another gulp, quarter of the year, it’s reality-check time. Start with time—yours. There are only so many hours in the day. You need some sleep. You may have a full-time job. Most likely, you take a little time to eat. And let's face it, summertime is fabulous-outdoors, play, vacation beckons. I know, I know, you want to play a bit.

The hours slip away. If there aren’t enough hours in the day—you need to do an assessment … just how many of them do you kiss off? As in, really kiss off? And how much time do you put into doing something that is part of your Vision Factor for your book after you have your book?

For non-fiction authors—how many of you really, really, really follow your own advice? Or are you so OD’d with other obligations that you end up putting yourself on the bottom of the list—any list? I have a new book birthing, Author YOU: Creating and Building the Author and Book Platforms. After finally getting the layout tweaked and sending it to print last month, I looked closely at the process that I do for the creation for my own books—and the reason why I’ve pumped out 31 to date.

The fun part was the “aha” moment, the breaking through and out-of the Excuse Abuse scenario that is so easy to slip into—even with me and some of the things I do within my office space. It brought me back to my own basics. As a result, we’ve implemented some changes in my office—and oh boy, we are slicing and dicing—from files to set-ups to personnel. It’s all very cool—kind of like spring cleaning in the fall.

What I love about what I do as The Book Shepherd is that I am an author—I relate to the writers I mentor. I know the OD that comes with the publication of a book; I understand the overwhelm that comes and the tsunami of things that marketing creates. I know that money and time are huge issues. And I get … but enough about me. You’ve got a book. It needs your attention if success is the goal in your Game Plan. What is holding you back? What do you need to slice and dice and get back on track? Start the list … do a reality check … get myopic … and as client and bestselling, multi-award-winning and now with 3 books out, Lynn Hellerstein, says, “Ta-dah!”

It will come your way.





 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.
 

Friday, June 27, 2014

Author Acknowledgements ... Who’s in Your Village? … Who Are You Going to Thank?

Who’s in Your Village? …

Who Are You Going to Thank?

Everyone … That’s Who!

globe and village

One of the last items on the book publishing “to do” list before you go to print is to create the Acknowledgement Page … the Thank Yous to the team that assisted you in creating your baby. These are the people who got you here … don’t ignore them. Think in the narrative … let your readers know what your team did to get your book birthed.
An Acknowledgment Page is not a Dedication Page—those are usually short, minimal words and don’t include an entire village. Acknowledgements are different.
Many authors start with their family and friends, and forget the designers, consultants, printers and anyone who was a massive encourage in getting their book done. Don’t.
Let’s start with the obvious:

Family: Parents, kids, siblings, aunts, uncles. Family. They are a tremendous part—from giving you “time away” to create and finish your book—to do errands for you so you can stay focused—assisting with 
research—bringing food—even the pets can get into the picture.

Friends: Part of the cheer leading team, Friends are as critical as Family members. Friends assist in doing reality checks—sometimes Family members may be too nice—Mom is less likely to say that what she is reading is garbage. Friends are a bit more blunt.

Editors: ID the ones that helped you make your words sing—you may have more than one. Let your readers know what she or he did—editors are often invisible in the process, and or so critical to your book’s success.

Assistants and Researchers: Did you have interns doing work or anyone that tracked down info or 
items for you? Did you use the library? Was a librarian helpful? Who else?

Interviewees: Sometimes they are ID’d in your book; others, the name and place are changed. You may do a “blanket” thank you or you can ID—space and circumstance will dictate which way you go.  But, do acknowledge that they were part of your book.

Graphic and Interior Designers: Here’s to those who create what’s between the covers. Their work is critical for visual sell ability of your book, not to mention creating a book that can compete with anyone … a book that does not look “self” published.

Cover Designer: Sometimes the Interior and Cover Designer is one in the same; sometimes not. The cover is all about getting the buyer’s attention—“pick me up”—then creating the back cover that really stands as the key marketing piece.

Illustrators/Photographers:    If you have photos or any type of art work, make sure you thank them. It’s more common than not—photos and other art arrive in not top quality and low resolution. Your Illustrator and Photographers become your ally in fixing them up!

Mentors:  Who are your role models, heroes and mentors who took you under their wing? Kudos to them for teaching you the ropes before you got tied up in them. Big thanks go here.

Readers: It’s common to have friends and professionals read your book—bravo to them…and thank them.

Endorsers: If you were able to get them—fabulous. Now thank them again.

Publishing and Writing Coaches: If you used Book Shepherd, Book Coach, Writing Coach or Publishing Coach, say so and tell what they did and how they worked with you.

Publisher: If you used a publisher, make sure you ID all the players that you interfaced with on the publisher’s team and what they did.

Foreword or Introduction Author: Some books have a Foreword and/or Introduction. Sometimes they are written by the Author, many times by someone with a “name.” Thank them—their name just may be why your book is bought or picked up.

Who Else?: Do you have a writing group that you relied on? What about a co-author … all this belongs here.  Even the UPS, FedEx, postman just might have earned a kudos or two. What about a location that you surrounded yourself with and the staff who was there that made your life easier as you started your book? Your trusted pooch Ralph or cat Merlin may have been your loyal companion as you wrote--toss a treat or two.
It takes a village to create a book. Share the good news.  Many book buyers read the Acknowledgement page to see who was on your team. I know that I do. Who knows … you just might find the “publishing pro” that you've been looking for to assist you in your next book. I have—I've connected with editors and others in the publishing field … pros that I've worked with just because I discovered them on the Acknowledgment page of a book or author that I admired.
thanks


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 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.

Meet Publishing's T-Rex ...Publishing Predators Put You and Your Book at Risk

What a tangled web they weave ... the Publishing Predators are breeding, casting out their nets for naive authors-to-be, those who are looking for a book publishing bargain and don't realize that they will end up in a boiler plate up sales operation; promising bestseller status and so much more.

It's author beware, author beware, author beware.

Over the past three years, I've worked with several private clients and fielded numerous phone calls/emails from authors who have issues with their “publishers.” In all cases, they've been duped, misrepresented and lost thousands of dollars.



These publishers are really not “publishers,” at least in the sense that they have the infrastructure to create and support a quality book and its author; that they have their internal team—from editing to some semblance of book design and publishing marketing and publicity; and that they are accountable in the critical accountability departments of actual book sales and responsibility, sometimes.
I attended a national conference last month whose members were speakers. Many were well established speakers—a majority was new to the industry, gobbling up information that would hopefully turn them into a star on the platform. Having a book helps. Within the Exhibit Hall, several booths proclaimed that they were publishers … they would publish your book for a fee--ranging from $1,000 to many thousands of dollars. What they were, were vanity presses—nothing more, nothing less. The new breed of paid-to-publish operators. The predators of the print world … and they were signing up people … their next victims ...  left and right. Are there Red Flags that can help you spot the vanity press in sheep’s clothing? Sure, start with:

#1: We publish your book for ONLY $___. This is called “pay-to-publish”—know it by the true name. When you are told that there is a fee to publish/print your book—that’s what is being done. Quality has zip to do with it; if you want editing, marketing, publicity, redoing mistakes found or their layout, etc., you will pay, and pay for it and anything else to fix, create at a very over-inflated cost.

#2: We list your book on Amazon.comThink big freakin’ deal here. Anyone can list on Amazon—set aside 30 minutes, fill out the form and you are listed. Should you be listed on Amazon? Yes indeed. You can do it … anyone can do it. Vanity presses shot in the arm was Amazon—otherwise, their books never got any type of national/international presence for their authors. But, and it’s a big BUT, if you dream of getting your book in a bookstore, wake up. The cheap workmanship, quality of what is usually produced will never make it there. In a phone conversation with a key person at the Tattered Cover here in Denver, CO, he said, “We don’t purchase vanity press books—they usually fall apart … not to mention, they are so costly per unit, and the return policy is usually not available—it’s a clear pass for us.”

#3: We have the solution for author successSo do I—it’s work your tush off, although that’s not what they will tell you. Their success will be to always buy all their add-on packages, driving your “investment” with this enterprise to many thousands of dollars. Success for them, mostly likely, not you.
#4: Publisher looking for authorsYes, there is always the rare gem, break-through author that the media loves to profile …BUT here again, this is a rarity. Publishers have authors up the gazoo … what they want is an author with a Platform and a Plan … that’s the part where you work your tush off.

#5: Author Beware notices from creditable sitesStart with a search on Google and put in the name of the publishing entity you are checking out. Follow it with the word: complaints, scam and problems and see what pops up. Websites, such as Rip-off Reports at, Writer Beware on the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America at and Predators and Editors at will become your best friends. Ripoff Reports has a section dedicated to comments from former employees; Predators and Editors states in red which publishers to avoid; and Writer Beware includes case studies from authors sharing their ill-fated experience.

#6 Bait and Switch. Many of these companies pitch (after all, most have a boiler room type of operation—it’s about quotas) and you don’t realize that you have to pay them to publish your book. Not until you have submitted information—from your name, contact, book title, even the manuscript—do you realize you need to pony up funds to keep the process going. Think of it as "rinse" and "repeat" ...

#7 Partnering with a well-know nameLet’s face it, authors want their books published and when a vanity press partners, or purchases one that is well known, the assumption is that it’s a marriage made in publishing heaven. Not likely. With the rapid growth of the self-publishing world, both large and small presses are looking for avenues to carry them to the masses of self-published authors that came through the vanity press door. Get out of the book daze and stupor and do your homework before you head down the aisle. See #6 above.

Do “publishers” rip-off authors? And, if so, do they do it deliberately? The answer is simply yes ... and they do it every day. Your best defense: don’t get involved with anything that looks like, feels like, or acts like a vanity press. If you have, consider joining the class action suit filed in 2013 filed by Giskan Solotaroff in New York. Companies like Author House/Solutions, Xlibris, iUniverse, Trafford Publishing, Palibris, Author HouseUK, Wordclay, Balboa Press, Westbow, etc.,  are to be avoided like the plague.

This would be a good time to listen into one of the recent radio shows on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing ... the topic ... Publishing Predators: What to Do if You Get Hooked.
Publishing predators are the T-Rex of the industry—avoid, avoid, avoid.





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 PlatformsSnappy 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.


Monday, June 23, 2014

Book Publishing Today … Are You the Sardine in the Sea?

Are You the Sardine in the Sea?

Yep, there are millions of books out there … is yours contributing to book pollution … or do you have a unique voice, something new to bring to the party, a twist to something old … in other words, can you break from the pack? Or, will you continue to be a sardine in the vast sea? Learn the art of the niche and your start will shine!


And the answer isyes indeed.

There are a variety of ways to stand out from the crowd. Start with:

1. Decide you want to do it. Good idea …It will take some effort on your side to shine above, to create the hook and twist that allows others to see you in a different way. It doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune in the process … what it does mean is that you have to bring some vision and passion to the process. This is also a good idea to go with what you know … or at least have some expertise in … which leads to the next point.

2. Don’t re-invent the wheel.  Yes it’s a cliche … but still, pay attention. Look around you—what is your book, your idea that is already out there that others know about. Do you think Starbucks invented coffee; that McDonald’s invented burgers; or that Domino invented pizza? Those products have been around for more years than I have toes … yet with a twist and a tweak, they scored big time.

Did Stephen King write the first horror novel? JK Rowling the first witches and fantasy novel? or Ken Blanchard the first management book? No to all. But what they did was turn their genres upside down—imagine, a skinny management book with lots of stories—who could have thought of something like that? Ken Blanchard did in his One Minute Manager series. Stephen King’s, The Shinning, took a well-known estate in a Colorado area and turned it into a creep factory. JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone morphed witches, bad guys and good guys on the first page.

3. Create an Experience. When Blanchard wrote his book, The One Minute Manager, he so connected with his reader—managers are OD’d with things to do, and manage. Here’s a blue print to do it in a minute—what a concept! Rowling created the Harry Potter series with her amazing story telling ability—readers of all ages opened the pages and fell into the books. Experiences up the kazoo that her followers couldn't get enough of. Stephen King is just different—a superb writer, but with a creep factor … and if you like creep, he’s your guy.


4. Don’t get stuck on pricing. Yes, you need to pay attention to it; it does make sense to know what other books similar to yours are going for. But, and it’s a huge but, don’t price your book because of fear. When my book, Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace was initially published, we priced it at $29. On the second printing, it was increased to $35.

The distributor and book stores said it was too high. Listening, than choosing to ignore their input, I went with my gut. The product was needed in my niche market—it wasn't just another book on conflict resolution—there were many of those. It was a book that was based on a survey of health care professionals and woven with health care stories. In other words, I built it for them—not the distributor or the book store.

There was no resistance to the price. Conflict was big in health care—I had some solutions with a twist. We sold mega- thousands and enjoyed multiple printings.

5. ID your niche. Oh yes … this is a biggie in the author success model. The kiss of death for the author is when he or she thinks their book is for everyone. Get over it—it’s not … create your own community of readers and followers.

With the Zapping Conflict in the Health Care Workplace that was followed by Sabotage! How Deal with the Pit Bulls, Skunks, Snakes, Scorpions & Slugs in the Health Care Workplace, I was able to tap into my financial, number-crunching pedigree and factor in just what toxic behavior cost the health care workplace—quantifying got leadership’s attention. A community was created.

Who needs, really needs/wants your subject? The more you narrow it, the bigger you can become within it.

6. Build it, they will come. Starting as the sardine is just fine … you've got to get some legs in the authoring and publishing sea. When you build it, when you break out, you will no longer be the sardine in the sea … you will be the whale, as in the whale in the pond! Better, much better.






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.

Intentional Book Selling in 3 Steps

For authors to be successful, the magic dust of book selling and marketing need to be in play. Do you know the  three steps that will set you up for your book sales?


  It’s All About Intentions …



  Step 1The Pitch and Platform When someone asks what your book is about … what do you say as you Pitch them your work and words? Do you stumble a bit? Do you start and stop your response until you get it out to the listener? Is the listener still listening? Or do you say it smoothly in the words you absolutely intended to say with confidence?  What about when someone asks about your Platform … do you know what a Platform is? Can you articulate what yours is? Do you know what magic words and phrases need to be said so that your listener gets what your book is about, what commitment you have to it, what your Fan base is and how you will engage them to buy your book? Are you able to communicate them with clarity and confidence?

Step 2Find the Fans and Readers Who’s your crowd? The people you have written for—it
doesn't matter if it’s a fiction or nonfiction book … you are writing for the “someones” out there who are ready to chew on your words—who need them to ease their pain, solve a problem, provide a solution, to be inspired or just simply to entertain them. You either go to them … in person, connecting via social media or traditional media, writing articles, speaking … whatever why you reach out. Usually, the more, the better. They come to you … reading about you, following you on social media sites, being a fan—just what an author wants.

Step 3 Ask for the Sale And when you find them; or they find you, you've got to ask the question at some point. Do they read? Do they like to read? Do they buy books? In what format? And then, ask for the sale. Books may fly off a shelf in a bookstore, but something has to drive the images (1)buyer(s) to the bookstore to buy—it’s usually something that you, the author, generates.  If you are speaking somewhere, new Fans ma
y stop by to chat with you. Lovely for the ego … but are they readers? Book buyers? It’s frustrating, and sometimes downright annoying, to put your heart and soul in telling a perceived reader and book buyer about your book … and to discover that there was no intention to buy a copy, much less read it. Once you engage someone you believe to be a Fan/potential book buyer, consider starting with the question, “Do you enjoy reading? What types of books?” And with that, you’ll know whether or not it’s worth your while to share your Pitch and your book.  




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.

Editing Isn’t a Bad Word … it’s a Friend!

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.

If you need simple vanilla copyediting, you will pay from $25 an hour and up–most are going to come in the $50 an hour range for this type of editing.

If you need content or developmental editing, you will pay more. These individuals are writers themselves–at times they may have to do a major gutting of a paragraph, a page, a chapter, your entire book. They have the skill to create a book that makes content sense. Content and developmental editing/writing can run from a few thousands to many thousands of dollars.

The final editing recommended is the “cold eye” edit … the final read POST layout of your book. A read that is done by someone else who has not done anything to do with the book. It’s done with a print out of the book post the layout so that it can be read as a book. Those cold eyes could be your book’s, and yours, best friend. Cost will range from $300 to $500, depending upon the size and complexity of the book.

The cleaner the copy you give them, the less you are going to spend in the editing process.






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 80's. 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.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Please, Please … Ban Book Pollution

Several times a month, I get calls or emails from aspiring or just-ready-to-give-birth authors. Or so they think. Maybe they are ready for the book birth—but too many times, it’s a false labor, or should be. This past month, after an SOS from a book designer I work with, I literally pulled two books out of the “line” where the authors had jumped the gun and submitted theirs too soon and directly to him, bypassing my final round of input to save a few bucks. The authors didn't see what the problem was … until they came into my offices to look at their books one more time. One had over 200 additional tweaks that I had recommended to get it to the final polish. If the book hadn't been pulled … the result would be a trashy book, one that most readers would have thought,

poorly publishing, not edited, etc., etc.



With the almost 3,000,000 books from all formats published last year, we've entered an era of book pollution. Don’t add to it. There are two things authors do that consistently get them, and their books, into trouble:

1      They rush to publish.

2      They fail to support the book after it is born.

What does rushing to publish entail? Plenty. Start with content—polishing hasn't happened; the content can be sucky–let’s face it, not all authors can writer–they need writers to shape their words and thoughts; and editing … “editing” consists of a few friends, or maybe a relative or two, reading it vs. someone who is ready and able to yield the red pen and do slashing, burning and rebuilding when necessary. The editor–one who does it for a living.

The surest way to ID a self-published/vanity book is three-fold: obvious lack of editing, a mediocre cover, sloppy layout. Why an author would think he has the talent to create the cover that beckons to a potential buyer—
I’m here, come to me …
I have the answers …
I can solve your problem …
Buy me—

is a wonder. And not a good one. This is not an area that you go to Fivrr.com for—get it done right. Graphics, colors, fonts and layout are the icing on your cake. Interiors need to be crisp and clean and presented so that the reader falls in. Hyphen mania, paragraph perpetuity, widows, orphans, and just too, too much text without an eye break in sight is a guarantee that the book will be quickly shut and forgotten.

At Author U, several of our Associate members create book covers that are professional and reasonably priced. Several Associate members are interior designers—bringing a book to visual life. Editors are your friends, bringing another set of eyes that every author needs. It takes a village to create a book that doesn't add to the pollution factor.

In two months, the Extravaganza occurs. This brings me to point two: failure to support the book once it’s born. Over two-and-a-half days, amazing content will be provided by seasoned pros in multiple aspects of publishing. This year promises a heavy emphasis on marketing—in just about any format an author can imagine. Because of the morphing book-selling world, if the author doesn't support his new offspring, it’s over. Period. If he doesn't commit to the marketing aspect of his book, the take-away is zip—nothing—it’s over. An obituary will be the next step. As mega-author Stephen King wrote:



Marketing will vary according to genre and format—fiction, nonfiction, eBook, aBook, pBook. It’s a different game today. And for those of you who have made a commitment to support your book, you won’t miss it or miss out. These gurus of publishing, along with a variety of Exhibitors, will show you that It Takes a Village to Create and Market Your Book. The Village is coming to Denver May 3-5. The skies will be clear—no book pollution in sight. You, and your Book, can’t afford to miss the Extravaganza. And you definitely can’t afford being cast as a book polluter!






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.

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.

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 …



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 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.

10 Publishing Blunders to Avoid … Part 1

Everywhere you turn, there is info via the Internet , on the bookshelf, via videos, and certainly from workshops. You would think that any beginning author would start with a quick search on the Internet to begin their quest. It would certainly reveal a plethora of information—how to do it; what not to do; publish your book for a few hundred bucks, become a best-seller; sell books by the boatloads—you name it, it’s out there.



Yet, a huge number of would-be authors start the process clueless … compounded blunders and mistakes … many that could have been prevented with a little prep work. Starting with these 10:

1 Believing that your mom, brother, sister, pal, neighbor will do the editing that your book—every book—needs. Unless they edit for a living, do ask them to read your book for a basic “flow”—does it flow, is the story/concept connected? Is there a beginning, middle, and end? If it’s non-fiction, does it provide solutions? Is it clear, to the point? If it’s fiction, is the story engaging? Are the characters interesting? Does the reader care about them what they do, become, happens?

Savvy authors work with an editor that “gets” their book, supports the “voice” of the author and does it for a living.

2 Believing that your book is for everyone. Get over it—your book isn't for everyone—that’s a fantasy. Could it sell zillions of copies to lots of people? Sure—but not everyone.

Savvy authors-to-be learn early on that a book that has a niche market can gather a following—followings lead to book sales and chatter. Chatter is good.

3 Believing that your book will be a roaring success and sell mega-thousands of books. And for that matter, too, too many authors-to-be are not really able to determine what success means in book land. The latest and greatest story about an author who has sold a million copies via the 99 cent
e-Book route is surely going to happen … maybe …most like, not. Be realistic—the average author in the self-published arena sells a few hundred copies. That’s it. If with a New York publisher, it’s not a lot more.

Savvy authors know that if their book is going to be a roaring success, it’s they, and only they that will make it happen. In other words, they've got to work their butts off. And they need a plan to do it. Success doesn’t have to mega-thousands in book sales—it can mean consulting, recognition, media appearances, speaking engagements, another book, even just a few letters from buys who have written saying what a difference the book made in their lives.

4 Believing that you can wing your way to success. Game plans are important. In fact, they are critical. See above. They include the who, what, where, when and why. Plans ID who the target market/reader is; they are clear about what the book is about and what it’s purpose is; they know where there market is; when the timing is ideal to launch the book (and yes, launching needs a plan as well); and they are very, very clear as to why they are writing the book and why they, the authors, should be the author.

Savvy authors have fire in their belly—that they need a plan to keep the fire burning.

5 Believing that publishing is not really a business. Not grasping the simple fact that publishing is a business; that there is a P&L you need to understand and answer to; that understanding and negotiating contracts will come into play; and that you need to view that you have an investment in play.



6 Believing that book marketing starts after a book is published. There is nothing vague about marketing. It starts before the book goes to print—if you didn't, it starts now. Today, it is seeded with lists—who knows ya’ baby! Social media is an active ingredient in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Groups (especially for business books), Pinterest (if your book’s market is for the female audience, Pinterest is a must), YouTube, and Blogs—yours and others that are your genre oriented. For fiction authors, eBooks are a great tool in kicking off a book—offering free chapters to seduce readers before rolling out the book and building a buzz

Ideally, you want a marketing plan in place long before you go to print. Most authors don’t. It’s part of the over-all plan. For authors who are post printing, it doesn't mean all is lost. It just means you've got to move faster and smarter. Now.

Savvy authors include in their marketing plans which platforms they will be working with and on; what their budgets are; what and where their personal skills are best used; what pros do they need to assist them; what time are they going to dedicate to marketing; what lists/names they need to build within social media; what blogs they should follow to make both comments on as well as to reach out when time is right to launch/market their books; what complimentary promotions would be a fit; what industry, association or groups might be possible fits to connect with; and so much more. It’s part of the plan. The good news is that the Internet has allowed authors to roll-out a variety of different launch strategies to keep books alive.

7 Believing that if you pay a company to publish your book, you are “self” of “independent” published. Understand this: If you pay a publisher to publish your book, and that publisher uses its own ISBN on your book, you have not self-published—you are in what is called a “pay-to-publish” operation; a subsidy publisher; or a vanity press. You really have little control or little say. In most cases, editing in non-existent; cover and interior designs are so-so—usually done via a template of sorts … you get to choose vanilla or vanilla.

Savvy authors know that vanity presses usually produce an inferior looking book that few reviewers care about and that most bookstores ignore. The stigma that the “self” and “indie” markets carried is evaporating. To make sure that you don’t get caught in the fog—create a quality print book using book professionals. For eBooks, professionals are still used for editing, cover design, sometimes layout and marketing strategies.

8 Believing that you can do it all yourself. Can you do it all? Sure … and it would look like it. Errors are guaranteed—from the cover, to the copy on it, to the interior and the editing. In other words, it’s everywhere.

Savvy authors know that authoring and publishing is a team thing—it isn’t a solo act. Get help—ask around. Look at covers that you think rock—who designed it? Always read the Acknowledgements and copyright page—you will usually see these pros that were major assists in the creation of the book ID’d. Google them.

9 Believing that everyone should pay for a book. Give some away—in fact, it may be a key marketing strategy to give a lot away. For reviews from print; for testimonials (think Amazon); for consideration for a speaking gig; for libraries; for contests; for raffles; for getting your name and title out there; for who knows what … it’s all part of marketing.

Savvy authors routinely give away hundreds of copies.

10 Believing that time is short and you have to rush to publish. Outside of poor editing, failure to use professionals; and failure to market—rushing to publishing guarantees failure in a massive way. Breathe along the way—get the right cover, the cover that really says what the book is about and beckons to the reader; the right interior layout—the one invites the reader in and creates a visual path to eases and supports the reading journey; the right editing—the one that supports your voice and vision; if you are printing, the right printer—not all are the same; if you are going the electronic route—learn how to do it right if you are going to try it solo … or engage someone who professionally lays out e-Books. And most of all, write with your voice and write well. If it’s not your skill, get help.

Savvy authors know that books don’t happen overnight.

Every author will make a blunder … most likely, plenty of them. Some will cost little in money; others lots. Some can be corrected with a few tweaks; others will need a wrecking ball to unravel what happened. Know that you will have mistakes—they’re rarely book fatal, although it’s a possibility. They can be costly, bruise your ego and slow your publication … and in many cases, were preventable. Get savvy, get smart … and ask questions before you start the process.



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.