Ripoffs, Scams and Authors ... Oh My!

Have you ever been around someone; read something; or seen something … and you want to get in a shower or a hot bath and soak the slime off?

That’s exactly how I feel when I read about the gobbling up that involves the granddaddy of all Vanity Presses—Author Solutions as the mother ship to Booktango, Inkubook, iUniverse, Trafford, Xlibris, Wordclay, AuthorHive, Pallbrio and Hollywood Pitch. Did you know that Author Solutions and its various companies derive over two-thirds of its income from selling services and books to authors … not to the readers of authors’ books?

The kingpin of vanity presses (as Smashwords’ founder Mark Coker states in his blog that Author Solutions makes more money from selling services to authors than selling authors' books, "Author Solutions is one of the companies that put the 'V' in vanity. Author Solutions earns two-thirds or more of their income selling services and books to authors, not selling authors' books to readers ...”

The shocker is that truly legit publishers have gotten into bed with the predators ... one recent pitch from an Author House/Solutions rep to an author who contacted me, “If you sign with us ... your book will get in front of (fill in the blank) … at Penguin.” Hmmm... are they that desperate ... or they that smart?

With the partnering, both stealth and visible, Author Solutions has gotten into bed with Hay House (Balboa Press), Thomas Nelson (Westbow Press), Simon & Schuster (Archway Publishing packages start at $1599 and can go up to $24,999), Guide Post/Writers Digest (Abbott Press) and others. With Penguin recently acquiring Author Solutions, who knows what Penguin will turn over from their slush/pass piles to Author House to “follow up” on.

Author House/Solutions is a boiler house operation. Pitch, pitch, pitch. The deals put together with them ... mean squat—there is absolutely NO GUARANTEE that a book will get in front of the acquisition team with the publishing house that is now diving into the self-publishing/vanity press arena. You are still dealing with a pay-to-publish operation; a vanity type of press—they type that has excelled in total sales average of 100 copies of a book and selling books to the author at a very inflated cost. What it wants to do is SELL you more stuff.

Some of these companies have tarnished records with a lot of unhappy customers. Several authors have complained to the Better Business Bureau and some companies have been sued.

When people are victims of scams, they often report the incidents on the Internet. Before doing business with POD publishers, a pay-to-publisher operation or any other person or company that wants your money, make a Google search for:

(That company name) + Scam
(That company name) + Problem
(That company name) + Complaint
(That company name) + Fraud
(That company name) + Ripoff
(That company name) + “Better Business Bureau”

Read the reports and be advised. Unfortunately, too many walk away woven with shame that they got sucked in the first place and/or so ticked that they got taken, they just want to take the shower and get as far away as possible.  As a side note, one of the members of the Author U LinkedIn group, posted that she had just got he had been sucked into the Balboa Press operation, sure that Hay House, and of course Louise Hay, would personally be watching over her book. The pitch she got from her Author House rep—which is what Balboa Press is—she needed, she should get the marketing package, and it was only $18,000!

The boiler rooms are in full gear. Outside of the Author Solution predators, another crop is popping up offering “self-publishing services” to authors and small/indie publishers. They employ "boiler rooms" of sales people making relentless calls. The goal: to wear the author on the other end of the phone down. In many cases, they are hard to resist.

Let’s face it. The major publishers are doing some bleeding. The self and indie author moves faster and in many cases, is willing to commit money—often more that what a traditional publisher would commit to in the support of a newbie author’s book. Don’t be seduced. Check them out.

My advice .... Do not; do not; do not go down this rabbit hole. Stop this predator insanity. Stop the wrong author package. Author beware, be very beware.

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.

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.

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of August 28

It’s Thursday at 

...

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety for common hiccups that new authors get into. Her guest is Jake Williams, illustrator, author, charicature creator! It’s all about creativity today! Last week, Judith and Kari May deep-dove into how to work with libraries (Kari is the President of the Colorado Library Assocation—you don’t want to miss this one! It’s up on the In the Air section on the AuthorU.org site. 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 

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

• WOW—a dozen spots that #book designers go to get royalty-free images-listen to podcast via @AuthorUow.ly/yNhHG

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

• HOT for all #author posting with blogs, articles, Internet anything- key words out, topics in-must read @SusanGilbert for #seoow.ly/Ax68F

• New from @SMExaminer 4 Tips to Create the Perfect Cover Photo on Any Social Network http://t.co/VCDituwcxb  #authoru

• Tips for #authors on how to get an objective review for your #book: listen to podcast #publishing #authoru http://ow.ly/A57dO

• #Author’s Inkling Google and Apple ibooks-the interactive #ebook-how to use-listen to podcast: http://ow.ly/AlnAq

Writers

• #Writers Who Published Great #Books Before Age 25 ow.ly/AvMlX#authoru

• The 5 Cs of Writing a Great Thriller Novel - ow.ly/wCkqq

Fun and Cool Things to Know

• 29 earth-shattering young adult books is.gd/UUNlTa

• If you listen better, you will sell more. #gitomer

• 9 reasons to eat more chocolate [Video] is.gd/ggLyP3

Remember …

You can listen to over 130 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.

Would You Like to Join Me on Vacation in January?

If there is one thing I want for authors, it’s this: succeed. Succeed in the writing of their book; succeed in the design and production of their book; succeed in the publishing of their book; succeed in the marketing of their book … succeed!

That's why I want you to come with me on vacation January. And only a few of you can.

Yep. You, me, four other book publishing experts and a small group of several other fiction and nonfiction authors who all want the same thing: success!

It's our second annual Publishing at Sea cruise to the Eastern Caribbean this time. I promise you the vacation of a lifetime and an author experience that will shape our success.

We'll be leaving January 18 from Fort Lauderdale, aboard Royal Caribbean's award-winning "Allure of the Seas." The ship has 7 distinct "neighborhoods," including Central Park where you can go ziplining, stroll through beautiful gardens (imagine trees growing in the center of the ship), unbelievable onboard shopping mall seeing items you don’t normally come across, or just settle in with a book to read and maybe your favorite breakfast or snack.

Enjoy the Broadway play "Chicago" in the main theater, or the Aerial acrobats in the AquaTheater.

Bring the family. The kids will love Shrek, Po the Panda, and more friends in the DreamWorks® Experience.  Royal Caribbean has the most amazing program for kids via the Adventure Club—free so you get quiet time as well—they have their own meeting rooms to hang out and play. And, I should mention that there are beautiful places on this massive ships that no one under 18 is allowed?

Oh, let’s talk about food … you'll be able to enjoy gourmet meals and snacks 24 hours a day along with free room service. If you have allergies (I have extreme ones to rosemary and thyme), the dining room makes sure to work with you. How cool is this … and that?

If money is tight right now, not to worry. You can take advantage of our handy six-month payment plan. Register by Sept. 15 and get a $300 discount. If you want true value … this is where you want to be!

Here are 9 reasons why you need to be with us ...

1          For your book to succeed, you must know about the business of publishing, including the hidden opportunities and the dangerous landmines. You'll learn this on the cruise.

2          You will have access, for one full week, to me and four other of the savviest book publishing experts on the planet.

3          On the days when we're at sea, you'll be learning how to make your book a best-seller in our 10 in-depth workshops.

4          We'll show you how to create a strategic plan for your book. We'll coach you on how to become an expert on almost any topic. You'll learn how to write sizzling sales copy for your marketing. You'll know all your options for sales and distribution. And you'll learn where to find a dazzling book cover that screams "buy me!" (This is a short list of our courses...)

5          We're leaving time for one-on-one coaching. Your book isn't like anyone else's. That's why you you'll get all the attention you need.

6          You can celebrate with us at our private, open bar "Bon Voyage" party on the 18^th at 3 PM.

7          Your registration includes ***all*** cruise fees. No worrying about port charges, government fees, taxes or gratuities. Roundtrip airfares to Ft. Lauderdale are less than $300 from most parts of the country right now.

8          The Caribbean is fabulous to be in during the winter. The days we are in Port, you get to play—no classes. Sun, Fun … and Book Mastering all in one week. Fantastic!

9          This cruise is the equivalent of earning a PhD in book publishing, book marketing and social media for books all wrapped into one week. You will be so much farther ahead of all the other authors in your genre! Which means … success!

What you need to do NOW

• Go to http://www.PublishingatSea.com for all the details. Watch the short video on the Home page of the “Allure of the Sea’s” sister ship, “Oasis of the Sea” (they duplicate each other). Let me know if I can answer any of your questions. I’ve even set up a 6-month payment plan through PayPal. And, this all ties into “education” or “consulting” expenses for your book … which allows for tax benefits. That’s a happy dance from me!
• Remember the important September 15 deadline for saving $300! All you need to do is send me an email at Judith@Briles.com and say “I want to go” … let me know if you need a cabin mate … and if you are thinking about bring the family, we need to get a special cabin for you--all our cabins are Ocean Balconies--they have the capability of a pullout bed in the small sofa in each. Cabins can be King or Twin beds.

Join me … I have 5 cabins left! Judith

Book Success: The Magic of Perseverance

Sometimes it’s not easy being an author ... there’s rejection—sometimes in a cascading abundance; sometimes we authors feel that everything attempted is a massive flop; sometimes we think we should be committed for spending the time and money in creating our books; sometimes we think there’s no freaking way we can sell any; and sometimes we just think ...

But then, a nudge comes into play. You love your topic. The cover makes you happy. You remember the unbelievable sense of pride when you held that first book in your hand. A kind word, email, or note comes your way that you've made a difference, solved a problem or just provided a new fan with a terrific story.

Authoring ... what a journey. Highs and lows. Hopes and fears. Tears and joy. And a journey that requires perseverance. Webster’s defines perseverance as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.

Isn't that what we authors face—sometimes on a daily basis? Are you thrilled with your book sales? Would you like to increase them? Book sales don’t come from luck ... they come from marketing work. And perseverance.

Your book is like an iceberg—5 percent is the writing; the other 95 percent is below the surface ... everything that you do to kick start sales, your marketing, and your on-going plan. The continuation of your Book and Author Platforms. Everything.

For sure, authoring isn't for sissies. Successful authors have more rejections than Hogan’s got goats. Successful authors have it the wall of dismal sales more times than they care to count. Successful authors have received more negative reviews than their walls have room to post them on. Successful authors have had days, sometimes weeks, months, even years when they have wondered, “What was I thinking ...”

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.

Book Awards ... Some Have Deadlines

 Which book awards do you enter? Do they matter?

Let’s start with the second question first. The answer: sometimes. Depending upon the tenacity of the author/publisher in getting the word out about the book and the award, you could be wasting your money. Awards can be used to market your book, but it doesn't happen by itself. You will be the primary promoter. Always.

Some of the more established awards—USA Book News, ForeWord Indie/Fab, Ben Franklin, IPPY, Indie Excellence and the Center for the Book (put your state name in front on Center for the Book to find contact)—send out professional press releases. Some actively promote the winners on their websites and events. When Judith Briles won the Colorado Center for the Book in the non-fiction category, the Tattered Cover Bookstore attended with a display of all the winners and sold books—lots of them … and continued to promote them actively throughout the year. However, other awards just take your money and only notify you if you are a finalist or winner. Little else is done.

Note: USA Book News, ForeWord Fab/Indie, Indie Excellence, IPPY and the Center for the Book do not require membership to enter their competitions. That’s where Author U believes the line should be drawn—awards can be big money for the promoter. With that money, there should be some media promotion for the winners and there should be a specific website that cares all the winners names and their books.

Back to the first question. If you are active in a publishing or authoring organization, consider entering. But if you have to pay a fee to be a member and then another one to enter the competition, take a pass. Your marketing (and these are marketing) dollars are best spent elsewhere.

The Book Awards business is a revenue business . . . for the promoter. Before you put your moneys out, make sure you do your homework. Why are you entering? If you win, what will you do to promote your status? Does the group support its winners with media coverage? Last but not least, Google the group—are there any complaints, problems or accusations of scams? If so, find another group. Make your time, your book, and your dollars work for you.

In September, many of the awards open for awards consideration. Is one in your midst? You will only know if you enter.

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of August 21

It’s Thursday at

...

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety fo common hiccups that new authors get into. Her guest is Kari May, President of the Colorado Library Association—books and libraries go hand-in-hand, you will learn all the inside tips of getting yours there. Last week, Judith and Rebecca Finkel deep-dove into all things in book designing, what they look for and how to get attention for your book—you don’t want to miss this one! It’s up on the In the Air section on the AuthorU.org site. 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!

Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it. ~ Joel A. Barker

 Here’s your Top Ten Tweets for the past week

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

• Aha! Study shows you learn better by reading on paper, not computer screens is.gd/vwhbWz

• RT @PublishersWkly: Author Lee Child: Amazon is using “authors as collateral damage and using customers as pawns” http://t.co/oRY9f6xHFe

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

• #author smarts: Why Faster #Websites Make More Money - gag.gl/Q2tdr#infographic

• 9 Snapchat Tips and Tricks You May Not Know About: Snapchat's latest update brings a number of impressive ideas on.mash.to/1rqv9IC

• Pinterest is adding a deeper, richer layer of collaboration to its social platform. If your brand is visual, in any…lnkd.in/bHMneks

• How to #Market Your #Fiction Writing through the Brilliance of Other #Authors http://t.co/evrBhR2Jlo

• Best Posting Times for Social Media for Authors dld.bz/dvcvC

Writers

•  Literary agent Catherine Luttinger seeks science fiction, fantasy, historical fic, mythology re-told, YA & thriller: http://t.co/ROCofVQMED

Fun and Cool Things to Know

• Not so cool: Asian and Latino women smoke more after moving to US is.gd/oKz4XJ

• This is hot: Create your rainbows: the Scribble Pen that lets you draw in 16 million colors http://t.co/VuCO4x7bhL

Remember …

you can listen to over 130 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.

Insider Ninja Tricks for Authors & Social Media

How would you like insider tricks for finding the right crowd ... your crowd ... on social media? Think of them as Ninja Tricks for Authors! You can on this Wednesday, August 20th at 6 p.m. EDT. register now for the FREE webinar--space will be limited ... Register NOW!   if you can’t define who your book is for, it’s really for nobody. Too often, authors make the mistake of thinking their books will appeal to almost “anyone” or "everyone." They're in for a rude awakening. Now more than ever, the vast amount of self-published books in the marketplace makes it ESSENTIAL that you define your target market. That's the best way to find your niche, make it easy  for them to find you, make them notice your book, and encourage them to recommend it to others. You will learn: How to find and market to your perfect customer. How to encourage book buyers to build the buzz about you and your book. How to find and connect with the right people at the right time, in the right place. How to  make it easy for THEM to find YOU. How to make people think "This is exactly what I've been looking for!" when they see marketing copy about your book. Why targeting a much smaller niche will help you sell many more books (even though this sounds wacky). Questions to ask yourself to help you define your ideal reader. This week's webinar leader is Georgia McCabe. She will share her Ninja tricks and resources for defining readers in your target market and connecting with them on a deeper level than if  you were reaching out to "everyone." Last week, Joan Steward focused on Ninja Publicity Tips for Authors; the week before, Judith Briles deep-dove into the Costs of Publishing along with Key Publishing Timelines along the author's journey; and the first in the series was with Amy Collins who revealed the who, what, why and how of Book Endorsements, Blurbs and Reviews. To get them all, just go to the PublishingAtSea.com website and watch, listen and learn with the Chicks at Sea. This free webinar will help you stay focused and avoid wasting your time, money and resources. Register NOW!    PS ... sign on EARLY! Title: Ninja Tricks for Finding the Perfect Target Market for Your Book Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT

Will You Book Be Honored ... or Rejected?

Submissions for Book Awards are open. Will the author be honored for their words and book? Or will they get the Book Boot? The question every author needs to ask is, “Did I do the best job in writing, in presenting, in connecting with my crowd—the people who need, want my words?” In other words, “Did I rush to publish?”"Will it be rejected?"

Working with authors every day, there are routine hiccups that are all too common. When they are pointed out, they are often surprised that they didn't notice them—both pre-layout and during layout. To anyone who is experienced with books, those hiccups are glaring and would have been noticed quickly.

What’s that mean? Simply this: don’t go it alone. Before you enter your book, make sure it’s of “star” quality.

The Book Boot Starts Here … on the Outside

• The title doesn't work. The reader is clueless as to what the book is about. Does it solve a problem? Does it entertain? Who is it for?

• The cover itself isn't connecting. Colors don’t work; design looks unprofessional; the fonts don’t grab.

• The cover production didn't include bar-codes, price of the book, or categories.

• Copy on the back, dust jacket or flaps doesn't work or it’s visually difficult to read.

The Book Boot Continues Here ... on the Inside

On the opening, for a nonfiction book—it’s all text, with no visual relief—white space helps, illustrations, callouts, are the chapter openers eye-appealing and if there are part pages, how do they look? For a fiction book, are there breaks (think bathroom) where there are distinct chapters?

What about running heads—are there any? Every professional book has them—title of book on one side and the changing chapter on the other—sometimes, you will see the author’s name. A constant reminder to the reader of the title of the book and the chapter he or she is in.

Does it look like it’s been professionally designed or does it come right it of a Word document? What about stranded words and lines—are there widows and orphans … those lines and words that get left behind or alone?

What about hyphens? Where are they on the page and just how many are there? Multiple hyphens on a page can get ugly to the eye. On the other hand, no hyphens scream self-publish—there should be some.

Some layouts are justified; some are not—ragged. You can go either way. Forced justifying, without reworking words, maybe a little tightening between them is another tell-tale sign of a DIY. Seeing sentences that are too tight, where you almost can’t see the difference between the words … or so loose that you can drive a truck through them also shuts out, “A professional didn't touch this.”

Then  ... There’s the Read 

 When your book stops the judges at the cover and the back cover … and then throws up detours with a quick visual of the interior landscape … how do you think the judge is going to pre-think the rest of the book read is going to be? A little prejudice may now have set in—let’s be realistic. If the judge see’s that you didn't care enough on the outside of the book … did you really care about the inside—the story, the message?

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.