The ISBN Dilemma … Should Authors Buy Their Own?

WOWSA! Such a deal … buy your ISBN for only ten bucks … who wants to pay $125? The real questions are: are they legit ISBNs? Or, are they knockoffs? Or, are they a re-sale? And if they are a resale, are they being sold by an approved resale outlet? Are they legit … or are they fake? What’s an author to do?

All authors need to understand this: ISBNs are ONLY ISSUED by Bowker ... it doesn't matter what name you get them through. And in fact, it may be a giant hiccup if you take this route. Bowker has the exclusive distribution rights in the United States ... other companies have them in other parts of the world. Here's what ePubBud.com and others like it do: they purchase a bank of ISBNS... you too, can buy 1000 for $1000 or $1 an ISBN (now, that’s a deal)—where single ones are sold for $125 via Bowker, 10 for $250, 100 for $500 and 1,000 for $1,000, etc. 

Anyone can buy and then repackage and sell them as singles or multiples at, say $10 vs. the single direct purchase from Bowker for $125. If you are crunching numbers, $10 sounds better than $125—but is it?  Supposedly, they have a "channel" arrangement with Bowker to do that. You think—"WOW—such a deal." Maybe. Maybe not. And yep, that means you could buy them and resell to your friends and maybe as a “side business” as well. Hmmm, 1,000 for $1,000—resell for $10 each … what a rate of return!

They are making 10 times on their money—not a bad ROI for sure! ... and get this: all those ISBNs are really listed as them—whoever sells them to you and originally purchased them—as the publisher ... you see, Amazon’s CreateSpace still owns them, as does IngramSpark or ANY other company that you use THEIRS and you don’t PERSONALLY buy them yourself. Understand this.  When you buy from others, they “resell” to you but DO NOT transfer ownership to you as the publisher. Deep in the guts of Bowker, it still will show that the original owner is the owner. What you get is the right to use the number as long as you are connected with it. Technically, your book is connected to the ISBN via title, but not as the publisher. And if you leave CreateSpace, etc., you will have to get a new ISBN before you print/publish your book again with your own publishing company … or with another.

Bottom line: Before you buy any of the "deals" check it out—determine if you get to register your book personally with the ISBN so that BookScan picks up your retail sales and IDs you as the publisher. It’s Author Beware time.

My take ... if you are a publisher, you should have a minimum of 10 ISBNs ... better yet, 100. Why 100?--it's cheaper for sure ($5 each) and if you really get the re-purposing side of just what one book can create—breaking it up into mini books, creating new books and products, etc. And if you watch the emails that Bowker.com puts out, they often offer deep discounts on them.

I have one client who took his tome—published what we called the Mothership; then broke it into sections—created each in a POD format with corresponding eBook; and then took 9 other chapters in the book that stood alone-did the POD and eBook side—we morphed the cover just a tad—branding was there; created a new intro for each. One book = 15 books. He was amazed. He is selling. He is happy. He needed 15 ISBNs and bought 100, all registered to his own publishing company. 

When my husband and I first started Mile High Press, we pulled down 100 ISBNs several years ago—we are now at #73 in use. If I do what I plan to do, I will have to go for a second round of 100 soon. 

Noodle here ... what are your big plans ... the Vision thing for your authoring and publishing? Right now, Bowker owns the game in publishing town and controls ISBNs in the United States. Other countries have different arrangements with ISBNs within their countries. Who it officially allows to resell is another game and then those who just buy and resell and don't give a twit if it's official or not is yet another. 

My Advice:  Bowker created MyIdentifyers for ease for authors to get information on publishing as well as buy single ISBNs to multiples. Make it your portal to get YOUR ISBNs that you own and control. It’s the savvy thing for all authors who are self- and independent publishing today. 

Should buying ISBNs be a dilemma? Nope … you should buy your own from the get go.

Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of AuthorU.org, 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 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published in 2016: How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.

Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th.  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 "AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing" on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.

Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps, and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre-, during and post-publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.

 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday if you are an AuthorU.org GOLD member. 

Is Your Author Photo a Selfie or Professionally Done?

What photos are you using on your website? How about for media? Or, a speaking engagement? Are they oldies, but what you consider goodies? Could they be more than five years old?

Your picture says a thousand words:

• what you do;
• who you are;
• what you love to play with or at;
• what your expertise is;
• who’s your crowd;
• what else?

Visuals are powerful. You may use them on your book covers, your website and your promo and publicity material. Think Bio shots, Author One-Sheets, website, promo materials, social medial. All that showcase your genre and personality.

You’ve invested in your book, your editing, your cover design, your interior. Now, invest in a photo shoot of yourself. It might me a solo shot; it might contain items that support your branding; it might capture you “out of your regular element” … but what it will do is give you a variety of options to have available for media, your website and much more.

What You Need to Determine:

What types of author pics do you need?

Ideally, you need a professional headshot. With the mobile devices, we all have and the built-in cameras, getting headshots and candid shots were simple. I have been on enough cruises, that I had actually cropped some of the pictures taken and even used those. Good enough … but were they, are they, really?

Do those photos really highlight the “best” of what you want to reflect? Maybe … but most likely, not.

Stop. You are worth more than any Selfie shot will create. Bypass the selfies. Your book and Author One-Sheet should not look like a DIY project. Your readers and buyers will know. So will your book sales and speaking engagements—don’t be surprised to discover that many may not pick up your book because it looks mediocre; a meeting planner may bypass you because of the same thing. Ugh.

When I did a self-assessment, I knew it was time to step up my game. I had professional shots down over the years … but it had been a long time. It was time to make a phone call and set up a time to do a new one.

Show some action and use different locations.
Both outside and inside … it changes the look and feel. On the radio show I did with Author Photographer Ashlee Bratton, she shared,

If you have a business book, you can use a studio shot or a neutral outdoors. Nonfiction can have a backdrop that ties into your theme. Military books could use a tarmac, bomber jackets. Cookbooks put you in the kitchen environment. Fiction books open multiple possibilities. Be creative. Listen here.  

How much should you pay and how to negotiate?
Always a good question … understand that prices will vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on who you work with and what packages they have. You want to be sure to get commercial copyright use and digital files in whatever your portrait package is. And, read whatever contract you sign. Ashlee has put together a terrific all-inclusive package for authors for under $300. Take advantage of it.

Finally, I took my own advice.
OK, I did it ... meaning that I settled in and did a photo shoot with photographer Ashlee of Ashography, who just happens to be an author as well—Life Before the Lottery.

In the back of my mind, I knew ... yes, I knew, that I had to step up and get a professional photo shoot done. She had been after me for a few years to do one. Then, she called my bluff a few months later. “I’m doing a baby shoot next weekend in your area and I have a few hours. I’m coming by and we are going to do shoot the next Sunday!” her voice confidently said.

Gulping, I agreed to be ready. Here’s a few from my shoot:

I loved working with her. It was fast, super casual (my style) and painless. I loved the variety and felt she captured me. Changing earrings a few times and my blouse/jacket plus a re-apply of lipstick … it was a TaDah!

Do yourself, your book, your fans, and followers a favor. Get an another photo shoot scheduled ... but before you do, make sure you listen to the show I did with Ashlee to give you all the tips you need to make it the BEST!

And guess what, Ashlee is bugging me again … time to do an updated shoot. Why not—when?

Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of AuthorU.org, 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 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published in 2016: How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.

Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th.  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 "AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing" on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.

Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

Author U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps, and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre-, during and post-publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.

 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday if you are an AuthorU.org GOLD member. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code is only availabe to members ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen. Join us.

Book Review Secrets -- What to Do and Not to Do in Getting Them Today

In the U.S., over 70% of books are sold through the Amazon channels. Book reviews are considered “essential” to have, yet Amazon has taken an aggressive posture in removing many that are posted: many from legitimate book buyers/owners and some from phony “reviewers”.

What happens when a posted book review has been zapped by the Amazon bots (or many); is there a path to getting reviews that stick; are perplexed about which type of reviews to seek and how to get them; or are there rules, and unwritten rules, for authors to know when seeking book reviews?

Amazon has new guidelines and authors need to be aware of them ... effective time was October of 2016.

From it's website:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Community Guidelines

Amazon.com wants your voice to be heard! The Amazon Community provides various forums for engaging other users and sharing authentic feedback about products and services - positive or negative. These Community Guidelines will help you use Community features, including Customer Reviews, Customer Questions & Answers, Amazon Follow, Profile pages, Registries, and Lists.

Eligibility

To post Customer Reviews or Customer Answers, post on Customer Discussion Forums, or submit content to followers, you must have spent at least $50 on Amazon.com using a valid credit or debit card. Prime subscriptions and promotional discounts don't qualify towards the $50 minimum. You do not need to meet this requirement to post Customer Questions, create or modify Profile pages, Lists, or Registries, or to read content posted by other customers.

Be Helpful and Relevant

The Community is intended to provide helpful, relevant content to customers. The content you submit should be relevant and based on your own honest opinions and experience.

• For Community features focused on a specific topic, you should only submit content related to that topic.

• Customer Reviews and Questions and Answers should be about the product. Feedback about the seller, your shipment experience, or packaging can be shared at amazon.com/feedback or www.amazon.com/packaging. Comments about pricing, product availability or alternate ordering options are also not about the product should not be posted.

Respect Others

Amazon values diverse opinions, so you may disagree with some content that you come across. Please keep in mind that something that may be disagreeable to you may not violate our Guidelines. In order to maintain a welcoming environment for all users, your participation in the Community must always be respectful of others. In particular:

• Don't post content that is libelous, defamatory, harassing, threatening, or inflammatory. For example, don't use obscenities or profanity, and don't express hatred or intolerance for people on the basis of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender or gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability, including by promoting organizations with such views.

• Don't post content that invades others' privacy. For example, don't post other people's phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, or other personal information, and don't post links to phishing or other malware sites.

• Don't impersonate other people or organizations or pretend to be someone or something you're not.

• Don't repeatedly send messages or requests to other people.

• Don't attempt to drown out other people's opinions, including by posting from multiple accounts or coordinating with others.

• Don't engage in name-calling or attack people based on whether you agree with them.

• You may question the beliefs and expertise of others as long as it is relevant and done in a respectful and non-threatening manner.

Promotions and Commercial Solicitations

In order to preserve the integrity of Community content, content and activities consisting of advertising, promotion, or solicitation (whether direct or indirect) are not allowed, including:

• Creating, modifying, or posting content regarding your (or your relative's, close friend's, business associate's, or employer's) products or services.
• Creating, modifying, or posting content regarding your competitors' products or services.
• Creating, modifying, or posting content in exchange for compensation of any kind (including free or discounted products) or on behalf of anyone else.
• Offering compensation or requesting compensation (including free or discounted products) in exchange for creating, modifying, or posting content.
• Posting advertisements or solicitations, including URLs with referrer tags or affiliate codes.

The only exceptions are:

• You may post content requested by Amazon (such as Customer Reviews of products you purchased on Amazon or received through the Vine program, and answers requested through Questions and Answers). In those cases, your content must comply with any additional guidelines specified by Amazon.

• You may post an answer to a question asked through the Questions and Answers feature (but not a question itself) regarding products or services for which you have a financial or close personal connection to the brand, seller, author, or artist, but only if you clearly and conspicuously disclose the connection (e.g., "I represent the brand for this product."). We automatically label some answers from sellers or manufacturers, in which case additional disclosure is not necessary.

• You may post content other than Customer Reviews and Questions and Answers regarding products or services for which you have a financial or close personal connection to the brand, seller, author, or artist, but only if you clearly and conspicuously disclose the connection (e.g., "I was paid for this post."). However, no brand or business may participate in the Community in a way (including by advertising, special offers, or any other "call to action") that diverts Amazon customers to another non-Amazon website, service, application, or channel for the purpose of conducting marketing or sales transactions. Content posted through brand, seller, author, or artist accounts regarding their own products or services does not require additional labeling.

Book authors and publishers may continue to provide free or discounted copies of their books to readers, as long as the author or publisher does not require a review in exchange or attempt to influence the review.

Infringing Content

Don't post content or interact with other members of the Community in a way that infringes the intellectual property or other proprietary rights of others. Only post your own content or content that you have permission to use.

Illegal Activity

Don't post content that encourages or supports behavior that is illegal, including violence, fraud, illegal drug use, underage drinking, or child or animal abuse. Examples of prohibited content include:

• Content advocating or threatening physical or financial harm to others, including terrorism.
• Content offering fraudulent goods, services, schemes, or promotions (e.g., make-money-fast schemes, pyramid schemes).

Additional Guidelines for Customer Reviews

The following guidelines apply to Customer Reviews in addition to the other guidelines set forth above:

• If your review is removed or rejected because it does not comply with our guidelines concerning promotional content, you may not resubmit a review on the same product, even if the resubmitted review includes different content.
• Reviews may only include URLs or links to other products sold on Amazon.
• Customers in the same household may not post multiple reviews of the same product.

Reporting Abuse

For some types of content, including Customer Reviews, Customer Answers, and Discussion Boards, you can report possible violations of these Guidelines by clicking the "Report abuse" link near the content and entering the reason you believe it violates these Guidelines. If no "Report abuse" link is available, you may email community-help@amazon.com, specifying the location of the content and the reason you believe it violates these Guidelines.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

What does this mean for you? It means ...

• You can’t get paid Reviews … period.
• If you are participating in a “paid for” type of book Blog Tour, any book reviews generated from it could get the boot.
• There is a "closet type" of  Amazon “black list” … bloggers who get some type of remuneration (whether in money or product) are being identified and reviews pulled.
• If you are an Amazon Affiliate, your Review won’t be posted.
• If you offer discounts, sweepstakes, any type of “stuff”, coupons, your Review won’t be posted.
• Service providers can’t Review client’s or books that they are connected with

So ... breathe here. There are options and some types of workarounds. In future blogs, I'll share them. In Saturday's AuthorU program, I revealed many. Suggest you get the video.

Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and 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 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published this summer: The How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.

Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th.  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 "AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing" on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .

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 U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.

 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen

Have You Matched UP Yet with Amazon Yet?

Have You Matched UP Yet? It’s a Happy Birthday month to Amazon for its creation of the Kindle / Book Matchbook program.

Two years ago, Amazon quietly launched the Matchbook program. Designed to push print books … the bonus is that a buyer can get the eBook at a deep discount. Are you and your books in it? All you need is a print edition (POD counts) and an eBook. And, of course, to let Amazon know you want in.

Matchbook bundles the print book with the eBook.  The customer then gets a deeply discounted or free Kindle version of the same book.

Traditional publishers are doing something that sounds like, but isn’t.  Many are offering “enhanced hardcovers”—they bundle the more expensive hardcover books with an e-book, for a 25 percent greater charge. So, if you purchased a new hardcover release for $27.95, you could choose to pay an additional $6.25 to receive the e-book as well. If you purchase the much cheaper paperback, all you get is the paperback. Big deal—you can do better with a discount at Costco or Sam’s Club and get the ebook on a separate purchase.

Here’s why the Matchbook program is awesome and why you should make sure you mark the box when you upload your eBook to Kindle to participate in the Matchbook program …

With the Matchbook program, when the book is purchased via Amazon, you can offer the eBook at the same time for any price point between $0 to $2.99.

Here’s a bonus… you don’t have to be exclusive with Amazon in order to enroll in the Matchbook program. And for any Indie Author who only creates eBooks, Amazon's Matchbook program is the perfect incentive to get print versions of a book up and running. Hello POD for those who don’t want to run a full run. 

Take advantage of this … you will like it PLUS it’s an ideal way to do a “push” for your book combo during this Holiday Gift season.

This is what Martha Stewart says, “A good thing.”

Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and 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 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published this summer: The How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.

Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th.  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 "AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing" on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .

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 U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.

 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen

7 Rules to Avoid Author Self-Sabotage

As the political season enters the final month, we have all been overloaded with accusations, innuendos and a variety of interesting and inventive side steps and blatant untruths. Some of you are appalled by it; some of you have been amused by it; some of you have been mesmerized by it; some of you are sick of it; and some of it you have chosen to just ignore it.  Why am I bringing this up? Because …

Inappropriate words can sink an author’s reputation

What you say … what you write … what you say that you think is private … what you say kiddingly … what you say when you put your mouth or words out there before your brain has the opportunity to kick start … can come back to haunt you. And there isn’t one of us who hasn’t said something or put it in writing and post sending/saying, and regretted doing so.

It’s that simple … and that important.

I have told my Book Shepherd clients to tone down anything to do with politics, celebrities and scandals on their social media pages. Guaranteed, many can immediately be ticked off. For this season, I cautioned them about posting positions/thoughts about Trump or Clinton. Do I have opinions about either? Yes, I do, but they aren’t on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or Facebook. Have I wanted to post or respond at times? Oh yes, but I don’t. I’ve shared with friends in person—but on social media? Nope. In fact, after observing a vomiting of posts pro and con for each, I told a stand and posted:

Note to all ... if there are any political or what I deem offensive postings, I will delete and in some cases, unfriend you or disconnect. My pages are about author, publishing, and personal success. Thanks.

And I had my virtual assistant start go through and deleting posts and in some cases, disconnecting. I don’t want to read it and I don’t want my social media to be clutter with it. I’m about author success. Now, do I follow politics? Yes—I read two newspapers a day; do a catch up with a couple of hours a week with various media shows that I follow.

Judith’s 7 Rules

1. Do not … do not … do not say or do anything that can land you in the media and tarnish you or your book. The old rule that any media—good or bad—is good media. I don’t believe it.

2. Do not … do not … do not send an email that you could possibly regret. Once sent, it’s fair game to land in the wrong place. I know, I know, it doesn’t seem right, but that’s what can happen … and does. And did you know that any email that is forwarded can simply be edited with what you wrote by the forwarded that could even alter what you originally wrote?

3. If you are upset about something … do not … do not … do not leave a voice mail. Your name and call back number is best if you don’t connect live. With Caller ID on my phones, it’s difficult to hide from a completed call.

4. If you feel a tirade coming on … don’t. It’s best to have an outburst pal to get it off your chest vs. spell it out in emails or social media channels. Or keep it within the walls of your home or office.

5. Don’t post things that could offend or tick off potential SuperFans. Nurture them instead—it’s what will grow you and your author success. Your Fans will hunt you down … they want to know about you. Are they going to get a surprise when they find posts, interviews that may be contrary to what you are positioning yourself as?

6. If you are a Facebook user—remember FB favors the family/friends approach … lots of pics, trips, chatty personal stuff. Not business. Authoring and publishing is a business—understand that. If you are a Twitter devotee and you get on a rant, don’t be surprised if you get a boatload of unfollows.

7. Think of your beloved Gramma listening in or reading what you wrote. What would she think? What would she say? If it’s not, “Wonderful” or “Others need to hear this” or a variation, take a pass.

Solid reputations take time to build and only seconds to take down. Think before you put your mouth or words in gear.

Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and 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 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (ForeWord IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35 was published this summer: The How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.

Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th.  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 "AuthorU – Your Guide to Book Publishing" on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow .

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 U is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Monthly education programs delivered face-to-face and online, The Author Resource ezine, BookCamps and the annual Author U Extravaganza are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Join AuthorU.org today.

 If you are looking for FREE author and book coaching ... call in to Judith's Author Monday Mornings at NOON Eastern each Monday. The number is 218-632-9854; Access Code 1239874444 ... have your questions ready--there's a full hour to ask and listen