The USPS Has Done It Again … Postage Rates Take a Hike!

What do postage rates and Social Security taxes have in common? They increase … not necessarily yearly, but guaranteed, they will increase. Today is the latest roll out for the USPS. That snail mail letter will now cost you three cents more and the trusty post card, another penny.

On January 26, 2014 the U.S. Postal Service® will implement new postage rates for several mail classes 

including First Class Package Service, Priority Mail® and Priority Mail Express® along with many special services.

Here’s a summary of the 2014 USPS postage rate increase, effective immediately:

• First Class Letters (1 oz.) will increase by three cents to $0.49 from $0.46. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.21 (up one cent from 2013).

• NEW - The USPS has introduced a new First Class letter rate for the “Metered Mail” category, which includes online postage providers and postage meters. This new rate would be $0.48, one cent below the retail rate of $0.49 for First Class Letters.

• First Class Flats (1 oz.) will increase by six cents to $0.98 from $0.92. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.21 (up one cent from 2013).

• Postcard rates will increase by one cent to $0.34 from $0.33.

• Priority Mail Express products include:

- Retail Flat Rate, Padded Flat Rate and Legal Flat Rate envelopes — $19.99

- Flat Rate Boxes — $44.95

- Domestic Priority Mail Flat Rate products retail prices start at $5.60.

• Priority Mail Commercial Base (online postage) rates will continue to start at $5.05 and in some weight ranges and zones, the prices will be reduced compared to 2013.

• Priority Mail Express Commercial Base (online postage) rates will increase by an average of 3% and will start at $16.95 (previously at $13.09).

• First Class Package Service will see an average increase of 5% in 2014.

• NEW - A new morning delivery service option will become available for Priority Mail Express. For an extra $5.00 fee, Priority Mail Express packages can be delivered to their destinations by 10:30 a.m.

• NEW - Priority Mail International: The maximum weight for Rate Group 2 (Mexico) has been increased to 70 lbs. from 44 lbs.

• NEW - Commercial Plus Pricing: The minimum annual package volume threshold for cubic pricing and other Commercial Plus offerings will be lowered to 50,000 packages.

• NEW - The following countries are now also eligible for USPS Tracking™: Estonia, Finland, Gibraltar, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Portugal, and Singapore.

So, what’s one to do if you don’t do all your bill paying, thank yous and communications online? Buy a roll (or several) of Freedom Forever stamps. Sold at the current rate per stamp of first class mail … they are good, even when the rates pop up. Also, it’s smart to have a few sheets of one cent stamps (for post cards) and three cent stamps (for regular mail) stamps in your desk.

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership organization created for the author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80's. She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platform that has won multiple “best” in the writing/publishing categories in book award competitions. Her next book is Snappy, Sassy, Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers has just been released. 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 on Facebook. Join the Author U LinkedIn Group and the Author U Google+ Community. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her at Judith@Briles.com.

Judith’s Ark … Surviving and Thriving in the Flood of Authoring and Publishing Coaching Groups Launches in March

It’s been coming, actually too long in coming, but I’m finally doing it …. my own small group mastermind series … but it’s much more than a mastermind–an overused term. It’s an ARK .. a gathering of individuals who not only want to survive … they want to go forth and thrive and multiple what they do.

Welcome to: Judith’s Ark … Surviving and Thriving in the Flood of Authoring and Publishing Coaching Groups

I've loved the Saturday Salons I do in my home in Colorado once a month that are “open” to all authors at any stage. With a bit of prodding from them and many friends with the “Why don’t you ….”, I’m doing it. The creation of Judith’s  Ark … Surviving and Thriving in the Flood of Authoring and Publishing Coaching Groups will allow me to share my wealth of speaking, authoring and publishing moxie that I've gathered over 35, gulp, years.

Your Commitment: only $497 per month … and only 12 participants may be in any one group with a minimum commitment of three months. You will complete a questionnaire before the first Ark.

Throughout the year, Judith will post a combination of Webinars, Group Coaching and One-on-One Coaching all in one package. These will be found under the Events tab on TheBookShepherd.com website.

1 – Two Webinars per month will be designed just for you to watch/listen to at your convenience, including (but definitely not limited to):

1. How to Create a Book Celebration

2. How to Create Your Book or Personal Pitch

3. How to Create the Platform for Your Book

4. How to Design a Speech around Your Expertise or Your Book that doesn’t Suck

5. How to Create a Crowd funding Campaign

6. How to Create a Podcast Show

7. How to Turn Your Book into a Business to Transition from Author to Book Publisher

8. How to Set Up Your Amazon Accounts

9. How to ID which Social Media Platforms will Work for You and Your Book

10. How to Put Sanity into Social Media Positioning

11. How to Create a Group on LinkedIn, Grow and Moderate It

12. How to Create a Community on Google+, Grow and Moderate It

13. How to Master Media and Get Yourself on TV, Radio and Visible

14. How to Create a Fast and Cheap Book Trailer

15. How to Create Info-graphics to Harvest and Position Your Expertise and Book

16. How to Create an Author or Speaker One-Sheet

17. How to Position or Re-position Your Brand

18. How to Use Twitter to Market You and Your Book

19. How to Create an Amazon Best Seller Campaign

20. How to Create  a Game Plan for Your Book from the Beginning (and what to do if you hadn't)

21. How to Create a Book Proposal if You Plan to Sell Your Book to an NY

22. How to Identify which Book Awards to Enter and What to Do When You Get One

23. How to Create a Press / Media Release

24. How to Create a Media Kit

25. How to Create a Speaker Meeting Planner Kit

2 - Cheat Sheets  … will be created for each of the Webinars featured in the month for your exclusive use.

Value: $300 for the monthly Webinars and Cheat Sheets

3 - Group Open Mic Call … this is slated in the beginning of each month in the early evening and will be recorded for those who can’t make the live call-Judith will always moderate this.  A survey will be taken of all participants to ensure that the first call will be scheduled to have maximum participation by all. 

Value: $300

4 - One-on-One Laser Coaching with Judith … you will have a time that is set up to have a phone, Skype or in Judith’s office in Colorado of one hour each month. Value: $300

I’m excited … are you Game to take you and your book to the next, next level? If yes, email me NOW and let me know that you want to have a guaranteed place on The Ark. Judith@Briles.com

Do You Want to BE the Go-To Expert in Your Field?

Are you the best kept secret in your field?

Wouldn't it be great if you could write and publish a book that adds to your   credibility, expands your reach, and helps you get more clients? If you answered, “Yes!” then I’m   excited to invite you to an exclusive online workshop. That is F-R-E-E … Authorship is one of the most things that you can to do position, promote and   brand yourself. Starting this Monday, January 27, TWENTY of the world’s leading authorities on publishing, publicity, and marketing (including ME) are coming together online to teach you how to create a book that brings you credibility,   accolades, and clients. It’s absolutely FREE and it’s happening right here—on your computer. It’s called FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO EXPERT and it’s being hosted by my colleague, Robin Colucci, master book writing coach and author of the newly released How to Write a Book That Sells You.

Join Now!   https://bj125.infusionsoft.com/go/E2Esummit/JudithBriles/


Why do you want to join this event today? If you want a book that helps your business as a coach, consultant, CEO,  speaker, or any other type of authority, you must be seen and known as an expert–in your book as well as in your communication with clients, prospects, partners, and the media. This group of 20 speakers are top industry leaders who help entrepreneurs become known as premier experts in their own fields. We've come together to share with you how to…

• You Write a book that connects to your ideal clients and makes them want to hire you. ü Use your book to help you gain access to media exposure—TV,  radio, and print.

• You Develop stronger relationships with clients, prospects, and the media.

• You Strengthen your expertise as you write.

• You Stand out as THE go-to expert on your topic. You Find the right literary agent and publisher for your work.

• You Build your list and followers fast.

• You Capitalize on new advances in digital media to market your book.

• You Sell more books on Amazon.com with the least effort.

• And more…

Starting this Monday, January 27, you’ll learn first-hand from 20 experts like:

• Michael Drew, the world’s top book promoter, who has a 100% success rate turning books into   New York Times (and other national list) bestsellers.

• You won’t want to miss Jared  Rosen, CEO of DreamSculpt Media, Inc. will enlighten you as to how you can use mini-edition media enhanced ebooks—you’ll get the future of digital   publishing and how to use it to enhance your brand.

• Randy Peyser will give you the inside scoop you need to get an agent   and a publishing deal in today’s changing climate.

• Ellen Violette reveals all in ebook land … and   you get a bonus of 3 of hers just for listening in.

• Clint Arthur, multiple #1 bestselling author and founder of Celebrity Launchpad will share how to write the hook that makes you irresistible to TV.

• Orvel Ray Wilson will deliver potent weapons in your Guerrilla Marketing arsenal. And you can deploy Guerrilla Marketing to promote and sell your book, while your book promotes and sells you. He’s been doing it for years as the original co-author in the Guerrilla series.

• Judith Briles, (that’s me!) founder of Author U and the author of 31 books is going to share   the 7 Deadly Sins Authors Make that hinder being seen as an expert and how to   avoid them.

Just a few of the voices that are here to guide you and share inside how to’s in your quest to be the go-to  
person in your field. It’s easy, and it’s F-R-E-E. How COOL is that?!
https://bj125.infusionsoft.com/go/E2Esummit/JudithBriles/

This global tele-summit event WILL …

· Open your mind to new possibilities for what you can gain by authoring a book

· Show you how to get better results faster with less effort in book sales, marketing, and getting publicity

· Give you leading edge insights into digital publishing, selling your books on Amazon.com

· Establish yourself as the authority in your niche

· Show you how to form long-term relationships with clients, power partners, and the media

· And much, much more…

Claim YOUR access now! https://bj125.infusionsoft.com/go/E2Esummit/JudithBriles/

Remember, From Entrepreneur to Expert is brought to you at NO charge and all from the   comfort of your own computer—anywhere in the world. From Entrepreneur to Expert begins this Monday, January 27. Register today   and receive a free Bonus package with added gifts from the faculty worth more   than $1,000! My gift to you!

Judith Briles Best-selling   Author and Award Winning Author

P.S. Share and forward this email to your friends, colleagues, and family   members—anyone who wants 
to have a book to help increase their expert status and grow a business. They’re sure   to appreciate the invitation.

P.P.S. Remember the bonuses I mentioned will not be available once the event   begins so be sure to sign up NOW! https://bj125.infusionsoft.com/go/E2Esummit/JudithBriles/

Publishing at Sea is at Sea!

Ahoy Mateys …  24 Authors are off to sea this week with Amy Collins, Georgia McCabe, Joan Stewart and myself. We have over 17 hours of workshop time, 8 hours of coaching set up — no doubt, it will be an experience of a lifetime.

PublishingAtSea.com was a gleam in my eyes several years ago–the water and sun are my muses… environments that goose my words, my thoughts, my books. Why not share it with others?

This will definitely be a repeat. We keep it small and intimate. The goal is to deliver an intensive, hands-on experience that propels each other to a level, and depth, never imagined. And have a lot of fun and relaxation at the same time. How cool is that?!


Watch for when we announce our next one … you don’t want to miss it and the boat. A little vacation. A little pampering. Lots of fun. Not a little work (well, yes, there is work)… but results … heaven for The Book Shepherd in me!

Bon Voyage!

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership organization created for the author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platform that has won four multiple “best” in the writing/publishing categories in book award competitions in 2013. Her latest book is Snappy Sassy Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers has just been released.


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 (you can subscribe on the show’s Home page to get weekly updates of the latest show). Connect on Google+ and become a Peep on Twitter at @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd.

Author Mantra for 2014: Shine as an expert … Rise as the thought leader!

Shine as an expert … Rise as the thought leader!

If there was one thing that rose to the top at Author U’s excellent Brunch and Learn workshop with Patrice Rhoades-Baum, it was the need to clarify the value you deliver to your reader. Can you? Really? 

Her tag line is: Shine as an expert. Step up as a thought leader™ and you can find out plenty about 

her via her website,http://www.brandingandwebsites.com/ As The Book Shepherd, mine is: Creating successful authors with practical publishing audience™. 

What’s yours … and do you have one?

Questions for you …

• Do you know what your readers’ needs are?
• How will you/do you address the challenges and problems that they encounter in your writing?
• What is unique about you?
• What sets you apart from every other author who writes in your genre?
• What is your secret, your special sauce, that you bring to them?
• Why is your voice, your work, different from everyone else?
• Who are your competitors?
• What do your competitors do differently than you do?
• What do your competitors do better than you do?
• What do you do better than your competitors?
• What value and benefit do you bring to your reader?

Time after time, authors are asked about their books—“Tell me about your book …” They do it in 

perpetuity.

They are asked about what they do; what their expertise is; what their books are about—“Tell me about them …” They do it in perpetuity.Stop it. This is a critical part of your work as an author. It is the core of your brand, your authoring business. As Patrice Rhoades-Baum says, 

“Don’t be ooshie-gooshie with your words!”

Ooshie-gooshie, not for you … definitely not for me.

 Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and 

Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership organization created for the author who wants to 

be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 

80s. She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platform that 

has won four multiple “best” in the writing/publishing categories in book award competitions in 2013. Her latest book is Snappy Sassy Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers has just been released.  

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 (you can subscribe on the show’s Home page to get 

weekly updates of the latest show). Connect on Google+ and become a Peep on Twitter at @AuthorU 

and @MyBookShepherd.

Creating a Knockout, Over-the-Top Book Affair to Remember

You must remember this … the lyrics go.  AND yes, I must. I just attended an over-the-top Book Launch of a book that I was the Book Shepherd with last week … a dear friend of the author and her family simply said, “We want to give a book party for you …” And what a party it was!

Meet To Tuscany with Love
Author Gail Mencini’s debut novel (women’s fiction—highly recommended read)
—To Tuscany with Love launched
with all the fanfare deserving of a Dan Brown. The author thought it was a small party and a book signing hosted by her friend.

It was the party of all book parties AND, as the invited guests walked into the Cherry Hills Country
Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado; the hallway had vases of sunflowers throughout.

The doorway to the room the party would be in greeted us with a large poster of the book cover with balloons. We entered … and then, Oh My! Two men playing mandolins were seated on the left 

throughout the evening, a delightful backdrop to the next three hours. Tables surrounded the ballroom, with vases bursting of sunflowers—the table clothes and chair covers to match the theme and book main covers.

                        

Imagine this … a huge ice sculpture that was shaped like a book—front and back cover and pages … within was the front and back covers (think three feet tall) … surrounded by a sea of huge shrimp, oysters on the half shell, crab cocktail.  

A curving buffet table laden 

with Italian yummies, appetizers, olives  that ended with a carving station of  perfectly cooked beef with three sauces to add to freshly baked bread for the perfect sandwich. In the center, happy attendees quickly discovered ravioli that was mouth-watering perfect.

Do you like fish cakes—like shrimp, salmon or crab? Have you tried lobster cakes?—well my mouth did a

happy dance in appreciation as these gems beckoned to me next to the ravioli that others were doing flip flops over.

An espresso and latte cart was waiting for all along with a dessert display that was simply delicious. And 

oh, yes, vino. Plenty of vino.

A display of To Tuscany with Love books was elegantly stacked to the right with author Gail and several 

helpers to process credit cards and placed elegantly wrapped books in bags. 

Over 250 plus copies walked out the door with enthusiastic buyers and readers to be. All sales were 

credited to a local book store so that they would show up via Bookscan … BN has now put in an order. On Sunday, the Denver Post revealed that To Tuscany with Love was #1 in Fiction in the Metro-Denver area.

   

People schmoozed, ate in line, and had a simply fantastic time. When the over-whelmed and joyful author 

finally stood up from the long lines in front of her to thank her DEAR friends and hosts, she had no idea what they had planned or were doing until she had walked in to set up her books—after all, it was just supposed to be a little book party); other friends; people who were there that she didn't know but were now new friends; the team that worked on the book, she was gracious, fun 

and told all just a little about the book—short, succinct, engaging. 

This Book Shepherd was proud of her author! So were her editors, cover and interior book designer. Nick Zelinger did a terrific job in carrying the theme from the exterior through the interior in it’s design.

Do friends count?

Indeed they can and do.

Does creating a book that is quality inside and out count? 

Yes it does.

Does connecting partnering with a key bookstore in the community count? 

Yes, it’s a smart, strategic move.

A perfect evening for a perfect author, a perfect book, a perfect book launch. Bravo!

Get the book, To Tuscany with Love, and continue the party.

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership organization created for the author who wants to be 

seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platform that has won four multiple “best” in the writing/publishing categories in book award competitions in 2013. Her latest book is Snappy Sassy Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers has just been released.

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 (you can subscribe on the show’s Home page to get weekly updates of the latest show). Connect on Google+ and become a Peep on Twitter at @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd.

Top Twitter Tweets for Authors during the First Week in January

Brrr … the Polar Vortex has spread across North America, across the Atlantic and created monster
waves off the coast of the United Kingdom.

Stay in. Stay warm. And let your fingers do the walking to open up an    amazing avenue of book marketing ideas and ahas. It’s Author U’s Top Twitter Tweets of the Week time!

Don’t forget to sign up for the January 11th  Brunch & Learn… that’s in TWO DAYS … this month is the perfect time to look at how you are branding yourself … How’s it working for you?… Is it what you really want ?… Does it really reflect your intent? … Expect to be surprised, challenged and enthused.

Tech Tool Box (Instagram—did you know that New York City is the #1 Instagram connected city in U.S.?) and Monday Evening Salon is posted on the website now. Come, learn, have fun … and of course, eat.

Today, Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on deep sales that return big book bucks
for Authors. Judith Briles and Casey Demchak will focus on creating your marketing platform, starting
with the “right words” and “message”—don’t miss it. 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 you 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

Strand Book Store record holiday #book sales: print is definitely not dead! http://t.co/0nwDR0UnTJ

The 4 Words That Will Get Your Email Opened: rnmkr.me/19N3P1E

8 steps for #author and #book success-new blog to seed 2014: http://ow.ly/sl8Sf

5 Key Trends in #Self-Publishing for 2014 for #Authors | PBS Mediashift http://t.co/tOiY62Eonv

Writing

How to Overcome Writer’s Block dld.bz/deCGP

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

The Secret to Happiness for Marketers http://ow.ly/s12uw

14 Instagram Photojournalists Who Will Open Your Eyes to the World: Instagram has transformed smartphone user… bit.ly/19j3uA1

Indie #eBook #Marketing for #authors: When You Get to the Fork in the Road, You Must Take It.
http://t.co/adcwPimajC

#authors and #promo: 13 Key Tips for Getting Booked on National TV via @JohnKremer:
http://t.co/ujz9nVFztr

Cool and Sometimes Goofy or Unbelievable!

Whoa-monster waves slam coast of England! Can’t you see this image popping up in a future movie! http://ow.ly/sl9vz

Bonus:  Last week’s Your Guide to Book Publishing with Judith Briles deep- dove into social media 

strategies authors need–focus on Facebook and Pinterest with Georgia McCabe who knows social 

media inside out—wow, a lot of information flowed within the hour! Listen in. http://ow.ly/sgYBo or 

you can download directly from the AuthorU.org website under the “On the Air” tab.

Don’t forget to fill out “About” on your FB page. It’s what people see! Add your URL there. Connect
with us on Google+ and join the Author U group on LinkedIn.

Not following Author U on Twitter? Change that and follow: @AuthorU

Join the Author U LinkedIn Group. Join the Author U Community on Google+

Your Author Success Starts with These 8 Steps

No author plans to fail; what he or she does is fail to plan. -Snappy Sassy Salty by Judith Briles

When I completed Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers, it was woven with quotations to kick-start and propel you forward. If you are going to succeed in this writing, authoring, publishing arena, you need to be kick-started and refueled to propel your forward.



Most of us have resolutions at this time of the year, loaded with good intentions. By mid-January, they begin to dwindle.

Let’s not do that. First, start with realism. Not pie-in-the-sky … reaching to stuff that is more
fantasy and fiction vs. “yes, this can happen” approach. Becoming a Kindle best-seller is totally
possible; being a best-seller on Amazon is totally
possible; getting in front of media is totally
possible; having an awesome book event is totally
possible; speaking at an event and selling lots of books is totally possible. Is being on the New Times best-seller list possible? Maybe … probable … hmm, not so sure. Necessary…no.

If you don’t know where you are going, you've chosen to go nowhere. Any road will do.  
 – Snappy Sassy Salty

Being realistic is critical to tying in with success for you and your book. It’s goal setting 

time …

To set you and your book into a positive book strategy mindset for 2014, here are a few tips.

1    Be realistic. You might want your book to sell 20,000 copies … do      you have a GamePlan in 

place to initiate and support it. Do you have the  time to support it? Do you have the energy? Do you 

have the network?  If not, perhaps it’s not a realistic goal  for you right now.

Stop living your fears … live your dreams. If you believe your book will be successful, it’s the 

first step. – Snappy Sassy Salty

2    Determine if your Goals are  measurable and make them so they are. Don’t be vague or up in the air. Put numbers, facts by them. Don’t say “Get on TV” or “Sell more  books.” State what TV show you will get on … how many books you will sell (a special amount of percentage increase).

3    Get a Goal Pal …someone  you connect with once a week…a someone who will help hold you accountable  and be an encourager as well.

4    Create a visual Goal Board.  Write yours down.

5    Create an Action Plan for you  and your book. Once you get these in writing, “ahas” happen. It is 

also a crucial and realistic checkpoint.  

6    Review as the year flows.   Tweak here and there. If they have become unrealistic, move them 

off your Goal Board and let your Goal Pal know. Stay on track. 

7    Revisit your Goals.   Record your accomplishments as the year progresses. It keeps 

you “goosed”  and IDs what’s working … and what is not.

     

8    Celebrate when you achieve a Goal.   And here’s the fun part… you design the celebration around what you want  to do.

Ta Dah! Here’s to reaching all of your personal and book marketing goals in 2014!  Now, benchmark, 

track and see how you do.

Wake up. Kick ass. Repeat. Don’t you love it?  -Snappy Sassy Salty

 

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership 

organization created for the author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. 

She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platforms that has won multiple “best” in the writing/publishing 

categories in book award competitions. Her next book is Snappy Sassy Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers is now available on Amazon.  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

Are You a Helping Hand for Author U?

Author U continues to grow and grow.




The Author Resource, our online magazine has 54 pages this month … 54 pages!–all new layout, even a front magazine cover! … check it out at: http://authoru.org/2014-january.

The Extravaganza has 45 already registered and 4 plus months to go… all info for registration is on the website, partial speakers, rest to come shortly –get registered. Full agenda will be up soon. The odds are high—we will be sold out this year. three-quarters of the Exhibitor spots are already taken. The Author Shark Tank will be back plus more. The Extravaganza is going to show every participant how to create the “edge” as an author; and for their book. You don’t want to miss Mark Coker, CEO of Smashwords, opening session on May 1st. Penny Sansavieri’s Deep Dive Workshop on Thursday is loaded with amazing info to move your books on Amazon.

We have plans for many new programs and services to help our Author U® members create quality books, as well as market and sell more books. Meaning money and adding to your bank account.  In other words: achieve success as an author. Isn't that your goal?

The hiccup is that we need some assist.  We have more ideas than people to implement them. Are you feeling creative? Would you be willing to volunteer some time to help us continue to grow?

Please consider being a committee chair, working on a committee or just being available for specific projects, such as the BookCamps, Webinars and other items that that last year’s Board Retreat identified.

Here are some of the areas in which we need help HELP with and in:  

Publicity: Big time. We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute press releases and generate publicity in general. We need someone who knows who the media players are, especially in Colorado to support annual Extravaganza … or is willing to track them down.

Benefit to you: network with the media for Author U and make relationships that could benefit you as an author/expert and your publishing business.

Communications: We will provide the topics and copy points for you to write and distribute regular updates to Author U members, partner organizations, sponsors and advertisers.

Benefit to you: establish relationships with industry suppliers that can help you when publishing your next products

The Author Resource ezine: Now created and published nine times a year, there are certain sections that are always there. Your task would be to take on a few of them, gathering info, find people to write short articles (including you) and do and submitting to our layout person.

Benefit to you: Stay up to date on the hot marketing topics of the day and learn more about publishing in general as you review the submitted articles; exposure of your expertise as a contributor.

Annual Extravaganza: Always held the first weekend in May, this year’s is #4—each year, they are bigger and better. We want to keep the “better” in the mix. Most of the speakers for May 1-3, 2014 are already booked. Your involvement would be to work with Judith in getting the best location, arrange for speakers and help put the program together. Kind of a Jack or Jill of all things.

Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize a conference is priceless. The contacts you will make among speakers, exhibitors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.

Colorado BookFest: One of the top “to do” items that birthed from the Summer Retreat was to create an annual Colorado BookFest that would attract authors as participants nationally and become the “go to” place in an outdoor Faire environment over a weekend in July or August. Booths would be marketed and sold to authors and publishers. There will be “pockets” where authors will be scheduled to talk about their books. Books will be sold by the individual authors within their booths. Working with Communications and Publicity will be important for the BookFest’s success. The word needs to get out to ALL formats for anyone who loves books.

Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped for a booth.

Colorado Author’s Hall of Fame: This will have its own Board and operate under a 501c3 status. A bi-annual induction event will be created honoring authors who have lived in Colorado at some time; who have used Colorado as a “backdrop” in a book; or have come stayed in Colorado to write. A Nomination form needs to be created; a game plan on how to get information out that CAHF is in play. Committee needs to be set up to evaluate nominees; type of event (lunch or dinner); location for it, etc. Watch for the formal debut at the Extravaganza … exciting!

Benefit to you: Knowing how to organize this kind of event is priceless. The contacts you will make among authors and sponsors will only improve your professional stature. You are comped to attend.

You will never be on your own when helping with any of these projects. The Author U staff and board members can and will provide you guidance, content and names of people to contact (just ask). There would be no out-of-pocket costs to you for helping with these programs—in chairing or being on a committee. If any of the above sings to you, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

We also welcome you with Program ideas, support, info … as well as Membership Connecting.

What say you?

Author U® is the premier authoring resource in the country creating community, education, guidance, vision and success for the serious author.

Your 8 Author Goals Tips for the New Year

No author plans to fail; what he or she does is fail to plan.  
-Snappy Sassy Salty by Judith Briles

When I completed Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers, it was woven with quotations 

to kick-start and propel you forward. If you are going to succeed in this writing, authoring, publishing arena, you need to be kick-started and refueled to propel your forward.

Most of us have resolutions at this time of the year, loaded with good intentions. By mid-January, 

they begin to dwindle.

Let’s not do that. First, start with realism. Not pie-in-the-sky … reaching to stuff that is more 

fantasy and fiction vs. “yes, this can happen” approach. Becoming a Kindle best-seller is totally 

possible; being a best-seller on Amazon is totally 

possible; getting in front of media is totally 

possible; having an awesome book event is totally 

possible; speaking at an event and selling lots of books is totally possible. Is being on the New 

Times best-seller list possible? Maybe … probable … hmm, not so sure. Necessary…no.

If you don’t know where you are going, you've chosen to go nowhere.  Any road will do.   - Snappy Sassy Salty

Being realistic is critical to tying in with success for you and your book. It’s goal setting 

time …

To set you and your book into a positive book strategy mindset for 2014, here are a few tips.

1    Be realistic. You might want your book to sell 20,000 copies … do      you have a GamePlan in 

place to initiate and support it. Do you have the  time to support it? Do you have the energy? Do you 

have the network?  If not, perhaps it’s not a realistic goal  for you right now.

Stop living your fears … live your dreams. If you believe your book will be successful, it’s the 

first step. – Snappy Sassy Salty

2    Determine if your Goals are  measurable and make them so they are. Don’t be vague or up in the air. Put numbers, facts by them. Don’t say “Get on TV” or “Sell more  books.” State what TV show 

you will get on … how many books you will sell      (a special amount of percentage increase). 

3    Get a Goal Pal …someone  you connect with once a week…a someone who will help hold you accountable and be an encourager as well. 

4    Create a visual Goal Board.  Write yours down.

      

5    Create an Action Plan for you  and your book. Once you get these in writing, “ahas” happen. It is 

 also a crucial and realistic checkpoint. 

      

6    Review as the year flows.   Tweak here and there. If they have become unrealistic, move them 

off your Goal Board and let your Goal Pal know. Stay on track. 

7    Revisit your Goals.   Record your accomplishments as the year progresses. It keeps 

you “goosed”  and IDs what’s working … and what is not.

8    Celebrate when you achieve a Goal.   And here’s the fun part… you design the celebration 

around what you want  to do.

Ta Dah! Here’s to reaching all of your personal and book marketing goals in 2014!

Wake up. Kick ass. Repeat. Don’t you love it?  -Snappy Sassy Salty

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd, the Author and Publishing expert and the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Author U, a membership organization created for the author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. She’s the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating Your Book and Author Platforms that has won multiple “best” in the writing/publishing categories in book award competitions. Her next book is Snappy Sassy Salty … Wise Words for Authors and Publishers is now available on Amazon.  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