8 Author Goals Tips for Book Success

What does author and book success have in common? Good question … the answer is: a goal with a plan to reach it.

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. By summer … you might begin to even ask yourself–what goals … or even, what was I thinking?

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 bestseller 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 Game Plan 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 and keep it in front of you.
   
 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 and beyond!

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. 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 Publishing Persistence, Perseverance and Passion … That’s the Ticket

Two publishing scenarios …do you choose self-publishing/independent or traditional? … that’s the question.

Here’s an astonishing fact: Books published via small presses, independent presses, and gulf, even “self-publishing” are hitting multiple bestseller lists. Fantastic news for authors!

Self-publishing is increasing exponentially. It has moved into the ranks of the honorable—authors who felt that … and publishers who believed—that New York was the only true way to publish are quickly becoming the dinosaurs of the literary world.

Publishing your own books isn't easy. You still have to write a good book and sell it largely on your own. You have to work your tush off … no exceptions. But it’s faster, you have more control over it, and you get a bigger share of the profits.

Amazing … how this world of publishing has changed. The rapid speed with which self and independent books have risen in acceptance and success is something traditional publishers never anticipated. And probably didn't want to dream about.

Another author chose to go the New York route. When Kathryn Stockett submitted her manuscript, The Help, she was almost giddy when her first few rejections came in from agents—remarks like, “It didn't sustain my interest,” to “There is no market for this kind of tiring writing,” were the norm. She just kept tweaking her manuscript believing a publisher would fall in love with her manuscript. Those first few rejections were a badge of honor.

At rejection 15, she was feeling less giddy; at 40, she felt that the past year and one-half of rejections was getting old—she began to lie to her friends about what she did on the weekends … as she continued to tweak her manuscript. When she hit rejection #45, neurosis hit—all she could think about was getting an agent, revising the book, and getting it published. Even the advanced labor contractions of her daughter’s pending arrival couldn’t pull her away from the rewrites—to make her book better, more compelling, readable.

After five years of writing and three and one-half years of rejections, she hit pay dirt shortly after the arrival of rejection #60. Number 61 wanted her book. It was a good thing for all of us, as millions have enjoyed the sassy spirit of The Help.

What if Kathryn Stockett had given up after the first rejection … or the 15th … the 30th … the 45th … or the 60th? The answer is that she wouldn't have sold her book, much less found it in the movie theaters. What about the self and independent author? Can she or he make it to the big screen or a major best-seller list? Yes—but in either case, it’s going to be about persistence, perseverance and passion—all elements of the Author’s Platform.

Most New York published authors now sell less than 3,000 books during the life of their book—surely a number that many, many self and independent published author can run circles around. Why?—because they know that they have to do the work to move their book where the New York author truly believes that their publisher will do the work. In their dreams …

Have you signed up for Judith Briles Unplugged  August 1-2 in Denver, CO? Two intense days with Judith, all in workshop format with lots of hot seats and one-on-one strategy. Don’t miss it. Register under “events” on the website NOW.

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. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and Judith Briles - TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

Authors Surfing the Publishing Wave

Twenty plus years ago, one of my author friends coined one of my favorite book titles: Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers. It’s all about change and slashing through the things that continually hold people and companies back. A few years ago, I ran into Bob Kriegel at a conference we were both speaking at. He was still talking about burgers and he reminded me of a story he told me long ago about surfing and change. As I think about his works, they fit perfectly with today’s author.

Huge “waves of change,” are barreling in from every direction and shaking up the basic foundations of everything we thought we knew and know about publishing. There isn't a week that goes by that some new tidbit has come to the surface. For some authors, that new tidbit has the capability of capsizing them.

With the “e”volution of the past few years, these publishing change waves will continue to increase and come at a faster rate. Traditional publishers are finally acknowledging that a Nor-eastern is in their midst. The good news is that the independents are more adaptable and can maneuver across the waves. We may not have the credit lines the big boys have; what we do have is the ability to stay in front of the waves. Traditional publishers traditional wait for the wave to move. We small guys are moving within the wave—a huge difference.

There are several Surfer Rules ... adapting them for publishing include:

Surfers Love What They Do ... Be Passionate
The best surfers live and breathe their sport. The most successful authors live and breathe their books, their vision, their commitment. It all starts with the Passion Factor. If you don’t have a fire in your belly about your book equally matched with a giant helping of enthusiasm, the waves and riptides of publishing will crush you. The Passion Factor is the high octane of your fuel system. The hiccups you will run into become minor obstacles ... many can turn into opportunities.

Surfers Have Flair ... Push Your Limits with Flash
If you do whatever other author is doing, is writing about, is speaking about ... what you get is boring. You are bored ... and so is the audience. You've got to bring some pop and pizzazz to your voice and your words. You've got to bring the same pop and pizzazz to your presentations and marketing. Are you up to it?

Top performers in any area are never satisfied and thus they’re constantly pushing their limits. Good surfers are continually trying innovative new moves, new equipment, new places and going for bigger waves and longer rides. Staying ahead of a wave demands taking risks, trying new approaches and constantly challenging yourself and those around you.

Surfers Wipe Out ... and So Do Authors ... Expect It
If you think you are going to catch the perfect wave every time, you are in for a rude awakening. No one does. Surfers have to be patient. They know when the big one is coming in. They sense it; they feel it; they have prepped for it. So must an author.

If you think that everything that you will do, and that you engage others to do, will be perfect—that’s an “oh-oh” moment. They aren't. Many authors get frustrated with what they perceive as failure of a marketing plan. Maybe it was; maybe it wasn't. Marketing isn't a one-time shot. It’s patience, over time, loaded with commitment and a game plan. Some marketing works, some doesn't.

Surfers Look to the Outside ... Authors Must Anticipate What’s Coming
The next wave, or the next, next wave could be the “big” one. Authors have to anticipate what’s coming along. That’s why the authoring commitment creates a life-long learning opportunity. The huge mistake that most authors make is that they think that once the book is printed/published, the world comes to them. That’s where the Wipe-Out factor comes into play. The publishing world continues to morph; the Internet delivers a variety of new ideas and opportunities (as well as crashing waves) on a weekly basis.

Once you put your toe into the authoring wave, you now must commit to continuing education. Schmoozing with other authors, attending conferences, absorbing the latest trends is essential if you are going to continue to ride the publishing waves.

Surfers Don’t Just Sit There ... Authors Must Keep Scanning the Horizon
If you've even watched a surfer; he starts paddling long before he is in the wave. Publishing is no different. If you wait to long to get into the wave—to get your book going, you will get caught up in the backwash—sometimes knocking you down in the process and stopping you cold. In publishing, the author usually has to get into the wave—move—before it overtakes him or her. Yes, maybe one more interview will add more flavor to your book, or one more study. But, could that be the next book?

It’s not uncommon for authors to get caught up in “one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, three to get ready, three to get ready.” Catch the wave!

Surfers Don’t Surf Alone ... Authors Shouldn't Publish Alone ... Ever!
One of the traits of successful authors and indie publishers is that they've learned that they don’t, and can’t, do it alone. Nor does the savvy surfer surf alone. Determine who you need on your team—book designer, cover designer, printer, editor, book coach ... who else. Get them engaged as you scan the publishing horizon.

If you haven't registered for Judith Briles Unplugged, you still have a few weeks. There are 10 spots ... will you be there August 1-2, 2014 in Denver, CO?

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U,  a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers  and a speaker at publishing conferences.

Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook.  If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

The Amazing Power of Books in Your Presence

When Amazon’s eBook sales, a la Kindle, exceeded its print book sales that we authors and publishers love so well, the “book sky is falling” dooms-dayers and Sayers came out of the woodwork.

~ Books have power! ~

The University of Tennessee has been exploring students’ test scores for the past three years. Research led by Richard Allington has found that students who brought “real” books home had significantly higher reading scores than those who didn’t. It seems that those who toted books home avoided the “summer slide” that data has shown to impact so many students during the summer hiatus. For lower income kids, the decline is even greater.

Kids are important … they are our future. In The Shallows, author Nicholas Carr’s thesis is that the expansion and use of the Internet is a major contributor to a short-attention-span culture.

Those who tout the Internet as the “end all to be all” got some bummer news when Jacob Vigdor and Helen Ladd of Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy examined 500,000 fifth- through eighth-graders’ computer usage.

The results: the greater the use of home computers and high-speed Internet, the greater the DECLINE in math and reading scores.Research in over two dozen countries has also shown that kids who grow up in homes that have hundreds of books stay in school longer and do better academically. When you see the modeling factor, it becomes part of your life.

What’s interesting about these studies is the timing. Facebook and Twitter belong to this decade. So do the kids in these studies. Is there a direct correlation between the increased use of the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter and the increased school drop-out rate and decline in math and reading scores and comprehension? Could the increased use of all things Internet be harmful to a kid’s academic performance … and eventually career?If you are a parent, pay attention! If you are someone who requires comprehension or the use of math in your work, pay attention! You just might be in deep doo-doo if you decide that the electronic format is the only way to fly … read … do everything.

We live in the Internet vs. paper book era. In my opinion, neither will go away. The Internet is a Godsend for quick research, tracking things down, spreading the word—whatever the “word” is. It’s also an amazing rumor mill, burping up misinformation right and left in a format where gossip thrives.

Books require a bit more vetting and investment. With the exception of a “crash book”—one that is rushed into publication within a few weeks (usually tied to something sensational)—the great majority of printed books are grown
and nurtured into a package—one that you can savor and enjoy as you unwrap each page and chapter.

Tap into book power. Accumulate and keep books in your house. (Your kids will thank you.) Learn how the Internet can support book and brand. And don’t toss one out for the other.

One last thing: put away your buggy-whip scenario. eBook sales have substantially slowed down. In early July of 2014, the Face the Nation TV show feature a large number of publishers and authors. When asked the question, Why kind of books do you read--the responses were interesting. Across the board, they reported that they had migrated back to print books. The use of "e" was OK when traveling ... but at home and the office, the "book, book" was preferred.

Judith Briles is known as The Book Shepherd a book publishing expert and coach. She is the Founder of Author U, a membership organization created for the serious author who wants to be seriously successful. She’s been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 31 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences.Become part of her inner circle by joining the Author’s Ark and exclusive monthly webinar and coaching event. Her audio and workbook series, Creating Your Book and Author Platform is now available. 

Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing on the Toginet Network at http://togi.us/authoru. Follow @AuthorU and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU and TheBookShepherd on Facebook. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact Judith at Judith@Briles.com.

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of July 10

It’s Thursday at

...

It’s summertime … and the July-August issue of TheAuthor Resource will be out next week.  There is aTech Tool Box on Pinterest this coming week (remote members can attend via Skype), a Salon on turning limp copy into eye-catching grabbers and don’t forget,if you are in CO, there’s a BBQ on the 26th.

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety for common hiccups that new authors get into. Her guest is Lori Ruff, a branding evangelist. Last week, Judith and book designer Nick Zelinger deep dove into the ins and outs of publishing nuggets for both newbies and repeat authors. 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

• The 4th of July is a day that all #authors (and #publishers) should be doing a happy dance! ow.ly/yNfGV

• #Author “to do” tips before you head to #book layout-listen to podcast via @author  http://ow.ly/yNhHG

• #Author alert: Get key DVDs from #AuthorU Extravaganza to create #book success.9 Tips For Making Deductions Like Sherlock Holmes - Good for refining your thinking buff.ly/TTbtSw

• #Author savvy: How to Reach #Amazon and Update Your Book Listing bit.ly/1dqeHnR #authoru

• #author tip: How to Add an #Amazon Store to Your Facebook Page bit.ly/18Tu6KP

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

• 8 Ways #Authors Can Use Goodreads to Promote Their Book dld.bz/deeCJ #authoru
• #Marketing Day:Twitter Celebs Get TweetsIndexed, Mobile Social Sharing ... mklnd.com/1w2lM3l

Writers

• Is It OK to #Publish Good Posts That Aren’t Great? bit.ly/1mwHXgM #authoru

Cool and Sometimes Goofy or Downright Unbelievable!

• 25 cool travel gadgets is.gd/btexkV

Remember …

you can listen to over 100 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles hhas 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.

Is There an Author (in) U?

One reason I am asking if there is an author in you, is that I am finally embracing the author in me. I’ve also always been passionate about helping content creators create and market successfully. As such, I am excited to share a great gem I recently found with you.

• Do you have an idea for a book?

• Are you writing a book?

• Are you getting ready to publish?

• Or are you actively marketing your book?

If any of these are the case, I would highly recommend you consider becoming a member of AuthorU. It was one of the treasures I discovered upon relocating to Colorado this past year. Although it is true, there are some privileges to being local, and certainly much to be gained by traveling to the annual Author U Extravaganza (a), there are plenty of benefits available, no matter where you live, to move you further faster in all aspects of writing and marketing.

The Author U eZine is published 9 times a year and is loaded with 50+ pages of insights and resources for authors and independent publishers. This is the last issue available for non-members, and all future editions will be included with paid membership.

Personally, I have wanted to write books for some time. Everything I write is non-fiction in the realm of How-to Hollywood, and in the past it has been delivered through workshops, articles and private consult. Although I still do all of those activities, I was excited to write a book. I discovered the Colorado-based non-profit after relocating from Los Angeles to Denver this past year. I found it to be invaluable to me and has helped me get on a fast track.

Given my background in Hollywood literary development, packaging and sales and platform building and marketing/PR for authors, experts and businesses, I can appreciate what Author U offers. They have a strong emphasis on both the craft and the marketing, but especially on the marketing. Author U regularly brings you in front of a team of experts who can answer any question, help you steer clear of publishing predators, and provide a vision for all the things you haven’t even thought of, to be a successful author. What it is not, however, is a group for the hobbyist. Their motto is “Where serious writers go to be seriously successful.”

Author U can own this expertise, as the organization is led by the dynamo that is Dr. Judith Briles. She has authored over 31 books and made a living for over 30 years as a professional author and speaker. Some of her most recent titles include: Author You, Snappy, Sassy & Salty, and Show Me About Book Publishing. There is also a Board of Directors, Advisory Board and Ambassador Board who all bring a wealth of experience from a diversity of areas within the publishing arena. They offer daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual happenings giving you the option to participate as much or as little as you need to create the success you desire.

I have signed on as an Author U member and a volunteer in membership. I am also being tapped as an expert in the areas of bringing books to film and television and helping those with an interest in screenwriting and film making better understand the marketplace, clarify their creative vision, and develop a success strategy.The next thing I knew, one book idea turned into two. I have not only found the mentorship I needed inspiring both direction and focus but also a great community.

Annual membership dues are only $99. And yes, wait…there is more.

If you live anywhere you can hook into the community, and get the guidance you need through:

• Mentoring Mondays - Open Q&A with 3 Publishing Pros

• Weekly Radio Show / Podcast – Hosted by Judith Briles on the hottest topics writers need to know today.

• Email Newsletter – Mondays and Thursdays

• Blog Posts – Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from Judith Briles

• TechTool Box – Monthly $50 3-hour Skype tutorial for members only on focused topic

• Webinars R Us - Free to members starting in September 2x per month

• LinkedIn Group Community

• Facebook Page

• Twitter

• Pinterest

• Google+

Discounts and special offers from vendors and partners.

Membership directory (accessible to members only)

If you live locally you also can participate in:

• Monthly Meetup Author Circle - Saturday from 9am-1pm

• Monthly Programs – Discounted for Members

• Monthly $60 On-site 3-Hour for members only on focused topic

If you can travel to Colorado, Author U offers:

• Annual Author U Extravaganza – Join Author U next year May 7-9, 2015

• Annual Author U Member BBQ – Saturday, July 26, 2014

• BootCamps – Next one in Fall 2014

• Judith Briles UnPlugged - August 1 & 2, 2014

Plus, so many of the people in my community offer valuable services to writers. If this is you, please take a closer look at becoming a Premier Partner or Associate Partner. Author U looks to collaborate with others and help connect writers become successful authors. Given what I’ve seen, they look to share the best information, resources and vendors to move authors through all the stages of book writing, publishing, marketing and sales.

Over 2 Days, Create a Bestselling Author – YOU!

Do you want to be seriously successful as an author?

I mean, really successful?

And, have you decided what success looks like for you?

Is it Fame, Fortune, Sales … What?

… this is your LAST CHANCE to take advantage of the $100 discount for August 1-2. Bring a friend for  

Most authors want success; yet most limp along At.

you get the entire Game Plan, the guide that will lead to your success, whatever you choose it to be. And, you get two solid days with just Judith. Next week all discounting disappears.

half price. All details are on the TheBookShepherd.com website on the Events tab.

Dates: August 1-2, 2014

Times: ALL DAY … includes breakfast and lunch

Cost: $497 through July 7th … bring a friend for $250

Register: http://thebookshepherd.com/briles-unplugged-2014.html

People Are Talking … what past attendees said …

I don’t believe that one or two sentences would do this conference justice … it was way off the charts! Greg Hickman, Texas

WOW … information overload! Courtney Miller, Colorado

Very informative … there is a no holds giving of info and sharing her experience. Judith is extremely energetic, knowledgeable and fun. Benny Kjaer, New Mexico

I loved Judith’s off the cuff  brainstorming of ideas … this was a week’s class handled in two days. Della Temple, Colorado

A stimulating program, crammed with very practical advice and wonderful humor. Inspirational! Herb Jacobs, Colorado

A great way to keep a lot of information organized; it was personal and intimate—I know what I don’t know and I’m going to fix it. Julie Griffin, Colorado

Two days of her vast knowledge is an awesome experience! It was over my expectations where were already high. Rhondda Hartman, Colorado

Zippy, Zappy, Zeowy! Fun energy! I got sucked into her vortex and I didn’t want to leave! This surpassed my expectations. Claryss Nan Jamieson, Hong Kong

I loved the creative energy and the high use of visuals. I learned so much in the past two days that my head is swimming. Very dynamic—I love it! Pat Morgan, Tennessee