Book Awards ... Some Have Deadlines

 Which book awards do you enter? Do they matter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of August 21

It’s Thursday at

...

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety fo common hiccups that new authors get into. Her guest is Kari May, President of the Colorado Library Association—books and libraries go hand-in-hand, you will learn all the inside tips of getting yours there. Last week, Judith and Rebecca Finkel deep-dove into all things in book designing, what they look for and how to get attention for your book—you don’t want to miss this one! It’s up on the In the Air section on the AuthorU.org site. Tune in at 6 Eastern, 5 Central, 4 Mountain, 3 Pacific and for our out-of-the-country members and followers … you are going to have to do the clock crunching for your time zone at http://togi.us/authoru.  You can also go to the Home page of http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and are instantly there!

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

 Here’s your Top Ten Tweets for the past week

Tweets are faster than a speeding bird … below are Author U’s Top Ten Tweets from the past week that you may have missed … 

Success & Resources

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

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

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

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

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

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

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

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

Writers

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

Fun and Cool Things to Know

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

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

Remember …

you can listen to over 130 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success: http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and you are instantly there! Or you, can go to the radio show’s home page and do the same: http://togi.us/authoru.

Insider Ninja Tricks for Authors & Social Media

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

Will You Book Be Honored ... or Rejected?

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

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

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

The Book Boot Starts Here … on the Outside

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

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

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

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

The Book Boot Continues Here ... on the Inside

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

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

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

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

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

Then  ... There’s the Read 

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

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

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

Will Your Book Get the Book Award Boot?

End of Summer and Fall kick off the Book Award submission season. Will the author be honored for his or her words and book? Or will the Book Boot be felt? The question every author needs to ask is, “Did I do the best job in writing, in presenting, in connecting with my crowd—the people who need, want my words?” In other words, “Did I rush to publish?”

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

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

The Boot Starts Here … on the Outside

The title doesn't work. The reader is clueless as to what the book

is about. Does it solve a problem? Does it entertain? Who is it for?

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

The cover production didn't include barcodes, price of the book, or categories.

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

The Boot Continues  ... on the Inside …

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

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

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

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

Then ... There’s the Read …

When your book stops the judges at the cover and the back cover … and then throws up detours with a quick visual of the interior landscape … how do you think the judge is going to pre-think the rest of the book read is going to be? A little prejudice may now have set in—let’s be realistic. If the judge see’s that you care enough on the outside of the book … did you really care about the inside—the story, the message?Next week, we will review Book Awards you should consider entering, including USA Book News, Indie Excellence, Independent Publishers and much more.

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

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

Top Ten Twitter Tweets of August 14

It’s Thursday at 

...

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety for common hiccups that new authors get into. Her guest is Rebecca Finkel the CEO of F + P Design, a multi-award winning book design company. Last week, Judith and Victoria Sutherland and her team deep-dove into Book Reviews, what they look for and how to get attention for your book—you don’t want to miss this one! It’s up on the In the Air section on the AuthorU.org site. Tune in at 6 Eastern, 5 Central, 4 Mountain, 3 Pacific and for our out-of-the-country members and followers … you are going to have to do the clock crunching for your time zone at http://togi.us/authoru.  You can also go to the Home page of http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and are instantly there!

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

• #Author alert: Amazon Launches Same-Day Delivery In Six Major Cities, Challenges Convenience Of Bookstores - Forbes http://buff.ly/1oHwCeK

• #authors- Need extra content resources? The Secret To Stretching Your Content Marketing Budget http://ow.ly/A1n4i #authoru

• #Authors: Don't Look Back on Your# Writing Journey With Regrets: 9 Things to Avoid http://ow.ly/zU3Es #authoru

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

• 7 things successful #nonprofits do on #Pinterest. [savvy tips for #authors from the @PublicityHound] http://ow.ly/zxb5p

• #author smarts: New from @SMExaminer Instagram Success: How a Marketer Grew a Loyal Following With Instagram http://t.co/zOQLpFUFKs #authoru

• RT @MarketingSherpa Mobile #Marketing: 3 tips from ModCloth on mobile app engagement http://t.co/lXIcc3sEDx #authors

• Yahoo says it will join Google effort to create an encrypted email system by 2015 - @WSJ  http://t.co/W6XzTQWV7Z

Writers

RT @janmoran: 27 Great Books Set in Venice http://t.co/rvwg3rMKrq  [love this Venice is a must see City-writing inspiration!]

Fun and Cool Things to Know

• Aha! RT @gitomer: Asking a customer to tell you their reasons for purchasing from you, will get you hundreds more sales of the same type....

• Lesson: don’t let “anything” get your camera! Wikimedia says macaque selfies aren't protected under copyright http://t.co/Uv2AkDpWOJ

Remember...

You can listen to over 130 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success: http://www.AuthorU.org, scroll down and click on any of the past shows—just click and you are instantly there! Or you, can go to the radio show’s home page and do the same: http://togi.us/authoru.

Author Webinar: How to Generate Story Ideas for Your Book Publicity Campaign

Your book is done. And you're exhausted.

Now it's time to launch your publicity campaign and continue full speed ahead. But there's no gasoline left in your tank. You are pooped. How would you like a FREE webinar this week to get you on track or back to it?

Register here now for Wednesday at 6 p.m. Eastern: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/878195246

Here's your answer: The Publicity Hound to the rescue! Joan Stewart will give you ideas galore on how to generate story ideas that will promote your expertise and your book. You will get you zing and pop back pronto!

You will learn:

• What questions you should ask yourself that will lead to a good beginning batch of story ideas.
• How to incorporate checklists and cheat sheets into your campaign.
• Tips for authors who write fiction--often the most difficult kind of writing to publicize.
• Typical story ideas the media love.
• How to newsjack, one of the easiest ways to generate publicity.
• The importance of promoting your expertise, not just your book.
• Why you shouldn't overlook commenting on controversial topics.
• The danger in relying on everyone else's media outlets for publicity.
  Lots of great examples from other authors in your shoes.

Webinar Date: THIS Wednesday, August 13, 2014Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM EDT
Sponsored by the Chicks at Sea: Judith Briles, Amy Collins, Georgia McCabe and Joan Stewart.

Register here: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/878195246