Book Sales … Book Success is …

And the ANSWER is … It’s the Marketing, Stupid …

Frankie Valli’s Oh What a Night came ran through my mind in October as I completed one of my radio shows for Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing and headed out of the office for dinner and a check-in with one of my favorite TV shows that evening. My guest was Aliza Sherman, co-author of Social Media Engagement for Dummies.

     

Listenership had been steadily building this past year for the show … in fact they have been building since the show birthed in January of 2012. So much so, that I was now following the number of downloads on a weekly basis—after all, it does make sense to have a measurement to what one does, yes? OK, I admit it, sometimes I would check in several times a week.

It was a fun and enlightening show—definitely, I will have Aliza back again. As I always do, I created seven to ten Tweets with hashtags relevant to the topic after the show and sent a thank you letter to my guest along with the Tweets, encouraging her to shout them out to her followers; scheduled Tweets over the next 48 hours on my Hootsuite account and then sent the list to my VA to take over and post randomly over the next few months; wrote up a description on the inside dashboard of the station of the show and key points; and activated “publish” so that those who didn’t hear the show live could now download it—either from the show page or from the AuthorU.org or TheBookShepherd.com websites. And then I checked my numbers for the month—October.

Holy Smoly … Oh What a Night … over 90,000 downloads so far for the month.

With just a handful of listeners when I
began, by the end of that first January, a    grand total of 1,200 found the show.                                    

       
With just a handful of listeners when I
began, by the end of that first January, a
grand total of 1,200 found the show.
The next month,1,800 and by the third,
3,500. Listenership continued to grow,
plateaued, and then picked up again.
By the end of the year, 18,000 were listening monthly. The following year, numbers were up just a little and toward the end of 2013, we saw another jump. In 2014, the first part of the year saw 25,000 to 30,000 and then steadily, numbers started to jump. Over 90,000 downloads in October alone. November will pass 100,000 … 100,000 individuals downloading ideas and how-tos to propel them forward with author and book success!


What’s the message I’m giving you … saying to you?

1 It’s the marketing, stupid … for you and your book’s success—the variation of the Clinton—it’s the economy, stupid—tagline decades ago. Bring it back to what matters, what counts. The reason why that show has grown is the marketing—thank you Twitter—and my plan on how to push it. The marketing cost? Peanuts … really, peanuts

2 This is a marathon, not a sprint. I never expected to see instant results and a roaring success. If you get caught up in the instant success/recognition/gazillions of book sales … trust me, that’s your ego pulling the strings, not reality.

3 AuthorU.org is here to assist you in your marathon. There are numerous programs to take advantage of—many free to members, some for fee. You have to show up and participate to tap into them.

If you aren’t listening in live, we make it easy for you.All you need to do is go to the AuthorU.org on-the-airpage, click on this icon
…and select what show topic you are                              
interested. Within one minute, you will be                      
 deep into it.
                                                                                
In other words … Participate … Participate … Participate. Yes, I know this marathon is an overwhelm at times. You are going to have to get over it. You and your book’s success is not the 80/20 Rule … it’s the 90/10 Rule—10 percent is the writing … 90 percent is the marketing.
      



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 and 1/2 day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  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://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio . 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 on November 13

           
                                          It’s Thursday at

…

                          

The Author U Publicity / Marketing BookCamp with Joan Stewart is in 2 days … don’t miss the day that will change your book’s life.

Author U – Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on Author Photos… as in casual images, book covers, promotion, website images, products, and training. Judith Briles has Dave Raymond and Thomson Shore as her guest—they will be deep diving into the latest in printing strategies and techniques for authors and publishers—Dave is the National Sales Manager for Thomson Shore.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://tinurl.com/AuthorURadio.  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
• #Book printing ahas for #authors-learn when the sweet spot for #bookprinting is-listen to podcast: http://ow.ly/DWSFy

• 5 outdated #PR practices that have successfully undergone modern makeoversfrom @PRDaily ow.ly/E5fDu
• 
  
• Social Media and Marketing Strategies
• 
  
• Are you Missing These 5 Social Sharing Powerhouses?#authors can’t afford to!ow.ly/DojN7 #sales #marketing

• 
  
• RT @PublicityHound: 6 social media lessons from Billy Joel #socialmediatips via @PRDaily http://ow.ly/E5i6
• 
  
• Green Marketing: Be Careful What You Say … always smart.bit.ly/1wMVPIO
• #Author savvy: Why Visual Content Can Boost Your Brand [INFOGRAPHIC] bit.ly/10SBbKY
• #Author #blogging: How to Find and Use Top Quality Images for Your Posts dld.bz/dgMZN #books
• Writers & Writing

• Are you a #writer with a #book done? Enter Draft to Dream#Book Competition now open. Huge Prizes. Details: http://ow.ly/DWCmJ

 Fun and Cool Things to Know

• Come to the Fall Authors Tea … Book Addicts Welcome!tinyurl.com/nodjmlx

Remember …

You can listen to over 150 programs that Author U Founder Judith Briles has created for your book and authoring success:http://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio , 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://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio

GOYT Success Formula for Book Publicity and Marketing Saturday

Yowsa … AuthorU.org and The Book Shepherd have an extraordinary BookCamp popping next weekend, Saturday the 15th … it’s our end of the year gift to you.

How to Create Killer Book Publicity that Sells Books Far Beyond Your Launch on a Shoestring Budget

SO … here’s the BIG question … Would you like to create killer, knock the socks off, book publicity that reaches far beyond any launch you envisioned … even on a teeny tiny shoe string budget? And your answer is:

1.  No way, Jose … I don’t give a twiddly-dit  about publicity and saving a pot full of money and having my book, and me, a success. (Really, that’s your answer?)

2. You Betcha … are you kidding? I’m cancelling whatever I have on my calendar and coming on Saturday, the 15th. 

 Register NOW: http://authoru.org/events.html

3. Maybe … Maybe Not … you need to convince me … tell me more.

OK … if it’s ” No way, Jose” – STOP reading.

If you need a little more info, here it is.  Your HUGE take-aways include:

• How to take the target market for your book and find them online, offline, etc. Includes contacting them (journalists, bloggers, consumers) on social media sites, pitching, follow-up.

• How to create your own media outlets and tips for building a raving fan base. Includes YouTube, podcasts, an ezine, etc.

• Email marketing. So IMPORTANT and something most authors miss! Tips for capturing the email address and what to do with it once you have it. What kinds of emails to send, even if you write fiction. Includes things like killer subject lines that get them to open the message, tricks for writing and presentation, etc.

• How to prepare a publicity campaign for your book, what to do pre-launch, during launch and afterward.

• The most important question to ask about your target market when planning a publicity campaign (it has nothing to do with you or what you’re selling).

• How to become an expert in your topic and use it to open doors that are closed to non-experts.

• How to make your website “media ready” so journalists, broadcasters and bloggers find exactly what they need without calling you.

• The all-important “extras” to offer to the media to convince them to cover you.

• Sneaky ways to increase the odds of getting your website address in news stories (these work!).

• The basics of  your author media kit and why you need multiple author bios, not just one.

• How to avoid being a pain-in-the-ass who journalists end up blackballing.

• Cool tools (most of them free) to use in your book publicity campaign. (We love freebies!)

Hot seats in the afternoon … Joan will pre-select up to 6 attendees who will be in the Publicity Hound’s eyes … will you be a lucky one and howl with and for your book?

Now that I've give you the “take-aways”, let’s refocus on Who should attend?  Good question … let’s start with:

• Authors who haven’t started writing yet.
• Authors who haven’t published yet.
• Authors who are bored with their own books.
• Authors who have a book that is getting long in the tooth.
• Authors who are just published.
• Authors … that means YOU!

In other words, if you want to be seriously successful … you show up, you participate. It’s the GOYT Success Formula for Book Publicity and Book Marketing … Get Off Your Tush … see you this Saturday.

Joan Stewart is the Publicity Hound. With an in-depth background as a journalist, publicity coach and master of creating the best of the best in Cheat Sheets for propelling authors to the forefront of media attention, get ready for an action packed and fun day. Her website is PublicityHound.com.

Register NOW: http://authoru.org/events.html

When:   Saturday, November 15th Lunch and workbook included : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Doubletree SE, 225/Iliff in Aurora, CO

Cost:     $129               

 

Come to the Fall Authors Tea … Book Addicts Welcome!

It’s time for the Annual Fall Holiday Author Tea on Saturday, November 22! 

Celebrating Authors … Hearing them talk about their books … Shopping for gifts – books are ideal! 

Don’t worry … the Broncos aren’t playing!

When:  Saturday, November 22nd

Time: 1 – 4 pm

Food?  Absolutely … delicious goodies and tidbits plus tea and punch of course!

Cost:  FREE

Hosted by:  Author U members Judith Briles and Julie Griffin

Where: Julie & Bob Griffin’s home:  3929 S. Eagle St. Aurora, CO 80014

Who Can Come? Anyone who loves books, shopping, meeting amazing authors … and BRING friends.

The Twist: A dozen authors … telling everyone about their books … in 90 seconds or less—about their book and who the ideal reader is. All books are for sale at special prices … ready to be signed by the Author …  fabulous gifts for birthdays and the coming Holidays.

RSVP:  Please… we need counts so that there is plenty of food… that means let Judith and Julie know if you are bringing friends. The more, the better!   

Every Author Needs a Copyright Page

One of the most common questions that authors ask is about the Copyright page and “What should my copyright page look like?” Good question, here’s an answer:

The Copyright Page, which follows the title page of your manuscript, is a flexible document with respect to format, but several elements must be included.  The most confusing two are the ISBN and LOCN.  Detailed instructions for sending for them are included below:

• Copyright-book

-The copyright symbol,

 -Followed by the copyright year

  -Followed by who (the author) or what (the publisher) is responsible for (owner of) the copyright

   -Followed by the phrase, “All Rights Reserved

Example: © 2014 Jane Johnson.  All Rights Reserved.

• The Title
• Warning against Copying without Permission
• A Disclaimer mentioning the author(s)’ name and/or publisher’s name (if different)
• A paragraph, possible boxed, indicating how books may be purchased singularly or in bulk—this is where you can put Publisher name, website, how to email or phone for books directly. If you have a publishing logo, include it—it adds a little dressing to the page.
• Cover Design by:
• Interior Design by:
• Editor:
• Book Consultant:
• Publisher (if not already stated on the © page):
• The ISBN (The International Standard Book Number)
• The LCCN (The Library of Congress Control Number)
• A numbered list of subjects identifying topics the book may be identified with for shelf location in a library or book store ( i.e., Business, Careers, Change)
• The Edition (first, second, etc.)
• Where printed (USA, Canada, China, or  …)

Copyright: You’ll want the copyright year to be the year following the actual year of publication if publication is going to be in the fall. You may have books in hand but the “official” push won’t happen until the latter part of the year and into the next. By the time your marketing has been put in place and operational, and books are finally in the hands of buyers, the actual year of publication may be over … Bad News! The book is no longer “new.” Really bad news.

Tip: Your book is finished, printed and available by say September, 2014, it should have a copyright date of ©2015.

You’ll want to make a clear statement indicating that no one can copy your “stuff” in any of the many possible ways these days, without your permission; and that you are not responsible for errors or omissions, nor are you liable for damages resulting for use of information contained therein.

Warning Against Copying without Permission: “No part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying without written permission of the publisher or author.  The exception would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in the critical articles and reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted by the publisher (name) or author(s) (name).”

The Disclaimer:  “Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author and publisher assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for damages that may result from the use of information contained within.”

 Your copyright page … don’t print your book without it!

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, Author YOU: 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://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio . 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.

The GOYT Success Formula for Book Publicity and Book Marketing

Yowsa … AuthorU.org has an extraordinary BookCamp popping next weekend, Saturday the 15th … it’s our end of the year gift to you.

How to Create Killer Book Publicity that sells Books Far Beyond Your Launch Shoestring Budget

SO … here’s the BIG question … Would you like to create killer, knock the socks off, book publicity that reaches far beyond any launch you envisioned … even on a teeny tiny shoe string budget? And your answer is:

1.  No way, Jose … I don’t give a twiddly-dit  about publicity and saving a pot full of money and having my book, and me, a success.

2. You Betcha … are you kidding? I’m cancelling whatever I have on my calendar and coming on Saturday, the 15th.  Register NOW: http://authoru.org/events.html

3. Maybe … Maybe Not … you need to convince me … tell me more.

OK … if it’s ” No way, Jose” – stop reading. If you need a little more info, here it is.  Your HUGE take-aways include:

• How to take the target market for your book and find them online, offline, etc. Includes contacting them (journalists, bloggers, consumers) on social media sites, pitching, follow-up.

• How to create your own media outlets and tips for building a raving fan base. Includes YouTube, podcasts, an ezine, etc.

• Email marketing. So IMPORTANT and something most authors miss! Tips for capturing the email address and what to do with it once you have it. What kinds of emails to send, even if you write fiction. Includes things like killer subject lines that get them to open the message, tricks for writing and presentation, etc.

• How to prepare a publicity campaign for your book, what to do pre-launch, during launch and afterward.

• The most important question to ask about your target market when planning a publicity campaign (it has nothing to do with you or what you’re selling).

• How to become an expert in your topic and use it to open doors that are closed to non-experts.

• How to make your website “media ready” so journalists, broadcasters and bloggers find exactly what they need without calling you.

• The all-important “extras” to offer to the media to convince them to cover you.

• Sneaky ways to increase the odds of getting your website address in news stories (these work!).

• The basics of  your author media kit and why you need multiple author bios, not just one.

• How to avoid being a pain-in-the-ass who journalists end up blackballing.

• Cool tools (most of them free) to use in your book publicity campaign. (We love freebies!)

Hot seats in the afternoon … Joan will pre-select up to 6 attendees who will be in the Publicity Hound’s eyes … will you be a lucky one and howl with and for your book?

Now that I've give you the “take-aways”, let’s refocus on Who should attend?  Good question … let’s start with:

• Authors who haven’t started writing yet.
• Authors who haven’t published yet.
• Authors who are bored with their own books.
• Authors who have a book that is getting long in the tooth.
• Authors who are just published.
• Authors … that means YOU!

In other words, if you want to be seriously successful … you show up, you participate. It’s the GOYT Success Formula for Book Publicity and Book Marketing … Get Off Your Tush … see you Saturday.



Joan Stewart is the Publicity Hound. With an in-depth background as a journalist, publicity coach and master of creating the best of the best in Cheat Sheets for propelling authors to the forefront of media attention, get ready for an action packed and fun day. Her website is PublicityHound.com.

Register NOW: http://authoru.org/events.html
When: Saturday, November 15th Lunch and workbook included : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
Where: Doubletree SE, 225/Iliff in Aurora, CO
Cost: $129 for AuthorU.org members
Non-Members      $169

Author Alert: If You Snooze ... You Lose

Are you a snoozer?

Are you looking for the perfect phrase, word, idea? Are you stuck? Wouldn't getting unstuck and moving forward be a fantastic goal.  Today is Take a Snooze Day? Is that a good idea? Have you been snoozing where it comes to your book. Maybe this is the day, the week, the month, the year when your book is no longer in your dreams or chatter ... it becomes a reality.

 

                        

Make a decision to go forward or eliminate vs. the one that you have practiced—to do nothing.

Moving from wannabe author to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe speaker to the real thing is totally possible this coming year. Moving from wannabe anything to the real thing is totally possible this coming year.

Is there a book in you? Most think there is. And most don’t get them out. You could have the makings of a fantastic novel, a creative young adult series, and exquisitely illustrated young children’s stories. Cookbooks, health, space, romance, intrigue, how-to or business book may be lurking in your creative closet.

You just may be able to take your career to a whole new level with the creation of a book. Adding to your professional credentials, if done right, could position you as the expert in a specific field. A book could talk you to a whole new level, a different type of professional business card. Amazing doors can open with book in hand.

Many wannabe authors, speakers, or whatever, practice the art of one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, three to get ready, three to get ready … and they never go. They keep reaching for one more thing; one more piece of information; another interview; another who knows what. Sometimes, it’s just another excuse. Their book never gets written, much less published. Their quest for the perfect book has become the enemy of creating a good book, even a great book.

Perfection and Procrastination go hand-in-hand. Break the bond and move forward today.

Step 1:  Choose a spot … any spot that is yours and yours alone. It’s the “Do Not Cross … Author at Work” sport. Authors need their space and time. Space will contain all the ingredients you need to support you. Think computer, phone— if necessary, pens, pencils, paper, files with reference items that you've collected, notes you've saved or made to support your topic, other reference books, a favorite snack (I confess—I've written an entire book with M&Ms and Cheetos being the reward each time I finished a chapter), beverage of choice, toys, etc. Your space. Claim it and let others know that when you are in your space, it’s a “Do Not Disturb … Author at Work” sanctuary.

Find time. Some authors have to work specific hours; others are more loosey-goosey. Do what works for you, but do it.

Step 2:  Just do it … even if what you get down looks like gibberish. Is it a cliché? Nope, it’s a start. You can’t move forward to publication until you’ve got some words. So dump them out. Think of it as a giant puzzle. Sometimes just finding all the edges takes time.  As in a puzzle, colors begin to gather, segments within it come together, and it does come together if you persevere.  The more you organize your thoughts, stories, stats and general info, the better it is when it comes to the first dump. The general topic, sub-topics, stories/facts/stats to support the topic all go into magic piles.

Where you choose to “dump” is your choice. Some still write all by hand … if you having been procrastinating or dragging your feet—it’s best to bypass this method and either pick up the latest version of Dragon’s Naturally Speaking where you can literally put on a headset with a mic and start talking or glue yourself to a favorite spot and just start writing—writing anything to kick start your creative juices.

With Dragon’s program, your works get transcribed to your computer, and then you clean up spellings and missed words after your dictation is done.  Here’s what you don’t do with a speaking program: watch it as it unfolds on your computer. Guaranteed, it’s the kiss of author death.  You will want to stop. In fact, you will stop. Your creative juices vaporize as you start to correct spelling and do a first run at editing.  DO NOT DO THIS.  You need everything flowing when you are in your zone—you don’t need to make the written word perfect … yet.

Step 3:  Get help. You may need book coaching to goose you. You may need to get the big picture in place where you can see the book, even virtually feel what it will look like. Do you know your title … or do you need some help in creating it—don’t be surprised, titles can change as a book progresses … and it can be as firm as a slab of cement. If it’s firm, a mock up of a cover might be the visual encouragement that keeps you going. You will need an editor—content or grammar? All authors need editors who edit (this is not your friend or sister, although they can be readers) … all authors no exceptions.  

Plan on engaging other professionals who create books—interiors and exteriors. Will illustrations or cartoons enhance your work? Unless you are a pro in book design, book covers, illustrations, etc., don’t go down that path. Don't expect to do it cheaply—what does that say about you and the quality of your work?

Step 4:  Make up your mind. It's a new year ... changes are everywhere. What’s it going to be—your first book? A new book? A workbook or Teacher’s Guide to accompany one that you have already written? How about a stellar speech and/or workshop that will take you new places and create new places to see your book? Or an audio program? Do you see a video version of your book or creating Exercises and Projects for readers to use and enjoy? The paths you choose can be multiple, which makes it exciting for the Author.

Your book can do amazing things ... you need to bring the amazing you to the party and invite the pros in for the journey.

 

 

 

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 and 1/2 day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2015, the dates are August 27-29th.  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://tinyurl.com/AuthorURadio . 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.