Book Marketing Mistake #1 for Authors

"I don't know how to market books"  ... "I don't want to market books" ... "I can't market books" ... "I, I, I ... just want to be left alone and write. It's my passion. Don't you people get it?! I don't want to market books."

Whew! That's a lot of I don't want to ... and those I don't want tos are going to be your book pitfalls! Really … If not for you to market your book, then who? Lesson #1 in publishing for today's author: If you don't market your books, your book self-destructs. If your goal is to get published, then as added goal is to learn how to market your book.

 Calling All Authors … Book Selling During the Seasons of the Year .... is up to you, only you.

I hear it daily .... "I need a someone to market my book," is what too many authors think and say. Stop it. Reframe your thinking and your marketing strategies. Whoever put that out had to be a “professional book marketer” … its utter nonsense. Of course you can market, and should market your book.

• Who best knows it?
• Who best has the passion for it?
• Who best gets the agony and ecstasy?
• Who best understands why your protagonist did what he did?
• Who best can feel the desperation of a situation that you’ve become an expert in because of your personal experiences?
• Who best …?

YOU, that’s who. You may not have the perfect pitch down, but you will, with practice. Rethink, or “reframe” your position. Mostly likely, if you had your druthers, you would rather be writing your next book. I get that … and you can. Just not full time.  If ever the phrase, target marketing, pops up, it’s now.

What if your  book relieves someone from the doldrums of a slow day, a bummer of a situation, the  numbing of a commute or just tickles, entertains, thrills or has the reader marveling at the twists and turns, who best but YOU to let them know about the delights and hoots between the covers of your book?

What if your book delivers the answers to a problem or situation that is commonplace, or even not so common?

And what if you can explain why it is happening in a format that is easily grasped and then rollout the solution(s) in a one-two-three punch that the reader will do a happy dance to have at her fingertips?  

How did you get so smart?—I bet because you lived and experience it. You have a PhD in life, or maybe the educational degree … and you know the roller coaster that you went through. Who best but YOU to let others know about the ins and outs and how to relieve the pain, or get healthy, or find balance, or …?

It is work, yet it doesn't have to be the drudge of it all. When you know that your poetry touches the hearts of many and seeds their inspiration; when you know that words tickle the funny bone; when you know that your storyline delivers an aha and OMG experience; when you know that your how-to is exactly what a specific workplace needs; when you know that you've created a unique twist for something/anything that affects many … who best to spearhead the book marketing than you, the author?

Book marketing today is like going to cereal aisle at a grocery store—all six shelves of it and consuming a 60 foot row, packed with every imaginable type of cereal. Some for kids; some for adults; some hot; some cold; some created for specific diets; some loaded with eye-candy—ingredients to get the consumers taste buds salivating. A lot of “somes.”

Today’s book marketing grocery store is centered on the Internet. Marketing is about connecting. Finding those who want to hear your story; need your insights; or just want a good read.

Your audience is clickable. They are hanging out on the Internet. The may be at a Meetup group around the corner or a coffee shop. They could be glued to a specific social media platform. They could belong to an association. They could be anywhere and everywhere. You can hire someone to find them … but to connect, it’s YOU. Book Marketing 101.  Bust the myth. Today.

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://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: How to Get Your LCCN (Library of Congress Number)

The wise author applies for the LCCN before the book is printed.

(Library of Congress Catalog Control Number)

                     

One question that most authors don’t know to ask is, “How do I get the LCCN?” What’s a LCCN? Good question—it’s the Library of Congress number that shows that you exist, and the one that any library that you are pitching your book to wants to know you have.

The good news is that these are free (although going through the two steps to get them can sometimes be a pain in the tush.

Here are your steps:

The LCCN:  The Library of Congress Control Number. It is free and can be obtained fairly quickly―usually within a day or two via email back to you. You must have your ISBN to get it. Once you have the LCCN, it will cover case bound (hard, paper, eBook), you don't need another for your title.

Beware:  The websites are occasionally updated—changed—so these instructions may also require a little tweaking.

It is a two-step process:  

• Go to Google or directly to the LCCN website.
• Enter: “Library of Congress book number” and click on “Search.”   
• “Preassigned Control Number Program” will appear.
• Or go to www.LOC.gov.
• Click on “Open an Account” if appropriate.  Otherwise click on “EPCN Login,” for an existing account if you have other titles already registered.
• If “New Account,” read instructions, and then click on “Application to Participate.”
• There is a note at the top, “Click here for Instructions,” for assistance.
• Fill out and click on “Submit.” Within a few days, no more than a week, you will be e-mailed an account number and a password providing you access to the appropriate application form.  
• WATCH FOR THIS eMAIL--you can't complete the process until you respond to it. This is Step 2.

If you have an account already, the “EPCN Login” button brings you to the form requiring your Account ID and Password.  Fill out and click on the “Sign On” button and fill out form.  A final note to those with accounts already: The password expires after 60 days.  A new one can be created using the following instructions.  It must:

• Be at least eight characters in length;
• Contain at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and one number;
• Not contain consecutive repeated characters;
• Be recreated following these steps if you wait to use it over 60 days;
• Not be changed more than once per day;
• Not be changed to any of the 11 most recently used passwords.

If the password has expired, just write the old one out and write the new one under it, changing just one of the numbers or letters. Keep a record so that you know what has been changed, thus avoiding repeating the old number by chance.

Your LCCN will come to you via email. Print it out. Put in it a Folder for all your Publisher Info. Create a Folder on your computer—put it there as well.

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.

Author Smarts: Creating Your 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://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.

The Morphing Times of Publishing for Today's Author

Ahhh, times have changed—which publishing road does an author take today? With the Internet and today’s technology, traditional publishers are being turned on their heads, self and independent publishers have morphed into new critters—ranging from “Wow—look at these books, they are amazing” to “Wow—these like they were done with Elmer’s Glue at the kitchen table.”

Rejection that a traditional publisher(s) have said, “No,” have led authors down the do it themselves path. Some choose the vanity format such as LuLu or iUniverse; others explore POD; pay to publish; eBooks; or create their own publishing house.

Timing—if your manuscript is completed, you can have it edited, cover and interiors designed, printed and in your hands within four months. With traditional publishing, you can have your manuscript completed and it will most likely be in your hands in 18 months.

Control—if you get a group of authors together who have traditionally published, one of the most common grumblings you will hear is that they don’t like the way their book looks—covers and interiors and they really have been in a fog when it comes to book sales.

Quality—a few years ago, a close friend had her 5th book published by the same NY publisher that did my second book in the mid-nineties. Over 30 years between our respective publications. The book she proudly gave me was a month old and a trade paper. The interior paper was thinner than mine when we took it off my book shelf to compare; my trade paper cover was still flat—hers was already curling up. Hers, of course, was twice the price of mine.

Money—is an important thing to look at. Most traditional publishers are pushing for “net” royalty deals. If your book is $20 retail, the net for sales to wholesalers and distributors will be less than $10 per book—meaning that the royalty is based on the less than $10 amount. The last two years have been brutal to the “average” author—non-fiction sales are in the 4,000-5,000 area. That means $4,000 to $5,000 in royalties—those lovelies that are paid twice a year, with a deferral of three months after each closing period; and usually with a hefty percentage hold back for reserves—meaning books get turned back and the publisher wants to cover its tush and not overpay you (and come knocking on your door to now pay them). In other words, this isn't going to seed your retirement—don’t quit the day job!

As a savvy self and independent publisher—when you create a platform to reach out to your crowd, your sales will not only be greater, the financial reward will be significantly greater. For me, I know that I can sell 3,000 copies of a book and net $40,000 to $50,000 higher than my traditional publishing contracts that I used to live with.

It’s your choice … but do the math always. Measure your time, investment and potential return.

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://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 September 18

It’s Thursday at

...

Member Alert:There is no dinner and a program tonight due to a scheduling conflict.There are a few spots open for the Tech Tool Box next week on September 23^rd—all about Amazon’s Author Central; 3 spots available to participate in the Library Conference October 16-18 (get your book pitched to librarians); and get signed up for the Autumn BookCamp on November 16^th - early bird pricing still open.

Today

Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing will focus on a variety for common hiccups that new authors get into. Judith Briles is going solo today as she focuses on the true costs of publishing … What you need in moneys (and should know). As the Summer comes to a close, she’s been underground the last few weeks do the drafts on a series of mini-guides for publishing. Make sure you tune into the last two podcasts—all about the Timelines of publishing. 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

• Agent @LanaPopovicLit seeks clients http://t.co/fABhbkNO1H  She reps YA, MG, thrillers, sci-fi, horror, romance, erotica, women's, and more.

• WOW: #author alert: indie #bookstores are on the rise while big #book stores continue decline! Court the indies! http://ow.ly/Bykba

• #Author websites: 6 things that may be hurting your website’s Google ranking is.gd/45rAaK

• Part II-Hot spit—it’s Publishing timelines for all phases for #authors and #books-listen to podcast: ow.ly/BoieC

Social Media and Marketing Strategies

• #author and #book smarts: 14 #SocialMedia Marketing Tools Recommended by the Pros bit.ly/1t4FrBL #authoru

• #author aha: 3 Post-Sale #ContentMarketing Strategies You Need ow.ly/BwN3L #book #authoru via @HeidiCohen

Writers & Writing

• Customer Favorites: Top 100 Books Customers' Best Reviews - amzn.to/nhwA62#Book#Bestsellers#Amazon#Review

• What Is a Developmental Editor? What Can You Expect? bit.ly/WyONsb via @JaneFriedman

Fun and Cool Things to Know

• 5 fall-inspired color palettes - bit.ly/1u0YCdI via @canva #graphicdesignpic.twitter.com/4s7WlcMGn0

• Top 10 Reasons #iPhone 6 Better Than Samsung Galaxy S4: youtu.be/PidHz5C50gA?a via @YouTube

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.     

Pitching, Marketing Your Book and Finding Your Buyers

 It's all about finding the RIGHT buyer for your book. And, it's all about finding the RIGHT pitch to make to them!

Step 1 … The Pitch and Platform

When someone asks what your book is about … what do you say as you Pitch them your work and words? Do you stumble a bit? Do you start and stop your response until you get it out to the listener? Is the listener still listening? Or do you say it smoothly in the words you absolutely intended to say with confidence?

What about when someone asks about your Platform ... do you know what a Platform is? Can you articulate what yours is? Do you know what magic words and phrases need to be said so that your listener gets what your book is about, what commitment you have to it, what your Fan base is and how you will engage them to buy your book? Are you able to communicate them with clarity and confidence?

Step 2 … Find the Fans and Readers

Who’s your crowd? The people you have written for—it doesn't matter if it’s a fiction or nonfiction book … you are writing for the “someones” out there who are ready to chew on your words—who need them to ease their pain, solve a problem, provide a solution, to be inspired or just simply to entertain them.

You either go to them … in person, connecting via social media or traditional media, writing articles, speaking … whatever why you reach out. Usually, the more, the better.

They come to you … reading about you, following you on social media sites, being a fan—just what an author wants.

Step 3 … Ask for the Sale

And when you find them; or they find you, you've got to ask the question at some point. Do they read? Do they 

like to read? Do they buy books? In what format? And then, ask for the sale. Books may fly off a shelf in a bookstore, but something has to drive the buyer(s) to the bookstore to buy—it’s usually something that you, the author, generates.  If you are speaking somewhere, new Fans may stop by to chat with you. Lovely for the ego … but are they readers? Book buyers?

It’s frustrating, and sometimes downright annoying, to put your heart and soul in telling a perceived reader and book buyer about your book … and to discover that there was no intention to buy a copy, much less read 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, 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 … What’s in Your Vision Wallet?

When someone asks you—anyone—what’s the Vision for your Book, and for you the Author, what do you say? Do you stammer and stutter? Do you feel like you project the “deer in the highlight” gaze? Or are you direct and succinct?

For the visionary founder of Virgin, Richard Branson, he’s been an entrepreneur from the get-go. Virgin was seeded when he was 20 years old—since then; he’s created an empire that includes eight separate billion-dollar companies in eight different industries. He’s birthed a new book, Like a Virgin: Secrets They Won’t Teach You at Business School and it is both a good read and incredibly insightful. And yes, he did it all without earning a degree in business. As he writes,

                        "Had I pursued my education long enough to learn all the conventional dos and don'ts of starting a business,I often wonder how different my life and career might have been."

So … my questions for you are:

1. What is your Vision for YOU and YOUR Book?

2. What steps are you taking RIGHT NOW to implement it?

3. What is, or could be, holding you back from going that next, next step?

4. What is the worst thing that could happen if you would just JUMP in RIGHT NOW and get going on bringing your Vision to life?

Most of us have barriers that can pull us off track—and in some cases, stop us flat. When your Vision is in play, they become mere detours—something that you will figure out how to quickly redirect and keep on going. The mega success that Branson has enjoyed had plenty of hiccups, you can count on it. But it had the big picture –what’s yours? And who do you need to partner with, to cheer for you as your stir toward 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, 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.