Author U Your Guide To Book Publishing

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into jkey components of the Author's Journey--from idea to execution to outcome. With her is author Ashlee Bratton who launched Life Before the Lottery this fall after a crowdfunding venture. -Where do ideas come from? -How does an author deal with the unexpected--all the hiccups that can pop up at any time? -What are the must haves/dos to make the author journey successful? -What types of author pics do you need to complete the package of an author? -What are the must haves to create a successful crowdfunding campaign and what should be avoided? -When should the promo start for a book--before or after the author has it in hand? -What types of venues should be considered for a book launch/celebration? -If the clock could be wound back, what should the author do, and not do? -What's next in the Journey? And, as always ... much more. Another great hour with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and CEO of AuthorU.org.

This week's show focuses on all the gizmos and gadgets, online shopping carts and email marketing/newsletter services that can make the author's publishing, writing and marketing life sane. Kelly Johnson, Judith's favorite Geek Girl, joins her today. Kelly is the owner of CornerstoneVA.com. You will learn about: -Mail Chimp -AWebetr -Constant Contact -Vertical Response -CloudNet360 (Premium Web Cart) -1ShoppingCart -InfusionSoft and much more. Get ready for a great show on Authoru U-Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd!

Throughout the final quarter of the year, Judith features top members of "her team" in the creation of THE BOOK. This week's show comes back to the cover and interior... with a different voice, Michele DeFlippo, the CEO of 1106Design.com. Critical advice: love your book cover because buyers look at it, and buy it. Starting with the COVER, they explore: What is a book cover? A package that answers the buyer's only question: What's in it for ME? How should it look? Like similar bestsellers. Capture the correct mood. How should it work? The right words, arranged in the right way, on the front, back and spine. All marketing roads lead to your book cover. This is not the place to save money. How to hire the right designer. Someone who cares enough to challenge your thinking. Concepts vs. variations. No financial surprises! Continuing with the INTERIOR ... Why you should never use Word to lay out your book. Why Do-it-yourself templates are plain vanilla, boring. You are sold the level you can work with, not

How would you like to win a contest that is based on the quality and creativity of your work? You can. AuthorU.org is sponsoring, along with two dozen other majors--likes IngramSpark, Thomson Shore, New Shelves, The Book Shepherd, Tattered Cover Book Store, the BookBar, Total Printing Systems, Cornerstone Virtual Assistance, WaveCloud, Color House Graphics, 1106 Design, NZ Graphics, F+P Design, the Publicity Hound, Creative Journey, US Book News Awards Editing, Ashography and Daniel Hall Presents. There are four main categories: Fiction, NonFiction, YA-Juvenile, Childrens The one single catch: you cannot be already published (meaning you have books for sale) in the genre you are entering. You will get all the details in the show aired on Thanksgiving--the how-tos, what-fors, and the prizes. DON'T MISS IT! The Early Bird entry ends on November 30th ... all manuscripts must be received by January 15th. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the Draft to Dream Book Publi

Are all printing options alike? Do you have a clue on what happens once you engage a printer--what happens before the ink goes on? And what happens in the cover printing and binding? Most authors don't think about it all ... and as an author, you should. Good questions to ask and the answers are within today's show PLUS 21 Answers to questions you should be asking ... for what is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the Top 20 plus 1 Questions that every author, every publisher should ask a printer. Think of it as Part II of the session early this month on printing books--this round with Sandy Gould who brings 17 years of printing experience to produce your best book. Sandy is one of the expert voices from Color House Graphics. 1. Do you provide printing services for self-publishers and authors? 2. What types of files do you accept? 3. What should my designer receive from you before they prepare files for my book? 4.

Are all book designers alike? It's a good questions and the answer is, No way ... and you need to know what's out there and which is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in what's between the sheets and on top of your covers when it comes to book designing with a multi-award winning cover and book designer, Nick Zelinger of NZ Graphics. Nick knows books inside and out. -Learn Tips and Tricks on how to prep your manuscript for the designer. -What types of designs work best with different genres? -Cover options ... so your book isn't the ugly one. -How to work with your designer to maximize your return. -How to use parts of your cover within your interior. -Differences in Fiction and NonFiction designing. -How to make your cover and interior competitive. And, as always ... much more. Nick Zelinger is a graphic designer for over 20 years, has worked for ad agencies and printing companies; been an art director for an aviation maga

Are all book printers alike? It's a good questions and the answer is, Nope ... and you need to know what's out there and which is best for you and your book. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in all things relating to book printing with Dave Raymond, the Regional Sales Manager at Thomson Shore and knows books! www.ThomsonShore.com -Are printing fees negotiable? -What types of paper are best for certain books. -Cover options ... the good, the bad and the oh-so-ugly. -IDing the best print methods. -Differences in digital vs. offset. And, as always ... much more. Join Judith Briles, the Book Shepherd, and Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing

This week's show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing is all treats, no tricks. Using social media to sell your books is the portal that every author needs to understand, to use, and remove the resistance roadblocks that hinder their results. Today's guest is Aliza Sherman, a pioneer in all things "web"--she is an co-author of the best-selling Social Media Engagement for Dummies. Her early work on the Internet and in the early days of Silicon Alley helped pave the way for today's new media industry. You will learn: -How much time do you need to invest in social media. -How much money do you need to invest in your social media strategies. -How to build your author platform through social media. -How to create a community and get it thriving. -How to create pre-sales via your social media channels. -How to convert your postings to purchases. -How Fiction authors can develop characters and narrative with social media tools. -How to avoid social media pitfalls.

Nope, eBooks didn't eliminate print books, contrary to what many thought would happen--print books are doing well, in fact, sales were up 4.3% this summer. BUT, eBooks are an important part to your mix. Today's show will focus on some of the old, but lots of the new--especially with what's bubbling up with eBooks for kids. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into the latest in all things eBooks with Nick Taylor. Nick designs eBooks for authors and publishers, is based in the U.S. and has the skills to make your book look awesome. Nick is an author of several fiction fantasy books--he gets what authors are facing in today's world. •What's hot with ebooks today. •KIDS' ebooks... a whole new world. •How to market your ebook--is there a twist from print books? •How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. •Yes you can, how to include illustrations. •When to bundle your book sales with print book. •How to prep your book for ebook conversion. •What to pa

Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into Creativity with a Twist--how to develop the skill that we all have. Her guest is Ronda Sheya, principal in the Sheya-Group.com in Colorado. AND, one of the creative forces when Radio Disney started. •How to break the creative block. •Why is creativity different from invention. •How to use creativity in your book marketing and promotion. •How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. •ID the key steps in getting your creative juices salivating. •Why "clutter" is the enemy of all creativity. •How to capture ideas quickly. *Why "play" is essential to creativity. And, as always ... much more. Another great hour with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd and CEO of AuthorU.org.

Your photos are a critical component to any author's online and offline presence. The questions: What photos are on your website?, What photos and images are in your social media outreach? and What photos and images are you using to support both you and your book? become critical in your overall Game Plan. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into what's what in photos today with master photographer, Ashlee Bratton. Ashlee is an award winning photographer (Ashography.com) who has the skills to make authors look awesome? Ashlee is also the author of the just released, Life Before the Lottery. -What types of author pics do you need? -Different locations to use. -How much should you pay and how to negotiate. -How to create a stellar book promotion campaign including promotions. -What are the key components of putting a video together. -Is any video better than no video? “Done is better than good.” -What works for you, your pics, your books, your promo ... everything ...

Videos are a critical component to any author's online presence. The questions: -What videos are on your website? -What videos are in your social media outreach? and -What videos are you using to support both you and your book? become critical in your overall Game Plan. Today, on Author U-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith will deep-dive into what's what in videos today with Producer Susie Scott. Susie has built on her degree in Journalism/Documentary Film along with many years of experience in the television/radio/film/broadcast world -- from the part-time evening receptionist for a local station, to the owner of a 14 year success story with i25productions, inc. Your take-aways include: -How to create a budget for videos from multiple levels. -How to NOT let your videos look like they are a shaky-am production. -How to create a book trailer. -How to use videos in book promotion. What are the key components of putting a video together. -Is any video better than no video? “Done is better than good

Authors and authors-to-be want to make sure they have enough money to fund their book project. Crowdfunding is one of their go-to places to bring in those moneys. Today's program brings in a key player from Kickstarter is going to give inside tips and tricks to create a campaign and make it succeed. Kickstarter has some new rules and guidelines--learn them first hand. •Creating ideal rewards for donors. •Components that every campaign needs. •Key strategies that are needed and ones to avoid. •How to tell if you've got a book that will attract donors. •Where short cuts can be used and where never to short cut. •What to expect within a campaign. •How to create the timing to roll out a campaign •Items to include in your project page. •Promoting a project once it's live. •Identifying the right time to run a Kickstarter campaign for your book. •Tips on setting project goal. •Making a good Kickstarter video. •And lots more ... Lots to talk about ... tune in for another great show on Author U - Your Guide to

Authors and authors-to-be want to know what what the true cost of publishing is. And the answer is: it depends. It depends on what type of book you have. It depends on what your market for selling is. It depends on what your personal goal is. It depends on what resources you have ... and what you don't have. It depends. In this show, Judith will identify many of the "must haves" and include the ranges of what you can pay ... from the "OK" to the "Rolls Royce" version. -Does the cost of publishing have to break your wallet? -How to tell what are must dos and what are nice to haves. -Where short cuts can be used and where never to short cut. -What to expect to pay for various services to get your book "done". -And lots more ... Lots to talk about ... tune in for another great show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd.

Part II ... Every author and writer needs a Timeline, let few create them ... and in case of BOOK ... most authors just want to get it written ... thinking about marketing, publicity, the production needs post the writing. Not after this show. Judith lays out in two parts--last week and this what you need to get on your calendar starting (gulp) a year in front on your book birthday ... and post ... get your calendar open and starting IDing key benchmarks for you and your book's success! Another great show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles.

I'ts Part I ... Every author and writer needs a Timeline, let few create them ... and in case of BOOK ... most authors just want to get it written ... thinking about marketing, publicity, the production needs post the writing. Not after this show. Judith lays out in two parts--this week and next what you need to get on your calendar starting (gulp) a year in front on your book birthday ... and post ... get your calendar open and starting IDing key benchmarks for you and your book's success! Another great show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles.

Every author and writer gets stuck once in awhile ... we need juice... where does it come from? Joining Judith Briles today is Jake Williams, author, illustrator, artist who develops pics and illustrations on the spot. Learn tips and tricks to get your creativity spark flowing if you are stuck. Another great show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing.

Libraries are a great place to sell your book to ... as well as create events around you and your book. In this edition of Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing, Judith has Kari May, the President of the Elbert County Library District AND President of the Colorado Association of Libraries. She has no aspirations to be an author – after all, all authors need an audience of readers, and reading is something she is good at. They explore: -Libraries provide a “test place” for readers to discover new authors -Evaluation process for selecting books for the library collection -Digital Commerce – how the eBook format has changed the games for librarians as well as for authors -How Libraries want to help authors succeed -Perception by publishers that libraries are a threat to sales, particularly in the digital arena -How to "romance" your librarian to bring your book(s) in -and more! Lots to talk about ... tune in for another great show on Author U - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles, The

You've got a book, or will soon ... what's next? Next is what's next. Joining Judith Briles today is Rebecca Finkel, multi-award winning designer. Think: 1. conversion to kindle -Is it a good idea? -How about kindle only no print book -What about Smashwords? 2. conversion to Inkling -Why -What does it do more 3. Update older covers -Create a Fresh look -Get a Better audience -Seen as new -Creates Other marketing strategies 4. How to work with a designer? -Words to images -How to deal with Egos - Is it easier to do it by yourself? And lots more... Recognized nationally and regionally for award-winning book design, Rebecca Finkel, owner of F + P Graphic Design, specializes in multi-faceted projects; integrating text, photos, and graphics to create a unique look. Rebecca enjoys finding solutions to complex design projects. In addition to books, Rebecca creates eBooks, calendars, catalogs, logos, brochures, and marketing collateral. From initial concept to printed product, F + P Graphic Design sees pr

Authors, Books and Book Reviews all go together. Today is a deep dive into what reviews, how to submit, which ones to look at and how to make your submission shine to get attention. With Judith Briles today is Victoria Sutherland, Founder of ForeWord Reviews, the ONLY magazine dedicated to the independent publishing market. A review in ForeWord is seen by libraries and over 300 B&N stores. You want to be in it. You will learn: -Should you pay for book reviews? -Tips for authors on how to get an objective review for your book. -What goes into a book review when you submit book. -How to get your book to pass the first, critical stage of a book review. -Learn how a book review can get the attention of a journalist in the noisy publishing world. Savvy insights to creating a “tip sheet” to send in for potential book review. -Learn how ForeWord Reviews (best indie book review source) selects books to feature. Don't miss this show ...another high-content hour with Judith Briles, author of Author YOU: Cr