Author U Your Guide to Book Publishing
Dr. Judith Briles
The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast is ranked by Feedspot in the TOP 10 podcasts for Book Marketing and in the Top 100 in Author-Publishing Careers by Goodpods.
If you want to write and publish a book ... if you want to know the latest in book marketing strategies ... if you want to know what tools an author should be using ... and if you want to be successful as an author, Author YOU - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles ... Everything You Want to Know But Didn't Know What to Ask is for you.
You will hear about statistics, scenarios, and strategies on what to do now! Judith features a variety of experts, besides herself, that are visionaries in publishing, book marketing experts, book design experts—anything that will get your book and YOU as the author—to the next, next level of success.
Sometimes, it's one step at a time; other times, you will leapfrog up the ladder. As The Book Shepherd, Dr. Judith Briles leads the conversation each week. She will include publishing professionals that will reveal tips and secrets to the author's journey. Sometimes, she goes solo and just shares her expertise that she has earned and learned over a 40-year period from the publication of her first book. Each week, you will get a new show, no repeats.
If there is a book in you, then you will want to listen and learn each and every week with Dr. Judith Briles, your Book Shepherd.
If you want to write and publish a book ... if you want to know the latest in book marketing strategies ... if you want to know what tools an author should be using ... and if you want to be successful as an author, Author YOU - Your Guide to Book Publishing with Dr. Judith Briles ... Everything You Want to Know But Didn't Know What to Ask is for you.
You will hear about statistics, scenarios, and strategies on what to do now! Judith features a variety of experts, besides herself, that are visionaries in publishing, book marketing experts, book design experts—anything that will get your book and YOU as the author—to the next, next level of success.
Sometimes, it's one step at a time; other times, you will leapfrog up the ladder. As The Book Shepherd, Dr. Judith Briles leads the conversation each week. She will include publishing professionals that will reveal tips and secrets to the author's journey. Sometimes, she goes solo and just shares her expertise that she has earned and learned over a 40-year period from the publication of her first book. Each week, you will get a new show, no repeats.
If there is a book in you, then you will want to listen and learn each and every week with Dr. Judith Briles, your Book Shepherd.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 4, 2025 • 57min
Books, Books, Books - Make Your Cover Rock!
Joining the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast host Dr. Judith Briles is award-winning book designer Nick Zelinger.
You will get two insiders skinny on book covers that readers will embrace. Whether it's a new book or a makeover on an old book--make sure it is contemporary versus yesteryear.
You will take away:
- Tips for creating eye-friendly covers that shout out "pick me up."
- Ideas to set you apart from other others.
- When to engage a cover designer.
- Questions to ask your cover designer.
- Oh-Ohs with AI generated covers.
- Why you should Google "ugly book covers" ...
- And much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast ranked in the top 10 of book marketing podcasts. Since its inception, over 21,000,000 listeners have downloaded various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Mar 28, 2025 • 49min
How to Create the Ultimate Press Release 03-27-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites digital marketing strategist Jules Marie to share her tips on creating press releases that get the attention of the media.
If you don’t tell the media your story with a press release, who will?
Your takeaways include:
- Strategies to create a compelling hook.
- Tips for including value-added information to your release.
- How to create a quarterly PR schedule.
- Marketing with short videos.
- Where to distribute your press release.
- How to distribute your press release.
- How to create a media list.
- Why your headline must be clear, concise, clever, and compelling.
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Mar 21, 2025 • 58min
Write HOT with your first sentence! 03-20-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites author and writing coach Anne Randolph to share her tips on creating the best book ever.
Your takeaways include:
-Writing tips step by step.
-Why creative writing can increase the quality and speed of your writing.
-Get 8 tips of creating the best book ever.
-Why speaking out loud your writing improves it.
Writing is always a process of discovery.
Tips for letting your writing glide.
-Use “start lines” to get your writing juices going.
-Why signing a contract with your self will keep you moving forward to completion.
-Tips for moving beyond procrastination.
-Why authors write better when they start by writing with their hands, not the computer.
-When writing, the power of staying in the present moves writing forward.
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Mar 14, 2025 • 59min
Writing with Color and Personality 03-13-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites award-winning and bestselling author Mara Purl to share her tips on creating characters that readers want more of.
Your takeaways include:
-Characters talk...tips on getting them to tell their story to the writer.
-How colors will set the stage for your story … and continue it.
-Why you want to develop your characters' personality.
-Why authors must do their homework and ask with each book—where will it go?
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Mar 7, 2025 • 1h
Strategic Digital Book Marketing 03-06-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites digital marketing strategist Jules Marie to share her tips on creating digital marketing that connects with your ideal audience.
Your take aways include:
-Aha-digital marketing includes anything that uses technology.
-Why the author website is the most important part of a marketing strategy.
-Use Yast and Pho to post metadata.
-How to create a planning calendar.
-How SEO can improve awareness of your brand.
-Why authors need to attach keywords to every page of their website.
-When to use ads.
-Why authors should create and update Google Business Page on an ongoing basis.
-Don't do Google ads-too expensive.
-What updates authors should do now on their websites.
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Feb 28, 2025 • 58min
Creating WOW Bookstore Events 02-27-2025
In this episode of the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast, host Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd deep dives into how to create a successful bookstore event.
Author takeaways include:
- How to pitch to the bookstore manager or author event coordinator.
- How to engage bookstore customers.
- Tips for book table swag.
- 10+ tips for creating a successful book signing event.
- How to take advantage of a bookstore's internal signage for marketing.
- How to create promo to bring book lovers to your signing.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Feb 21, 2025 • 58min
Editing Tips for 2025 to POP Your Copy 02-20-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites fiction editor Barb Wilson to share her tips of editing … what’s old, what’s new.
Your takeaways include:
-Copy editing is all about the mechanics, line by line.
-Sensitivity editing has lessened its impact.
-Proofreading/cold eye. It’s a must.
-Tips for just writing.
-Descriptions count in the writing setup.
Discover EFA.org – the Educational Freelancers Association for cost guidelines.
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Feb 14, 2025 • 60min
Judging Your Book in a Book Contest 02-13-2025
How Do Book Judges in Book Contests Really Judge?
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites Jules Marie who has judged over 2,000 books for a variety of book contests to share her tips on creating a book that has the WOW factor in the judges' eyes.
Your takeaways include:
- Entering book contests are part of your marketing plan.
- Before you enter, what’s the “why”?
- Make sure your name and book title is listed on Google Alerts and Talk Walker.
- Determine your costs and set a budget—invest in your book.
- Why book covers should reflect content between the covers.
- Usually there is an editorial judge and design judge.
- Find the contests that are a fit for your book’s genre and theme.
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
Feb 7, 2025 • 60min
Cover and Interior Book Trends 2025 02-06-2025
Award-winning book designer Rebecca Finkle joins AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing host Judith Briles for a fun and enlightening podcast on book design trends for 2025.
Your takeaways include:
-Can your cover pass the second test?
-What the design trends ae for 2025 for books and authors.
-Why you cover must connect with your target market.
-Why you should Google bad designed book covers.
-How to do the walk around bookstore revelation.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of book marketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join in and become a regular subscriber.
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 1min
Birthing a Series & Fan Clubs 01-30-2025
In this week’s AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing, Host Dr. Judith Briles invites bestselling author Patricia Raybon to share her tips on building a series and a fan club. You will hear Patricia say, “My writing started with me being black.”
Your takeaways include:
-Strategies for “giving it your best: marketing.
-Tips for researching your chosen genre.
-How to find and develop your fan base.
-Marketing with short videos.
-Crafting the ideal pitching to a potential book buyer.
-Characters talk...tips on getting them to tell their story to the writer.
-Why authors must do their homework and ask with each book—where will it go?
And, of course, much more.
Tune in for lots of ideas and how-to tactics via the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast. It’s ranked in the Top Ten of bookmarketing campaigns. Since its inception seven years ago, the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast with over 21 million listeners downloading various shows for practical publishing and book marketing guidance. Join me and become a regular subscriber.
