marilynvanderbur

“I will be grateful, always, to Judith Briles for mentoring me – the only mentor I have ever had! She has had such a positive impact on my life. I try – every single day – to pass that gift on…”

Marilyn Van Derbur
Miss America by Day

“I want to thank you for all your priceless knowledge and expertise that you shared with me to help me to create such a wonderful Product line and book! Amlavi LLC and Iris and Her Amazing Garden would not be so popular among our Fans and their children if it was not for your coaching and publishing advice. I can’t believe how much fun I had in your groups and individual meetings nor the amount of time you saved me. You two took us from a driven idea to inspire people and create positive change in the world to what has become a thriving Product line, Book and our first Boutique store/ Coffee Tea house. Now who saw that coming? You did … and we all at Amlavi adore you for it!”

Dayn Conrad
Iris and Her Amazing Garden

greggodek

“I can’t think of another person who has the breadth of experience that Judith does, when it comes to books, publishing, writing–and the art and business that swirls around all of these concepts.”

“Judith knows this biz from every angle: As a writer, editor, publisher, speaker, consultant and entrepreneur. She’s also fabulously creative and wonderfully honest. She’s a breath of fresh air an industry full of poseurs.”

Greg Godek
1001 Ways to be Romantic and The Simple Simon series

domtesta

“A shepherd is defined as one who “protects, guides, and watches over.” That’s exactly what Judith Briles brings to your book and/or speaking project. She won’t write your book for you, but she protects you from making senseless mistakes, she guides you through the meticulous process, and she watches over your journey from beginning to end. Working with Judith is one of the best investments I’ve made in my business.”

Dom Testa
The Galahad series

cameronfay

“Judith Briles is one of the best resources in the publishing industry to help you create and sell your book. Her knowledge, insight and connections to industry experts provide the ability for you to not just create a great book but actually sell it and make money doing it.”

Cameron Fay
Regional Sales Manager, Friesens Corp.

annesalisbury

“Wow… your Salons are great! Thank you. We have a good focus now to move ahead.
You are a wise teacher. We appreciate you!”

Greg Meyerhoff and Anne Salisbury, PhD, MA, MBA
Eureka! and The Eureka Factor!

carolkates

“Judith Briles is an incredible coach. She is the most knowledgeable person I have met in the book business. Her workshops are informative, well-organized and fun and give budding authors inspiration as well as encouragement. Judith sets high standards for herself and also her clients—she is never afraid to tell it like it is. She encourages her clients to be their personal best. Judith’s vast knowledge and experience in both publishing and marketing make her an invaluable resource. She takes a personal interest in the authors she works with; and despite a very busy work schedule, she is only a telephone call away when problems arise and need immediate solutions. I would highly recommend Judith Briles.”

Carol Ann Kates
Secret Recipes from the Corner Market

brianjud

“Judith Briles is one of the most strategically creative, professional and competent people I have met in my 20+ years in book publishing.”

Brian Jud
How to Make Real Money Selling Books and Beyond the Bookstore

warrenziegler

“I had the opportunity to share with Katherine my ideas and future plans on promoting my book and starting a speaking career. She offered a lot of good advice, both practical and spiritual, and gave me several contacts to help me get started. Katherine is a very good listener who understands what it takes for someone who is taking the risk of starting a new career. She is responsive to questions and ideas and not shy when it comes to pointing out actions you need to take to reach your goals. I found her to be a caring, understanding and positive personal coach at helping put ideas and dreams to work.”

Mandy Ziegler
Publisher, When Your Spirit Calls: In Search of Your Spiritual Voice

jimhall

“You just finished a masterpiece, just put your creative passion into it, and now don’t know what to do about it? Call for the assistance of Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd. Judith has the knowledge at her fingertips from taking your idea and putting it into words to finding the right editors and the right printers. Need advice on how to market your book? She has a myriad of ideas and knowledge of the ways to do it. Judith is an extraordinary woman who will be YOUR personal shepherd.

“She has been there for us through good and bad, happiness and frustration. We don’t know what we would do without her calmness—we sometimes feel max-frustration.”

Georgann and Jim Hall
Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico

vikiking

” Judith Briles is a powerful locomotive who will get your train on the track and send it all the way to publishing. Katherine Carol has laser sharp insight to uncover and discover your deeper story. Together you have a full team guiding you heart to head and onto your completed project.”

Viki King
How to Write a Movie in 21 Days

shannonparish

“Katherine has unique business and leadership insights that derive from her ability to clearly see an individual’s or group’s needs. Her versatility in applying solutions to a wide range of business and organizational situations is unparalleled. From my vantage point, I have seen Katherine excel as both president of the Colorado Independent Publishers Association and as coach for many authors. Not surprisingly, her writing, in business articles and in her book, expertly draws on her strengths of perception and creativity.”

Shannon Parish
Former Administrator, CIPA Colorado Independent Book Publishers

lorendue

“When I came to Dr Briles I was uncertain as what I was going to do, however, through her diligent guidance and clear direction I was able to get my project back on track and produce an award winning book. Dr Briles has put in place all the tools necessary for success. It takes a person who is willing to learn, look, listen and receive instruction from the master of book production – Dr Briles.”

Dr Loren Due
Don’t Say a Word about This

lynnhellerstein

“Judith not only saved my book, she helped me create a best-seller! Her energy, wisdom, support, insights, humor and willingness to uphold her commitment were inspirational. As a successful author and publisher, Judith guided me through my journey as a first time author and publisher. She kept me moving through the publishing process, jumping over hurdles and avoiding many pitfalls.

“Not only was Judith instrumental in my writing and editing process, she coached me on how to enter into the world of niche marketing—from presentations to press releases and marketing strategies.

“I have recommended Judith to many of my professional colleagues and other authors who are looking for assistance in writing or publishing. I thank Judith for joining me on my fascinating journey of becoming an author!”

Lynn F. Hellerstein, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO
See It. Say It. Do It! The Parent’s & Teacher’s Action Guide to Creating Successful Students & Confident Kids

“Thank you for all of the valuable information I learned from working with you. My only regret is not signing up sooner!”

Rita Zamora
Making Referrals a Reality

rickfrishman

“Publishing consultants should know publishing inside and out. Few do. Judith Briles does. She has worn many hats—she’s published with major New York houses, then broke away and created her own imprint; has successfully published over 20 books and sold in excess of 1,000,000 copies; understands niche publishing and marketing; has created publicity campaigns for her own work Publishing consultants should know publishing inside and out. Few do. Judith Briles does. She has worn many hats—she’s published with major New York houses, then broke away and created her own imprint; has successfully published over 20 books and sold in excess of 1,000,000 copies; understands niche publishing and marketing; has created publicity campaigns for her own work that landed her on Oprah, Donahue, CNN and even grabbed a cover story in People magazine; she’s penetrated the foreign rights market with her work in 16 countries to date; she has guided and coached many others from creation to completion of their work; she has created and chair several publishing conferences; and she has successfully turned several publishing disasters into successful outcomes for their authors. Judith Briles is the Book Shepherd.”

Rick Frishman
Exec. VP, Morgan James Publishing
Founder, Planned TV Arts

davidhancock

“Successful books don’t just happen. As a publisher, I can always tell when an author has had guidance vs. delivering a manuscript unassisted. The books that Judith Briles has steered our way have been award-winning and successful in their markets. It’s not an accident or coincidence. She works closely with her authors, from conception to structure to the “look” of the finished book. Her authors know what to expect, when they are expecting. Her publishers know what they will get.”

David L. Hancock
Founder, Morgan James Publishing

susanmead

“If you need a firm, yet compassionate, kick in the bum to get your writing project completed and out the door, Judith Briles is not only the clear choice—but the greatest value. Don’t spend a lot of money on a bunch of different consultants on writing and publishing; work with Judith first to help you create the best team for your writing project and increase your efficiency. Her salons with other authors cannot be beat, with one-on-one follow-up to keep you on track.”

Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Take Back Your Body

rhondaspellman

“Judith Briles, aka The Book Shepherd, is a true Shepherd of her flock. When I first hired Judith I thought I was “almost there”. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had only just begun. I now consider myself transformed into much more than I had envisioned becoming. The best part: we’ve only just begun!”

Rhonda Spellman
The Journey, Home from Autism

danpoynter

“Judith Briles knows publishing. She cuts through the myriad of details and snafus that authors face, saving them thousands of dollars in the publishing process.
Judith has authored and published more than 20 books, won multiple awards and has converted her expertise into savvy, doable strategies for authors who want to create, achieve and be financially successful.”

Dan Poynter
The Self-Publishing Manual

joanmcwilliams

“Judith Briles is my BOOK SHEPHERD and has been for many years. She guided me through my first book, The PeaceFinder—Riley McFee’s Quest for World Peace. She is now helping me publish my husband’s autobiography as well as a book I have written on parenting plans for divorced parents. It would be very difficult to get through the publishing maze without her. She knows the business, has amazing vision, and is remarkably creative. She can spot errors in an instant, which saves money!

“I have enjoyed getting to know Judith and count her as a friend as well as a mentor. Working with her has been my good fortune.”

Joan McWilliams
The Peace Finder—Riley McFee’s Quest for World Peace
Creating Parenting Plans That Work

annkochenburger

“One of the smartest decisions I have ever made was hiring Judith as my Book Shepherd. I had a story to tell, but no idea how to proceed beyond the completion of my manuscript. Judith guided me through revision, recommended an excellent editor and made contacts to publishers, all of which ultimately led to a publisher for Out Of Focus…Again. I admire Judith not only for her expertise, but also for her straight forwardness. She is no nonsense and tells it like it is which is what those of us who want to see our words in print completely appreciate. She saved me much time and thousands of dollars, and is the reason my completed book is of the quality I wanted. I continue to seek Judith’s advice as I promote my book and am currently writing a second one.”

Ann Kochenberger
Out Of Focus…Again

lindasmith

“Judith Briles was a moving force in the development of my book; from the perfect tag line to her perfect edits to sharing all of her perfect resources. Above and beyond all of those very important contributions, Judith’s support and encouragement kept me moving, working and motivated to get my book the Power of Rituals for Women from a dream to a reality. Thank you Judith!!”

Linda Ann Smith
Power of Rituals

marapurl

“Judith Briles—best-selling author and sought-after national speaker in her own right—is also generous to a fault in sharing her hard-earned publishing savvy. As the Colorado Book Shepherd, she’s unique in that she doesn’t do the work for you. Instead, she teaches, mentors and leads the way, empowering her clients along the otherwise treacherous trails of bringing a book first to press, then to market, and ultimately into the hands of targeted readers.”

Mara Purl
Milford Haven series

janestanfield

“After publishing my book, I knew I needed help marketing not only the book, but myself. I looked to Judith because she exemplified what I am in the process of becoming, an accomplished speaker, author, and a successful and heart-filled business woman. Under her tutelage, I am expanding into national markets and just yesterday, appeared on a TV News show. If you are ready to take yourself from hobby to professional, Judith is the woman who will walk next to you along your path to success.”

Jane Stanfield
Where Is She Heading

victoriamunro

“Judith Briles is one of the most creative people I’ve ever worked with. She has an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience in the book publishing and marketing arenas, as well as a highly successful track record with her own books. She generously shares her valuable network of contacts in the industry. She knows how to create profitable strategies to publish and market books, is able to quickly and accurately understand an author’s work and offer clear, constructive suggestions

“Judith’s consulting services provide incredible value. I heartily recommend her.”

Victoria Munro
The Small Biz Balancing Act

lorihanson

“I called Judith when I had issues with an editor on my first book. She was exactly what I needed to rebuild my confidence, get me on track and help me put together a publishing team that works with me. Having Judith as my mentor I’ve been successful in accomplishing many things in a small amount of time. If you want quick results, straight answers and a no BS way to get your book to market successfully. Call Judith!”

Lori Hanson
It Started with Pop-Tarts™

dudleylynch

“Yes, Katherine Carol is dynamic. Yes, she is charming. Yes, she radiates confidence and brings it out in her clients through her skilled training knowledge and her inspiring presentations and effective strategizing. Yes, yes, yes, yes—all that. But as I thought about the essence of Katherine’s skills and life philosophy, the description that seems to sum it up best for me is this: I’ve seldom met anyone as gifted as she is at teaching people how to turn lemons into lemon aid. Want to know how to outsmart bureaucracies? She’s your gal. Short of funds? She will show you how to get blood out of turnips. Need straight talk to end the nit-picking and nay-saying and get to the skinny? Meet the walking-talking ghost of Coach Lombardi.”

Dudley Lynch
Strategies for the Dolphin
President, Brain Technologies Corporation

annerandolph

“Katherine Carol is one of the best coaches in workplace and life skills that I have had the opportunity to observe. She’s also an excellent Board retreat facilitator—several of the organizations I’ve worked with have brought her back for repeat engagements.”

Anne Randolph
Founder, Kitchen Table Writing

carriebrownwolf

“Not knowing where to begin can be daunting. Until you meet Judith. Working with Judith Briles helped move my book from the computer screen to the printed page.”

Carrie Brown-Wolf
Soul Sunday

 

The Book Shepherd’s Blog

 
30
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

If you are an author, you have a product that can be morphed to other products. Books have covers. How would it look on a mug? a Tee-shirt? What about a canvas bag or a nifty pin? Illustrations can become products that you sell … are there any in your book? Can they be made into a sellable product that is low price and an add-on to a sale of a book or stand alone? To do this, you need to get permission of the illustrator or have it arranged up front that you own all rights for anything and everything. How about a bookmark that becomes a “tool” vs. just a placeholder?

Some will require payment—either a lump sum or royalty arrangement–it will depend if you create it yourself with your own product/material that your own outright or one that you have to make an arrangement with the holder of the copyright if it isn’t you.

I  turned one of the critters …


 
22
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

Snobbery Shouldn’t Be a Factor in Your Publishing Decision … ahhhh, the old days, when NY came courting up and coming authors; advances were common; authors were groomed and nurtured in the process; media tours were set up; your editor was your advocate; and you were looked up to when you told others you had an agent. Get over it.
Times have changed—today’s author has to be prepared to work their butt off to get his book noticed by the media, the public, you name it; they often are disconnected from the editor who “acquired” the book and the one that does the editing; and advances have shrunk, even disappeared (many authors work for far less than minimum wage).
 Saying that you are published with a NY house has become a yawn for many—that is unless you got a bunch of money. Most people who buy books really don’t care who published it … what they want to …


 
15
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

As the Book Publishing World Continues to Turn …
Have you noticed? The publishing world has morphed on a daily basis … If you are a new author, you’ve got publishing questions. Plenty of them. If you are an already published author, you should have publishing questions. Plenty of them.

As an author, ask: should I traditionally publish (hello New York), self-publish, independent publish, pay-to-publish, ePublish or pPublish … which is right for me and my book? The answer is: it depends and will evolve from the changing doors and options within publishing.

With the approximate one million books published yearly over the last three years (includes all publications—electronic, reprints, university, traditional, self and small/independent press), there are too many books. Period. Of those one million, most likely 900,000 of them shouldn’t have been. Of those numbers, an estimated one-third comes through the traditional route, the remainder in the self-published route.

Morphing means changes and today’s author has some amazing advantages if …


 
08
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

Book award contests are everywhere. What do you do when you win a book award? The savvy author tells others about it. Don’t count on your publisher to do it if you are published by someone other than your own company. Get your computer open and:

1. Create the publicity to now support your book and drive up book sales. Write a media release that includes who awarded you, in what topic area. Make sure you include your book title (I’ve actually seen this forgotten), you as the author, publisher and where the book is available. For example, I live in Colorado—the top book store in Denver is the Tattered Cover—include that the book is available (and make sure it is). If you have a judge’s comment and appropriate, include it.

2. Tell the media world … it’s bragging time. Send the media release to your local newspapers, TV, radio or any organizations you belong to.

3. Think social media. …


 
05
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

Your Guide to Book Publishing: Everything You Wanted to Know about Publishing and Didn’t Know to Ask radio show is live on Thursday, January 5th on the Rock Star Network at 6 p.m. EST; 5 p.m CST; 4 p.m. MST; 3 p.m. PST. Plan on a fast paced magazine format. Participate live and download the podcast.  Join Dr. Judith Briles and her guests: Book Marketing guru’s Penny Sansevieri and Brian Jud along with others for the first show.

Here’s info for online listening:  http://rockstarradionetwork.com/shows/yourguidetobookpublishing

And for calling in live and participating 866-404-6519


 
01
Jan
by The Book Shepherds

Book Publishing … Goodbye 2011 and Hello 2012

The decorations are down, dishes put away and guests departed. It’s time to get back to the author’s work with new passion, a vision that has possibly been tweaked over the Holidays and a commitment that this is the year. Your year.

Starting a book is a major event. Continuing the journey deserves a tap dance or two. Launching it is a firework celebration.

As The Book Shepherd, my goal is always for the author to create a book that she or he doesn’t regret. The cover, the insides, the content, the editing, the time spent creating it, the ____.

One of the most important things that an author—new or old—must keep at the forefront is the voice—is it his or hers? Or, has it been so morphed by others in the process that it has gotten lost … not to be found. This is the year that your voice is heard …


 
26
Dec
by The Book Shepherds

Which book path is for you–traditional … self … independent–which? Four words can get you focused: timing, control, quality and money. All are key factors when it comes to publishing.

Timing—if your manuscript is completed, you can have it edited, cover and interiors designed, printed and in your hands within four months or less. 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—in 2009, a close friend had her 5th book published by the same NY publisher that did my second book in the mid-eighties. Over 20 years between our respective publications. The book she proudly gave …


 
21
Dec
by The Book Shepherds

Book Publishing Savvy Today:

 

Do You Know Where Your Book Sales Come From?

       Do You Know Where Your Clients Come From?

              Do You Know Where Your ____ Comes From?

Having a marketing and sales background, it was drilled in that I had to follow my leads, track my leads and know where my business came from. Maybe. Maybe not … at least today. The Internet has changed a lot of the rules of yesterday … yesteryear. It’s fast forward time…

If you have a product—a book, consulting services or any other product—today, it’s all about being “out there”—exposed, talked about, findable.

Maybe it’s time to stop asking the question, Do you know where your business is coming from? Because there isn’t a definable answer. Maybe the answer is in the response zone of “… just because.”

The more that you are “out there,” the more difficult it is to track where your sales and business comes from.


 
13
Dec
by The Book Shepherds

 

Don’t you love it when authors actually take their own advice? Today, The Book Shepherd has a special guest who will answer your questions about Book Blog Tours. Dana Lynn Smith has one put together for her latest book, Virtual Book Tour Magic. Her tour has been over the past two weeks.

Here’s why this book makes marketing sense for today’s author:

  • The author has a clear vision of her goal.
  • She responded immediately to any questions that I have before our big day.
  • She sent me her guest post Questions a week before it was due to run.
  • She also sent me copy to use in social media promotion-so helpful.
  • She is going to be available to respond to questions that Blog readers have about virtual blog tours.
  • She also sent me a reminder the day before, just in case–always smart–we are all busy and a little goose is helpful!

Here’s the key take-away be organized …


 
09
Dec
by The Book Shepherds

Book Publishing … Take Advantage of Seasonal Selling Now

If your book is ideal for a gift (and it’s a rare one that is not), seasonal celebrations are ideal to reach out to your followers … why not your book as the gift? This month, of course December is hot. But so will January … for the “how-to” crowd, this is the high GOYA month—Get Off Your Ass—and get started (or re-started).

Game plan your “kick-start” now by:

1          Creating an email offer your “special” with a direct link to where you want them to purchase your book. Title, describe, and cover should all be included. Give them a heads-up with an estimate of how many days for arrival. If you are the sender, make sure you offer to personalize each book.

2          Contact all on your email lists; your Twitter followers; your Facebook friends; LinkedIn connections; and Google+ Circles and Huddles. Remind them who the ideal recipient is and …


 

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