- Did you know that the key to your publishing success is less than two months away?
- Did you know that all authors need a booster for their publishing success?
- Are you ready to lace up your running shoes and take the next step to your publishing success?
- Are you ready to trek your way to publishing success?
I am … and I hope you are as well.
Last week, I completed my annual three-day book publishing marathon. A deep-dive intensive with committed authors from multiple states who were hungry. “Tell me more about how I can be successful … tell me more about book marketing … tell me more about social media … tell me more about book launching … tell me more about …”
It was work. It was fun. And they learned. From me and from participants. Many who traveled from out of the area, and a few who were locals, ended up at my home the final night for dinner. No workbooks or agendas. Just to eat together, laugh together, and get to know each other. And it reinforced the POWER and POP of gathering together, in person. Yes, I learn over the phone; via my computer; via webinars; via reading … but the learning I pick up “in person” and being “there” wherever the “there” takes on a different twist.
If I have a choice, I will brick it versus the click option.
Do you love the ability and ease to “click” quickly and get info for marketing, publishing or “whatever” you are seeking? Most of us do. But what about the other way … the “brick” approach? Brick meaning “in person.” Showing up.
I get it… the “click” method is fast. Register, be there when it begins. Or, wait for the replay to be sent to you. Easy peasy. Bricking it takes a commitment. That “show up” thing that means hours, maybe days away. Most liked added costs—travel, hotels, food.
You may be thinking—the “click” way is the only way to fly. But think again. Yes, it certainly takes more time, energy, and sometimes money. For me, if my schedule has the opening, or I can clear it, I will choose the “brick” method. Every time. Why?
Participating in person has major perks to it.
- First, you connect with others—and open a huge possibility of learning from their experiences—those others are like you. That means relationship building. Getting help and input fast.
- Second, you have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with the top influencers, experts, and speakers in the industry—getting direct answers to your questions that related to you and your book. That connection you make could become the tipping point for your publishing success—why would you not want to be at an in-person event?
- Third, you are away from your office and others. This could be a huge benefit that you just don’t realize until it happens. When I get on a plane to head away from my Colorado base—quite time settles in. No emails hounding me for a few hours; no phone calls; and a refocusing comes into play. Downtime. Concentrating on just you and your book with everyday distractors out of the way.
- Fourth, you come away with new ideas, concepts and strategies that are often the tipping point toward a new vision; strategies for moving your book into a direction you hadn’t thought about; and re-energized. There has never been an event where I haven’t come away with a “home run” that I start the implementation of something new … and often—a “hold on … you were working on a version of this some time ago—here’s a whole new approach”—I love it!
- Fifth, although usually exhausting, “brick” events are exhilarating and fun. And, sometimes exhausting. But with that exhausting, comes a rejuvenation and vision for success.
The reality is: when you enter this thing called publishing, it’s a never-ending story. Staying ahead in publishing means you make a commitment to continual learning.
There is always new ideas and strategies for book marketing; for how to be this and how to be that. Most likely, you are bombarded with pitches online for “stuff” to get to enhance yours. And you buy it, never looking at it.
Online has become the infomercial world of marketing—marketing anything—and authors and writers are a key target. I know … count me in the mix. I’ve sat in on more webinars; read more articles, and I have clicked away. And I confess, I’ve bought “stuff” that I’m clueless where it went; what computer file it’s hiding in; or if it’s really relevant today. Many of my publishing pals are online marketers. When I share that I’ve done this—they often laugh … and then share this raw fact: the great majority of stuff bought via online is not used or implemented. If you are a clicker and buy something, use it. If you don’t, you’ll lose it. I know I’ve done it. How about you?
In person, events have a different twist. A plus is I’m away from the office a few days; which is sometimes negative. I like the personal interaction and face-to-face time. And sometimes, the intensity can be an overwhelm—so much information at once.
Click or Brick … Which is for You? The best “click” event for authors will be in Breckenridge, Colorado in August – two months from now. I’m there and so are the key influencers of publishing in the self and independent publishing worlds at the www.AuthorYOUExtravaganza.org.
If you want to be seriously successful in your publishing path, you will be there, too. Don’t wimp out. Breckenridge, Colorado—a fantastic location. It’s the Author and Publishing Retreat of the Year!
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 35 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Foreword IndieFab Book of the Year), Snappy Sassy Salty: Wise Words for Authors and Writers and a speaker at publishing conferences. Book #35, How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos has earned 7 national book awards in 2017. Get your copy now.
Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged Bootcamp, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2018, the dates are June 23-25. Participate in her Judith Briles Speaking Unplugged Bootcamp held in March and November. Join Judith live on Thursdays at 6 p.m. EST for “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.
Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact me.
The Book Shepherd ™