Each summer, I teach the How to Write a Book in 4 Weeks workshop … Sometimes, I join in and complete one; other times, I start one, knowing that it will take some time.
The first time, crowdfunding was on my mind. Seeing now what’s known as the Author YOU Mini-
Series, The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers was generated. A total of 96 pages in a 5 x 7 format, four colors throughout and with what’s known as “my sheepie guys” used to illustrate points and add whimsy. It’s sans the history and all the “side” stuff—just the nuts and bolts. My attitude in putting it together was getting to the how-to of it; share a few client success stories and goose my readers that success is being in the minority—less than 30 percent of publishing crowdfunding journeys are successful. With the right tools, set up, rewards and the step by step and timing, I could show them how to increase the odds. It was published and earned multiple book awards.
Last year, eager “students” met over July. Learning what they need to do to get the draft (not completed—but an outline/draft, chapters identified, chapters started, plus much more, I noodled “what’s next” in the series. Thinking I would be doing The Authors Guide to Timelines and Costs of Publishing, it was not to be. Instead, it was a redirect. Sharing out loud the array of consistent mistakes that I see authors make, How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos was created. That baby was the same 5 x 7 size, color throughout, but it was more than double the size of the crowdfunding book. Also winning multiple book awards, it’s one of my favorites.
Hmmm, this year, I again was heading in another direction. At the June Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, one of the attendees asked, “When are you going to write a book on how to create a speech on the author’s book?” Hmmm, when indeed … how about now?
Four weeks ago, the new idea blossomed. Starting on the title … it’s still being tweaked. The cover is in the process after contacting the illustrator for the sheepie guys, Don Sidle and designer for the series, Nick Zelinger. What do think? was the question I asked each. I felt the concept was solid and doable. I had done it and with sharing what I knew, my readers were learning from an insider, someone who has really been in the trenches.
Don went to work on the latest ‘main’ sheepie guy—but this, the time the guy was to be a gal sheepie. I’m the author; I’m a gal; I like whimsy; I like a little bling, and I can be quirky. The final cover is now in the works … here’s the illustration that will be used on the cover: 
In the first session of the How to Write a Book in 4 Weeks workshop, I sticky noted the theme and key components and must haves in my workbook that everyone gets. The next week, I gathered up what background research I needed, and am now writing-writing-writing. The outline is done. The working title is: The Author’s Guide to Creating a Speech that Produces $1,000,000 … and More!
I can see the finished book in my head; the workshop around it—in fact, it will be delivered in November and already up on The Book Shepherd website. It’s a two-day workshop—Judith Briles Speaking Unplugged.
The book will be part of the curriculum—now that’s a deadline on me.
At the same time, I’m working on the ONLINE course for The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers—slated to be done in August and rolled out in September. The slides are almost done; the workbook needs to be completed; a few videos; and my voice added for narration.
And, of course, there’s my usual work with awesome authors and their books plus what I do for AuthorU.org. Never … ever … a dull moment.
So, dear author … how’s your summer going … what’s gelling for you?
Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. She empowers authors and is the Founder of AuthorU.org, 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 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 was published in 2016: How to Avoid 101 Book Publishing Blunders, Bloopers & Boo-Boos. Get your copy now.
Each summer, she holds Judith Briles Book Publishing Unplugged, a three-day intensive limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. In 2017, the dates are June 22-24th. 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 “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” on the Toginet Network at bit.ly/PublishingShow.
Follow @AuthorU 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 Judith at Judith@Briles.com.
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