From Manuscript to Bestseller: Blurbs, Blunders, & Building a Brand

In this episode, Erica interviews Judith Briles, a publishing consultant and book marketing expert. They discuss various book-related topics, including the role of a publishing consultant, the importance of a clear book blurb, and common marketing and publishing blunders. Briles also highlights the significance of professional editing and design in creating a quality book, while encouraging authors to persist, persevere, and plan for success.

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Say hello to Judith! 

Judith Briles is a Book Publishing Expert, Book Marketing Expert, Inspiration Book Coach and The Book Shepherd. She coaches writers to the completion of their manuscripts, and helps them to create and implement a book marketing launch and campaign strategy.

She is also an Internet Radio Host, International Speaker, Publisher, and award-winning and best-selling Author.

If you’d like to learn more about Judith, please visit her website. 

Takeaways

• Authors can make money from Kindle Unlimited through page turns and previews, and it can also serve as a marketing tool.
• A publishing consultant, or book shepherd, helps authors with various aspects of the publishing process, including editing, design, and marketing.
• A clear and intriguing book blurb is essential for attracting readers and generating interest in the book.
• Common marketing blunders include not defining the target audience and failing to articulate the core message of the book.
• Common publishing blunders include not editing the book thoroughly and not seeking professional help when needed. Writing and publishing should be treated as a business, with the author and the book recognised as valuable assets with profit potential.
• Professional editing and design are essential for creating a quality book that will be well-received by readers and reviewers.
• Authors should embrace marketing from the beginning and build their brand to create awareness and attract readers.
• When deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing, authors should consider their goals, desire for control, timing, and financial expectations.
• Authors should persist, persevere, and plan for success, understanding that it takes time and effort to achieve their goals.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Random Bookish Questions

02:18 The Juiciest Genres: Romance and Celebrity Memoirs

03:24 Making Money from Kindle Unlimited

06:24 The Role of a Publishing Consultant

13:46 The Importance of a Clear Book Blurb

23:47 Common Publishing Blunders

23:55 Treating Writing and Publishing as a Business

24:30 The Importance of Professional Editing and Design

25:24 Embracing Marketing and Building a Brand

31:48 Choosing Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing

35:13 Persisting, Persevering, and Planning for Success