top of page
Search

Dr. Judith's Be A Doer … Not a Dreamer

Writer: Judith Briles
Judith Briles
Oct 3
2 min read

"The Publishing Yellow Brick Road"



Contrary to belief of many aspiring authors, the Publishing Yellow Brick Road is straightforward. Most self-published authors …


  • Write the book.

  • Get it edited, often by self and friends … in my opinion, not using a professional editor is the first pothole.

  • Get a cover created using free resources … in my opinion, this should not be a DIY project. Not having a book cover designer is the next pothole.

  • Get the book interior designed either by self or lowest cost … in my opinion, this should not be a DIY project. Not having a book cover designer is the next pothole.

  • Use the free ISBN option offered when uploading a book … in my opinion, if not publishing with a traditional publisher, authors should solely own your ISBN.

  • Don’t grasp the work of marketing … in my opinion, over 80% of a book’s lifespan is in the marketing phase stream.

  • Are enveloped with author and book publishing fatigue … in my opinion, the book will limp and eventually sink.


The Publishing Yellow Brick Road is never straight. It isn’t a “check the box” journey; it’s woven with potholes. If you think it is not, you are delusional.





Dr. Judith Briles is the award-winning and bestselling author of 49 books and calls Colorado home. When she’s not in the kitchen or in the garden, she’s working with clients as The Book Shepherd, a book and publishing consulting and project management firm that works with authors at all stages of their book to create and publish a book they never regret! She’s the founder of the first Authors’ Hall of Fame exclusively dedicated to ensuring the legacy of authors connected in some way with Colorado. She's also the Director of San Francisco chapter of the Women’s National Book Association. 


Judith’s books have been translated into 17 countries with over 1,000,000 copies sold! They have been featured in over 2,000 radio and TV shows including repeat appearances on CNN, CNBC, and Oprah. She has worked with over 1,500 authors and created 500 plus bestsellers. Print publications include Newsweek, People, Time, The Wall Street Journal and … The National Enquirer! Her popular podcast, AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing is dedicated to authors and writers and their success and is ranked in the top ten in four categories on GoodPods.


©2026 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.

Comments

bottom of page