For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Denver,
CO
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
What do Authors and “The Gambler” have in common?
Sunday morning, I was prepping for a two-hour writing session with a client. In the background was the country voice of Kenny Rogers and his timeless country classic that became his signature song, “The Gambler.” My toe was tapping and my head moving in rhythm with my foot as Rogers voice told the story a dying gambler passing on his wisdom. Written by songwriter Don Schlitz, Rogers went on to win a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance; was personally inducted into the Grammy Hall of fame in 2013 and the song itself was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020. As I listened to the words … even replaying he video … I felt it could talk to authors.
The focusing on the four key words: hold ‘em, fold’em, walk, and run could save all of us plenty of mistakes, money, and time.
Thinking about your writing … holding on to chapters that move you book forward; folding and putting aside when words and phrases aren’t working; walking away from them when they don’t fit; or just dumping when it does nothing for your story
Think about your editing … your own and the “professional” editors you engage. Are they a fit? Should you keep and hold them? Postpone and come back later? Walk or run away?
Think about your consultants … Are they a fit? Should you keep and hold them? Postpone and come back later? Walk or run away?
Think about your marketing … you will work with VAs, consultants, and a DIY approach. Are they a fit? Should you keep and hold them? Postpone and come back later? Walk or run away?
Those words, hold ‘em, fold’em, walk, and run become part of your authoring plan. Knowing when to get into something, knowing when to get out, and knowing when to stay completely away.
I know—I’ve been there … done that in my author and publishing life. For me, it was about agents, publishers, editors, VAs, book designers, publicists, even clients. Over 40 years, I’ve had to ask myself: Should I hold ‘em, fold’em, walk, or run? The team I have now is a hold ‘em after many time when I chose to run from others after the fold’ em and run options became apparent.
What do Authors and “The Gambler” have in common? Lots.
 
Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. In 2025, she was named Author Laureate by the American Book Fest. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. 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 48 books including Cooking with Judith, Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Historical fiction novels include The Secret Journey, The Secret Hamlet, and The Secret Rise. Collectively, her books have earned over 60 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences.
Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Marketing podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing by Mashable and Feedspot.
Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her. ©2025 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.
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