Self Publishing Advisor

4 Ways to Bring New Life to Your Manuscript

Kelly Schuknecht — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:50 +0000

Sometimes writers hit a dead-end in their manuscript, and they need help bringing the project back to life. While you might think writing would be the solution, it may be best to save the manuscript and take a break. But don’t completely forget about the project. Instead try these four tips to help bring new life to your self publishing book project.

1. Do some research.

To write about an event, type of character, or location, it is often helpful to be very familiar with it. When you aren’t knowledgable on the subject, you can’t always write believable scenes or dialogue. This is why it is so important to do research, even if your book is fiction. Interview people. Read a variety of sources. Take trips. Learn as much as you can about your subject.

2. Learn how to heighten the conflict.

Every story and book has a conflict. It is what keeps the readers interested and wanting to read more. There are a variety of ways you can heighten the conflict in your story. Brush off those old creative writing books, and read up on conflict. Then play around with some different tactics such as the “what if” game to bring new life to your story.

3. Mix it up.

Don’t get stuck in a rut of always doing the same thing. Try a different voice or genre. Create a character who is different from characters you usually write. Even if you decide the new techniques don’t work for you, they are bound to spark some creative ideas.

4. Work it out.

Even if they seem like a waste of time, writing exercises are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Take a writing course or find writing workbooks with creative exercises.

I’d love to know, how do you bring new life your self publishing projects?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.

Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/21/13

Kelly Schuknecht — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:54 +0000

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self publishing industry. This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self publishing process, which will lead to a greater self publishing experience. To help you stay current on self publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book

A lot of authors considering self publishing want to know how much the entire process will cost. This article breaks down what the different services may cost you. However, these are just guidelines. Contact your self publishing company for specific information.

What’s the best price for a self-published ebook? $3.99, Smashwords research suggests

One of the advantages of self publishing is setting the selling price of your book. This article talks about how to choose a price for your ebook.

The Writers’ Union of Canada to Vote On Accepting Self-Published Authors as Members

Some membership groups don’t accept self published authors, even though readers, other writers and the publishing industry recognizes self published authors as professionals. Check out the story behind the Writers’ Union of Canada discussion to vote on accepting self published authors as members.

Self-Publishers. Use Amazon Categories to Drive More Sales. 50 Ways To Reach Your Reader #10

There are many ways to improve sales, and using Amazon categories is one of them. Learn how in this article.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

5 Self Publishing Mistakes You Can Avoid

Jodee Thayer — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:04 +0000

Unfortunately, some people have a negative perception of self publishing. This is because some self publishing authors make detrimental mistakes that prevent their books from being taken seriously. If you want to be seen as a professional author with a successful book, be sure to avoid these five self publishing mistakes:

1)Doing the interior yourself - You’re a writer; not a book designer. Leave this task to the professionals and focus your time on writing and promoting your book.

2)Using a template cover - Most readers judge a book by its cover, so having an eye-catching, quality cover that professionally represents your book is essential. Most template covers will look and feel like a cookie cutter design, even if you make small changes to it. Invest in a professionally designed, dynamic custom cover unique to your book.

3)Editing the book yourself - No matter how great of a writer you are, you cannot edit your own work! It is too easy to miss mistakes because you are too familiar with your work. This task requires a professional. Pay for top-notch editing services – this means using a professional editor and not your sister-in-law or next door neighbor.

4)Skipping the back cover - Once you are ready to self publish your book, one of the first things you’ll be asked for is your back cover synopsis and author biography. Don’t just throw something together without much thought! Readers will look at this and determine whether or not they should buy your book.

5)Rushing – Sure, you are anxious to self publish your book, but don’t rush. Producing a quality book (one with a great cover and copyedited pages) takes time. Be patient now, and you will be glad you did once you have a book to be proud of.

There are many great self publishing success stories! You can be one of them by avoiding these mistakes.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

5 Pinterest Marketing Tips for Self-Publishing Authors

selfpublishingadvice — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:11 +0000

When used appropriately, social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be effective tools for book marketing. The hottest social media trend right now is Pinterest! Like the other social media sites, it can help self publishing authors facilitate communication with current and potential readers, generate sales, and increase awareness of their books.

This photo sharing site enables users to “pin” images and videos to virtual pinboards, or “Boards,” and share them with others. Users can organize their pins based on their interests; a few popular examples are food, books, travel, and style. When other users see a pin they like, they can repin it onto one of their own Boards. Think virtual word-of-mouth marketing!

The visual and social nature of Pinterest make it a perfect fit for book marketing. Here are a few ways you can use the site to promote your self published book.

1. Become active on Pinterest and begin networking with people who are pinning in your areas of interest. People are more likely to want to support people that are active in the community versus people that are just pinning to promote a product or service. You can search on Pinterest for topics related to your interests and your book and start following Boards you find “Pinteresting.”
2. Create your own Boards. Keep in mind, Pinterest was created for people to share images and interests. Your Boards need to be visually appealing, contain lots of images, and they should give potential readers some insights into your interests and why you wrote the book. If you have a poetry book, for example, you may choose to Pin graphics with quotes from your favorite poets, thus allowing you to begin connecting with other Pinners who also like poetry.
3. Upload images related to your book. These may include cover images, illustrations, locations that were featured in your book, and/or people that provided inspiration for your characters.
4. Pin quotes from your book or short selections to entice people to learn more about your book, spread the word and purchase their own copy.
5. Include links to your website, your publisher’s website or book retail sites so people know where they can purchase your book once you’ve got them “pinterested.”

Pinterest is gaining in popularity, so now is the time to get active, have fun and start promoting your self published book if you haven’t already.

Weekly Self Published Book Review: Traegona: The Ember Rune

selfpublishingadvice — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:08 +0000

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

Traegona: The Ember Rune

K. S. Krueger

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432776046

There are some things the world is not prepared for. “Traegona: The Ember Rune” is a fantasy for younger readers. A follow-up to the previous volume, the adventures of this young forest civilization and their new friends from our world are pulled apart by a trip to California. A new adventure for the young people and the legend of the Ember rune becoming a reality, “Traegona” is a fine pick for youth fantasy collections. Recommended.

Congratulations to the 2013 CIPA EVVY Awards Finalists

selfpublishingadvice — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:36 +0000

Later this week, on May 18th, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) EVVY Awards will be hosting the 2013 award banquet. The event will take place at Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows and all proceeds will benefit the literacy projects of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (CIPA ELF).

CIPA is a nonprofit association of independent book publishers, authors, future authors and related publishing service providers that has been providing leadership since 1992. Members come from many states as well as from Colorado and three foreign countries to take advantage of the resources made available through CIPA membership. Organization membership, along with active participation in CIPA programs, can open doors to many opportunities and can save thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.

Best of luck to all the finalists! To learn more about the event, visit http://www.cipacatalog.com/pages/CIPA-EVVY-Awards.

Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/10/13

Kelly Schuknecht — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:44 +0000

How I Self Published, Sold 60,000 Copies, And a Literary Agent Found Me

One of the many self publishing success stories. Read and be inspired.

New Publisher Authors Trust: Themselves

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and New York Times bestseller author David Mamet released his last book, “The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture,” with the Sentinel publishing house in 2011. This year, Mamet has decided to take his next book a different route: he will self publish. Find out why well-known, successful authors such as Mamet are choosing to self publish.

How Many Copies Make a Self-Published Bestseller?

You often hear about self published authors becoming bestsellers, but have you ever wondered how many copies those authors actually sell? Check out this article to find out.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

5 Reasons to Self Publish a Book in Honor of Your Mom

Jodee Thayer — Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:02 +0000

Yesterday was Mother’s Day and many of you celebrated the kind, loving woman who raised you. But why limit celebrating your wonderful mother to just one day out of the year? Give your mom the gift of eternal praise by self publishing a book in her honor. Here are five reasons to self publish a book in honor of Mother’s Day.

1) Books last forever.

Mother’s Day only happens once a year. The flowers you bought her will soon wither, and the chocolates box will soon be empty. By dedicating a book to your mother, you are giving her a gift that will last forever.

2) You can share her with the world.

If you have a wonderful story about your mother, why not share it with the world by turning it into a book? There are many strong, inspiring mothers out there, and readers would love to know their stories.

3) Write a special thank you.

Even if your book isn’t about your mom, you can still dedicate your book to her. In the beginning of your book, write a special note thanking your mom for everything she has done for you and tell her just how much she means to you.

4) Make her proud.

Mothers love to brag about their children, no matter how old they are, and being a self published author is definitely something to brag about. Your mom will love showing off your book to all of her friends and acquaintances, as well as random strangers.

5) Don’t forget yourself.

If you are a mother, you owe it to yourself to make your dreams of becoming a self published author come true. Mothers often put everyone else’s needs before their own, which isn’t a bad thing, but every mom deserves to make her own dreams come true too.

I’d love to know, do you plan to self publish a book in honor of your mom?

Weekly Self Published Book Review: Because I Said So

selfpublishingadvice — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:15 +0000

Because I Said So

Charlotte Rainey Green

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432773717

Parenting is a complicated endeavor because there are so many ways to do so. “Because I Said So: A Discussion on Parenting Styles and Achievement Gaps” is a solid guide for parents. Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green offers her advice on how to craft one’s own personality as an authority figure in the child’s life, leading to more home based harmony, with a particular focus upon academic accomplishments. “Because I Said So” is an insightful and much recommended read for parents who want to bring out the best in their children.

NaNoWriMo – 6 Month Check-in

Kelly Schuknecht — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:08 +0000

It has been six months since NaNoWriMo. Yes, six months! Time really does fly. As you probably know, I spent a great deal of time back in November sharing about my experience with the NaNoWriMo challenge. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but when I hit the 50,000 word mark, I saved the working document and haven’t looked back…not once! For me, the six month mark is a chance to reflect on my project and set goals to refine and further improve my manuscript.

If you’re in the same boat, here a few things you should ask yourself as you reflect on your NaNoWriMo project:

How is the book coming along?

Since the challenge ended, what have you done with your manuscript? Have you continued working on it? Is it sitting in a (virtual) drawer somewhere collecting dust? Now would be a great time to open it back up and finish your manuscript. With six months passed, you can look at the manuscript with fresh eyes and bring new life to the project.

Is your manuscript done?

You may have finished writing the manuscript, but is the project truly finished? Maybe you still need to edit. Maybe you need to come up with a great title. Maybe all you have left to do is publish and market your book. Now is a great time to set new goals for your project so you’re ready in six more months to start a new novel all over again.

Are you ready to publish your novel?

If your manuscript is complete, now may be a great time to look into publishing options. Research self publishing companies. Talk to other authors. Figure out your goals and choose an option that is best for you.

Are you ready to market your book?

Even if your book isn’t yet published, it is never too early to begin marketing your book. You can share the news with family and friends. Set up social media sites. Talk to your local press. Begin making a marketing plan now, and you will have a much easier time promoting your book once it is complete.

I’d love to know, what have you done since NaNoWriMo?