World Press Freedom Day 2014

“The rights to life and to liberty and integrity and security of person and also to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights that are recognized and guaranteed by international conventions and instruments.” — UNESCO RESOLUTION.

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to:

  • celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
  • assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
  • defend the media from attacks on their independence;
  • pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 2014 Theme is Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda.

An international conference will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on May 5-6.The focus this year is on three inter-related themes: the media’s importance in development; the safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism.

The annual UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize ceremony will take place on May 2, 2014 at UNESCO Headquarters.

Self-publishing authors can celebrate World Press Freedom Day by exercising their right to use the written word to express themselves, share their stories and opinions, and enlighten our society. If you have yet to self-publish your manuscript, this week is a great time to take the leap. If you have already self-published your book, spend some extra time this week promoting it.

To learn more about World Press Freedom Day, visit http://www.un.org/en/events/pressfreedomday/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Press-Freedom-Day-3-May/349593917163.

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: 4/29/14

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.

Self-Published Authors Don’t Need a New Term

This interesting article takes a look at the desire to rename self-publishing in hopes of ditching the stigma that used to come with self-publishing and to better represent the authors who use self-publishing companies. My favorite part of the article is this: “The problem with trying to re-term and invent new labels to make ourselves feel better misses a larger point, anyway, which is that there’s only one label that really matters: ‘published author.'”

Blurb teams up with Amazon for self-published photo books

Blurb, the indie publishing platform that lets photographers self-publish their books, has joined forces with Amazon to sell and distribute books produced and designed by Blurb authors. This opens up a great opportunity for photographers to propel their work into the public eye.

‘I should write a book:’ Why authors decide to self-publish

This article looks at various reasons authors decided to self-publish their books. It is an interesting read for all writers who may be considering self-publishing.

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

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.

Cheaper isn’t Always Better, Self-Publishing Authors

When choosing a self-publishing company, remember the adage, “Cheaper isn’t always better” and ask yourself these two questions:

1. What are the upfront costs, the per book cost and royalties?

You may find a company that has incredibly low per book author costs, but don’t let that govern your decision.  Just because a company promotes a low per book cost doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high upfront costs and low royalties.  And just because a company offers low upfront costs doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high per book costs, low royalties and even requirements for you to purchase hundreds of books yourself.  You must find a good balance of upfront costs, per book cost and royalties.  Consider all of this when self-publishing.

2. What services are available?

The cliché “you get what you pay for” is often true when it comes to self-publishing. Not all self-publishing companies are created equal, and you need to consider your professional goals and needs when choosing a company. A cheaper company often does not offer all the services and support needed to create a quality book, and if you want to be respected as an author and sell books, you need to offer your readers a quality product.

Ultimately, the self-publishing company you choose depends on your goals and needs as an author. Some people can go with the cheapest option and be completely satisfied, but many serious authors find that spending a little more is worth the extra expense.  You want to find a company that will produce a top-quality product, offer you plenty of options such as professional editing,  custom covers, and marketing and promotion services.  As you research self-publishing companies, be sure to consider all the costs as well as the value of the services offered. You may just find that “cheaper isn’t always better.”

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.

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 4/25/14

ABOUT WHAT TOUCHES US DEEPLY

In this 2014 season of Passover and Easter celebrations, I am excited about all the inspired and courageous people who have placed their Faith-thoughts (their hearts) on manuscript pages and released them into the world.  So it is that I am offering thoughts on writing—motivational/faith writing—from some of my favorite Authors.

Write/Speak from the “gut.”  John Eldredge (Wild at Heart) is an outside-the-box thinker who uses his extensive life experience as outdoorsman, philosopher and motivational speaker to create his books.  He understands the “male species” very well and encourages men to be “authentic,” step into their inner courageous-ness, fight the battles of life and live the adventure of their Faith.

Life is full of complicated relationships—write about them.  Max Lucado (Outlive Your Life) has a favorite quote: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”  His books can be found in both fiction and non-fiction aisles offering encouragement to folks who have tried to do everything and become overwhelmed.

Fiction author Francine Rivers (Her Mother’s Hope) produces incredible stories that read like real life—warts and all.  Whether set in the WWII era or American pioneer days, in Europe or California, the facts are meticulously researched allowing her to portray how “life” can seem to conspire against each character—and each must weigh the choices of living their way or finding God’s path.

True life experiences become legacy mentors—TELL THEM!  When I heard that Mary Beth Chapman wrote about her personal journey after the tragic death of her five-year old daughter, it touched my heart deeply.  In the writing, there is the re-living of each moment.  And, yet, so many the world over suffer that grief.  Her book, Choosing to SEE, is offered to those who not only have had such a loss, but to all of us who have felt the burdens of deep depression and critically challenged family relationships.

Author Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) writes from the “other side” perspective.  His small Ford Escort was hit by a truck, completely crushing it and killing Don.  “That,” he says, “is where he took a detour he’d never forget.”  There may not be CSI Forensic evidence to prove his story, however, the hope it stirs in heart and mind is priceless.

Don’t forget to LOOK TO THE STARS!  Have you heard about the Rabbi from the Czech Republic, who is also a playwright and screenwriter?  Chaim Cigan has now added novel writing to his list of accomplishments, becoming one of the hottest new authors on the science fiction scene.   A man of “studies” and research, he has created a series that mixes politics and secret police with the Middle Ages, Moses and Jewish history, literally “taking readers” across continents and epochs!

SO, where does your passion lie?  Have you been complaining about the crisis circumstances seen around the globe?  Do you have an idea brewing in your imagination that could bring light and hope; or a true-life experience to tell that will show others how to survive?  THEN WRITE IT!  Get those words ON the manuscript pages and send them to your self-publisher…NOW!  There are readers out there who need to hold your books in their hands and hear what you have to say.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Cancer: It’s a Good Thing I Got It

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:

 cancer

Cancer: It’s a Good Thing I Got It

David A. Koop

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432774486

A silver lining brings triumph to tragedy. “Cancer: It’s a Good Thing I Got It”” tells the story of David Koop, who thought he had the good life until cancer appeared and ultimately made it better. Although it threatened his life, he learned what was really important, and it gave him the strength to overcome. He came out stronger than he would be without the ordeal. “Cancer” is a triumphant and recommended addition to any cancer memoir collection.