And now for the news!
Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!
Every once in a while, an article comes along which is the complete package, in that it will address issues relating to self-publishing as a whole, to the authorial experience, and to the method behind our not-madness as we each separately pursue our own writing and publishing goals. This article by Sabine Brix of ArtHub, profiling Melbourne author Alice Boer-Endacott, is one such article–and it’s special in part because rather than placing the establishment (i.e. academia) at odds with self-publishing, it finds the middle ground. Boer-Endacott, writes Brix, sees her graduate studies and her self-publishing experience as complementing her overall goals. Says Boer-Endacott, “I definitely credit the EMA as crystalising what all my various interests were that I loved and then pushing me back towards what I had always – at the heart of it – been circling around.” What was she circling around? Writing, and making a life from it. Boer-Endacott goes on to say: “I am my own business and I think that’s what the course gave me [….] Even if I am not working in a business, to view the world though that lens and be professional in my communications and learn how to set standards for myself and how to protect myself.”
That’s a message for writers and entrepreneurs of all kinds that we can get behind.
Self-publishing isn’t limited to books, as you are probably already well aware, especially if you spend much time on our blog here at Self-Publishing Advisor. We’ve written extensively about the relationship between self-publishing and zines, comics, and video games, after all. But what about other media–is there a place for other forms and kinds of material to be published with a indie or self-publishing ethic?
You bet there is! In fact, that’s exactly what’s been happening with adult coloring materials in the last year. Writes Adam Rowe of Forbes, the adult coloring movement really took off in 2015 and 2016, but in 2017 the bottom fell out of the market. But only out of the traditionally published market! As Rowe explains, the sharp decline in numbers is indicative of a shift away from traditional methods of publishing by creators of adult coloring books and other materials. If you’re an artist with an interest in line-work and creating interactive coloring pieces, this may just be the year you ought to consider putting that out into the world … and retaining complete artistic control of the process, while at it. Rowe’s article makes for a great starting point if you’re looking to identify some options to get started.
In this week’s news of important self-publishing company discounts, here comes the good word from Outskirts Press: for this month only (the month of June, 2018), authors who publish through this top-rated company will receive a free custom cover design with the purchase of one of their two top self-publishing options. It’s worth a look, especially in light of our various arguments for seeking out professional assistance when it comes to cover art and graphic design.
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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.
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