Author: Kelly Schuknecht

Kelly Schuknecht is a marketer with a background in the publishing industry. She is passionate about all things related to books and loves helping authors navigate the world of social media for book promotion. She recently launched the course Marketing Your Book on TikTok.
Contests, Kelly Speaks

18th Annual CIPA Book Competition

The deadline to enter the 18th Annual CIPA Book Competition 2012 CIPA EVVY Awards is only a few short weeks away. The CIPA EVVY is an internationally recognized book competition for independently published books. Winning an EVVY award is proven to help increase your book sales. CIPA EVVY award winners also receive recognition by displaying CIPA EVVY WINNER stickers on their books and website as well as through participation in various CIPA programs such as the Honors Recognition Program and the Douglas County Libraries E-Book Program. Here is a quick overview of the entry rules and guidelines:

1) Only CIPA Regular or Associate members in good standing can enter.
2) Entries must be independently or self-published and contain a minimum of 48 pages. (Children’s Pictures Book entries don’t apply to the 48 page rule.)
3) All books must have an ISBN and a 2011 or 2012 publication date. (Legacy category is an exception.)
4) Each title may be entered in as many categories as desired. A separate entry fee must be paid for EACH category entered.
5) All Entry fees must be paid prior to or simultaneously with entry submission. No entry will be accepted without payment of entry fee.

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.
Contests, Kelly Speaks

Balcones Fiction Prize

The Creative Writing Department at Austin Community College is committed to recognizing outstanding works of literary merit through its Balcones Literary Prizes. The program is currently accepting submissions for books published in 2011. The deadline for submission is January 31, 2012.

Last year’s winner, Linh Dinh, was awarded $1,500 and was flown to Austin, Texas for a public reading. Congratulations Linh Dinh!

For more information on how to enter, please visit http://www.austincc.edu/crw/html/balconescenter.html.

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.
Book Reviews, Kelly Speaks

Kirkus Book Reviews: Best Indie Books of 2011

Kirkus Reviews recently released “Best Indie Books of 2011.” Congratulations to all of the 2011 winners!

This list is a great honor and promotion tool. Kirkus Reviews will be promoting the list for the remainder of the year, and the site features a social media sharing option for authors to share the page with friends and readers. This is a great way for authors to get the word out about their book and increase their credibility.

Kirkus Reviews provides critical, descriptive and concise reviews of forthcoming books. The review typically appears two to three months before publication. To learn more, visit www.kirkusreviews.com.

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.
Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks

5 Ways to Promote Your Book in December

The holidays are here and while you are probably busy with holiday parties, baking, family gatherings, etc., don’t forget about book marketing.  Here are a few things you can do this month to promote your book:

  1. Give copies of your book away as holiday gifts.
  2. Add a Kindle edition (or other ebook format).  Many people will be giving away ebook readers as holiday gifts.  Make sure your book is available in at least one e-bookstore for potential readers who will be browsing for books to read after they receive their gift.
  3. Enter your book in the ForeWord Book of the Year Award contest.  Deadline is January 15th, so submit it now before it’s too late.
  4. Start planning for 2012.  As you make your new year resolutions, consider your book marketing efforts and how you will increase or modify them in the new year.  Reflecting on what worked well over the last year and what didn’t will help you plan for a bigger and better 2012!
  5. Enjoy the season!  Take a break for a few days to enjoy your family and maybe even begin writing your next book.

DISCUSSION: How are you planning to promote YOUR book in December?

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.
Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Contests, Kelly Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book

Why Self-Published Authors Should Consider Foreword Firsts

Competitions are one of the best way for self-published authors to market their books, increase exposure and improve credibility. Unfortunately, most authors aren’t aware of all the competitions available to them. For instance, it has been brought to my attention that many authors are not aware of Foreword Firsts, a debut fiction competition designed to showcase the best print-on-demand and self-published titles. Here is everything you need to know to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

How It Works

If you’re a first-time author who self-published your book, you’re eligible to enter. For the Summer/Autumn 2011 contest, entries for books published July through December 2011 will be accepted through January 10, 2012.

The cost is $25 per title entered. Mail your entry to the address provided below, and  ForeWord’s editors will review the selections and cull the best titles. Winners will be announced, published and posted January 30, 2012, and they will receive a free Clarion Review.

Why Enter

It’s affordable marketing you can’t afford to pass up. As a self-published author, you know the value of a book review. However, it can be difficult for new self-published authors to receive a book review.

However, if your title makes the ForeWord Firsts list, it will be sent out to 4,000+ book publishing insiders and buyers,  and it will be posted for 125,000+ web viewers to see. It’s the best buzz for the buck!

To enter this competition, please send your books to: ForeWord Firsts 425 Boardman Ave. Traverse City, MI. 49684

 

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht works as 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.