Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Uncategorized

Conversations: 8/25/2017

S. O. S. – Writers Need Help, Too – Part IV

The book is PUBLISHED! It’s ONLINE and available to the WORLD! Friends and family have purchased their copies and everyone is giving it FIVE STARS! It will sell a thousand copies in two months! Or…will it?

Personally, I love writing. I enjoy everything about writing—yes, including research—and feel the satisfaction of completing each manuscript. However, I have absolutely no idea about how to develop a marketing plan, and without one of those, the great majority of books will only be held in the hands of our family, friends, and a few “seekers” who scroll through the online genre lists.

ENTER the Personal Marketing Assistant.

personal marketing assistant pma

If we expect our books to SELL, we need to be prepared to participate in the marketing. While the traditional publishers will “get you started,” they’re involvement slows to a crawl, then disappears when the book goes out-of-print. (Oh, yes. There is a finite life span for your book with traditional publishers.)

If you’re considering hiring an agent to promote your book(s) to the traditional publishers, you probably believe that the publisher’s marketing staff will “do all in their power to make your book a best seller.” Of course, their name will be on the book, too, and that may draw some readers/buyers. However, the days of the big traditional house marketing “splash” has fallen away.

Self-Publishing companies, however, offer marketing assistance whenever you need it. Their Personal Marketing Assistant will talk directly with authors who sign up for this service and discuss goals and the available budget to reach those goals. They are not daunted by slim budgets and help each author to creatively accomplish marketing steps that will eventually bring about more exposure. Once those goals are established, the tasks that the Personal Marketing Assistant spends their time doing is all up to the author. This includes:

  • A book Marketing Plan customized to each author’s needs, which sets recommended actions, and provides valuable information that can be used right away or any time in the future.
  • Book signings: a great way for the “word” to get out about authors and their books. The Personal Marketing Assistant can help you schedule these events as well as coordinate all the details.
  • Build an “online presence” which is a big marketing tool, and each author approaches this in their own way. Personal Marketing Assistants help authors select what social media is best for their book/genre, as well as helping novice authors relax as they see their name all over the Internet. This is called Developing the Author Platform that gives readers valuable ways to find and BUY your book(s).
  • Best of all, when developing your personal Marketing Plan, authors can decide which areas (if any) that they just don’t want to deal with. That is when the Personal Marketing Assistant can take the pressure off you, and work on the details while you’re writing the next novel. This makes sure no leads to readers/buyers are lost.

Yes, Writers Need Help, Very Specialized Help. It is okay to shout S.O.S and allow experts the opportunity to assist you in offering your book to the WORLD. And, best of all, self-publishing authors enjoy total control over this process.

Bottom line: Because I know my vocation is writing—and NOT publishing or marketing—I will always seek help from the experts. I hope you will, too. ⚓︎

 

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Alternative Marketing Methods, Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Uncategorized

Easy Breezy Summer Publishing (Part 6)

goodbye summer

Summer’s Over … What Next?

Here’s a hard thing for me to contemplate, much less say ….

Sometimes, we have to move on.

And at the end of Summer, as we transition into a new school year and all of the challenges and possibilities which it has to offer, I think we have to consider the reality and visceral truth of this statement.

Sometimes, we have to move on.

There’s no better time to do it, really. Ending something, after all, is often a doorway into starting something new–and we all need a reminder of this every now and again, especially when or if we find ourselves stuck in ruts and looking for a way out.

Oh, don’t get me wrong–everything I’ve said throughout this series ( 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 ) is still true. If you have the willpower and the resources–and everyone has just a little of each, for sure–then you should definitely keep plugging away at marketing your existing, already-published indie books. You should definitely work on innovating your strategies. You should definitely think forward to the holidays now while you have the chance.

But also … you should probably end a few things. If you’ve been hammering away at the same marketing strategy for a while now with no change in sales prospects, it’s time. If you’ve been chipping away piecemeal at a new manuscript and have lost the joy of working on the project, it’s time. If you have been sending queries out to editors, agents, and traditional publishers and receiving only rejections in reply ….

It’s time.

Ending things–bad habits, dependencies, wish-dreams with no likelihood of fulfillment–is agonizing. I have no illusions about that. And it can be absolutely terrifying to cut off something now without a clear plan in place for the future. But if I’ve discovered anything–and I have some personal news to share in the days to come on this–it’s that sometimes you have to end a thing before you can really, truly, and clearly think about what comes next.

So here are my last thoughts in this series, where we have considered oh-so-many ways to sharpen your marketing strategies and hone your self-promotional skills:

  • Recognizing a thing as incomplete, unproductive, or simply “not working out” and deciding to end it is not the same thing as giving up. It’s giving yourself a new way forward!
  • We all face some tough decisions in the days to come, if the news reports are correct, and we simply can’t afford to entrap ourselves in habitual behaviors if they’re not producing the kind of results we need to see.
  • Y’all, our dear readers, give me constant hope that with a bit of diligence, a lot of pluck, and a community of writers and writing professionals to surround ourselves with, we can find a way forward, together ….
  • Even if it means ending a couple of things now.

What have you been trying for a while that isn’t working out? Is it time to tweak or a time to change tracks entirely?

Thank you for reading!  If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or contributions, please use the comment field below or drop us a line at selfpublishingadvice@gmail.com.  And remember to check back each Wednesday for your weekly dose of marketing musings from one indie, hybrid, and self-published author to another. ♠

Kelly

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the outgoing Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com
Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Asunder”

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:

asunder: a novel of the civil war by curt locklear

Asunder: A Novel of the Civil War

by Curt Locklear

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478758525

cipa evvy award

a CIPA EVVY Award Nominee!

Synopsis*:

Thrust into the middle of Civil War battle, with both Union and Rebel protagonists and antagonists, Asunder, the first in a trilogy, is a story of love and loss and of families torn apart. Thoroughly researched, the novel presents numerous complex, memorable characters struggling against incredible odds in an epic spanning from Texas to New York.

The story begins in frigid February, long after the battle. Cyntha Favor, an abolitionist and ardent believer in Spiritualism, searches the battlefield in hopes of finding her husband’s grave. Having received erroneous reports of his death, she hopes to free his tormented soul.

Sara Reeder, initially naive and an ardent supporter of the Southern cause, is thrust into the battle maelstrom. An excellent horse-woman, she rides to warn the army of a surprise attack, but is too late. With battle all around, she aids wounded Union soldiers, and her zeal for the war changes forever. In early 1861, both armies wore an assortment of uniforms. The Union had not adopted the standard blue uniform. Cyntha’s husband, a Union soldier, Iowa Grays volunteer, Joseph Favor, is found unconscious by Sara. Nursed to health by Sara and her father, Lucas, he awakens with no memory, unable to recall even the battle. The Reeders perceive him to be a Confederate.

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review:

I have studied the Civil War for decades and this book is an accurate portrayal of that time period.  The author really brings to life the world of the 1860’s Missouri.  The characters of Joe, Cyntha, Sara, Lucas and Dred, amongst others are very well crafted and quickly a reader finds himself caring for what will happen to each character.  The story runs in relatively three distinct plot lines that are deeply interwoven.  The author very accurately portrays not only that war is killing and death but he also amazingly brings to light the fog of war. I have rarely seen anything outside of unit battle diaries that offer such a succinct feel for that key aspect of war.  I really enjoyed Joseph in the army and Sara and her family not to mention Cyntha and her protector Josiah.

It was not clear to me as a reader that this was part one of three until late in the book.  Further, I was more than disrupted by the constant flash backs and flash forwards.  It was extremely confusing at times to go from six months ahead to five months back to three days later to six months back, etc.  Had this book been crafted in a smooth chronological order, it would have been 5 stars.

I personally found the portrayal of the river pirates and the Jayhawks to be too realistic and offensive.  Fans of Games of Thrones/Walking Dead/Vikings will appreciate the lawlessness and disgusting behavior.  I could do with much less of it.  There is enough in the basis of the story with the war and all the turmoil and drama without the extra aspects.

A worthy read and now I must read part two to see what happens to Cynthia as she tries to find her brother.

– Review by N. N. Light on the POTL: All Things Books, Reading and Publishing blog

 

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I read a lot of Civil War novels by best-selling authors and those new to the genre like Mr. Locklear. I’m happy to give Asunder five well-deserved stars. It’s easy for writers of first novels to lean on clichés and tired vignettes to tell their story. It’s easy to let the action carry the plot and forget to develop fully rounded characters. Not so with Asunder. The tale begins with a mostly unknown major battle in the often overlooked state of Missouri and dives immediately into the lives of several interesting people, civilian and military, women and men, slave and free. I recommend Asunder to any reader who wants a great story about likable characters cast into terrible situations. I’m ready for the second book of the trilogy.

– Amazon Reviewer Philip T McBride

I love historic fiction but have to be careful as when I find a good book I tend to stay up too late reading. This book did not disappoint so I have had some long days after nights where I can’t put it down. I am about 3/4’s of the way through and could not wait to write a terrific review. If you like reading about the Civil War you will enjoy this read leaning about battles, ship wrecks and seances.

– Amazon Reviewer Barbmom

Book Trailer:

 

tuesday book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

selfpubicon1

Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, outskirts press, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 8.21.2017

HAPPY ECLIPSE DAY!!!

eclipse day 2017

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically new releases written by self-publishing authors and published by independent presses! Today we’ll be featuring brand-new releases in the Outskirts Press Bookstore!

Looking for a way to satisfy that last craving for a beach read before school gets back in? Elizabeth Deschambeault has you covered with this newest novel, Turn Left at the Daisies, an historical drama set in 1961 America and Puerto Rico. Ann, a small-town WASP girl, finds herself caught between the desire to protect her unborn baby and the need to safely navigate the tempestuous relationship between her abusive sea captain father and the ambitious wannabe author who is her lover. But she is young, and even the sweet taste of life together with the man she loves isn’t enough to satisfy questions of character, love, tolerance, and readiness for parenthood—and heartbreak looms just over the horizon.

One might be forgiven for thinking this is a work of fiction; it is, however, a memoir of the highest order, chronicling a vivid, achingly real journey of young people caught in the cross-hairs of history, family, and widespread social change. Deschambeault, who has dabbled in quite a few things in her own lifetime and seen a great deal of change, knows exactly when to reach for the emotional throttle in this most excellent of Early Fall reads.

The month of August is the perfect time to start planning ahead—not just for the new academic year, but for life in general! With Frank Shapiro’s life planner, BE GREAT, you can prepare yourself for the all-important life journey by venturing into fields as diverse as psychology, philosophy, business, fitness, nutrition, and many others—all by tapping into the minds and words of musicians like Bruce Springsteen, politicians like John F. Kennedy, and tech titans like Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison—just to name a few. Shapiro traces the successes and failures of businesses as diverse as In-N-Out Burgers, Zappos, 7-Eleven, Craigslist, and others who have dipped into the waters of self-actualization and reached those buzzword crises and triumphs we call “Peaks and Valleys.” All of this to a purpose, too! Shapiro isn’t just interested in analysis … he’s interested in helping you actively shape a better and more enriching life plan, charted out thoroughly and with actionable steps. A great way to step your way into the Fall holiday season!

What a fantastic month for nonfiction! In this practical, useful guide, author Kellie Richardson empowers her readers to do one of the most difficult things we will all ever be called to do (and so very often like to avoid thinking about): planning the departures of our loved ones … and our own selves. With a graceful touch, she sets this book up to help take the sting and the time-crunch out of the picture. This is a book for those who want to take care of their survivors—those who will live on after—and make the process as easy and meaningful as possible. It may not be a subject we feel comfortable discussing, but we can all agree that we want our passings-on to be less stressful, less expensive, and less hurtful than they often can be, and Richardson has prepared a book which might be of benefit to everyone.

 

 

spa-news

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.
Kelly
ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Self-Publishing, Uncategorized

Conversations: 8/18/2017

S. O. S. – Writers Need Help, Too – Part III

The manuscript is finished! Woo Hoo! Now you’re ready to PUBLISH! The writing was so much fun! Where do we go from here?

The “big” traditional publishing houses today literally have hundreds of back-logged books waiting for their editorial staffs to “review” manuscripts and make their changes according to the “standard” of every specific genre.

First, I NOT want my book to be changed. My editor and I have completed it just the way I want it and no other editors are required.

Second, contracts with the traditional publishers give them full latitude in selecting a book cover. Nope—I do not want that, either. I have very specific ideas for the cover design.

help wanted

So, let’s look at the options today’s self-publishers offer. Again, this will require a bit of Internet Research to find the BEST FIT for me and my book.

  • After making a list of the Self-Publishing companies that look best to me I begin calling their main telephone lines and asking to speak to a Publishing Consultant.
    • I compare the publishing consultant to a National Park Service trail guide who, before I embark on my highly anticipated journey, will give me the “lay of the land.”
    • This person will walk me through the pros and cons of each publishing option available within their specific company.
    • He/she listens to what my manuscript is about and guides me to the best options for my particular manuscript needs.

The best Publishing Consultant I’ve ever enjoyed working with literally held my client’s hand through the whole start-up process. Her conversations with him extended over several weeks, which is exactly what he needed in order to make the best decisions for his book(s). She looked at the initial manuscript pages we submitted, listened to my client’s purpose for writing the book, and guided us to the very best options, which included personal cover design, extra help with photography placements, and layout design. My client gave her rave reviews in a letter to company’s owner.

Even though I sincerely believe that most of my clients would develop ulcers if they attempted to publish totally independently, to be fair, I will also mention the self-publishing “tools” to be considered. They include: Amazon’s CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble’s PubIt, Smashwords, and others. IF a client has little or no financial support for their writing efforts, or they have something short they want to publish—something that will possibly attract Readers to their major book(s)—I believe these are good options to consider. However, there is no Publishing Consultant to walk you through this forest.

Working with a Self-Publishing Company, and their publishing staff of experts, is (in my opinion) the best option for today’s authors. If finances are a concern, many have “gift cards” available (given by supportive family and friends) which can be applied to any of the publishing needs. The helping hand of the Publishing Consultant is priceless—and is included in the publishing package you select. ⚓︎

 

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.