Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 11/18/2016

FEEDING THE SPIRIT of IMAGINATION II

I love imagining what my life would be like IF space travel was possible! What IF other people—on other planets—lived, worked, loved, and dreamed about that same thing?  WHAT IF “evolved” technologies and medical care and transportation were real—today? OH, I love the “What If’s” and the development of answers from wonderful writers who have been imagining these same things for generations. Did you know that C.S. Lewis wrote Science Fiction? The story goes like this: Lewis’ friend, J.R.R. Tolkein “bated” him into writing other world novels and in response, Lewis used Tolkein as his “character type” for the main character of these three books adventures. The titles are: Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength. How wonderful to be nudged into writing in this genre. I believe all writers should give it a try.

There is something exciting, rebellious, and mthe orion oracle j a m nollaost certainly adventurous in allowing our imaginations fly! One present-day author, J.A.M. Nolla, has done just that in his novel, The Orion Oracle. Nolla has researched WWII history, learned the facts behind Hitler’s fascination with other worlds and expanded those into interesting scenarios. His story carries readers, along with allied troops, deep into the Libyan Desert to investigate a secret abandoned German base. Will what they find there totally change how humans will view themselves in the future? Nolla has, indeed, developed multiple “What if’s” for readers to enjoy.

The power of IMAGERY is at the top of my list for developing strong Science Fiction novels. The great authors of this genre include: Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, H.G. Wells and Jules Verne.  We’ve all seen many of the films made from their novels. However, a study of the writing techniques they used on the actual pages of their novels is where we learn the most valuable lessons.  Here are three points they might offer to us today.

  • Like exposing a masterpiece of artwork by removing the velvet covering, give Readers bits of vividly described information about the scene/setting paragraph by paragraph. Allow them the opportunity to imagine it for themselves—because each of your Readers will design it in their own unique way. This gives them an actual place in the story.
  • Write the action/events scenes as if you’re experiencing it with your characters. SEE through their eyes and describe what you are seeing, touching, tasting, hearing…and imagining is coming around the next corner.
  • Expose the DETAILS bit-by-bit. Every nuance, every degree of shade and shadow, is a valuable tool that will draw Readers through the experiences you’re writing about.

Another of my favorite authors is Frank Peretti. Although he produces more novels in the Mystery/Suspense/Christian/Inspirational genres, he utilizes all of the above techniques to the max providing spellbinding novels that literally leave Readers breathless. As a master-storyteller, he incorporates what Readers know or assume as fact, with possibilities they’ve rarely (or never) imagined before—while giving them detailed descriptions of what he’s imagined.

Aren’t these the goals all writers have? To touch our Readers with information (nonfiction) combined with our own unique perspective (fiction) so that they might imagine other possibilities? Peretti tells writers, “Practice doesn’t make perfect. It makes better.” He is certainly an excellent example having authored more than 20 books. SO CAN YOU! ⚓︎

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, Holidays, Kelly Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Uncategorized

Ringing in the Holidays: Christmas Edition!

We all know how wonderful it is to have holiday traditions, those things we do year after year and never tire of because they bring us nostalgia for our youth or for holidays in general. However, in book marketing, tradition in the holiday season might mean stagnation. So this year, when you’ve finished your traditions of decorating your Christmas trees, drinking egg nog, wearing tacky sweaters, caroling and hanging your stockings by the chimney with care, let us help you brainstorm some new ways to market your book.

christmas

I remember a favorite tradition of mine growing up was making a long list of books that I wanted  for Christmas; it was long enough that I’d only get some from the list, so I was always excited to see what ones they had chosen! I remember the year when I saw that tradition, which I loved so dearly, come to an end. When I ripped open the box I presumed would be full of books, I discovered that my parents had chosen to give me a Kindle that year instead. Though my attachment to tradition made my reaction seem slightly disappointed I’m sure, I realized that this was a thoughtful break from tradition on my parent’s part, because in their eyes, this provided me “all the books I could ever want.”

I tell this story, because there are ways in which we can revamp holiday traditions so that they remain in tact, but also serve our book marketing strategies. A lot of people will be putting Kindles, ChromeBooks or iPads under their Christmas trees this year, so it’s best to: first, get an ebook version of your book if you haven’t done so yet, and second, promote your ebook both before and after the holidays to boost your sales!

If one of your traditions is sending holiday cards, think about tweaking that tradition by getting custom made stamps with your very own book cover on them. Also consider adding custom book marks promoting your book, or coupons for your friends and family to download your ebook, to your holiday cards.

Heck, if you want to make book-themed ornaments, those would be great stocking stuffers too! That’d be a yearly reminder for those close to you that you are a writer, and that you might have something new out by the time they’re hanging your ornament from an evergreen branch next holiday season.

Another age old tradition that I’ve always loved is advent calendars. While that’s probably mainly because I love candy, there is something exciting about counting down the days to Christmas. Give you readers the same kind of excitement by releasing an “advent series” of your own on your blog and social media accounts. Give pieces of your story each day leading up to Christmas. Hopefully each piece of your story only further encourages people to add your book to their shopping lists!

The main message I want to send for this Christmas is: think outside the pleasantly gift-wrapped box and get creative with traditions. Don’t be afraid to try adding new twists to timeless customs.

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 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
from the archives, Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

From the Archives: “6 Ways to Keep Up the NanoWriMo Momentum”

Welcome back to our Tuesday segment, where we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular posts from the last few years.  What’s stayed the same?  And what’s changed?  We’ll be updating you on the facts, and taking a new (and hopefully refreshing) angle on a few timeless classics of Self Publishing Advisor.

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[ Originally posted: November 5th, 2012 ]

The first few days of NanoWriMo are now behind you. If you are like most writers, you probably started out enthusiastically and determined to reach your goal, but as the days go by, you may start to lose motivation and focus. You are not alone. If you want to ensure that you finish the first draft during NanoWriMo, consider these six tips.

1. Accept that it won’t be perfect. NanoWriMo more is about writing a 50,000 word novel in a month, but no  one ever said it has to be a perfect, ready to publish novel. This is a first draft, and like all first drafts, it will need work later. Right now, focus on finishing the 50,000 words. You can go back and make changes after the challenge.

2. Set daily goals. It can be overwhelming to think about writing 50,000 words in a month. Instead, focus on how many words you will write each day or during each writing session. This will help you break up the project into manageable steps and will keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

3. Check out Write or Die. This is great software for self-publishing authors who are struggling to meet their goals. This creative software lets you enter a time or word count goal, and encourages you to accomplish it without letting your inner editor take over. After you’ve meet your goal, you’re praised by the sound of trumpets.

4. Turn off the internet! Email and social media sites are major time-suckers that distract from your writing. During writing sessions, do not let yourself use the internet. If you can’t resist the urge, consider software that blocks the internet during your writing sessions.

5. Set a timer. Instead of focusing on word count, let yourself freely write for a set period of time, but don’t focus on the time. Instead, set a timer and forget about it. Write without interruption until that timer goes off. Then, take a break before writing again.

6. Become a morning person. Writing in the morning is great because the stresses and excitements of the day haven’t taken over yet. Your mind is clearest in the morning, and there are fewer distractions. Some writers like to wake up early and write until their brains get tired. Then, they allow themselves to enjoy the rest of the day however they wish. If you find that you’re having a hard time completing your writing goals because your to-do list grows throughout the day, writing in the morning may be the perfect solution.

I’d love to know, what are you doing to keep the writing momentum going?

– by Wendy Statina

nanowrimo 2016

50,000 words.

Let that sink in for a minute:

50,000 words!

(That’s a lot of words.)

There are so many pitfalls awaiting the eager author, whether participating in NaNoWriMo or just slaving away at the mines on some other project outside of the NaNo-verse, and a lot of the advice you’re going to read out there about how to move past Writer’s Block and so forth is going to sound canned. At this point in your journey, you’re past the point where trite pep talks land with any sort of impact; you know what works for you and what doesn’t, and looking to others for insight just strikes you as … derivative. Everybody’s doing it, and that kind of takes away from its power.

Or does it?

I would caution our readers here at SPA from becoming disenchanted the way I have become disenchanted after so many years, and so many writing marathons. I caution against this because, ultimately, losing hope is the only thing that will truly ruin your November—losing faith that you can do it, and that there’s wisdom to be picked up from those others who have passed through this process.

And while I would be the first to admit that any list, including our old list of ideas from 2012, is bound to be incomplete … well, I would also be the first to stand by the efficacy of the points contained therein, the points tested and verified by the experiences of so many authors.

Don’t give up! Don’t lose hope! And don’t lose your faith in others … as well as yourself.

You’ve got this, dear reader. You’ve got this.

Thanks for reading.  If you have any other ideas, I’d love to hear them.  Drop me a line in the comments section below and I’ll respond as quickly as I can.  ♠

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.
Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 11.14.2016

And now for the news!

This week in the world of self-publishing:

This week, heed some advice from experienced self-publishing authors. Hear from authors such as Janice Petrie, who provides some inspiring words on persistence and passion, Allison Winn Scotch, who provides a realistic and pragmatic outlook on creating professional-standard self-published work, and Joel Friedlander, who gives advice on the technical side of book design.

Janice Petrie, founder of her own indie publishing company, understands how difficult it is to ensure success in self-publishing, that is, if your version of success is selling more books. A self-published author herself, Petrie’s work ranges from picture books to non-fiction true-crime tales. Coming to understand the importance of marketing and editorial reviews is what most helped Petrie create her own following. While writing is a passion for so many of our customers, it is always important to remember that publishing encompasses so much more than typing up a manuscript. Petrie admits that when she started out, her “focus was more on writing and illustrating than marketing” but she’s “spent the past couple of years adjusting this important balance.”

In this article you’ll get advice from Petrie on how to ‘succeed’ at self-publishing that can apply to all self-published authors, no matter what their idea of ‘success’ may be. Find out how to harness your passion, explore social media, and to be persistent with the help of some of Petrie’s advice.

Becoming a New York Times bestselling author is a dream for many authors. With this article from the Huffington Post, you get priceless insights on self-publishing from New York Times bestselling author, Allison Winn Scotch. In this article, Scotch admits that she remains partially skeptical of the self-publishing world, but nonetheless admits that she felt compelled to self-publishing after some disappointing experiences with traditional publishers. While she acknowledges that self-publishing “seems like the easy way to go,” she also calls it a “tricky beast” that can potentially lead to disappointment.

Scotch’s take on self-publishing can be read as both realistic and pragmatic, though it should not be taken as cynical. She insists that “just because you’re self-publishing doesn’t mean that [the finished product] can be amateurish or unpolished,” but that you must focus on heavily editing and rewriting your work, as you would with a traditional publisher. She also addresses how difficult marketing can be if you don’t have an established audience already and advises self-publishing authors to have a plan in place before publishing, so as to make it more probable that their book will reach a larger audience.

Following Scotch’s commentary from the above Huffington Post article, I thought it’d be pertinent to provide some advice for professional looking design options for self-publishing. In this informative article, Joel Friedlander explains why the best book design should go largely unnoticed by the reader.  Freidlander outlines some simple rules to not deter readers once they’ve opened your book. These rules range from your work being easy to read to meeting the production requirements of your vendor.

While the DIY approach makes sense for those of us who already have a knowledge of formatting and design, Freidlander stresses the importance of having other parties be responsible for these aspects of the publishing process, especially when designing your book cover.

Lastly, discover the pros and cons of using pre-made book templates in Microsoft Word or Adobe by clicking the link above to read more!

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.
Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “Beauty Makes a Stand”

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, courtesy of Outskirts Press:

Beauty Makes a Stand

Beauty Makes a Stand

by Trinette Nash Thompson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478747260

Synopsis:

The author Trinette Nash Thompson was inspired to write about Beauty because she is a young woman who faces struggles, and obstacles, and challenging situations on every turn because of the color of her skin. And it’s sad to say that in 2015, many people today are going through what Beauty has gone through. By writing about Beauty the author knows that the message of strong faith, in God, strength, perseverance, can bring about change just like it did in Beauty’s life. So as you read about Beauty understand her story and if you can bring about change in someone’s life by standing for what is right then make that stand. This author understands and can relate to the struggles of racism, because of the authors own struggles with being judge because of the color of her skin. This author knows firsthand the problems that it causes in families, on jobs, in school, in the world. So as you read Beauty’s story open up your heart and understand her life. The author feels that this book will be a help to many and give strength, and encouragement.

Critique:

Beauty is about a young woman in her twenties who is a very smart, educated college graduate with a master’s degree in engineering, who has to negotiate to find her place in the working world because of the color of her skin. Beauty not only stands up for her place in the working world, she stands her ground in relationships, and her family life. She knows that because of the color of her skin things will not always be easy, but she is willing to fight for what is hers. As you read about Beauty and the struggles she faced, be encouraged because she teaches that trials don’t last always. Sometimes in situations you have to make a stand no matter what, just like Beauty did. The world is full of people with different races, skin tones, different religions and backgrounds. This world is not built on any one color. That is the beauty of it. We are people from all kinds of backgrounds, nationalities, and skin colors, and we have to live together in society. So, Beauty makes her stand against racism and the unfairness of the world. Maybe you are encountering some type of injustice. Through prayer you can overcome.

[ reviewed on the Outskirts Press bookstore ]

beauty

saturday self-published book review

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

Self Publishing Advisor

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