selfpublishingadvisor

Book Marketing, e-readers, ereaders, Kelly Speaks, Kindle, Marketing Your Self-Published Book

The Current State of E-Readers | An Author’s Guide (Part I)

We’ve crossed the Rubicon, dear readers. There’s no going back, when it comes to the print vs. digital divide, at least if we’re speaking on the commercial level. There are quite substantial numbers of readers who are introduced to books via their smartphones and computer screens and then move into the musty world of mahogany bookshelves and neighborhood used-book stores … but these numbers represent not so much a desertion of one form for another, but rather the natural progression of addicts who will simply, and always, want more–more good words strung together, more stories in their hands, more eyes to peer through and lives to live in the way that only literature makes possible.

I’m here to speak about e-books and e-readers this week and in the weeks to come. We’ve just finished a tour-de-force marathon of social media platforms spanning several months, so it’s time for a bit of a change of pace … but without sacrificing our desire to examine trends and patterns and possibilities with the fine eye of a book connoisseur.

The data is in, and readers have spoken. As this infographic (courtesy of Publishing Technology and Nielson BookScan) shows, e-book sales dropped slightly from an all-time high in early 2014, but they’re not going anywhere fast. (I should also note that the initial speculations for this year seem to indicate continued stability.) The digital market has matured, and readers are simply spreading their pocket change around, and being more selective as they do so. Essentially, it’s not just “still” useful to publish your books in digital form, but it’s actually more useful than ever–readers now know how to find what they like, as the information infrastructure–including indexing search engines like Google and Bing, and social media platforms with a literary bent like Goodreads–has matured alongside the market itself.

But how does an author, especially an indie, hybrid, or self-published author, go about figuring out how to navigate both the debate and the process? Well, first, you have to know a little bit about e-books and e-readers themselves.

And so we dive off into the deep end of a new series. This time I’m going to walk you through the process by examining each big player in the e-reading market (past and present and future, at least so far as I can see it), from Kindles to Nooks to iPads to chips implanted into your brain. Okay, okay, I’m kidding about that last one … for now. In all seriousness, I hope that this series will be of use to you as you take next steps into the oft-hazy world of digital publication!

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. ♠

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, from the archives, Kelly Speaks, lunar eclipse, supermoon

From the Archives: “Self-published Book Review of the Week: The Science of Life”

Welcome back to our new 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.

∗∗∗∗∗

[ Originally posted: November 7th, 2010 ]

The Science of Life
Ronnie Lee
9781432758639 $34.95

Some things in life can’t be quantified by numbers. “The Science of Life: Philosophical Equations of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Religion” is a discussion that seeks to blend science with philosophy and religion, with a unique format from Ronnie Lee, a Chinese poet and philosopher. Giving readers a lot to ponder and think about and discussing major scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, done in a poetic style, “The Science of Life” is a unique experience that will be hard to match.

Susan Bethany
Reviewer

This Book Of Science is a unique volume of poetry full of scientific equations to understand fundamental scientific values of today such as quantum entanglement, gravity, relativity, string theory, genetics and even the origin of life. From Newton to Einstein to Bohr to Schrodinger, this book covers a history of physics, to uncover, inspire and unravel new laws of science to allow the past generation to be understood by the new and future generations to come. The information age has allowed a Golden Age of Science to begin and this book is a fundamental research log for the start of the new era of quantum mechanics, nanotechnology and space exploration. It attempts to align everything in science towards an orderly, easy and efficient method of deduction for a grand unfied theory and a practical logic to make science a success for society to reach its goals and ambitions for wealth, profit and worth. It attempts to unite the laws of life in the simplest way possible; through the heart and mind of a philosopher.

If you’re up on your space-related news, you’ll probably already be aware that two days ago, on the night of September 27th, North America was in a prime location to watch a beautiful three-and-a-half hour total lunar eclipse of a supermoon (that is, a moon that appears larger than normal because it is at its closest approach to earth), and it was also the last blood moon and harvest moon of the year. Night-sky lovers began celebrating early, on the 19th, by coining a new “day”–that is, International Observe the Moon Day. (Next year, in 2016, IOtMD will be on October 6th. Mark your calendars!)

Why do I bring this up? Well, first and foremost, because I’m a bit of what my family calls a “space enthusiast.” I love looking at the night sky, and I sometimes find inspiration there–but I also love reading about the night sky, and about the science that makes such stellar displays, well, stellar. So as my paltry little contribution to this week of astronomical wonder, I thought we might revisit one of our early book reviews, for Ronnie Lee’s The Science of Life.

Since we first posted a review of Lee’s poetry back in 2010, he has released a book trailer through his publisher, Outskirts Press. (See below.)

And the reviews have certainly come in! Ronnie Lee himself has posted a comment to his Amazon book page to say:

This is my eighth book and it holds insights into advanced yet simple, new and fundamental laws of classical and quantum physics including entanglement, quantum dots, gravity and relativity. These hold practical inventions that can be created like teleportation, engines and other tools like better cameras and scanners etc. With different approaches in equations and logics, this book shows new perspectives and theories to underline the mechanisms of the physics of the universe. It also hold clues, theories and logics to the origin of life and to some equations to understand AIDS, Cancer and Schizophrenia. By adapting standard rules, equations and logics, the procedure to analyzing complex systems from isolated systems on chemistry, physics and biology to the universe itself can be understood, used and measured to find practicality for human success in science to reach our technological capacity as creators. With a chapter on religion and the importance of moral balance that must be stabilized with the technological reality, we must gain faith and advice from God, allowing truth from the Holy Spirit to guide us for survival, health and worth with Jesus being the path where unjust dangers on Earth must unite with the just peace of Heaven and only through the narrow door can evil gain the wealth of the good through Jesus Christ. The religious story of life has long been told and so has their prophecies. This book may fulfill some prophecies and start some new ones too. It is a book of science for the success of life.

That’s some heady stuff, folks, and I don’t know about you, but I can certainly always appreciate some uplifting commentary on the intersection between science, faith, politics, and art.

Whether you pick up a new book this week, or sit on your front porch to watch the waning moon rise and set, I hope you find something new to fall in love with, and new stories to immerse yourself in. That is what, to me, my “space enthusiast” tendencies do: they help me fall in love, or back in love, with the minutiae of daily life. ♠

news from the self publishing world, self publishing news

News From the Self-Publishing World: 9/28/15

This week in the world of self-publishing:

Keller Authors and Friends shine Locally and Nationally

In this September 24 article for Southlake Style, self-published authors Paige Weaver and Leslie Fear sit down for an in-depth interview. The interview—and the article as a whole—addresses many of the issues at the heart of the self-publishing experience today, from what led these two (successful, I might add) authors to choose a self- or an indie publishing experience over the traditional publishing route, to what the process looked and felt like, to what draws readers to their books, to how they themselves have found a sense of community in the network made possible only by self-publishing. All around, we just love hearing from authors who unapologetically love what they do and are willing to walk us through why they do it. Follow the link for more!

Cornelia Funke Joins Self-Publishing Revolution

Good news sometimes comes in waves, as you’ll discover courtesy of Allison Flood’s September 24 piece for the eminent British news engine, The Guardian. Cornelia Funke, a German author perhaps best known for her Mirrorworld series, has elected to pursue self-publishing for her next book, citing creative differences with her American publishers. “I’m a careful business woman,” says Funke, and Flood goes to great lengths to place Funke within a greater framework of self-publishing that further proves that her choice to veer away from the path set by Little, Brown and Company is not a hasty or ill-informed one. Here’s the good news for all of us: self-publishing is no longer the elephant in the room, when literary and commercial heavyweights opt to self-publish as an alternative to the Big Five. An author like Funke can go toe-to-toe with a major publishing house and still sell books! More at the link.

Shades of Self-Publishing: No Longer a DIY Challenge

In her September 24 article for New Zealand-based website Booksellers.co.nz—the official website for the Association of New Zealand Booksellers—Jillian Ewart takes a quick look at a whole slew of recent publications by indie, hybrid, and self-publishing authors in her home country, a nation long celebrated for its rich publishing market. To see that self-publishing has gained such a foothold in the international arena is encouraging indeed, whether you are looking to take the first step down the road to self-publishing, or already secure in chosen mode of publication, or even if you are unsure if your work “fits” better here or there. (Hint: there is ALWAYS room for your book in the world of indie and self-publishing!)

Author Solutions and Alliant International University Partner to Launch Alliant Press

Earlier this week, in a September 23 press release to Business Wire, Author Solutions (the digital self-publishing arm of the Big Five publishing company Random House) announced its partnership with Alliant International University. Together they are launching Alliant Press, “the first-ever university press to utilize the supported self-publishing model.” The press presents significant opportunities to authors, but may also present some significant challenges; that being said, the best news may be for universities looking to launch new imprints … and to the students whose pocketbooks are emptied by necessary excursions to prohibitively expensive university bookstores. Who knows? Maybe self-publishing has the answer to their problems too!

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, charles a. santangelo, outskirts press, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, turning point, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Turning Point”

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 the Midwest Book Review:

Turning Point

Charles A. Santangelo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432793968

Synopsis:

It’s a new day in America: The United States’ new Democratic president combats hostile political opponents and right-wing media while tackling the challenges of terrorism, global warming and a financial crisis. In the midst of the fray of a charged first term, the president’s liberal daughter, Karen, falls for a decorated Air Force pilot turned Secret Service agent, Capt. John “Rawhide” Cunningham – who, as the grandson of a conservative, swing-vote Supreme Court justice, stands at the opposite end of a vast, ideological chasm. Inspired by his work in the real-life presidential elections of 2000 and 2004, author Charles A. Santangelo weaves a tale of love and political intrigue that speaks to the very core of American values and the integrity of the political process. Told through a progressive ideological perspective, Turning Point makes a compelling case that a scant few with strong values and a willingness to place the nation’s interest above their own can change the course of history. The political/historical thriller blends the action of a Tom Clancy tale with sharp political storytelling and a measure of romance.

Critique:

The 2000 election was a swamp of controversy, no matter how you cut it. Turning Point is a political fantasy from Charles Alfred Santangelo, veteran government official at NASA and Homeland Security. For sake of hypotheticals, he does away with the names of Bush and Gore, instead crafts a What If scenario of a Progressive Democrat claiming the White House in 2000, and what would have followed in many crises, from the environment to a different handling of 9/11. Turning Point is an intriguing look at a very different political world.

[ reviewed by Able Greenspan ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

WOW, what an amazing topic to write about…. an election that tore the country apart and what a fascinating idea to write a novel about what this author believes the world might have been like if Al Gore had assumed the role of President. Whether you side with the Dems or the Republicans — no one can argue that it is intriguing to know just what direction life would take if things were to have come out differently– such as with everything in life, decisions that seem simple enough really have the chance to change the course of history. My politics are somewhere in the middle, but I found learning “Turning Points” ideas of how life could have been very interesting!

– Amazon Reviewer DBT

This terrific novel is not only a page turner, but is also a fascinating and comprehensive look at a wide spectrum of American life, including election fraud, legal intrigue and the economy, all set against a backdrop of a compelling story of love and political tension. Alternative history novels are difficult to bring off, because you have to account for a myriad of ripple effects across the societal spectrum, but the author has accomplished this in an impressive and authoritative manner. Quite an achievement. I’m waiting for the movie, which is inevitable.

– Amazon Reviewer Andrew

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

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 09/25/2015

OUR RIGHT TO WRITE AND PUBLISH IV

Moving back to the concept of developing our writing wings, I must share with you one of my personal research projects. A favorite genre of mine is Historical Fiction. For years I’ve debated the concept that early pioneer journalists were today’s foundation of excellence and especially authenticity for authors of all writing genres. In most cases they had the bare minimum of publishing guidelines to follow yet gave the reading public the information needed and often a “rip-roaring” story of adventure and intrigue.

american progress — John Gast’s “American Progress”

To honor these pioneer journalists (many of whom turned book authors) I give you the example of Gene Amole who wrote a column for Colorado’s Rocky Mountain News from 1977 until his death in May, 2002. As I list several of his column themes and titles, let them inspire you to write something on one of these topics that jump out at you. Actually, I hope there will be several.

Bright lights—good memories
It takes action to clarify writing
There are only two kinds of music: good and bad
Succumbing again to the allure of fine poetry.
A message to carry…son of a friends brings a letter
A leave of absence might be necessary to write a novel.
The concept of home…
Honesty in writing: Pain becomes an ugly companion
Are our perspectives getting a little out of whack?
When folks try to write for big magazines, they try too hard.
Interviews should be richly enjoyed by both parties
We will always have something to write about IF we keep our eyes and ears open.
Nothing chases the blues away like kind words.
Memories can be fickle companions.
READ…reflect…make new memories.
On war.
On music.
On the Unsolved Murder of a 10-year-old boy.
To a Newborn Grandson
On senseless Deaths Going Unpunished
“Good writing is a bridge on which minds meet, a bridge that the writer must build.” (from Amole’s conversations with author William E Barrett.)

We all have such unique perspectives on life and all the millions of events that occur close to home and far away. Amole wrote a final column that was to be published after his passing. In it he said: “I…hope that along the way I have said, written or spoken something of value to those who survive me. Certainly I make no claim of original thought, but perhaps I have taken an existing idea and added some value to it.”

Isn’t that the goal of every writer? This one man—writer, journalist—is also remembered as a loveable prankster and generous in mentoring young writers. Yes, he published books, too, (Morning, 1983; Amole Again, 1985; Amole One More Time, 1998; The Last Chapter: Gene Amole On Dying, 2002).

This blog is my salute to Gene Amole (and all the authentic and inspiring writers out there): an excellent example of respecting our right to write and publish! ⚓︎

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.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: