Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 10/10/14

PERSONAL THOUGHTS…

In my previous blog entry I spoke about the concept of allowing the writer within us to move beyond “empathy” (concerning other authors) and look for the insights we can discover from their lives.  Well, in the past several days, I’ve been plopped is circumstances that gave me yet another perspective with new opportunities to do just that—take those thought-walks in someone else’s work-boots and experience new insights. My husband was hospitalized for knee-replacement surgery—which went well. However, there were some unexpected complications.  (He’s doing much better today, is out of the hospital and in rehab for which we are so thankful!)  Today is my first day back at the computer for any length of time.  It feels good!

I’m one of those sit-beside-the-hospital-bed types of people and I actually have a “go bag” that contains sealed eating utensils, packages of Kleenex, pens, a notebook and (of course) reading materials.  As my husband and I visited last night, he mentioned that one of the hospital’s housekeeping staff asked him about the books we were reading.  Several of the nurses and CNA’s had also commented about our selection of books.  During those conversations we all learned a little more about each other—seeing each other for the uniquely individual people we are—AND CONNECTING with the BOOKS, their authors, and the concepts (insights) presented within them.

My husband and I are daily readers of a little book titled: JESUS CALLING.  Yep, it’s written by a Christian—Sarah Young—which I hope won’t discourage you from reading it.  Her example to writers of all genres is incalculable.  She and her husband live in Perth, Western Australia, often called the most isolated city in the world.  Sarah also experiences the physical challenges of ongoing battles with ill health.  However, she IS A WRITER, and an encourager, and the combination of those two elements keep her at the computer.  In one interview she said: “I am convinced that if I had been healthier I would not have been able to write this book.  It chronicles my journey from discouragement to hope.  There seems to be a sense of hopelessness creeping into many people’s mindsets as they look at problems in their lives and in world events.  But Hope is available—no matter what is happening around us.”

The other book I was reading—while sitting in that “comfortable” guest chair—is ONE NATION: What We Can All Do To Save America’s Future by Ben Carson.  One of our daughter’s gave us her copy knowing how concerned we are about our USA, and our efforts to keep informed.  I haven’t finished the book yet, but each chapter has offered me insight, perspective and encouragement.  If you don’t know this author’s “story,” you’re missing out, because he is not only an example of overcoming poverty, but of overcoming outburst-anger issues and low self-esteem.  So many authors throughout history have dealt with such issues and fallen prey to them.  Mr. Carson demonstrates the multi-ladder-steps to personal, community, career and national success.  I am now excited to read ALL his BOOKS.

And so it can be for you! Readers will be excited to bring your books into their homes and share them with everyone they know.  Of course, you must write them—and get them published!  There is no time like TODAY to do it!

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.

Weekly Self-Published Book Review:Hemau

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 by Midwest Book Review:

 hemau

Hemau

Sean Furey

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432784577

Drawn directly from the author’s personal experiences, Hemau is an eye-popping military memoir that turns the reader’s expectations upside-down. Written with dry wit and biting insight, Hemau paints a much darker, more tangled, and ultimately more nerve-wracking picture of the people who defend America than Uncle Sam’s recruitment posters would have one believe. Not for the faint of heart, Hemau is a sharp-edged indictment of deadly force in mindsets unfit to hold it, and utterly compelling from cover to cover.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 10/07/14

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 Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

DIY: Building an Author Website

There’s a range of options for creating an author website — everything from DIY custom sites to hiring a web developer. This informative article covers everything you need to know about creating a great author website.

Digital Comics, Digital Payments

This article takes a look at three services for distributing self-published comics online. This is an interesting read for authors self-publishing comics.

eBook Authors Rejoice, Crowdsourced Editing has Arrived

Quality editing is essential to self-publishing success. The start-up Advance Editions is offering a new type of editing services to authors. While I still recommend a professional editor, this article is an interesting read for writers.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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 at http://kellyschuknecht.com.

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Another Woman at the Well

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 by Midwest Book Review:

 another woman at the well

Another Woman at the Well

Rev. Judy Neal

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432784652

Life’s experiences can sometimes be hard to carry over generations. “Another Woman at the Well…Through Her Childhood Until Now” is a memoir from Reverend Judy Neal, as she seeks to share her stories for her grandchildren and future generations, her faith and her struggles against illness and push through life. “Another Woman at the Well…Through Her Childhood Until Now” is a choice pick for general memoir collections, highly recommended.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 9/30/14

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 Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

Should You Self-Publish or Commercially Publish Your Book?

This informative article provides several questions authors should ask themselves when deciding what publishing route to choose. This is a great read for all authors.

Self-Publishing Stars Speak Out

The writer of this article asks some self-publishing experts one simple question: “If you could give someone starting out in self-publishing only one piece of advice, what would it be?” This is an interesting read for self-publishing authors.

JukePop Wants To Bring Indie Titles To More Libraries

JukePop, an analytics and distribution platform for independent authors, is hoping to chip away at the discoverability problem by partnering up with libraries. The startup piloted a program with the Santa Clara County library system, making 1,000 e-books available to the library for free. Recently, it launched a Kickstarter campaign to expand its program to more libraries across the country.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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 at http://kellyschuknecht.com.