Author: selfpublishingadvisor

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 8/01/14

IT’S IN THE STARS-III…in the stars

…and it’s all about perspective.  Last month, the daughter of one of our neighbors (U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General, Susan J. Helms) came to our community center and spoke about her “walking in space” experiences.  That is, indeed, a unique perspective that few of us earthly inhabitants will ever know.  And yet, it was so easy for every person in the room to identify with her—to grasp the concepts she spoke about.  From expressing her excitement about the Space Program, Shuttle flights and her months aboard the International Space Station, to her world record 8 hour and 56 minute “walk” in space, her perspective filled the imaginations of every listener.  It was an honor for me to attend that gathering and meet such an extraordinary person.

That brief encounter with someone who has actually gone into Space—as I’ve occasionally dreamed of doing—also brought back marvelous memories of the Space Adventure books I’ve read over the years.  Possibly my favorite (and I say possibly because I have so many favorites) is The Mote In God’s Eye by authors Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle.  Yes, authors can work together to create a truly amazing novel—one that is more complete, more fully developed than if they had attempted it on their own.

This novel was first published in 1974 and I read it shortly thereafter, but have not re-read it (although as I’m writing this I know I will be reading it again, soon).  Yet, I can still recall vivid images that the writing produced in my mind.  Can you imagine it; society in the far distant future of 3017 when the people of earth have been involved in an “interstellar war?” Can you see the image conjured by the title; a blazing red supergiant star with a yellow (sun-like) star visible in front of it—looking (perhaps) like the Eye of God?  Do you perceive the conundrums being flung between the science and technology of space travel and human belief systems?  Can you imagine the rational (and irrational) need within human nature to know more—to go there?  And where do the human elements of faith, hope, love, integrity, greed and the hunger for power, prestige and fame intersect within this scenario?

Yes, I hope you will read this science fiction adventure novel.  But MORE than that, I hope you will write your own—yes—even collaborate with another writer whose imagination carries them “out of this world.”  There is something inexpressibly marvelous that takes place when two writers work together toward a common goal—with THE END of the story in mind; when both writers hear themselves saying, “Yes, YES, that works!” and the plot moves forward in new, exciting and unexpected ways.

That is what I feel when coming along side an author as a ghostwriter/consultant—a unique element of JOY!  And that is what your team of self-publishing co-laborers feel, too, seeing your book(s) through the production process and IN the hands of readers.

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 7/25/14

IT’S IN THE STARS-II

Can you imagine it?  Can you see it?  Do you perceive the conundrums associated with futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel and the eventual contact with other sentient beings?  If you are a Science Fiction reader/writer, these concepts (and many others) race through your mind all the time.  That’s exciting!  Very exciting!  And we know it is exciting because of NPR’s 2011 list of Top 100 Sci-Fi-Fantasy books, the first eleven books of them being written and published between 1917 and 1964—way before authors had the option to self-publish.  Hurray for today’s technological advances!  The field is wide open!

It is important, however, to honor the legacy that previous Sci-Fi authors left for us, which demonstrates that good writing never “dies.”  JRR Tolkien’s books are currently being made into amazing films, motivating millions to re-read the original books.  Edgar Rice Burroughs’ books have tweaked the imaginations of such visionaries as Ray Bradbury who admired the element of Burroughs’ stimulating “relationship” tales and incorporated many of those concepts in his Star Trek TV series and later films.  James Cameron (Avatar) and George Lucas (Star Wars) were also influenced by Mr. Burroughs’ books.  Yes, indeed, excellent writing combined with out-of-this-world imagination lives “into the future.”  That alone encourages today’s Sci-Fi authors.

Now, let me add more information to “boost” you off the couch and into your writing room!  Do you remember the film 2001: A Space Odyssey?  Way back in 1968, author Arthur C. Clarke developed this science fiction novel concurrently with Stanley Kubrick’s film version.  The novel was actually published after the release of the film.  Some might call this a conspiracy between Clarke and Kubrick.  If so, it was a brilliant conspiracy, indeed.  Both novel and film were/are big successes—and Arthur C. Clarke became the “official” author of the novel because the lion’s share of it was based on numerous short stories he’d written between 1948 and 1968.  By end-of-the-year 1992, the novel had sold 3 million copies!

Today a new novel associated with that novel/film has come on the scene (July, 2014)—The Making of Stanley Kubrick’s ‘2001: A Space Odyssey.’  It is a four-volume set that explores (in great depth) every aspect of the film and its making from the use of groundbreaking technical effects, extraordinary set designs, plus the fascinating collaboration between Kubrick and Clarke.  Now that is what I call longevity in the writer’s world!  When the magic of imaginative/futuristic science and technology blend with well-developed writing techniques and inspiration, amazing things DO happen.

SO, if your thoughts are filled with a plethora of possibilities for life and living in the next decades and/or millennia please, write them out for all of us to enjoy.  The publishing industry has moved forward “into the future” too, and offers multiple self-publishing options for your every need.  Go boldly my friends!  GO BOLDLY!

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Later Gator, In a While Crocodile

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:

 later gator

Later Gator, In a While Crocodile

Mike Fortunato

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478712855

Reviewed by Miles Cassells (age 3.5) and Mom for Reader Views Kids

“Later Gator, In a While Crocodile” by Mike Fortunato was a super fun book to read with Miles. Lately, Miles has been interested in reptiles and learning about them in school, so when we sat down to read this book he was excited. Not to mention, “later gator” is a favorite expression when saying bye to someone on their way out the door.
Gator is hanging out in the swamp and realizes none of his friends can come and play with him. He is lonely and wished there was someone to hang out with. Then, along comes Crocodile. Gator wasn’t sure how he was going to play with him because he was an alligator and the crocodile was, well, a crocodile. After discovering that they are very similar in their abilities and enjoy the same things, they joined up to have a blast in this 3 part picture book.
“Later Gator, In a While Crocodile” by Mike Fortunato is a great example of how to teach children that even though we may be slightly different, we are all still the same. We can come from different species and still be friends, or in our case as humans, different races. This is a lovely way to remind children that we can all play together and have lots of fun even if we look different from each other. This is a lesson that many adults need to learn as well.
Awesome book!!

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/22/14

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.

 A Publisher of One’s Own

This interesting article from Inside Higher Ed looks at self-publishing statistics and the role self-publishing currently plays in academic publishing. This thought-provoking piece illustrates the problems with traditional publishing while discussing the reluctance of many scholars to self-publish. This is a must read for all academic writers.

Kindle Unlimited earmarks $800k extra for self-publishers 

Amazon recently confirmed it will increase its fund for self-publishers agreeing to loan their ebooks by $800,000 this month. The retailer predicts an uptick in downloads with the launch of the Kindle Unlimited subscription service. Those with ebooks already being distributed under the Kindle Owners Lending Library will automatically see their titles added to Kindle Unlimited.

 Self-publishing surging to 31% of ebook market, claims report

A new report claims that self-published authors have surged to 31% of ebook sales on Amazon and are now earning more ebook royalties than writers published by the “Big five” traditional publishers. While some people have questioned the data, the figures show that self-published authors are successful and that the industry is growing.

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 7/18/14

IT’S IN THE STARS

WHERE oh where are today’s true Science Fiction writers?  In my youthful days, I cut my reading-teeth on such marvelous other-world adventures as 20 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (by Jules Verne), War of the Worlds (by H.G. Wells) and John Carter the mysterious traveler to Mars/Barsoom.  With each impossible John Carter action and invention created by author Edgar Rice Burroughs, my wonderment increased.  Yet, the present-day genre of “science fiction” now includes other facets that (in my opinion) detract from the legacy left to us by these great authors.

The specific definition of the genre of Science Fiction is “…imaginative content such as futuristic settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, time travel, faster-than-light travel, parallel universes and extraterrestrial life.  It often explores the potential consequences of scientific and other innovations and has been called a literature of ideas.  Authors commonly use science fiction as a framework to explore identity, morality, social structure, politics and other literary themes.”  And there you have it!  That is what I’m looking for in my Science Fiction books today.

Did you know that NPR (National Public Radio) did a survey back in 2011 to discover what people were reading in the “science fiction genre?”  This created their list of the Top 100 Science Fiction/Fantasy books (even though I’m not enthused about the addition of the “fantasy” piece).  Out of their Top Ten, only three are still alive and writing—Orson Scott Card, George R.R. Martin and Neil Gaiman.  Of course, I love seeing the work of many of my favorite writers remaining on top: JRR Tolkien, Frank Herbert, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov to name a few.  However, where are the new writing explorers?

Self-published author, J.M. Erickson has come upon the scene in recent years with some excellent writings.  His most recent, Future Prometheus: Emergence and Evolution, is an excellent beginning to a series that explores the edge of the familiar and the unknown terrain of possibility—a world where the science of today has warped into something totally unexpected.  This is visionary, futuristic, science/technology-based writing that compels the reader to turn the page and think about the possibilities.  Happily, this author has the understanding and background that allows his imagination to explore these “what if” scenarios.  I applaud Mr. Erickson in his writing career, in his choice to self-publish and in his willingness to think and write “outside the box.”

It is my hope that more true Science Fiction writers will step out and accept the legacy to explore human identity, national and world politics, social and cultural paradoxes within this literary framework.  Our lives are changing (evolving) by the minute and we need writers to offer other choices than the ones currently being made.  As Frank Herbert (The Dune series) said, “The gift of words is the gift of deception and illusion.”  That concept needs to be deeply explored allowing us to picture an illusion that exposes deceptions and just might show us the way to better possibilities.

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.