Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 4/22/14

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.

Research and Markets: The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014” report to their offering. The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing details the journey self-publishing has taken over the last few years and shows compelling data on who is actually buying self-published books and in what format. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

5 Tips for Self Publishers from ‘Party Girl’ Author Erin Shaw

In this article, self-published author Erin Shaw offers five tips for self-publishing authors. Here advice includes there’s no shame in self-publishing, a good editor will break your heart a little, and more. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Forget agents and big-time publishers, today’s savvy writers are authors of their own destinies 

This article discusses three writers who used self-publishing to create their own destinies. The authors include “the godfather of self-publishing” Hugh Howey, up and coming author S.K Falls, and hybrid author Chuck Wendig. This is an interesting read for all writers.

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

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the 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 4/18/14

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

When meeting someone new—and hoping to establish a friendship—there are two topics of conversation that most people stay clear of: Politics and Religion.  Thank goodness, writers have no such boundary!  As of this blog entry, I have not yet had the pleasure of working with an author in the genre of World and/or National Politics.  However, I am very blessed to say that my life has been enriched by working with authors from the mission field, from pastors to world evangelists and prophets to next door neighbors who write about the legacy of their faith walk.  Yes, that has been a privilege and honor, indeed.

Through these faith-writing adventures, I’ve discovered that although the main subject matter may be controversial, the topic of “religion” and/or “faith” crosses over into multiple genres.  Fiction genres include: Action/Adventure, Family Sagas, Historical, Military/Espionage, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Westerns and Young Adult.  Non-Fiction genres include: Biography/Memoirs, Business/Economics, Cultural/Social Issues, Current Affairs, Military History, Humor, Medical, Parenting, Relationships, Science, Women’s Issues…and more.  There truly seems to be few genre limitations in this field of writing!  There are, however, a few TIPS that I’ve garnered and I am happy to pass these forward to you.

  • Recognize that your reading audience may be smaller than those of mainstream authors. However, you may be the next Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code) who stepped into view of readers of multiple genres (Mystery, Action/Adventure, Cultural/Social/Political, Thrillers, History, Relationships, Parenting, etc.). It is always valuable to consider your reading audience who are now able to find your book on the Internet as well as library and bookstore shelves.
  • Human beings seek comfort, hope and strength within their understanding of God—who He is and their relationship to Him. Remember, you (the author) are also a seeker. The compassion with which you choose your words, create your characters and develop your writing will make a huge impact on readers—and on you. Billy Graham is an excellent example of a writer/speaker/evangelist who understands this concept, even to the point of addressing people’s love for their pets. “I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness [in Heaven],” he said. “If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”
  • Be respectful.  There are so many factors/influences involved and “faith” is so individually personal, that one author—addressing one element and/or storyline—cannot possibly address all the theological pieces. Stick to the theme you’ve been inspired to write about. If an author follows every “rabbit-trail” of thought that might connect to the main topic, readers will come away confused and disappointed. Respecting the time, heart and mind/intellect of your readers is greatly important.
  • BE HONEST in the development of your writings. If you are creating a fiction/novel, know the motivation behind your character’s actions. If you’re writing a collection of essays on current affairs or military history, DO your research before adding your opinions on faith-in-action in the midst of those events. If your topic is about business and how “beliefs” shape policies and procedures, sit in on a college course of Business Ethics college and write the facts about what is being taught today vs what actually happens in the various businesses.

And, FEAR NOT Faith Writers!  The self-publishing industry is WIDE OPEN to accept your manuscripts and produce quality books for the reading world!

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: The Secret of Cancer & AIDS

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:

 The Secret of Cancer & AIDS

The Secret of Cancer & AIDS

Jason McKenna

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432739775

New ideas can lead to revolutions of treatment. “The Secret of Cancer & AIDS” discusses the immune system’s faults that allow cancer and HIV to flourish. Jason McKenna writes of potential new ways to treat these diseases and allow immune systems to fight against these often fatal diseases. Strictly experimental and alternative, “The Secret of Cancer & AIDS” may be worth considering for those who have exhausted other options.

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 4/15/14

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.

Amazon’s Vision for the Future of Self-Publishing

This article discusses Jon Fine’s, director of author and publishing relations at Amazon, vision of the future of self-publishing. Predictions include a name change, more options, and discoverability problems. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Why Audiobooks Are the Next Big Thing in Self-Publishing

This article looks at traditional and self-published audiobooks and shares the writer’s first hand experience with publishing paper books as well as audiobooks. The writer is the author of more than 14 books, so she has a lot of experience in the traditional and self-publishing industry. This is an interesting read for all writers.

 UK Paper The Guardian Launches Monthly Self-Publishing Award

The Guardian and Legend Times have announced a new monthly writing prize, highlighting the best self-published novels. The winning novel will be selected by a panel of industry judges each month and reviewed in the Guardian. Awards are a great way for self-published authors to gain credibility and publicity. The article discusses all the submission details.

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

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the 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 4/11/14

OH MY GOSH! My hands are so full! The two-year-old just pulled the pile of clean laundry onto the floor where the dog threw up! My phone is vibrating in my pocket and the computer is dinging with incoming messages. The crockpot has run dry and the stew is burning. My coffee is cold and the snow outside is at least eight inches deep. Is it really vital that I shovel a path to the mailbox? Today?

I don’t suppose any other writer has experienced this conundrum. Right? Well, I’m guessing that most of us have at least a passing memory of such days—unless, of course, you might be an Ernest Hemingway who sat back and came up with quotes like, “Never confuse movement with action.” He may have been suggesting that it takes a lot of sitting and thinking to produce literature, yet I do wonder how he ever got those books written.

Time and time again I see the truth of another concept as stated in this quote from Lucille Ball (actress/comedian): “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” THAT is how I see my author friends in the midst of their creative process—BUSY with life and living! So, when someone throws a red flag in my direction and tells me that finishing their book is “just impossible,” they will see my hand raised in stop-sign motion. Don’t EVER think in that direction! There are just too many support avenues to help a writer over the speed bumps. SO…if you’re feeling weighed down with the “can’t make its” here are a few tips.

  • Pick up a BOOK! If you have a true favorite book (mine is the ROBE by Lloyd C. Douglas), pull it off the shelf and start reading! Not only will this alert everyone around you that you’re entering “quiet-time,” the story will take you to marvelous places.
  • IF your “hands” are really too full, talk to your family and ask for help. You are a very important person in their lives and I believe (and I’m rarely wrong-ha!) that they will step up and DO some of those chores—taking you out of the pressure cooker. That is better than any “bubble bath moment” you’ve ever experienced!
  • Call a writing friend. Don’t talk about the problems you might be facing! Talk about their book project. Not only will their efforts re-energize you, they will probably ask about your characters (or plot or setting) and you’ll find yourself making notes to use the minute you’re off the phone.
  • If you’ve reached the point of selecting a publisher, talk to your support team. Their inspired ideas for the production of your book will motivate you, too.

Finally, the best resource you’ll ever find is TOMORROW. There is only so much any human being can fit into one day. So get a good night’s sleep and remember that the giant trees of tomorrow (your books) are planted by the seeds of today.

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.