Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 1/07/14

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.

Self-Publishers Wealth Summit New Years Resolution Challenge Announced

The Self-Publishers Wealth Summit has officially launched the “I Ate My New Years Resolution but Didn’t Swallow Challenge.” Viewers are encouraged to create their own creative, viral videos around their New Years resolution. To learn more about the challenge and the Self-Publishers Wealth Summit New Years Resolution Challenge, check out this article. You can also learn more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpSPL_QATTw&feature=youtu.be.

Self-Publishing and The Power of Creative Intention

This interesting article encourages writers to take a different approach to their 2014 writing goals. It discusses how an alarming number of people fail to keep their new year resolutions and how those who don’t make resolutions are more successful. Rather than setting “resolutions,” this author encourages writers to use “creative intention.” This is a must read for all writers.

Must Read: Becky Cloonan on self-publishing

In this article, Beck Cloonan, who has sold thousand of copies and won an award for her self-published minis, talks about her experience and offers advice to others. It is a fascinating read for anyone considering self-publishing.

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.
Jodee Speaks

Dust Off That Manuscript and Self-Publish in 2014

Last week we said goodbye to 2013 and welcomed the new year, a time for fresh starts, commit to change, and most importantly, a new determination to meet our goals. For some writers, the new year is the perfect time to produce new works. For others, dusting off an old manuscript might be just the ticket.

If you have abandoned works taking up space on your hard drive or in a desk drawer, don’t let them go to waste! Dig them out and see if a dash of new year enthusiasm and determination is all they need to become a great book. Follow these steps to freshen up your manuscript for  self-publishing in 2014:

  • Awaken. It’s time to wake up and reassess that long-dormant manuscript. You may remember it as either utterly brilliant or complete rubbish (although I suspect if you considered it literary gold, you’d have self-published it by now). All writers feel one of those extremes about their own work just after completing it, and it’s almost never as good or bad as they think. Bring it out of deep freeze and give it one more chance.
  • Dissect. Dig into each page like you’re reading it for the first time — and leave no stone unturned. Set aside whatever feelings or impressions you once had about your manuscript and look at it with fresh, new eyes. You’ll be much more objective about it now that time has passed. Pretend it’s someone else’s work, if that helps. You may find strokes of genius you didn’t recognize before.
  • Reshape. Of course, along with unearthing forgotten brilliance, you’ll likely also find your fair share of thorny passages that inspire “What was I thinking?” moments. Time to toss out the junk and tighten up that manuscript. Be merciless: it is okay if your manuscript looks and sounds completely different when you are done. The new year is all about redefining and changing.
  • Build. Fill in the “bald patches” – elements of your story that require elaboration, such as further plot and character development. Build on what you already have to complete the manuscript.
  • Nurture. Cultivate a plan to nurture those parts of your book that are weakest. Sprinkle it generously with notes about what changes you need to make as you review and review again; gradually, your writing and your overall story will transform into the masterpiece you imagine. New year projects aren’t about quick success; they are about a year of nurturing your goals and dreams.
  • Expand your mind. Read the works of others. See a good movie, or listen to your favorite music. Exchange ideas with other writers. The idea is to borrow inspiration that will better inform your book.
  • Realize. Once all your efforts have turned your old manuscript into a great book, it is time to take your product to market and enjoy the success of completing a book. You did it, and readers can’t wait to read your work!

Fresh eyes and a few good brainstorms may produce all the fresh ideas you need to turn that literary new year project into a chart-topping book published in 2014. Good luck!

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 1/03/14

WHEN YOU BEGIN (or continue) a writing project and look at that new, clean, fresh page, have you ever wondered how many other people out there in the wide-wonderful-world are doing the same—even at the exact same time?  When talking with one of my dear, self-published author/friends recently, our conversation left me with that thought.  She will soon publish her third book and is already building concept-files for the next two!  The fact that there are many “other” writers out there preparing to do the same doesn’t intimidate her in the least.  Why?  Because she is keenly aware that her topics, her writing style, her “voice” that will speak from the book pages are uniquely hers—and no one else can write her books.

Talking with this author also brought back memories of working with high school students as they built their writing skills—and developed their writing voices.  One of the poets we studied was William Blake.  In his lifetime, he was never really recognized for his writing gifts.  In fact, it was once said of him that he was “the least-read poet in the English language.”  Yet, his critics did not deter him.  His writing career spanned the late 1700s-early 1800s.  In 2002, Blake was listed as number 38 in the BBC’s poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.  How wonderful it is to know that our works of writing will live into the future!

William Blake is also an inspiration for today’s Illustrators!  In his day, his artistic gifts were labeled “printmaking,” created by transferring ink through a prepared screen to a sheet of paper.  Each print was considered an original—not a copy—because they were inspired by the concept/image he held at that time.  These works have also stood the test of time influencing artists and illustrators who add expert detail and fine lines to create personality and flare in each individual piece.

So it is that I “shout out” my encouragements to writers and illustrators in this New Year!  You have gifts that need to be shared with the world.  Don’t hesitate!  The self-publishing arena has been developed just for you!  Create your best work and get it into the hands of those who will appreciate it and love you for doing the hard work!  2014 IS YOUR YEAR OF SUCCESS!

 

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: A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

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:

 A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

A Welcome Walk Into the Dark

Ben E. Campbell

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432778910

A quiet life in the mountains must soon face the demands of the modern world. “A Welcome Walk Into the Dark” is a novel exploring Appalachian life, as Ben E. Campbell explores the life and challenge that comes with mountain life and how the times changing have threatened the traditional life, resistance and embrace of change. “A Welcome Walk Into the Dark” is a strong look into the people of the mountains and their plight.

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 12/31/13

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.

B.I.G. Discusses Power and Perils of Self-Publishing

B.I.G. women’s networking group hosted a panel discussion on the ins and outs of book publishing. In this video, four women discuss their self-publishing experiences.

Five Mistakes KILLING Self-Published Authors

This writer offers great advice that will help self-publishing authors avoid ruining their book and reputation. She offers tips on when to publish, how to market, and more. This is a must read.

Self-publishing was way easier than I thought it would be

Nathan Bransford, author of How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing A Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever, talks about self-publishing his book and his success so far. He also shares advice for other writers considering self-publishing.

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.