Self-Publishing Week in Review: 11/26/13

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.

Bestselling Author Allison Winn Scotch on Self-Publishing The Theory of Opposites 

New York Times-bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch recently decided to self-publish her fifth book, The Theory of Opposites. In this interview, Scotch shares why she decided to self-publish and her self-publishing experience. Spoiler alert: She sold the movie rights before the book even came out!

Brooke Warner’s Advice on Self-Publishing: ‘Don’t Try to Do it All Yourself!’

Self-Publishing Intensive speaker Brooke Warner tells authors how to prepare their manuscripts for publication. Here number one tip for self-published authors is to make sure they have a team. This article is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Finish Your Book with Mediabistro’s Self-Publishing Intensive

December 5 – December 19, 2013 MediaBistro will host Self-Publishing Intensive, an interactive online event, designed to help self-publishing authors through the final and most important steps of the publishing process. The event features speakers, how-to sessions, “homework,” peer interaction, and more.

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.

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 11/22/13

Watching the red and golden leaves fall and rise again in a gust of wind outside my window, I think of the upcoming Thanksgiving season.  Happily, as a writer, I can be thankful for my connection with a new (new to me) self-publishing family.  Previously, my experience was with a “corporate” self-publishing business—one that started out as one person’s dream but eventually became noticed and was “bought out.”  That’s when my helpers began telling me “this is the way we’re doing things now,” and I realized my book would no longer receive the personal attention I appreciated.

However, my desire to write—or more accurately my passion to communicate in writing—continues to pull and tug and nudge and jab me until I get those words put on paper.  I could show you about a dozen book starts on my shelves.  But that’s the way it works when a person not only loves to write, but also loves to encourage other writers.  When someone calls needing “just a bit of time,” my head becomes full of their project and OFF we go until their manuscript is ready for the TLC of their self-publishing team.

On the days that I may feel a bit discouraged about whether any new books of mine will make it to that finished stage, I look above my desk to a sticky-note quote from Mark Twain:  “My books are water; those [books] of the great geniuses are wine.  Everybody drinks water.”  Ah! There is such encouragement in knowing that readers will always be “thirsty.”  I have time.

Recently I’ve been working with folks who know—without doubt—that their books must “get out there” immediately.  And, as I experience their passion and resolve, I can understand the benefit readers will receive.  These authors are writing in two genres: Christian nonfiction and Memoir.  They have shared several points that motivate them to write: 1) the world environment has become so negative—so warped with uncertainty about who can be believed—that truth needs to be told; 2) our children need to know they are not alone in their struggles—that their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents have survived terrible things and grown into thriving and enriching lives; 3) families who stick together are the best support system in the world; 4) the old cliché that “hard work is its own reward,” is still true.  The man or woman who is willing to work hard with a smile on their face will succeed.

It is such a joy to be the ghostwriter working with authors who convey such passion.  Their writings encourage me and make me even more thankful that I am allowed to “work hard” for them.  Tonight, as I close this blog, I look forward to starting a new project tomorrow for a previous client—her third book.  Her passion radiates off the page and the truth she tells will bless many people.  I will be introducing her to my new self-publishing contacts and looking forward to her continued 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.

Weekly Self Published Book Review: Wally Wander

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:

wally wonder

Wally Wander

NovaMelia

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432779108

“Wally Wander” by NovaMelia is the story of Wally. Precocious as a child, Wally grows up with a family who has a lot of issues. Her mother has Parkinson’s and believes that the refrigerator talks to her. A niece has Asperger’s Syndrome and has played a role in a huge family secret. Wally lives in her own world. No matter what situation her family hands to her, whether it is being shipped off to live with relatives as a child, or being put in a nursing home as an adult, Wally makes the best of each situation. Her perceptions of reality help hold her together during the times that most people would fall apart.

A family tragedy and family secrets have more of an effect on Wally’s life than she realizes. As an adult when pieces of a puzzle start falling into place, she gains a greater understanding of her family and realizes why certain things had to happen the way that they did. Wally’s own eccentricities show that she has inherited some of her family’s genetic predispositions. It doesn’t really matter to her because no matter what she will continue to go with the flow.

I enjoyed reading “Wally Wander” by NovaMelia. This novel is something out of the ordinary and I think readers will enjoy it for its uniqueness. The characters are eccentric but still likeable. There were many times where I found myself pitying Wally and the circumstances that life handed her, yet because of her strong character she didn’t let it hold her back. This perseverance gave me a great deal of admiration for her character. I think that “Wally Wander” would make a great selection for an English class or a reader’s group. I think that it will generate many interesting discussions and I would find it interesting to hear other reader’s perceptions about the story.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 11/19/13

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.

Self-publishing can be fun, and (for some) even profitable

This article discusses self publishing trends as well as the options available to those considering self-publishing. The author also covers important topics such as finding an audience and selling your book.
In this interview, Pastor James E. Parker talks about how self-publishing is changing the art world for the better. He shares his own self-publishing experience as well as his opinions on the publishing industry. It is an interesting read for anyone considering self-publishing.
The self-publishing industry is continuing to grow. According to Bowker, the market is up 59% compared to last year.
The Self-Publishing Book Expo marked its fifth anniversary Saturday at the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City . The event featured panels, workshops, and addresses, as well as a host of exhibitors.

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.

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 11/15/13

I love the concept of self-publishing!  Since I’ve been connected with my publishing staff, I’ve learned a lot and have been encouraged as if I was their only client.  Then, when mentioning my hope to branch out into children’s book writing, their genuine excitement renewed my enthusiasm and gave me the needed-nudge to move forward.  I felt sure that my stories are good, and a few other folks think so, too.  Then came possibly the best advice I’ve had so far, “When you talk with our illustrators, talk visually.”

I’ve known for a long time—and practiced—writing with visual/descriptive language is important.  It is important for me that my readers are given the best opportunity to see the scene as clearly as I have imagined it.  However, I’m not the best verbal communicator.  Talking with an illustrator whose creative language is art has become quite a challenge.  How can I be specific enough so that an artist understands my version of a “joyful expression”?  How will I share my vision of my character’s constant “happiness,” even after a scary event?  How many levels of the visual concept of “subdued color” are there?

So recently, I’ve gone to the internet bookstores for more examples.  I’ve looked at the covers and first pages of dozens of children’s books and when I come across something that speaks to what I’m hoping to develop, I’m writing out my descriptions of what I see “illustrated.”  I am also making note of the book title and author to share with my illustrator.  Some of the thoughts repeated in my descriptive sentences are eyes are a focal point for main expressions; basic shapes and sizes are comparable to reality; solid colors are better for younger eyes; and, similar to the words on a written page, blank space is necessary.

I’ve also decided to consult with the person who will be my self-publishing marketing assistant for this project, as well as a friend who is a marketing director in the corporate world.  So far, two excellent suggestions have been made: 1) Think Like a Mother.  2) Research Early Childhood Learning.  When the mother is shopping, will she imagine herself reading this book to her child?  Will it “teach” something of value—something that most mom’s want their child to appreciate?  Can the parents point out basic colors and shapes?  Are the characters realistic enough for a child to begin associating the picture book image with the real thing?

Discovering all these levels of needed development for my “simple, fun” children’s story has surprised me.  But I am not discouraged.  In fact, I’m more excited about this project than ever because now I feel I’ll be able to give my grandchildren something even more valuable—something that might survive even to the next generation.

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.