Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Creation

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 creation

The Creation

Donald Jordan

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432770600

There are virtues we want to share through the ages. “The Creation” is a collection of simple thoughts and ideas as Donald Jordan shares anecdotes of the world that he hopes readers will embrace to find their own inspiration through life. “The Creation” is charming and has plenty worth considering.

Self Publishing Week in Review: 1/8/13

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 in self publishing this week.

TEXAS READS: Self-publishing a way to release the book in you, but do it right

This article for a Texas newspaper shares the columnist’s opinion on and experience with self publishing. As a book reviewer and fellow author, he offers useful and interesting insight on the subject.

Sumner Library hosts event about self publishing

I love to see people besides self publishing companies promoting self publishing. It shows that people are truly interested in the topic and proves that the information out there isn’t just companies marketing themselves to convince you to self publish. Self publishing really is a great option for many authors. If you live in the area, be sure to check out this free event at Sumner Library on January 18.

Self-published book chronicles cancer journey

This is a fascinating story about a cancer survivor who chronicles her journey by writing a book. The book covers the hardships, indignities and triumphs she experienced during her battle with cancer. In the article, she also talks about her experiences during the self publishing process.

Outskirts Press Kicks Off 2013 with Free Social Media Set-Up for Self-Publishing Authors in January

Social media is one of the most powerful, persuasive tools authors can use in their book marketing efforts. During the month of January, Outskirts Press is offering authors free social media set-up services – a savings of up to $499. This is a great deal for self publishing authors!

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.

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 1 – Set Goals

Last week, I vowed to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution of self publishing a book in 2013 by dedicating this month’s post to helping you stick with your resolution. We are now a week into the new year, and many of you are probably pumped up to get started on your resolutions. The beginning is always filled with excitement and motivation. Take advantage of these emotions by writing down your goals. These will serve as your map throughout the year to remind you what you are trying to accomplish and hold you accountable for your actions. Here are four tips for setting goals that will help you self publish a book in 2013.

1. Be realistic and specific.

Don’t just say I’m going to write every day. How long will you write for? Twenty minutes? An hour? What time of day will you write? In the morning? On your lunch break? How many pages do you want to write each week or month? When will you finish your first draft? When will you start the self publishing process? Be very specific with your goals, but don’t be unrealistic. If you work 60 hours a week and have a family, you probably can’t dedicate 40 hours a week to writing, but you could dedicate twenty minutes a day during your lunch hour.

2. Hold Yourself Accountable.

Goals are useless if you write them down and forget about them. Decide when and how you will measure your achievements. Perhaps you will keep a writing log to record how long you write each day, or  maybe you will count page numbers once a week. For each goal, write down how and when you will hold yourself accountable.

3. Don’t be afraid to revise.

The purpose of holding yourself accountable is to determine what is working and what isn’t working. Periodically assess whether or not you need to update your goals. If your goals are unrealistic, break them into smaller, more achievable chunks. If your goals aren’t challenging enough, amp up the pressure. Just because they are written down doesn’t mean they are set in stone.

4. Keep them in sight.

If you want to achieve your goals, you need to constantly remind yourself of what you are trying to achieve. Keep a visual reminder of your goals somewhere you will see it often. You may want to keep your list of goals on your desk, or tape a picture of your main character or setting to your fridge. The key is to frequently remind yourself of your goals.

I’d love to know, what are your favorite goal setting tips?

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.

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Deliverance from Satanic Bondage

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:

9781432756024

Deliverance from Satanic Bondage

Michael Richardson D. D.

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432756024

 

“Deliverance from Satanic Bondage” is a powerful and positive testimony of Dr. Michael Richardson’s deliverance from Demonic and Satanic bondage salvation through the atonement provided by Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. Richardson tells of his early family life, of battles with demons, the spirit of homosexuality, the curse of drugs, thoughts of suicide, and the experience of depression.

Once released from this demonic bondage, Dr. Richardson has gone on to earn graduate degrees in evangelism, theology, Christian education, and counseling. He now ministers in a deliverance ministry and is assistant dean at the Lie International Bible College in New York City. He relates his experiences in this book to give encouragement and instruction to anyone working their way though similar experiences.

In the chapter dedicated to specific exposure of Heresies, False Teaching, and Erroneous Doctrines, Dr. Richardson has carefully cataloged, described, and warned of the fallacies taught in organizations proclaiming themselves to represent truth or the true church. The information included is of particular value because it alerts the reader to be on watch for both general and specific erroneous teachings. If or when you are faced with any one of these false teachings, you can do more in-depth research at your local library or through a web-site on-line.

In another chapter the same approach is used to warn of the danger of satanic cults and their practices, many of which seem innocent at first glance but tend to blind, confuse, and bind the naive to their dangers.

Richardson’s writing is direct, candid, and sincere. It is foundational in a study of the influence of cults, false religions, as well as the decline in moral social and religious standards practiced in contemporary culture.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from author’s representative. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines.

4 New Year’s Resolutions for Writers

It is that time of year again; as we celebrate the end of 2012 and welcome the new year, many of us are reflecting on the past 12 months and deciding what we want to do differently in the coming months. As writers, many of our resolutions are geared towards improving our work and helping us achieve our writing goals. Don’t just think about your resolutions; make sure you write them down and put them somewhere you will see them often. This will help you stay accountable. Here are four resolutions every writer should have on their list this year.

1. Get healthy.

We all know the things we are supposed to do to stay healthy: get enough sleep, workout daily, eat fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water. But most of us neglect these tasks when we are working on a big project such as writing a book. Your mental and physical health impacts your success as a writer. You can’t do your best work if you aren’t your best self, so make a resolution to take care of yourself this year and you may just be surprised how much more productive and creative you feel.

2. Read more.

The best way to improve your writing and generate ideas is reading. Don’t just read your favorite author or genre. Expand your horizons. Pick out books that are completely different from what you would usually read. Check out a new author or bestselling novel. Read books for children. Read poetry. Reread classic literature. You can never read too many books.

3. Try Something New.

When most writers think about improving their work, they focus on the actual act of writing or editing or brainstorming, but writing is an art that is created by our minds, experiences, and the world around us. You can’t write about life if you don’t live it. This year, make it a point to try new things. Take a class. Make a new friend. Go on a vacation, and watch your stories improve.

4. Write every day.

This is a classic goal for writers, but it works. If you want to be a writer, you must write. You won’t write your best work every day, but you need to write something. You never know where you might be able to use it later.

I’d love to know, what are your New Year’s resolutions?

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.