Famous Self-Published Authors: Benjamin Franklin

Have you ever read The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin? The inventor and politician self-published this composition of advice and proverbs in 1758. The book shares his wisdom on personal finance as well as essays about his life. Since publication in 1758, the piece has been reprinted and translated countless times. Today, the book is read by students and financial professionals around the world. Many people believe that the words Benjamin Franklin self-published hundreds of years ago are still relevant to people today. In fact, many of today’s popular clichés are found in The Way to Wealth. Here are just a few you might recognize:

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
“There are no gains, without pains.”
“Time is money.”
“Get what you can, and what you get hold.”
The next time someone suggests that self-published books shouldn’t be taken seriously, quote a line from Benjamin Franklin’s book and ask if they have ever heard it. (Most likely, they have.) Then, tell them that the book self-published by one of the most famous men in America is still read and quoted over two hundred years later. Not only are his words still printed and read, but countless people still follow his financial advice everyday. Who knows which self-published books of today will have a similar impact in the years to come.
ABOUT WENDY STETINA:
Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you  are enjoying this holiday. As you sit around the table and think about all the things you are thankful for, you might want to think about that book you have been meaning to publish. Sharing your story with the world is a great way to show how thankful you are for all the blessings in your life. Afterall, your book is a gift to the world, and it is priceless to those you share it with, whether your readers are family and friends or a targeted group such as young adults. After you’re done enjoying your turkey, take some time to think about your book, and consider finally taking the publication leap. We are here to help you every step of the way.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic children’s adventure novel written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. The novel tells the story of Milo, a bored, young boy who receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Since publication, The Phantom Tollbooth has been adapted into a film and play.

Published in 1961, The Phantom Tollbooth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this children’s classic, take a chance and publish your own children’s book. You never know, your book might just be the next Phantom Tollbooth.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.

5 Reasons to Self Publish in November

As the end of 2011 approaches, you may be wondering if now is the right time to self publish your book. Well, here are five reasons why November is a great time to self publish.

1) End of year promotions – Many self publishing companies are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great deals on publishing packages and marketing options.

2) An early 2012 release – If you start the publication process now, your book will probably be complete in early 2012. The beginning of a new year is a great time to begin marketing a book.

3) The calm after the storm – For most people, November and December means rushing around to decorate, shop and entertain, but January and February are typically slow months. If you are start the publishing process now, you can take advantage of the after-the-holidays-calm and use the slow months to perfect your book.

4) Get an early start on your 2012 resolution list – Publishing a book is a common task on the New Year’s resolution list. By self publishing in November, you can get a jump start on your to-do list, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing a resolution in the beginning of the year.

5) An early Christmas gift for yourself – When we write and publish, we often think about the reader, but at the end of the day, publishing is also about the writer. It is a major achievement to write and publish a book. Give yourself the priceless gift of seeing your book in print this year.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA:
Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.

Famous Self-Published Authors: Virginia Woolf

Almost everyone who has ever taken a literature course has heard of Virginia Woolf. She is regarded as one of the most important women writers; but did you know that most of her work was self published?

Virginia Woolf wrote essays, short stories and novels, most of which were self published through Hogarth Press. Woolf and her husband founded the company in 1917 to hand-print books. According to Beja Morris in “Critical Essays on Virginia Woolf,” today Virginia Woolf is considered “one of the greatest novelists of the twentieth century and one of the foremost modernists.”

Next time someone tells you that real writers only use traditional publishing houses, tell him or her that Virginia Woolf self-published most of her work and is now considered one of the best writers in history. Sure, many successful writers traditionally publish their books, but many writers also successfully self-publish their books. Don’t let stereotypes determine the destiny of your book. Do what is best for you. Self-publishing might just make your dreams come true.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA:
Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.