Copyediting Is A Must For Self-Published Authors

Copyediting is different from the revision process. While you may read through your manuscript before publishing, that does not count has copyediting for two reasons. 1) Most writers can’t read their writing objectively. It is easy to overlook areas of weakness because you know what you are trying to say, and you are more likely to miss obvious errors because you are too comfortable with the material. 2) You aren’t the expert. Copyediting requires training on grammar and style. Copy editors look for more than just misspellings and typos. There are specific ways that items such as numbers and titles should be formatted. They also can pick up on inconsistencies you may not notice.

Self-publishing sometimes gets a bad rep because authors don’t spend the money to have their manuscript copyedited. If you want your book to be taken seriously, it needs to look and sound professional. This is especially important for non-fiction books by experts. If you want to be recognized as an expert, you must have your book copyedited.

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 Earth Day With POD

Earth Day is coming up, and everyone is trying to be a little more eco-friendly. Print on Demand (POD) is perfect for environmentally conscious authors because books aren’t printed until they are purchased. Therefore, no trees are being killed to create an inventory that will just sit around, and no energy is being used to create a book that won’t sell.

Self publishing can also be an eco-conscious choice if you find a company who shares your values. Check out Self Publishing for the Eco-Conscious to learn more. Happy Earth Day!

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.

The Writer’s Bucket List

I was recently watching Good Morning America and saw a story that reminded me of all the authors I work with and all the people who visit this blog. The story was about a group of young men who decided to create a list of things they wanted to do before they died. Then, they set out to complete the list. Along the way, they talked to other people to find out their dreams. This all lead to them writing a book called What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?

The story intrigued me because “write a best-selling book” was one of the items on their bucket lists, and they’ve actually taken the time to write and promote their book. While it’s not a best seller yet, it has the potential to be one. This reminded me of all the people I’ve heard say that they want to write and publish a book before they die. With self publishing, you can.

If publishing a book is on your bucket list, there is an easy way to cross it off. Finish that manuscript, and start the self publishing process. There are no agents or editors to squash your dream. You are in control. Don’t wait until you’re old or sick and wishing you’d done more things on your bucket list. Start living today, and make those 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.

Top 5 Reasons to Self Publish in April

April is one of my favorite months. The weather is getting warmer, and the flowers are in bloom. Everyone is slowly starting to come out of winter hibernation. Plus, April is a great month to self publish a book! Here’s why:

You can put your tax refund to good use.

Instead of letting it sit in the bank or wasting it on material items you’ll forget in a month, invest in something great: you! Whether you’re a creative writing wanting to publish your debut novel or a professional wanting to increase your platform, publishing a book is a wonderful investment.

April is National Poetry Month.

April is the perfect time for poets to publish their collections. Take the jump, and do it in honor of all your favorite poets.

Spring is a time for new beginnings.

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and rebirth. So start your new beginning today by going from aspiring author to published author.

Celebrate April Fool’s Day by proving you’re not a “fool.”

Too often people dream of writing a book and never do it. Whether you want to share your family’s recipes, write the next best-selling young adult book, or build your credibility with a nonfiction book, now is the perfect time. Stop waiting for the right moment, and take the plunge.

Save 20% off an iPad.

Every month, self-publishing companies such as Outskirts Press offer promotions. This month, Outskirts Press is offering 20% off an iPad. For details, visit their website by clicking here.

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.

Make Your Publishing Dream Come True

Have you dreamed about publishing a book since you were a child? Do you spend countless hours perfecting your craft and hope to one day share your story with the world? Are you a professional who wants to improve your platform by publishing a non-fiction book?

Whatever your dream, you can make it come true. Too often, people think of the endless rejection notices and years of disappoint associated with traditional publishing with thinking about professional writing, but this doesn’t have to be your story. You can see your book in print without years of heartbreak and rejection.

Self-publishing lets you decide if and when your story is ready to be shared with the world. You call all the shots, including how the book looks and how much it costs. By deciding to self-publish, you are deciding to make your dreams come true. Everyone has a story to share, and everyone deserves to see their writing in print. If you are ready to stop dreaming and start celebrating your accomplishment of writing a book, start the self-publishing process today. You deserve it.

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.