Wendy Stetina

100 Years of Dr. Seuss

This month, we’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Dr. Seuss, the man who created all of the amazing children’s stories. Loved by children and adults, Dr. Seuss wrote some of the most popular children’s books in the history of literature. Everyone knows his titles: The Cat in The Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and so many more. Today, his creations have been turned into movies, and his name has become an enterprise.

But Dr. Seuss wasn’t always so respected. In the beginning of his career, he received rejection after rejection, but he didn’t give up. He knew he had stories to share with the world. If he hadn’t believed in his work, we all would have missed out on one of the most talented and special writers in history.

As you work on your books this month and consider publishing, remember Dr. Seuss. Believe in your talent and in your story, and in honor of the great author, take a risk and stand up for your work. Who knows, maybe one day your books will be as popular as his.

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.

Wendy Speaks

Top 5 Reasons to Self Publish in March

Spring, the season of rebirth, is almost here. Why not start off your spring with the “birth” of your self-published book and go from hopeful writer to published author? Here are five reasons why March is the perfect time to take the leap.

1) St. Patrick’s Day – I love reasons to give gifts to yourself. We’re always so focused on giving to others that we neglect the things we want and need most. Celebrate this Irish holiday by making your dream of publication come true.

2) It’s Almost Tax Time – April is a busy month for self-publishing companies because people use their tax return checks to pay for their self-publishing expenses. Avoid the tax time rush by starting the publication process in March.

3) Done Before Vacation – If you start the self-publishing process now, you will probably have your book finished by summer. This means you can enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about publishing. Maybe you can even watch people read your book as they lounge on the beach.

4) One Less Thing On Your To-Do List – We are only three months into 2012. Why not cross publishing a book off your list early so you can enjoy the rest of the year as a published author?

5) Give Aways – Most self-publishing companies offer monthly promotions and special offers. For instance, this month Outskirts Press authors can receive a free enhanced interior.

So what are you waiting for? Start making your dreams come true.

Uncategorized, Wendy Speaks

Famous Self-Published Author: Thomas Paine

In school, you learned all about the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Well, one of the most important publications at that time was originally self-published. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a pamphlet that encouraged freedom from England. The pamphlet was originally self-published anonymously and became an instant success. The publication is still discussed and read in schools and colleges today.

Not only did people read and love this self-published publication, but it sparked change and lead to our freedom. If you want to make a difference in society, share your ideas with the world. Don’t be afraid of rejection, and if someone tells you that no one will ever read or remember a self-published book, think of Thomas Paine.

Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

LCCN Explained

If you’re wondering what the heck a LCCN is, you’re in the right place. Here is a brief explanation of the four-letter acronym and why you need one.

What is LCCN?

LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. Instead of using an ISBN to track titles, libraries use a LCCN.

Why do you need one?

To be eligible for distribution in the library system, your title must have a LCCN. Children’s book authors should definitely get a LCCN so their book can be available both in public and school libraries.

To learn more about LCCNs, check out these previous post.

LOC Acronyms Explained

How to Get Your Self-Published Book in a Library

Who Needs an LCCN?

Book Design, Uncategorized, Wendy Speaks

Illustrations Affect the Success of Your Children’s Book

So – you have written a charming children’s story. Your children and all of your friends’ children love the storyline and the characters. You dream of becoming a published author. Perhaps you have ideas for a series that involve many stories with the same characters. Bringing those figures to life with an investment in high quality illustrations will contribute to the success of your book.

I regularly tell authors: if you do not purchase one of our professional illustration sets, please hire an independent graphic illustrator to create your images. Make sure that you get a release from the artist giving you permission to use the illustrations and always get in writing that they will not be receiving any portion of the royalties from your book.

If you want your book to be taken seriously, you need to spend a little money to make it look professional.

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