Category: Jodee Speaks

Jodee Speaks

The Benefits of Copyediting for Self Published Authors

Every author, whether self-publishing or traditional publishing, needs an editor. Even authors who work as editors need another editor to review their manuscripts because they know their own writing too well to view it objectively. When you’re too familiar with your own work,  your eye naturally skips over typos and errors. Hiring a copyeditor ensures that all those easy to  make errors are caught.

Additionally, storytelling and expression are different skills from language mechanics. You may be a brilliant storyteller but lack expertise in formatting, punctuation, and book style: That’s where editing comes in. Your editor cleans up the details, while you focus on the creative aspects of your work.

Also, copyeditors look for more than just grammar and spelling errors. They are experts in different styles, such as Chicago style and AP style, and they look for consistency and adherence to style guidelines in your manuscript. If you want your book to be viewed as professional, it must meet the appropriate style guidelines.

When hiring a copyeditor, it is important to note that there are different levels and styles of editing. Basic copyediting is a good choice for many authors, but there are more in-depth editing services available as well. Stay tuned for my upcoming posts explaining the different levels of copyediting.

I’d love to know, why do you plan to hire a copyeditor?

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.
Jodee Speaks

Top 7 Book Formatting Questions for Self Publishing Authors

For new self-published authors, properly  formatting a book can be a bit overwhelming.  There are many questions that arise in formatting a page:

  • Should I use double space or single space?
  • Do I indent and/or leave a space between paragraphs?
  • Should my manuscript include headers and footers?
  • How should I number my pages?
  • What should my page margins be?
  • What font and font size will be easiest to read?
  • What elements, other than the book content itself, should be included?

You may be wondering why these formatting variants even matter. Well, clear, consistent formatting creates a page that is visually appealing to readers. When formatted properly, a book should feel both familiar and fresh and should be easy for readers to follow.

Luckily, it is not necessary for you to become an expert in book formatting in order to create a professionally formatted self-published book.  Many full-service publishing companies work with you to ensure that your book is in tip-top shape before it is printed. For instance, at Outskirts Press, standard professional interior formatting that meets high-end industry specifications for your genre is included with all publishing packages.They also offer additional options to further address your specific ideas and concerns.

If you have book formatting questions, contact your self-publishing company. If you are still choosing a self-publishing company and formatting is a concern, be sure to pick a company that will assist you with this process. Best of luck!

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.
Jodee Speaks

Self-Publishing Analysis Paralysis

Today I want to blog about decision making, or the lack thereof.  What brought this to mind was receiving an email from an author I have been in contact with for a full year now.  Her manuscript has been done for over a year, and she has spent the past 12 months shopping self-publishing companies for the “best deal.”  After a year of research, she still hasn’t made a decision!  She could have had her book published and in her hands nine months ago.  She could be earning her investment back by now, but instead she is stuck with analysis paralysis.

I don’t imagine most authors would take this long to make the decision, but if you find yourself unable to move forward because of all the different self-publishing companies and various packages, options, and promotions,  know that you are not alone. Many authors suffer from “analysis paralysis,” also known as over-thinking a situation so a decision or action is never taken.

While it is important to research self-publishing companies and the various options available before choosing a package and company, it is also essential that you find the courage to choose a company and begin the publication process. At some point, an author might need to take all the analysis and logic out of the equation and make a decision based on the rapport he or she established with a particular company during the analysis phase  or choose to go with a company that has values that match his or her own.  Perhaps a company such as Outskirts Press which is grounded in family-values would be a good match for you.

Choosing a self-publishing company is like any important decision in life; you can analyze and analyze and analyze, but eventually you have to make a decision, and sometimes that decision is based on something other than logic.

I’d love to know, what made you choose your self-publishing company?

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.
Jodee Speaks

Top 5 Reasons to Self-Publish in August

Summer is coming to an end and the holidays and a new year are right around the corner. If you’ve been considering self-publishing, August is the perfect time to take the leap! Here are the top five reasons why.

1. Have Your Book by Christmas

Everyone should treat themselves to a great Christmas gift, and what could be a better gift than seeing your book in print? If you self-publish now, your book could be ready by Christmas. (Books also make great Christmas gifts for family members and friends.)

2. Celebrate Book Lovers Day

Book Lovers Day was August 9th. While the holiday is already over, you can still celebrate by finally becoming a self-published author. And by this time next year, you can celebrate the day by promoting your own self-published book!

3. Beach Time is Ending

As summer comes to an end, you will be bombarded with holiday to-do lists. Take advantage of the final, relaxing days of summer and finish your manuscript before the busy holiday season begins. Proofreading your manuscript on the beach is a perfect way to end the summer.

4. Back to School Time

If your book is geared towards an educational market, now is the perfect time to self-publish your book. With school back in session, teachers, students, and parents will all be purchasing books for the new school year. You may want to contact schools to find out their requirements for using your book so you can plan accordingly.

5. Promotions

Every month self-publishing companies such as Outskirts Press offer great promotions. This month, Outskirts Press is offering $300 in free upgrades. For details, visit their website by clicking here.

I’d love to know, why do you plan to self-publish in August?

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.
Jodee Speaks

Strike While the Skillet is Hot and Publish Your Cookbook

Do you love to cook? Now is a great time to publish a cookbook. Viewers and readers are loving food-related shows and books. You can take advantage of this booming market and share your recipes with the world.

If you decide to publish a cookbook, you need to understand that there are very specific formatting methods for this genre. You will need to decide how to layout all of the elements including lists, instructions, photos, and more. This is essential as you want the book to be appealing with consistent formatting and easy to follow.

If this all sounds confusing, don’t worry. Simply speak to someone at your self-publishing company to find out if they offer assistance with this task. For instance, Outskirts Press recently introduced the Cookbook Formatting Kit, which provides a simple process to help you design your cookbook. This low-cost kit can make your dreams of becoming a cookbook author come true.

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.