Category: Kelly Speaks

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

How Writers Can Celebrate National Anti-boredom Month

July is National Anti-boredom Month, which encourages everyone to find ways to fight off boredom. Luckily, writers have a special weapon against boredom: creativity! Here are five creative activities to help you “celebrate” anti-boredom month.

1. Read.

Reading is a great activity to beat boredom. It can take you to places far, far away, introduce you to characters  you’ve never met, teach you lessons or skills, and allow you to see the world from a new perspective.

2. Play writing games.

If you search online or visit your local bookstore or library, you can find plenty of fun writing prompts. These simple activities can get your creative juices flowing and may just spark a great story idea.

3. Try a new art.

Many authors find they enjoy other forms of art, such as music, painting, and photography. Study the work of these artists, perhaps by visiting a museum or local art show. Also, try your hand at a new medium. Learning a new craft won’t only keep you from getting bored, but it could also inspire your writing.

4. Travel.

Traveling is a great way to beat boredom and inspire your creative work. Even if you can’t travel to a far away place, spend some time this month traveling to new and unique places close to you. You can easily find a list of local attractions online, or ask other locals their favorite places to go.

5. Write.

Writers are always complaining they don’t have time to write, yet ironically, you’ll also find these same writers saying they’re bored. Fill those moments of boredom with writing! Whether you’re waiting for your food to arrive on your lunch break or sitting on a train ride home, break out the notebook or laptop and start writing. Once you finish your manuscript, start working on the self-publishing process.

I’d love to know, how are you celebrating National Anti-boredom Month?

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.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/08/14

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.

Should SFWA Allow Self-Published Authors To Join?

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America has invited comment on how to include self-published and indie authors in its membership. The association currently requires members to publish a few short stories or one novel with a publisher paying “professional” rates.

Indie Spotlight on Children’s Authors

This article interviews five successful self-published children’s authors who share their self-publishing advice. This is a must read for children’s authors.

15 Insightful Quotations About Self-Publishing

If you are looking for inspiration or self-publishing words of wisdom, you’ll love this post. It features 15 insightful quotes from industry professionals.

The Guardian’s First Self-Published Book Prize Winner – Finally Some Recognition for Self-Published Authors

The author of this article shares her views on self-published authors receiving more recognition. It is an interesting read for all writers.

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.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

Celebrate Independence Day with Independent Publishing

Remember the days when the dream of becoming a published author seemed impossible? When publishing a book meant spending hours researching companies and editors and writing countless queries only to receive no response, or worse a rejection letter. Well, those days are gone.

Authors are no longer required to suffer the authoritative power of traditional publishing firms. They now have the freedom to independently publish their books without the approval of a profit-minded company. Here are three reasons you should celebrate Independence Day by self-publishing.

1. Freedom of speech.

Traditional publishers are looking for books that appeal to a widespread, commercial market. They rarely are willing to take the chance on a book that is unique or appeals to a niche market. This doesn’t mean your book isn’t worth publishing. It simply means your manuscript doesn’t match what that company wants to say to their readers. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to write your story as you see fit.

2. Creative freedom.

If your manuscript is accepted by a traditional publishing company, you lose control of the project once you sign your contract. The editor may require you to change a large portion of your book, and you will have little say in creative processes such as cover design and illustrations. With self-publishing, you have the freedom to control the entire process so your book looks and reads exactly how you imagined.

3. Freedom of choice.

With traditional publishing, authors get little say in details such as pricing and distribution. Self-publishing authors are not confined by this lack of power. They have the freedom to make choices throughout the entire publishing process. They are completely in control of the destiny of their book.

As you celebrate the 4th of July and reflect on all the freedoms you enjoy, I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to independently publish your book. Don’t let your publishing dreams go unrealized.

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.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/01/14

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.

Offset Printing Versus Print-on-Demand

When choosing a publisher, it is important to understand the different services offered. This article explains the difference between offset printing companies and print-on-demand companies.

Copyright Protection: The Best 35 Dollars You’ll Ever Spend

This great article explains what copyright law does and does not say, and it explains how to get a copyright and what to do if someone infringes your copyright. This is a must read for all authors.

 Self Publishing is Not for the Faint of Heart with Magda Alexander

This article discusses the importance of a great editor and proofreader and how to hire professionals. It also discusses formatting, book covers, and marketing.

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.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Summer Writing Goals

Summer is the perfect time to set and accomplish writing goals. Many people have time off work. The extra daylight makes you feel like you have more time in the day. The season is filled with inspiration. Whether you haven’t started your book or your book is already published, here are three ways you can make your writing dreams come true this summer.

1. The new project.

You’ve been dreaming of publishing a book, but you haven’t found the time or motivation. Well, now is the perfect time to start. Commit to the goal of finishing your manuscript by the end of August. Use small daily goals, such as writing for a certain amount of time, to help you achieve your dream.

2. The published book.

Perhaps you have a manuscript that is ready to be published. Now is the perfect time to start the publishing process. Your goals should include:

  • Research and choose a publisher.
  • Edit your manuscript.
  • Start thinking about cover design.

3. The successful book.

If you’ve already published your book, now is the time to focus on marketing. A great marketing plan is the key to a successful book. No one can buy your book if they don’t know it exists. Set marketing goals such as:

  • Research summer events where you can display (and sell) your book.
  • Set up and maintain social media pages.
  • Contact local news sources.

I’d love to know, what are your summer writing goals?

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.