Self-Publishing Week in Review: 6/24/14

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.

Self-publishing industry empowers local authors, service providers

This article shares self-publishing statistics and tips for marketing your book. It is an interesting read for all writers.

Self-Publishing Offers Hope for Diverse Authors Shut Out by Traditional Publishers

This article points out the lack of diversity in the publishing industry and how self-publishing can help close the gap. Self-publishing gives readers access to stories, characters, and settings outside the “mainstream.”

DIY: Book Jacket and Cover Design

This article shares why it may be a good investment to hire a professional to design your book cover. It shares how to choose a designer and how to maximize the design. This is a great read for anyone deciding whether to design their own cover or hire a professional.

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.

Beijing Book Fair 2014

Book fairs are an excellent way for self-published authors to promote their books and network with industry professionals. The Beijing Book Fair 2014 will take place August 27th through 31st, so now is the time to consider registering your book.

The Beijing International Book Fair is the largest publishing industry event in the Asian Market. This is a huge opportunity for self-published authors, considering China is the most populous country in the world. This market is interested in books translated into their local language as well as the rights to distribute English Language content. English language titles are at the forefront of the market growth in China.

Children’s books authors can be especially lucrative in this market, since the government mandates that all Chinese children learn English at an early age. STM, academic areas, sports, sports medicine, and military history are also areas that have been in high demand.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors attend the show annually to see the books from 56 different countries. Your book could be there!

To learn more, visit http://www.chinaexhibition.com/Official_Site/11-2822-BIBF_2013_-_The_20th_Beijing_International_Book_Fair.html

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.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 6/17/14

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.

The Guardian’s first self-published book prize winner

The Guardian, a major newspaper, is now showcasing self-published authors. The publication has announced the first winner of its new monthly self-published book contest: Dinosaurs and Prime Numbers. It is important for authors to study other successful self-published books to help improve their own success.

Self-publishing boom lifts sales by 79% in a year

Self-published books’ share of the UK market grew by 79% in 2013, with 18m self-published books bought by UK readers last year, according to new statistics. This article details the findings in the study that shows self-publishing is still booming. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Writers Who Rocked Self-Publishing

This Publisher’s Weekly article features three successful self-published authors and shares their secrets to success. This is a must read for all self-published authors.

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.

3 Ways to Give Your Dad the Gift of Self-Publishing

Father’s Day is June 15th, and perhaps you are still looking for the perfect gift to give your dad. Well, if your dad has always wanted to publish a book, self-publishing may just be the perfect present. Here are three ways you can give your dad the gift of self-publishing this Father’s Day.

1. Buy him a publishing package.

Self-publishing companies offer a variety of publishing packages to meet a range of needs. Purchase a publishing package with your dad’s favorite publishing company. Some companies, such as Outskirts Press, actually offer instant gift cards you can order online.

2. Hire a ghostwriter for him.

If your dad has always wanted to publish a book but struggles to write it, consider hiring him a ghostwriter. Whether he simply needs help finishing up a manuscript or needs help from start to finish, a professional ghostwriter can help him write the book of his dreams.

3. Self-publish in his honor.

If you’ve written a book in honor of your dad, now is the perfect time to publish it. He will be deeply touched by the special gift and cherish it forever.

I’d love to know, what are you giving your dad this Father’s Day?

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.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 6/10/14

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.

Self-published Authors Learn to Market to Libraries

This article details the “Moving beyond online sales: Marketing to libraries” program by uPublishU. Topics discussed include why marketing to libraries is important, ebooks, and marketing tips. This is a fascinating read for all self-publishing authors.

Are Book Giveaways Still Worth It for Indie Authors?

In this article, several successful indie authors share their thoughts on book giveaways. This is an interesting read for authors considering book giveaways and for those looking for promotional ideas.

The #1 Reason to go Indie

This blogger shares the number one reason to self-publish your book. This is a must read for anyone considering self-publishing.

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.