Category: Kelly Speaks

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 4/29/14

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 Don’t Need a New Term

This interesting article takes a look at the desire to rename self-publishing in hopes of ditching the stigma that used to come with self-publishing and to better represent the authors who use self-publishing companies. My favorite part of the article is this: “The problem with trying to re-term and invent new labels to make ourselves feel better misses a larger point, anyway, which is that there’s only one label that really matters: ‘published author.'”

Blurb teams up with Amazon for self-published photo books

Blurb, the indie publishing platform that lets photographers self-publish their books, has joined forces with Amazon to sell and distribute books produced and designed by Blurb authors. This opens up a great opportunity for photographers to propel their work into the public eye.

‘I should write a book:’ Why authors decide to self-publish

This article looks at various reasons authors decided to self-publish their books. It is an interesting read for all writers who may be 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.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

How Self-Publishing Can Help the Environment

In honor of Earth Day yesterday (April 22, 2014), you may be looking for ways you can help protect our planet and preserve our precious resources. Self-publishing is a great option for eco-conscious authors. Many self-published companies offer “green” services and technology. Here is why self-publishing is the most environmentally friendly publishing choice.

  •  Self-published ebooks save trees because they are paperless. Saving trees is important for not only maintaining the beauty of our land, but also the health.
  • Paperback or hardcover copies can be printed on recycled paper or paper made from sustainable resources. Contact your self-publishing company to learn more.
  • The print-on-demand model is the most resource-efficient way to publish.  It eliminates warehousing, returns and pulping.
  • Self-publishing allows you to publish books on topics related to the environment. You could share green living tips, inform readers about problems in the environment, or just use green topics as the basis for a novel.
  • Some self-publishing companies use alternative energy sources and support eco-friendly organizations.

To learn more about the eco-conscious options available from your self-publishing company, talk to self-publishing support team.

I’d love to know, how do you plan to use self-publishing to protect the environment?

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: 4/22/14

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.

Research and Markets: The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014” report to their offering. The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing details the journey self-publishing has taken over the last few years and shows compelling data on who is actually buying self-published books and in what format. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

5 Tips for Self Publishers from ‘Party Girl’ Author Erin Shaw

In this article, self-published author Erin Shaw offers five tips for self-publishing authors. Here advice includes there’s no shame in self-publishing, a good editor will break your heart a little, and more. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Forget agents and big-time publishers, today’s savvy writers are authors of their own destinies 

This article discusses three writers who used self-publishing to create their own destinies. The authors include “the godfather of self-publishing” Hugh Howey, up and coming author S.K Falls, and hybrid author Chuck Wendig. This 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

4 Reasons to Self-Publish This Easter

Holidays can be an excellent source of motivation and inspiration, and many great books center around a specific holiday. Here are four reasons you should self-publish this Easter.

1. Children’s Books

Holiday themed books are especially popular among children’s book authors because teachers, parents, and kids love to read books related to what children are experiencing at that time. Perhaps you could write a book Sunday school teachers could use to teach kids about Easter, or you could create a funny bunny story that plays with alliterations, metaphors, and other writing techniques so teachers could use the book in writing lessons.

2. Adult Books

Holiday themes aren’t just for children. Many adult books centered around a holiday also have success. There are countless possibilities depending on your interests, non-fiction, Christian fiction, mystery, romance, poetry, and more. Let the holiday inspire you, and be creative.

3. Time to Write

Most people have time off from work near Easter. This long weekend is a great opportunity to work on your book. Use this extra time to brainstorm ideas, finish your manuscript, start a new writing project, or begin the self-publishing process.

4. Family and Friends

Most people are surrounded by family and friends during the holidays. This is a great opportunity to get the support and motivation you need to complete your writing project. This Easter, tell your family and friends about your writing goals and the projects you are working on. Their enthusiasm and support will help you through the process.

I’d love to know, what are your favorite holiday themed books?

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: 4/15/14

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.

Amazon’s Vision for the Future of Self-Publishing

This article discusses Jon Fine’s, director of author and publishing relations at Amazon, vision of the future of self-publishing. Predictions include a name change, more options, and discoverability problems. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Why Audiobooks Are the Next Big Thing in Self-Publishing

This article looks at traditional and self-published audiobooks and shares the writer’s first hand experience with publishing paper books as well as audiobooks. The writer is the author of more than 14 books, so she has a lot of experience in the traditional and self-publishing industry. This is an interesting read for all writers.

 UK Paper The Guardian Launches Monthly Self-Publishing Award

The Guardian and Legend Times have announced a new monthly writing prize, highlighting the best self-published novels. The winning novel will be selected by a panel of industry judges each month and reviewed in the Guardian. Awards are a great way for self-published authors to gain credibility and publicity. The article discusses all the submission details.

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.