Category: Kelly Speaks

Kelly Speaks

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope each of you have a joyous holiday and have the opportunity to create wonderful memories with those you love. If you have a few moments, take some time to write down your thoughts, feelings, and memories from the day. Perhaps they will inspire a writing project later, and if not, at least you will always have something to help you remember this 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.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 12/24/13

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.

Obama’s Brother Is Self-Publishing an Autobiography to Set the Record Straight

Obama’s half brother Mark Obama Ndesandjo is self-publishing an autobiography detailing the abuse his mother suffered at the hands of their father. The book, Cultures: My Odyssey of Self-Discovery, will discuss Mark’s relationship with his brother as well as address supposed inaccuracies in the president’s own memoir.

My Long Road To Self-Publishing

John Biggs shares his publishing journey, which includes both traditional and self-publishing. He also discusses why crowdfunding is a viable alternative to traditional models.

Writing Memoirs: Telling The Ugly Truth in a Beautiful Way

This is a great article for memoir writers, even if they don’t plan to self-publish. The author talks about the process and  challenge of writing a readable, uplifting non-fiction book that deals with difficult facts. This is an inspiring article for memoir 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

Foreword Book Award Deadline Fast Approaching

ForeWord’s Book of the Year Awards 2013 is currently accepting entries for independently published books published in 2013. This includes self-published, university press, and POD books. All entries must be postmarked no later than January 15, 2014, but applicants are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible.

Eligibility

Any independently published titles in any format—including eBooks—published in 2013. New editions of previously issued books are eligible with newly issued ISBNs. Books that are postmarked after the deadline will not be eligible.

Why Enter

Book contests are a great way for self-published authors to build their credibility and promote their book. ForeWord’s Book of the Year Awards were established to bring increased attention from librarians and booksellers to the literary achievements of independent publishers and their authors. A jury of readers, librarians and booksellers select their top categories as well as choose the winning titles. Their decisions take into consideration editorial excellence, professional production, originality of the narrative, author credentials relative to the book, and the value the title adds to its genre.

With the holidays right around the corner, it is easy to get distracted and run out of time, so it is a good idea to submit your entry now so you don’t forget and miss the January deadline. For more information on how to enter, visit https://www.forewordreviews.com/services/book-awards/botya/.

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: 12/17/13

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.

5 Lessons From a Proud Self-Published Author

One of the best ways to improve your chance of success as a self-published author is learning from the mistakes and triumphs of other self-published authors. In this article, self-published author Jessica Smock shares five lessons that will help you improve your book. Every writer should read her advice.

10 Tips For Self-Publishing A Multi-Contributor Anthology

If you are planning to self-publish a multi-contributor anthology, this is a must read. The author shares 10 tips that will help the project go smoothly and make working with writers easier.

Self-published Seattle Author Tops Amazon Book Category List for Memoirs During Prime Holiday Shopping Season

Being on top of one of Amazon’s book lists is always a huge accomplishment, but to do it during the prime holiday shopping season is even more astounding. This article shares the success story of self-published memoir author  Molly McCord, who reached #2 on Amazon’s Memoirs: Adventurers and Explorers category.

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

NaNoWriMo is Over, Now What?

Congratulations to everyone who finished the NaNoWriMo challenge as well as those who worked on their manuscripts but didn’t finish. Even though NaNoWriMo is over, you can still finish your book or start the publishing process. Here are three things to do now that NaNoWriMo has ended.

1. Set a new goal.

Whether or not you finished the challenge, now is the perfect time to set a new goal for yourself. There are only a few of 2013 left, so why not use them to do something that will help make your writing dreams come true. Some possible goals include finishing your manuscript or editing your first draft.

2. Edit, edit, edit.

NaNoWriMo is all about writing a certain number of words in a month, so writers save revisions and edits for later. It is essential for you to go back and edit your manuscript for developmental issues such as plot and characters as well as grammar and style. I highly recommend writers have a professional editor review your manuscript before publication.

3. Publish!

Once your manuscript is complete and ready for publication, start researching publishing options. Whether you choose to self-publish or use a traditional publisher, research is important. Each publisher offers different services, and traditional publishers are very specific about the type of books they will publish.

I’d love to know, what are your plans now that NaNoWriMo is over?

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.