Kelly Speaks – Page 83 – Self Publishing Advisor

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 10/15/13

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.

Self-publishing boom sees 59% increase in DIY titles

A Bowker report shows a 59% increase in self-published titles. More than 391,000 self-published books with an ISBN were produced. Romance and literary fiction were among the top genres, and these authors helped drive the self-publishing growth. The article also shares information about who is buying self-published books and other trends. Anyone who is considering self-publishing a book should read this article.

WH Smith shuts down its website over hardcore pornographic ebooks

While self-publishing is a great opportunity for many authors, some people take advantage of the process and use it for disturbing purposes. Book sellers were recently exposed to pornographic ebooks depicting horrific topics such as rape and child abuse. After being alerted to the availability of these books, WH Smith shut down its website until the titles were removed. They do not promote such titles, and they have set up procedures to prevent a similar incident from happening again.

Self Publishing Company Earns Top 5-Star Rating from TopConsumerReviews.com

TopConsumerReviews.com recently rated the top self-publishing companies and awarded Outskirts Press with the highest 5-Star rating. The reviews help self-publishing authors decide which company is best for them. If you are considering self-publishing, this is a must read.

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

October Writing Challenge #2

One of my favorite months is finally here — October! Witches, ghosts, and goblins! Oh my!

In honor of Halloween, each week in October I will share a Halloween inspired writing challenge. These challenges are designed to spark creative ideas, help you stick to your writing routine, and provide a little fun in your hectic week. (After all, writing is supposed to be fun, right?)

Last week, we started the month with the Spiritual Poetry Challenge. If you missed it, be sure to check it out.

This week, we’ll move on to the 15 Minute Challenge. Your goal is to write about an experience that was scary, suspenseful or mysterious, but you only have 15 minutes to write to it. The story can be true or fictional. Here are the “rules.”

1) Set your timer.

Once you are ready to start the challenge, set a timer for 15 minutes. No working on the story before or after your timer is set.

2) Focus on quantity, not quality.

For the 15 minutes, try not to stress about the details. Just write like the wind. Write whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about fixing mistakes. Just write as much as you can for 15 minutes. You can always go back and “fix” the story later.

3) Keep going.

After completing the challenge you could do a couple of things. 1) You could be proud of yourself for completing the challenge and taking the time to write. You don’t ever have to look at the story again. You completed the goal. 2) You could let the challenge inspire a new project, such as a self-published mystery novel. 3) You could decide you like the story and choose to go back and continue working on it.

No matter what you decide to do after completing the challenge, be proud of yourself for taking 15 minutes to write. The more you write, the more likely you are to find success as a writer.

Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the next writing challenge!

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 10/08/13

Are Self-published Authors Really Authors or Even Published?

Dr. Jim Taylor, who has self-published 4 of his 14 books, addresses the questions, “Are self-published authors really authors?” He discusses why he self-published his four books, gives examples of famous self-published authors, and talks about how self-publishing provides opportunities to great writers.

Christian Self-Publishing Advances with New Collaboration

A new partnership involving four established companies in Christian publishing will offer authors a variety of services, ranging from editing to distribution. The new company, 1Source, is a collaborative effort including Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild, Believers Press, Bethany Press, and Anchor Distributors. It has already signed novelists Brandilyn Collins and Bill Myers.

Melody Grace Has Two Self-Published Books Among Top Paid iBooks

Only two self-published books landed among all the top paid books in the in Apple’s iBookstore this week–both written by Melody Grace. The list included Grace’s Unbroken at No. 12 and Unafraid at No. 20. Self-publishing authors should review the books on the list, and other top lists, to stay current on what is happening in the industry.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

October Writing Challenge #1

One of the favorite months is finally here — October! Witches, ghosts, and goblins! Oh my!

This week, we’ll start with the Spiritual Poetry Challenge. Tap into the spirit of Halloween and write a poem about a spiritual event or encounter. Possible topics include death, ghosts, or after death communication with someone who has passed. For instance, pick a real or fictional person who has passed and imagine what he/she would say to you. Also, if you have ever had a spiritual encounter, you could write the poem about that event.

This challenge will be unique for each individual. In some religions, spiritual encounters and after death communication are significant parts of their beliefs, and the poems may reflect those beliefs. For others, this challenge may simply be a fun way to imagine an conversation with a late celebrity, famous author, or even a childhood pet.

Be sure to check back next Wednesday for the next writing challenge!

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 10/01/13

James Lloyd on self-publishing: ‘We have to rely on word of mouth’

Successful self-publishing children’s book author James Lloyd shares his self publishing experience, including what it is like to work with an illustrator. Anyone considering self-publishing a children’s book should read this article.

Self-Publishing – Publishing SOLO Releases Dictionary of Self-Publishing Terms

To clear up confusion in the digital book publishing industry PUBLISHING SOLO has recently announced, “The Dictionary of Publishing Terms,” available at their website. Also available on October 1, 2013 will be a small complimentary e-book Dictionary of Publishing Terms–designed as a primer to help those interested in publishing their own book get a good start.

Northwood, N.D., husband, wife self-publish first novels

When husband and wife Lorinda and Guy Donovan quit their jobs in the film industry and moved from Los Angeles to Northwood, N.D., the couple longed to do something creative again. In this article, the couple shares their self-publishing story.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: