Kelly Speaks – Page 96 – Self Publishing Advisor

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by Self Publishing a Book

This week, we are celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This federal holiday celebrates the nonviolent activist who was the main spokesperson during the civil rights movement. Not only does this day make us reflect on our country’s history, but it also reminds us of the power of words. Violence doesn’t solve problems, but words can inspire change.

This year, celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. by using your own voice to spark change. What are you passionate about? What changes do you want to see in your country, community, or family? What is your vision for the future? Rather than just sit back and resent the problems around you, make a difference by using your voice. Write a letter, poem, short story or book about the problem, and share it with others by self publishing. You could even ask other people to contribute their words to your project.

We are not helpless individuals who must sit back and tolerate the problems around us. If you want change, help make it happen.

I’d love to know, what will you write in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year?

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

How to Write and Publish a Children’s Book

Books for children and young adults are among the hottest selling titles right now, and there are a variety of reasons people want to write books for children. Some writers have a particular lesson or story they want to share with kids. Others simply love children and want to write for them. And then there are those writers who are just children at heart and connect best with a younger audience. Whatever your reasons for wanting to write for children, you can write and publish a children’s book. Here’s how:

1. Learn about the market and your audience.

Writing for children is not the same as writing for adults, and there are different types of children’s books: picture books, easy readers, middle grade novels and young adult novels. Each of these different audiences expect different things from a book. To help you better understand the craft of writing for children, take a class or pick up a few books on the topic. It is also helpful to study your audience. Watch the shows they are interested in. Listen to the music that is popular. Go to a public place and observe how they interact with people. If you want to create believable characters, you need to understand your audience.

2. Figure out your goals.

Once you have a good understanding of the market and your audience, decide what you want to write. What is your mission as a children’s author? What do you want to tell your audience? This is the time to start generating story ideas and creating characters. You can use your own childhood, current events and your imagination to inspire your writing.

3. Write and Rewrite.

Once you know what you want to write, you have to actually put the words on paper. This is often the most difficult part for many writers, but don’t get discouraged. Simply make an effort to consistently work on your story, and remember that a first draft is not a finished product; it doesn’t need to be perfect. Don’t be afraid to rewrite your story several times. Writing for children is not easy, and it can take several attempts to find just the right words.

4. Start the publishing process.

Self publishing is a great option for children’s book authors because it provides complete control over the project. For instance, authors who publish with traditional publishing firms typically have no say in the illustrations that accompany their story. Since the pictures can make or break a children’s book, it is important that the author’s vision is considered during this process. Many self publishing companies offer a variety of illustration services and various publishing packages to accommodate your needs.

I’d love to know, why do you want to write for children?

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 1/8/13

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 in self publishing this week.

TEXAS READS: Self-publishing a way to release the book in you, but do it right

This article for a Texas newspaper shares the columnist’s opinion on and experience with self publishing. As a book reviewer and fellow author, he offers useful and interesting insight on the subject.

Sumner Library hosts event about self publishing

I love to see people besides self publishing companies promoting self publishing. It shows that people are truly interested in the topic and proves that the information out there isn’t just companies marketing themselves to convince you to self publish. Self publishing really is a great option for many authors. If you live in the area, be sure to check out this free event at Sumner Library on January 18.

Self-published book chronicles cancer journey

This is a fascinating story about a cancer survivor who chronicles her journey by writing a book. The book covers the hardships, indignities and triumphs she experienced during her battle with cancer. In the article, she also talks about her experiences during the self publishing process.

Outskirts Press Kicks Off 2013 with Free Social Media Set-Up for Self-Publishing Authors in January

Social media is one of the most powerful, persuasive tools authors can use in their book marketing efforts. During the month of January, Outskirts Press is offering authors free social media set-up services – a savings of up to $499. This is a great deal for self publishing authors!

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

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 1/1/13

Young Fantasy Authors Enter World of Self-Publishing With Nimpentoad

This article tells the story of a dad who writes and self publishes a book with his two sons, five and seven years old. The children help the author with the characters, plot line, and overall look and feel of the book. The result is a fantasy chapter book for young readers called Nimpentoad. The book is well-reviewed and the boys have been featured at various speaking events and in Young Entrepreneur Magazine. It is truly a fascinating and inspiring story.

Legal Issues in Self-Publishing: What Authors Need to Know

As a self publishing author, it is important that you are aware of the legal issues associated with the publishing industry, and you should always seek professional guidance for any legal issue that you need assistance with. This interview discusses the legal issues that self publishing authors should be aware of, such as copyright laws.

And Then What Happened? More of My Self-Publishing Diaries

Author Julie Gerstenblatt talks about the self-publishing process and preparing her manuscript for publication. My favorite part of the story is about her husband designing the cover of her book. He was originally disappointed when he was told he couldn’t do the cover if her book was picked up by a traditional publishing company, but the couple loves the freedom to use their artistic skills and work together when Gerstenblatt decides to self publish.

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

Kelly Speaks

3 Reasons to Use a Pseudonym When Self-Publishing Your Book

Some of the most famous authors in history have used pen names, including Dr. Seuss, J.K. Rowling, Lewis Carroll, and Mark Twain. When self-publishing a book, you too may want to consider using a pseudonym. Here are three reasons why.

1. Gender

In today’s society, it is hard to believe that women authors still use men’s names when publishing, but it is true. The Wall Street Journal recently wrote about two female mystery writers who decided to use men’s names because they read a study showing that men prefer to read books by men. It is common for female writers to use a male name when the main character is a male or when the topic is “masculine,” such as military, science fiction, and thrillers. This helps the author connect with the readers. Think about it: would you be less likely to take a story with a female main character and a feminine topic seriously if you knew it was written by a male? Females aren’t the only ones who decide to keep their gender a secret when choosing a pen name. If you don’t want to pretend to be the opposite sex, simply choose a gender neutral pen name.

2. Privacy

Self-publishing a book can lead to stardom for successful authors, but not everyone wants their readers to know their real identity. Many people prefer to keep their personal and writing lives separate. This is especially true for authors whose two lives contradict each other. For instance, an elementary school teacher may not want her students and their parents to know that she writes racy romance novels in her free time. Choosing a pen name allows you take on a different persona when you write and promote your book.

3. Legal Issues

Unfortunately, there are lsometimes egal issues that go along with self-publishing a book. If you are writing about real life events or people, you could find yourself in court if you don’t get proper permission from the people in the story or if the details aren’t 100% accurate. To avoid legal issues, use a pen name to protect your identity. Also, if you want to write a book based on your life, only call it a memoir only if it is 100% accurate. If you change events to make a better story, it is fiction.

I’d love to know, would you ever use a pen name? Why or why not?

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