Category: Kelly Speaks

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 12/25/12

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.

Self-Publishing: No Longer Just a Vanity Project

There was a time when self-publishing companies were called vanity presses, and self-publishing authors weren’t taken seriously because they didn’t take the traditional publishing route. This is no longer the case. Now self-publishing authors are hitting bestsellers lists and being reviewed in the New York Times, and they have access to the same professional services as traditionally published authors.

Another First for Self-Publishing

This article talks about self-publishing in 2012. Some of the highlights include self-publishing having $100 million in revenue, numerous authors who were picked up by major publishing houses, and self-publishing books hitting bestselling lists. The real story was about a first for the industry: a self-published book being named to the best-books of the year list of the highly respected and ultra-tough book reviewer for the New York Times, Michiko Kakutani.

Senior Authors Embrace Self-Publishing

This article talks about the popularity of self-publishing among seniors. Many of them want to share their story or finally publish the book they’ve spent their whole lives wanting to write. With the ease and affordability of self-publishing, they are now able to do just that.

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, Kindle

The Bestselling Self-Published Kindle Books of 2012

Amazon recently announced its Top 100 Kindle Books for 2012. I was very excited to see that 15 of those books have self-publishing origins! One of the most notable titles is the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which was originally published by an Australia-based e-book and print-on-demand establishment. Many of the other self-published titles were also in the romance genre. However, several of the titles were from other genres. Here is the complete list:

2012’s Bestselling Kindle Books (Self-Published Origins)

1. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

2. Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James

3. Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

4. Bared to You by Sylvia Day

5. Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

6. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

7. Snake Skin by CJ Lyons

8. Wool by Hugh Howey

9. The Sweetest Thing by Barbara Freethy

10. The Lion, the Lamb, the Hunted by Andrew Kaufman

11. Wife by Wednesday by Catherine Bybee

12. The Wedding Gift by Marlen Suyapa Bodden

13. Blood Stained by CJ Lyons

14. Secret Lives by Diane Chamberlain

15. Down to You by M. Leighton

This list is great news for self-publishing authors! It proves that you don’t have to go the traditional publishing route to be successful, and it provides significant insight into the types of books that have been successful. If you are considering self-publishing, you may want to check out some of these books to see what makes them hits among readers. However, never feel obligated to follow trends. Just because 2012 was a huge year for the romance genre, does not mean you must write romance novels, and it doesn’t guarantee that the genre will remain popular.

I’d love to know, what is your favorite self-published e-book?

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: 12/18/12

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, I’m starting a new weekly post that will give you summary of the recent hot topics. Simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Self-Publishing Costs

This post offers great tips on how to save money while self-publishing. It is great because it doesn’t save you money by sacrificing quality. Instead, it offers simple solutions to avoid costly mistakes.

Guy Kawasaki on the Top Ten Reasons to Self-Publish

This bestselling author discusses his top ten reasons to self publish. He shows that there are more benefits to self publishing than just avoiding the traditional publishing politics.

Authors Exercise Their “Write” to Self Publish

CBS news recently covered the self publishing trend and authors who have chosen to self publish their books. One of the key points is that traditional publishers are looking at self publishing best sellers list to find new talent. Self publishing is changing the way authors get discovered.

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, Publishing Trends

Self-Publishing Sees Triple-Digit Growth Since 2006

Over the last several years, the number of self-published books produced in the U.S. has tripled. According to data by Bowker, the number has grown 287% from 2006 until 2011. The report also shows that self-published print books represented about 43% of the total print output in 2011. In addition to print books, self-published e-books have seen significant growth.  E-book production in 2011 was 87,201, up 129% over 2006.

These statistics are great news for self-publishing authors. They show that the industry is strong and growing. Publishing is no longer dominated by large publishing firms. More and more authors are choosing to self-publish their books, and many of them have been very profitable and successful.

The statistics also show the importance of e-books. More readers are increasingly reading e-books, so it is important that self-publishing authors consider offering both a print and electronic version. By offering both versions of your book, you can target a larger audience and satisfy your readers’ needs.

I’d love to know, how many people do you know who have self-published a book?

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: 12/11/12

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, I’m starting a new weekly post that will give you summary of the recent hot topics. Simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

Self-Publishing Case Studies

This video blog includes interesting statistics and case studies about self-publishing authors. The five case studies cover successful self-publishing authors who have topped the Self-Published Bestselling List. Their stories will inspire you.

Chicken Little and Self Publishing

This blogger talks about the recent news surrounding Amazon’s changing algorithms and deleting of book reviews. He also provides insight into the changing publishing industry and shares some of his personal experiences as a self-published author.

Self Publishing and Web Presence

This post offers great advice on creating a strong web presence, which is essential for self-publishing authors. The post covers everything from blogs to social media pages to Goodreads to Amazon.

Self-Publishing Authors Could Win $1,500

The deadline for Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award is fast approaching. You only  have until December 14, 2012 to register. Check out this post for more information.

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.