Category: Kelly Speaks

Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo

Didn’t Finish NaNoWriMo? No Problem!

So you tried your best to complete the NaNoWriMo challenge, but you just weren’t able to finish the manuscript. Don’t feel guilty. It happens to the best of us. Sometimes, our daily lives prevent us from committing our time to writing. While all self-publishing authors would love to dedicate their free time to their manuscripts, life often has other plans for us. Or maybe you had the time, but you just couldn’t find the words to explain the story bubbling in your head. It happens, so don’t feel like a failure.

Just because NaNoWriMo has ended, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your manuscript. Set realistic goals to help you complete the book. If time is an issue, space out your writing and give yourself a longer deadline. Maybe three or six months is a better goal for you. If finding the words is your challenge, brainstorm ways to get your creative juices flowing. Take a creative writing class. Pick up a new book on writing. Read books by your favorite authors. Google writing prompts.

If the above ideas still aren’t enough to help you finish your book, there is another solution: hire a ghostwriter. Many self-publishing authors choose to hire a ghostwriter to help them finish their book. Whether you don’t have the time to commit to your project or you need help getting your ideas on paper, a ghostwriter can help make your dream of self-publishing a book come true. Outskirts Press offers ghostwriting services. You can also get recommendations from other writers or look for freelance ghostwriters online.

I’d love to know, would you consider hiring a ghostwriter? Why or why not?

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

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.

50 Free Books to Be Thankful For

One of the best ways to improve your writing, get ideas and find inspiration is by reading other books, especially classic and popular reads. While you never want to copy other authors’ stories, it is useful to learn how to read books critically  to figure out why readers love certain books and how you can use those techniques in your own stories. This post shares 50 free ebooks, most of which are classic stories all self publishing authors should read.

Best Writing Music of 2012

Some self publishing authors enjoy listening to music to make them feel inspired. Everyone has different tastes and techniques. Some authors love music while they brainstorm but need silence while they write. Other authors like to listen to music that is related to their setting, characters or storyline. Whatever your personal preferences, it is always fun to learn about other authors’ choices. This post might just include your next favorite song for inspiration.

Bookstore Installs Random Book Dispenser

Sometimes our favorite reads are books that we stumble upon on accident. This book store in Toronto installed a machine that reproduces that experience. You simply put two dollars in the machine and you receive a completely random book. I love the idea of being introduced to something I may not normally pick out for myself, and I’m interested to see if this becomes a trend in other bookstores.

What is New Adult Fiction?

A relatively new genre has been hitting the self publishing best sellers lists: new adult fiction. This growing genre is geared towards twentysomething readers who are at a point in their lives between YA novels and adult novels. This post is great for self publishing authors who are interested in writing in this genre because it explains the new category and offers examples of books in the genre.

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, NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo 2012 — Winner!

Two days before the official deadline, I am proud to say I am a NaNoWriMo winner!

I don’t normally publicly pat myself on the back like this, but I can honestly say I have never been more proud of myself.  Okay, well giving birth (3 times) and running a half marathon are pretty high up there, but completing my first novel has been an amazing experience!

One month ago I decided I was going to participate in NaNoWriMo for the first time.  I am not a fiction writer, but my company is sponsoring the event this year so I wanted to really experience NaNoWriMo along with the 300,000 or so other writers.  I wrote more about my reason for participating here, if you’re interested.

I never doubted that I would complete the 50,000 words because I was very committed to the end result, but I did doubt my ability to accomplish anything else in the month.  Sure some things fell behind (laundry, cleaning, sleeping), but I learned so much about myself and what I am capable of accomplishing!  I don’t regret doing this for one second.  I am glad to be done, but I’m also anxious to start thinking about what I’m going to write next year.

What am I going to do with my completed manuscript, you might ask.  Well, I’m planning on self-publishing it, of course.  First I’m going to edit it, though.  Now that I’m not worried about meeting a strict deadline, I’m looking forward to taking my time and getting my manuscript just right.

I mentioned above that my company is sponsoring NaNoWriMo this year.  Well, we’re also offering 10% off the publishing package for NaNoWriMo participants, so if you participated in NaNoWriMo (or you’re reading this post) and you want to publish your manuscript, you can save 10% on the Diamond or Pearl publishing package with the promotion code NaNo12.

If you’re participating in NaNoWriMo, I wish you the best of luck in these last two days!

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.
Book Reviews, Kelly Speaks

Foreword Reviews is Hitting the Newsstands

ForeWord Reviews is a review service for readers, booksellers, book buyers, publishing insiders, and librarians. They have been serving the publishing industry for 15 years, and they recently announced that they will be hitting newsstands! They struck a deal with Barnes & Noble, so the publication will be available in the 350 stores throughout the country. This is exciting news for ForeWord Reviews as well as self-publishing authors and readers!

As a self-publishing author, book reviews are a great way to promote your book and improve your credibility. ForeWord Reviews is a trusted source for book reviews. Now that the publication will be available in Barnes & Noble, featured books will be exposed to an even larger audience. You can learn more about ForeWord Reviews at www.forewordreviews.com.

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, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

Top 5 NaNoWriMo Blog Posts

There are only a few days left in the NaNoWriMo challenge! I hope everyone is meeting their goals (even if your only goal is “I just want to write something by the end of the month!”) and, more importantly, enjoying their writing time. During NaNoWriMo, it is helpful to read stories and get advice from other people participating; that’s why I’m always looking for great blog posts about NaNoWriMo. Here are five of my recent favorites.

Stay Motivated – NaNoWriMo 10 Minute Writing Sprints

Sometimes it is difficult to find the motivation to sit and write for long periods of time. This is especially true as you get closer to the end of the challenge. I love this idea of 10 minute writing sprints to help you finish your novel and stick to your writing goals.

So You’ve Written a Book…

You may be wondering what you should do once you finish your novel. This is a great post that offers four things you shouldn’t do. I love the author’s advice on not rushing into the self-publishing process. While I obviously encourage authors to consider self-publishing, you don’t want to cut corners if you want to be taken seriously as an author. It is very important that you take time to polish your book and make decisions that will make your book and yourself more professional.

Quotes for Writers and Readers

This link isn’t actually a blog post. It is a pinterest board, but it is still a valuable resource for writers. This board is a great place to find a little inspiration or get a good laugh.

NaNoWriMo 2012 Week Three: Six Writers Each Pen a Book in One Month

It is always fun to hear about other authors’ writing experiences. This is a great post to read when you need some inspiration. If other people can complete the challenge, so can you.

Pep Talk from Ally Carter

This post discusses two types of writer’s block and how to handle them. It is a great read for anyone who is struggling with finishing their novel in the last week of NaNoWriMo.

I’d love to know, what is your favorite blog post about NaNoWriMo? Share 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.