Category: self publishing news

amazon, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 3.5.2018 – The Company Files!

march

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!

Starting with some positive news today, we recommend you check out this press release courtesy of Outskirts Press and Benzinga, a premier source for the latest in information on the self-publishing industry (among others). At the heart of this story … well, a lot of heart. A lot of love! Because it’s almost that time of year, isn’t it? And Outskirts Press is determined to ensure that those authors choosing to self-publish this year have the best possible Valentine’s Day ever! This self-publishing company, which has a history of both fantastic deals and long-term contributors to this blog, will be giving authors twenty percent off in a flash sale on its popular Full-Color and Ultimate publishing packages. That’s a pretty sweet deal–almost as sweet as the real and genuine care which this company is reputed to take with those works which pass through its expert services. Of course, we’re a little biased. But Outskirts Press has been voted #1 Publishing Company by Top Consumer Reviews, several years running!

Computing, a scrupulously reputable news engine dedicated to technology (particularly in the UK) is now reporting on further developments in the case against Amazon, which recently shuttered many of its CreateSpace services. Elizabeth covered those earlier developments in a separate blog (which you can read here) several weeks back, but it’s worth noting that the company is rapidly moving from treating its author base poorly to being downright disreputable, and that criminals have found a way to exploit the website without Amazon taking decisive action to shut them down. It’s a complicated story, and one we’ll be following closely. We highly recommend you check out Computing contributor Nicholas Fearn’s full article at the link.

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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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 2.26.2018 – Publishing Trends Roundup

February concept. stationery and notebook, business background

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically regarding publishing trends within the publishing industry, and their implications for all authors!

Our first stop on this week’s tour through the week’s news when it comes to publishing trends is the UK, where The Bookseller‘s distinguished contributor, Gordon Wise, offers up a salient and timely defense of … well … the country’s success! Or rather, the successes of the Association of Authors’ Agents (or AAA, not to be confused with roadside assistance). This organization, which is now more than 100 member institutions strong, provides vital services to these members, not least its ability to raise the profile of publishing at large. Writes Wise, the AAA has become “a named body that the Intellectual Property Office has consulted on various publishing-related matters,” including matters as lofty as Brexit and the goings-on at 10 Downing Street, where the Prime Minister makes his home while in office. But this isn’t just a celebration of hard-won successes already in hand; it’s a rallying cry for industry professionals in a country riven and likely to continue being riven by deep political and cultural conflicts–many of which have the potential to impact all creative industries. A worthy read!

Next we move to Australia, where the BooksAndPublishing.com.au website has recently posted a report on the findings of a Macquarie University study into innovation within the Australian publishing industry. The full article is restricted to subscribers, which many of you may already be. If not, you’ll have to be content with the highly suggestive hints delivered in the first paragraph, or you can sift through the research summary published on the Macquarie University website (go to: https://www.mq.edu.au/newsroom/2018/02/08/australian-book-publishers-lift-their-game-to-be-more-competitive-but-some-are-faring-better-than-others-new-study/ for more)! The general consensus seems to be: yes, everything’s not perfectly peachy, but Australian authors and publishers are finding a way, and one of the contributing factors to their adaptability is the rise of self-publishing!

Last but not least, we go to Gillian Tett of the Financial Times, who recently published an article digging into that very same rise of self-publishing, only from the perspective of a mother to young writers–writers who are taking full advantage of the many self-publishing options open to them, including Wattpad and others. This article, which reads more like a journey of self-discovery than it does an exposé or a crunching of the numbers, provides a valuable insight not often to be found in reflections on self-publishing: what it’s like to come at the industry from the outside, and from a place of personal connection to very young writers, writers who are completely untethered from traditional publishing’s stifling expectations and even the first wave of self-publishing companies’ insistence on following the form as closely as possible. A fascinating aspect of this transition to the brave new world of second- or third- or fourth-wave self-publishing is that it’s firmly rooted in the social–not just social media, but the social motivation, a desire to write for others and place one’s work within the larger ongoing conversations of one’s peers. It’s an insightful look, and well worth reading the full article!

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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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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amazon, elizabeth speaks, in your corner, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: Who fills the void left by CreateSpace? Think about Outskirts Press

CreateSpace recently announced plans to soon eliminate positions in its editing, marketing and design divisions. While job cuts are an unsavory step for any company, this move is likely intended to streamline operations and shore up financials.

But what will this mean for self-publishing authors? CreateSpace will continue to print books and authors will still be able to upload and sell their books, but with these cuts there will no longer be the option to purchase copyediting, book formatting, book cover design, marketing or any other professional creative services for authors publishing via CreateSpace. Suddenly, CreateSpace authors will need to navigate the process alone or seek out other self-publishing service providers for help.

Here’s where a self-publishing company–like the one I work for, Outskirts Press–comes in.

Based on company-wide conversations already taking place, I’m confident that Outskirts Press will work diligently to accommodate all writers negatively affected by the service cuts at CreateSpace. We’re proud to have been named the #1 self-publisher by Top Consumer Reviews multiple years in a row and will continue the tradition of excellence for all CreateSpace authors who require more than just an upload. In addition to our printing and ebook publishing services, we provide independent authors with all the same services discontinued by CreateSpace, and then some. Our services include:

  • Professional writing and editing services: Our service to independent authors starts long before publication! Whether you need help starting or finishing the manuscript, or require just the final read-through, we can match you up with a talented professional ghostwriter or editor to help you achieve a professional book.
  • Professional book formatting: A wide selection of the most popular book formats and interior formatting options.
  • Custom cover design: Our talented book cover designers will ensure that you get a cover that sells.
  • Book marketing: A broad menu of marketing options to promote your book your way today.
  • All-inclusive packages: Comprehensive publishing packages that include everything you need to polish, format, publish and market your book successfully.
  • Affordable and flexible: With us, you can start the self-publishing journey for only $35 down!

Are you, or is an author you know, left stranded by the void left by CreateSpace’s cuts? You can find out more about how my coworkers at Outskirts Press can professionally publish your book, distribute it globally (yes, even on Amazon) and support you with affordable options at the same time by visiting our website at www.OutskirtsPress.com.

You know, it’s not every day I am compelled to write a “hard sell,” but when it comes to recent events, I feel the need to be honest: what CreateSpace has done will leave many authors feeling abandoned mid-project, or worse, unaided from start to finish. Self-publishing has (and will) continue to thrive and evolve to provide better services due to the diversification of options available to you, the self-publishing author; watching any company in our industry go through the layoff process is not, in the end, a cheerful experience. We feel for those who now find themselves looking for work, and hope that they, as well as you, find that next good thing speedily.

You can read more about the layoffs here.

You are not alone. ♣︎

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Outskirts Press. The Sales and Marketing departments are composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.
news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 2.19.2018 – New Releases!

February concept. stationery and notebook, business background

And now for the news!

presidents' day

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically new releases written by self-publishing authors and published by independent presses! Today we’ll be featuring brand-new releases in the Outskirts Press Bookstore!

Our first book for the day is Crystal H. Vo’s fantastic new memoir, Finding My Voice: A Journey of Hope. Vo, who had her start as a refugee from Vietnam, made her way to the United States by way of Indonesia while still a teenager. Her childhood was about as traumatic as you can imagine, and she spent years coming to terms with the various sources for the depression which (understandably) resulted. This memoir is a powerful, compelling look at what it means to fight with mental disorders like depression as well as a complicated backstory. A transplant to this country, Vo overcame many struggles to acquire her GED as well as her Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees, all while acclimating to a new country and raising two children as a single mother. If you like poetry (this book includes several) as well as stories of loss and triumph, Finding My Voice: A Journey of Hope may just be the book to launch you into Spring!

 

Every now and then, there comes along a picture book for kids which has all of the right components: beautiful art, the perfect ratio of text-to-image for young readers, a story that catches the child’s mind, and a package which will entice parents and grandparents to invest in pulling out their wallets. The Ten Brave Squirrels of Bryson City is one of those books, and Rory Smith has given us an absolute gem of a picture book which will appeal to readers of all ages! The story follows the adventures of a group of squirrels living outside of Bryson City (North Carolina), in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. These squirrels live a safe playful life … or they did, up until their food supply is put at risk by forces outside of their control. The squirrels are tasked with figuring out how to protect their acorns and stave off disaster, making for a spectacular adventure narrative as well as nurturing an interest in our National Parks system and the preservation of these special places.

Sometimes, we really need to hear the voices of those who’ve gone before, who’ve shattered glass ceilings and pushed past all obstacles to carve out successful narratives on their own terms–and that’s what the authors of The Black Pearls Club: A Woman’s Guide to Success in the Workplace have provided us here, with this book chronicling the high points and highlights of their careers as well as advice for readers looking to make their own way. These authors know their stuff, and they’ve seen it all: this book tackles heavy-hitting subjects, including common issues like sexism, racism, and ageism which often shape and limit women’s abilities to reach positions for which they are fully qualified. But this book is more than just an impassioned look at societal evils … it’s also a powerful encouragement, full of positivity and action points for the up-and-coming female worker. We can’t recommend taking a tour of the women’s workplace with these fantastic women authors by your side! Men, that goes for you, too: there’s a lot to learn on how you can be part of the solution and a support to the women in your lives.

spa-news

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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 2.12.2018 – The Interviews!

February concept. stationery and notebook, business background

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically interviews with or articles written by self-publishing authors and experts!

Self-publishing doesn’t often rate a mention in the Business News Daily, but this week, something extraordinary happened–or should we say someone extraordinary? Meet Payal Kindiger, CEO of Storymakery, a new startup which is changing the way storytelling to children is done. Says Kindiger, “I have always loved creative writing. I was shy during early childhood, so writing became a natural form of expression and way of standing out as a student.” She found ways to preserve and cultivate that love throughout her professional career, even as she jumped from a career in IT management consulting to an IT Services/Software business she co-founded and ran with other partners. While raising her own daughter, Kindiger realized something important was lacking when it came to storytelling services for kids: “This made me think – While there were so many different digital storytelling sites, there wasn’t a platform, or experience, available for kids to self-publish.” How to solve the problem? Become an entrepreneur and invent her own solution! Storymakery came into being with the goal of “elevat[ing] the experience of reading and writing through [an] in-store experience where kids work with staff to create their own stories and illustrations from start to finish,” says Kindiger. And the model seems to be a success! But more importantly, Kindiger’s vision for self-publishing–that there’s room for kids to publish, too–may lead to an even kinder, even more inclusive, model for us all.

John Gray knows the taste of rejection, but he hasn’t let it stop him from doing great things! A regular contributor to the Saratogian in the form of a weekly column, Gray wrote this last week about his personal experience in self-publishing a children’s book designed to help children cope with the loss of a pet. The book, titled God Needed a Puppy, was submitted to and rejected by a number of traditional publishers before Gray settled on a self-publishing company which allowed him to publish his book his way. In a lucky twist of fate, Gray, who had moderated his expectations for book sales accordingly, learned that starting small won’t hold a good book back–and his picture book has gone on to sell more than 10,000 copies. For a sense of scale, 10,000 preorders is enough to land a book on the New York Times bestseller lists. The bigger traditional publishing houses have made an art and a science out of landing their books on these lists (it’s great promotion), but Gray managed to make his sales without preorders and without the benefit of a full-time marketing staff. The rest of his story is equally inspirational! We highly recommend you check out his full opinion piece at the link.

The future of self-publishing is here, and it looks a lot like the dreams we had as teenagers–dreams which self-publishing, with all of its advances, can now make possible. Writes Samantha of the Vindicator, high school students in Struthers, Ohio: “Three students in particular share a love of writing, faith in God and an appreciation for the role models who helped guide them.” They’re doing this on their own terms, and with the full support (and inspiration!) of their families. Fore more on their individual books, we recommend you check out the full article online at the Vindicator.

spa-news

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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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