Category: Self-Publishing Week in Review

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 8/05/14

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-Published Authors Make A Living — And Sometimes A Fortune (http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2014/07/25/334484331/unknown-authors-make-a-living-self-publishing)

This article discusses how much money self-publishing authors make and how some authors are able to make a “fortune.” It also discusses Hugh Howey’s report that suggests that self-published authors make more money overall from ebooks than those signed with the big five publishing houses. It is an interesting read for all authors.

31 Percent of Daily E-Book Sales Are Now by Self-Published Authors

(http://smallbiztrends.com/2014/07/self-published-ebooks-on-amazon-study.html)

According to a report by the author’s advocacy group Author Earnings, self-published ebooks now account for 31 percent of daily ebook sales on Amazon, and self-published authors are now earning nearly 40% of all ebook royalties on the Kindle store.  This data is very encouraging to independent authors.

Surprising Self-Publishing Statistics

(http://booklife.com/books/07/28/2014/surprising-self-publishing-statistics.html)

This article also looks at the report released by the group Author Earnings as well as a 2014 survey from the founder of Smashwords. Key findings include:

  • The Big Five traditional publishers now account for only 16% of the e-books on Amazon’s bestseller lists. Self-published books now represent 31% of e-book sales on Amazon’s Kindle Store.
  • Indie authors are earning nearly 40% of the ebook dollars going to authors.
  • $2.99 and $3.99 are currently the pricing sweet spots for most ebook bestsellers.
  • Readers prefer longer ebooks. In fact, bestselling books tend to be over 100,000 words.
  • Pre-orders give authors a sales advantage.

Be sure to check out the full article for more surprising statistics!

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

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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: 7/22/14

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.

 A Publisher of One’s Own

This interesting article from Inside Higher Ed looks at self-publishing statistics and the role self-publishing currently plays in academic publishing. This thought-provoking piece illustrates the problems with traditional publishing while discussing the reluctance of many scholars to self-publish. This is a must read for all academic writers.

Kindle Unlimited earmarks $800k extra for self-publishers 

Amazon recently confirmed it will increase its fund for self-publishers agreeing to loan their ebooks by $800,000 this month. The retailer predicts an uptick in downloads with the launch of the Kindle Unlimited subscription service. Those with ebooks already being distributed under the Kindle Owners Lending Library will automatically see their titles added to Kindle Unlimited.

 Self-publishing surging to 31% of ebook market, claims report

A new report claims that self-published authors have surged to 31% of ebook sales on Amazon and are now earning more ebook royalties than writers published by the “Big five” traditional publishers. While some people have questioned the data, the figures show that self-published authors are successful and that the industry is growing.

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

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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: 7/15/14

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.

How to Get Successfully Published TODAY: Big 5, Indy, or Self-Publish?

This great article discusses the pros and cons of three publishing options. It also mentions famous self-published authors and reasons why self-publishing might be the right choice for you. This is a must read for authors trying to decide which publishing route to go.

Self-Publish Like a Pro: Finding an Audience

This author recommends using various sites to connect with readers and share your book. She shares her own personal experiences with the sites and how her marketing approach has helped her build a loyal fan base. This is an interesting read for all writers.

Smashwords Releases 2014 Indie E-book Sales Survey

Smashwords recently released an insightful e-book sales survey that can help authors plan their next books and marketing approach. Key findings include: readers want longer e-books; series books outsell standalone titles; and series that offer the initial title for free earn more money.

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, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/08/14

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.

Should SFWA Allow Self-Published Authors To Join?

Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America has invited comment on how to include self-published and indie authors in its membership. The association currently requires members to publish a few short stories or one novel with a publisher paying “professional” rates.

Indie Spotlight on Children’s Authors

This article interviews five successful self-published children’s authors who share their self-publishing advice. This is a must read for children’s authors.

15 Insightful Quotations About Self-Publishing

If you are looking for inspiration or self-publishing words of wisdom, you’ll love this post. It features 15 insightful quotes from industry professionals.

The Guardian’s First Self-Published Book Prize Winner – Finally Some Recognition for Self-Published Authors

The author of this article shares her views on self-published authors receiving more recognition. It is an interesting read for all writers.

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, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/01/14

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.

Offset Printing Versus Print-on-Demand

When choosing a publisher, it is important to understand the different services offered. This article explains the difference between offset printing companies and print-on-demand companies.

Copyright Protection: The Best 35 Dollars You’ll Ever Spend

This great article explains what copyright law does and does not say, and it explains how to get a copyright and what to do if someone infringes your copyright. This is a must read for all authors.

 Self Publishing is Not for the Faint of Heart with Magda Alexander

This article discusses the importance of a great editor and proofreader and how to hire professionals. It also discusses formatting, book covers, and marketing.

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.