Category: Self-Publishing

Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

The Writer’s Bucket List

I was recently watching Good Morning America and saw a story that reminded me of all the authors I work with and all the people who visit this blog. The story was about a group of young men who decided to create a list of things they wanted to do before they died. Then, they set out to complete the list. Along the way, they talked to other people to find out their dreams. This all lead to them writing a book called What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?

The story intrigued me because “write a best-selling book” was one of the items on their bucket lists, and they’ve actually taken the time to write and promote their book. While it’s not a best seller yet, it has the potential to be one. This reminded me of all the people I’ve heard say that they want to write and publish a book before they die. With self publishing, you can.

If publishing a book is on your bucket list, there is an easy way to cross it off. Finish that manuscript, and start the self publishing process. There are no agents or editors to squash your dream. You are in control. Don’t wait until you’re old or sick and wishing you’d done more things on your bucket list. Start living today, and make those dreams come true.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

Top 5 Reasons to Self Publish in April

April is one of my favorite months. The weather is getting warmer, and the flowers are in bloom. Everyone is slowly starting to come out of winter hibernation. Plus, April is a great month to self publish a book! Here’s why:

You can put your tax refund to good use.

Instead of letting it sit in the bank or wasting it on material items you’ll forget in a month, invest in something great: you! Whether you’re a creative writing wanting to publish your debut novel or a professional wanting to increase your platform, publishing a book is a wonderful investment.

April is National Poetry Month.

April is the perfect time for poets to publish their collections. Take the jump, and do it in honor of all your favorite poets.

Spring is a time for new beginnings.

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and rebirth. So start your new beginning today by going from aspiring author to published author.

Celebrate April Fool’s Day by proving you’re not a “fool.”

Too often people dream of writing a book and never do it. Whether you want to share your family’s recipes, write the next best-selling young adult book, or build your credibility with a nonfiction book, now is the perfect time. Stop waiting for the right moment, and take the plunge.

Save 20% off an iPad.

Every month, self-publishing companies such as Outskirts Press offer promotions. This month, Outskirts Press is offering 20% off an iPad. For details, visit their website by clicking here.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

LCCN Explained

If you’re wondering what the heck a LCCN is, you’re in the right place. Here is a brief explanation of the four-letter acronym and why you need one.

What is LCCN?

LCCN stands for Library of Congress Control Number. Instead of using an ISBN to track titles, libraries use a LCCN.

Why do you need one?

To be eligible for distribution in the library system, your title must have a LCCN. Children’s book authors should definitely get a LCCN so their book can be available both in public and school libraries.

To learn more about LCCNs, check out these previous post.

LOC Acronyms Explained

How to Get Your Self-Published Book in a Library

Who Needs an LCCN?

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

5 Reasons to Self Publish in December

As 2011 winds down, you may be wondering if December is the right time to self-publish your book. Here are five reasons why it is a great month to start the self-publishing process.

Great Promotion

Many self-publishing companies are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great deals on publishing packages and marketing options.

A Christmas Gift to Yourself

Publishing a book is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. The sense of accomplishment and pride is better than any box of chocolates or new sweater.

Plenty of Time to Market

By starting the self-publishing process in December, you will have your printed book early in 2012. This gives you the rest of the year to market your book.

A Jump Start on Your To-Do List

If you are reading this, “publishing a book” is probably on your 2012 to-do list. Start the year off right by checking it off the list before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

Be a Part of a Great Trend

According to Outskirts Press, total book sales in the self-publishing industry will exceed 32 billion dollars. You can still be a part of that amazing statistic.

Happy Holidays!

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process in order 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Cheri Speaks, Choosing a Publisher, Self-Publishing

Self Publishing Expectations

Self publishing a book is like delivering a baby. You must spend time nurturing and preparing for the birth to ensure a healthy child. If you rush the  process, you could potentially harm the child. The same is true for publishing. Many authors have a deadline in mind when they decide to self publish their books. While deadlines can provide positive motivation, they can also be detrimental to the success of your book. Great books take time to complete, just like healthy babies take nine months to be born. Here are a few ideas to make sure you don’t rush the self-publishing process.

1) Don’t schedule marketing events until you have your completed book in hand. There is nothing worse than canceling marketing events because your book isn’t complete.

2) Do your homework. Research the self-publishing company you plan to use. Ask questions. Read the website. Learn everything you can about the publication process and the cost. Also, express your expectations. Find out what types of author support are available, and find out what they expect from their authors.

3) Take the time to submit a manuscript that is error free. (A professional edit is usually a good idea.)

4) Review proofs carefully. Make sure corrections are done properly.

5) Enjoy the process. Publishing a book is a major accomplishment. Instead of rushing it, take the time to savor each moment.

 

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING:
Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.