Category: Uncategorized

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 2/26/2016

IMPASSIONED VISION TIMES TWO—Plus

Collaborative, creative development of one book and/or series is an exciting adventure that can benefit both authors and the readers who follow their work. If you are a Science Fiction/Fantasy reader/writer, you will remember The Halfblood Chronicles by Andre Norton and Mercedes Lackey and The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub. If you’re a detective/mystery buff, you may know that the Ellery Queen mysteries were written by cousins Daniel Nathan and Manford Lepofsky. On today’s recently released shelves, you’ll find the true story/journey of Patricia and Alana Raybon (mother & daughter) titled: Undivided: A Muslim Daughter, Her Christian Mother, Their Path to Peace.

Whatever the genre, whatever topic, the old adage that “two heads are better than one” is also quite accurate when writing the best possible work of fiction or non-fiction. When you start working with a writing-partner, you’ll discover that one person’s idea spawns connecting thoughts in the other person and the book becomes better in the process. Much like film-making, where writer and director join forces, collaborating authors bring their own unique histories to the project. Here are three criteria for finding—and enjoying—that perfect partnership:

  • Vision: When you (the author) have formulated your core statement about your book—what it is, what it brings to the Reader—your co-author must share that vision. Both you and your teammate should see that picture and be passionate about developing it.
  • Adaptability: Some authors think they want a “helper” who will enhance their book by following the concepts “exactly” as the author has written it. If that is your position, you’re actually looking for an Editor who will correct grammar, punctuation, sentence structure; without creative input.
    • However, the author who wants to actually explore enhancing their manuscript will be as adaptable and flexible in listening to ideas offered by their co-author. Their life experiences will improve plot, character, and setting. This is especially true for authors in the Inspirational genre: fiction and non-fiction.
  • Passion: Both authors must be passionate about their topic and share that impassioned vision that literally drives them to complete the manuscript. Every book on every bookshelf was written to “tell something important.” If the level of commitment is weak, so will be the finished product.

making connections

These three criteria also hold true after you’ve written the words: THE END. Then the search begins for the right publisher. Notice I’ve used the word right. There are several quality self-publishers out there (and some not so great). The self-publishing staff will become your book-making-crew—the cameraman, format editor, printer, marketing director.

  • Search their bookstore for two or three books in your genre, then ask for referral/contact information for those authors.
  • LOOK at the books they’ve printed—at your local bookstore and on the Internet.
  • Compare their publishing packages. This is a competitive business, so don’t be swayed by the first dollar-difference you see between companies.
  • LISTEN to the Author Representatives. It won’t take you long to discern whether they have a true passion for their work (helping authors like you)—or not.

Bottom line:  As the author and co-author, you are creating an alliance of experts that starts with you and ends when you hold your finished book in your hands. “Two are better than one” and a team that brings all their talents and skills together to produce your book is best. ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Alternative Marketing Methods, Book Marketing, Kelly Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Social Media Marketing, Uncategorized

6 Tips to Combat the Marketing Blues

Chances are, you’ve probably already experienced the very real struggle that is the Marketing Blues––that nebulous cluster of miseries and disappointments that are unique to the self-publishing experience.  Going through the publishing process alone––much less the marketing one that follows––is bound to feel isolating or solitary at times.  After all, you’re doing a Big Thing indeed in self-publishing your book, and you’re investing a lot of elbow grease.

So how best to beat the blues?  Here are six tips to get you started:

  • FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE: Sounds straightforward, doesn’t it?  But it’s much, much harder than a simple phrase suggests: altering your perspective and slimming down your method to focus on the things you’re doing well–this is hard, hard stuff.  When I use the word “focus,” I mean it in both an emotional and a practical sense; you can’t afford to waste time on marketing strategies that you have already tried repeatedly in several different ways.  (This is, after all, the definition of “insanity.”)
  • KEEP WRITING: We’ve said it before here on Self-Publishing Advisor, but we should say it again: your best advertisement and your best marketing strategy is to write the next book.  Don’t lose what you love most in the midst of the marketing frenzy, and don’t allow the publication process and everything that goes along with it to lead you away from the person you want to be: an author.  Keep doing what you love; readers are drawn to that authenticity … not to mention the probability that they’ll have more to read from you in the future!
  • THINK LIKE A READER: Your readers aren’t agonizing over the gaps in your marketing strategy that they can’t see; and they’re definitely not looking for an author who isn’t listening to them and what they want.  They’re simply eager to discover new and wonderful things, to fall in love with the brave new worlds they find between the covers of a book.  And so, if you think like a reader, you’ll find new ways to put your book in front of fresh eyes day after day without fail.  Engage with your readers and demonstrate you’re not just another author looking to push your own sales!  How to do this?  Reach out to them where they live––on social media, or elsewhere.
  • TREAT YOURSELF: What’s fun for you?  Do that thing.  You can find ways to make your own passions intersect with your marketing strategy, sure, but if it’s not fun for you … it probably isn’t going to be fun for your readers, either–especially when we’re talking about what you put out through social media.  Ultimately, anecdotal evidence overwhelmingly indicates that the most sustainable marketing strategies are the ones that authors enjoyed implementing.  And sometimes, the only way to rescue a deadly dull one is to break the mold a little bit.
  • DON’T FIXATE: I’m talking about reviews, folks.  And other things, too.  But this principle applies to authors who have mostly positive OR mostly negative OR even very mixed reviews (on Amazon, Goodreads, blogs, and elsewhere).  Here’s a fact you should hear repeated often: accumulating positive reviews isn’t worth sacrificing your own emotional health over.  I’m not saying that reviews aren’t an important––an incredibly important––part of any decent marketing strategy.  I’m saying that fixating on any single aspect of the process can be toxic, if it tarnishes your enjoyment of the self-publishing experience.
  • FIND YOUR PEOPLE: Communities of like-minded individuals are our safe-havens, our ports in the storm.  There are countless self-publishing-centered communities out there on the web and in the offline world, and most of them are so easy to join and so welcoming that it seems almost a crime not to join one right away!  (It’s not a crime, I promise.  Especially if you’re not yet ready for others to read your work.)  If you’re feeling blue and struggling your way through the process of marketing your self-published book, having the emotional support of your fellow writers and drawing upon their infinite wisdom born from personal experience may be exactly what you need to kick your own experience back into gear!

marketing blues

Of course, I rather hope that you don’t ever experience the Marketing Blues.  I know that escaping unscathed is rather unlikely, but having been there, I know what it’s like.  It’s rough.  It is also, however, temporary.  It will pass … and we will still be here, you and I, doing what we love.

Thank you for reading!  If you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or contributions, please use the comment field below or drop us a line at selfpublishingadvice@gmail.com.  And remember to check back each Wednesday for your weekly dose of marketing musings from one indie, hybrid, and self-published author to another. ♠

KellyABOUT 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, kellyschuknecht.com.
Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 2.22.2016

This week in the world of self-publishing:

It looks like Reedsy––a self-publishing marketplace platform that “empower[s] writers, publishers, editors and designers to build hybrid careers and work together quickly and effortlessly through bespoke, user-friendly digital tools”––is filling in some very important gaps for the indie community, as this February 19th article by founder Emmanuel Nataf for The Bookseller intimates.  Writes Nataf, “Until only recently, the self-publishing arena was an unchecked battleground, a veritable free-for-all where authors and freelancers alike placed their profits in the hands of lady luck.”  But a sea change has arrived as the indie publishing industry matures, as he goes on to say––a sea change that has taken some endurance to see through, as self-publishing authors and companies face social stigma and constant critical examination coming from the traditional commercial publishing sector.  Things may be changing, however: recently named FutureBook’s BookTech Company of the Year, Reedsy is looking to find its place in a stabilizing conversation with other industry standouts about the future of self-publishing.  “After all,” writes Nataf, “if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that successful growth as a startup depends on looking out, as well as in.”  For more information about Reedsy and the FutureBook awards, follow the link!

Big news for the digitally inclined!  As per this February 16th press release, Outskirts Press has officially completed work on a suite of apps for smartphone users that aim to make the self-publishing experience an even richer and more rewarding one; the apps are available to authors with both iPhone and Android devices, says the article, and “provide users with self-publishing guides and information, connect users with the Outskirts Press social media community of self-publishing authors, and provide direct links to contact Outskirts Press instantly by phone or email.”  Outskirts––which describes itself as offering “full-service, custom self-publishing and marketing services for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all their rights and full creative control”––sees the apps as a way for its authors to connect with both their audience and their self-publishing team.  Other indie publishing companies, like Kobo and Amazon Direct, offer supplementary apps, but Outskirts’ newest offerings may prove to be the most streamlined yet.  For more information, visit the original press release here.

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest news when it comes to bodice-rippers and steamy romance, Publisher’s Weekly has got you covered.  In its annual review of what’s going on in and what’s to come in the genre––this year courtesy of Ryan Joe on February 19th––PW first takes a moment to define the difference between the two terms:

Erotic romance, according to a definition from the Romance Writers of America, refers to “novels in which strong, often explicit, sexual interaction is an inherent part of the love story, character growth, and relationship development and could not be removed without damaging the story line.”

And erotica? “Erotica is just people doing it,” says Cordelia Logan, who has written 19 stories under five pen names and is beginning to focus on BDSM.

Good to know.  More importantly, erotic romance and erotica make for a good slice of the self-publishing industry’s total footprint (written and read) … so even if you don’t like it, don’t read it, or don’t like to admit that it exists––it does!  And it’s churning along in any case.  And “Thanks to the rise of self-publishing,” writes Joe, “authors can now experiment more.”  For the full article, and lots more pith for the aspiring indie erotica or erotic romance writer, you can always stop by the original Publisher’s Weekly article.

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.

KellyABOUT 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, kellyschuknecht.com.

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Saturday Book Review: “The Chorus Effect”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review, courtesy of SadieForsythe.com:

"The Chorus Effect" by Russell Boyd

The Chorus Effect

by Russell Boyd

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 978-1478750321

Synopsis:

Until recently, Chintz had been a relatively normal guy with a relatively normal cat. For example, neither he, nor his cat, had ever journeyed to a synthetic parallel universe. He had never encountered a teleporting baby or an emotionally mature computer. He could count on one hand the number of philosophical discussions he’d had with people holding multiple degrees in advanced physics. And thus far, his relationship with the voices in his head had been purely platonic. Suddenly, Chintz finds himself working alongside a dysfunctional team of scientists and their astonishing creations, seeking answers to age-old questions – answers that could change our concept of humanity. Of course, that’s only if they can survive federal law enforcement, starvation, psychopathic figments of imagination, the hostile old man who lives across the street, and the end of the “known universe.” Well, actually it’s the end of “a” universe, that “only some people know about.” But for Chintz, that may not be any better at all.

Critique:

I suppose there will be an audience out there for this book. It’s trying very hard to be Douglas Adams-like and plenty of people (myself included) love Douglas Adams’ quirky humor. IMHO, this doesn’t quite make it though, as a Douglas Adam’s clone or on it’s own.

On a positive note, it’s well written and surprisingly well edited for a self-published book. There are some interesting, odd-ball characters and had the whole thing been a set up for Katie and Chintz’s last moment’s, I’d have called it a success. But it’s about 1/3 too long (if not more) for that to be the case.

If I had to condense this review to a few carefully chosen words, they would be presumptuous and self-indulgent. The author’s constant breaking of the fourth wall especially. As if the book wasn’t quite quirky enough the author/narrator had to stick his two cents in too. It was annoying and broke up the story.

It was this over the top quirkiness that eventually ruined the book for me. You have characters who speak in mixed up, nonsense for no apparent reason at all. You have POVs from the perspective of a cat. You have a narrative style dedicated to pointing out the absurd over the expected, which could have been great if not quite so over played. You have philosophy passed off as science and science of the hard-core hand waving variety. It was all too much for me.

And that is a shame; because Boyd’s descriptive ability is wonderful. I appreciated the distinct lack of alpha hero and the success of the socially anxious, nerd heroes. I liked that there was a strong female character (though I’m borderline on the fact that her sexuality caused such ruptions. I think the book skirted the cliché, but JUST BARELY). But there was just too much else crowding these good things out. In the end, I bored and just hoping to finish.

[ reviewed by Sadie Forsythe  ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

Whether you like Science Fiction or not, this novel is for you. Alright, admittedly, some of the science did go over my head. But that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book. If anything, it makes it that much more fun to realize just how much thought and effort went it to creating this fantastical story! You wouldn’t know this is Russell’s first novel; he writes like this is old hat, creating characters you care about, want to know even better, laugh with – and laugh at. Even the cat has a personality that reminds you of every other cat you’ve ever known – and like no other – all at once. From the first inkling something was even slightly awry in Chintz’ life through to the very end – I was engrossed in the story. And that’s saying a lot from me. I’m not really a Sci-Fi reader, preferring more of the legal-thrillers, crime dramas and even supernatural mysteries. But that’s just it; there was so much humor, and such depth to the characters and richness to the environments and story line that I just couldn’t put it down. I found myself empathizing with Chintz in his sudden, surreal situation, as well as most all of the people in their various life stories as well as their involvement in this one. Well, except for Carter. I didn’t care about Carter at all (that’s not a spoiler; you won’t either, trust me). I’m eagerly looking forward to Russell’s next novel. I’m sort of hoping for a sequel, so I can see how everyone’s lives turned out. But I also think any story the author plans to write will definitely be on my short list of books I need to add to my library. I’d recommend The Chorus Effect to anyone that loves Sci-Fi, satire, seriousness, and a bit of mystery. There’s love stories, frightening moments, highs and lows. Really, give it a try. You’ll be glad you did. :oD

– Amazon Reviewer mandacakes

I was gifted this book and can say I didn’t know what to expect. It had been a long time since I’d read a book without being in the know of the content or style of writing and I’m glad this one crossed my path.

The writing kept me tuned in by not allowing me to breeze through for information, as I tend to speed read, but rather caused me to read the story the author intended. It was a nice change of pace to slow down and I feel I enjoyed both the story and ideas more than I would have otherwise.

The concepts and ideas might be out of the comfort zone for some, but shouldn’t intimidate those who feel that way about Sci-Fi. I’d recommend this book to anyone and look forward to future works.

– Amazon Reviewer Jester

Book Trailer:

saturday self-published book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

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Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized, Writing

Conversations: 2/19/2016

IMPASSIONED LITTLE PIECES

A year ago this week, one of my very, very best friends (yes, I know, it’s not quality writing to use the word very, let alone use it twice; but the truth of it stands as is) passed from this earth.  She was one of the people I consider to be an extraordinary writer; one who could write with great passion and empathy whether she was developing a children’s novel, poetry, or creating magazine articles.  Her gift of writing extended beyond the written page as she used those intricate, intuitive skills to bring out the best in all the people she knew—whether writer or not.

I will give my friend the name Suzy, so this will read more smoothly.

Suzy never wanted to stop learning.  This desire sent her back to school in later adult years, where she graduated from college the same year as one of her sons.  Of course, her favorite class assignment was writing essays, and she was often acknowledged for the excellent work.

This love and passion for writing was what drew both Suzy and me to the same Creative Writing summer class which eventually spun itself into the cocoon of our own monthly writer’s workshop.  We both fed off the high energy of our eclectic group of writers.  When we organized weekend retreats (once or twice a year), the many hours of critique and work sessions inspired us for weeks and months to come.

writing at desk

Over these many years, being privileged to know numerous writers, I’ve developed a great appreciation in the uniqueness of each individual.  But it was Suzy who taught me how to listen to their writing voices and see their unique perspectives—ideas that they were passionate about. Yet, not matter how many manuscript pages a writer produces, IF THEY DON’T PUBLISH, their voice—their perspective—their passion—won’t reach beyond the few people in their daily lives.  The writer must become the author who releases their work to the world.

Much of Suzy’s work has been published, especially in her magazine editorial years.  But she always returned to her prose writing.  At one point, Suzy became a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers which helped her hone writing techniques for this specific genre.  One story in particular carried such intensity of emotion, woven with the power of colliding circumstances, that I have not forgotten it—in all these years.  The characters were alive and the workable resolutions were clearly inspiring to all of us who were privileged to read the manuscript.  However, she never published that novel.

So it is that I dedicate my writings today—in honor of my very, very best friend Suzy—and to all those writers out there who are holding tightly to a manuscript that needs to see the light of day.  Don’t hold back!  If you need help to complete it, call a writing friend, join an active workshop, or find a ghostwriter who shares the passion for your topic, and GET IT PUBLISHED! ⚓︎

RoyaleneABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.  

Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.