Self-Publishing Week in Review: 04/07/15

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.

Want to Succeed in Self-Publishing? Learn to Have Fun: Tips from an Indie Author

The author of ‘Imperfect Chemistry’ suggests self-publishers ask questions, roll with the punches, and remember to have a little fun. This is an interesting read for all self-publishing authors.

‘Publishers Weekly’ Launches BookLife Services Directory

No matter where you are on your self-publishing journey, BookLife’s Services Directory can help you find industry professionals and make your book the very best it can be. The new service connects indie authors with editorial and self-publishing services and professionals.

‘Why Is Dad So Mad?’ Veteran Writes Book to Explain His PTSD to His Daughter

This NBC News article tells the story of the veteran who wrote ‘Why Is Dad So Mad?’ to explain his PTSD to his children. This is a fascinating and inspiring read.

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.

Why April is a Great Time to Self-Publish

Writers decide to self-publish for a variety of great reasons: creative freedom, control over pricing, the speed of publication and more. But, with the promise of spring in full gear, there are four more great reasons to self-publish now:

  1. New beginnings. Spring is the time for renewal. Renew your commitment to your self-publishing dream by publishing that manuscript now.
  2. Tax refund. Put your federal and state tax refunds to work on something meaningful by realizing your dream of self-publishing. If you play your cards right, that investment will pay you back in sales revenue and the deep satisfaction you’ll get from being able to say you’re a published author!
  3. Summer book fairs. April is the perfect time to self-publish if you want your book ready for book fair season, which really ramps up in June. Some self-publishers can get your manuscript to print in a matter of weeks, so you could have your book ready just in time!
  4. National Poetry Month. Honor National Poetry Month in April by publishing your volume of poetry now. (Outskirts Press offers a Poetry Formatting Kit that makes formatting and publishing a high-quality book as simple as cutting and pasting text.)

While there’s never really a bad time to get going on your self-publishing dreams, April’s the ideal time to plant the publishing seed that will bear fruit later in the year.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; 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, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.

Weekly Self-Published Book Review:Clarabelle’s Rose

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 by Midwest Book Review:

 clarabelle's rose

 Clarabelle’s Rose

Judy Kashi

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN:9781432775674

The searing hatred that surrounds some of our lives dominates it. “Clarabelle’s Rose” is a novel of the peak of bigotry in the 1960s and 1970s, as Clarabelle, a young woman held down by an abusive racist father, struggles to deal with her own thoughts on hate and race, challenged by many daunting ordeals and a friend that may save her from herself. A unique story of tragedy and friendship set against a strong racial tone, “Clarabelle’s Rose” is a read well worth considering.

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 03/31/15

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 Graphic Novel Earns Praise of Industry Elite

This article tells how Christine Mari Inzer got acclaimed comics artists Jeff Smith, Lucy Knisley, and Hope Larson to blurb her self-published book. It is an interesting read for self-publishing graphic novel authors.

DIY: Twitter Ads for Indie Authors

Twitter’s easy-to-use advertising platform can be a useful resource for self-published authors who want to spread the word about their books.This article discusses how to create an ad, how to narrow your audience and more. It is a must read for self-publishing authors interested in using Twitter to market their books.

“Self-Publishing is No Longer a Dirty Word”: Sarah Taylor’s Indie Book Fair Keynote Address

Sarah Taylor, marketing manager of Matador Books, the self-publishing imprint of Troubadour Publishing in the UK, delivered the keynote address at the Indie Book Fair entitled: “Broadening horizons: The expanding opportunities and freedom of self-publishing”.Taylor explained how the self-publishing industry has been revolutionised in recent years, starting from a fledgling attempt at badly edited ebooks to becoming a booming, vibrant business. “Self-publishing is no longer a dirty word,” she said. Be sure to check out the full article to learn more.

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.

How to End Small Press Month

In honor of National Small Press Month, which celebrates small publishers and showcases the unique voices of the authors who choose them, I’ve shared promotional tips and advice each week this month. (Be sure to check out the previous posts: Why March is the Best Time to Promote Your Self-Published Book, 10 Ways to Promote Your Self-Published Book in March, Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Self-Publishing, and Connect with Others to Promote Your Book.)

After all that self promotion, it’s time to relax and recharge. Every hardworking writer needs to take a break to prevent burnout and take time to celebrate accomplishments. Here is how you should end Small Press Month.

1. Celebrate.

Reflect on everything you’ve accomplished this month and celebrate your success, no matter how big or small. Buy yourself a fun notebook or go out to dinner with people who support your work. You should be proud of your hard work.

2. Get inspired.

Taking a break from promoting your work doesn’t mean putting your writing work on hold; it simply means shifting tasks. Use this downtime to get inspired. You might just find an idea for your next book or a unique promotional idea. Read. Watch movies.  Listen to music. Travel. Try something new. Socialize.

3. Set new goals.

Don’t stop just because Small Press Month is over. Set new writing and marketing goals. You are the maker of your own success.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; 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, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.