Category: Uncategorized

Choosing a Publisher, Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Cheaper isn’t Always Better, Self-Publishing Authors

When choosing a self-publishing company, remember the adage, “Cheaper isn’t always better” and ask yourself these two questions:

1. What are the upfront costs, the per book cost and royalties?

You may find a company that has incredibly low per book author costs, but don’t let that govern your decision.  Just because a company promotes a low per book cost doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high upfront costs and low royalties.  And just because a company offers low upfront costs doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high per book costs, low royalties and even requirements for you to purchase hundreds of books yourself.  You must find a good balance of upfront costs, per book cost and royalties.  Consider all of this when self-publishing.

2. What services are available?

The cliché “you get what you pay for” is often true when it comes to self-publishing. Not all self-publishing companies are created equal, and you need to consider your professional goals and needs when choosing a company. A cheaper company often does not offer all the services and support needed to create a quality book, and if you want to be respected as an author and sell books, you need to offer your readers a quality product.

Ultimately, the self-publishing company you choose depends on your goals and needs as an author. Some people can go with the cheapest option and be completely satisfied, but many serious authors find that spending a little more is worth the extra expense.  You want to find a company that will produce a top-quality product, offer you plenty of options such as professional editing,  custom covers, and marketing and promotion services.  As you research self-publishing companies, be sure to consider all the costs as well as the value of the services offered. You may just find that “cheaper isn’t always better.”

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 4/25/14

ABOUT WHAT TOUCHES US DEEPLY

In this 2014 season of Passover and Easter celebrations, I am excited about all the inspired and courageous people who have placed their Faith-thoughts (their hearts) on manuscript pages and released them into the world.  So it is that I am offering thoughts on writing—motivational/faith writing—from some of my favorite Authors.

Write/Speak from the “gut.”  John Eldredge (Wild at Heart) is an outside-the-box thinker who uses his extensive life experience as outdoorsman, philosopher and motivational speaker to create his books.  He understands the “male species” very well and encourages men to be “authentic,” step into their inner courageous-ness, fight the battles of life and live the adventure of their Faith.

Life is full of complicated relationships—write about them.  Max Lucado (Outlive Your Life) has a favorite quote: “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”  His books can be found in both fiction and non-fiction aisles offering encouragement to folks who have tried to do everything and become overwhelmed.

Fiction author Francine Rivers (Her Mother’s Hope) produces incredible stories that read like real life—warts and all.  Whether set in the WWII era or American pioneer days, in Europe or California, the facts are meticulously researched allowing her to portray how “life” can seem to conspire against each character—and each must weigh the choices of living their way or finding God’s path.

True life experiences become legacy mentors—TELL THEM!  When I heard that Mary Beth Chapman wrote about her personal journey after the tragic death of her five-year old daughter, it touched my heart deeply.  In the writing, there is the re-living of each moment.  And, yet, so many the world over suffer that grief.  Her book, Choosing to SEE, is offered to those who not only have had such a loss, but to all of us who have felt the burdens of deep depression and critically challenged family relationships.

Author Don Piper (90 Minutes in Heaven) writes from the “other side” perspective.  His small Ford Escort was hit by a truck, completely crushing it and killing Don.  “That,” he says, “is where he took a detour he’d never forget.”  There may not be CSI Forensic evidence to prove his story, however, the hope it stirs in heart and mind is priceless.

Don’t forget to LOOK TO THE STARS!  Have you heard about the Rabbi from the Czech Republic, who is also a playwright and screenwriter?  Chaim Cigan has now added novel writing to his list of accomplishments, becoming one of the hottest new authors on the science fiction scene.   A man of “studies” and research, he has created a series that mixes politics and secret police with the Middle Ages, Moses and Jewish history, literally “taking readers” across continents and epochs!

SO, where does your passion lie?  Have you been complaining about the crisis circumstances seen around the globe?  Do you have an idea brewing in your imagination that could bring light and hope; or a true-life experience to tell that will show others how to survive?  THEN WRITE IT!  Get those words ON the manuscript pages and send them to your self-publisher…NOW!  There are readers out there who need to hold your books in their hands and hear what you have to say.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

How Self-Publishing Can Help the Environment

In honor of Earth Day yesterday (April 22, 2014), you may be looking for ways you can help protect our planet and preserve our precious resources. Self-publishing is a great option for eco-conscious authors. Many self-published companies offer “green” services and technology. Here is why self-publishing is the most environmentally friendly publishing choice.

  •  Self-published ebooks save trees because they are paperless. Saving trees is important for not only maintaining the beauty of our land, but also the health.
  • Paperback or hardcover copies can be printed on recycled paper or paper made from sustainable resources. Contact your self-publishing company to learn more.
  • The print-on-demand model is the most resource-efficient way to publish.  It eliminates warehousing, returns and pulping.
  • Self-publishing allows you to publish books on topics related to the environment. You could share green living tips, inform readers about problems in the environment, or just use green topics as the basis for a novel.
  • Some self-publishing companies use alternative energy sources and support eco-friendly organizations.

To learn more about the eco-conscious options available from your self-publishing company, talk to self-publishing support team.

I’d love to know, how do you plan to use self-publishing to protect the environment?

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.
Choosing a Publisher, Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Help! There are so many self-publishing companies!

So you’ve decided to self-publish, congratulations! Now it’s time to pick a self-publishing company. As you’ve probably already realized, this can be a stressful task since comparing self-publishing companies is like comparing apples to oranges. At first glance, you might think it is simple to compare packages from different companies, but once you dig deeper, you’ll realize that each company’s packages feature different services.

When researching and comparing self-publishing companies, be sure to ask yourself these questions:

1) What services do you want and need?

Before you start researching companies, make a list of the services you want and need. Reference this list when you are comparing packages as some packages may include services you don’t need, and thus don’t want to pay for, or may not include the services you want. This will help you narrow down your options.

2) Consider add-on options.

In addition to publishing packages, self-publishing companies offer add-on services, such as custom cover design or editing. In some cases, it is more cost effective to purchase a cheaper package and add-on options than purchasing a more expensive package.

3) Get a true comparison.

To get a true comparison, you need to determine the per author cost for books after publication and the per book royalty you will earn . (See an example here.) You may find it is better to spend a little more upfront to reap the benefits of higher royalties on the back end. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better.

4) Think about your after publication needs.

The work doesn’t end once your book is printed. To be successful, you will need to market and promote your book. Self-publishing companies offer a variety of marketing options, so be sure to consider the after publication services when choosing a self-publishing company.

5) What are the upfront costs, the per book cost and royalties?

You may find a company that has incredibly low per book author costs, but don’t let that govern your decision.  Just because a company promotes a low per book cost doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high upfront costs and low royalties.  And just because a company offers low upfront costs doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high per book costs, low royalties and even require you to purchase hundreds of books yourself.  You must find a good balance of upfront costs, per book cost and royalties.

Ultimately, the self-publishing company you choose depends on your goals and needs as an author. Some people can go with the cheapest option and be completely satisfied, but many serious authors find that spending a little more is worth the extra expense.  You want to find a company that will produce a top-quality product, offer you plenty of options such as professional editing and custom covers, and a variety of options for marketing and promoting your book.  As you research self publishing companies, be sure to consider all the costs as well as the value of the services offered. You may just find that “cheaper isn’t always better.”

Choosing a self-publishing company is like any important decision in life; you can analyze and analyze and analyze, but eventually you have to make a decision, and sometimes that decision is based on something other than logic. Trust your instincts.

If this seems a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Self-publishing companies have great teams of professionals to help you pick the best options for you.

 

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager 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.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 4/18/14

SPIRITUALLY SPEAKING

When meeting someone new—and hoping to establish a friendship—there are two topics of conversation that most people stay clear of: Politics and Religion.  Thank goodness, writers have no such boundary!  As of this blog entry, I have not yet had the pleasure of working with an author in the genre of World and/or National Politics.  However, I am very blessed to say that my life has been enriched by working with authors from the mission field, from pastors to world evangelists and prophets to next door neighbors who write about the legacy of their faith walk.  Yes, that has been a privilege and honor, indeed.

Through these faith-writing adventures, I’ve discovered that although the main subject matter may be controversial, the topic of “religion” and/or “faith” crosses over into multiple genres.  Fiction genres include: Action/Adventure, Family Sagas, Historical, Military/Espionage, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers, Westerns and Young Adult.  Non-Fiction genres include: Biography/Memoirs, Business/Economics, Cultural/Social Issues, Current Affairs, Military History, Humor, Medical, Parenting, Relationships, Science, Women’s Issues…and more.  There truly seems to be few genre limitations in this field of writing!  There are, however, a few TIPS that I’ve garnered and I am happy to pass these forward to you.

  • Recognize that your reading audience may be smaller than those of mainstream authors. However, you may be the next Dan Brown (author of The Da Vinci Code) who stepped into view of readers of multiple genres (Mystery, Action/Adventure, Cultural/Social/Political, Thrillers, History, Relationships, Parenting, etc.). It is always valuable to consider your reading audience who are now able to find your book on the Internet as well as library and bookstore shelves.
  • Human beings seek comfort, hope and strength within their understanding of God—who He is and their relationship to Him. Remember, you (the author) are also a seeker. The compassion with which you choose your words, create your characters and develop your writing will make a huge impact on readers—and on you. Billy Graham is an excellent example of a writer/speaker/evangelist who understands this concept, even to the point of addressing people’s love for their pets. “I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness [in Heaven],” he said. “If it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”
  • Be respectful.  There are so many factors/influences involved and “faith” is so individually personal, that one author—addressing one element and/or storyline—cannot possibly address all the theological pieces. Stick to the theme you’ve been inspired to write about. If an author follows every “rabbit-trail” of thought that might connect to the main topic, readers will come away confused and disappointed. Respecting the time, heart and mind/intellect of your readers is greatly important.
  • BE HONEST in the development of your writings. If you are creating a fiction/novel, know the motivation behind your character’s actions. If you’re writing a collection of essays on current affairs or military history, DO your research before adding your opinions on faith-in-action in the midst of those events. If your topic is about business and how “beliefs” shape policies and procedures, sit in on a college course of Business Ethics college and write the facts about what is being taught today vs what actually happens in the various businesses.

And, FEAR NOT Faith Writers!  The self-publishing industry is WIDE OPEN to accept your manuscripts and produce quality books for the reading world!

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.