Category: Uncategorized

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 12/06/13

‘Tis the SEASON to…

Last year I pretty much gave up shopping—well shopping in the marketing-media frenzy sense, anyway.  My passion for books—and the authors I’ve worked with—inspired me to buy their books and send them to family and friends.  I enjoyed the “holiday bargains,” of course, but much more than that, I felt as if I was passing forward the legacy of writing (and good story telling) that my self-publishing clients represent.

It was also last year that I seemed to hit a wall of mounting disappointment as I listened to the younger generations of my family and friends talking about their “exasperating,” even “frightening”, holiday shopping experiences.  A long-hidden rebellion within me grew and my fingers flew over the keyboard writing op-ed pieces to send to every daily or weekly print publisher.  I wanted to make a statement!  I wanted THE SEASON to be different!  I wanted it to be PEACEFUL!  Full of GOOD CHEER!  LOVE and LAUGHTER abounding on every block, in every city, town and nation!  However, to my own discredit, not one of my pieces was sent.  Too many last minute details derailed my fervor.  However, this season, I’m thinking of pulling out those pieces—developing them into a book—and self-publishing it in plenty of time for next year’s marketing-media-frenzy.

In the meantime, I hope you’ll join me in a taste of rebellion and allow your thoughts to stroll back to your favorite Holiday Season(s)—and WRITE about them.  Besides finding “just what you wanted” under the tree, what other memories do you see?  A favorite aunt bringing her deee-licious walnut fudge to Christmas dinner?  Your grandmother telling her version of “naughty” stories about your dad?  The next door neighbor stopping by with a handmade toy carved from oak wood just for you!

Over the years our family has enjoyed many traditions such as the youngest child placing the ceramic Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve and attending Christmas Eve church services.  One fairly new tradition in our house is watching a made-for-TV movie titled Silent Night.  This true-story, produced in 2002, stars Linda Hamilton as the German mother of a young son (age 12) who will soon be conscripted into Hitler’s army.  She takes him out of the city to a cabin in the woods—not far from “enemy” lines.  It is Christmas Eve, 1944, and unexpected guests arrive: first three American soldiers, then three German soldiers.  She demands a truce between them—for this one night.

You may be wondering why this movie?  Simple answer.  It inspired me.  This movie was created from an oral history interview with a high school student!  Her subject was Fritz Vincken, the boy in the “story,” and the one thing he remembered most about his childhood was war.  Many of us—many of our neighbors—and too many the world over hold such memories or actually live in war zones today.  I don’t want to forget that.  I don’t want to get so caught up in shopping or party-planning that I misplace my compassion for those who are hurting.  And, for me, seeing/experiencing a well-written, well-directed, well-acted movie such as Silent Night helps me hold my center; helps me appreciate the gifts I’ve been given that cannot be wrapped.

Plus, realizing that this story was developed (written/scripted) from a collection of oral histories done by high school students is exceptionally inspiring to me.  Important, vital, must-be-told stories are out there waiting for the right person to write them!  Is that YOU?

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 11/29/13

It is the day after Thanksgiving and many of us were greatly blessed to have shared time with our family and enjoyed that traditional meal.  Now we are faced with yesterday’s leftovers, maybe even a pot or two still soaking in the kitchen sink.  This is the perfect scenario to send writers to their desks to grab pen or pencil, or attack the computer keyboard with renewed determination!  There are no story leftovers!  Each one must be developed, completed and published!

I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to next year and planning to submit my newly self-published book to several contests.  One of the first will be the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and their Self-Published eBook Awards contests.  There are “early-bird” deadlines and rules to follow, so I’m planning to consult my Personal Marketing Assistant—one of the members of my self-publishing team—for advice.  There is also a wonderful website — www.goodreads.com — that provides a whole list of contests, PLUS allows me to acknowledge my favorite books (past and present).  THAT is where I hope to see my own books listed someday soon!  And there I will find a continuing list of readers who consider my work a “good read.”

There are also the magazines with editors who joined the arena of book award contests.  One that is well established and growing is the ForeWord Reviews magazine.  It was established in 1998 and now distributes quarterly to 7,500 librarians and booksellers and is available at most Barnes & Noble newsstands.  They look at each year’s newly published books for this contest, which is a great avenue for self-published authors to be recognized.  Their motto is “great book/independent voices.”  I like that and hope my writing will catch their attention.

So it is that my thoughts are bouncing between all the stories and articles floating in my head, and the few weeks remaining in this calendar year.  Watching the last leaves fall and snowflakes begin to float through crystal-air, my head is also full of delightful holiday memories.  I cannot help but picture myself in the midst of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the love and laughter to be shared.

SHOULD the writing take a backseat to these activities, I will, however, still have my plan-of-action in place: at least two of my current clients will be published in the New Year; several new clients will become best friends as we get their projects rolling; at least one of my own books will make it to the desks of my self-publishing team; and many book award contests will receive submissions from me and my clients.  I am, indeed, FULL of thanks for the blessings of today and the opportunities that await.

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

5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Self-Publishing

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner this week, I hope you take the time to reflect on all the things you have to be thankful for. As a writer, there are many reasons to be thankful for self-publishing. Here are the top five.

1. Creative Freedom

Self-publishing gives writers the freedom to creatively express themselves. They don’t have to wait for an editor to decide their story is worthy or be told to change their vision to fit a commercial market.

2. Control

Self-publishing authors maintain complete control throughout the publishing process. They decide how the book will look, read, and be sold.

3. Financial Opportunity

Self-publishing offers writers the opportunity to earn an income from their work. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing authors aren’t stuck with low royalties. They earn more from each book they sell.

4. A Changing Market

Self-publishing continues to grow in popularity, and previously successful traditional authors are even choosing to go the self-publishing route with their new books. With this comes more respect for self-published authors.

5. No Waiting

Traditional publishing is a long process filled with rejection. Self-publishing authors don’t have to suffer through countless rejection letters, and their books are often printed quicker those printed by traditional publishers.

I’d love to know, why are you thankful for self-publishing?

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 11/22/13

Watching the red and golden leaves fall and rise again in a gust of wind outside my window, I think of the upcoming Thanksgiving season.  Happily, as a writer, I can be thankful for my connection with a new (new to me) self-publishing family.  Previously, my experience was with a “corporate” self-publishing business—one that started out as one person’s dream but eventually became noticed and was “bought out.”  That’s when my helpers began telling me “this is the way we’re doing things now,” and I realized my book would no longer receive the personal attention I appreciated.

However, my desire to write—or more accurately my passion to communicate in writing—continues to pull and tug and nudge and jab me until I get those words put on paper.  I could show you about a dozen book starts on my shelves.  But that’s the way it works when a person not only loves to write, but also loves to encourage other writers.  When someone calls needing “just a bit of time,” my head becomes full of their project and OFF we go until their manuscript is ready for the TLC of their self-publishing team.

On the days that I may feel a bit discouraged about whether any new books of mine will make it to that finished stage, I look above my desk to a sticky-note quote from Mark Twain:  “My books are water; those [books] of the great geniuses are wine.  Everybody drinks water.”  Ah! There is such encouragement in knowing that readers will always be “thirsty.”  I have time.

Recently I’ve been working with folks who know—without doubt—that their books must “get out there” immediately.  And, as I experience their passion and resolve, I can understand the benefit readers will receive.  These authors are writing in two genres: Christian nonfiction and Memoir.  They have shared several points that motivate them to write: 1) the world environment has become so negative—so warped with uncertainty about who can be believed—that truth needs to be told; 2) our children need to know they are not alone in their struggles—that their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents have survived terrible things and grown into thriving and enriching lives; 3) families who stick together are the best support system in the world; 4) the old cliché that “hard work is its own reward,” is still true.  The man or woman who is willing to work hard with a smile on their face will succeed.

It is such a joy to be the ghostwriter working with authors who convey such passion.  Their writings encourage me and make me even more thankful that I am allowed to “work hard” for them.  Tonight, as I close this blog, I look forward to starting a new project tomorrow for a previous client—her third book.  Her passion radiates off the page and the truth she tells will bless many people.  I will be introducing her to my new self-publishing contacts and looking forward to her continued success.

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.
Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Which Type of Publisher is Right for You

In today’s publishing industry, authors have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a publisher. Success is no longer synonymous with a large, traditional publishing company. While large publishing companies are still a top choice among many writers, today’s authors have the freedom of choosing a publisher that fits their needs and who will best represent their book, and for some, that isn’t a large publisher. Here is a break down of the publishing options available to you and how to decide which publisher is best for your project.

1. Large, High-powered, Traditional Publisher

Many authors have always dreamed of having their book published by a large, traditional publisher, so this is still a top choice for people who want to work with a traditional publishing company and who don’t mind the time and work that goes into landing a contract with one of these companies. Authors who go this route often receive many rejections before landing a publisher and find that the process takes a very long time. Many authors also complain about the lack of freedom this choice offers. Despite these drawbacks, traditional publishers offer credibility, distribution channels, and low upfront costs.

2. Small, Independent Publishers

Large publishing firms aren’t the only option for people interested in the traditional publishing route. There are also many small publishing companies that offer similar benefits as large publishers. If you are considering an independent publisher, it is important to do plenty of research before sending your submission because many companies are looking for specific types of books to publish.

3. Self-Publishing

The number one reason people choose this option is control. Self-publishing authors have complete control of the entire process — the title, the cover art, the story. The writer decides if and when the book is ready to be published. There are no rejection letters, and the books often get published much quicker than those printed by traditional publishers. The main downfall to self-publishing is the upfront cost. Authors who want to self-publish a quality book usually spend money on professional services such as editing and illustrations as well as the cost of printing and marketing the book. Self-publishing is a great option for niche writers, professionals who want to sell a book as part of their services, and fiction writers who feel compelled to share their story but don’t want to work with traditional publishers.

I’d love to know, what made you choose your publishing company?

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.