Category: Uncategorized

Self-Publishing Week in Review, Uncategorized

Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/10/13

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 in self publishing this week.

How I Self Published, Sold 60,000 Copies, And a Literary Agent Found Me

One of the many self publishing success stories. Read and be inspired.

New Publisher Authors Trust: Themselves

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and New York Times bestseller author David Mamet released his last book, “The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture,” with the Sentinel publishing house in 2011. This year, Mamet has decided to take his next book a different route: he will self publish. Find out why well-known, successful authors such as Mamet are choosing to self publish.

How Many Copies Make a Self-Published Bestseller?

You often hear about self published authors becoming bestsellers, but have you ever wondered how many copies those authors actually sell? Check out this article to find out.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized

Weekly Self Published Book Review: Because I Said So

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:

because I said so

Because I Said So

Charlotte Rainey Green

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432773717

Parenting is a complicated endeavor because there are so many ways to do so. “Because I Said So: A Discussion on Parenting Styles and Achievement Gaps” is a solid guide for parents. Dr. Charlotte Rainey Green offers her advice on how to craft one’s own personality as an authority figure in the child’s life, leading to more home based harmony, with a particular focus upon academic accomplishments. “Because I Said So” is an insightful and much recommended read for parents who want to bring out the best in their children.

Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

NaNoWriMo – 6 Month Check-in

It has been six months since NaNoWriMo. Yes, six months! Time really does fly. As you probably know, I spent a great deal of time back in November sharing about my experience with the NaNoWriMo challenge. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but when I hit the 50,000 word mark, I saved the working document and haven’t looked back…not once!  For me, the six month mark is a chance to reflect on my project and set goals to refine and further improve my manuscript.

If you’re in the same boat, here a few things you should ask yourself as you reflect on your NaNoWriMo project:

How is the book coming along?

Since the challenge ended, what have you done with your manuscript? Have you continued working on it? Is it sitting in a (virtual) drawer somewhere collecting dust? Now would be a great time to open it back up and finish your manuscript. With six months passed, you can look at the manuscript with fresh eyes and bring new life to the project.

Is your manuscript done?

You may have finished writing the manuscript, but is the project truly finished? Maybe you still need to edit. Maybe you need to come up with a great title. Maybe all you have left to do is publish and market your book. Now is a great time to set new goals for your project so you’re ready in six more months to start a new novel all over again.

Are you ready to publish your novel?

If your manuscript is complete, now may be a great time to look into publishing options. Research self publishing companies. Talk to other authors. Figure out your goals and choose an option that is best for you.

Are you ready to market your book?

Even if your book isn’t yet published, it is never too early to begin marketing your book. You can share the news with family and friends. Set up social media sites. Talk to your local press. Begin making a marketing plan now, and you will have a much easier time promoting your book once it is complete.

I’d love to know, what have you done since NaNoWriMo?

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.
Self-Publishing Week in Review, Uncategorized

Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/7/13

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 in self publishing this week.

‘Wool’ author Hugh Howey chimes in on print, digital, self-publishing

In this article, successful self publishing author Hugh Howey talks about the new publishing paradigm. He discusses  the future of self publishing, using social media to promote your book, and more.

Patti Davis to Self-Publish New Lesbian-themed Novel

Patti Davis, author, actress, and the daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is the latest notable author to give self publishing a try. Though mostly a nonfiction writer, Davis self published her new novel, Till Human Voices Wake Us, in March and now  is publishing a paperback edition. The book is the first of three new novels that Davis will self publish.

Self-Published Titles Dominate Top of Ebook Best-Sellers List

Self published authors recently stunned the publishing world by taking the #1 and #2 spots on the DBW Ebook Best-Seller list. Last week, five of the top 10 were self published ebooks.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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.
Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

How to Get Your Self Published Book Reviewed on Amazon

Book reviews are a great way to boost your sales and credibility because readers often turn to online reviews by their peers. Online book reviews are like virtual word of mouth marketing; they can significantly impact your self publishing success. People value other people’s recommendations, and Amazon is one of the most popular sources for online book reviews. Here is how to get your self published book reviewed on Amazon.

1) Identity online book reviewers.

Search online for book reviewers. Look for potential reviewers on Amazon’s Top Reviewers list, and try Googling the Amazon reviewer’s name, which will often point you toward their Facebook page or other contact information. Be sure to look for reviewers who review books similar to yours. You don’t want to spend time soliciting reviewers who won’t be interested in your book.

2) Contact reviewers.

Reach out to people who write book reviews and ask them to review your book. Be sure to send them a FREE copy. (It can be a digital version.) Do not send the book before the reviewer as responded and agreed to review your book.

3) Use your contacts.

Besides people who regularly review books for Amazon, you could ask other people to post a review. Consider asking family members, friends, colleagues, social media followers, etc.  When using this approach, be sure to encourage people to be honest in their reviews. Readers don’t want to read generic reviews by family members and friends who feel obligated to say they like your book.

4) Value honesty.

Not every review is going to be positive. Welcome criticism and use it to improve. Readers will be suspicious if every review is positive. No book is loved by everyone, and readers appreciate genuine reviews.

According to Amazon, if you spend two or three days contacting about 300 potential Amazon reviewers, you can expect to receive about 40 to 50 responses, and wind up with perhaps 35 reviews, a quite satisfactory result. So start contacting reviewers today, and watch your book sales improve!

To learn more about Amazon book reviews, click here.

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.