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Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, outskirts press, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 8.21.2017

HAPPY ECLIPSE DAY!!!

eclipse day 2017

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically new releases written by self-publishing authors and published by independent presses! Today we’ll be featuring brand-new releases in the Outskirts Press Bookstore!

Looking for a way to satisfy that last craving for a beach read before school gets back in? Elizabeth Deschambeault has you covered with this newest novel, Turn Left at the Daisies, an historical drama set in 1961 America and Puerto Rico. Ann, a small-town WASP girl, finds herself caught between the desire to protect her unborn baby and the need to safely navigate the tempestuous relationship between her abusive sea captain father and the ambitious wannabe author who is her lover. But she is young, and even the sweet taste of life together with the man she loves isn’t enough to satisfy questions of character, love, tolerance, and readiness for parenthood—and heartbreak looms just over the horizon.

One might be forgiven for thinking this is a work of fiction; it is, however, a memoir of the highest order, chronicling a vivid, achingly real journey of young people caught in the cross-hairs of history, family, and widespread social change. Deschambeault, who has dabbled in quite a few things in her own lifetime and seen a great deal of change, knows exactly when to reach for the emotional throttle in this most excellent of Early Fall reads.

The month of August is the perfect time to start planning ahead—not just for the new academic year, but for life in general! With Frank Shapiro’s life planner, BE GREAT, you can prepare yourself for the all-important life journey by venturing into fields as diverse as psychology, philosophy, business, fitness, nutrition, and many others—all by tapping into the minds and words of musicians like Bruce Springsteen, politicians like John F. Kennedy, and tech titans like Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison—just to name a few. Shapiro traces the successes and failures of businesses as diverse as In-N-Out Burgers, Zappos, 7-Eleven, Craigslist, and others who have dipped into the waters of self-actualization and reached those buzzword crises and triumphs we call “Peaks and Valleys.” All of this to a purpose, too! Shapiro isn’t just interested in analysis … he’s interested in helping you actively shape a better and more enriching life plan, charted out thoroughly and with actionable steps. A great way to step your way into the Fall holiday season!

What a fantastic month for nonfiction! In this practical, useful guide, author Kellie Richardson empowers her readers to do one of the most difficult things we will all ever be called to do (and so very often like to avoid thinking about): planning the departures of our loved ones … and our own selves. With a graceful touch, she sets this book up to help take the sting and the time-crunch out of the picture. This is a book for those who want to take care of their survivors—those who will live on after—and make the process as easy and meaningful as possible. It may not be a subject we feel comfortable discussing, but we can all agree that we want our passings-on to be less stressful, less expensive, and less hurtful than they often can be, and Richardson has prepared a book which might be of benefit to everyone.

 

 

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

Conversations: 8/18/2017

S. O. S. – Writers Need Help, Too – Part III

The manuscript is finished! Woo Hoo! Now you’re ready to PUBLISH! The writing was so much fun! Where do we go from here?

The “big” traditional publishing houses today literally have hundreds of back-logged books waiting for their editorial staffs to “review” manuscripts and make their changes according to the “standard” of every specific genre.

First, I NOT want my book to be changed. My editor and I have completed it just the way I want it and no other editors are required.

Second, contracts with the traditional publishers give them full latitude in selecting a book cover. Nope—I do not want that, either. I have very specific ideas for the cover design.

help wanted

So, let’s look at the options today’s self-publishers offer. Again, this will require a bit of Internet Research to find the BEST FIT for me and my book.

  • After making a list of the Self-Publishing companies that look best to me I begin calling their main telephone lines and asking to speak to a Publishing Consultant.
    • I compare the publishing consultant to a National Park Service trail guide who, before I embark on my highly anticipated journey, will give me the “lay of the land.”
    • This person will walk me through the pros and cons of each publishing option available within their specific company.
    • He/she listens to what my manuscript is about and guides me to the best options for my particular manuscript needs.

The best Publishing Consultant I’ve ever enjoyed working with literally held my client’s hand through the whole start-up process. Her conversations with him extended over several weeks, which is exactly what he needed in order to make the best decisions for his book(s). She looked at the initial manuscript pages we submitted, listened to my client’s purpose for writing the book, and guided us to the very best options, which included personal cover design, extra help with photography placements, and layout design. My client gave her rave reviews in a letter to company’s owner.

Even though I sincerely believe that most of my clients would develop ulcers if they attempted to publish totally independently, to be fair, I will also mention the self-publishing “tools” to be considered. They include: Amazon’s CreateSpace and Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes & Noble’s PubIt, Smashwords, and others. IF a client has little or no financial support for their writing efforts, or they have something short they want to publish—something that will possibly attract Readers to their major book(s)—I believe these are good options to consider. However, there is no Publishing Consultant to walk you through this forest.

Working with a Self-Publishing Company, and their publishing staff of experts, is (in my opinion) the best option for today’s authors. If finances are a concern, many have “gift cards” available (given by supportive family and friends) which can be applied to any of the publishing needs. The helping hand of the Publishing Consultant is priceless—and is included in the publishing package you select. ⚓︎

 

Royalene

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

Tuesday Book Review: “Population Control: The Life & Crimes of Terryn Masters”

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:

amy cottrell population control

Population Control: The Life and Crimes of Terryn Masters

by Amy Cottrell

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478758525

Synopsis*:

When Terryn Masters was offered an opportunity she couldn’t pass up, a means of survival and a way off the streets, she never thought it would mean being asked to kill the identical twin sister she didn’t even know existed, the only link to a mysterious past she’d give anything to uncover. After an unfortunate life of bouncing haphazardly through the foster care system, Terryn Masters finds herself as a young adult braving the unforgiving streets in the dead of winter. Just when she thinks her luck has completely run out, a beautiful but secretive Winnie Alexander approaches her and offers her the chance to not only get off the streets, but a chance for a life of privilege and luxury, one like she’s never imagined.

There is, however, a catch, and it’s a big one. In exchange for the new penthouse and fancy car, Terryn must become a slave to The Agency, a secret government entity founded during The Great Depression to control the United States’ population. She must agree to kill American citizens, targets picked at random, in order to keep the necessary economic balance. Merely as a means of survival, she reluctantly accepts Winnie’s proposition. After months of training and a torrid affair with Winnie, Terryn, who has been groomed to look like a lady but think like a killer, meets and becomes seriously involved with an older and irresistible Agent Wade Warner, who further complicates her already complex existence.

While struggling to come to terms with her violent occupation and simultaneously juggling two lovers, she gets an assignment that is not only impossible, but the key to uncovering who she is and where she came from. The sinister Agent Mercer, the very agent who trained Terryn to be the skilled killer she has become is also dangerously obsessed with Winnie and sends Terryn on a mission to kill the identical twin sister she knew nothing about, turning her world completely upside down. With The Agency hot on her heels, she goes on the run to save hers.

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review:

This book was so cleverly written– so many twists and turns. It was so descriptive–I felt like I was there with the characters. I could not put it down. I will definitely recommend this book to everyone!!
Capture

– Review and image by Paige Freeman

 

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

This book not only grabs your attention from the very first chapter it keeps you focused all the way through!!! I could not put this book down.. I read it in 8 hours!! Anxiously waiting for more from Amy Cottrell!!!

– Amazon Reviewer k jones

You can not put this book down. Every page is filled with excitement. You will enjoy this book. Can’t wait to see if the author can bring it again.
Looking forward for the sequel.

– Amazon Customer

tuesday book review

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

Self Publishing Advisor

selfpubicon1

Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 8.14.2017

Hello august. Splash paint letters

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically interviews with or articles written by self-publishing authors and experts!

“Today’s generation can easily upload and publish a book for free online,” writes Vanessa Garcia in this July 15 article for the Amarillo Globe-News: “But with so many potential authors, those who choose to self-publish face the challenge of standing out from the ever-growing online crowd.” So, how does one go about doing just that? Garcia elaborates on the experiences of several key self-publishing authors in the Amarillo area, including Ryan McSwain (who is, according to the article, preparing to self-publish his second book, “Four Color Bleed,” on Amazon) and Tracy Schamburg (whose latest book, “The Common Sense Guide to Landing on Your Feet,” has recently been self-published). McSwain touts the importance of good copy editing and presentation–being “error-free”–in making a book marketable, while Schamburg agrees and recommends seeking out a support network of experienced and skilled teammates … such as an editor. Both authors and Garcia have a lot to say about the process of going indie, and the article is well worth a look. You can find it at the link!

In this article, posted to the Latin-American Herald-Tribune, readers are introduced to Argentinian self-publishing author, Susana Oro. “One of Argentina’s most prolific writers in the romance-novel genre,” Oro reputedly “touted the advantages of self-publishing platforms, saying they allow for greater creative freedom and enable authors to establish their own rhythm of production.” If you happen to be a reader of Spanish genre fiction, this is one author to watch, as Oro has already published 12 novels, and puts out an average of three to four a year–a trend which she attributes entirely to the rapidity and responsiveness of indie publishing. She has no illusions about traditional publishing, saying that unless a person was to write Fifty Shades of Grey, “the big companies are unlikely to take an author seriously and promote their work sufficiently to allow them to make a living from literature.” You can read the full article on the Latin-American Herald Tribune website.

This August 13 News & Advance article by Casey Gillis spotlights the work of Ron Sisson, author of the children’s books Lost on Big Otter River and Stalk Eyes, each of which features engaging characters and places a premium on a sense of place. Sisson, now 82, has a background in a very different kind of writing. Says Gillis, “As a draftsman and, later, engineer with General Electric, he worked in research and development in New York before transferring to Lynchburg in 1972, where he joined the bids and proposals and project management department.” The fit was a natural one, according to Sisson.  Lost on Big Otter River, his first book, “was inspired by a boating trip he took with two of his three children near Lynchburg in 1976. Geared toward kids ages 9 to 12, the creative nonfiction tale came out in 2015.” Stalk Eyes, his second book, was published more recently.

What follows is a lengthy interview between Gillis and Sisson, touching on all aspects of his experience in self-publishing these two works, and well worth your time if you too are considering going indie with your next children’s book. The News & Advance, which covers Lynchburg, Virginia as well as Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties, makes for a happy home for this article, which you can read here.

You can find all of these authors’ excellent books for sale online.

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

Conversations: 8/11/2017

S.O.S. – Writers Need Help, Too – Part II

jump skydive

SO you’ve “jumped off the cliff” and are diligently working to complete the book that’s been humming in your brain for years! You’ve outlined the plot from beginning to end. You’ve fleshed out the characters and built intrigue into their personalities. You’ve done your research and created multiple files of information about places, things, even weather patterns. The manuscript is almost complete, but you just can’t seem to quit writing it. Something is missing. Do you put those beautifully written pages in the drawer and wait—wait for the day, week, month or year when you’ll know what’s missing and can complete it?

PLEASE—don’t file that manuscript away! You’ve already sown your heart—and many hours of your life—into those pages. Take a big breath, and seek editorial help. Yes, I’m an “editor,” and IF we’re a good match, I’d love to help you. However, the purpose of this blog is to give you a few tips in finding THAT RIGHT MATCH so that your dream of publishing this book (and future ones, too) will become reality.

  • With the speed of the Internet these days, your query to find “manuscript editors” or “writing coaches” or “writing consultants” will give many options. Warning: beware of those who call themselves superstar editors. Their fees will match their opinions of themselves.
  • If your manuscript is a specific genre, search for “best” or “excellent” editors in that genre.
  • Personally, I prefer to talk with prospective clients either in person or by telephone. This first “consult” should always be FREE. If someone wants to charge you for that time, it is a good indication that they are more interested in your $$ than assisting you complete your book.
  • BE READY to give a clear, concise, conceptual idea of your story’s theme and the main characters who will be living the story.
  • Prepare a list of questions that can be asked of each person you interview. This should include questions such as:
    • Why are you in the editing profession?
    • How many clients have you done work for; and may I speak with any of them?
    • What do you consider as your editing strengths? Weaknesses?
    • What are your fees?
  • KEEP IN MIND that, even though you’ll be hiring an editor, you’re actually building a partnership. You and the editor you select will be co-workers, and that person must share the vision you have for your work. He/she will also:
    • Make sure your storyline “flows” through the pages with clear, concisely written sentences that convey what YOU want them to say.
    • That the voice of each character speaks to the reader as you (the author) intends.
    • If the manuscript is non-fiction, they will ensure that your voice—your speaking patterns—are maintained. This is vital when you are asked to speak at book signings, conferences, etc.

Bottom line: Seeking editorial assistance is one of the best decisions writers can make. Not only does it rescue that precious piece writing from the Land of the Lost File Drawers, but it opens the path to publishing an excellent book that Readers will enjoy for generations. ⚓︎

 

Royalene

ABOUT 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.