Category: Wendy Speaks

Wendy Speaks

Why You Should Consider Self Publishing

Like many things, self publishing has its pros and cons. I won’t lie; self publishing is not for everyone. However, it is a good option for many people, depending on your goals and values. If you have been considering self publishing, here are two reasons why self publishing may be right for you.

Control

One of the biggest benefits of self publishing is control. Unlike traditional publishing, authors have full control over all the details, including cost and design. With traditional publishing companies, authors typically have to give up rights and control. The traditional publishing company determines how your book is designed. The traditional publishing company determines the price of your book. While some authors have no problem giving up control and rights, many authors want to have more say in the publishing process. After hours, days, and maybe even years of writing your book, you may not be willing to surrender control to a traditional publishing company. If you want to make the decisions during every part of the publication process, self publishing may be for you.

Accessibility

It is no secret that traditional publishing deals are hard to come by. Authors who go the traditional route are often overwhelmed with rejection letters. Many spend years trying to get their book published only to discover that it is never going to happen. Often, it is not because the book has no merit. It is because the publishing company does not believe they can make money off of the book. Publishing is a business. Therefore, rejection is not always a reflection of talent.

Self publishing guarantees publication. You determine if there is a market for your book. You decide the value of your book. This option is especially viable for books with a niche market. Major publishing companies may not be able to make money off a book written for a niche market, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t. If you believe in your book, you can decide whether or not it should be published.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

5 Reasons to Self Publish in December

As 2011 winds down, you may be wondering if December is the right time to self-publish your book. Here are five reasons why it is a great month to start the self-publishing process.

Great Promotion

Many self-publishing companies are getting in the holiday spirit by offering great deals on publishing packages and marketing options.

A Christmas Gift to Yourself

Publishing a book is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. The sense of accomplishment and pride is better than any box of chocolates or new sweater.

Plenty of Time to Market

By starting the self-publishing process in December, you will have your printed book early in 2012. This gives you the rest of the year to market your book.

A Jump Start on Your To-Do List

If you are reading this, “publishing a book” is probably on your 2012 to-do list. Start the year off right by checking it off the list before the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.

Be a Part of a Great Trend

According to Outskirts Press, total book sales in the self-publishing industry will exceed 32 billion dollars. You can still be a part of that amazing statistic.

Happy Holidays!

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Wendy Speaks

Famous Self-Published Authors: Benjamin Franklin

Have you ever read The Way to Wealth by Benjamin Franklin? The inventor and politician self-published this composition of advice and proverbs in 1758. The book shares his wisdom on personal finance as well as essays about his life. Since publication in 1758, the piece has been reprinted and translated countless times. Today, the book is read by students and financial professionals around the world. Many people believe that the words Benjamin Franklin self-published hundreds of years ago are still relevant to people today. In fact, many of today’s popular clichés are found in The Way to Wealth. Here are just a few you might recognize:

“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.”
“There are no gains, without pains.”
“Time is money.”
“Get what you can, and what you get hold.”
The next time someone suggests that self-published books shouldn’t be taken seriously, quote a line from Benjamin Franklin’s book and ask if they have ever heard it. (Most likely, they have.) Then, tell them that the book self-published by one of the most famous men in America is still read and quoted over two hundred years later. Not only are his words still printed and read, but countless people still follow his financial advice everyday. Who knows which self-published books of today will have a similar impact in the years to come.
ABOUT WENDY STETINA:
Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Wendy Speaks

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you  are enjoying this holiday. As you sit around the table and think about all the things you are thankful for, you might want to think about that book you have been meaning to publish. Sharing your story with the world is a great way to show how thankful you are for all the blessings in your life. Afterall, your book is a gift to the world, and it is priceless to those you share it with, whether your readers are family and friends or a targeted group such as young adults. After you’re done enjoying your turkey, take some time to think about your book, and consider finally taking the publication leap. We are here to help you every step of the way.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.
Wendy Speaks

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic children’s adventure novel written by Norton Juster and illustrated by Jules Feiffer. The novel tells the story of Milo, a bored, young boy who receives a magical tollbooth that transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom. Since publication, The Phantom Tollbooth has been adapted into a film and play.

Published in 1961, The Phantom Tollbooth is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of this children’s classic, take a chance and publish your own children’s book. You never know, your book might just be the next Phantom Tollbooth.

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.