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.
Uncategorized

Tuesday Book Review: “The Crow and the Big Oak Tree”

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:

anne toole the crow and the big oak tree

The Crow and the Big Oak Tree

by Anne Toole

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478776482

Synopsis*:

Once there was a big crow that thought he was the most wonderful animal in the forest! He didn’t like the other animals because they were so different from him. He thought he should have his own tree. He didn’t want the other animals in it. One day something bad happened to the crow. Read the story to find out what valuable lessons the crow learned. Did these lessons make him think differently about the other animals living in the forest?

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review:

“The Crow and the Big Oak Tree” tells a fable that has very important teaching messages of justifications for tolerance and celebration of differences for young readers today. With its clean, energetic illustrations and opposite page paragraphs format, “The Crow and the Big Oak Tree” tells the story of a large black crow who chose not to share hi preferred oak tree with other creatures, even birds, who were different from him. He succeeds in driving away a squirrel, a snake, an owl, honeybees, and many other little birds from his oak tree, even though they all pointed out to him it was not his oak tree.
Then one day the crow was subjected to an attack by some mean boys who decided to throw stones at him to stun him, then capture him. The crow was hit and stunned, falling to the ground. Imagine the crows amazement when the swarm of bees and their queen came to his rescue! They stung the boys and the queen spoke to the crow: “You are right about one thing. We are different from one another. But we are also alike. We all contribute to this world in one way or another. We don’t have to be alike to live peacefully together to survive in the forest. And sometimes in order to survive, we may have to help each other out. We all just need to accept each other as we are and all the different things we do. We also must make an effort to get along with one another.”
The crow thought long and hard about this and ultimately decided to let the honeybees to return to live in his oak tree. Gradually the crow also decided to allow the other creatures who were not like him to return to live in or near the oak tree. The final note is one of expanded appreciation: “Maybe in time, as the animals get to know one another better, they may find that they may find that they are more alike than different from each other and may elementally begin to like one another. But for the time being, they are all living peacefully in that big oak tree in the middle of the forest.”
Written to appeal to readers in grades 1 through 3, “The Crow and the Big Oak Tree” carries an important message of tolerance of differences for all beings.

reviewed on the Picture Book shelf of Midwest Book Review

 

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

You will recall that we met Anne Toole through her book, A Dog Named Cat. Do check my review if you haven’t already. This time we have a very vain crow that has claimed a beautiful big oak tree as his own! He thinks he deserves a tree all to himself and has claimed a very large Oak! Some might say he was being selfish, but it really went beyond that…

When a little squirrel came to live in the tree as well and started to bring nuts to store in a little hole he’d found in the trunk of the tree, the crow watched him do all the work and then he flew down and started dropping the nuts on the ground! The little squirrel quickly decided to go find somewhere else to live… You know what? I considered what the crow had just done as something that a bully would do! Does being vain cause you to be a bully?

The story continues as a snake, an owl, and some bees came along, hoping to make their home in the big oak tree. Crow chased them all away!

Now Crow soon learned his lesson! You know how? Some human boys who were definitely bullies came along and started throwing rocks at him.

When you learn what happens next, you’ll realize that being vain is not being a bully, but it’s not a good idea to think you are better than anybody else, either! Especially, when you almost lose your life! Crow discovers that he was wrong to exclude all the other animals of the forest and that there was plenty of space in that Oak tree for everyone. An exceptional story in sharing, friendship, and accepting those who are not like you.

Toole again presents a beautiful full-color story printed on a 7×10 paperback. The storybook is 24 pages, and the narrative is quite long, and is aimed at children in first through third grade. It is illustrated by Richa Kinra with the cover illustrative of the style of bright-colored details throughout. Kudos to the author and illustrator for a book just big enough to be held in small hands and read while gazing at the delightful forest animals…

Do check this one out for age-appropriated children, although if you are a parent or grandparent who reads to small children, I think many younger than school age would like to hear the story as well…

– Amazon Reviewer Glenda

MY THOUGHTS

First off, I loved the illustrations. They were so vivid and went along with the story. A big black crow though he was just “IT”, so very fine. He thinks he is above all the other animals. He decides that a certain tree is just as perfect as he is and that tree was HIS and no other animal could come up that tree. Some animals were scared away by the crow when they tried to settle and make their homes there. It was the black crow’s and he wasn’t going to share. Two boys wanted to catch the crow and make a pet of it. They throw rocks at it and then some bees attack the boys. The boys run in fear. This little episode caused the crow to realize he needed friends and it wouldn’t hurt for him to share his home. A lesson learned. We all need friends and we all need to share. Another lesson to learn, it’s not good to think you’re better than everyone else. So much for young readers to learn but in a fun way. Great book for the young reader to have on his or her bookshelf. Wonderful lessons in a fun way.

– Amazon Reviewer gayle pace

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: 8.7.2017

august

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!

The Kobo eReader is not quite the market force it used to be; these days, in a market crowded with both high-quality dedicated e-readers (think of the Kindle, the KindleFire, and the Nook) and high-quality tablets with e-reader capabilities (think of the iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tabs) it is more or less impossible to reach dominance. The Kobo has been in trouble for a while, but now, as  writes in his August 4th piece for GOOD E-READER, “Many users have reported that the vast majority of e-books that were made available in PDF were Freebies”–which more or less renders them unprofitable for Kobo to stock. The company may be re-evaluating its offerings and tightening up loose ends in order to make for a more profitable fiscal quarter; the associated self-publishing platform, Kobo Writing Life, has been rumored to be struggling to find new ways to compete with other similar services. By “no longer […] offering PDF files to download from their online store” it may be possible to promote non-PDF books on which they can actually make a profit. The changes will go into effect by November 1, 2017–and you can watch the GOOD E-READER blog for updates!

outskirts press one click children's

Well, here’s some good news, at last, and it comes to us courtesy of this recent addition to PRWeb.com! Throughout the month of August, Outskirts Press, a well-reviewed self-publishing company based out of Colorado, will be providing “extra motivation [for authors] to realize their publishing dreams: $300 toward the product or service of their choice. Throughout the month of August, authors who publish using either the Ultimate or Full-Color publishing package will receive $300 promotional credit to spend as they wish.” And wishes, apparently, may consist of professional copy editing, digital editions, custom book cover designs, time with one of their Personal Marketing Assistants, a carefully-planned-out PR Publicist Campaign, the production of high-quality promotional materials, and access to optional publishing package upgrades, such as their Hardback Format, Espresso Edition, and Amazon Kindle Edition services. As noted above, eligibility is predicated on the purchase of one of their Ultimate or Full-Color publishing packages, so if you’ve been thinking of going indie this month, there might just be extra incentive to go with Outskirts Press!

In case you were at risk for thinking self-publishing was a strictly Western tradition with Western problems, here’s a fantastic article from Dakarai Mashava of Zimbabwe’s Daily News, published yesterday–on the challenges facing publishers there and potential ways to combat them! In a country where street vendors are more common than they are in America, says Mashava, “Some leadings writers say book publishers should work with street book vendors as a part of efforts to bring the prices of books down.” Mashava goes on to discuss the history and present state of book piracy, which at present is seen as “one of the key problems undermining the viability of the local book industry.” No matter where you live, piracy is a problem, and the local market is, in fact, the first and primary market that self-publishing authors must master in order to sell their books. Mashava interviews both Monica Cheru-Mpambawashe (author and vice chairperson of the Zimbabwe Writers Association) and Lawrence Hoba (author) and cites the opinions of novelist Tinashe Muchuri, playwright Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Zimbabwe Publishing House (ZPH) CEO Blazio Tafireyi to enrich our understanding of the current situation in Harare and throughout Zimbabwe, a country known for its diverse and thriving literary scene. Moyo, specifically, expands upon its implications for self-publishing authors there: “The situation is worse […] because they don’t have enough money to print as many copies at a low cost which they can supply to vendors,” Mashava quotes him as saying. For more of this fascinating story, you can read Mashava’s article on the Daily News website!

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: 8/4/2017

S. O. S. – Writers Need Help, Too.

Becoming a published author is a commitment—a big commitment—and for many of us it has been a lifetime goal. I took my first adult writing class in the mid-1970s. (You’re trying to guess my age now, aren’t you?) The instructor was in her sixties and just beginning a career in writing that she’d put on hold while raising her family. Her example of NEVER giving up on the dream of writing has continued to inspire me to this very day. She is now 103 years young and still writing! However, even with her constant encouragement there were times when I never thought I world (or could) call myself a “real writer.”

First: I’d like to share my personal definition of a writer: a person who thinks and enjoys the process of discovering more, then literally must write about it. This person is filled with words that seem to spontaneously combust in the imagination and, again, must be written; then comes the moment of illumination that leads toward a writing career and authorship.

Second: We know we’re “real writers” when our immediate environment—school, family, faith and friends—hone our perspectives (plural) and nudge us toward a particular genre. Eventually, every detail of daily life becomes a potential element in what we utilize to express what we see in words, phrases, sentences and paragraphs on the written page.

However, when all of this natural ability meets real-world expectations, I’ve seen too many “real writers” set aside their talents—and their amazing work now boxed on closet shelves—and give up. That’s when I want to shake them by the shoulders and say, “GET TO your keyboard and FIGHT! Pull out your favorite piece and talk to another writer about it! Go to a writers’ conference and just listen to all the other writers who have experienced what you’re going through—then ask for their help!”

ARE YOU THE REAL WRITER WHO HAS STOPPED WRITING? Are you the “real writer” who is embarrassed to ask for help? Please listen to what I’m sharing in my blogs this month!

Every writer on this planet has experienced these same thoughts and feelings—and many of them are now utilizing their writing talents and publishing expertise to help the rest of us. Not long ago, when talking with a publishing consultant (who also happens to be a gifted writer) her words of encouragement made me think of what John F. Kennedy said when speaking to graduating students at Rice University (1962).

“We choose to go to the moon” [to be writers]. “…not because it is easy, but because it is hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.”

Now you know something else about me. I enjoy finding positive quotes that speak to me, personally, and hopefully will inspire others. That’s one of my little tricks to keep myself motivated and moving forward instead of looking back. Then, when other writers ask for my help, I can not only share practical assistance, but inspiring words.  So, I’ll close with one more quote from a favorite author, Ray Bradbury.

“Go to the edge of the cliff and jump off. Build your wings on the way down.” 

bradbury

 

⚓︎

 

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.
Choosing a Publisher, elizabeth speaks, in your corner, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: Choosing a Quality Publisher

You’ve spent absolutely ages writing your book, and now it’s as perfect as it gets! Why choose a sub-par publisher who’s just going to mess it up—or worse, betray your trust—by providing a sub-par final product?

Here’s the thing: no one in their right minds does make that choice—at least, not knowingly. And there’s the rub! Sub-par publishers sometimes give off a very real impression that they’re anything but. Sometimes, they’re more convincing than the bonafide deal, the companies which are legitimate and will treat you right, but struggle to stand out in a marketplace crowded by phones, vanity presses, and other publishers who’re like as not prepared to milk you for every dollar you have, and satisfy their obligations by producing the bare minimum in terms of quality product.

In a sense, you’re in a double-bind as a self-publishing company! The onus should be on the publisher to provide the best possible product they can with the funds available … but because it’s difficult for regulators to enforce this—and because publishing, especially self-publishing remains ahead of the curve in regards to legislative oversight*—the reality is that you, the author, are ultimately the one person you can trust to make sure you get the best deal possible.

* One day legislation may in fact catch up to the ever-evolving products and services which have risen along with the Internet, but that day is not today.

decision making

You want a quality publisher who will give your book the attention that it deserves.  How to ensure this happens?

  1. Spend time researching your publishing options.
  2. Learn what your publisher will do for you before your book is published, while your book is published and after your book is published.
  3. Think through what’s important to you and what you need (as opposed to those nice things you really, really want but can get by without).
  4. If you need someone available to help you, be sure you choose a publisher that offers help and support.
  5. If you know you need an amazing cover design, choose a publisher that offers a custom-designed cover. Same goes for marketing services, formatting, and everything else. Do you have the necessary skills? No? Make sure your publisher does—and for a reasonable price.
  6. Don’t turn your book over to just anyone. Your book is your book, not something you can afford to let anyone else ruin.

You’ve spent the time getting it just right … and now it’s time to find that company which will treat your book with the dignity and respect it deserves. Not to mention, which will treat you the same way.

You are not alone. ♣︎

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 18 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Manager of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, pre-production specialists, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process 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, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.