Jodee Speaks

Happy Memorial Day, Self-Publishing Authors

It’s Memorial Day; a day for remembering those who have died while serving in the US Armed Forces. I didn’t grow up in a military family, although my father was in Civil Service for 40 years.  When I was 22 I moved to a military base in Germany, where I acquired gainful employment and enrolled in college.  I remained tightly associated with the military for the next 21 years.  Wow, did this change my perspective about those who serve!  I am in awe and so very, very thankful for those who answer the calling to serve our country.

I lost friends to battles, and I make a point of reflecting on them each Memorial Day.  I’ve visited Arlington National Cemetery and had the eerie and yet peaceful heaviness descend upon me as I observed ceremonies for soldiers I didn’t know.  I’ve donned helmet and Kevlar and flown into Bosnia where I observed hundreds of soldiers living without modern conveniences and very little privacy because they were on a mission; a mission they may not return from.  They are all very special people.  I think about them too.

Prior to my close association with the US Armed Forces, when I choose a book to read purely for pleasure, I tended to navigate toward the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres, but during and after my association with the military, my tastes turned to historical and military fiction novels.  I love a well-written book I can read that has the entertainment value of fiction combined with the historical basis that I can learn from.  Many of the novels I read really drive home the statement that, “Freedom isn’t free.”

Maybe some of you have a story to share about a soldier you loved and lost.  Consider presenting the story as fiction based on a true-story. Self-publishing can help you honor that special person and share their story with the world.

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

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 5/23/14

TRIGGER WORDS

We all see and hear them every day; those words and phrases meant to snatch our attention from whatever we’re doing and make us “listen up” to what is being sold to us.  Quite frankly, I often feel abused by the PR-tricksters who do their jobs so well that I get caught up in actually believing the so-called-facts about a new product, a “breaking news event” or the perfect politician (really?).  HOWEVER, the astute writer can take a lesson from these folks and learn a few things about communicating.  Let’s take look at some of their strategies.

EVOKE POSITIVE EMOTION:  When emotions run high and the adrenalin is pumping sharp impressions can be made in the human mind.

Words such as: Faith, Hope and Love not only trigger an intimate connection between readers and your characters, they also express deeper spiritual links.  However, mix those three words with other “triggers,” and the emotional impact can run in multiple directions.  These added words might be Vibrant, Energize, Destiny, Empower or Overcome.

EVOKE NEGATIVE EMOTION:  Some PR folks follow the path of making people mad, slicing open emotional injuries in order to turn people away from one product (story or person) and “herding” them in the direction of their client.  (Over the years, I’ve learned to filter most of this type of PR by doing my own research on the topic, so those ads rarely impact me anymore.)

Developing the characters in your novel (or true story) by using words such as Arrogant, Hateful, Cruel, Selfish and Unscrupulous will provide a clear foundation.

MIX THEM UP:  Mixing the main positive and negative concepts with unexpected words is really where writers can heighten character development.  Readers may identify with an empowered person of faith; they probably know a destiny-driven, unscrupulous person of questionable “faith.”

Back in 2009, a blogger by the name of Brian Clark (who happens to appreciate Mark Twain’s writing skills as I do) gave a list of words that will amplify a reader’s attention in any genre.  Read them one-by-one and allow yourself to feel the meanings; feel the depth of these words: Jubilant…Blissful…Conspiracy…Avenge…Reclaim…Vindicate…Surrender…Helpless… Burned….

Author, translator, Bible scholar J.B.Phillips sums up my recent thoughts about words, nicely.  “If words are to enter men’s minds and bear fruit, they must be the right words shaped cunningly to pass men’s defenses and explode silently and effectually within their minds.”

As you, the author/writer/creative designer, continue to enjoy your writing journey, I look forward to seeing your work self-published, not waiting upon a mainstream house to offer their hand.  Most of the writers I know today are producing books that need to be in the hands of readers, NOW.  If you write it and release it, your efforts will make a difference.  What else can we ask for?

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Faith, Stirred Not Shaken

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:

 Faith, Stirred Not Shaken

Faith, Stirred Not Shaken

Robert De Filippis

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432775278

Science and Religion have been opponents for many years. “Faith, Stirred Not Shaken: Exploring the Miracle Between Science and Religion” explores the philosophy between these ancient concepts that both try to define our world. As author Robert De Filippis tries to find a bridge between the two and states as times change, science and religion may find common ground once more. “Faith, Stirred Not Shaken” is an intriguing discussion of the value of faith, very much recommended.

 

Kelly Speaks

ALA Conference 2014 in Las Vegas

The American Library Association annual conference and exhibit will take place in Las Vegas starting June 26, 2014 through July 1, 2014. The event features a variety of exhibits, speakers, and networking opportunities. It is a great chance for self-publishing authors to learn more about the publishing industry and network with other professionals.

Events such as the ALA Conference are excellent for helping self-published authors sell their books. Networking and learning about the industry are key steps in becoming a self-publishing successful story.

Some of the many benefits of attending the event include:

  • Make your library more efficient
  • Save your library time and money
  • Better serve your library users
  • Become a more effective library advocate
  • Make your library network stronger
  • Build a stronger reputation for your library
  • Inject fresh energy, excitement, and professionalism into your work
  • Become an excited, well-formed professional

First time attendees should review Leigh Milligan’s top ten tips in her article for INALJ based on her experience at the 2014 ALA Midwinter Meeting. Read the full article here.

You can find other helpful resources for first time attendees, exhibitors, and job searches by visiting http://ala14.ala.org/.

Annual registration and housing are now available. You can begin the registration process by visiting http://ala14.ala.org/register-now.

I’d love to know, do you plan on attending the 2014 ALA Conference? If you’ve attended an ALA Conference in the past, how did it impact your publishing success?

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.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 5/20/14

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.

Choosing a Genre — Thrillers

This thriller author shares why she decided to write thrillers and explains the genre to authors trying to decide what type of stories they want to write. She explains key characteristics of the thriller genre as well as tips for writing thrillers. This is an interesting read for anyone considering writing a thriller.

Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing

This article explains why self-publishing is a great option and shares tips to help make your book a success. Topics covered include social media, editing, formatting, marketing, tracking sales, and more. This is a great read for self-publishing authors.

How to Self-Publish for Free by Crowdfunding Your Book

This article explains the method of crowdfunding and how you can use it to finance your self-publishing project. The author provides step by step instructions and advice. This is an interesting read for authors looking for innovative ways to fund their self-publishing projects.

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.