Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: From Humble Beginnings

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:

 From Humble Beginnings

From Humble Beginnings

Philip Guy Rochfordstrong

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432779634

From nothing to making something are the truly inspirational tales of human triumph. “From Humble Beginnings: The Phenomenal, Inspirational Life Story of Dr. Anthony Norman Sabga” tells a story of success, following Anthony Norman Sabga as he followed his family from Syria to Trinidad and Tobago. Philip Guy Rochford uses his biography as a guide to tenacity for anyone else in making their own place in the world of business. “From Humble Beginnings” is an uplifting and much recommended pick for business biography collections.

 

Kelly Speaks

How to Make the Most of BookExpo America 2014

BookExpo America (BEA) is currently taking place at the Javits Center in NYC until Saturday, May 31, 2014 . This event is an excellent opportunity to network, learn about the publishing industry, and promote yourself and your self-published book. Here is what you need to know and do to make the most of Book Expo America.

1. Plan ahead

Before attending the event, spend some time planning. Review author sessions and exhibit list to create your own personal schedule. Also, be sure to view the floor plan, so you know exactly where to go. This will help you use your time efficiently.

2. Register online.

BEA offers excellent online resources to help attendees plan their visit to the exhibit. One of these great resources is online registration. During the registration, you can also purchase tickets for special events such as Author Breakfasts and Autographing Passes.

3. Dress appropriately.

Since you will be networking, you will want to look professional, but you will also want to dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking a lot. Also, dress in layers since you may get warm walking around but be chilly while attending one of the conferences.

4. Pack for survival.

Come equipped with items that will help you enjoy the event. Bring a water bottle and your phone charger. Also, pack a small notebook and pen to jot down ideas and notes.

5. Take a break and enjoy the city.

While in NYC, take a break from the exhibit and enjoy the city. There are plenty of great restaurants and attractions to check out.

I’d love to know, what are your tips for those attending BEA?

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: 5/27/14

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.

Publishers Weekly Gets Into the Self-Publishing Business

Publishers Weekly is getting into the self-publishing business with the launch of a new site dedicated to self-publishing.  BookLife  will go live on May 29, 2014 at BookExpo America. The site will focus on three main subject areas: book creation, publishing,  and book marketing.

Publishers Weekly Releases eBook Guide to Publishing & Self-Publishing

Publishers Weekly has published a self-published eBook guide. Publishing 101: The Publishers Weekly Introduction to Publishing and Self-Publishing is designed to help authors navigate every step of the publishing process. This is an excellent resource for authors considering self-publishing.

Adventures in Self-Publishing: The Miraculous & Unexpected Venture of Poet Aaron Ozee

Poet Aaron Ozee shares his self-publishing journey and talks about self-publishing in print, ebook, and audiobook format. This is an interesting read for self-publishing poets.

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

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.