Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

3 Reasons to Self-Publish in May

After the crazy winter most of the country has experienced this year, it is great for spring to finally be here. Spring, which is associated with new beginnings and rebirth, is the perfect time to start a new self-publishing project or breathe new life into an old manuscript. Here are three reasons why May is the perfect time to self-publish.

1. You can put your tax refund to good use.

If you haven’t already, you will soon be receiving your tax refund. Instead of letting it sit in the bank or wasting it on material items you’ll forget in a month, invest in something great: yourself! Whether you’re a creative writer wanting to publish your debut novel or a professional wanting to increase your platform, publishing a book is a wonderful investment.

2. Spring is a time for new beginnings.

Spring is often associated with new beginnings and rebirth. So start your new beginning today by going from aspiring author to published author.

3. Take advantage of promotions.

Every month, self-publishing companies offer promotions. Check with your self-publishing to learn about current promotions.

I’d love to know, why did you decide to self-publish in May?

 

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 5/02/14

WRITING COOKBOOKS

What’s the big deal about writing a cookbook?  Just throw together forty or fifty favorite recipes and you’re done!  All your relatives will buy it; your co-workers who have been sampling those delicious dishes will want you to autograph their copy; and all those “cookbook addicts” who absolutely must have any and every cookbook available on the market will be snatching it off the shelves.  All true.  All excellent reasons to put that collection of tasty treats together and publish!

Now, let me offer you a challenge—the writing of a cookbook.  The topical ideas I’m about to share with you have not yet been developed.  The writers have passed from this earth, leaving their work unfinished, and (as far as I know) no one else has attempted to complete the projects.  However, I know that there are many authors out there who can (and should) pick up the gauntlet and write these books!

Concept #1:  Puddle Recipes

When the weather outside is frightful and the snow (or rain) is so delightful, what better thing to do than cook up wonderfully warming meals and tasty treats!  Of course, the recipes themselves are unique to each author, and the unique story that goes along with it will be the main attraction.  Those who live in (or grew up in) climate-challenged parts of the country—or the world—will have the most fuel for this project.  The main character (you) will be living weather-related survival adventures—always returning to rebuild strength and courage while enjoying a meal or snack (recipe included) that only you (the author) can provide!

Concept #2:  World War Recipes

This idea could easily be created as a series that includes remembrances of the many (too many) wars and conflicts we’ve lived through.  I’ve had two clients start this type of cookbook; sadly neither finished.  The first had a World War II background, complete with photos of this gentlemen on a Navy ship.  My favorite picture was seeing him as a “teenager” standing next to their anti-aircraft gun.  His hook for turning this into a cookbook was talking about the meals “all the guys dreamed of,” those home-cooked memories that live on forever.

Concept #3: Ranch Recipes

This cookbook was specifically “measured” to feed a lot of ranch-hands BIG portions.  The author enjoyed the banter of the boys around her table so much, she started collecting their stories.  Of course, she soon realized that the same “true story” had many versions, and the telling of those versions was bringing this recipe book together with lots of love and laughter.

SO…there you have it!  I know you can do it!  These ideas are too good to waste!  PLEASE pull out your laptops and get to work.  AND…if you need some inspiring help, there are a few of us ghostwriters around who will happily help you.  Bon Appetite!

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: The Witch’s Revenge

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:

 the witch's revenge

The Witch’s Revenge

Danny Odato

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478725640

The last place I would ever have expected a novel about a witch to take place was in a small town in India. But that is exactly where this story takes place: a small, very close knit community who watches out for each other and follow the Hindu religion faithfully. All the women congregate, talk daily, and help each other out. The husbands are good family men who take care of their families. But–a generation ago something happened and it has come back to haunt them. Only a few people would even remember this occurrence. The children are either dying or being maimed. The people are petrified and have no idea why all this is happening.

A single woman has moved into their village and pretty much stays to herself. It would be pretty easy to blame her for all that is happening, but the villagers decide to wait it out and see. Things get even worse and the entire village is in mourning— the men decide they need a holy man to come and help them. Events come to a head, but I can’t tell you or I’ll give away the plot and the ending. Yes, this is certainly worth the read especially if you like suspense and mystery. I would not recommend this book for teens— it could give them nightmares!!
The Witch’s Revenge is a striking novel that seamlessly blends Indian tradition with suspense and horror—a book eloquently presented by a gifted new storyteller.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

World Press Freedom Day 2014

“The rights to life and to liberty and integrity and security of person and also to freedom of expression are fundamental human rights that are recognized and guaranteed by international conventions and instruments.” — UNESCO RESOLUTION.

May 3rd is World Press Freedom Day. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day. It is an opportunity to:

  • celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
  • assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
  • defend the media from attacks on their independence;
  • pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

The 2014 Theme is Media Freedom for a Better Future: Shaping the post-2015 Development Agenda.

An international conference will be held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on May 5-6.The focus this year is on three inter-related themes: the media’s importance in development; the safety of journalists and the rule of law; and the sustainability and integrity of journalism.

The annual UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize ceremony will take place on May 2, 2014 at UNESCO Headquarters.

Self-publishing authors can celebrate World Press Freedom Day by exercising their right to use the written word to express themselves, share their stories and opinions, and enlighten our society. If you have yet to self-publish your manuscript, this week is a great time to take the leap. If you have already self-published your book, spend some extra time this week promoting it.

To learn more about World Press Freedom Day, visit http://www.un.org/en/events/pressfreedomday/ and https://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Press-Freedom-Day-3-May/349593917163.

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: 4/29/14

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.

Self-Published Authors Don’t Need a New Term

This interesting article takes a look at the desire to rename self-publishing in hopes of ditching the stigma that used to come with self-publishing and to better represent the authors who use self-publishing companies. My favorite part of the article is this: “The problem with trying to re-term and invent new labels to make ourselves feel better misses a larger point, anyway, which is that there’s only one label that really matters: ‘published author.'”

Blurb teams up with Amazon for self-published photo books

Blurb, the indie publishing platform that lets photographers self-publish their books, has joined forces with Amazon to sell and distribute books produced and designed by Blurb authors. This opens up a great opportunity for photographers to propel their work into the public eye.

‘I should write a book:’ Why authors decide to self-publish

This article looks at various reasons authors decided to self-publish their books. It is an interesting read for all writers who may be considering self-publishing.

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.