Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Progression 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 by Midwest Book Review:

 The Progression Tree

The Progression Tree

Wanda McGuire

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN:9781432765460

For our vices, there may be no bigger enabler than our own family. “The Progression Tree: Codependency: A Family Disease” discusses addiction and its tendency to remain strong through families and generations, and how families can often enable these behaviors through typical dysfunctional styles. “The Progression Tree” presents an intriguing angle to a family history of addiction and how one can move to help break it for themselves and others.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

Why You Should Add Photographs to Your Self-Publishing Project

Imagine you are reading an ordinary book, with page after page of black and white text. The prose is beautifully written and the descriptive language helps you craft images of the characters and settings in your head…

Now, imagine you are reading a book filled with photographs like these…

Farm

mountain

HauntedCastle

These beautiful pictures can make an ordinary book a remarkable reading experience. They can take readers on a vacation without them ever leaving their homes. They can help readers imagine scenes they’d otherwise never dream of, and they can give readers a rare glimpse into worlds they’d otherwise never see.

Photos are a great way to bring life and value to your book. Readers love looking at quality pictures, and the book possibilities are endless. If you are writing a memoir, you can include real photos of yourself, family, and friends. If you are travel writer, you can include images of the places you write about. Even if you write fiction, your book can benefit from a few quality photos.

If you are a photographer and not a “writer,” you can still publish a book showcasing your work. You can collaborate with an author or work with a ghostwriter.

May is National Photograph Month! This is a great opportunity to share your beautiful photos with the world, and start a self-publishing project filled with stunning photographs.

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: 5/06/14

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 author sparks bidding war

When Tina Seskis’s book One Step Too Far was rejected by the publishing world four years ago, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She self-published her novel as an e-book and asked a high street newsagent to stock it. Her successful book has now sparked the interests of publishers.

Focus On: Lynchburg chef AJ Richards talks quick cooking, self-publishing and her latest venture

This article shares the story of chef and self-published author AJ Richards. Her unique cookbooks teach readers how to use the microwave and Tupperware to create quick, easy meals. This is an interesting read for all food writers.

My Self-Publishing Journey: Putting Together My A-Team

This article details the journey of self-published author Paige Crutcher. It not only discusses why she decided to self-publish but also her secrets to putting together a great publishing team, including editors and beta readers. This is a must read for all self-publishing authors.

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, 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.