Self-Publishing News

Book Showcase: Discover the Quiet Power of Finntown Girl by Gloria Smith


Gloria Smith’s Finntown Girl offers a poignant, character-driven glimpse into a little-known chapter of American history. Set in 1940s rural Georgia, this young adult novel explores the resilience of a Finnish-American girl named Helmi as she navigates cultural identity, silence, faith, and family hardship. With emotional depth and literary grace, Finntown Girl is a novel that stays with you—and it belongs on the shelf of every reader who appreciates coming-of-age stories grounded in both history and heart.

Here’s why Finntown Girl deserves a spot on your TBR list or your next book club discussion:

IF YOU LIKED THESE TOP 5 YA NOVELS, YOU’LL LIKE FINNTOWN GIRL

If you were moved by the heartfelt journeys in these emotionally resonant YA novels, you’ll likely connect with Helmi’s story in Finntown Girl. Gloria Smith’s debut brings together themes of identity, resilience, and quiet strength in the face of hardship:

  1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Like Scout, Helmi offers a young perspective on injustice and family complexity.
  2. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse – Both novels depict girls growing up in poverty-stricken, rural settings with lyrical sensitivity.
  3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Readers who loved Liesel’s introspection and survival through silence will find a kindred spirit in Helmi.
  4. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson – Helmi, like Jacqueline, straddles two cultural identities with poise and reflection.
  5. Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan – A young girl navigating loss, change, and cultural dislocation connects these two stories.

If these titles are on your favorites shelf, Finntown Girl will be a powerful next read.

THE FINNTOWN GIRL PLAYLIST: SONGS TO SET THE SCENE

Looking to immerse yourself in the emotional tone and time period of Finntown Girl? These songs reflect the bittersweet beauty of Helmi’s 1940s Southern world—where hardship, hope and quiet strength intertwine:

  • “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – Doris Day
  • “Blueberry Hill” – Fats Domino
  • “In the Mood” – Glenn Miller
  • “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” – The Andrews Sisters
  • “Ain’t Misbehavin'” – Fats Waller
  • “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Play these while reading for a fully atmospheric experience.

CHARACTER SPOTLIGHT: MEET HELMI

In Finntown Girl, we meet Helmi, a quiet, introspective Finnish-American girl growing up in the backwoods of Georgia during World War II. Her world is small but filled with challenges—family trauma, poverty, and cultural friction—yet Helmi’s internal strength is quietly transformative.

Like Francie Nolan in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or Cassie Logan in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Helmi doesn’t set out to be a hero. But her authenticity, empathy, and quiet resilience make her one. Her story resonates deeply with readers who value richly developed characters and emotionally honest storytelling.

BOOK CLUB PICKS: IF YOU ENJOYED THESE, TRY FINNTOWN GIRL

If your book club enjoyed these five titles, consider Finntown Girl for your next discussion:

  1. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
  2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
  3. Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai
  4. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  5. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Each of these novels—like Finntown Girl—offers a thoughtful look at a young girl’s journey to find her place in the world. Together, they provide rich terrain for discussion around courage, cultural identity, history, and hope.

5 THINGS THAT MAKE FINNTOWN GIRL A RICH CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Finntown Girl is more than a coming-of-age novel—it’s also a layered, culturally rich portrait of a rarely depicted immigrant community in the American South. Here are five elements that give the book its historical and emotional depth:

  1. The sauna as sanctuary. A central part of Finnish life, the sauna represents more than hygiene—it’s spiritual, familial, and symbolic of cleansing and renewal.
  2. Bilingual identity. Helmi’s navigation between Finnish and English reflects the larger struggle of immigrant families to preserve heritage while assimilating.
  3. Lutheran grounding. Deep-rooted religious values shape many of Helmi’s actions and thoughts, from her understanding of forgiveness to her sense of duty.
  4. Silence as strength. Helmi’s reserved nature reflects a cultural tradition where emotional restraint is not weakness, but wisdom.
  5. Collective resilience. The tight-knit Finnish community in the novel demonstrates how mutual aid and shared values help families survive adversity.

These authentic details give Finntown Girl a distinctive voice in the YA historical fiction landscape.

Whether you’re a lover of quiet stories with big emotional impact, a fan of historical fiction, or a book club looking for your next deep discussion, Finntown Girl by Gloria Smith offers something special: a literary journey into a hidden corner of America’s past told through the brave eyes of a girl named Helmi.

Learn more or order your copy at Outskirts Press https://outskirtspress.com/finntowngirl

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.

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Why Discoverability is the Real Battle in Self-Publishing


Self-publishing has never been easier—or more competitive. Advances in technology have empowered writers to bypass traditional gatekeepers, design professional-looking covers, and upload manuscripts with a few clicks. But with that power comes a hidden challenge many authors underestimate: discoverability.

Every day, thousands of new books are added to digital storefronts. That means your masterpiece isn’t just competing with traditionally published bestsellers, but also with a tidal wave of self-published books across every genre imaginable. The question becomes: how will readers find yours?

Strong writing is a good start, but only the foundation. Self-published authors now wear multiple hats—marketer, co-designer (because presumably you’re also using the expert assistance of an actual designer, right?), strategist—all rolled into one!

Understanding how metadata works (title, subtitle, keywords), leveraging categories, building an author platform, and gathering reviews are all crucial to standing out. Every detail matters, even ones you may not initially consider—like your book’s description or cover thumbnail—can impact your visibility and conversions.

Social media, email newsletters, podcast interviews, and Amazon advertising all play a role. But none of them guarantee sales. Discoverability isn’t solved with a single post or promotion; it’s a sustained effort, requiring time, patience, and a willingness to treat your book like a long-term product—not just a launch event.

That’s why the term “self-published author” has evolved—from the lone wolf handling every task solo to the savvy creative who partners with seasoned self-publishing professionals. These experts bring decades of experience to help ensure the book you’ve poured your heart and soul into actually reaches the readers who deserve to read it.

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.

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Why is EARTH DAY tomorrow more important than ever?


Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day, occurring each April 22, has stood as a global symbol of environmental awareness and action. What began as a response to a devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara has evolved into a worldwide movement, observed by over a billion people every year. It’s a day to reflect on the state of our planet, and more importantly, what we can each do to protect it.

While environmental advocacy has traditionally focused on large-scale industries and policies, publishing—and particularly self-publishing—has an increasingly important role to play. The tools and technologies that enable authors to bring their books to life are not just empowering from a creative standpoint—they can also be more sustainable.

Enter print-on-demand (POD) self-publishing.

Unlike traditional offset printing, which often relies on large print runs, warehousing, and mass distribution (with the inevitable waste of unsold copies), POD publishing prints books only when they’re ordered. This seemingly simple shift has a significant environmental impact. It dramatically reduces paper waste, minimizes the energy used in storage and transportation, and cuts down on the overproduction that has long defined the publishing industry.

In a world where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, POD offers a practical, effective alternative for authors and publishers who want to reduce their ecological footprint without compromising on quality or access. Fewer warehouses, fewer trucks, fewer trees lost to overstocked shelves and pulped inventory. More intention. More efficiency. More responsibility.

This year’s Earth Day arrives in a moment of both innovation and uncertainty. As climate policies evolve, government support shrinks, and industries reevaluate their impact, self-publishers have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Every decision an author makes—from the platform they choose to the way their book is produced—ripples outward. Choosing POD is one small but meaningful way to align personal storytelling with global sustainability.

So as we celebrate Earth Day, let’s also acknowledge the power of publishing—specifically, self-publishing done thoughtfully. When your story finds its audience without leaving a wake of unnecessary waste behind, that’s more than just a creative victory. It’s a conscious one.

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.

average cost to self-publish a book

What is the average cost to self-publish a book?


Self-publishing has become increasingly popular, but the average cost to self-publish a book can be a mystery. This article breaks down the potential expenses to help you budget effectively.

Breakdown of Costs

The average cost to self-publish a book varies depending on factors like editing quality, book length, and complexity.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Cover Design

A professional cover can boost sales. While some online publishers offer free covers, a custom design from a talented cover designer typically costs between $400 and $2,000.

Editing (Optional, But Important)

Editing is crucial for a professional book. Costs vary depending on the type of editing needed. In-depth developmental editing can cost up to 15 cents per word, while copy editing focuses on grammar and costs around 3 cents per word. For a 70,000-word novel, editing could range from $2,100 to $10,500.

ISBN

ISBNs are necessary for distribution. In the U.S., a single ISBN costs $125 from the source.

Formatting

Proper formatting ensures your book looks good in print and ebooks. Ebook formatting typically costs $100-$300, while print book formatting ranges from $100-$500. Your online publisher might offer package pricing or include these costs.

Printing

If you plan to offer a print version, the cost depends on size, page count, color options, and print run quantity.

Bulk Printing: Lower per-unit costs, but requires a hefty upfront investment (typically $3–$5 per copy for 1,000 copies). This can add $3,000 to $10,000 to your average cost to self-publish a book.

Print-on-Demand (POD): No upfront costs and zero inventory, but higher per-unit printing costs (usually under $10 for an average-length book). You only pay when the book sells.

Marketing (Optional, But Recommended)

Marketing can make or break your book’s success. Budget for some marketing when figuring out the average cost to self-publish a book. Costs can range from $500 to $5,000.

Total Average Cost to Self-Publish a Book

Here’s a potential budget for a 70,000-word novel:

Editing: $2,100 – $10,500
Cover Design: $400 – $2,000
Formatting: $200 – $800
ISBN: $125
Printing: $10 – $10,000
Marketing: $500 – $5,000

This results in a total average cost to self-publish a book ranging from approximately $3,335 to $28,425, with the large range being due to variables like printing, marketing, and editing.

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.

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7 Steps to Publishing a Cookbook

Since October is (believe it or not) National Cookbook Month, we offer you 7 important steps to publishing a cookbook.

1. Develop your cookbook idea. What type of cookbook do you want to write? What will make your cookbook unique? Who is your target audience? Once you have a good understanding of your cookbook idea, you can start to develop your recipes.

2. Test and refine your recipes. Make sure your recipes are easy to follow and produce delicious results. Test each recipe multiple times and get feedback from friends and family.

3. Write your cookbook. This includes writing your recipes, introductions, headnotes, and other content. Be sure to write in a clear and concise style, and use language that is accessible to your target audience.

4. Edit and proofread your cookbook. Once you have finished writing your cookbook, have it edited and proofread by a professional editor (the resources available at the self-publisher you choose in Step #6 can probably help with this). This will help to ensure that your cookbook is free of errors and easy to read.

5. Design your cookbook layout. The layout of your cookbook should be visually appealing and easy to navigate. Consider hiring a professional book designer to help you create a layout that will showcase your recipes and photos in the best possible light, or choose from the available and/or included options with your self-publishing company (see below).

6. Select a self-publishing company. While there are “free” platforms available like KDP and IngramSpark, you will find it noticeably difficult (perhaps even impossible) to publish a quality, full-color cookbook with them due to their automated processes, lack of flexibility, and (in some cases) lack of actual full-color printing. This is really where full-service self-publishing companies shine, and there are a number to choose from, including AuthorHouse, Outskirts Press, and Xlibris. Choose a platform that offers the features and services that are important to you, such as print and ebook distribution, marketing tools, and author support.

7. Publish your cookbook. Once you have selected a self-publishing company, you can upload your cookbook files and publish your book with their collaborative support. Be sure to set a competitive price and promote your cookbook through social media, your website, and other channels.

Here are some additional tips for self-publishing a cookbook:

  • Take high-quality photos of your recipes. Food photography is important for any cookbook, but it is especially important for self-published cookbooks. Consider hiring a professional food photographer to take photos of your recipes.
  • Get your cookbook reviewed. Book reviews are a great way to generate interest in your cookbook and attract new readers. Reach out to food bloggers and other cookbook authors to see if they would be interested in reviewing your book.
  • Promote your cookbook on social media. Social media is a great way to connect with potential readers and promote your cookbook. Be sure to post regularly about your cookbook on social media and share photos and videos of your recipes.

Self-publishing a cookbook can be a lot of work, but it is a rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can create a high-quality cookbook that your readers/eaters will love.

This content was enhanced through collaboration with AI-powered creativity applications.