Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Top 4 Self-Publishing FAQs: Part I

Last month I wrote a post about the cost of self publishing and told you I would address other FAQ in future posts. Well, I always keep my word, so here we go. This month, I will be doing a series about the top self publishing FAQs. Here is what you can expect.

Each week I will share information about one of the self publishing questions I am frequently asked. These are the questions I plan to cover:

How long does it take to self publish?

How much money will I make from self publishing?

Where can people buy my self published book?

I’ve already completed the first FAQ: How much does it cost to self publish? So be sure to go check out that post.

Also, if you have any questions about self publishing, feel free to comment below and I will try to address your topic in a future post. Be sure to check back every Monday for the answers to the FAQs.

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self Published Book Review:Jump-Starting Real Job Creation in America: At No Increase to the National Debt While Achieving a Balanced Annual Federal Budget Within Five Years

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:

Jump-Starting Real Job Creation in America: At No Increase to the National Debt While Achieving a Balanced Annual Federal Budget Within Five Years

Gary R. Patterson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432780586

Reviewer: Richard R. Blake

In “Jump-Starting Real Job Creation in America,” Gary R. Patterson presents a clear and comprehensive analysis of the complex issues facing America’s job market. He introduces the flaws in the job creation principles of both the Democrat and Republican parties in light of their current interpretation of Keynesian consumer-driven demand.
After an in-depth discussion of the issues, difficulties, status, and stance taken by politicians, Democrats and Republicans alike, Patterson demystifies the formidable interrelated economic challenges threatening the country. His analysis includes: Job creation, tax reform, entitlements, eliminating the Annual Trillion Dollar Federal Deficits and balancing the Annual Federal Budget. Once he has defined the problems, Patterson offers common sense, achievable solutions that are financially plausible, actuarially and demographically vindicated.
He explicitly suggests, a private sector job creation initiative that would reduce the financial risk of employers hiring new workers based on creating a sustained jobs creation tax credit.
Patterson’s writing is articulate, well-organized, idealistic, and authoritative with a reader-friendly format with specific topical headings within each chapter that help the reader capture the essence of the following text. His interpretation and communication is written simply, is thought-provoking and analytical in his signature style. There is an even flow and pace of writing, which aids readers in their understanding. Extensive footnotes and multiple tables provide detailed clarification, statistics, comparisons, and source documentation.
Gary R. Patterson provides an update for seasoned experts and students of political science and economics and a workable introduction for less experienced readers in his book “Jump-Starting Real Job Creation in America.”

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

Questions Self Publishing Authors Ask: Song Lyrics

Throughout the month of July I will be discussing topics that often come up for self publishing authors.  Without an experienced agent, you may have found that it’s tough to find the answers to your questions about rights and permissions.  These posts are designed to help answer some of the questions you may have and will direct you to other sites where you can get more information on each topic.  Come back each Wednesday this month for more informational posts to help you in your self publishing journey.  If you have additional questions, please send us a comment and we’ll add it to our list of topics to cover in the coming weeks.

This week I will address the issue of using song lyrics in your book. Many self publishing authors aren’t sure what they need to do in order to protect themselves from copyright laws when it comes to using song lyrics. If you want to use song lyrics in your book, there are a few things you should know.

  • The Fair Use rule doesn’t apply to song lyrics.
  • You can use song titles without permission because titles can’t be copyrighted.
  • You can use song lyrics that are in the public domain.
  • If you want to use copyrighted lyrics, you have to get permission and pay, and it can be costly.
  • You will need permission and have to pay to use recorded music in your book trailer.

If you still want to use song lyrics in your book, you can obtain the rights in five easy steps. To learn how, check out this article: http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-you-want-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your.html.

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: 7/2/13

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 in self publishing this week.

Boulder author Rick Polito on writing, comedy and self-publishing

Author Rick Polito talks about his decision to self publish and the success he has had with his book.

Top Self-Published Kid’s Books for June 2013

It is important to stay updated on trends in your genre and the publishing industry. If you are a children’s book author, check out this list of top self published kid’s books for June 2013.

How Indie Authors Can Get Their Books Stocked in Bookshops

This author shares her tips for getting your book into bookstores.

How a Lone Self-Publisher Built a Profitable Business Around a Single E-book

In this podcast, Brett Kelly shares why he decided to write an e-book, his publishing experience, and his success.

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

Should You Self Publish a Paperback or E-book?

Authors often ask me whether they should self publish a paperback or an e-book. I always tell them to do both. Here is why.

1. Not everyone likes e-books.

There are people who prefer paperback books to e-books. They love the feel and smell of paperback books, and they don’t use e-readers. If you only offer an e-book version, you won’t have access to this group of readers.

2. E-books are growing.

Despite my last statement, a significant number of readers buy and love e-books, and the number of people who use e-readers is continuing to grow. E-books are the future of publishing. By offering an e-book, you are not only staying on trend but you are also able to reach a large market of readers who prefer e-books.

3. Paperback books make great gifts.

There are many benefits to paperback books. For one, they make great gifts, but they are also great marketing tools. If you do book signings or readings, you will want to have a paperback version of your book. You can also donate paperback versions to local libraries. With a paperback version, you will have a physical copy to show and sell when you are marketing your book.

4. E-books are great for online marketing campaigns.

Using social media and your website, you can encourage readers to download your book. This often has a high success rate because it is quick and easy. They can immediately buy, download, and read your book without waiting for a paperback copy to arrive in the mail or to make a trip to the store. You can also offer free giveaways or samples of the book to encourage readers to download the e-book.

As you can see, there are benefits to both types of books.Even though e-books are a popular trend right now, paperback books still play an important role in the publishing industry. By self publishing both a paperback and e-book version, you can maximize your ability to reach readers and enjoy the different benefits of each format.

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.