Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 6/4/13

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.

Top Self-Published Kid’s Books for May 2013

If you are self publishing a children’s book, it is beneficial to know what other books are being published in your genre and it is even more important to take a look at the ones that are successful. Check out this list of the top self published kid’s books for May 2013.

5 Reasons To Admire Self-Publishing

Every week I read through dozens of articles about self publishing to share with you the most important and interesting news. I was so excited to find this article this week. It is by far one of the best articles covering self publishing I’ve read in a long time. I admire this author for pointing out all the great qualities that self publishing authors possess.

Book Self-Publishing: Go from Manuscript to Bestseller

This article offers some great tips on self publishing a successful book.

The Economics of Self-Publishing an E-Book: Part 1

This successful self published author shares some great tips on the economics of self publishing an e-book.

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

The Importance of a Compelling Back Cover Synopsis

You’ve finally finished your self published book, and you can’t wait to share it with readers. But how do you convince them that your book is worth reading? One of the most powerful ways to lure in readers is the back cover synopsis.

Think about when you visit a bookstore. You might be searching in a particular genre or just browsing the entire store for something that catches your attention when the title or cover of a book peeks your interest. What do you do next? Most likely, you turn over the book and read the synopsis on the back cover. What is written there influences whether or not you purchase the book.

Now, think about when you are shopping for books online. You probably enter keywords in the search engine. A list of books pop up. The results are based on keywords found in the book’s title, the author’s name, and the product description. Again, a title or cover catch your attention. What do you do next?

You probably click on the book and read the description. This description is usually the same as the text that appears on the back cover of the book. Just like when you were shopping in a store, this text influences whether or not you decide to buy the book.

Just as you are influenced by the back cover synopsis when purchasing books, so are your readers. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to write a compelling and professional back cover synopsis for your self published book. For more information on writing a great back cover synopsis, check out these posts:

Is Your Back Cover Copy Driving Away Potential Readers?

Five Tips for a Great Synopsis

Copywriting Services in Self-publishing

I’d love to know, how much does the back cover influence your book purchases?

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: The First to Say No

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 First To Say No

The First To Say No

Charles C. Anderson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432791018

Reviewer: Michel Violante

“The First To Say No” by Charles C. Anderson is about two female doctors from Parkview Hospital who decide to stop the physical abuse of a local gang. “The Plagues,” as they were called, were an ethnically-mixed group of delinquents who went to Parkview pretending to be sick in order to get drugs. Once at the hospital, they would terrorize the staff and patients, while the corrupt police force did nothing and the hospital administration looked the other way, as they believed them to be patients nonetheless.
It was after Dr. Elita slaughtered the seven gang members that raped her, that Elita and her best friend, Dr. Kate, took action as they became Parkview’s female vigilantes. While their plan developed and unfolded, Kate at one point recruited her own mother to help them as well as coworkers and friends. I found it fascinating how this suspenseful story mingles with some of the characters past as well as the medical field. Anderson creates well-developed characters whose love of helping others goes beyond their duty, turning them into heroes.
I am a fan of medical mysteries and thrillers, but what I found fresh and unique about this story was the fact that regular professional women turn into action heroines for their community. I loved how these women utilized their knowledge and came up with a realistic plan to exterminate “The Plague.”
“The First To Say No” also reflects the current failing of the U.S. Health Industry. I was amazed at how bad the doctors really have it. Anderson’s writing style was clear, crisp and simple, even when dealing with medical terminology. The plot flowed wonderfully and kept me interested at all times. The details about the Health Industry and clear descriptions made the story so real, it felt almost like true crime.

I recommend “The First To Say No” by Charles C. Anderson to anyone who loves a fresh, suspenseful read. It is definitely a page turner.

Kelly Speaks

BookExpo America 2013

Starting Wednesday, May 29 – Saturday, June 1, in NYC, BookExpo America (BEA) will be running three full days of Exhibits and four full days of Conferences and Special Events. BEA is the #1 event in North American publishing and the ideal place for content creators and consumers to discover new books/titles, meet favorite and new authors, learn about trends shaping the book industry, and network with those have a passion for books and reading.

The event  gives you access to:

  • The largest show floor in North America with 1,300+ exhibitors displaying their upcoming titles—in  all formats and every genre, from across the country and around the world.
  • Hundreds  of the latest books, advanced read copies, and galleys  that will be buzzing for the summer and fall seasons.
  • Special events, author stages, and autographing sessions featuring 600+ authors. There’s no  better place to find the next big author.
  • BEA Conference Program featuring fresh sessions where  you’ll learn about the latest trends, developments, and technologies affecting  the book industry.
  • Digital Discovery Zone (D2Z) brought to you by IDPF—get a closer  look at content, devices, applications, and technology by visiting this exhibit  area on the show floor filled with leading digital service providers.

This year’s event also has many other great features such as Sidelines Pavilion  Networking Happy Hour, New Midtown Author Stage, BEA Editors’ Buzz Panels on the BEA Author Stages, and BEA LIVE!

BEA is a great opportunity for self publishing authors to learn more about the industry and network with other professionals. To learn more about the event, visit http://www.bookexpoamerica.com.

I’d love to know, will you be attending BEA this year?

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: 5/28/13

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.

Self-Publishing Tools for Science Artists

This author shares how self publishing tools have helped her share her art with the world. Her main message is that just because a traditional publisher rejects you, doesn’t mean the world shouldn’t have the opportunity to read your book. Self publishing allows you to take your destiny into your own hands.

Newly Released Promotional Video Highlights Benefits of Self-Publishing
Outskirts Press recently released a beautifully animated, 98-second video that follows the story of an author who runs into frustrating roadblocks in his efforts to publish his book before ultimately finding self publishing success. While the character of John in the video is fictional, the story illustrated in the video is based on actual feedback from authors who’ve had bad experiences elsewhere. You can view the video on YouTube: http://youtu.be/2OFVwxun9kM.

Spreadsheets to Galleys: How to Budget Your Self-published Book

Self publishing a quality book is an investment. There are certain services that can greatly improve your success, such as copy editing and customer cover design. This is a great article that helps you figure out a budget for your book.

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.