Jodee Speaks

Happy Memorial Day, Self Publishing Authors!

Memorial Day is more than the kick off to the summer season. It is a time to remember the men and women who died while serving our country. There are many ways to honor our fallen soldiers (such as visiting cemeteries), and self publishing authors have the opportunity to honor them in a truly special way: by sharing their stories with the world.

Every soldier has a story. Perhaps, he is a father or husband. Maybe she joined the forces to escape a difficult home life. Maybe there is a long history of family members who all served their country. Whatever the soldier’s story, you as a writer have the ability to share it.

If you have a special person in your life who died serving our country, you could write about him or her. Or perhaps you’d like to honor several soldiers by sharing the stories of many men and women who have died for our freedom. Whatever your approach, Memorial Day is a great time to begin working a self publishing project in honor of our falling soldiers.

I’d love to know, are you working on a project to honor our service men and women?

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, Uncategorized

Weekly Self Published Book Review: The Hummingbird Garden

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 hummingbird garden

The Hummingbird Garden

Evelyn Schwarz

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432798154

“The Hummingbird Garden” by Evelyn Schwarz is about a girl named Alexis who just moved into a new house with her family. While Alexis was lying down, a little flash of color went by over her and flew into her neighbors’ yard. Alexis walked over to the fence and peeked through a hole. Her neighbors’ backyard is filled with many flowers, and there also some little red glass balls hanging from trees, but the most amazing thing she saw were small, colorful birds zipping by, hovering everywhere, and sometimes flying backwards! Alexis found this sight wonderful and went to tell her Mom and Dad. The next day, they would go to their neighbors’ house and ask about the garden and about the tiny little birds and learn more about them.
This book is a short, little book about a little girl and her neighbors’ hummingbird garden. It’s a cute, little, short story, but I say it’s better for a younger age group, like second grade to fourth grade, but it depends what you like to read or what you are allowed to read. The illustrations are really cute, especially the hummingbirds. You will really love “The Hummingbird Garden” by Evelyn Schwarz if you love hummingbirds like me.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

4 Ways to Bring New Life to Your Manuscript

Sometimes writers hit a dead-end in their manuscript, and they need help bringing the project back to life. While you might think writing would be the solution, it may be best to save the manuscript and take a break. But don’t completely forget about the project. Instead try these four tips to help bring new life to your self publishing book project.

1. Do some research.

To write about an event, type of character, or location, it is often helpful to be very familiar with it. When you aren’t knowledgable on the subject, you can’t always write believable scenes or dialogue. This is why it is so important to do research, even if your book is fiction. Interview people. Read a variety of sources. Take trips. Learn as much as you can about your subject.

2. Learn how to heighten the conflict.

Every story and book has a conflict. It is what keeps the readers interested and wanting to read more. There are a variety of ways you can heighten the conflict in your story. Brush off those old creative writing books, and read up on conflict. Then play around with some different tactics such as the “what if” game to bring new life to your story.

3. Mix it up.

Don’t get stuck in a rut of always doing the same thing. Try a different voice or genre. Create a character who is different from characters you usually write. Even if you decide the new techniques don’t work for you, they are bound to spark some creative ideas.

4. Work it out.

Even if they seem like a waste of time, writing exercises are a great way to get your creative juices flowing. Take a writing course or find writing workbooks with creative exercises.

I’d love to know, how do you bring new life your self publishing projects?

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.
Self-Publishing Week in Review, Uncategorized

Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/21/13

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.

The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book

A lot of authors considering self publishing want to know how much the entire process will cost. This article breaks down what the different services may cost you. However, these are just guidelines. Contact your self publishing company for specific information.

What’s the best price for a self-published ebook? $3.99, Smashwords research suggests

One of the advantages of self publishing is setting the selling price of your book. This article talks about how to choose a price for your ebook.

The Writers’ Union of Canada to Vote On Accepting Self-Published Authors as Members

Some membership groups don’t accept self published authors, even though readers, other writers and the publishing industry recognizes self published authors as professionals. Check out the story behind the Writers’ Union of Canada discussion to vote on accepting self published authors as members.

Self-Publishers. Use Amazon Categories to Drive More Sales. 50 Ways To Reach Your Reader #10

There are many ways to improve sales, and using Amazon categories is one of them. Learn how in this article.

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

5 Self Publishing Mistakes You Can Avoid

Unfortunately, some people have a negative perception of self publishing. This is because some self publishing authors make detrimental mistakes that prevent their books from being taken seriously. If you want to be seen as a professional author with a successful book, be sure to avoid these five self publishing mistakes:

1)Doing the interior yourself –  You’re a writer; not a book designer.  Leave this task to the professionals and focus your time on writing and promoting your book.

2)Using a template cover –  Most readers judge a book by its cover, so having an eye-catching, quality cover that professionally represents your book is essential. Most template covers will look and feel like a cookie cutter design, even if you make small changes to it.  Invest in a professionally designed, dynamic custom cover unique to your book.

3)Editing the book yourself – No matter how great of a writer you are, you cannot edit your own work! It is too easy to miss mistakes because you are too familiar with your work. This task requires a professional.  Pay for top-notch editing services – this means using a professional editor and not your sister-in-law or next door neighbor.

4)Skipping the back cover –  Once you are ready to self publish your book,  one of the first things you’ll be asked for is your back cover synopsis and author biography. Don’t just throw something together without much thought!  Readers will look at this and determine whether or not they should buy your book.

5)Rushing – Sure, you are anxious to self publish your book, but don’t rush. Producing a quality book (one with a great cover and copyedited pages) takes time. Be patient now, and you will be glad you did once you have a book to be proud of.

There are many great self publishing success stories! You can be one of them by avoiding these mistakes.

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.