Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Celebrate Earth Day by Self Publishing an Ebook

In honor of Earth Day last week, many of you may be looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint. We all know that resources are scarce, pollution is a growing problem, and we must change how we live if we want to keep our planet clean, beautiful, and healthy. But many people aren’t sure what they can do to help. Well, if you are a self publishing author, one of the things you can do is offer your readers an ebook. Here are a few reasons why self publishing an ebook is a great idea.

  • Obviously, ebooks equal paperless, and less paper equals more trees. More trees equal a healthier, more beautiful environment.
  • E-readers, such as the Kindle and Nook, are becoming increasingly popular, so more and more readers are looking for ebooks.
  • Offering an ebook increases the chance that your book will appear in search results, which increases the chance that readers will purchase your book.
  • Ebooks offer your readers a quick and convenient way to purchase your book. Today’s market wants to be able to make purchases by simply clicking a button, and unlike ordering a paperback book, readers don’t have to wait for the book to arrive in the mail.

If you are also going to offer a paperback or hardcover copy of your book, consider using recycled paper. Some self publishing companies, such as Outskirts Press, offer this option.

I’d love to know, how often do you read ebooks, and what format do you plan to self publish your book?

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: Linebacker in the Boardroom

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:

linebacker in the boardroom

Linebacker in the Boardroom

Marvin A. Russell

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432775575

Leadership is leadership no matter where it is. “Linebacker in the Boardroom: Lessons in Life and Leadership” is a leadership memoir from Marv Russell as he reflects on his history as a linebacker and man of business and states the values of leadership and making the most of a situation and scoring in life, the business room, and everywhere else. “Linebacker in the Boardroom” is a choice read with plenty of wisdom.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

The Benefits of Poetry

In honor of National Poetry Month, I’ll be sharing tips and news for poets this month. Today, I’m going to address the question, “Why write poetry?” Research shows that there are several benefits to writing and reading poetry. Here are a few.

For Readers

  • a deeper appreciation of the world around them
  • a better understanding of oneself and others
  • comfort in difficult times
  • sheer enjoyment and entertainment
  • relaxation

For Writers

  • the opportunity to express emotions
  • the opportunity to impact readers
  • the pleasure of writing
  • the ability to have fun with language
  • the opportunity to learn about yourself and others

As you can see, there are many benefits to reading and writing poetry. I’d love to know, why do you read and/or write poetry?

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: 4/23/13

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.

Katy Evans Hits Bestseller Lists in 4 Self-Publishing Marketplaces

I love sharing self publishing success stories with my readers because I truly believe anyone can be a successful self published author if they work hard and make every effort to make their book as great as it can be.

Secret to Self-Publishing Success: Write for Young Adults

Young adult is a great genre for self publishing authors. Many of the most popular books over the past few years have been for young adults, but adults are also reading them. Plus, this genre has some great marketing opportunities, such as social media.

5 Key Lessons for Authors and Self-Publishers from Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman offers some excellent and unique advice.

Self-published books becoming best sellers

Every author dreams of becoming a best seller. It is possible.

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

Spring Clean Your Manuscript and See What Self-Publishing Dreams Bloom

Yesterday, April 21, was the first day of spring, a time of renewal and, perhaps, new beginnings. For some writers, spring is the perfect season to produce fresh works. For others, dusting off an old manuscript might be just the ticket.

If you have abandoned works rotting on the vine, don’t let them go to waste! Dig them out and see if a little spring cleaning is all they need. Follow these steps to freshen up your manuscript for spring self-publishing:

  • Awaken. It’s time to wake up and reassess that long-dormant manuscript. You may remember it as either utterly brilliant or complete rubbish (although I suspect if you considered it literary gold, you’d have self-published it by now). All writers feel one of those extremes about their own work just after completing it, and it’s almost never as good or bad as they think. Bring it out of deep freeze and give it one more chance.
  • Sow. Dig into each page like you’re reading it for the first time — and leave no stone unturned. Set aside whatever feelings or impressions you once had about your manuscript and look at it with fresh, new eyes. You’ll be much more objective about it now that time has passed. Pretend it’s someone else’s work, if that helps. You may find strokes of genius you didn’t recognize before.
  • Prune. Of course, along with unearthing forgotten brilliance, you’ll likely also find your fair share of thorny passages that inspire “What was I thinking?” moments. Time to yank the weeds and trim back “overgrowth” in your manuscript. Be merciless: This is one time when heavy spring pruning is OK.
  • Plant. Fill in the “bald patches” – elements of your story that require elaboration, such as further plot and character development. This is where you may choose to replant ugly, unhealthy portions that you pulled earlier.
  • Fertilize. Cultivate a plan to nurture those parts of your book that are weakest. Sprinkle it generously with notes about what changes you need to make as you review and review again; gradually, your writing and your overall story will grow more lush.
  • Cross-pollinate. Read the works of others. See a good movie, or listen to your favorite music. Exchange ideas with other writers. The idea is to borrow inspiration that will better inform your book.
  • Reap. Once all your efforts have born fruit in the form of a juicy new manuscript, take your product to market! There are surely plenty of readers who are hungry for what you have to offer.

Fresh eyes and a few good brainstorms may produce all the fertile ideas you need to turn that literary spring cleaning project into a sizzling summer read. Good luck!

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.