Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self Published Book Review: The Trojan Horse Conspiracy: The Infiltration and Destruction of American Democracy

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 trojan horse

The Trojan Horse Conspiracy: The Infiltration and Destruction of American Democracy

Dick Nelson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432795085

Reviewed by Leslie Granier

The original idea of a Trojan horse is found in Homer’s works. They recount how the Greeks were unable to overtake the Trojans militarily causing them to come up with a clever plan to infiltrate from within. They offered a large wooden horse. which the Trojans accepted as a peace-offering. However, inside the horse were Greek soldiers who, using the element of surprise, defeated the Trojans to win the war. In “The Trojan Horse Conspiracy” by Dick Nelson, the Russian and Chinese governments team up to formulate a long-term plan to secretly manipulate people and events to cause the US economy and government to crumble without any blood being shed. Through the use of timely political figures (beginning with Ronald Reagan) and events (including the 9/11 terrorist attacks) the author demonstrates just how far people are willing to go to attain world domination.

At the center of the story is Brad Tilsdale, a US government agent who is not big on following rules. However, he is extremely perceptive and has an excellent track record. As he gets close to uncovering the foreign governments’ plot, moles in the US government constantly shuffle him to different projects to keep their scheme intact. As he begins to realize something is not quite right with the situation, Brad really has to be careful about whom he can trust as he sifts through government bureaucracy and cover-ups.
“The Trojan Horse Conspiracy” is an amazing book. The author laid out the plot in such a way that the reader was allowed to know what was going to happen but had absolutely no idea what events would unfold to reach the endpoint. There were numerous plot twists, which made it more exciting to watch the story unravel. No one was above suspicion in this tangled web for the quest for political dominance.

I highly recommend “The Trojan Horse Conspiracy” by Dick Nelson. It will appeal to an adult audience of both genders. Having an interest in politics is not required for the reader to enjoy this story. Anyone who appreciates a finely crafted work that challenges the mind and soul will be pleased with this selection. I definitely will seek out new releases from this author.

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 3/12/13

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-publishers will be the publishers of the future

Tim O’Reilly recently discussed the changes in publishing at the TOC conference. In this great article, Jenn Webb talks to Tim O’Reilly about the future of publishing and the importance of self publishing.

Reasons to Self-Publish – Part III

There are many reasons to self publish. Usually people focus on the ease and freedom associated with self publishing, but I really like the reasons in this blog. They are unique and true.

Self-publishing timetable, part one of three

This article has some great tips on things you need to do when self publishing a book. However, check with your self publishing company before completing some of the tasks.

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

Marketing for Self Publishing Procrastinators: Part 2 – Sign Your Book

It often seems as though the terms writer and procrastinator go hand in hand. Many authors find themselves constantly putting off finishing or promoting their book. Maybe it is because the amount of work that goes into writing and promoting a book seems daunting or because authors aren’t sure where to start. Whatever the reason, I am here to help.

The key to overcoming procrastination is taking small steps towards accomplishing your goals. In this series of posts, I am going to help all of you procrastinators to promote your self published books so you can start increasing your exposure and sales.

This week, I recommend scheduling a book signing. This is a great way to interact with your readers and gain exposure. Contact your local bookstore or other venues (such as coffee shops or libraries) about hosting a book signing. Here a few tips to make the signing a success.

  • Personalize it – Always ask who you should make the message out to and double check spellings, even for common names. This makes the signed book even more special.
  • Make it legible – You never know, one day your  book may just be considered a collectible, so imake t legible. If necessary, practice your signature ahead of time.
  • Bring good pens – Obviously you will be signing books all day, so make sure you not only have plenty of pens but that you also like the way they write. Your signature is a reflection of yourself.
  • Display your cover – Enlarge and laminate your book cover to make a nice poster to display during the signing. This will help catch people’s attention at the event.
  • Share the news – Be sure to invite everyone you know and ask them to spread the word. Also, send press releases to local media to promote the event. You also share the news on your website and social media pages.

For the procrastinators reading this post, share your story in the comment section below. What are your biggest obstacles? Your greatest strengths? Why do you procrastinate? Now, get offline and go work on 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: The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude

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 upside of down times

The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude

Lisa Ryan

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432790554

Reviewed by Jennifer Hass

I have to say that “The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude” by Lisa Ryan is just what I needed. In my own personal journey, it has been suggested that I work on being grateful for what I have. It is a struggle at times to remember that when it seems everything is going wrong, it’s not really everything.
This workbook has really good exercises that forces you to dig deep to find the good. In most cases, it’s not really that hard; it’s really about if you want to recognize it. Looking at things from a positive perspective is not something I do easily or even very often.
The first exercise follows a short story about a trip to a restaurant where Lisa had experienced exceptional service. She asked for the general manager’s business card and sent a note about the server. The next time she came in, he remembered her and had written her a poem of gratitude and how her small note touched his life in a huge way. The exercise says to write to or about someone who has provided excellent service to you. This one I had to skip because I haven’t been out much. I will do this the very next time I have a great experience.

Lisa goes on to say “Gratitude is in the details” and “gratitude is not a now-and-then thing.” Boy is that true! It takes practice to make it a part of your everyday life, something I have not ever done in mine. No wonder I haven’t had much positive reactions to life.
Another exercise is to go about your day and make a point to bring a smile to someone’s face and log what you have learned from the experience. This is just another exercise from the introduction part of the book.

This book is filled with great ways to reflect on yourself and remember the good in the life you have, even when everything is not at its best. I believe this is a great tool for me. I can imagine this would be great for someone in the process of recovery, and I mean recovery of all types; mine is co-dependency, so I am working on making my life more enjoyable and setting the past free.
“The Upside of Down Times: Discovering the Power of Gratitude” by Lisa Ryan is a workbook I will work over and over, so I chose not to write in the book but rather in a notebook so I can do this over and over. This is part of my new self-loving program, and I will even purchase copies for my friends that have similar struggles!

Kelly Speaks

6 Radio Interview Tips for Self-Publishing Authors

Radio interviews are a great way for self publishing authors to promote themselves and their books, but many people are nervous about doing radio interviews. With these great tips, you are sure to have a successful and fun experience.

1. Keep it fun!

Most radio listeners enjoy some humor and natural conversation. The easiest way to nail your interview is to not over think it. Just go with the flow and don’t take yourself too seriously. Listeners can tell if you are having fun, so don’t forget to smile and be enthusiastic. Even though you are on the radio, listeners can still sense your expressions.

2. Keep it natural!

Interviews that are over-rehearsed and presentation-like are boring and awkward. While you can practice a little bit ahead of time, don’t read from notes or memorize your talking points. Just act as if you were talking to a friend.

3. Don’t worry about silence.

Many people worry about moments of awkward silence. It is the radio host’s responsiblity to fill those gaps and keep the interview moving, so don’t worry. The pressure isn’t on you.

4. Be ready to go live.

If you are doing a phone interview, know that many hosts start the interview shortly after the call begins. Some hosts will give you a few minutes to listen and get comfortable, but be prepared to go live immediately.

5. Keep it short.

Keep your answers to 30 seconds or less. This allows for more questions and some commercial breaks, and it keeps the listeners from getting bored.

6. Be respectful.

You may get some callers who aren’t very pleasant. They may challenge or insult you, but you must stay professional. While it is okay to defend yourself or the topic when the caller is wrong, be sure to do so gracefully. The listeners will respect you if you remain respectful.

I’d love to know, do you plan on doing radio interviews?

 

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.