Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 2/5/13

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.

Guy Kawasaki: Self-Promoter and Self-Publisher

This article talks about self published marketing guru Guy Kawasaki of Google. Kawasaki shares why he self published and how you can self promote.

The Road to Publication — Part Three: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing, Pros and Cons

If you are debating whether self publishing is right for you, this pro and con article can help you decide.

Self-publishing Turns the Corner

Self publishing is no longer for works that aren’t “good enough” to be published by traditional publishing firms. In fact, traditional publishing houses are now jumping onboard and starting their own self publishing companies. This article also talks about one of the most popular self published books of 2012, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Surviving the Self-Publishing World and How Tech is Changing our Vacations

One of the most important gatherings for publishing professionals when it comes to e-books and self-publishing,  Digital Book World Conference, was recently held in Midtown Manhattan. One of the guests included marketing guru and self published author Guy Kawasaki.

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

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 5 – Start Publishing Today

When you are trying to lose weight, you are often told to motivate yourself by buying an outfit, such as a swimsuit, that you hope to fit into after reaching your goal. The idea is that you will be motivated to eat well and work out because you really want to use that swimsuit hanging in your bedroom. The same is true for self publishing a book.

Rather than waiting to buy your self publishing package when your manuscript is 100% complete, purchase it now. Knowing that the package is sitting there waiting for you to use will encourage you to continue working on your project. It will also make you feel more confident knowing that you have a publishing consultant ready to help you with the process; all you have to do is finish the manuscript.

Purchasing your self publishing package is also motivating because it allows you to begin seeing yourself as a real author. You can begin thinking about editing and design and marketing. You don’t have to wait until the manuscript is finished to say you are a self published author, instead you will be a self publishing author who is in the process of finalizing his or her book.

I’d love to know, when do you plan to purchase your self publishing package?

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.
Book Marketing, Rob Speaks

Why Your New Book Is Like a Start-Up Business – for self-publishing authors

So you’re considering writing a book.  Or you recently were published.  Did you take some time to plan ahead?  It’s not too late if you didn’t.

In many ways, writing and publishing a book is like a new start-up business.  There are many things to consider once you make that big decision to self-publish.  Your new book is your new business.  You need to keep many things in mind prior to, during and after publishing.  Take some time to sit down and plan ahead.  Taking time periodically to evaluate, and possibly re-evaluate your plan, is necessary to ensure that you are still on the right track.  Following a few simple steps will help to keep your book, and you as an author, in business for a very long time.

  1. Before starting your project, determine what business you will be in.  This is an important initial step and everything you do should build from this.  What things are you interested in?  Will your book be a product of your interests?
  2. Describe your product.  What are the features?  Benefits?  Is your book a niche product?
  3. What are your goals and objectives?  This is an important step when starting off your new book and your business.  Determine where you want this business to go.  Things to consider are if you want to market this book locally, regionally, nationally or even world-wide.  After you determine this, then there are many directions and goals that should be considered.  Set goals for yourself and for the sale of the book itself.  Sit down every now and then and find out if those goals are reasonable, or perhaps they need to be changed.
  4. Target market.  Who do you want to buy your book?  We all would love to say that everyone will be interested and want to buy our books.  But the reality is that this is never, and will never be the case.  There is a market for everything, and now is the time to think about who that market will be for you. Things to thing about are your customer’s characteristics, their geography, age, gender, possibly even their income status.
  5. Competition.  Check out your competition for your book.  Has someone written anything similar?  Do some research and find things out about other books that compare to yours.
  6. Pricing and budget.  Pricing is an integral part of being able to set a budget for your book.  Pricing can be a critical piece of the puzzle.  You don’t want to set the price too high, and you certainly don’t want to short-change yourself by setting it too low.  Consider your competitors when setting your price. When determining your budget, be sure to set this to your comfort level.  The budget is one of the steps that should be evaluated on a continual basis.
  7. Inventory.  The last thing you want to happen is to not have books available when a person wants to buy.  On the other hand, you don’t want to have too many on-hand.
  8. Strategy.  Now it’s time to consider just about everything.  Creating your strategy can be overwhelming  if you let it.  Creating the strategy involves taking all these steps and running with them.  This, along with the steps that follow need to go hand-in-hand to achieve all the goals and objectives you set out to achieve.
  9.  Marketing.  Now the fun part.  There are so many things that go into marketing your book and your business.  The first would be to create your brand.  Your brand should reflect you as a writer, and more specifically your book from your brand.  Everything you do marketing-wise reflects your brand.  Marketing involves promotions, sales, advertising, distribution channels and much more.  Create a plan that satisfies all these things, and all things you want to do to market your creation.  Where do you want to make your book available for purchase?  Who will be selling your book?  What avenues do you want to use to advertise your book?  Marketing can be critical in making or breaking the success of your business.

Now you have buyers and fans, and you’ve sold millions of copies of your book.  Now what?  Follow up.  Hopefully you have created a brand that reflects you.  You want to make sure you keep those fans.  Don’t let them go!  Always be sure to keep in touch with them.  While there are a number of ways to do this, you have to decide what the best way is for you.  I’m sure with the success you had with this book, you’re going to write many more…..right?  Keeping in touch with your fans will make selling that next book that much easier.

Rob MangelsonABOUT ROB MANGELSON: Rob is a seasoned marketing professional with over fifteen years experience in multiple industries. His experience includes both traditional and online marketing offering unique understanding of a variety of markets. Through his experience and education, Rob has developed a keen sense of relationship and loyalty marketing in leading the Marketing process. He is currently a Marketing professional with Outskirts Press, a full-service, custom self-publishing and book marketing company out of Parker, Colorado that offers services for authors seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining all rights.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: After the Falls

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:

After the Falls

Brad Anderson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432771829

Treasure comes with the challenge of keeping it. “After the Falls” follows Patrick Kingrea as he tries to manage his stolen gemstones as he hikes through the Grand Canyon. A follow up to Brad Anderson’s previous novel “Ribbon Falls,” it follows the continuing adventures of the jewel heist as Patrick races against an enemy he can’t identify. “After the Falls” is a fast paced and much recommended read for thriller fans.

Jodee Speaks

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 4 – Share Your Goal with Others

Whether we are setting a goal to self publish a book or lose weight or make any other change in our life, we often keep those resolutions to ourselves. We fear sharing them with others because we don’t want to be judged if we fail or we worry that our friends and family won’t support our mission, but sharing your goals with others can actually help you achieve your  mission. When you share your goals with other, you not only force yourself to be accountable for your resolutions but you also allow others to share in your excitement and provide the support you need to accomplish your goals. Here are four ways to improve your chances of self publishing a book by sharing your goals with others.

1. Tell close friends or family who will support you.

We all have someone in our lives who supports us no matter what. They are the people you want to share your goals with because they are the people who will motivate you when you feel like giving up. You don’t have to share your resolutions with people who will discourage you. Seek out support.

2. Join a community of writers.

Whether you find a writing group who meets periodically or you join an online group, connecting with fellow writers can encourage you to achieve your goals. No one better understands the struggles and excitement of writing a book like other writers. They can offer advice and support that non-writers can’t provide, and seeing other writers accomplishing their goals can inspire you to achieve yours.

3. Be accountable.

Don’t keep your progress a secret. Regularly update your writing group and friends and family on  your progress. If you are having trouble reaching your writing goals, tell them. If you’ve had a successful week, tell them. They can encourage you when you need extra motivation and celebrate with you when you are successful.

4. Let them join the fun.

Let your support people be a part of the writing process. Ask them to help you brainstorm ideas. Let them read a draft of your work. Have them help market your book. This will fuel your creative drive and make your support team more invested in the project. Always be sure to show appreciation for their efforts and return the favor when you can.

I’d love to know, who do you plan to share your writing goals with?

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.