Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 2/19/13

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.

Military Serviceman Turns to Self Publishing to Make his Mark

S. Cameron Roach has been in the military for 24 years. He has been to three wars, speaks Arabic and is an expert on Middle East matters. However, there is one more aspect to his resume that he recently revealed to the world: he writes novels, the first of which is available now as an e-Book and online in print format from major retailers.

Why eBook Retailers Are Embracing Self-Published Authors

Self publishing is changing the publishing industry. This is especially apparent if you look at e-book retailers such as the Apple iBookstore, which is now showcasing books by self published authors. This article talks about the many reasons why readers and retailers love self published e-books.

Five Slightly Unexpected Tips For Self-Published Authors to Find Success

This article has some great tips for self publishing authors — from traditional tips such as copyright considerations to more modern tips such as maintaining relationships with your audience through social media.

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

Happy President’s Day Self-Publishing Authors

For many people, President’s Day is just another day off work, or another day when the bank is closed but you’re stuck at work. However, it should be a day to celebrate presidents both past and present. As a country, we’ve been blessed with some wonderful leaders who’ve made great changes and who are an inspiration to us all. For those of you interested in history or current issues, President’s Day is a great opportunity to start a self publishing project in honor of your favorite leaders. Here are a few ideas to help you generate some book ideas.

  • Get current – Read a newspaper. Watch the news. Browse online news sources. Find out what is happening in our country, and decide if you have an opinion on any of the topics. This could just be the topic of your next book.
  • Get personal – One of the most interesting history genres is biographies. If you have a favorite president, start doing some research and consider writing a biography.
  • Interview others – Biographies and news sources only offer a limited perspective. Sometimes history is more interesting when you hear from ordinary people. If there is an event or leader who interests you, interview people about that event or person. Their stories may just make an interesting book.
  • Make it up – If you enjoy history but prefer writing fiction, consider writing historical fiction. This genre offers creative freedom while appealing to your inner historian.

No matter what you decide to write, take a moment this holiday to celebrate the great presidents our country has had and remember that today is more than just a day off work.

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: Satan Thinks in Black & White: Racism in the Congregations of America

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:

Satan Thinks in Black & White

Satan Thinks in Black & White: Racism in the Congregations of America

Ronald B. Jimmerson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432782467

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer

In “Satan Thinks in Black & White,” author Ronald B. Jimmerson takes readers on a thought-provoking journey on how we as a society have incorporated racism into our church congregations. His thoughts relate back to God’s original plan of having one church, one Spirit and one body. At the beginning of the book he relates, “We have allowed Satan to divide Christianity into denominations, and denominations into race, and race into hatred, and hatred in segregation.”
Another thought he provides is that we have gotten away from the spirit and look to the flesh for guidance. We believe what pastors tell us even though they are misusing the Bible to support their beliefs. Many do not even open their Bibles until Sunday and do not praise God for everyday things. Jimmerson also believes that we have become a very disgruntled society which is distrustful of people we don’t understand.
In Chapter 2, the author discusses how many feel unwelcome when they are looking for a church or when visiting other churches that are of a different denomination. Many individuals carry prejudice in their hearts although verbally they may say something different. Chapter 3 discusses the different types of Christians and Jimmerson states that everyone is one of the types and may not know it or is in denial. There is one chapter on slavery which is written to provide some additional history on how Satan deceives people to divide and indoctrinate society. Even though slavery is illegal, as a society we still feel the impact of it.
“Satan Thinks in Black & White” by Ronald B. Jimmerson was quite a thought-provoking book, well written and informative. There might be some who read this book who will get angry and incensed at what the author states; however, maybe they are the ones who need to address some of their false beliefs.

Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

Top 3 Articles for Romance Writers

It is the month of love and what better way to celebrate than by trying your hand at romance writing? If you want to write novels that make people’s toes curl and hearts melt, check out these great articles for romance writers.

How to Write a Romance Novel: The Keys to Conflict

When writing romance, there needs to be a believable conflict, or series of conflicts, that is sustainable throughout the novel. While conflict is important in all fiction writing, it is especially essential in romance writing because the ending is often predictable. This article offers great advice on how to write amazing conflict.

3 Ways to Know When to End a Chapter

Another way to keep readers interested is by ending chapters at a spot that makes them want to keep reading. While there aren’t specific rules for breaking up chapters, this article discusses three different techniques you can use to determine when you should end your chapters.

The 7 Tools of Dialogue

Every great romance novel needs great dialogue. However, believable and interesting dialogue can be one of the most difficult things to write. This article offers wonderful tips on how to write compelling dialogue.

I’d love to know, what made you want to self publish a romance novel?

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: 2/12/13

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-Publishing Stigma: Because Revolutions Take Time

Self publishing used to be mocked, but now it has changed the face of publishing. This excellent article discusses the self publishing revolution. It is empowering and inspiring.

 Apple Adds Self-Published Books to iTunes

Self published authors now have another place to sell their books: iTunes. This is an exciting announcement that will allow self published authors to reach even more readers.

Why Do Authors Choose Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing?

Every author must decide which publishing method is best for him or her. This article shows how many authors approach the decision.

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.