Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: Hero O’Reilly And The Phantom Hacker

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:

Hero O’Reilly And The Phantom Hacker

White, K.G.

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432780999

A help-desk specialist at Bank of Virginia finds love and adventure while solving the mystery of who’s hacking her company’s computer network.

Hero O’Reilly is named after a character in a Shakespeare play, as are her four sisters. She’s resourceful and gutsy, answering each and every help-desk request with a different name and never using the same moniker twice. Humorously self-deprecating, she’s addicted to Peeps (only in supply during major holidays), the music of Michael Feinstein and the word “hinky”—a techie term for the weird. Plus, she’s ballsy enough to put on platform shoes whenever she meets with attractive but creepy VP Ken Churchill. Hero’s neighbor, landlady and BFF is dog-owner Sally, who’s supportive and amusing in her own right. To celebrate her parents’ 30th wedding anniversary, Hero and her sisters meet for a makeover and professional photo shoot. Suddenly, it’s raining men: friend and coworker Mongrel notices Hero as a woman, FBI agent Mark Falcone pursues her with gusto and smitten photographer Alex might not be gay after all. Hero has so much sex she fears the onset of post-coital dementia. But someone’s hacking into the company’s network and Hero is headed for danger. There’s plenty of goods here, not the least of which is a strong voice and a well-defined central character reminiscent of Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality—a cute, dark-haired, nut-breasted klutz; but then the ignored neophyte gets a new ’do, sees herself in a different way and captures the attentions and affections of a first-rate FBI guy. The book almost oozes with energy. Numerous misspellings, missing words and punctuation errors detract but the meaning is unimpeded. The back story of Hero’s life, romantic interludes and interaction with associates and family—including her devoted parents who lovingly speak Gaelic—holds together well, before taking a slightly silly turn into the overdone procedural of bringing a criminal mastermind to justice. Again like Miss Congeniality, the far-fetched hacker plot doesn’t make a lot of sense, functioning primarily as a device on which to hang the romance–rescue. The last third of the book is an above average mystery–rom-com, which is more than enough for many a reader.

A hysterical adventure-romance, with a distinctive voice and a strong protagonist, that takes a tumble at the critical moment.

Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo

Seven Ways to Make NaNoWriMo More Enjoyable

I am so proud of all the self-publishing authors who are beginning the NaNoWriMo challenge TOMORROW! It takes courage and dedication to commit to writing a book, especially when your timeline is only 30 days. To make the task easier, it is important to stay organized and focused. Here are seven tips to make the NaNoWriMo experience more enjoyable for all self-publishing authors.

1. Get in the “write” mindset. Before you begin each writing session, prepare yourself mentally. Everyone has a different approach that works for them. If you aren’t sure what is best for you, try different tactics. Some ideas include reading a few pages written by one of your favorite authors, listening to inspiring music, or doing a few yoga poses. The goal is to clear your  mind and get focused on your book.

2. Create a schedule and write it on the calendar. Decide exactly when and where you will write, and make sure friends and family know when you’ll be unavailable. You may have to pass on a few social events this month to fit in extra writing time. If you do have events you have to attend, schedule writing time elsewhere during that day.

3. Don’t forget about your outline. While your story may morph into something you didn’t expect, it is a good idea to keep the outline you created prior to NaNoWriMo on hand at all times. It is your road map to finishing your book and will keep you from getting off course. There will be time to make changes to your manuscript after NaNoWriMo has ended. For now, your goal is to finish the manuscript.

4. Keep an idea notebook with you at all times. As you write your story,  you may think of ideas for later chapters. Be sure to have a spot where you can joint down any ideas that come to mind. It is a good idea to keep this notebook with you even when you aren’t writing. Sometimes the best ideas appear when you aren’t working on your book at all.

5. Give yourself a break. Writing a book in a month is time-consuming. This is not the month to hold yourself to unrealistic expectations. It is okay to order take-out for dinner, accept your mother-in-law’s offer to switch your laundry, and let the kids watch an extra hour (or two) of TV. For now, focus all of your energy on your book.

6. Get moving. Sitting at a computer all day is tough on your body, so be sure to schedule in some time to exercise. Go a for a short walk, or do some stretches. Not only is it good for your body, but exercise can else help clear your mind and break through writer’s block.

7. Reward yourself. When you reach your writing goals each day, acknowledge your success and reward yourself. Treat yourself to a bubble bath, ice cream sundae, or other special reward. You deserve it.

Writing a book can be challenging, so you need to have a plan, be surrounded by supportive people, and take care of your mind and body. Doing so will help you stay on track and focus on your book. It is when we let ourselves become overwhelmed and exhausted that we aren’t able to stay organized and successfully finish our manuscripts.

I’d love to know, how do you plan to make NaNoWriMo more enjoyable?

KellyABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.
Jodee Speaks

Spooky Self Publishing Statistics

Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of this spooky holiday, I want to share some self-publishing and industry statistics that may shock you. Don’t be afraid; just keep reading.

  • According to an Aptara survey, the trade publishing market segment (which includes fiction and non-fiction for children, young adults, and adults) has considerably increased its e-book output. The e-book production rate went from 50% to 76% during the last two years.
  • Amazon still generates the highest number of sales for trade publishers, according to Aptara.
  • According to BookStats 2012, Religion and Children’s/Young Adults showed strong growth while Children’s/YA ranked as the fastest-growing category in publishing in 2011.
  • Brick-and-mortar retail remains the #1 sales distribution channel for publishers in 2011, as it did in 2010, according to BookStats 2012.
  • According to Bowker, traditional print book output grew six percent in 2011, from 328,259 titles in 2010 to a projected 347,178 in 2011, driven almost exclusively by a strong self-publishing market.
  • According to a self-publishing resource on top earners, two-thirds of top self-publishing earners are women.
  • The average top earner spends 69% more time writing than the average author not categorized as a top earner.
  • Self-publishing authors who paid professionals for services like story-editing, copyediting and proofreading earned an average of 13% more than those who didn’t.
  • Hiring a professional cover designer earned top earners an average of 18% more.
  • Top earners had almost four times as many reviews for their most recent book than authors outside of the group.

Being knowledgable of book industry and self-publishing trends and statistics can help you make important decisions as a self-publishing author. For instance, these statistics show the value of hiring professionals such as copyeditors, receiving book reviews, offering your book in multiple formats and taking advantage of Amazon’s author services. The best way to become a successful self-publishing author is to learn from the success of those who have already succeeded.

I’d love to know, do these statistics impact your plans as a self-publishing author?

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.
Kelly Speaks, NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo Kick-Off Party in Sioux Falls, SD

Just had a blast at the NaNoWriMo Kick-Off Party in Sioux Falls, South Dakota!  If you haven’t been following our NaNoWriMo discussions this month, click here to read more about National Novel Writing Month.

Of the Sioux Falls NaNos (pictured above) – some had a general idea of what they’re planning to write this November, others (including me) have no idea yet, but we’re all in it together, and I can’t wait to get started.

Here is the blog roll for the Sioux Falls NaNos (some will be writing about their NaNoWriMo experience, others just write fun stuff, so check them out):

www.mommymindtrip.com

www.dftbanews.tumblr.com

www.crampedwriting.wordpress.com

www.thewhitepapers.net

www.shelbigesch.wordpress.com

www.lifeloveandlaughterinalargefamily.blogspot.com

www.bonniemoxnes.com

www.butterfliesanddragons.wordpress.com

www.readandtellreviews.blogspot.com

So…have you attended your local NaNoWriMo kick-off event yet? If so, tell me about it in the comments below.  If you’re on the fence about attending – do it!  You’ll have a chance to meet other local writers, get new ideas, and build excitement for the NaNo!

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.
NaNoWriMo, Wendy Speaks

Last Minute To-Dos for Self Publishing Authors Participating in NanoWriMo

There are only a few more days until NanoWriMo begins. To help you prepare, I’ve prepared a last minute to-do list for all self-publishing authors participating in NanoWriMo. Check it out below.

  • Read a few pep talks, which are available on the NanoWriMo website. They are sure to give you the motivation you need to succeed.
  • Add a web badge to your website. Not only will you help promote the event, but it is a fun way to let everyone know that you are taking the challenge.
  • Get inspired. Spend some time before the writing begins listening to music, watching strangers, drinking coffee, reading books, or doing any other activity that gets your creative juices flowing.
  • Relax. The next month is going to be hectic, so prepare your mind and body by practicing relaxation techniques such as exercising or meditation.
  • Remind your friends and family. You will need they their support during this process, so remind them of your goals and writing schedule.
  • Have fun. NanoWriMo is a fun process, so just enjoy it.

Good luck to all of the self-publishing authors who are participating in NanoWriMo. I can’t wait to see your books in print!

I’d love to know, what is on your last minute to-do list?

ABOUT WENDY STETINA: Wendy Stetina is a sales and marketing professional with over 30 years experience in the printing and publishing industry. Wendy works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; and 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, Wendy Stetina can put you on the right path.