Wendy Speaks

Famous Self-Published Authors: Jack Canfield and Mark Hensen

I’m sure you’ve read, or at least heard, of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series by Jack Canfield and Mark Hensen. According to The New Yorker, this series is the “biggest-selling non-fiction franchise in the history of American publishing” and has sold “approximately 80 million” books. These books are currently self-published by Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC. This is a just another example of the success self-published books can have. If you believe in your book, self-publishing can help you share your story with the world. Don’t be discouraged by critics and pessimist. Success is possible for self-published authors.

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea Volume 1 Fine Feathered Friends

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 Adventures of PJ and Split Pea Volume 1 Fine Feathered Friends

S.D Moore

Illustrations by Bobb Switzer

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432712884

The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea Volume I Fine Feathered Friends is the first of a series of books for young kids. PJ is a little boy who for so long has been laughed at by other kids. He and his parents go to the pet store to buy an animal for him to pal around with. They pick Split Pea, a talking green parrot. Together, they work to solve problems. What I liked abut this book is how the two characters become great friends. What’s nice is that all ages can read this book and enjoy it. No one is ever too old to like The Adventures of PJ and Split Pea Volume I Fine Feathered Friends.

Cheri Speaks

Copyright Assistance

When self publishing a book, authors need to be concerned with copyright issues. While self-publishing companies are not legal experts or copyright researchers, they do make recommendations and offer assistance to help authors get the advice they need.

One of the most common mistakes self-publishing companies encounter is authors using website images from “download free photos” websites. Many authors don’t realize these are low resolution images not optimal for a printed hardcopy format or that free downloads are for blogging and website usage, not permissible for printed book publishing.

Another common mistake is authors thinking  that everything on Wikipedia is okay to publish or use; many items will require authorization/permission release from the copyright holder/originator/entity. Song lyrics are also usually copyrighted, so utilizing a copyright research company is the best way for authors to protect themselves.

For more information on copyrights, visit http://www.copyright.gov/. You can also talk to a representative at your self-publishing company. He or she should be able to provide you with the resources you need to answer all of your copyright questions.

Cheri Breeding ABOUT CHERI BREEDING: Since 2005 Cheri Breeding has been working as the Director of Production for Outskirts Press. In that time, she has been an instrumental component of every aspect of the Production Department, performing the roles of an Author Representative, Book Designer, Customer Service Representative, Title Production Supervisor, Production Manager and, Director of Production. She brings all that experience and knowledge, along with an unparalleled customer-service focus, to help self-publishing authors reach high-quality book publication more efficiently, professionally, and affordably.
Book Design, Choosing a Publisher, Kindle, Self-Publishing, Wendy Speaks

The New Era of Digital Books

Not too long ago, if you wanted to read a book, you had to go to the bookstore, library, or online store and retrieve a print copy. Now, it is becoming easier and easier to read digitally formated books. Readers can purchase and download e-books on their computers or digital book readers such as Kindles or Nooks.  Even smart phones have digital book reading options.

Having a book published in print is no longer enough. Readers expect options, and successful authors are willing to accommodate different reading styles. If you only publish your book in a print format, you could potentially miss out on a large audience — those who prefer digital books.

Not only is digital publishing in demand, it is also a smart choice for authors. In many cases, it is less expensive to produce a digital book than it is to produce a print book, and the publishing option is eco-friendly because there is no wasted paper. If you are interested in taking part in this growing trend, find out what options  self-publishing companies offer and keep those options in mind when choosing a publisher.

I’d love to know, what questions do you have about digital books?

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.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: 66 Ways Caregivers Solve the Alzheimer Puzzle

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:

66 Ways Caregivers Solve the Alzheimer Puzzle

Annie Kate Gaskins Laws

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432774455

Losing one’s mind is truly tragic when it’s not hyperbole. “66 Ways Caregivers Solve the Alzheimer Puzzle” is a collection of stories of caregivers facing patients with this crippling and fearful disorder. Poignant and empathetic, Annie G. Laws uses her own experience and hopes it will ring true with others who are looking this demon of a disease in the eye. “66 Ways Caregivers Solve the Alzheimer Puzzle” is a simple, recommended collection.