Cheri Speaks

Self-Published Authors Have Input

One of the  many benefits of self-publishing is the amount of control the author maintains during the publication process. Unlike traditional publishing, you can call all the shots. However, it is important to note that not every self-publishing company offers the same privileges and options. When choosing a company, find out how much author input is allowed and if there are any additional costs for customizations. For instance, most companies charge for custom covers or interior design, but you don’t have to buy custom options to have author input. Even standard templates give you the opportunity to change and adjust based on your needs and desires. This is privilege that most traditionally published authors don’t have, and it is one of the main reasons writers choose self-publishing.

I’d love to know, what customizations are you considering?

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.
Wendy Speaks

Copyediting Is A Must For Self-Published Authors

Copyediting is different from the revision process. While you may read through your manuscript before publishing, that does not count has copyediting for two reasons. 1) Most writers can’t read their writing objectively. It is easy to overlook areas of weakness because you know what you are trying to say, and you are more likely to miss obvious errors because you are too comfortable with the material. 2) You aren’t the expert. Copyediting requires training on grammar and style. Copy editors look for more than just misspellings and typos. There are specific ways that items such as numbers and titles should be formatted. They also can pick up on inconsistencies you may not notice.

Self-publishing sometimes gets a bad rep because authors don’t spend the money to have their manuscript copyedited. If you want your book to be taken seriously, it needs to look and sound professional. This is especially important for non-fiction books by experts. If you want to be recognized as an expert, you must have your book copyedited.

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: Love Company

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:

Love Company

Leslie A. Brudvig

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432705886

The battles in the boardroom can be more vicious than any war. “Love Company” is a memoir of Les Brudvig as he recalls his group of friends and how they all split and walked their own paths in life. From crime to porn to politics, their walks of life combined into an organization called Love Company. Brudvig remembers it all with humor. “Love Company” is a thoughtful and original memoir.

Cheri Speaks

How Much Do Illustrations Cost?

Like ghost writing or copyediting, illustrations take time and require a great deal of skill and talent. It is important to remember that illustrators must be paid fairly for their time and expertise. The price for illustrations can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It depends on the size and complexity of your project. When considering illustrations, it is important to do some research, figure out your goals, and create a budget. Once you know your expectations, you’ll want to find an illustrator who meshes with your style. To do this, find out if your self publishing company offers illustration services and get a quote. You can also look at sites such as guru.com or elance.com to find a freelance illustrator. Be sure to always look at sample work before choosing an illustrator. There are many different styles, and you want to find an artist who matches your vision.

For more information on illustrations, check out these articles.

The Importance of Illustrations

What You Need to Know About Custom Covers

Illustrations Affect the Success of You Children’s Book

 

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.
Uncategorized, Wendy Speaks

Celebrate Earth Day With POD

Earth Day is coming up, and everyone is trying to be a little more eco-friendly. Print on Demand (POD) is perfect for environmentally conscious authors because books aren’t printed until they are purchased. Therefore, no trees are being killed to create an inventory that will just sit around, and no energy is being used to create a book that won’t sell.

Self publishing can also be an eco-conscious choice if you find a company who shares your values. Check out Self Publishing for the Eco-Conscious to learn more. Happy Earth Day!

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.