Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: The Killing Game

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if they don’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 Killing Game

J.C. Stevens

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432769086

Reviewer: Marty Shaw

“The Killing Game” takes place in the 70s, which is a fitting time period for a book that evokes the spirit of a 70s-style pulp thriller. The main character, Bronk, is an old-style tough guy that doesn’t apologize for the things he’s done, and Bronk has done some things that make him a very bad boy. One particular dirty deed committed by the world-weary assassin might factor in to you deciding if you can root for the “hero” of the story or not, because author J.C. Stevens has mixed fact with fiction so that Bronk was part of the conspiracy that killed John F. Kennedy.

Shortly after that infamous episode of his life, Bronk got out of the assassin game and lived his life as a barber, but a guy who lives by killing others can never really retire so Bronk is once again sucked into his old lifestyle. The job seems deceptively easy – grab a government witness from her FBI babysitters and deliver her to the guy that can make sure the wrong information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Unfortunately for Bronk, there are more than two players in this particular game, and knowing who his allies are becomes an impossible act.

The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and the action has that gritty feel of pulp novels from the past. Bronk might not be a likable guy, but he’s realistic. He’s good at what he does, but he’s not superhuman and he’s far from perfect. His motives reveal some of the pain he feels from past sins he’s committed and he knows that his future is more likely to hold visions of fire and brimstone than a glimpse at the pearly gates. He knows this and he’s comfortable with the knowledge of it.

“The Killing Game” has a large supporting cast of characters, and it’s occasionally easy to lose track of who’s who, but the story never veers off course and the ending offers a bitter-sweet conclusion that is very fitting for Bronk. While he might not be a hero, he’s not actually a villain either. In the end, he’s just a guy who’s good at his job, and it’s not entirely his fault that his job is killing people.

Wendy Speaks

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you  are enjoying this holiday. As you sit around the table and think about all the things you are thankful for, you might want to think about that book you have been meaning to publish. Sharing your story with the world is a great way to show how thankful you are for all the blessings in your life. Afterall, your book is a gift to the world, and it is priceless to those you share it with, whether your readers are family and friends or a targeted group such as young adults. After you’re done enjoying your turkey, take some time to think about your book, and consider finally taking the publication leap. We are here to help you every step of the way.

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: Modern Disciples

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if they don’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:

Modern Disciples 

Ian Anderson

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432772703

In every faith, there is truth. “Modern Disciples” is a fantasy series set on modern Earth as Ryan Hunter learns that the Greek Mythology he cherishes is very much true, but so are the legends and myths that everyone else follows. In the story, a war between the god of the world and the Titans themselves may not end well for the mortal world. “Modern Disciples” comes with plenty of original ideas, very much worth considering.

Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Contests, Kelly Speaks, Marketing Your Self-Published Book

Why Self-Published Authors Should Consider Foreword Firsts

Competitions are one of the best way for self-published authors to market their books, increase exposure and improve credibility. Unfortunately, most authors aren’t aware of all the competitions available to them. For instance, it has been brought to my attention that many authors are not aware of Foreword Firsts, a debut fiction competition designed to showcase the best print-on-demand and self-published titles. Here is everything you need to know to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

How It Works

If you’re a first-time author who self-published your book, you’re eligible to enter. For the Summer/Autumn 2011 contest, entries for books published July through December 2011 will be accepted through January 10, 2012.

The cost is $25 per title entered. Mail your entry to the address provided below, and  ForeWord’s editors will review the selections and cull the best titles. Winners will be announced, published and posted January 30, 2012, and they will receive a free Clarion Review.

Why Enter

It’s affordable marketing you can’t afford to pass up. As a self-published author, you know the value of a book review. However, it can be difficult for new self-published authors to receive a book review.

However, if your title makes the ForeWord Firsts list, it will be sent out to 4,000+ book publishing insiders and buyers,  and it will be posted for 125,000+ web viewers to see. It’s the best buzz for the buck!

To enter this competition, please send your books to: ForeWord Firsts 425 Boardman Ave. Traverse City, MI. 49684

 

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht works as 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.
Cheri Speaks

5W’s of Using an Imprint

One of the many decisions that authors must make is whether or not to use their own imprint, but like all facets of publishing, this decision can be confusing. To help answer your questions about imprints, I will discuss this topic using the 5W’s.

What is an imprint?

An imprint is the trade mark name under which your book is published. Many publishing companies have several imprints, and they choose an imprint depending on the type of book being published. As a self-published author, you have the ability to create your own imprint or use the imprint of your publishing company.

Why would you use your own imprint?

There are several reasons why authors choose to use their own imprint. Here are just a few.

* Full control – Authors want full control of whow their book is identified, discovered and sourced.

*Industry Standards – Depending on your marketing plans, a personal imprint may be the best option. For instance, textbook authors typically use their own imprints to make business with wholesalers easier.

Association – When you publish your book with a specific company and use their imprint, your book is associated with all of the other books that are published at that company. Some times, self-published authors don’t take advantage of all the services available to them. They might skip the professional copy editing services or choose a poorly designed cover because of a tight budget. Using your own imprint allows you to take advantage of all the services offered by self publishing companies without being associated with the poorly developed books sometimes published by those companies.

Credibility and Branding – By using your own imprint, you are building a brand for your current and future books. If you are an expert in your genre or topic, an imprint can help increase your credibility.

When do you choose an imprint?

You must choose your imprint early in the publication process because your imprint will be printed on all your books. Also, if you have a specific name picked out, you want to secure it before anyone else uses it.

Who can choose an imprint?

Anyone self publishing a book can create an imprint. Typically, the self-publishing company will still assist the author with other tasks such as inventory and accounting even if the author chooses to use a personal imprint.

How do you create an imprint?

If you decide to create an imprint, it is important to research your company name to avoid creating a duplicate. Also, talk to your self-publishing company to find out their specific process for creating an imprint.

I’d love to hear your comments and questions about imprints. Please feel free to comment on this post, and I will try to respond to your questions individually or address your questions in future posts.

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.