news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 12.4.2017 – The Company Files!

december

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!

First off, that article everyone has been talking about. You know the one! It appeared on HuffPost earlier this week courtesy of Devishobha Chandramouli, an author and entrepreneur. And if you’re like me and were immediately turned off by the title (“oh, it’s clearly set against self-publishing!”) … well, give it a chance! It’s actually one of the most elegantly worded defenses of self-publishing to come out in recent years in any medium and on any platform. Chandramouli distills down the benefits of self-publishing to six key ones, points we’ve talked about at various points on this blog: everything from rights and royalties to self-publishing’s failure to “slow down” despite industry predictions, from achieving marquee success with certain breakout stars to the slow but steady disappearance of the stigma which has so often surrounded it. But Chandramouli also presents a few realistic points of warning: that self-publishing still requires good writing to make a success out of a book, and that it places more responsibility on the author than in the traditional publishing model. We’re excited to see what Chandramouli does (and writes!) next, and highly recommend you read her full article at the link.

Ever been curious what the situation of self-publishing might be abroad, in other countries? We’ve mentioned India before in previous weeks as a hotbed for self-publishing creativity, but here’s a little concrete news about publishing companies in India courtesy of the India Blooms news service, which has the latest on which companies self-publishing authors in India are choosing to publish through. The list is packed with names that might be unfamiliar to our North American readers: Power Publishers, Notion Press, Partridge Publishing (part of Author Solutions), Pothi, and Educreation. Of these five, only one was founded and is based out of India (Partridge); the rest are home-grown and proud of it. For more about what has made these companies a breakout success in one of Asia’s hottest literary markets, read the full article at India Blooms!

As we’ve mentioned before (and regularly) on Self-Publishing Advisor, books don’t have exclusive rights to self-publishing: arts and media of all kinds have found ways to support new, creator-centric platforms which celebrate diverse kinds of art and place the creative control, rights, and the bulk of the earnings back in the hands of their creators. We’ve written about self-published digital magazines–ezines–before, too, and at length … but what else has been happening in the world of catalogs and magazines? Are there other models for what self-publishing can look like in this publishing sphere?

The answer, according to Patrick Henry of Printing Impressions, is a resounding yes! In fact, DigiPub may just have a great new answer to the ongoing question he poses in his opening to this great article: “do they have a grip on the future?” He reports on his experience at this year’s DigiPub conference, and many of the products and people who were there to discuss options. It’s a fascinating article, and not one you want to miss if you love the glossies and are curious about if there’s a place for you among their pages!

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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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/1/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR R&R—AND A BIT OF CONSTRUCTION

If I actually believed in time-warp-science, the fact that the Christmas/Hanukkah Holiday season arrives so quickly each year would be a definite element of proof. And yet, I must accept the simple truth that I’ve already spent each day of the previous eleven months in 2017 and those hours did, indeed, flash past me at warp speed. It is now December 1st. Am I prepared for all the activities already written on my calendar? Maybe about half of them. However, as I look at that list, I’ve decided to do something a little different this year. I’ve blocked off two days each week this month for “me”—days that I will devote to doing nothing else but rekindle the writer’s passion within. I have big plans (and hopes) for completing at least one novel in 2018 and I don’t want to begin the New Year in a frazzled frame of mind and heart.

First on my December me/writing list is scaffold-building. What do I nescaffoldinged (mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually) to support the writing I’ll be doing in 2018?

  • Have I discussed my writing plan with my family? Have I listened to their plans for the year—understanding what they’ll need from me? Do we have a plan in place to work out the unexpected family events (dramas) that will affect our family life?
  • Do I need to retire my old computer (desktop or laptop) and get a new one? What time will be involved in learning the updated software? What about the old printer? Am I mentally ready to spend the time necessary to work with a support technician from the computer/printer company when “things” happen?
  • Is my physical writing space too cluttered to allow me easy access to hardcopy research materials? Do I even know where I’ve stored the research? Are the windows clean so that I can see out and up into the sky—and imagine? If the lighting in the room is already perfect, do I have extra lightbulbs on hand to keep it that way?
  • And, finally—because I’m a writer who prays over my work and the work I do for clients—I am constantly thanking God for His guidance and support of every manuscript I produce. A large prayer jar sits within reach. It contains bits of paper—prayers for HELP, appreciation for technical and research support, and thankfulness for His sweet Presence in the midst of challenging character developments.

Second on this list, is to refresh my skills by finding a quick-read, Back-To-The-Basics writing instruction book. I never want to get rusty or sloppy with what I write even though the process now seems imbedded in my fingertips. One method of doing this (in just a few days) is to select an elementary (or middle school) writing textbook and actually doing several of the lessons.

teresa perry writing that works

Author, Teresa Perry, published such a book in 2015: Writing That Works: Put All the Pieces Together. The opening line on the back cover states: “Guaranteed to improve your writing scores.” Yes, that is exactly what I hope to do! I’ll be reviewing the grammar and punctuation sections, and especially the sentence structure chapter. Quite often I find myself explaining to another author or client that a sentence they are particularly fond of isn’t structured to say what they want Readers to understand. Plus, the journal writing encouraged in this book will strengthen the “core standards” our future Readers will expect.

As I close today, I’m not sure many blog readers will even see this December blog until January or February. That’s okay. This IS the Season when family and friends “make time” for each other and writers are wise to take advantage of every such opportunity. However, the writing coach in me will make one more suggestion. “Take Notes.” A lot of wisdom is shared during these Holidays and one of the characters in your next novel may need to share it, too. THEN, step into January utilizing the suggestions given this month. ⚓︎

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena. This is Royalene’s last month writing for Self Publishing Advisor.
brent sampson, Brent Speaks, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

#NaNoWriMo2017 is Coming to an End!

Tomorrow marks the close of the 2017 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and its participants’ pledge to write 50,000 words in 20 days. “Winners” (those who met or exceeded that goals) have already started to be recognized on the NaNoWriMo website.  If you’re one of those ambitious few (statistically speaking), congratulations; that’s impressive!  Many writers enter.  Much fewer cross the finish line.  But everyone who participates is a winner in our book, because NaNoWriMo is a stepping stone toward establishing a writing habit. As they say, a writer writes.  And in order to crank out 50,000 words in 30 days, you must force yourself to write every day.

That being said, 50,000 is no reason to stop writing. Books are rarely as short as 50,000 words, so crossing the finish line for NaNoWriMo is not the final step. The final step is completing a manuscript and then revising it, editing it, proofreading it, and then publishing it.  One doesn’t publish 50,000 words. One publishes a book.

In order for NaNoWriMo to accept your word count you need to cut and paste your manuscript into their word-count validator.  Sounds easy enough, but it’s surprising so many writers are so willing to give their hard work to an organization without a second thought.  Many writers exhibit hesitancy about sharing their work with publishers and that’s even AFTER a contract has been signed expressly protecting them and their copyrights.  No such agreement exists on the National Novel Writing website.

It’s clear that this issue has come up from time to time because on their forums, they provide a link to another website that “scrambles” your manuscript for the specific purpose of only providing your word count to NaNoWriMo, rather than a book that makes any sense.  But to do that, aren’t you submitting your manuscript to the 3rd party (who may hold even less legitimacy than NaNoWriMo)?

You’ll be happy to know that US Copyright protects you in these instances, as long as you can establish the date your manuscript was completed. Send it in its entirety to a friend via email, and keep the send-receipt.  Or use the “poor man’s copyright” and mail a hardcopy to yourself through the mail, and then keep the postmarked package unopened.  These are quick, easy, inexpensive measures you can take IF you are worried about NaNoWriMo or the 3rd party scrambler taking liberties with your work.  Or, you can rely upon the reputation of the NaNoWriMo organization and rest assured they have better things to do.  

For those of you who cross the 50,000 word finish line tomorrow at midnight… kudos!

nanowrimo 2017 winner

brent sampson
In 2002, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Semi-Finalist Brent Sampson founded Outskirts Press, a custom book publishing solution that provides a cost-effective, fast, and powerful way to help authors publish, distribute, and market their books worldwide while leaving 100% of the rights and 100% of the profits with the author. Outskirts Press was incorporated in Colorado in October, 2003.
In his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Brent is an expert in the field of book publishing and book marketing. He is also the author of several books on both subjects, including the bestseller Sell Your Book on Amazon, which debuted at #29 on Amazon’s bestseller list. 
Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf’s Dream to Join Santa”

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:

Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf's Dream to Join Santa stephen j groak

Christmas Eve: A Kiwi Elf’s Dream to Join Santa

by Stephen J. Groak

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478766735

Synopsis*:

Every big dream requires a leap of faith.

This is the story of a Kiwi elf named Yvette (her friends call her Yve) who lives on Rakiura/Stewart Island–the third largest island in New Zealand. And this little elf has a very big dream…

The great wish of her heart, of her mind, of her soul
Was to join St. Nick’s team at the frosty North Pole.
But how does an elfish lass follow her dream?
With a smoldering passion, and a will full of steam.
New Zealand is a long, long way from Santa and the North Pole, but Yve is determined to join St. Nick and his eight reindeer…and this Christmas Eve, her wish just might come true!
 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Reviews: “black starblack starblack starblack starblack star : A Cosmic Christmas Adventure!”

Christmas Yve is very eloquently written and has so much depth that you will enjoy listening to it again and again and hear something new each time. It is a true work of art that is not only excellent for children but also for the spiritual seeker looking to understand the deeper meaning of Christmas. Stephen paints pictures with his words and you feel part of the story. The message I got was: not to be afraid and to trust with all of your heart. If you do- one day you’ll have the opportunity to Jump into the love you yearn to feel. If you do Jump you will experience a whole new life that you could only dream was possible before. It will be your new reality. Savor this work of art! You’ll love it!

– Amazon Reviewer Michelle

“Christmas Yve” is a magical journey that expands your imagination to the yonder years of your childhood. Yve reminds us of the innocence that each child experiences during Christmas, as well as taking the leap of faith; “the impossible jump to growing up”.

– reviewed by Amazon Customer

A tale of Christmas so sweet and enchanting, you’ll be hooked from the start—such passion and rhyming! Reminiscent of writings so clever, but whose? Not Tennyson, Not Kipling, Not Emerson, but SEUSS! So heed this advice–(you’ll be happy you did!)–snuggle up on the couch and enjoy it with your kid!

– reviewed by Alan Kendrick

What a heartwarming Christmas tale! The New Zealand setting sets it apart from most Christmas stories. I especially loved the charming Kiwi accent of the narrator and the life lessons intertwined throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to sharing it with my family this upcoming Christmas season.

– reviewed by wiggle

“For Yve’s way of thinking, Santa Claus was a saint, more than a white beard, red suit – oh, so quaint- but a servant to Him without equal, bar none, the Christ in Christmas: the “only Begotten Son.”” I love this line in the book. I want my children to know that Christmas is not just about Santa, it is also about Him. This is a must read for my family during the holiday season.

– reviewed by Amazon Customer

Audiobook Promo:

tuesday book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 11.27.2017 – Publishing Trends

ThinkstockPhotos-866976318

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically regarding publishing trends within the publishing industry, and their implications for all authors!

This article, courtesy of Courthouse News, chronicles the surprising story of a self-published work of erotic sort-of-fanfiction which might have been destined for obscurity had it not, well, featured a number of real life people, including an actual New Englands Patriots player and an actual picture of an actual couple on their honeymoon. And obviously, having not consented to this use of their names and/or images, these individuals took the author–and the self-publishing companies which sold the book!–to court. (Barnes & Noble was also sued, but doesn’t quite rate the headline. Courthouse News contributor Matt Reynolds describes both the history of the case and its implications for self-publishing authors and companies in the future. But two points seem adequately clear already: (1) featuring real-life people in your self-published works without consent opens you up to a whole plethora of troubles, and (2) it might also make your book famous. That said, we don’t advocate for this kind of flirtation with ethics; we recommend reading Reynold’s entire article and making up your own minds.

What are they? Well, we will do our best not to spoil this entire article for you and rather recommend that you take a peek at Ben Fox Rubin’s whole article, but suffice it to say that the Kindle has had quite a history of both successes and failures, and one of Amazon’s trademarks is the ability to turn the flip the latter around, learn from it, and find a marketable way of moving beyond it.

A trick we could all learn from, eh?

Rubin’s article is interesting for more reasons than the clickbait indicated by the article’s title; here he gives an insightful tour of the device’s–and the company’s, and self-publishing’s–early days, its path to profitability, and some key indicators of what’s to come next. You might have heard that tablets and dedicated e-readers are going away, but what does the largest manufacturer of dedicated e-readers actually think about this idea? Check out Rubin’s article in full for further excellent thoughts.

spa-news

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 Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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