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

Conversations: 11/24/2017

‘TIS THE SEASON TO READ FOR FUN

Reading to (then with) my daughter when she was a child was a joy I’d tucked away in my memories until her son was born just five short years ago. Suddenly, I was reintroduced to great short stories that are beautifully illustrated (Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Construction Site, and Little Blue Truck) and are now duplicated in her house and mine. Some of them I will never part with again because they speak to the child within me and offer me sage wisdom that crosses all age, ethnic, and cultural barriers.

I greatly admire the authors who write and publish these amazing books. They not only offer parents priceless “connection time” with their children, but they often allow us to explore the depths of symbolism and character development (Winnie-the-Pooh) that enhance our adult lives. Today, I give you two examples of two very different stories that will bless your holiday reading.

holidays in heaven marcia spilmanThroughout my life I’ve enjoyed the companionship of many pets from goldfish and cats to English Bulldogs. As a child, I was unable to express just how much I missed those critters, especially around the holidays when we were looking in the stores to find just the right toy (or aquarium cave) to give to them that year. So, when I found this book—HOLIDAYS IN HEAVEN by Marcia Spilman—during a recent random online search, I was thrilled. It is 38 pages of beautiful illustrations that address multiple holidays such as Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Veterans Day, Christmas, etc.

Spilman realized that our children “expect us to have answers and a brighter outlook on their loss.” This is what inspired her to write the book, offering comfort—to children of all ages—during the holidays when we are missing someone special who is no longer on this earth.

My second book selection this week is BOSS RALPHIE. One of the online reviewers saysboss ralphie edward carboni the story reminds him of a mixture of It’s A Wonderful Life and/or A Christmas Carol written through the lens of Goodfellas the mafia/mob novel. This is NOT an illustrated story for young children, but it undeniably tweaks the perspectives of everyone who’s read it.

Author Edward Carboni, has created this short story (51pages) that imagines God as the “Don of the universe” and His Archangel Raphael as “Boss Ralphie.” The Boss and his crew of “wise-guy angels” have been given a special assignment on Christmas Eve. They must save the soul of a lost man and the life of a little girl on the streets of Philadelphia. This very unique story has been heralded as “A heartwarming and funny story certain to become a new holiday classic.”

Each of my blogs this November offers us (yes, me too) the opportunity to explore different genres whether they fit into our general writing styles or not. Each of these authors has worked to develop their writing techniques and release their voices into the world. They’ve chosen to self-publish for multiple reasons (which is a topic for discussion at another time). So today, if you haven’t already picked up one of these books to read, I’m encouraging you to do so. There is much to learn from these authors.

Whether you are in the midst of writing that “great American novel,” or feel flat-lined in the concept development department, these books—and others in their genres—will inspire you in ways that cannot be anticipated. So, READ and relax a little and don’t forget to take notes when ideas begin to “pop.” This holiday season is definitely the Season to Read and Taste, Read and Imagine, Read and Seed, and simply READ FOR FUN! ⚓︎

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.
elizabeth speaks, in your corner, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: Putting the “Thanks!” in Thanksgiving

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This year, as you settle down for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s worth considering all the ways we can and ought to say “thanks” to our readers, especially during the holiday season. Giving thanks is a fantastic way to connect with people and show them you care and that they matter to you—just as you matter to us here at Self Publishing Advisor!

  1. Social Media. There are always good ways of making use of social media for establishing that personal touch and intimacy with your readers—especially in responding to comments with personalized tweets, Instagram comments, or Facebook posts—but in the week of Thanksgiving, it’s worth going all-out. Put together a small (or big) post making direct reference to those early reviewers on Amazon, Goodreads, and other websites so crucial to your book’s sales and success. It doesn’t have to be some massively big deal (although it certainly can be if you want!), just a quick: “Dear Julie K., Seth M., and Erica G., thank you so much for being willing to read and review my book on Goodreads! Your comments meant so much and had a profound impact on me.” Or something along those lines … make it your own! And if you can include photos of the readers with your book, all the better!
  2. Actually give them something! There are lots of ways to actually give your readers something tangible. You can do this by A) giving them a discount, B) distributing freebies, or C) throwing a giveaway. Some artists do this by creating graphics that their readers can use for free. Some offer special freebies when readers either sign up for a newsletter or purchase a copy of their book; simply ask them for proof of purchase and a mailing address, and you’re on your way! You don’t really need to give away expensive items but readers often appreciate something and useful. Alternatively, you can host a giveaway of your actual book on Goodreads or Amazon (we’ve written a how-to for Goodreads here). These giveaways are a great way both to say “thanks!” to your readers and raise awareness about your book’s publication.
  3. Throw a party! We’ve talked about the benefits of book readings and signings in countless (COUNTLESS) other posts on this website (we really can’t love on them enough!) … but have you ever considered throwing a Thank You! Party? Consider this: turn a book reading or signing event into a party for those who have read your book, supported you along the way, and helped you throughout the publishing process. It’s still an event which will raise awareness of and the profile of your book, but it has a much more human touch (and in our experience, people are much more likely to come!). This serves as a bit of a parallel or substitute for those customer appreciation parties that local businesses often throw for their guests, or a library’s annual volunteer breakfast and so forth. Put together some light refreshments, and maybe even turn it into a potluck with a bonus reading & signing at the end! You can generate a lot of excitement around the idea of saying “thanks!” to your readers (past, present, and future) by having this kind of party. But as always, remember to promote it! Contact your local newspapers and publish press releases in all the right places, including newsletters and on social media.

No matter how you say “thanks!”  … whether you use one of our ideas here or come up with your own … there are so many reasons to just “go for it” and make sure that your readers know you care!

And while we’re on the subject ….

thank you

Thank you, thank you, thank you, dear readers. I usually end my posts by saying “You are not alone” … but this week, I want to thank you. Because with you out there in the world, doing good things and self-publishing along the way, I always know …

I am not alone. ♣︎

happy thanksgiving

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Outskirts Press. The Sales and Marketing departments are composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process 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, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.
Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Touchstone”

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:

touchstone linda eatmon-hones

Touchstone

by Linda Eatmon-Jones

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478773092

Synopsis*:

TOUCHSTONE by Linda Eatmon-Jones is an inspirational biography of her husband, Earle F. Jones’ life and the incredible family legacy he was born into. The devastation of a Ku Klux Klan raid, burning down all of his family’s property in the early 1920s, created a determination in his grandfather not to let that traumatic event define the family’s future. The resiliency, strength and courage his grandfather used to create a new future for their family started a legacy of success that contributed to the successful man Earle is today. The lessons taught to each generation of letting education guide your destiny is Earle’s road map to being a life student, compassionate friend, accomplished professional and caring citizen of the world. The essays, written by family, friends and colleagues bear out how Earle embodies those lessons created by a family legacy.

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Reviews: “black starblack starblack starblack starblack star“

Touchstone is an open love note of appreciation from a loving and devoted wife to a husband who has shouldered the many burdens of the world and amazingly found a way to remain steadfast in such a way that will inspire generations beyond his family unit.

– Jennifer M. Stewart, Ph.D., President, Stewart Strategies & Solutions, LL

Linda did an absolutely outstanding job bringing Earle’s family to life on paper. The book captures all his phases in life, and makes them come together as, “the slices of a whole pie” and they fit nicely together. As his sister-in-law, I have an advantage that most don’t have in seeing him up close and personal. His logical thinking makes you do an “aha” sometimes. His advice is mostly never off course and the book conveys his character to a tee.

– Reverend Jennifer Gatling-Sharpe

Reading the book makes you think about your own legacy. Motivational and inspiring!

– Helen Latten, Retired Administrator, Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools

The book is about “Love” and strong family ties that show how the author’s husband is destined to help others live a better life. I use it as a teaching tool to some of the kids in our sports tennis club. It lets them know there is nothing you cannot overcome if you put your mind & heart into it.

– Carroll Spyke Henry, President, Smart Activities for Fitness and Education (S.A.F.E.)

A very warm and touching demonstration of how the life of one man can have an everlasting positive effect on so many people in seemingly wide-spread and unrelated worlds.

– Sylvia Turrell, Ph.D., Retired Professor Emeritus, University of Lille, France

Author Website:

Touchstones for Impact

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, outskirts press, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 11.20.2017 – These Cookbooks are Prime for Thanksgiving!

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And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically new releases written by self-publishing authors and published by independent presses! Today we’ll be featuring brand-new releases in the Outskirts Press Bookstore!

Look, it’s the week of Thanksgiving, so we’re going to spend a little time loving on a few of our favorite cookbooks this week as we ready our mixing bowls and our stomachs for what’s ahead: a week full of food, fun, and family–not to mention a whole lot of patriotism! Yes, it’s true, there’s no more timely and suitable cookbook to add to your collection this week than Uma Aggarwal’s America’s Favorite Recipes, the first volume of which was published by Outskirts Press! Aggarwal, an experienced cook and author of several other cookbooks, sets out to prove a point in this particular volume: that American cuisine is, in fact, that “melting pot” it has often been described to be, and that it combines the best of all worlds and elements from the various cultures who have been brought to our shores. Here is a beautifully designed and elegantly presented set of traditional as well as innovative recipes gathered by Aggarwal from throughout the country and throughout the history of America–from Colonial times to modern ethnic fusion cuisines–and a whole lot of great ideas to try as you dive into your Thanksgiving preparations!

Some chefs are just a national treasure, don’t you think? We happen to think so, and we happen to also think that Chef Jesse Jones counts among that exalted crowd of creative, masterful, and also accessible chefs who don’t just inspire us to do better in the kitchen–they also provide concrete steps of how to get from point A (the raw ingredients) to point C (the plated dish). Here, in POW! My Life in 40 Feasts, Chef Jones provides his readers with a brand-new set of tried and true recipes from his own private collection, all of them beautifully printed in this gorgeous cookbook. But there’s more here than just recipes, as wonderful and worthy as they are by themselves! This is not just a cookbook, it’s a memoir too, and it follows Chef Jones’ story from troubled times in New Jersey and North Carolina, throughout his training in the great kitchens of France, to his eventual return and success as a restaurant owner and five-star chef! This book provides plenty to get new and cautious cooks started, as well as lots to challenge the experienced chef. Dip into his French and Southern-influenced cuisine with this great set of fantastic feasts!

If it were easy, we’d all be doing it, right? And while we can’t all be Angela Mulloy, we can learn from her life story in this fascinating book, which combines memoir and recipes in an altogether new and fresh way! Mulloy’s life took an unexpected turn when she moved from a successful career in publishing to purchasing and renovating an Eighteenth-Century plantation, where she opened a restaurant and inn and launched herself down a wholly different path to what might be called … a renaissance of Southern cooking, hospitality, and tradition! With more than 25 years of experience in running the inn and restaurant to wide acclaim, Mulloy now brings us this fantastic book, chronicling her life and journey from childhood through the various kitchens and homes which sharpened her creative culinary instincts. Her life hasn’t exactly been easy–there’s tragedy and loss sprinkled in among the everyday hardships which make up an ordinary life–she has risen above it all with her sparkling wit and her tasty recipes, sure to please a crowd this holiday season. We can’t recommend her book enough!

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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