Tag: self publish

Cheri Speaks

Other Writers Are Your Best Friend

In some industries, professionals are highly competitive, and they treat their fellow professionals as competitors rather than peers. Not in the publishing industry. Sure, it is competitive, but most writers respect other people’s work and want to see other writers succeed. When you considering publishing, befriending a fellow writer is the best thing you can do.

There are so many decisions that impact the success of your book: the cover, the price, the marketing efforts, and so on. Before you make those decisions, you should find out about other writers’ experiences. Most likely, they would be more than happy to share.

Look for writers in your writing group or classes, or reach out to a published writer in your area. You can also connect with other writers through online forums and social media. Most likely, the writers will feel honored to share their stories. Before talking with your new friends, come up with a list of questions. Here are a few to get you started.

Looking back, what would you do differently?

What was the best choice you made?

What were your goals?

What would you recommend to a writer considering publishing for the first time?

After your conversation, be sure to thank the writer for helping and consider staying in touch. It is great to have fellow writers to share ideas and stories with. It cannot only help you with publishing, but it could improve your writing.

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

100 Years of Dr. Seuss

This month, we’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Dr. Seuss, the man who created all of the amazing children’s stories. Loved by children and adults, Dr. Seuss wrote some of the most popular children’s books in the history of literature. Everyone knows his titles: The Cat in The Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and so many more. Today, his creations have been turned into movies, and his name has become an enterprise.

But Dr. Seuss wasn’t always so respected. In the beginning of his career, he received rejection after rejection, but he didn’t give up. He knew he had stories to share with the world. If he hadn’t believed in his work, we all would have missed out on one of the most talented and special writers in history.

As you work on your books this month and consider publishing, remember Dr. Seuss. Believe in your talent and in your story, and in honor of the great author, take a risk and stand up for your work. Who knows, maybe one day your books will be as popular as his.

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.
Cheri Speaks

Annotation Explained

If you read the title and thought, “What in the world is annotation,” don’t worry; I’m about to explain.

Annotation is often referred to as the wholesaler’s summary because it is the description of your book that is sent to distributors and wholesalers. This summary influences whether or not a distributor buys your book. It also determines if readers purchase your book, particularly readers who shop online. For instance, if a reader is looking at your book on Amazon.com, he or she will see the annotation under product description. By reading that description, the person will decide if the book sounds interesting and is worth buying.

Many times, the annotation is the same as the copy on the back cover of your book. However, you may want to consider writing different copy for the two texts. This is especially true for authors who plan to sell primarily online. When writing an annotation, remember these three tips.

1) Keywords, Keywords, Keywords – Online shoppers often find books through search engines such as google or the search option on a store website. The words in your annotation determine when your book will appear in the search results. You want to the consider the types of words being used as well as the number of times specific words appear. However, you don’t want the copy to read as if it was written for a search engine. You still want the text to flow naturally.

2)Proofread, Several Times – Self-publishing companies will use your annotation exactly as you send it. They do not proofread it for you, unless you pay for copyediting services. Therefore, it is extremely important that you double-check your work. Make sure there are no spelling and grammar errors. You want this text to look and sound professional.

3) Make Sure It is Complete – The annotation must summarize your entire book and convince the reader to purchase it. It is recommended that your annotation be between 3,000 and 3,400 characters, so you have plenty space to fully explain your book and persuade your readers. For non-fiction books, focus on the problem that your book solves. For fiction books, focus on the entertainment value of your book, but be sure not to give away the entire book. You want to entice the reader to buy the book to find out more.

Think about the product descriptions you read when shopping online. What makes you want to purchase a product? What makes you not want to purchase product? The same factors apply to book annotations, so take the time to write to a clear, persuasive, and professional annotation.

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

Top 5 Reasons to Self Publish in March

Spring, the season of rebirth, is almost here. Why not start off your spring with the “birth” of your self-published book and go from hopeful writer to published author? Here are five reasons why March is the perfect time to take the leap.

1) St. Patrick’s Day – I love reasons to give gifts to yourself. We’re always so focused on giving to others that we neglect the things we want and need most. Celebrate this Irish holiday by making your dream of publication come true.

2) It’s Almost Tax Time – April is a busy month for self-publishing companies because people use their tax return checks to pay for their self-publishing expenses. Avoid the tax time rush by starting the publication process in March.

3) Done Before Vacation – If you start the self-publishing process now, you will probably have your book finished by summer. This means you can enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about publishing. Maybe you can even watch people read your book as they lounge on the beach.

4) One Less Thing On Your To-Do List – We are only three months into 2012. Why not cross publishing a book off your list early so you can enjoy the rest of the year as a published author?

5) Give Aways – Most self-publishing companies offer monthly  promotions and special offers. For instance, this month Outskirts Press authors can receive a free enhanced interior.

So what are you waiting for? Start making your dreams come true.

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.
Uncategorized, Wendy Speaks

Famous Self-Published Author: Thomas Paine

In school, you learned all about the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. Well, one of the most important publications at that time was originally self-published. Common Sense by Thomas Paine was a pamphlet that encouraged freedom from England. The pamphlet was originally self-published anonymously and became an instant success. The publication is still discussed and read in schools and colleges today.

Not only did people read and love this self-published publication, but it sparked change and lead to our freedom. If you want to make a difference in society, share your ideas with the world. Don’t be afraid of rejection, and if someone tells you that no one will ever read or remember a self-published book, think of Thomas Paine.

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.