Tag: Self-Publishing

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

Self-Publishing News: 1.4.2016

This week in the world of self-publishing:

In his first annual list of prescient insights for the year ahead, Tom Chalmers writes in this December 28th article for DigitalBookWorld.com that we’re likely to see both more of the same kinds of things we saw in 2015 and some new and key trends emerging.  What makes the list?  Here are a few of the more pertinent bullet points as pertaining to self-publishing authors:

  • Continued regrowth of print sales.
  • Amazon spending some time under the radar.
  • Book fair evolution and the emergence of the micro-fair.
  • Struggle for subscription but steady digital sales.

Chalmers, who touts his stellar inter-office record at predictions (“I regularly point out in the office that I predicted [trends] two or three years ago. Given that I’m generally met with bemused looks, I thought I would make an official record of some predictions for 2016.”) has plenty of industry experience and data to back up his predictions for the year ahead.  For the complete list as well as lengthy descriptions of the points above, check out the original article!

In this week’s highlighted interview, Dorothy Thompson interviews science fiction author Roxanne Bland in this January 1st article for the Examiner.com.  Bland, who struck out on her own to start her own publishing house rather than abide by the constraints of traditional publishing, prefers to identify herself as part of the “indie” community (“short for independent author or publisher. It’s not quite such a mouthful as “self-published,” and it sounds way cooler”), but doesn’t hesitate to defend the choice to self-publish.  “For one,” she says, “there are no deadlines imposed by others. I don’t do well under that kind of pressure—I freeze, and make stupid mistakes. There’s also the satisfaction of doing everything yourself. I don’t know, it’s exhausting, but the feeling I get is one that I’ve really accomplished something great.”  And it’s true––whether you call yourself “indie” or “self-published,” one central fact remains the same: you’ve done something truly and magnificently grand by opting to maintain creative control of your own story.  For more of Thompson’s interview with Bland, follow the link!

Remember our primer guide to the benefits of merchandising through various obscure platforms?  Wattpad made the list as one among several up-and-coming possibilities to watch out for.  Well, in his December 28th post for GoodEreader.com, Michael Kozlowski writes that e-book retailer Kobo “has quietly unveiled a new section of their website where readers can purchase e-books published by Wattpad.”  The e-books, which sell for anywhere from $1 to $12, aim to take advantage of Wattpad’s massive user base, which “currently attracts over 40 million users per month, growing at a rate of over 1 new user per second.”  The decision may have been made entirely for pragmatic reasons, Kozlowski attests, but there’s a certain degree of circumstantial resonance to the partnership: both Kobo and Wattpad are based out of Toronto, Canada.  How’s that for coincidence?  For more information about it, check out Kozlowski’s full writeup.

Closing out this week’s top headlines is a story we can all feel good about!  In a December 28th article that made the Arts & Life section of the Halifax Herald, contributor Jennifer Taplin highlights the work of local author Joanne Light.  Light, who “was teaching in Malaysia in 2003 when she decided to go for a hike near Poring Hot Springs in Sabah on the island of Borneo,” was so struck by her interactions with native orangutans in the wild that when she later “learned about the plight of the orangutans—killed, injured or run off by palm oil manufacturers,” she couldn’t help but want to transform her love for them into a children’s book.  Light––an educator, artist, and writer––found herself an illustrator in Lindsay Alchorn and has since self-published her book, with all of the proceeds going to Orangutan Outreach and Rainforest Rescue.  Says Light, “Self-publishing is a very viable way of publishing,” especially now with the rise of e-books.  To read more about Light and her book, follow the link!

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.

KellyABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.

Advocacy in Self-Publishing, Book Marketing, from the archives, karl schroeder, Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing, Uncategorized

From the Archives: “Self-Publishing – A Growing Industry”

Welcome back to our new Tuesday segment, where we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular posts from the last few years.  What’s stayed the same?  And what’s changed?  We’ll be updating you on the facts, and taking a new (and hopefully refreshing) angle on a few timeless classics of Self Publishing Advisor.

∗∗∗∗∗

[ Originally posted: January 11th, 2010 ]

Did you know that over 40% of all book sales in the United States last year took place online, through e-retailers like Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com? More and more people are becoming comfortable with (and even accustomed to) shopping online. What’s more, consumers are more likely to purchase lesser-known and self-published books, according to Inc. Magazine.

What does this mean for the self-published author? With the convenience of on demand-printing and full-service self-publishing options: Good things. Selling books online is more cost-effective than selling through a typical bookstore, and that means more money in your pocket. Again, make sure your publisher lets you set your own retail price, royalty, and discount to take maximum advantage of shifting consumer trends.

Just something to keep in mind as you write and investigate the publishing options best in-line with your goals.

Have fun and keep writing!

by Karl Schroeder

sales growth

Almost six years on from Karl’s original post, we now have the benefit of hindsight to apply to many of his predictions–and fortunately for all of us who happen to be involved in the self-publishing industry, most of them came true!  According to Statista.com, “some 41 percent of global internet users having purchased products online in 2013”–and the numbers have continued to climb steadily from there.  And in respect to total e-commerce sales, a separate Statista article shows that Chinese retail giant Alibaba had a massive 23.7% market reach (outright) in 2015, but that Amazon and its affiliated sites together had an aggregate market penetration of 39.6% (the affiliates earned 22%, and Amazon proper 17.6%).

Many companies might struggle to find their niche in a market so overrun by big business, but smaller, more nimble organizations (including hybrid and self-publishing firm Outskirts Press) have shown they’re more than capable of keeping their footing.  Outskirts, which ranked in Inc. Magazine‘s top 500 or 5000 for four years in a row starting in 2009, continues to ensure that its authors make waves in the Amazon bestseller listings–and get their books onto actual physical bookshelves, as well.

And Outskirts Press is just one company among many who are succeeding at delivering on the promises of self-publishing as laid forth by Karl in his article: convenience in on demand-printing and full-service self-publishing options, cost-effective marketing, and more money in authors’ pockets, not to mention control over retail price, royalties, and discounts.  Inc. Magazine and others have come forward to bolster our knowledge and understanding of the inner workings of the publishing and self-publishing business, with articles like “How to Self-Publish Your Book” (2011), “How to Self-Publish a Business Bestseller” (2012), and “Publisher’s Note: Celebrating the Power of Partnership” (2015) underscoring new ways to adapt in an ever-shifting landscape of opportunities and challenges.

Some things have changed since 2010: Barnes & Noble seems to be stuck in a slow and gradual decline, print books seem to be on the rebound after Hachette and the other Big Five traditional publishing houses won their battle in the Amazon price-fixing war, and so on.  But other things haven’t changed: self-publishing is succeeding where traditional publishing continues to fail–in providing vital and necessary services and support to authors whose books are too daring, too interesting, and too precious to fall through the cracks.

What does this all mean, though?  It means, as Karl’s article so eloquently stated, that self-publishing remains a “Growing Industry.” ♠

 

KellyABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Self-Publishing, Uncategorized

Conversations: 12/25/2015

LET ALL THE WORLD KNOW (Part IV)

Last week’s blog felt a bit sappy to me. Sometimes being sappy can be a good thing. So I thought I’d continue in that vein this week and talk about the MIRACLES that happen when writing. After all, we are in the December Season of Miracles!

christmas tree

For most of us who call ourselves Writers and/or Authors the simple act of sitting down TO write is a miracle. There are days when the storyline or the main character(s) may blur in our imaginations—then another miracle happens and suddenly we are joyously experiencing the perfect words spilling onto the page with clarity and ease. Below is my Santa list of favorite books I’ve found under my Christmas tree over the years—and—if I were a billionaire I’d send these to every writer/author in the world.

 

  • A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This timeless story continues to give me hope for the future of our world—that minds and hearts can be healed and nurtured toward good.
  • The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. A dream miracle adventure that allows my imagination to soar.
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Totally captivating with each character clearly developed and alive as they discover the depths of Faith and family connections.
  • The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Anderson. Such a poignant story demonstrating that what appears to be tragic circumstances may become miraculous.
  • A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles Schulz. With the new Peanuts movie out in theatres, the superb characters in all the Schulz stories will continue to lift our spirits and teach us many good life-lessons.
  • The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski. A reclusive woodcarver is asked to make a Christmas crèche. What happens next blesses every Reader.
  • The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell. What does an angel give the new born Son of God as a birthday gift? The answer has been enriching imaginations for a long, long time.
  • The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado. This story brings unexpected gifts to Readers as they discover that even the prayers of “little lambs” are answered.
  • The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg. Strangers are rarely met with open arms these days. However, in this story, a young girl befriends the special stranger and learns of an amazing mystery that reveals the beauty of Christmas.
  • Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce by Stanley Weintraub. For more adult readers, this true tale is about warring soldiers (Germans and Allied Forces) who placed candlelit Christmas trees on trench parapets, sang carols, and shared food parcels from home.

 

Of course, I could add a few hundred more to this list of favorite books, but the Eve of Christmas is drawing nigh and I must rest my hands to begin a new chapter of my new novel in the NEW YEAR.

christmas tree2

May all the books you’ve published (and are ready to publish) find their way under many a Christmas Tree. And, as tiny Tim says, “A Merry Christmas to us all; God Bless us, every one!” ⚓︎

 

RoyaleneABOUT 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.
Kelly Speaks, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 12/21/15

‘Twas the week before Christmas,

and all through the blog,

not a book was neglected,

not even the news …

[we just couldn’t help ourselves! – SPA]

This week in the world of self-publishing:

“Have you ever thought of yourself as a brand?” asks Anastasia Crosson in this December 18th article for the online journal, Business 2 Community. She advocates for anyone seeking influence in a public conversation to make personal branding a priority: “A brand can make all the difference in standing out in a crowded marketplace. A brand can make a lasting impression. A brand can grow your network and business.” She particularly emphasizes the value of self-publishing “through blogging, or whatever medium is the best fit” for a person or author to share “content that tells a story about your work and shares your unique insights. […] Becoming a contributor to a publication you trust and respect is another great way to amplify your personal brand.”

Says Crosson, we indie authors can’t forget the importance of authenticity: “You don’t have to take yourself too seriously, try to fit a mold, or fall into the imitation trap. Your personal brand should look and feel like the best representation of you.”  There’s a lot to be said in defense of brand marketing, particularly when you’re an indie author looking for that breakout moment!  To read more of Crosson’s excellent article, follow the link.

In this week’s featured interview with an indie author, we’d like to point you to Meagan Meehan’s December 18th conversation with self-publishing groundbreaker, Ally Nathaniel, for The Examiner.  In her prelude to the interview proper, Meehan writes that “Indie publishing is becoming more and more commonplace, in large part due to Amazon’s accessible and easy-to-use self-publishing platforms […] which have opened the door to many people who are turning their love of writing into a full-fledged, full-time business.”

And while Nathaniel is certainly a case study in proof of this statement, she is also as Meehan points out, a kind of pioneer and indie mastermind: “Ally has literally written the book on self-publishing, and built a business for herself,” writes Meehan, all while “guiding other authors through the process and helping them self-publish their books too. Ally has turned her business into a cottage industry.”  The interview covers a number of topics ranging from Nathaniel’s inspiration and reasons for electing to self-publish to her ongoing and upcoming projects.  Hint: they’re all interesting!

Innovation in self-publishing doesn’t stop with words on a page, as Susan Lahey of Silicon HIlls fame reports in this December 17th article: indie authors and entrepreneurs continue to push the evolution of their own platform, as Monica Landers has done in co-founding Authors.me.  Landers, a producer for ABC News, pitches her website as a “platform to connect writers to agents or publishers.”

According to Lahey, Authors.me “helps writers create a profile with all the information agents and publishers need, and can arrange the connection between, say a Young Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy writer and the companies that are looking for that kind of book. Since the site launched in July, they’ve facilitated 15 book deals.”  Thankfully, it’s not all about a numbers game, as Lahey explains: “It’s about user experience.”  Citing the traditional publishing process as a “soul crushing experience,” Landers (through Lahey) also touches on the difficulties inherent to reading and writing within the indie universe. Landers’ website, which “gives both parties a place to communicate without a hailstorm of emails,” serves as a discovery tool for both readers and publishers to filter through the maelstrom of self-published work out there in search of new material. And a new discovery tool is always good news!

It’s not every day self-publishing is mentioned in the Chicago Tribune, but in a December 17th article, contributor Sara Clarkson has proven herself a firm (if occasionally skeptical) advocate.  Writes Clarkson, “The tired Scrooge in me has latched on to this quote from poet W.H. Auden: “Thank God for books as an alternative to conversation.”  She goes on to explain that she is in the habit of giving books for Christmas gifts, and lists those she’s already purchased for the purpose.  “Though my list this year is small,” she writes, there are still some books worth passing on.  But how to discern “the worthwhile from the worthless?”  Especially when it comes to the famously gatekeeper-free indie market?

“This is where our librarians step in,” says Clarkson, “especially those librarians who have an interest in the Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project.”  The project is accepting e-books through January 4th of 2016 from Illinois authors with self-published works in the adult fiction genre.  The only requirements?  The authors must be from Illinois, have already self-published a digital copy of their adult fiction work, and be willing to promote that work “at libraries and other locations throughout the state.”  The books can be either purchased online or read for free at local public libraries.  According to Clarkson, the Soon to be Famous competition serves an excellent starting point if you’re looking to break into the indie market as a reader or author–and we couldn’t ask for a better Christmas gift!

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.

KellyABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive 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, kellyschuknecht.com.

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

Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer: 12/18/2015

LET ALL THE WORLD KNOW (Part III)

For over thirty-five years I participated in a monthly creative writing workshop. We brought several pages of our current projects and read them aloud to the group—then received feedback. Their critique not only helped me develop better writing skills, it also gave me confidence in my current project and me—as a writer. However, possibly the greatest gift I received from this group was the memory of the stories written and the characters who came to life. Thus it is that I’m sharing with you today this thought:

Memorable Characters = Memorable Moments = Memorable Books

Giving to Us the Daily Reminder of Why We Write.

 alzheimers

 

Today, we live in a world where an estimated 5.3 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. Their memories are literally being stolen from them. However, in a New York Times article written by Milt Freudenheim (April 22, 2010), a wonderful fact is discussed: Books read by or to those with Alzheimer’s help them engage in life. There seems to be a comfort-connection made during times of holding a book, reading a book and/or listening to someone read aloud. Even those who have difficulty with verbal communication understand and respond to words on the written (printed) page.

 

As of this month, I have been part of sixteen (16) writing projects that set in print—for future generations—memorable moments in the lives of the authors. The topics range from Love Search where the author writes about her search for love in all the wrong places, to God Stories From the Ends of the Earth, real stories of faithful missionaries walking with new friends beside jungle rivers and into city slums, and The Midnight Call written about the author’s son who was trapped in a world of alcohol and drug addiction. So it is that I offer a few thoughts on Why we Write—Why we develop Memorable Characters who live Memorable Moments.

 

  • Great IDEA! Shaky writing/communication skills. The author of R.’s Memorable Meals wanted to share his favorite recipes while adding “bits and pieces” about his life experiences. This was a fun project because it included photos of his military service, career as a linotype operator for a major newspaper, tomatoes from his garden and more. His family will, indeed, enjoy his memories for generations.
  • Grieving with a Purpose. The author of Selma’s Life Journey: A Portrait of Love and Devotion…a Memoir began his book by sending me 13 hand-written pages of events in Selma’s life. We walked this journey together—page by page—completing a 155 page spiral-bound book that will sew her passion for life, Faith, love, and hope-for-the-future into many generations of their family and friends.
  • Sharing Nature’s Beauty. My neighbor is the author of From Delicate Lily Pads to Sculptured Peaks and Impressions of Nature in Black and White, both excellent books of landscape photography with accompanying verse. What JOY these books bring to all of us who appreciate the constantly changing vistas around us! There are never two moments in Nature alike, so each of these captured moments represents a timelessness for the peoples of the world to see and remember.

 

These are just a few of my client/authors, their stories, and the multi-layered gifts their books bring to the world. Even though I am writing a novel (or two) of my own, consulting and ghostwriting for authors such as these is Why I continue to Write. Each and every project sets me on a new “learning curve.” It is an enriching experience that I highly recommend. And should the ability to remember fade in the lives of those I love or in my own life, I pray that someone will read these books—and many of my favorite fiction books from my shelves—to me.  Are you writing one that I will add to my collection? Please publish it.  Soon! ⚓︎

 

RoyaleneABOUT 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.