Tag: Self-Publishing

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/22/14

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 Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

 A Publisher of One’s Own

This interesting article from Inside Higher Ed looks at self-publishing statistics and the role self-publishing currently plays in academic publishing. This thought-provoking piece illustrates the problems with traditional publishing while discussing the reluctance of many scholars to self-publish. This is a must read for all academic writers.

Kindle Unlimited earmarks $800k extra for self-publishers 

Amazon recently confirmed it will increase its fund for self-publishers agreeing to loan their ebooks by $800,000 this month. The retailer predicts an uptick in downloads with the launch of the Kindle Unlimited subscription service. Those with ebooks already being distributed under the Kindle Owners Lending Library will automatically see their titles added to Kindle Unlimited.

 Self-publishing surging to 31% of ebook market, claims report

A new report claims that self-published authors have surged to 31% of ebook sales on Amazon and are now earning more ebook royalties than writers published by the “Big five” traditional publishers. While some people have questioned the data, the figures show that self-published authors are successful and that the industry is growing.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

ABOUT 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 at http://kellyschuknecht.com.
Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing Takes Patience

One of the many benefits of self-publishing is the turnaround time. Self-published books can often be printed much quicker than traditionally published books. That said, successful self-published authors understand that publishing a quality book takes patience. Here is why.

1. Your manuscript should be near flawless.

Before self-publishing your book, you want to make sure you spend plenty of time revising and editing. For some authors, a developmental editor could be extremely beneficial, and for all writers, hiring a professional copyeditor is a must. While no book is completely flawless, readers expect quality books to be close to perfect. If you want your book to be successful, you need to have the patience to go through the editing process.

2. The cover is extremely important.

Despite the cliché “don’t choose a book by its cover,” most readers are highly influenced by the front and back cover of your book. Take the time to design a quality, personalized front cover that depicts the essence of your book. Also, spend time writing professional back cover copy and author bio, and don’t forget to have this copy edited and proofread.

3. Plan, plan, and plan some more.

Even the most well-crafted book can’t be successful if readers don’t know it exists. Successful self-published authors understand the importance of a great marketing and promotion plan. Take time to figure out who your target market is and how you are going to reach them. Some possibilities include setting up and maintaining social media pages, contacting local media, and scheduling book signings.

Remember, patience is a virtue. While you are excited to finally see your book in print, don’t be in such a rush that you skip over important steps in the self-publishing process. Being patient now will pay off in the long run.

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 25 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Director of Author Services for Outskirts Press. The Author Services Department is composed of knowledgeable customer service reps and publishing consultants; 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, Jodee Thayer can put you on the right path.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

Achieve Your Summer Reading Goals While on Vacation

Reading is one of the best things writers can do to improve their own work. Reading offers inspiration, teaches the craft, and provides insight into what is (or isn’t) successful right now. I frequently encourage writers to set reading goals — read a certain number of books per month. Your summer vacation is the perfect time to achieve those summer reading goals.

Years ago, when you went on vacation you’d pack a small stack of books to enjoy on the plane or as you laid by the pool. Once those books were finished, your reading was done. Obviously for space reasons (and wonderful suitcase weight limits), it just wasn’t possible to pack all the books you wanted to read. Luckily, times have changed.

E-readers make reading while traveling easy. You can download books to reader before leaving or wait and download books as you need them. This offers countless reading possibilities.

While you probably already have a reading wish list, I encourage you to read something you wouldn’t normally read. This is a great way to step outside your comfort zone and discover a new writing style that might just inspire your own work. For book suggestions, check out bestselling lists such as Outskirts Press Top 10 Kindle Books.

I’d love to know, what are you reading on your summer vacation?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is 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.
Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 7/15/14

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 Tuesday to find out the hottest news.

How to Get Successfully Published TODAY: Big 5, Indy, or Self-Publish?

This great article discusses the pros and cons of three publishing options. It also mentions famous self-published authors and reasons why self-publishing might be the right choice for you. This is a must read for authors trying to decide which publishing route to go.

Self-Publish Like a Pro: Finding an Audience

This author recommends using various sites to connect with readers and share your book. She shares her own personal experiences with the sites and how her marketing approach has helped her build a loyal fan base. This is an interesting read for all writers.

Smashwords Releases 2014 Indie E-book Sales Survey

Smashwords recently released an insightful e-book sales survey that can help authors plan their next books and marketing approach. Key findings include: readers want longer e-books; series books outsell standalone titles; and series that offer the initial title for free earn more money.

If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is 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.
Kelly Speaks, Uncategorized

How Writers Can Celebrate National Anti-boredom Month

July is National Anti-boredom Month, which encourages everyone to find ways to fight off boredom. Luckily, writers have a special weapon against boredom: creativity! Here are five creative activities to help you “celebrate” anti-boredom month.

1. Read.

Reading is a great activity to beat boredom. It can take you to places far, far away, introduce you to characters  you’ve never met, teach you lessons or skills, and allow you to see the world from a new perspective.

2. Play writing games.

If you search online or visit your local bookstore or library, you can find plenty of fun writing prompts. These simple activities can get your creative juices flowing and may just spark a great story idea.

3. Try a new art.

Many authors find they enjoy other forms of art, such as music, painting, and photography. Study the work of these artists, perhaps by visiting a museum or local art show. Also, try your hand at a new medium. Learning a new craft won’t only keep you from getting bored, but it could also inspire your writing.

4. Travel.

Traveling is a great way to beat boredom and inspire your creative work. Even if you can’t travel to a far away place, spend some time this month traveling to new and unique places close to you. You can easily find a list of local attractions online, or ask other locals their favorite places to go.

5. Write.

Writers are always complaining they don’t have time to write, yet ironically, you’ll also find these same writers saying they’re bored. Fill those moments of boredom with writing! Whether you’re waiting for your food to arrive on your lunch break or sitting on a train ride home, break out the notebook or laptop and start writing. Once you finish your manuscript, start working on the self-publishing process.

I’d love to know, how are you celebrating National Anti-boredom Month?

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is 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.