Tag: Self-Publishing

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 4/29/14

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.

Self-Published Authors Don’t Need a New Term

This interesting article takes a look at the desire to rename self-publishing in hopes of ditching the stigma that used to come with self-publishing and to better represent the authors who use self-publishing companies. My favorite part of the article is this: “The problem with trying to re-term and invent new labels to make ourselves feel better misses a larger point, anyway, which is that there’s only one label that really matters: ‘published author.'”

Blurb teams up with Amazon for self-published photo books

Blurb, the indie publishing platform that lets photographers self-publish their books, has joined forces with Amazon to sell and distribute books produced and designed by Blurb authors. This opens up a great opportunity for photographers to propel their work into the public eye.

‘I should write a book:’ Why authors decide to self-publish

This article looks at various reasons authors decided to self-publish their books. It is an interesting read for all writers who may be considering self-publishing.

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.
Choosing a Publisher, Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Cheaper isn’t Always Better, Self-Publishing Authors

When choosing a self-publishing company, remember the adage, “Cheaper isn’t always better” and ask yourself these two questions:

1. What are the upfront costs, the per book cost and royalties?

You may find a company that has incredibly low per book author costs, but don’t let that govern your decision.  Just because a company promotes a low per book cost doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high upfront costs and low royalties.  And just because a company offers low upfront costs doesn’t mean they are the best bargain — they may have high per book costs, low royalties and even requirements for you to purchase hundreds of books yourself.  You must find a good balance of upfront costs, per book cost and royalties.  Consider all of this when self-publishing.

2. What services are available?

The cliché “you get what you pay for” is often true when it comes to self-publishing. Not all self-publishing companies are created equal, and you need to consider your professional goals and needs when choosing a company. A cheaper company often does not offer all the services and support needed to create a quality book, and if you want to be respected as an author and sell books, you need to offer your readers a quality product.

Ultimately, the self-publishing company you choose depends on your goals and needs as an author. Some people can go with the cheapest option and be completely satisfied, but many serious authors find that spending a little more is worth the extra expense.  You want to find a company that will produce a top-quality product, offer you plenty of options such as professional editing,  custom covers, and marketing and promotion services.  As you research self-publishing companies, be sure to consider all the costs as well as the value of the services offered. You may just find that “cheaper isn’t always better.”

ABOUT JODEE THAYER: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Jodee Thayer works as the Manager 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

How Self-Publishing Can Help the Environment

In honor of Earth Day yesterday (April 22, 2014), you may be looking for ways you can help protect our planet and preserve our precious resources. Self-publishing is a great option for eco-conscious authors. Many self-published companies offer “green” services and technology. Here is why self-publishing is the most environmentally friendly publishing choice.

  •  Self-published ebooks save trees because they are paperless. Saving trees is important for not only maintaining the beauty of our land, but also the health.
  • Paperback or hardcover copies can be printed on recycled paper or paper made from sustainable resources. Contact your self-publishing company to learn more.
  • The print-on-demand model is the most resource-efficient way to publish.  It eliminates warehousing, returns and pulping.
  • Self-publishing allows you to publish books on topics related to the environment. You could share green living tips, inform readers about problems in the environment, or just use green topics as the basis for a novel.
  • Some self-publishing companies use alternative energy sources and support eco-friendly organizations.

To learn more about the eco-conscious options available from your self-publishing company, talk to self-publishing support team.

I’d love to know, how do you plan to use self-publishing to protect the environment?

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: 4/22/14

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.

Research and Markets: The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing 2013-2014” report to their offering. The Rise and Impact of Self-Publishing details the journey self-publishing has taken over the last few years and shows compelling data on who is actually buying self-published books and in what format. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

5 Tips for Self Publishers from ‘Party Girl’ Author Erin Shaw

In this article, self-published author Erin Shaw offers five tips for self-publishing authors. Here advice includes there’s no shame in self-publishing, a good editor will break your heart a little, and more. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Forget agents and big-time publishers, today’s savvy writers are authors of their own destinies 

This article discusses three writers who used self-publishing to create their own destinies. The authors include “the godfather of self-publishing” Hugh Howey, up and coming author S.K Falls, and hybrid author Chuck Wendig. This is an interesting read for all writers.

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, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 4/15/14

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.

Amazon’s Vision for the Future of Self-Publishing

This article discusses Jon Fine’s, director of author and publishing relations at Amazon, vision of the future of self-publishing. Predictions include a name change, more options, and discoverability problems. This is a must read for self-publishing authors.

Why Audiobooks Are the Next Big Thing in Self-Publishing

This article looks at traditional and self-published audiobooks and shares the writer’s first hand experience with publishing paper books as well as audiobooks. The writer is the author of more than 14 books, so she has a lot of experience in the traditional and self-publishing industry. This is an interesting read for all writers.

 UK Paper The Guardian Launches Monthly Self-Publishing Award

The Guardian and Legend Times have announced a new monthly writing prize, highlighting the best self-published novels. The winning novel will be selected by a panel of industry judges each month and reviewed in the Guardian. Awards are a great way for self-published authors to gain credibility and publicity. The article discusses all the submission details.

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.