Tag: Self-Publishing

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 1/07/14

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-Publishers Wealth Summit New Years Resolution Challenge Announced

The Self-Publishers Wealth Summit has officially launched the “I Ate My New Years Resolution but Didn’t Swallow Challenge.” Viewers are encouraged to create their own creative, viral videos around their New Years resolution. To learn more about the challenge and the Self-Publishers Wealth Summit New Years Resolution Challenge, check out this article. You can also learn more at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpSPL_QATTw&feature=youtu.be.

Self-Publishing and The Power of Creative Intention

This interesting article encourages writers to take a different approach to their 2014 writing goals. It discusses how an alarming number of people fail to keep their new year resolutions and how those who don’t make resolutions are more successful. Rather than setting “resolutions,” this author encourages writers to use “creative intention.” This is a must read for all writers.

Must Read: Becky Cloonan on self-publishing

In this article, Beck Cloonan, who has sold thousand of copies and won an award for her self-published minis, talks about her experience and offers advice to others. It is a fascinating read for anyone considering self-publishing.

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.
Jodee Speaks

Dust Off That Manuscript and Self-Publish in 2014

Last week we said goodbye to 2013 and welcomed the new year, a time for fresh starts, commit to change, and most importantly, a new determination to meet our goals. For some writers, the new year is the perfect time to produce new works. For others, dusting off an old manuscript might be just the ticket.

If you have abandoned works taking up space on your hard drive or in a desk drawer, don’t let them go to waste! Dig them out and see if a dash of new year enthusiasm and determination is all they need to become a great book. Follow these steps to freshen up your manuscript for  self-publishing in 2014:

  • Awaken. It’s time to wake up and reassess that long-dormant manuscript. You may remember it as either utterly brilliant or complete rubbish (although I suspect if you considered it literary gold, you’d have self-published it by now). All writers feel one of those extremes about their own work just after completing it, and it’s almost never as good or bad as they think. Bring it out of deep freeze and give it one more chance.
  • Dissect. Dig into each page like you’re reading it for the first time — and leave no stone unturned. Set aside whatever feelings or impressions you once had about your manuscript and look at it with fresh, new eyes. You’ll be much more objective about it now that time has passed. Pretend it’s someone else’s work, if that helps. You may find strokes of genius you didn’t recognize before.
  • Reshape. Of course, along with unearthing forgotten brilliance, you’ll likely also find your fair share of thorny passages that inspire “What was I thinking?” moments. Time to toss out the junk and tighten up that manuscript. Be merciless: it is okay if your manuscript looks and sounds completely different when you are done. The new year is all about redefining and changing.
  • Build. Fill in the “bald patches” – elements of your story that require elaboration, such as further plot and character development. Build on what you already have to complete the manuscript.
  • Nurture. Cultivate a plan to nurture those parts of your book that are weakest. Sprinkle it generously with notes about what changes you need to make as you review and review again; gradually, your writing and your overall story will transform into the masterpiece you imagine. New year projects aren’t about quick success; they are about a year of nurturing your goals and dreams.
  • Expand your mind. Read the works of others. See a good movie, or listen to your favorite music. Exchange ideas with other writers. The idea is to borrow inspiration that will better inform your book.
  • Realize. Once all your efforts have turned your old manuscript into a great book, it is time to take your product to market and enjoy the success of completing a book. You did it, and readers can’t wait to read your work!

Fresh eyes and a few good brainstorms may produce all the fresh ideas you need to turn that literary new year project into a chart-topping book published in 2014. Good luck!

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, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self-Publishing Week in Review: 12/31/13

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.

B.I.G. Discusses Power and Perils of Self-Publishing

B.I.G. women’s networking group hosted a panel discussion on the ins and outs of book publishing. In this video, four women discuss their self-publishing experiences.

Five Mistakes KILLING Self-Published Authors

This writer offers great advice that will help self-publishing authors avoid ruining their book and reputation. She offers tips on when to publish, how to market, and more. This is a must read.

Self-publishing was way easier than I thought it would be

Nathan Bransford, author of How to Write a Novel: 47 Rules for Writing A Stupendously Awesome Novel That You Will Love Forever, talks about self-publishing his book and his success so far. He also shares advice for other writers 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.
Uncategorized

Self Publishing is Easy, Standing Out Isn’t

While there are many perks to self-publishing — easy to do, higher royalties, no rejection letters, and more — there is also a major drawback: competition. Self-publishing has become very popular, and it seems like everyone — new authors, previously published authors, professionals, even children — is doing it. While it is great for writers to have the freedom and control that self-publishing offers, it also makes the publishing industry even more competitive.

I’ll be honest about something — the majority of self-publishing authors aren’t best selling authors who make millions of dollars. That doesn’t mean you can’t be successful, but it does mean you need to understand the market, have realistic expectations, and work hard to make your book stand out. The solution is “simple”: write a great book, publish a quality book and do a great deal of marketing and promotion.

1) The Writing

Consider submitting your manuscript for a comprehensive, professional and unbiased review before having it published; actually the more reviews you have done, the better. They help you fine tune your manuscript to make it the best book possible.

2) The Publishing

As part of the publishing process, be sure to invest in professional copyediting and a custom cover.  If your book is riddled with typos and grammatical errors, it won’t be taken seriously.  If your book has a plain Jane cover, it could be overlooked.

3) The Marketing

This is the part many self-publishing authors miss.  Along with self-publishing comes self-marketing.  It’s not enough to just have distribution. The most successful self-published authors understand the importance of great marketing. Some self-publishing companies offer services to assist you with your self-marketing. Whether you choose to do it on your own, pay someone to help, or do a combination of both, this element of the process is an absolute must.

Don’t be discouraged!  There are many self-publishing authors who have had success, and you can too if you approach the process correctly.

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

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope each of you have a joyous holiday and have the opportunity to create wonderful memories with those you love. If you have a few moments, take some time to write down your thoughts, feelings, and memories from the day. Perhaps they will inspire a writing project later, and if not, at least you will always have something to help you remember this day.

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.