Self Publishing Week in Review: 7/16/13

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 in self publishing this week.

Fox Acquires Self Published Sci-Fi Novel ‘CyberStorm’ For Chernin Entertainment

This article talks about Fox’s purchase of a self published sci-fi novel called “CyberStorm.”

Self-Publishing Your Book: Where’s the Money?

This website talks about the different ways to sell and earn a profit from a self published book.

Phoenix Creatives Form Self-Publishing Group Hermitag/e

This group of artists is working together to self publish their work. I love the idea of working with like-minded artists and inspiring each other to be successful.

Author embraces self-publishing successes

Frederick Fichman shares his story in hopes of inspiring other authors.

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.

Questions Self Publishing Authors Ask: Images from the Internet

Throughout the month of July I will be discussing topics that often come up for self publishing authors.  Without an experienced agent, you may have found that it’s tough to find the answers to your questions about rights and permissions.  These posts are designed to help answer some of the questions you may have and will direct you to other sites where you can get more information on each topic.  Come back each Wednesday this month for more informational posts to help you in your self publishing journey.  If you have additional questions, please send us a comment and we’ll add it to our list of topics to cover in the coming weeks.

This week I will address the issue of using images you found on the internet in your book. Many self publishing authors aren’t sure what they need to do in order to protect themselves from copyright laws when it comes to using images from the internet. If you want to use images from the internet in your book, there are a few things you should know.

  • Most images are protected by copyright laws and permission is required to use them.
  • Fair Use depends on the individual circumstance. Always be sure you meet all of the requirements. Otherwise, you need permission.
  • Images you find on the internet are subject to the same copyright laws as any other image you may want to use in your book.

To learn more about legally using images, check out this great post: http://www.copyrightlaws.com/us/legally-using-images/

 

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.

Self Publishing Week in Review: 7/9/13

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 in self publishing this week.

Three Keys to Self-Publishing Success

In this Publishers Weekly column, the author shares three great keys for self publishing success. I completely agree that professional editing and cover design services are worth the investment.

Why I’m Self-Publishing My Next Book

This author talks about why she is choosing to self publish her next book. If you are thinking about self publishing, check it out.

I Decided to Self-Publish

Here is another author who shares why he decided to self publish. If you have been rejected by traditional publishers because your book doesn’t “fit the mold,” read this.

Freedom isn’t Free—5 Common Tactical Errors in Self-Publishing

This author offers great advice on avoiding common self publishing mistakes. Every self publishing author should read this.

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.

Questions Self Publishing Authors Ask: Song Lyrics

Throughout the month of July I will be discussing topics that often come up for self publishing authors.  Without an experienced agent, you may have found that it’s tough to find the answers to your questions about rights and permissions.  These posts are designed to help answer some of the questions you may have and will direct you to other sites where you can get more information on each topic.  Come back each Wednesday this month for more informational posts to help you in your self publishing journey.  If you have additional questions, please send us a comment and we’ll add it to our list of topics to cover in the coming weeks.

This week I will address the issue of using song lyrics in your book. Many self publishing authors aren’t sure what they need to do in order to protect themselves from copyright laws when it comes to using song lyrics. If you want to use song lyrics in your book, there are a few things you should know.

  • The Fair Use rule doesn’t apply to song lyrics.
  • You can use song titles without permission because titles can’t be copyrighted.
  • You can use song lyrics that are in the public domain.
  • If you want to use copyrighted lyrics, you have to get permission and pay, and it can be costly.
  • You will need permission and have to pay to use recorded music in your book trailer.

If you still want to use song lyrics in your book, you can obtain the rights in five easy steps. To learn how, check out this article: http://annerallen.blogspot.com/2013/03/so-you-want-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your.html.

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.

Self Publishing Week in Review: 7/2/13

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 in self publishing this week.

Boulder author Rick Polito on writing, comedy and self-publishing

Author Rick Polito talks about his decision to self publish and the success he has had with his book.

Top Self-Published Kid’s Books for June 2013

It is important to stay updated on trends in your genre and the publishing industry. If you are a children’s book author, check out this list of top self published kid’s books for June 2013.

How Indie Authors Can Get Their Books Stocked in Bookshops

This author shares her tips for getting your book into bookstores.

How a Lone Self-Publisher Built a Profitable Business Around a Single E-book

In this podcast, Brett Kelly shares why he decided to write an e-book, his publishing experience, and his success.

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.