Tag: Self-Publishing

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 2/12/13

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.

Self-Publishing Stigma: Because Revolutions Take Time

Self publishing used to be mocked, but now it has changed the face of publishing. This excellent article discusses the self publishing revolution. It is empowering and inspiring.

 Apple Adds Self-Published Books to iTunes

Self published authors now have another place to sell their books: iTunes. This is an exciting announcement that will allow self published authors to reach even more readers.

Why Do Authors Choose Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing?

Every author must decide which publishing method is best for him or her. This article shows how many authors approach the decision.

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, Publishing Trends, Self-Publishing

Comparison of Outskirts Press and Trafford’s Self-publishing Packages

Deciding which self-publishing company to go with can be a real challenge. To assist you with this process, I’m writing a series of posts where I do the leg work for you! I’ll prepare a side-by-side comparison of two similar publishing packages from two self-publishing companies. I’ll strive to keep it as simple as possible to help cut through the vast amount of information out there by giving you an easy to read chart and a brief summary of my impressions on the comparison.

This installment of the series is a comparison of two of the most robust self-publishing packages available: The “One Click for Coaches & Speakers” from Outskirts Press (which you can enjoy even if you’re NOT a coach or speaker, by the way) and the “Scroll,” from Trafford. The information shared here is current as of the date I completed the comparison (19 December 2012) and is dependent on what I could located on the websites without contacting representatives.

Outskirts Press One-Click Publishing For Coaches & Speakers
$4,497		 Trafford Publishing Scroll Publishing Package
$5,749
Production Options Paperback Format ✓ ✓
Custom Cover ✓ ✓
Professional Interior Formatting ✓ ✓
Copyright registration ✓ ✓
Library of Congress Control Number ✓ ✓
Interior Elements Up to 20 images Up to 60 images
Copyediting Up to 75,000 Words Up to 250,000 Words
Author Copies (Paperback) 10 Copies 40 Copies
Expedited Service ✓
Cover Scribing ✓
Your ISBN/ Imprint or ours ✓
Hardback Format ✓
Author Copies (Hardback) ✓
Indexing Up to 500 entries
Additional Formats Secure EBook Edition ✓ ✓
Amazon Kindle Edition ✓
Espresso Book Machine Edition ✓
Marketing Services Book Video Trailer & Distribution ✓ ✓
Custom Press Release ✓ ✓
Author Webpage ✓ ✓
Barnes & Noble See Inside ✓ ✓
60 Second Book Video Trailer ✓ 1 of 3 choices
Social Media Marketing Setup PMA ✓
Post-Publication Marketing Assistance Marketing COACH (2 years) Learning Center (1 year)
PR Publicist Campaign ✓
Personal Marketing Assistant (PMA) ✓
Submission to 10 Reviewers ✓
Electronic Clipping Service ✓
Publication Press Release ✓
Streaming Audio ✓
Amazon Cover Enhancement ✓
Amazon See Inside the Book ✓
Bookseller’s Return Program ✓
Marketing Promotional Materials 100 pieces

With Outskirts Press, for $1,252 less you receive expedited service, a private label (optional), the Amazon Kindle edition of your book, the Espresso Book Machine edition, a PR campaign, 10 Book Reviews, a clipping service and 5 hours of personal marketing assistance with a professional book marketing expert, among other benefits.

There are a few options that come with Trafford’s Scroll package that are not included with the Outskirts Press package such as a hardback format and more author copies.  Although, you could order most if not all of those services a la carte with Outskirts Press and likely still come in at an overall lower cost.

My vote? Outskirts Press! See all the benefits and features of the One-Click Package for Speakers & Coaches by clicking here.

I’d love to know, which option would you choose and why?

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review: 2/5/13

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.

Guy Kawasaki: Self-Promoter and Self-Publisher

This article talks about self published marketing guru Guy Kawasaki of Google. Kawasaki shares why he self published and how you can self promote.

The Road to Publication — Part Three: Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing, Pros and Cons

If you are debating whether self publishing is right for you, this pro and con article can help you decide.

Self-publishing Turns the Corner

Self publishing is no longer for works that aren’t “good enough” to be published by traditional publishing firms. In fact, traditional publishing houses are now jumping onboard and starting their own self publishing companies. This article also talks about one of the most popular self published books of 2012, Fifty Shades of Grey.

Surviving the Self-Publishing World and How Tech is Changing our Vacations

One of the most important gatherings for publishing professionals when it comes to e-books and self-publishing,  Digital Book World Conference, was recently held in Midtown Manhattan. One of the guests included marketing guru and self published author Guy Kawasaki.

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.
Jodee Speaks

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 4 – Share Your Goal with Others

Whether we are setting a goal to self publish a book or lose weight or make any other change in our life, we often keep those resolutions to ourselves. We fear sharing them with others because we don’t want to be judged if we fail or we worry that our friends and family won’t support our mission, but sharing your goals with others can actually help you achieve your  mission. When you share your goals with other, you not only force yourself to be accountable for your resolutions but you also allow others to share in your excitement and provide the support you need to accomplish your goals. Here are four ways to improve your chances of self publishing a book by sharing your goals with others.

1. Tell close friends or family who will support you.

We all have someone in our lives who supports us no matter what. They are the people you want to share your goals with because they are the people who will motivate you when you feel like giving up. You don’t have to share your resolutions with people who will discourage you. Seek out support.

2. Join a community of writers.

Whether you find a writing group who meets periodically or you join an online group, connecting with fellow writers can encourage you to achieve your goals. No one better understands the struggles and excitement of writing a book like other writers. They can offer advice and support that non-writers can’t provide, and seeing other writers accomplishing their goals can inspire you to achieve yours.

3. Be accountable.

Don’t keep your progress a secret. Regularly update your writing group and friends and family on  your progress. If you are having trouble reaching your writing goals, tell them. If you’ve had a successful week, tell them. They can encourage you when you need extra motivation and celebrate with you when you are successful.

4. Let them join the fun.

Let your support people be a part of the writing process. Ask them to help you brainstorm ideas. Let them read a draft of your work. Have them help market your book. This will fuel your creative drive and make your support team more invested in the project. Always be sure to show appreciation for their efforts and return the favor when you can.

I’d love to know, who do you plan to share your writing goals with?

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.
Jodee Speaks

Self Publish a Book in 2013: Step 2 – Be Faithful

Last week we talked about setting goals to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution of self publishing a book in 2013. This week, I want to talk about being faithful to those goals. They are useless if you don’t actually work to achieve them. Here are four ways you can be faithful to your writing goals.

1. Figure out what works for you.

Not every writer is the same. Some people need to get up early and write before the hectic day begins. Other writers are most productive just before bedtime. Some people can write during their twenty-minute train ride. Others don’t write during the week but dedicate several hours to the craft on the weekend. If you want to stick to your writing goals, you have to make sure they are realistic for your schedule and personality.

2. Write it on the calendar.

Once you figure out when and where you plan to write, mark it on your calendar. Writing needs to be a priority just like any other task on your to-do list. You are more likely to stick to your goal if you see it written on the calendar than if you just tell yourself in your head that you need to make time to write.

3. Check in periodically.

You need to hold yourself accountable. Every day, week or month, check in on yourself and see if you are accomplishing your goals. How many days are you writing? How much time are you spending writing? How many pages have you written? How much research have you accomplished? How many pages have you edited? How can you be more productive?

4. Reward yourself.

After checking in, reward yourself for being faithful to your goals. You could treat yourself to a nice dinner, buy a new book, or spend an afternoon out with a friend. Whatever you do, don’t make the treat detrimental to your goals. Taking a day of writing or extending a deadline is not a reward. It is an excuse.

I’d love to know, how do you stay faithful to your goals?

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.