Tag: Self-Publishing

Kelly Speaks, Self-Publishing Week in Review

Self Publishing Week in Review

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, I’m starting a new weekly post that will give you summary of the recent hot topics. Simply visit our blog every Tuesday to find out the hottest news in self publishing this week.

50 Free Books to Be Thankful For

One of the best ways to improve your writing, get ideas and find inspiration is by reading other books, especially classic and popular reads. While you never want to copy other authors’ stories, it is useful to learn how to read books critically  to figure out why readers love certain books and how you can use those techniques in your own stories. This post shares 50 free ebooks, most of which are classic stories all self publishing authors should read.

Best Writing Music of 2012

Some self publishing authors enjoy listening to music to make them feel inspired. Everyone has different tastes and techniques. Some authors love music while they brainstorm but need silence while they write. Other authors like to listen to music that is related to their setting, characters or storyline. Whatever your personal preferences, it is always fun to learn about other authors’ choices. This post might just include your next favorite song for inspiration.

Bookstore Installs Random Book Dispenser

Sometimes our favorite reads are books that we stumble upon on accident. This book store in Toronto installed a machine that reproduces that experience. You simply put two dollars in the machine and you receive a completely random book. I love the idea of being introduced to something I may not normally pick out for myself, and I’m interested to see if this becomes a trend in other bookstores.

What is New Adult Fiction?

A relatively new genre has been hitting the self publishing best sellers lists: new adult fiction. This growing genre is geared towards twentysomething readers who are at a point in their lives between YA novels and adult novels. This post is great for self publishing authors who are interested in writing in this genre because it explains the new category and offers examples of books in the genre.

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.
Book Reviews, Kelly Speaks

Foreword Reviews is Hitting the Newsstands

ForeWord Reviews is a review service for readers, booksellers, book buyers, publishing insiders, and librarians. They have been serving the publishing industry for 15 years, and they recently announced that they will be hitting newsstands! They struck a deal with Barnes & Noble, so the publication will be available in the 350 stores throughout the country. This is exciting news for ForeWord Reviews as well as self-publishing authors and readers!

As a self-publishing author, book reviews are a great way to promote your book and improve your credibility. ForeWord Reviews is a trusted source for book reviews. Now that the publication will be available in Barnes & Noble, featured books will be exposed to an even larger audience. You can learn more about ForeWord Reviews at www.forewordreviews.com.

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

Turn Your Passion Into a Profitable Book

Winter is one of my favorite times of year because it is ski season. Out of curiosity, I recently searched the book section of Amazon for the word “skiing” and I found 5,276 results. Yes, there are over 5,000 books on skiing listed on Amazon. This got me thinking… There is a huge market for authors who love skiing as much as I do. You could write an informational book for novice skiers, or you could share stories about your own skiing adventures. You could even write a humor book about skiing. The possibilities are endless.

Even if you don’t enjoy skiing, there is still a vast amount of potential for you to write a book and earn money. Whatever your passion is, there are other people who share your interests and would love to read your book. Whether it is skiing, fashion, children, painting, or any other interest, if you can find a unique way to share your thoughts and stories, you can make money by self publishing a book on the topic. For inspiration, type a keyword into Amazon and see what pops up. You may be inspired by all the amazing work that already exists on the topic or you may discover that there isn’t a lot of information out there and the industry could really use a book like yours.

If you have the idea but lack the skills or time to write a quality book, consider hiring a ghostwriter who can help turn your thoughts into a great manuscript. You should also consider other professionals to help you create the best book possible. Some wonderful options include copyediting and marketing services. When choosing a self publishing company, be sure to look for companies that offer these additional services.

I’d love to know, what is your passion?

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, NaNoWriMo, Uncategorized

Top 5 NaNoWriMo Blog Posts

There are only a few days left in the NaNoWriMo challenge! I hope everyone is meeting their goals (even if your only goal is “I just want to write something by the end of the month!”) and, more importantly, enjoying their writing time. During NaNoWriMo, it is helpful to read stories and get advice from other people participating; that’s why I’m always looking for great blog posts about NaNoWriMo. Here are five of my recent favorites.

Stay Motivated – NaNoWriMo 10 Minute Writing Sprints

Sometimes it is difficult to find the motivation to sit and write for long periods of time. This is especially true as you get closer to the end of the challenge. I love this idea of 10 minute writing sprints to help you finish your novel and stick to your writing goals.

So You’ve Written a Book…

You may be wondering what you should do once you finish your novel. This is a great post that offers four things you shouldn’t do. I love the author’s advice on not rushing into the self-publishing process. While I obviously encourage authors to consider self-publishing, you don’t want to cut corners if you want to be taken seriously as an author. It is very important that you take time to polish your book and make decisions that will make your book and yourself more professional.

Quotes for Writers and Readers

This link isn’t actually a blog post. It is a pinterest board, but it is still a valuable resource for writers. This board is a great place to find a little inspiration or get a good laugh.

NaNoWriMo 2012 Week Three: Six Writers Each Pen a Book in One Month

It is always fun to hear about other authors’ writing experiences. This is a great post to read when you need some inspiration. If other people can complete the challenge, so can you.

Pep Talk from Ally Carter

This post discusses two types of writer’s block and how to handle them. It is a great read for anyone who is struggling with finishing their novel in the last week of NaNoWriMo.

I’d love to know, what is your favorite blog post about NaNoWriMo? Share 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

4 Reasons to Be Thankful for Self Publishing

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope you have a wonderful holiday as you celebrate all of the things in your life that you are thankful for. One of the things I am thankful for is self-publishing. The shift in the publishing industry from traditional publishing to print-on-demand has changed the lives of so many writers. Here are four reasons I am thankful for self-publishing this holiday season.

1. Freedom of Speech

Authors who submit to regular publishers are at the mercy of editors. The editors decide what types of books to publish based on what is most likely to sell to a large audience. With self-publishing, you, as the author, decide if and when your book is ready to be published. You don’t have to change your story or writing style to fit a mold. Just because a certain type of story, such as paranormal romance, is popular at the moment, doesn’t mean every author has to write for that audience

2. Quicker Timeline

Traditional publishing is very time-consuming. The author must do extensive research on publishers, agents and the market. Then the author must write query letters to the editors and/or agents. Some editors and agents don’t allow for simultaneous submissions, so the author can only submit one letter at a time. Once the letters are submitted, it can take several months to get a response from the editor. Even if an editor or agent accepts your manuscript, it can take over a year to see your book in print. Self publishing takes much less time. While authors still need to do research, they don’t have to wait for editors to accept their manuscript, and the publication process typically can take just a few weeks.

3. Control

If you choose to go the traditional publishing route, you have little control over your book once it is accepted by an editor. The publishing house will determine the artwork, cover design, and price point. They may even choose to change entire sections of your book. With self publishing, you get to control the entire process. You make all of the decisions.

4. More Profit

Traditional publishing houses pay a royalty for published books, and some publishers will pay a small advance. These royalties are typically very low and don’t generate much income for authors. With most self publishing companies (such as Outskirts Press), the author receives 100% of the profits. The profit is determined by the selling price and printing cost. Therefore, there is potential to earn more royalties from your self-published book.

These are just a few of the reasons I am thankful for self publishing. I’d love to know, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

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.