Tag: thankful for self publishing

Holidays, news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Happy Holidays from Self Publishing Advisor!

happy holidays

The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is somewhat light when it comes to news regarding publishing and self-publishing, in no small part because the two holidays which bookmark this particular week are among the most widely celebrated the world over. But that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a big-news week for us here at Self Publishing Advisor!

This holiday week, we wanted to thank you for helping to make our year and our blog such a success. With 2,175 unique posts in our backlist and over 158,500 unique views by you, our visitors, our blog is one of the most successful–and long-running–of all self-publishing blogs out there. We couldn’t have gotten here without you and your support, dear reader, and that makes this holiday season particularly bright as we look forward to a brand-new year full of unique updates on and insights into our wonderful industry.

thank you holiday christmas

spa-news

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 each month to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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elizabeth speaks, in your corner, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: Putting the “Thanks!” in Thanksgiving

give thanks

This year, as you settle down for the Thanksgiving holiday, it’s worth considering all the ways we can and ought to say “thanks” to our readers, especially during the holiday season. Giving thanks is a fantastic way to connect with people and show them you care and that they matter to you—just as you matter to us here at Self Publishing Advisor!

  1. Social Media. There are always good ways of making use of social media for establishing that personal touch and intimacy with your readers—especially in responding to comments with personalized tweets, Instagram comments, or Facebook posts—but in the week of Thanksgiving, it’s worth going all-out. Put together a small (or big) post making direct reference to those early reviewers on Amazon, Goodreads, and other websites so crucial to your book’s sales and success. It doesn’t have to be some massively big deal (although it certainly can be if you want!), just a quick: “Dear Julie K., Seth M., and Erica G., thank you so much for being willing to read and review my book on Goodreads! Your comments meant so much and had a profound impact on me.” Or something along those lines … make it your own! And if you can include photos of the readers with your book, all the better!
  2. Actually give them something! There are lots of ways to actually give your readers something tangible. You can do this by A) giving them a discount, B) distributing freebies, or C) throwing a giveaway. Some artists do this by creating graphics that their readers can use for free. Some offer special freebies when readers either sign up for a newsletter or purchase a copy of their book; simply ask them for proof of purchase and a mailing address, and you’re on your way! You don’t really need to give away expensive items but readers often appreciate something and useful. Alternatively, you can host a giveaway of your actual book on Goodreads or Amazon (we’ve written a how-to for Goodreads here). These giveaways are a great way both to say “thanks!” to your readers and raise awareness about your book’s publication.
  3. Throw a party! We’ve talked about the benefits of book readings and signings in countless (COUNTLESS) other posts on this website (we really can’t love on them enough!) … but have you ever considered throwing a Thank You! Party? Consider this: turn a book reading or signing event into a party for those who have read your book, supported you along the way, and helped you throughout the publishing process. It’s still an event which will raise awareness of and the profile of your book, but it has a much more human touch (and in our experience, people are much more likely to come!). This serves as a bit of a parallel or substitute for those customer appreciation parties that local businesses often throw for their guests, or a library’s annual volunteer breakfast and so forth. Put together some light refreshments, and maybe even turn it into a potluck with a bonus reading & signing at the end! You can generate a lot of excitement around the idea of saying “thanks!” to your readers (past, present, and future) by having this kind of party. But as always, remember to promote it! Contact your local newspapers and publish press releases in all the right places, including newsletters and on social media.

No matter how you say “thanks!”  … whether you use one of our ideas here or come up with your own … there are so many reasons to just “go for it” and make sure that your readers know you care!

And while we’re on the subject ….

thank you

Thank you, thank you, thank you, dear readers. I usually end my posts by saying “You are not alone” … but this week, I want to thank you. Because with you out there in the world, doing good things and self-publishing along the way, I always know …

I am not alone. ♣︎

happy thanksgiving

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Outskirts Press. The Sales and Marketing departments are composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process 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, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.
Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Conversations: 9/15/2017 (on Gratitude Day!)

SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS CELEBRATE WRITERS!

Gratitude Day

This must be my month for cliché statements. They keep popping into my head, so I’ll share another one with you because it helps me keep focused and creative when I’m having a challenging writing day: “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude.” At first I wanted to ignore that thought. Yup, I was having a sour-face day. My leisurely life as a writer—who rises in the morning to the enticing scent of a vanilla latte awaiting me—had turned into TOO MANY projects racing through my head. For quite a lengthy season I’d been able to organizing my writing time and play time and even nap time into a beautiful weekly pattern; but not recently. So with that cliché popped into my thoughts, I growled.

gratitude day thank you

Later that same day, I was waiting for my appointment time at the dentist and scrolling through some blogs. The second title to appear: “Why Writers Should Be Supremely Grateful” by Andrea Lundgren (#atozchallenge #writer). I almost growled out loud. But I loved her opening statements and her blog lifted my spirits and perspective. Andrea said: “We should definitely be the most grateful because we get to hang out with some of the coolest people in real life (other writers and readers), even if it’s only through the internet. [AND!] We get to be best friends and confidants of some of the most interesting and intriguing people in fiction that (hopefully) have ever existed [the characters we create].

Immediately my thoughts turned to two characters I’m developing—one for a sci-fi/mystery novel series and one for a modern-day, hometown, maybe Hallmark series. Both are women characters with hidden strengths they never realized they possessed until…. Oh, yes, indeed. I am grateful for their companionship! THEN, two books popped up on my books-you-need-to-read list

Because I’m also deep into research for a military background novel, the title: Vignettesvignettes from vietnam brice h barnes From Vietnam: Brief Moments of Sanity and Belated Notes of Gratitude, came up. The author, Brice H. Barnes shares the event of his personal miracle that he experienced during the Tet Counter-Offensive and compiled these true stories—which emphasize the value of teamwork—dedicating the book to a variety of men who were major contributors to the successes that Barnes experienced in Nam. He closes each vignette with an expression of his deep sense of gratitude. There is nothing like the Memoir/True Stories to remind us of the miracles of daily life.

The second book was The Upside of Down Times: Discovering The Power of Gratitude lisa ryan by Lisa Ryan. Because I had just experienced my own “down time,” this title became a must-have book. Ryan’s leading summary statement is so true: “Most of us tend to focus on the negative.” The UPSIDE is that we can learn to harness the power of gratefulness.”

Immediately I started thinking. What about the women characters in my two novel series? Will the ideas offered by author Lisa Ryan help me release their hidden strengths in their stories? Ryan is now only an author, but she’s has some movie experience. Maybe, just maybe, her ideas are just what I need to get these novels moving again.

So today I’m FILLED WITH GRATITUDE! Thankful that my gift is writing. Thankful that my writing friends are always willing to support me, encourage me, nudge me and occasionally yell at me.

Thankful that other writers have produced their books so that I can benefit from their experience and knowledge. And, thankful for the expertise of people connected to book publishing; the editors, coaches, marketing specialists and printers! Yes! Thank you Mr. Johannes Gutenberg for inventing the printing press! OH how the world has been blessed ever since! ⚓︎

 

Royalene

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene has been writing something since before kindergarten days and continues to love the process. Through her small business—DOYLE WRITING SERVICES—she brings more than 40 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their projects. This is a nice fit as she develops these blogs for Outskirts Press (OP) a leading self-publisher, and occasionally accepts a ghostwriting project from one of their clients. Her recent book release (with OP) titled FIREPROOF PROVERBS, A Writer’s Study of Words, is already receiving excellent reviews including several professional writer’s endorsements given on the book’s back cover.
Royalene’s writing experience grew through a wide variety of positions from Office Manager and Administrative Assistant to Teacher of Literature and Advanced Writing courses and editor/writer for an International Christian ministry. Her willingness to listen to struggling authors, learn their goals and expectations and discern their writing voice has brought many manuscripts into the published books arena.
Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing, A Reason to Be Thankful

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner this week, I hope you take the time to reflect on all the things you have to be thankful for. As a writer, there are many reasons to be thankful for self-publishing. Here are the top five reasons I am thankful for self-publishing.

1. Freedom of Expression

Self-publishing gives writers the freedom to creatively express themselves. They don’t have to wait for an editor to decide their story is worthy or be told to change their vision to fit a commercial market.

2. Creative Control

Self-publishing authors maintain complete control throughout the publishing process. They decide how the book will look, read, and be sold.

3. Financial Opportunity

Self-publishing offers writers the opportunity to earn an income from their work. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing authors aren’t stuck with low royalties. They earn more from each book they sell.

4. A Changing Market

Self-publishing continues to grow in popularity, and previously successful traditional authors are even choosing to go the self-publishing route with their new books. With this comes more respect for self-published authors.

5. Quick Turnaround

Traditional publishing is a long process filled with rejection. Self-publishing authors don’t have to suffer through countless rejection letters, and their books are often printed quicker those printed by traditional publishers.

I’d love to know, why are you thankful for self-publishing?

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

5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Self-Publishing

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner this week, I hope you take the time to reflect on all the things you have to be thankful for. As a writer, there are many reasons to be thankful for self-publishing. Here are the top five.

1. Creative Freedom

Self-publishing gives writers the freedom to creatively express themselves. They don’t have to wait for an editor to decide their story is worthy or be told to change their vision to fit a commercial market.

2. Control

Self-publishing authors maintain complete control throughout the publishing process. They decide how the book will look, read, and be sold.

3. Financial Opportunity

Self-publishing offers writers the opportunity to earn an income from their work. Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing authors aren’t stuck with low royalties. They earn more from each book they sell.

4. A Changing Market

Self-publishing continues to grow in popularity, and previously successful traditional authors are even choosing to go the self-publishing route with their new books. With this comes more respect for self-published authors.

5. No Waiting

Traditional publishing is a long process filled with rejection. Self-publishing authors don’t have to suffer through countless rejection letters, and their books are often printed quicker those printed by traditional publishers.

I’d love to know, why are you thankful for 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.