Tag: thanksgiving

Conversations with a Self-Publishing Writer, Royalene Speaks, Uncategorized

Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 11/29/13

It is the day after Thanksgiving and many of us were greatly blessed to have shared time with our family and enjoyed that traditional meal.  Now we are faced with yesterday’s leftovers, maybe even a pot or two still soaking in the kitchen sink.  This is the perfect scenario to send writers to their desks to grab pen or pencil, or attack the computer keyboard with renewed determination!  There are no story leftovers!  Each one must be developed, completed and published!

I don’t know about you, but I’m already looking forward to next year and planning to submit my newly self-published book to several contests.  One of the first will be the Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards and their Self-Published eBook Awards contests.  There are “early-bird” deadlines and rules to follow, so I’m planning to consult my Personal Marketing Assistant—one of the members of my self-publishing team—for advice.  There is also a wonderful website — www.goodreads.com — that provides a whole list of contests, PLUS allows me to acknowledge my favorite books (past and present).  THAT is where I hope to see my own books listed someday soon!  And there I will find a continuing list of readers who consider my work a “good read.”

There are also the magazines with editors who joined the arena of book award contests.  One that is well established and growing is the ForeWord Reviews magazine.  It was established in 1998 and now distributes quarterly to 7,500 librarians and booksellers and is available at most Barnes & Noble newsstands.  They look at each year’s newly published books for this contest, which is a great avenue for self-published authors to be recognized.  Their motto is “great book/independent voices.”  I like that and hope my writing will catch their attention.

So it is that my thoughts are bouncing between all the stories and articles floating in my head, and the few weeks remaining in this calendar year.  Watching the last leaves fall and snowflakes begin to float through crystal-air, my head is also full of delightful holiday memories.  I cannot help but picture myself in the midst of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and the love and laughter to be shared.

SHOULD the writing take a backseat to these activities, I will, however, still have my plan-of-action in place: at least two of my current clients will be published in the New Year; several new clients will become best friends as we get their projects rolling; at least one of my own books will make it to the desks of my self-publishing team; and many book award contests will receive submissions from me and my clients.  I am, indeed, FULL of thanks for the blessings of today and the opportunities that await.

Royalene ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.
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.
Jodee Speaks

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

This time of year, we take the time to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. I am thankful for each of you who follow my blog and for the opportunity to help authors achieve their dreams of publishing a book. I hope you have a great Thanksgiving!

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

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.
Jodee Speaks, Uncategorized

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. I hope you have a wonderful holiday with your family. This is one of my favorite times of year because it gives me a chance to reflect on all the things I am grateful for and to appreciate all of the blessings in my life. On a common day, most of us rush through our schedule without much thought for all the wonderful things in our lives, but we each have so much to be thankful. Even if you are struggling to get through a difficult situation, there are many blessings in your life.

This week, I challenge you to take time to reflect on things you are grateful for and to write down your thoughts. You may choose to write poems for the special people in your life or write an essay. You could even write personal letters to people you want to share your thoughts with. This exercise is not only a great way to express your gratitude, but it can be a wonderful foundation for a self-published book. Many people enjoy self-publishing books with the goal of sharing it with their family and friends rather than to make a profit off of a commercial audience. These types of books are often filled with personal stories about the author’s life and the people in it, so it is a great way to express your emotions and share how grateful you are.

I’d love to know, what are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? How could you turn that into a self-published book?

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.