Self Publishing Week in Review: 5/21/13

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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.

The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book

A lot of authors considering self publishing want to know how much the entire process will cost. This article breaks down what the different services may cost you. However, these are just guidelines. Contact your self publishing company for specific information.

What’s the best price for a self-published ebook? $3.99, Smashwords research suggests

One of the advantages of self publishing is setting the selling price of your book. This article talks about how to choose a price for your ebook.

The Writers’ Union of Canada to Vote On Accepting Self-Published Authors as Members

Some membership groups don’t accept self published authors, even though readers, other writers and the publishing industry recognizes self published authors as professionals. Check out the story behind the Writers’ Union of Canada discussion to vote on accepting self published authors as members.

Self-Publishers. Use Amazon Categories to Drive More Sales. 50 Ways To Reach Your Reader #10

There are many ways to improve sales, and using Amazon categories is one of them. Learn how in this article.

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.

5 Self Publishing Mistakes You Can Avoid

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Unfortunately, some people have a negative perception of self publishing. This is because some self publishing authors make detrimental mistakes that prevent their books from being taken seriously. If you want to be seen as a professional author with a successful book, be sure to avoid these five self publishing mistakes:

1)Doing the interior yourself -  You’re a writer; not a book designer.  Leave this task to the professionals and focus your time on writing and promoting your book.

2)Using a template cover -  Most readers judge a book by its cover, so having an eye-catching, quality cover that professionally represents your book is essential. Most template covers will look and feel like a cookie cutter design, even if you make small changes to it.  Invest in a professionally designed, dynamic custom cover unique to your book.

3)Editing the book yourself - No matter how great of a writer you are, you cannot edit your own work! It is too easy to miss mistakes because you are too familiar with your work. This task requires a professional.  Pay for top-notch editing services – this means using a professional editor and not your sister-in-law or next door neighbor.

4)Skipping the back cover -  Once you are ready to self publish your book,  one of the first things you’ll be asked for is your back cover synopsis and author biography. Don’t just throw something together without much thought!  Readers will look at this and determine whether or not they should buy your book.

5)Rushing – Sure, you are anxious to self publish your book, but don’t rush. Producing a quality book (one with a great cover and copyedited pages) takes time. Be patient now, and you will be glad you did once you have a book to be proud of.

There are many great self publishing success stories! You can be one of them by avoiding these mistakes.

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.

5 Pinterest Marketing Tips for Self-Publishing Authors

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When used appropriately, social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be effective tools for book marketing.  The hottest social media trend right now is Pinterest! Like the other social media sites, it can help self publishing authors  facilitate communication with current and potential readers, generate sales, and increase awareness of their books.

This photo sharing site enables users to “pin” images and videos to virtual pinboards, or “Boards,” and share them with others.  Users can organize their pins based on their interests; a few popular examples are food, books, travel, and style. When other users see a pin they like, they can repin it onto one of their own Boards.  Think virtual word-of-mouth marketing!

The visual and social nature of Pinterest make it a perfect fit for book marketing.  Here are a few ways you can use the site to promote your self published book.

1.  Become active on Pinterest and begin networking with people who are pinning in your areas of interest.  People are more likely to want to support people that are active in the community versus people that are just pinning to promote a product or service. You can search on Pinterest for topics related to your interests and your book and start following Boards you find “Pinteresting.”
2.  Create your own Boards.  Keep in mind, Pinterest was created for people to share images and interests.  Your Boards need to be visually appealing, contain lots of images, and they should give potential readers some insights into your interests and why you wrote the book. If you have a poetry book, for example, you may choose to Pin graphics with quotes from your favorite poets, thus allowing you to begin connecting with other Pinners who also like poetry.
3.  Upload images related to your book.  These may include cover images, illustrations, locations that were featured in your book, and/or people that provided inspiration for your characters.
4.  Pin quotes from your book or short selections to entice people to learn more about your book, spread the word and purchase their own copy.
5.  Include links to your website, your publisher’s website or book retail sites so people know where they can purchase your book once you’ve got them “pinterested.”

Pinterest is gaining in popularity, so now is the time to get active, have fun and start promoting your self published book if you haven’t already.

 

 

Weekly Self Published Book Review: Traegona: The Ember Rune

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Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.

When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review by Midwest Book Review:

Traegona The Ember Rune

Traegona: The Ember Rune

K. S. Krueger

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432776046

There are some things the world is not prepared for. “Traegona: The Ember Rune” is a fantasy for younger readers. A follow-up to the previous volume, the adventures of this young forest civilization and their new friends from our world are pulled apart by a trip to California. A new adventure for the young people and the legend of the Ember rune becoming a reality, “Traegona” is a fine pick for youth fantasy collections. Recommended.

Congratulations to the 2013 CIPA EVVY Awards Finalists

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Later this week, on May 18th, the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) EVVY Awards will be hosting the 2013 award banquet. The event will take place at Marriott Denver South at Park Meadows and all proceeds will benefit the literacy projects of the CIPA Education and Literacy Foundation (CIPA ELF).

CIPA is a nonprofit association of independent book publishers, authors, future authors and related publishing service providers that has been providing leadership since 1992. Members come from many states as well as from Colorado and three foreign countries to take advantage of the resources made available through CIPA membership. Organization membership, along with active participation in CIPA programs, can open doors to many opportunities and can save thousands of dollars in costly mistakes.

Best of luck to all the finalists! To learn more about the event, visit http://www.cipacatalog.com/pages/CIPA-EVVY-Awards.

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: 5/10/13

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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.

How I Self Published, Sold 60,000 Copies, And a Literary Agent Found Me

One of the many self publishing success stories. Read and be inspired.

New Publisher Authors Trust: Themselves

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and New York Times bestseller author David Mamet released his last book, “The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture,” with the Sentinel publishing house in 2011. This year, Mamet has decided to take his next book a different route: he will self publish. Find out why well-known, successful authors such as Mamet are choosing to self publish.

How Many Copies Make a Self-Published Bestseller?

You often hear about self published authors becoming bestsellers, but have you ever wondered how many copies those authors actually sell? Check out this article to find out.

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.

5 Reasons to Self Publish a Book in Honor of Your Mom

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Yesterday was Mother’s Day and many of you celebrated the kind, loving woman who raised you. But why limit celebrating your wonderful mother to just one day out of the year? Give your mom the gift of eternal praise by self publishing a book in her honor. Here are five reasons to self publish a book in honor of Mother’s Day.

1) Books last forever.

Mother’s Day only happens once a year. The flowers you bought her will soon wither, and the chocolates box will soon be empty. By dedicating a book to your mother, you are giving her a gift that will last forever.

2) You can share her with the world.

If you have a wonderful story about your mother, why not share it with the world by turning it into a book? There are many strong, inspiring mothers out there, and readers would love to know their stories.

3) Write a special thank you.

Even if your book isn’t about your mom, you can still dedicate your book to her. In the beginning of your book, write a special note thanking your mom for everything she has done for you and tell her just how much she means to you.

4) Make her proud.

Mothers love to brag about their children, no matter how old they are, and being a self published author is definitely something to brag about. Your mom will love showing off your book to all of her friends and acquaintances, as well as random strangers.

5) Don’t forget yourself.

If you are a mother, you owe it to yourself to make your dreams of becoming a self published author come true. Mothers often put everyone else’s needs before their own, which isn’t a bad thing, but every mom deserves to make her own dreams come true too.

I’d love to know, do you plan to self publish a book in honor of your mom?

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.

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