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Monthly Archives: May 2012

Author Poll: Writer Guy Buckles wants your help with his book cover

31 May

Guy Buckles is self-publishing a book with Outskirts Press. And he wants your help with the book cover.

Young Logan’s Story is about twelve-year old Logan, author Guy Buckles’ grandson, who struggles with an unknown disease that slowly exhausts his strength and staying power. This personal narrative explains his attitude, daily and weekly medical endurances as he combats his disease and secondary health issues. He is perceived as different than his friends and fellow students; a child who writes a novel about an animal that is different but changes its species forever: and in so doing, the animal proves being different does not mean you cannot make a difference. Guy uses Mr. Tibbs and his cast of supporting characters to further illustrate that being different does not mean one cannot make a difference.

Guy Buckles is retired having spent time in the military, as an educator, Justice of the Peace (Texas) and a rancher. He has his post-graduate PhD.

Please take a look at two possible covers below then vote on the choice you recommend for Guy:

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge Cover Option A

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge Cover Option B

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2012 in Survey Poll

 

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Finalist #3 for the 2011 Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year

31 May

Congratulations to Glenn Skinner, author of The Keya Quests: The Battle for Shivenridge, one of three finalists for the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year Award. The first two finalists were introduced yesterday and the day before on this blog. Beginning tomorrow, public voting will determine which of the three finalists should be awarded the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year award and its $1,500 Grand Prize Voting is open to everyone and begins on this blog on Friday, June 1.

Glenn Skinner brings his lifelong love of fantasy, science fiction, and medieval history into everything he writes. His debut novel, The Keya Quests: Three Souls Destiny-Bound, was published by Outskirts Press in August of 2010 and showcased his lifelong love of fantasy, science fiction, and medieval history.  His true calling would be that of a bard, spinning a rich tapestry of tales by firelight, infusing magic into the grey sameness of everyday life. A traditional archer and bowmaker, he has also made handcrafted longbows for Renaissance fairs. He is a technical support engineer by day, star gazer by night, and an author always. Glenn lives in Massachusetts with his wife of 35 years; they have five children and three granddaughters who share his love of imagination.

The first in a series, The Keya Quests: Three Souls Destiny-Bound went on to become an official 2010 Outskirts Press EVVY Nominee and win 2nd place in the 2010 Reader Views Literary Awards.

His follow-up in the series, The Keya Quests: The Battle for Shivenridge, was published in May 2011, garnered another official Outskirts Press EVVY nomination, an EVVY Merit award, and is a finalist for the 2011 Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year award.

A 425-page epic, The Keya Quests: The Battle for Shivenridge continues
the fabled tales of Keya, a young and brave warrior. With destiny on her side and supernatural forces unleashed that she never could have imagined, Keya has triumphantly emerged from her first adventure in Three Souls Destiny-Bound and has found the warrior of legend who will save her people from the evil Lord Randar. But she finds that her epic quest has only begun — now they must free the people of Shivenridge. Keya’s army charges through the portal and races into the raging battle below.

But is Shivenridge ready to accept what Keya brings? Years of war and hardship have fostered suspicion, and the people have mixed feelings about the legendary Black Sword and the warrior who wields it. New friends, old enemies, betrayals, and dreams of destruction abound. Keya must come to terms with a psychic’s prediction, and an ancient book that holds the key. A curse must be broken, and there is a secret to be revealed. Keya’s life has been drastically changed, giving her new resources of personal power and emotional strength, but she still struggles with doubts and fears that may be her demise.

As Keya and her companions embrace the elation and frustration of adjusting to their new roles in Shivenridge, the portal between the worlds remains ready to be used…or misused. There are friends waiting to join Keya in her quest, but Lord Randar’s legacy of evil lives on in his lieutenant, who shares Randar’s lust for power and revenge. Join us now in the next adventure with a uniquely endearing heroine whose impulsiveness, courage, integrity, and innocence combine to make her both deeply human and immensely powerful.

Will her gifts allow her to overcome the odds again? Or will the price of freedom for Shivenridge prove to be too high?

Every year, Outskirts Press recognizes the best book they publish with their annual Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year award, which must not only win an EVVY Award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association but must also be recognized as the best book among three finalists in a public opinion poll. As one of three finalists, Glenn Skinner and his book The Keya Quests will be competing head-to-head-to-head with the other two finalists in a public poll on this blog starting on Friday (tomorrow). Revisit the previous two blog postings for information on the other two finalists and then come back on Friday to vote for the book you believe to be the best among the three. The author of the winning book will receive a $1,500 credit to his or her Publishing Center, courtesy of Outskirts Press, and an exclusive 2011 Best Book of the Year award seal to apply to the cover of the book.

Are you ready to publish your own award-winning book and perhaps find yourself in the running for next year’s Best Book of the Year award?
Get started today.

 
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Posted by on May 31, 2012 in Author Spotlight, contests

 

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Author Poll: Writer Jeff Bacot wants your help with his book cover

30 May

Jeff Bacot is self-publishing a book with Outskirts Press. And he wants your help with the book cover.

A beautiful day for a beautiful game. Just a  game of golf to flee the flames of life, to forge a friendship, find some meaning, feel redemption, follow dreams. It was just golf course talk between two guys at first, a series of dude discussions over drinks during the game, but conversations that would reveal long held secrets and forever define who they were, where they came from, what they stood for, why they existed and then spiral into a final perilous confrontation that would reveal the dark foe and frightening underbelly playing on the golf course all around them, near them, next to them, and on the hole, within them.

Jeffrey T. Bacot grew up in and resides in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BA in Political Science and BBA in Business Finance. He spent 25 years in banking before embarking on his writing career in 2010. He is an avid golfer thus is not married and has no children.

Please take a look at two possible covers below then vote on the choice you recommend for Jeff:

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge Cover Option A
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge Cover Option B
 
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Posted by on May 30, 2012 in Survey Poll

 

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Finalist #2 for the 2011 Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year

30 May

Congratulations to Bolko Zimmer, author of Angelic Warfare: The Stones of Fire, one of three finalists for the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year Award. The first finalist was introduced yesterday on this blog and the final finalist will be introduced tomorrow. Public voting will determine which of the three finalists should be awarded the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year award and its $1,500 Grand Prize. Voting is open to everyone and begins on this blog on Friday, June 1.

Bolko Zimmer holds a Ph.D. in Educational Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University and completed his dissertation on prison ministries. He spent 21 years in the United States Army, where he reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, and 20 years as an adjunct professor. He has taught at Webster University, Wayland Baptist University, and Union University, and has published several articles on health-care administration and faith-based programs. Dr. Zimmer has also served as president of the board of directors for the Bexar County Detention Ministries in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Zimmer and his family live in Humboldt, Tennessee.

A 126-page dramatic retelling of the fall of man, Angelic Warfare: The Stones of Fire is a captivating account of the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. In this vividly imagined work, author Bolko Zimmer creates a fully realized universe populated by seraphim, cherubim, and countless angels—all with their own agendas and allegiances.

At the center of the conflict is the cherub prince, Lucifer. It’s the dawn of time, and Lucifer is filled with vanity. Before long, he rebels against the Supreme Spirit, who rules over all. Lucifer then convinces a third of the angels to follow him and they began an endless reign of evil. Among their heinous crimes: enticing mankind to commit every imaginable sin. The actions of these fallen angels also give rise to giants, who terrorize the humans, and monstrous beasts, which destroy everything in their path. Hope comes in the form of an archangel and mighty prince named Michael. He and his angels enter this world of growing wickedness to watch over and protect the virtuous people. But the angels soon confront legions of demons, valiantly resisting them until something horrifying occurs that changes heaven and earth forever…

Blending a biblically based foundation with extraordinary dramatic insights, Angelic Warfare: The Stones of Fire was published in April 2011 and is required reading for Christians, Bible scholars, and anyone who loves the greatest story ever told.

Every year, Outskirts Press recognizes the best book they publish with their annual Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year award, which must not only win an EVVY Award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association but must also be recognized as the best book among three finalists in a public opinion poll. As one of three finalists, Bolko Zimmer and his book Angelic Warfare will be competing head-to-head-to-head with the other two finalists in a public poll on this blog starting on Friday. Stay tuned for information on the remaining finalist announced tomorrow and then come back on Friday to vote for the book you believe to be the best among the three. The author of the winner will receive a $1,500 credit to his or her Publishing Center, courtesy of Outskirts Press, and an exclusive 2011 Best Book of the Year award seal to apply to the cover of the book.

Are you ready to publish your own award-winning book and perhaps find yourself in the running for next year’s Best Book of the Year award?
Get started today.

 
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Posted by on May 30, 2012 in Author Spotlight, contests

 

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Finalist #1 for the 2011 Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year

29 May

Congratulations to Susan Mercer, author of Pathway to Math Proficiency: Mastering Equivalent Fractions, Decimals and Percents…with Ease, who is one of three finalists for the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year Award. The next two finalists will be introduced over the next two days on this blog. Public voting will determine which of the three finalists should be awarded the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year award and its $1,500 Grand Prize. Voting is open to everyone and begins on this blog on Friday, June 1.

Susan Mercer is a math curriculum specialist in Santa Ana, California, and has spent the last eighteen years teaching, presenting, writing and developing math resources specifically to address the needs of English Language Learners, special education and low math skill students in grades five through eight. She has presented at national, state and regional math conferences and has conducted numerous professional developmen seminars for elementary and intermediate teachers.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mercer received her B.S. from the University of Buenos Aires and then moved to California to gain her Masters in Education and teaching credentials from Chapman University. She has been an author with Outskirts Press since October 2007 and published her first book, Pathway to Pre-Algebra Proficiency: 30 Puzzles and Mini-Lessons Designed with the Preteen in Mind in January of 2008. It went on to win a 2009 EVVY Award in the Workbooks category and has received nothing but accolades and five star Amazon reviews and has been cited as a work “ready to motivate the most reluctant learner” and for “keeping students engaged in a fun way.”

Susan followed up the success of her first book with Pathway to Math Proficiency, one of 2011′s finalists for Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year. It was published in March 2011 and also won an EVVY Award just a couple of weeks ago. Pathway to Math Proficiency is a 101 page workbook that helps students master the relationships between the part and the whole with ease. In Pathway to Math Proficiency: Mastering Equivalent Fractions, Decimals and Percents…with Ease veteran educator and successful textbook author Susan Mercer has organized a graduated sequence of visual images that help students make the needed connection between fractions, decimals and percents while creating the mental image of the part and the whole each represents.

As students complete these captivating exercises, comprehension of what otherwise have been troublesome equivalency concepts now occurs easily and is immediately reinforced. Whether used as a classroom or home schooling resource, Pathway to Math Proficiency: Mastering Equivalent Fractions, Decimals and Percents…with Ease allows students to connect the visual and verbal representation of parts to the whole with forty ready-to-use, printable activities and over fourteen hundred math problems that incrementally build a student’s skills in equivalencies. All students in grades four through eight will find Mercer’s activities engaging, but English Language Learners and Special Education Students, in particular,
will be rewarded by the visual aides to learning and the gradient sequence of the exercises.

Every year, Outskirts Press recognizes the best book they publish with their annual Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year award, which must not only win an EVVY Award from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association but must be recognized as the best book among three finalists in a public opinion poll. As one of three finalists, Susan Mercer and her book Pathway to Math Proficiency will be competing head-to-head-to-head with the other finalists in a public poll on this blog starting on Friday. Stay tuned for information for the other two finalists announced tomorrow and the day after and then come back on Friday to vote for the book you believe to be the best among the three. The author of the winner will receive a $1,500 credit to his or her Publishing Center, courtesy of Outskirts Press, and an exclusive 2011 Best Book of the Year award seal to apply to the cover of the book.

Are you ready to publish your own award-winning book and
perhaps find yourself in the running for next year’s Best Book of the Year award? Get started today.

 
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Posted by on May 29, 2012 in Author Spotlight, contests

 

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Remembering the Sacrifices on Memorial Day: Top 5 Soldier Books in Self-Publishing

28 May

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country by offering up their stories. Today’s self-published books collection includes firsthand accounts of war, heart-wrenching insights into the soldier’s life and riveting stories of war based on true tales.

Here’s our list (in alphabetical order) of the Top 5 Soldier Books in Self-Publishing:

Is your soldier/war story ready for print?

Start Publishing

 
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Posted by on May 28, 2012 in Book Spotlight, Top 10

 

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Self-Publishing Book Spotlight: The Answer: A Journey from Anger to Peace by Allison Wynn

27 May

Self-publishing a book is an exciting undertaking. Because we understand the dedication that is required to write a quality book, we like to feature our top authors each week so that you can get to know a little bit more about them and their book. This week, we are featuring Allison Wynn’s The Answer.

In The Answer: A Journey from Anger to Peace, self-publishing Outskirts Press author Allison Wynn explores deeply meaningful territory, but in unique and accessible ways through a lead character that touches and transforms the reader.

Eric McPhearson was just looking for a little pick-me-up when he stopped into his local coffee shop on his way to work. He ended up making a life-changing discovery. It all starts when he spots a stranger’s journal and reads an entry titled, “The Last Day of My Life.” What he learns silences all the anger inside of him—leading to a breakthrough in his troubled marriage and a happier, more peaceful existence.

The Answer: A Journey from Anger to Peace unpacks the intense meaning of that journal entry. In this unique, accessible book, you’ll explore the roots of frustration, conflict and unhappiness in our daily lives and relationships. Its simple, resonant message stresses making peaceful human connections—something that’s easier said than done.

The Answer is about learning to behave in a way that helps you feel a sense of significance and peace while establishing more fulfilling relationships. Reading this book will present you with the opportunity to create something different in your life. And it’s something you can begin in your very next conversation with someone you really care about … if you know the answer. This powerful book is a must-read for anyone who recognizes conflict in his or her life. It’s quick, easy-to-digest, yet profound … and, most of all, it works.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Allison Wynn has spent 30 years helping people create more peaceful lives. The two questions she’s been asked the most are, “How do I deal with anger in either myself or others,” and, “How do I create a more peaceful life?” She lives in Mission Viejo, Calif.
For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/theanswer.

This author purchased the Book Blast package, saving 25% on 5 powerful marketing services to blast the book into the stratosphere! The Book Blast package includes the following options: Custom Press Release, PR Publicist Campaign, Book Review Submission Service, Book Video (shown above) and Personal Marketing Assistant. Outskirts Press authors can easily and conveniently add this package at any time from the Marketing Options screen of the Publishing Center.

Are you self publishing a book and looking to receive
marketing support and services like this?

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Posted by on May 27, 2012 in Book Spotlight, Uncategorized

 

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Self-Publishing Virtual Book Tour: Christians with Pervasive Issues by Annie Brown

26 May

As an independent author, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. Book tours are a great way to connect with readers, but there are other affordable methods of promotion. Thankfully, technology has made it possible for an alternative.

Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Annie Brown, who discusses her first book, Christians with Pervasive Issues, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. She will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about her and her book.

Luckily for us, Annie was kind enough to answer a few questions as the tour was getting started so that we can give you a sneak peek into the mind of the creator of Christians with Pervasive Issues.

Christians with Pervasive Issues book cover

OP: Tell us a little bit about Christians with Pervasive Issues. What is it about?

AB: The need to get unresolved issues taken care of before the end of life. Since none of us know when that is it, is best to take care of the issues now.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

AB: I was inspired by the Holy Spirit to encourage people to find resolutions to their issues while they have the abilities to do so.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

AB: I sent in the manuscript to Outskirtspress.com and it was accepted. The employees from Outskirts Press were there to assist me from the time the manuscript was accepted through publication.

OP: What types of readers would be interested in this story?

AB: Readers who would be interested in this book would be people who know they have unresolved issues, it is causing negative influences in their lives, and they want to change.

OP: What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books in the same category?

AB: This book can produce a life changing experience for those who are serious about making things right. This book can be a valuable tool for those who have been victims and perpetrators.

OP: Have you published any other books? Do you plan to publish more?

AB: This is my first book, but I’m almost finished with another one!

OP: Thanks for your time, Annie! We look forward to learning more about you as you visit other bloggers!

Christians with Pervasive Issues Author Annie BrownABOUT THE AUTHOR:

ANNIE BROWN is the mother of four adult children and five grandchildren. She is a licensed minister and social worker. As a social worker, Annie works with the terminally ill, providing emotional support at the most critical time in an individual’s life. It is Annie’s desire that Christians work through their pervasive issues before the end of life, so that the transition between death and eternity can be smooth, and not cluttered with unresolved conflicts.

For more information or to contact the author, visit www.outskirtspress.com/christianswithpervasiveissues

This author purchased the Virtual Book Tour marketing option, which allows self-publishing authors to connect with bloggers and harness the power of the blogosphere by taking their book on the “virtual road”.  Learn more about this service by visiting your Publishing Center and reviewing the available marketing options.

Are you an author looking for help to market your self-published book?

Start Publishing

 
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Posted by on May 26, 2012 in Uncategorized, Authors on Tour, Virtual Book Tour

 

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Amazon Featured Book of the Week: The Trouble With Tom by Eunice Banks

25 May

Here’s this week’s Featured Book-of-the-Week available now on Amazon.com!


The Trouble With Tom

by Eunice Banks

(5 Stars – 9 Customer Reviews)

Price: $10.95

A delightful tale of turkeys and tribulations…

Please note that product prices and availability are subject to change. Prices and availability were accurate at the time of this posting; however, they may differ from those you see when you visit Amazon.com.© Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Amazon.com, 410 Terry Avenue N., Seattle, WA 98109-5210.
 
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Posted by on May 25, 2012 in Featured Book of the Week, Uncategorized

 

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How Do You Make the Most of Marketing Efforts? Delegate, Delegate, Delegate!

24 May

Trying to save money by taking on all your own marketing duties isn’t such a money savings after all, especially if you’re new to marketing.

“I could save hundreds of dollars on copywriting and marketing,” you theorize. “I’m a writer and a great communicator: I’ll just do it all myself.” Oh, if only it were as simple as that!

Theoretically, you could save thousands of dollars in car or home repairs, home improvements and landscaping as well, just by learning to do them yourself. However, when you do the math, you’ll discover quickly that the time and effort you put into learning a new skill and putting that learning into practice not only negates all potential savings but distracts you from other pursuits that are more suited to your inherent skills and interests.

Custom press releaseRemember, your time really is money, especially if writing is currently your sideline. Each hour you spend on marketing your book yourself is costing you one way or another. Perform this exercise: Determine how much each hour of your time is worth monetarily, whether it’s the average salary (remember to include the value of your benefits) of your day job or the rate you charge as a freelancer or consultant. Apply that rate to the amount of time it will take you to finish a given task, such as learning how to write a search-engine-optimized description for your Amazon Books page and then writing it, or writing and submitting optimized press releases.

Now consider that the same task could have been performed very effectively in a fraction of the time by a specialist with specific marketing expertise in that task. Because their experience allows them to complete the work more quickly, it’s usually less costly and will yield better results. So, you get a great product for less money, no effort and the odds of improving your books sales are greater? It’s a no-brainer!

But by far the most important benefit to delegating tasks is the freedom it provides. The more marketingPersonal marketing assistant (5 hours) duties you can put in the hands of trained marketing professionals, the more time you’ll have to:

  • Plan or write your next book
  • Network with other authors
  • Market your book at local outlets, where the author’s presence is meaningful
  • Boost sales through book signings
  • Take a break!

Delegate marketing services that are small but vital–they truly are small in the hands of an expert–and breathe easier. Talk to an Outskirts Press personal marketing assistant about the most cost-effective marketing options for you.

Start Self-Publishing Now!

 
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Posted by on May 24, 2012 in Advice, Author Inspiration, Uncategorized

 
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