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.

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.

• Buy the paperback from Amazon for $10.95
• Buy the paperback from Outskirts Press for $9.86
• Download the e-book from Outskirts Press for $5.00
• Download the Amazon Kindle edition for $6.95

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.

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.

• Buy the paperback from Amazon for $14.95
• Buy the paperback from Outskirts Press for $13.46
• Download the e-book from Outskirts Press for $6.00

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.

CEO Brent Sampson and COO Jeanine Sampson display 6 of the 15 EVVY Awards won by Outskirts Press authors at the 18th Annual CIPA EVVY Awards.

Winning an EVVY Award is a prerequisite to being named the Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year award-winner and walking away with the $1,500 Grand Prize. The Outskirts Press 2011 Best Book of the Year award recognizes the best book published by Outskirts Press in 2011 as decided by you, our social community.

Stay tuned next week for the announcement of the three finalists from among our EVVY winners below. Public voting for the winner of the 2011 Outskirts Press Best Book of the Year Award begins on this blog on Friday, June 1.

In the meantime, congratulations to all our winners!

1st Place

Autobiography/Memoirs

2nd Place

Fiction

Juvenile/Young Adult

Workbooks

Religion

Autobiography/Memoirs

Outskirts Press author Robert B. Wiley, Lt. Col., USAF, Ret. accepts his 2nd Place EVVY Award for “Struggles, Service, and Smiles” at the Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards Ceremony.

3rd Place

 Juvenile/Young Adult

Fiction

Autobiography/Memoirs

Outskirts Press author Vera Carolyn Snyder accepts her 3rd Place EVVY Award for “Surviving the Simple Life” at the Colorado Independent Publishers Association EVVY Awards Ceremony.

Merit Award

Parenting/Family

Fiction

Fiction

Fiction

Juvenile/Young Adult

Inspirational/Spiritual

Are you the next award-winning author from Outskirts Press. Start publishing today…

Self-publishing authors, like any other author, often hope to achieve some level of notoriety for their work. The ultimate? Being featured on a national television show.

The praises Wendy gave the book can be found at the front of Nathan’s book video here:

Wow! That’s a pretty big deal. Because we know that many authors find their inspiration from others, we asked Nathan to share a little bit about his book and how he got his book into the hands of the Queen of Media. Here’s what he had to say:

OP: Tell us a little bit about My Turn. What is it about?

Hotshot reporter Courtney R. Knight lands the opportunity of a lifetime to head the social media division at a high-profile media firm. Drama, mystery and murder unfold when he gets caught up between rival moguls, a jealous ex-lover and a host of colorful characters amidst the electrifying backdrop of New York City.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

I’m a fan of the Showtime series Dexter. When I created this story, it was essentially a cross between my own hunger to become a successful media mogul infused with murder. I wrote the story to challenge myself. Once I got started, there was no turning back. My editor advised me to make it a trilogy, so I did and now I have two others in the works.

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

Readers who will enjoy this story are people who want a fast paced page-turner about sex, murder and power.

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

The book is special because it’s a new story. People who have read My Turn thus far have told me they have never experienced anything like it. The story allows readers to get a slice of what I call The Rotten Apple, New York City.

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

My Turn is my very first novel. The goal is to produce several other novels, after completing the trilogy.

OP: How did Wendy Williams get a copy of your book?

One day, I thought it would be a good idea to send Wendy Williams a copy of the book and as fate had it, she read it and the rest is history. I was excited to know that she thoroughly enjoyed it.

OP: What advice do you have for new budding authors?

Once I discovered that I could publish my own book through Outskirts Press, I knew that anything was possible. If I had to give any advice, it would be to put your best pen forward and write. Be sure to find a good editor and someone who believes in their story. Don’t be afraid to put your work out there because someone will read it.

OP: Congratulations on this exciting accomplishment, Nathan! We look forward to your next one!

Are you ready to become a media success story like Nathan?

Graham Parke, the author of No Hope for Gomez!, has created a number of technical publications in his career, recently patenting a self-folding map. No Hope for Gomez! is Graham’s fiction debut, and has been widely received, winning numerous awards throughout 2011.

Kirkus review recently announced their Best Indie of 2011 list, and Graham’s fictional debut has made the prestigious list. The novel has received rave reviews from California Chronicles and Readers Favorite:

Extremely witty and clever writing that contains keen insights into human nature. –California Chronicle

The antics in this book will leave the reader laughing. Graham Parke is a genius. –Readers Favorite  

The story revolves around the experiences of one Gomez Porter. This is what Kirkus Review had to say about the book:

A drug trial participant blogs about his experiences on an experimental medication and questions whether the strangeness in his life is a side-effect or just weirdness as usual.

As a test subject in an experimental drug trial, Gomez Porter is asked to a keep a blog to chronicle any strange experiences, an exercise that quickly alerts him to just how many odd things seem to be happening around him. He soon finds himself wrapped up in a possible murder mystery, stalking a stalker for a woman he thinks he loves (though it might just be the drugs), while his life and the characters in it get ever more absurd—and increasingly dangerous.

Parke’s debut novel melds screwball comedy, hipster-style irony and an old-fashioned unreliable narrator into a quirky whodunit that challenges our perceptions about how we think and interact with the world around us. The blog-style entries are unique, providing a firsthand view of events from Gomez’s perspective, a perspective that even the character himself actively joins the reader in doubting. When Gomez goes so far as to admit he edits his posts, we’re left to wonder what got cut, what he isn’t telling us and why, if he is cutting things, he still records his more embarrassing, frightening or unflattering moments. These layers of ambiguity, combined with the novel’s wit and some of its more subtle humor (often overshadowed by its bigger laughs), give the book the distinction of being a work most will want to revisit.

The most notable shortcoming is the ending; it isn’t hugely satisfying, and the tone doesn’t fit with the rest of the book. But this is largely forgivable as the real charm of the novel is in the humor of its journey rather than its surprisingly solemn destination.

At times laugh-out-loud funny, occasionally just weird for the sake of weird, but consistently entertaining.

This work of fiction has been reviewed on Amazon as interesting, delightful and filled with intriguing suspense!

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Graham Parke is a perfect example of that.  Graham, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

Are you ready to kick-off your professional career with a growing collection of high-quality books?

As a pastor at Portmore Lane Covenant Community Church (Jamaica), Donald is actively involved in the deliverance ministry since 1986. He has also served as Coordinator of the Special Ministries (Deliverance) Tents at both the Reinhard Bonnke and Benny Hinn (Jamaica) National Crusades during the 1990’s. Donald established the W.A.R. Team over 15 years ago to develop younger Christians in the area of Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance, and to engage in practical ministry sessions, teaching seminars and training workshops.

He has conducted Spiritual Warfare seminars across Jamaica, as well as in Cayman, Aruba, Tanzania (Africa), New York and Miami.

Donald’s books are provocative in nature, and the abundance of his personal and professional efforts in order to evangelize, deliver and educate God’s people can be easily seen in his work.

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Donald K. Stewart is a perfect example of that.  Donald, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

This is what Donald had to say about Outskirts Press “As far as I am concerned Bridget and Outskirts Press will always be a winning combination. I enjoy publishing with Outskirts Press, 11 books so far, and many more to come.”

Are you ready to kick-off your professional career with a growing collection of high-quality books?

Neal’s self-published book – The Adventures of Chip Doolin has captured the hearts of many readers that have left positive feedback for Neal’s work. You can check out Neal’s book at Amazon’s Kindle store.

You are probably wondering as to how Neal did it, and perhaps if you could use the same technique to launch your self-published book.

Before I tell you that, here is another quick fact about the book’s ranking, as of when I’m writing this post: The Adventures of Chip Doolin is ranked #8 in Amazon’s paid Kindle store in the Baseball category. Pretty cool, right?

So here is how Neal did it:

He gave it away for free.

Seriously.

One fine Sunday morning, Neal gave away his book for free – just for one day. By giving away something for free, that otherwise costs nearly $7, Neal managed to draw in huge crowd of readers, thus catapulting his book into Amazon’s best seller list.

So did he actually lose out on any sales? I don’t have any numbers to prove or disprove this, but offering something for free and then selling it further actually entices more people to purchase. The simple reason that everyone is reading the book (hence the book is on Amazon’s best seller list) as well as purchasing it justifies many readers opening up their wallets to make a purchase.

Several authors have attained great success from selling Kindle-ready books.

Are you interested in becoming a bestseller? We can help make that happen.

Amazon Kindle Edition The Amazon Kindle is a revolutionary wireless reading device that allows its owners to instantly download books and newspapers. This is the new way that people are buying books. However, only books that have been submitted to the Amazon Kindle via the required process and in the required format are available for Kindle readers to purchase and enjoy.

What are you waiting for? Order your Kindle Edition Today and become a bestseller!

All these books, and other Outskirts Press titles, are available from all major online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powells, Books A Million, and others, plus conveniently from the Outskirts Press bookstore at http://outskirtspress.com/bookstore (or in quantities of 10 or more for full wholesale trade discounts at Outskirts Press Direct (where the retailer saves money and the author still get their full royalty): http://outskirtspress.com/buybooks

Are you ready to publish your Christmas or Christian book?

She inspires and educates audiences with professional talks designed to complement each of her many books, and is as generous as she is inspirational.  During this holiday season, Charlotte is leveraging her recent “Nebraska Mother of the Year” recognition to set up a “Little Free Library” in her town, which has a population of 291 but does not boast a library.

“An author living in a town without a library is just not right!” she strongly believes.

To join Charlotte and Outskirts Press in donating books or setting up your own Little Free Library, visit http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/ for more information. It’s a great cause during this holiday season (or any season, for that matter).

At Outskirts Press, our authors are what make us special, and Charlotte Endorf is a perfect example of that.  Charlotte, we’re amazed with everything you do. Keep it up!

Books by Charlotte Endorf

Plus she was one of 5 successfully published authors highlighted in:

Are you ready to kick-off your professional career with a growing collection of high-quality books?

Many of our authors publish many books with us, and we like to schedule these spotlights so that you can get to know the writers that call Outskirts Press their publishing home.

Self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Lisa M. Andrade, is currently employed full-time as an Administrative Assistant in an upscale office in Westchester County, NY and part-time as a Kennel Assistant at the Putnam Humane Society in Putnam County, NY. She resides in the scenic hamlet of Carmel, NY where she continues to pursue her love and passion of writing and hopes to someday make a career out of it.

In her spare time, she enjoys her all-time favorite hobbies of fishing and hiking and always lives life to the fullest with no regrets and no looking back. She wishes to express her compassion for animals and was awarded a $5,000 grant in 2004 bearing her name for the Putnam Humane Society.

In addition, she was graciously honored the title of “Hometown Hero” by a local radio station on September 13, 2009 for her devotion, commitment and dedication to the animals at PHS. Another priority of Lisa’s is to revive the interest in poetry of all varieties and styles to be appreciated by younger and older generations alike. The beauty of art lies within the poetic expressions of the artist to convey a message of wisdom, hope and inspiration…make the most out of life and life will make the most out of you.

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Below are the four books she has published with Outskirts Press:

A BIG, PHAT Diet by a BIG, PHAT Loser

An Extreme, All-Over Makeover For Every Facet of Your Life

This book contains the following:

All-Natural Additives:

* Healthy Lifestyle Agreement

* Diet Journal

* Exercises

* Weight Chart

* Tip Calculation Chart

* Budget Worksheet

* PHAT Girl Mantra

Recommended Daily Allowance: One Chapter per day.

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A Symphony of Love

~ Reveries & Passions

As a loving tribute, Lisa wrote and dedicated A Symphony of Love ~Reveries & Passions to her daughter Maria and future son-in-law Kyle. She presented the book to them on their wedding day, December 19th, 2009. The book highlights all the wedding details and includes photos of Maria and Kyle and poetry about love and marriage.

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Bridezillas: Season 7 – Episodes 708 & 709

Behind the Scenes with a Mother-of-the-Bridezilla

Based on the top rated woman’s entertainment show Bridezillas, author and mother-of-the-bridezilla, Lisa M. Andrade, recounts the filming of Season 7, Episodes 708 & 709 in a behind-the-scenes manner. She writes about what was actually filmed the entire week before her daughter Maria’s wedding and then exposes the truth of how the contents were cut, manipulated and taken out of context to portray the television show’s perception of a true BRIDEZILLA.

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Impromptu Blessings

- a collection of prose & short stories

Impromptu Blessings is a poignant and compelling book written with courage, love and honesty. Humble and revealing, yet peppered with humor and wisdom, the author offers us a deeper understanding of how much we influence the people we come in contact with. This book encourages you to push through the challenges of life and reflect upon not only the good, but also the difficult times in order to learn and grow through our successes and failures.

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So why does Lisa keep publishing with Outskirts Press?

“I have to say that every step of the way was an AMAZING experience. The entire process was easy, and my Author Representatives were helpful and courteous in updating me on the progress of my books and wonderful in getting back to me in a timely and professional manner. What a great accomplishment to envision my dreams (from scribbles and chicken scratch) and then actually seeing them come to fruition (glossy paperbacks). I am extremely delighted in the finished products and with Outskirts Press as a whole.” (Lisa M. Andrade)

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Are you publishing your own book and looking for support like this?