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Tag Archives: self-publishing

Self-Publishing Virtual Book Tour: Faith, Stirred not Shaken by Robert De Filippis

21 Jan

As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.

Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Robert De Filippis, who is taking his latest book, Faith, Stirred not Shaken, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.

Luckily for us, Robert 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 Faith, Stirred not Shaken.

Faith, Stirred not Shaken

OP: Tell us a little bit about Faith, Stirred not Shaken. What is it about?

RDF: Exploring the dark space between science and religion. This is the dark space of inquiry that we’ve left since science split from philosophy about 400 years ago.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

RDF: To propose a new dialog that allows science and religion to work together to find new explanations of our universe.

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

RDF: Those who know that humankind is on an unsustainable trajectory. Those who know that contemporary religion is part of the problem. Those we can still think for themselves in this age of amplifying resonance from echo chambers disguised as the news media..

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

RDF: This is not the usual theist / atheist argument. That argument is irrelevant because it consists of two proposed explanations of the unknown. What they’re missing is the significant difference between the unknown and the unknowable. Theists and atheists are arguing about the unknowable and proposing that one explanation is right and the other is wrong. We can’t explain the universe from our position in it.

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

RDF: I’ve published You, Your SELF and the 21st Century and The Flowers were Talking to Me. Yes, I will continue to write and publish.

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

Faith, Stirred not Shaken Author Robert De FilippisABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert De Filippis is a retired Organizational Development Consultant and Executive Coach. During his 45 year career, he worked in the U.S., Canada, Central America and Eastern and Western Europe. His interest in writing about and understanding the deeper questions of “what it means to be human” has evolved into his final career as an author. He has written for various professional journals and authored two previous books. He currently writes a weekly Op/Ed column for a regional newspaper based in his hometown of Herrin, Illinois where he retired 47 years after leaving.

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

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 January 21, 2012 in Authors on Tour, Virtual Book Tour

 

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Do You Want to Self-Publish but Don’t Have Funds Right Now?

19 Jan

One of my fellow bloggers wants to publish a book but she has three hurdles to overcome:

1) She doesn’t want to worry about interior design, cover design, and all that stuff required by those DIY places.

2) She already has a full-time job. She just wants her book published.

3) She doesn’t have the spare cash to pay for full-service book publishing and marketing expenses.

Maybe you are facing the same situation?

Chances are that many of you could use the option of publishing your book now and paying for it later.

Outskirts Press has now included Paypal’s Bill Me Later service on their checkout page as a payment option. Bill Me Later services allow you to make a purchase now and pay later, and can be used at various outlets, including eBay.

In this recessionary economy, many retail companies are providing a simple solution to a typical problem faced by consumers – lack of liquid cash. Most customers that are interested in purchasing necessary long-term products and services do not have the required cash for it.  For authors falling into this category, Outskirts Press provides the solution.

What does this mean for you as a writer?

You can now purchase high-quality, full-service book publishing and book marketing options without paying anything upfront. Outskirts Press has incorporated this facility into their secure online shopping cart, along with the already available options of paying securely by credit card or by check or money order. With Paypal’s “Bill Me Later” funding option, you can order now and pay later, via installments orchestrated via PayPal.

So you can get full-service, high-quality self-publishing and book marketing services today without any upfront costs. Does that sound like a good deal?

(As with any other purchase now and pay later services, you might have to pass the first credit check, as suggested on Bill Me Later page and as conducted securely by PayPal, so please consult their FAQ before using this option)
 

So, are you ready to self-publish the easy, full-service, high-quality way?

Start Publishing

 
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Posted by on January 19, 2012 in Advice, book marketing, Outskirts Press News

 

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A Self Publishers’ Book Printing Process

18 Jan

One of the biggest dilemmas that self-publishers face is deciding on the appropriate printing process. The ‘How to Print’ decision can be a bit easier once you know your target market and budget. Still, there are many options available to you, such as digital printing with print-on-demand distribution or offset printing and physical fulfillment.

Publishers use three major methods of book printing, which are:

Digital printing is perhaps the simplest and the fastest growing printing process. Normally, the files for printing are held at computer servers and can be printed, glued and bound together to produce a high quality book in under 10 minutes. This method works excellently for producing one-demand single copy of the book, as the whole book is produced in one cycle.

Offset printing on the other hand is more suitable for bulk-printing. This traditional type of print-press is fed one sheet at a time, or a complete web of paper, which can be printed in real-time. The web of sheets is then cut up and organized by special bindery equipment. The folding, trimming and assembling of the printing press is carried out right at the end, making sure that more than one book can be prepared at a time.

Letterpress technology is unquestionably the oldest form of printing, and largely unavailable due to its inefficient and time-consuming approach. In this kind of printing, pictorial engravings or etched metal plates are inked, and a single sheet of paper is rolled over them. The process only works for one sheet at a time, and is typically used for very fine, limited edition books.

As you can see, there are a variety of different printing options available to a self-publisher. While offset printing can yield deeper discounts (on a per copy basis), print-on-demand offers the flexibility of a smaller upfront investment. We offer both offset printing/bulk ordering as as well print-on-demand as options for all of our authors. That means – we’re here to save you money regardless of the printing process you choose.

So, are you ready to have 100% control over your self-publishing experience? 

 
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Posted by on January 18, 2012 in Advice

 

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Author Spotlight : Donald K. Stewart

16 Jan

Donald K. Stewart has published eleven books with Outskirts Press since 2010, including his most recent, A Time For W.A.R., which emphasizes the myths and misconceptions that surround demonic activities. Donald lives by the motto: ”Respect for All, Fear for None,” and motivated by God’s love, he has a mission to; “Evangelize, Deliver and Educate God’s People, Towards Personal and National Transformation.”

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?

 
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Posted by on January 16, 2012 in Author Spotlight

 

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Self-Publishing Virtual Book Tour: Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man by David A. Koop

14 Jan

As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.

Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, David A. Koop, who is taking his latest book, Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man, on tour – a virtual book tour, that is. He will be featured on several blogs over the weeks and months ahead so keep your eyes peeled to learn more about him and his book.

Luckily for us, David 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 Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man.

Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man book cover

OP: Tell us a little bit about Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man. What is it about?

DK: My book is about my life… my childhood and growing up, my adventures as a young man, my varied and successful business careers, my love for my son and my family… all the things that made me the kind of man who could successfully battle and survive a terminal cancer diagnosis.  The book tells of my duel with cancer from diagnosis, through surgery, chemotherapy, and my ultimate recovery and ongoing war with chronic pain and other side effects of having survived.  Throughout the book, I share my personal philosophies on life, success, and the one true thing that matters in this life… our personal relationships.  I also include tips for those going through cancer or other serious illnesses and for those who care for them.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

DK: I looked death square in the face when my doctors told me I had less than 9 months to live and should “get my affairs in order.”  I know, first hand, that the “someday” we all dream of doing this or that, may never come.  I wrote the book to encourage people who are fighting cancer or other serious illnesses to be positive and focus on something to live for.  For those who have been fortunate enough not to face serious illness, I wrote the book to encourage them to recognize that someday may never come.  TODAY is someday!  Live your dreams, now.  Tell your family you love them, now.  Heal old wounds, now.  When our time is up, all we get to take with us is a heart full of memories of those most dear to us. No one on their death bed looks up and says, “GOD just one more day please, just one more day in the office and I can finish that Thompson report.” No, they ask to have more time with their family and friends.

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

DK: My book is for more than just someone suffering from a serious illness or adversity.  It is of interest to friends, family members, caregivers, and medical personnel (one reader actually reads passages from my book to his staff at staff meetings!).  It is also for anyone who is looking for inspiration to transform their own life.  I ran away at 15.  Never graduated from High School, yet I became a very successful business person and even served as an adjunct professor of law at Denver University College of Law.  In this way, my story appeals to people in the business world as well.

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

DK: My book is written in a conversational style.  As if we were sitting in my family room sharing a glass of wine. It is a deeply moving and personal account of my life, my love for my son and my unfailing ability to believe in something greater than myself. Readers will come away ready to create the life they have been dreaming of.

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

DK: Yes. I am working on the next book now, having completed the first several chapters. It is based on the workshops that my wife Carrie and I teach. With years of gender studies and as PAX licensees, we work with men and women to help them create meaningful and lasting relationships at work and home.

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

Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It! The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man Author David A. KoopABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David A. Koop is a bestselling author, motivational speaker and a certified world class speech coach. His pioneering prepaid legal business made him a nationally known expert in the 1980s. In a storied career, he has run numerous companies involved in the manufacturing, viticulture, Christmas tree, third-party administration, and reforestation industries, among others. His business acumen has made him a sought-after keynote speaker, appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America and numerous national radio shows. An avid traveler and sailor, Koop lives with his family in Salem, OR. For more information please visit his website. www.somedaygroup.com

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

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 January 14, 2012 in Authors on Tour, Virtual Book Tour

 

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Why You Should Self-Publish Your Book

12 Jan

We all want our opinions, our advice and most importantly, our life’s work to sit on someone’s book shelf. Most of the writers are inspired by this to take action, to publish a book. So why not self-publish? After all, self-publishing is a simple (and effective) way of promoting your work, at an affordable cost.

Many authors struggle with valuing their work, which they often perceive to be unworthy of publishing. This negativity is often prompted when traditional publishing houses turn down books. For these publishing houses, books are business, and if a book does not make business sense, it won’t be published. Many authors who value their work, take up self-publishing.

But if you feel that your work isn’t up to scratch, let me give you these facts:

  • If there is something you know, and are expert in, chances are someone else is looking for that knowledge or information.
  • If you have a story to tell, chances are that there is someone looking forward to reading that story.
  • If you have the enthusiasm to write a book, chances are that there are many self-publishing companies that can help you publish it and realize your dreams.

Outskirts Press is one of those companies. If you think you can write a book, and if you are looking for the right guidance – be it editing, book marketing or even advise – then Outskirts Press can not only point you in the right direction, but also give you the impetus that your dreams need.

The truth is, we all think our book should be out there. So really, if you know something that I don’t, chances are that I will read what you write.

So do you want to self-publish at an affordable price? 

 
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Posted by on January 12, 2012 in Advice, book marketing

 

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How A Self-Publishing Author Can Become An Amazon Bestseller

11 Jan

Seeing your name in the list of Amazon bestsellers is every author’s dream! Self-publishers face stiff competition from heavily funded and marketed traditional publishers, so it is always nice to see a self-publisher conquering the Amazon bestsellers list. Neal Bogosian is one such self-publisher who used Outskirts Press book marketing packages (and a very cool, and clever marketing ploy) to enter the Amazon Best Seller list.

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!

 
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Posted by on January 11, 2012 in Author Inspiration, Author Spotlight, Bestseller Spotlight, book marketing

 

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Self-Publishing Virtual Book Tour: iBuilt – The House The Internet Built by Vivien Kalvaria

07 Jan

As an author in this economy, you have to come up with creative ways to market a self-published book. While book tours are a great way to connect with your readers, they aren’t the most affordable method of promotion. However, technology has made it possible for an alternative.

Take note from self-publishing Outskirts Press author, Vivien Kalvaria, who is taking her latest book, iBuilt – The House The Internet Built, 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 him and his book.

Luckily for us, Vivien 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 iBuilt – The House The Internet Built.

iBuilt - The House The Internet Built book cover

OP: Tell us a little bit about iBuilt – The House The Internet Built. What is it about?

VK: This book is about how I used the resources of the Internet to build and remodel my house.  The book is divided into three sections:

  1. Why I did it.
  2. Steps to safe online shopping.
  3. The heart of the book:  300 home improvement product websites with thumbnail sketches about each online company, including website addresses and phone numbers.

OP: Why did you decide to write this story?

VK: When word got out that I had decided to remodel my house purchasing the building products online, there was a lot of eye rolling and skepticism.  A year later, when the remodel was complete, friends and family were frankly, astounded.  I was inundated by requests for websites for this product or that product.  Local magazines asked if they could interview me and take photos of the house.  At that point, I decided I would write about this extraordinary process and share my experience and the websites I had sourced and researched.  I had in fact researched over 2000 websites, but for the purposes of the book, scaled them down to about 300, using screening criteria such as:  easy-to-navigate web pages;  clarity of text;  inclusion of merchant’s phone number;  high definition images;  supportive sales personnel.  From wood flooring to crown molding, from window blinds to plumbing fixtures, the cost savings were staggering.  The house caused quite a stir and locals called it ‘the house the internet built’ which inspired the book’s title.

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

VK: Anyone who is building or remodeling a house or any structure, for that matter.

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

VK: The book de-mystifies the process.  We’re in the midst of a massive technological revolution.  It’s our new reality – part of our evolution.  We have to embrace it and surrender to the idea that economically it makes a lot of sense to leverage the internet when building a house.  The online options are bottomless.  The savings are staggering.  Not to mention the convenience of armchair shopping. There is no book like it.

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

VK: My first book, a complete departure from iBuilt, is called: Break and Hold which was inspired by a diabolical incident that took place some years ago on the junior tennis tour.  I’m writing another book which, like the first, is based on a chilling event that occurred during WWII.

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

iBuilt - The House The Internet Built Author Vivien KalvariaABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Vivien spent her early childhood in Zimbabwe and she decided when she was quite young that when she grew up she wanted to fix old houses. For 30 years she built and remodeled houses the traditional way purchasing products from regular brick and mortar stores. Then she discovered that the construction and home improvement industry had a thriving online presence. So, she went from traditional to digital and pointed, clicked, and built. Now, it’s your turn!

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

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 January 7, 2012 in Authors on Tour, Virtual Book Tour

 

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The Affordable Side of Self-Publishing

05 Jan

Have you ever thought of publishing a book?

I can tell you that from idea to implementation, publishing a book can be an expensive venture, especially if you are not careful. You are not just parting away with your precious time, but also with your hard-earned money. So it becomes important to side with self-publishing options that make this whole process affordable for you.

Self-publishing is entrepreneurship, and should not cost a lot of money to start-up. As a matter of fact, writing a book will weigh down on your time. But marketing, designing and selling your book requires some capital, which if you are not careful, could leave a big hole in your pocket.

So what can you do to control this cost and make the process affordable, yet highly professional?

Hire services from a self-publishing company.

It really is as simple as that. For example, if you invest in any of the affordable self-publishing packages offered by Outskirts Press, you could save a ton of money on creating a professional book.

Wouldn’t that be nice? I, for one, would like to finish a book without a huge debt on my shoulders. This way, all the money I earn from selling my work will go straight into my pocket, rather than in the pockets of different publishing houses.

Moreover, there’s an icing on the cake!

When it comes to self-publishing, using more than one self-publishing services can reduce the quality of the final product, while increasing your liability towards different publishing houses. So stick with one package that can cater for all your self-publishing needs.

So do you want to self-publish at an affordable price? 

 
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Posted by on January 5, 2012 in book marketing, Marketing Options

 

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Simply Writing A Book Is Not Enough

04 Jan

I have a story to tell, and if I put my mind to it, I can write a book about my story.

The fact is, so can you!

But does that make me or you capable of publishing?

Maybe so.

But simply writing a book is not enough. Most of us with a traditional typewriter or computer and persistence could do that. Drafting and editing aside, there are other aspects of publishing that are important to consider.

Interestingly, self-publishing makes these ‘other’ aspects much easier than the traditional route.

The biggest stumbling block for many self-publishers is the pricing, marketing and publicity of their finished work. How do you price a book?

Many authors do it differently – they price their book based on the number of potential sales, the time they put into the product and often the demand on their work. Whatever price you go with, you have to keep the target market in mind, can they afford the book? Self-publishing help such as that offered by Outskirts Press can really help you drill down on a price.

What about the marketing and publicity?

As writers, most of us cannot handle the marketing and promotion of our finished book by ourselves. After all, writers are not really marketers. So what can you do?

Get expert help. Outskirts Press offers professional (and often promotional) marketing packages that can give your book a useful marketing facelift. By adding these modules to your self-publishing package, you will have an awesome final product.

So, are you ready to self-publish yet?

 
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Posted by on January 4, 2012 in book marketing, Marketing Options

 

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