Long before Outskirts Press became the fastest-growing self-publishing company and became rated #1 by Top Consumer Reviews, we were doing something differently, something better: We were taking a serious interest in the success of our authors and their books after publication by providing each and every published author with consistent online advice, coaching, and help … Continue reading Announcing the New & Improved Marketing COACH
Category: Advice
Picture your customer. They’re scrolling through books on Amazon, looking for a good weekend read. They stop and look at your book, pulled in by the perfect cover design. They take a sip of their coffee and click for a closer look, to see if what you’ve written is something they’d like to invest their … Continue reading Does your book say BUY ME?
At Outskirts Press, our passion is helping you publish the book of your dreams. And you can help us. Even though we will strive to ensure that your book is perfect when it is done, there are little things you can do with your manuscript prior to the publishing stage that will go a long … Continue reading 5 Do’s and Don’ts for Formatting, Grammar, and Spelling
Most publishers give you some free copies of your book when it is published. (And if yours didn't, ask yourself what you're doing publishing your heart & soul there). Once you have those copies, the question then becomes: what do you do with them? And that's where today's posting comes in, with the following free … Continue reading 10 Effective Ways to Use Your Book Copies
Book contests are a wonderful way for self-published authors to build upon their platforms and cultivate credibility. And yes, while they’re occasionally the hallmark of snootiness, awards ought not to be overlooked as the fantastic marketing tool they are! Not only will winning a book award (or two, or three) boost an author’s physical and social presence, … Continue reading Reach for the Moon and Land Among the Stars This Awards Season!
In fourteen hundred ninety-two Columbus sailed the ocean blue. Undated Woodcut. (Bettmann/CORBIS) Or so the poem goes--but this being 2016 and not 1492, we know rather a lot more about navigating the wondrous wide oceans. We’ve come a long way in 524 years in many of the ways that matter most, and that includes the … Continue reading Explore Your Options This Columbus Day!
You've finished writing your book, and you’re ready for the next step—you're ready to get on with the publishing process—but what next? Whether you're a veteran self-publishing author or new to the process, there are hundreds of questions to ask and be answered. There are so many questions, in fact, that the situation calls for … Continue reading Map your route to book marketing success
Editing is often described as the most painful part of the process that transforms a manuscript into a book. The immortal Stephen King implores his fellow writers, “Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, kill your darlings.” This might be pushing the metaphor a little too far, … Continue reading Why Do We Edit?
What makes a good action/adventure novel? In general, it's a good idea to have a strong sense of realism, which means you may need to conduct some research if your novel is going to involve different types of weaponry, vehicles, combat styles, or technology. Action/adventure novels typically take place in a variety of exotic locations … Continue reading Genre Close-Up: Action/Adventure
Have you ever considered promoting your book at a local fair? What about at the library? Online? At the movie theater? No, I’m not talking about hosting events—although events are wonderful and you should certainly plan for a few of those, too. I’m talking about the perfect complement to an event—any event—and the public exposure … Continue reading 5 Ways to Merchandise Your Book