Category: Author Inspiration

The ancient adage that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover has been thoroughly debunked in recent years, with software analytics proving a definitive link between a book’s attractiveness and sales figures. News outlets as wide-ranging and respectable as the Sydney Morning Herald and Psychology Today have run articles on the importance of first impressions in another arena—that of both personal and business relationships. “Qualifications count for nothing,” writes Sarah Hall of the Sydney Morning Herald, “if you don’t have social skills to match.”

In a sense, this is good news for the self-publishing author during the hunt for the perfect fit in choosing a book publishing company: You have permission to trust your gut, and the assurance that while first impressions never constitute a complete picture, they certainly tell you a lot about the other’s integrity. And if you’re on the hunt for self-publishing services, whether it’s a custom book cover design, a professional publication with legitimate chances of winning an award (or two), or assistance in putting together a well-orchestrated marketing campaign, your first impression of a self-publishing company will likely come in the form of those we at Outskirts Press call Publishing Consultants.

Tina, Jamie, Kirsten, and Allison:
Four talented members of our Publishing Consultant team.

Our Publishing Consultants are known for being personable and apt conversationalists, but their job requires something more than just an empty smile and a firm handshake. When it comes to shepherding your book safely through the hazards of the self-publishing process, they must also be able to prove their worth as experts in the field from the first moment of contact. And our Publishing Consultants consistently deliver; just ask any number of authors who publish through Outskirts Press each year, and they can recount for you the value of their consultations in transforming their books from manuscripts into complete packages, replete with eye-popping covers and interior designs. But our Publishing Consultants aren’t just there to generate visual appeal; they are also on hand to provide insight into issues as diverse as copyright (or more specifically, avoiding copyright infringements!), e-book editions, copyediting, and perhaps the most undervalued aspect of all — holding your hand as you pass your passion to the company best-suited to make it the book of your dreams.

By now you tend to know whether you’re just another number in the system or whether you’re receiving quality service. As Arthur Dobrin of Psychology Today puts it, “First impressions matter but substance has the final word.” Our Publishing Consultants aren’t just pretty faces at the front desk or friendly voices over the phone; their job means all the difference between a substandard do-it-yourself self-published volume that languishes in the dust of neglected shelves (or in the virtual cobwebs of the cloud)—and a masterpiece executed to meet your exact specifications that reaches its target audience. Your Publishing Consultant will help you weigh your budget against the options available, and choose from among the dazzling range of services on offer. All the while, they are there to cheerlead and advocate for your goals from start to finish.

Unlike some other self-publishing companies who require a 50% or 100% payment up front, Outskirts Press let’s you get started on book publishing with your very own Publishing Consultant with just a $35 down payment. You will receive truly professional guidance on choosing the best possible publishing package for your book, along with a Custom Publishing Profile, and matter-of-fact tips sheets (like The 7 Highly Effective Rules for the Perfect Book Title).

No matter which publishing package you choose, all of your publishing questions can be quickly answered, and you will quickly receive personal help getting started. Oh, and the deposit is included in the package price — no extra cost!

But don’t take our word for it. You’re the one who gets to judge the quality of our ability to make a good first impression. And when you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. You can contact us at for more information about self-publishing or for inspiration in the form of our newsletters, emails, and social media accounts. There are ways to write us, email us, call us, chat with us, or browse our knowledge base and FAQ. All you have to do is click the “Contact Us” button below to find out more.