International Literacy Day, observed on September 8, is a reminder that reading and writing are foundations for learning, participation, opportunity, and connection. Authors contribute to that work every time they create a book that helps someone understand an idea, see a new possibility, practice a skill, or feel represented on the page. Independent publishing expands … Continue reading International Literacy Day: How Self-Published Authors Can Support Readers
Category: holiday marketing
Buy a Book Day is a simple celebration with a powerful message: books deserve a place in our lives, our homes, and our communities. For self-published authors, September 7 is also a timely opportunity to invite readers to support independent voices while building momentum for the busy fall and holiday seasons. A successful observance does … Continue reading Buy a Book Day Marketing Ideas
Recognition matters in independent publishing because it gives readers another reason to pause, look closer, and trust a book they have not encountered before. The Readers’ Favorite 2025 Book Award Contest winners represent authors working across children’s books, young adult literature, Christian titles, fiction, nonfiction, romance, and poetry. That range is an encouraging reminder that … Continue reading Readers’ Favorite 2025 Book Award Winners: What Indie Authors Can Learn
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: ten Outskirts Press authors have been named finalists in the 2026 CIPA EVVY Book Awards! Each year, the CIPA EVVY Awards recognize outstanding independently published books across a wide range of genres and subjects. Becoming a finalist is an achievement worth celebrating, and we couldn’t be prouder to see … Continue reading Congratulations to Our 2026 CIPA EVVY Award Finalists!
We Love Memoirs Day is commonly celebrated at the end of August, making August 26 a good moment for authors to begin the conversation early. Memoir continues to matter because readers are drawn to true stories that reveal change, resilience, identity, and hard-won perspective. For independent authors, memoir can be both powerful and challenging. It … Continue reading We Love Memoirs Day: Why Personal Stories Still Matter
Poet's Day is a fitting moment to celebrate writers who make every word carry weight. Although many calendars mark poet-focused observances around August 21, an August 20 post gives authors a useful opportunity to look ahead and reflect on the craft behind concise, memorable writing. Poetry may seem far removed from commercial self-publishing, especially for … Continue reading Poet’s Day: What Self-Published Authors Can Learn From Poets
Bad Poetry Day may sound like a joke, but it offers a surprisingly useful lesson for authors. Writers often place so much pressure on polished output that they forget how valuable messy, low-stakes creative play can be. A deliberately bad poem can loosen the grip of perfectionism. For independent authors, creative freedom is one of … Continue reading Bad Poetry Day: A Useful Reminder For Writers To Play
The Reader Views Literary Awards recognize outstanding independently published books and are widely respected within the independent publishing community. Award recognition can strengthen your author brand, build reader confidence, and create promotional opportunities that continue long after the awards are announced. We'll Handle Everything Award entry fees Completing and submitting all required paperwork Selecting the most appropriate award category … Continue reading Reader Views Literary Awards Submission Deadline
Love Your Bookshop Day is a reminder that bookstores are more than retail shelves. They are discovery spaces, community anchors, recommendation engines, event venues, and cultural meeting points. For independent authors, they can also be valuable partners when approached with professionalism and respect. The relationship between self-published authors and bookstores has changed over the years. … Continue reading Love Your Bookshop Day: Why Local Bookstores Still Matter To Indie Authors
August is an important month for authors watching the CIPA EVVY Book Awards, one of the long-running independent publishing award programs connected with the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. For authors who entered, finalist announcements can bring welcome validation, fresh marketing opportunities, and a chance to renew attention around a book that may already be deep … Continue reading EVVY Book Awards Finalists Announced This Month