Human beings are visual creatures — so make sure your book has all the ingredients to turn casual shoppers into buyers. Purchase the Ultimate Black & White or Full-Color publishing package and we’ll give you a Professionally Designed Custom Cover (a $399 value) AND Cover Text Refinement ($149 value) absolutely FREE!
The best covers instantly pique interest with captivating images and riveting copy that communicate the character of your book. No matter who your audience is, readers should get excited the moment they see it on a shelf on online.
To get Free Custom Cover Design PLUS Cover Text Refinement that will help you sell, purchase the Ultimate Black & White or Full-Color publishing package today and enter promo code Custom+Scribe at checkout. Your free custom cover and cover text refinement services will be added to your account in 48 hours.
We love to celebrate the work of our successful self-publishing authors, and we do so each week through our Self-Publishing Author Spotlight. This week we highlight self-publishing author Ben J. Cox, who has published four titles with Outskirts Press.
Ben offers readers thrilling suspenseful mysteries with three of his books while also giving us a glimpse into what made him the exciting writer that he is through his memoir. Learn more about Ben through this week’s Self-Publishing Author Spotlight.
About the Author:
Benjamin James Cox, writing under the pen name, Ben James, disliked writing until he was forced to take a writing class to enter college in 1973 to which he quickly realized writing was a natural talent as he scored an A+ on his first paper. Since that time he has written many poems and short stories and the novels. Currently he is retired and lives with his wife, Betty in Pryor, Oklahoma but he is still plenty busy.
When Ben is not busy writing he enjoys activities, such as the President of Mayes County Writers Club, Treasurer of Pryor Creek Investment Club, being an active member of Will Rogers Toastmasters Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma and all the while he still has the energy to run five miles most days.
Insider Dreams
Insider Dreams is a 911 thriller that pulses with drama and excitement as
it follows 50-year-old computer engineer Wade Foster through the ride of his life. What Wade originally thought would be a grandiose trip across the northern most United States in his new Jaguar, quickly turned disastrous through a number of confrontations with his independent and wealthy wife of a year, Amanda Rutherford. He also faces several close encounters with Islamist radicals while experiencing a series of strange dreams he can’t explain. At the same time his oldest daughter, Megan receives a promotion and moves to New York City. Then two weeks later, when the terrorists hit the World Trade Center, Foster fears Megan may be in one of the towers.
Ben J. Cox was born in a sawmill camp on a dirt street in Waldron, Arkansas in 1943. When his mother abandoned the family in 1953 and his dad was unable to work and properly care for the children, Ben, his brother and two sisters were placed in an orphanage in Monticello, Arkansas.
In his book, To Mama, The Long Road Home, Cox attempts to reason with all that has happened and struggles to reap the best from a lifetime of both gaiety and sorrow until his mother dies in 1998.
This book brings readers through a hair-raising journey into a past filled with mystery, dead ends, and plenty of detective work. As Jake Foster, a retired computer geek, begins training for the 15K Tulsa Run, he discovers a deep, dark secret along his training route, on the banks of Pryor’s Creek. It’s a horrifying secret that will change a town’s history-and his own-forever.
Jake must use every tool available to him as he begins to reveal reveals the surprising truth about lore that has remained hidden for more than half a century.
A Tall Order mixes small-town intrigue, old-fashioned mystery, and plenty of twists and turns for a page-turning experience that will leave you hungry for more.
A true poet can describe a lifetime with just a few lines.
When the Cox graduated from Tulsa University a member of the EE National Honor Society, Etta Kappa Nu, it appeared that he had done very well. But, his stint in college didn’t begin with a bang. His counselor explained that he would not need to take the college entrance exam, which included an English test, and when he failed, he was advised to still enroll but to take a writing class. It was that simple failed test that would lead to one of his greatest accomplishments – his first piece of writing titled “The Greatest Work of Art,” which was about the creation of man. That story can be found within The Winding Road along with the many poems and songs written throughout the Cox’s time spent in Oklahoma since 1969.
Product details…
Paperback
6 x 9 paperback cream, 165 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (April 22, 2014)
ISBN10: 1478707879
ISBN13: 9781478707875
Genre: Poetry / American / General
We marvel at our self-publishing authors. They’re intrepid and resilient. They’re disciplined and relentless. Authors sense that first nudge of inspiration, continue with courage as their vision pours onto the page and they forge ahead until the work is done. Though the timeline from inspiration to publication varies between authors and each of their books, Outskirts Press actively celebrates the successes of our authors throughout the journey.
This week’s Self-Publishing Author Spotlight highlights the talented author D.L. Holliday who has published three works of fiction with Outskirts Press. Read on to learn more about D.L. Holliday and her books.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
D.L. Holliday has written short stories since childhood. She began reciting her stories orally, first to her young friends, and continued the tradition with her children and grandchildren. Throughout her distinguished career in the medical field and while raising her three children, D.L. Holliday’s love for writing and storytelling remained strong. She has published three works of fiction with Outskirts Press: Farra Morgan: Mystery at Morris Ferry, Farra Morgan: Ghost at Morris Ferry and Adventures of Tommy.
The Morgan family was looking forward to a fun-filled week at Morris Ferry, but as Farra and her cousin, Taylor explored the surrounding woods, they overheard loud arguing coming from the clearing ahead. They arrived at the edge of the woods just in time to see a man forced, by two men, into the woods behind an abandoned fishing cabin. Together Taylor, Farra and her brother Tommy, along with new friends Gunner and Bella returned to the cabin to find evidence of a dark mystery. Farra, a future hopeful investigator, wanted to solve the mystery before her brother insisted on turning the clues over to the local law enforcement, but the kidnapping of their younger sister, Sydney and her friend Dax quickly changed the course of events. Farra realized she was the only one who knew the location of the two young children and it was up to her to rescue them before the return of the menacing men. Farra Morgan, Mystery at Morris Ferry, is reminiscent of the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys mysteries and will entertain the young reader and take them into a suspense filled, wholesome adventure.
The Morgan and Carson families return to Morris Ferry for an extended summer vacation in a century old Victorian mansion at the edge of the Southern campgrounds. Despite the harrowing events of the previous summer, Farra Morgan along with her family and friends were looking forward to their summer until strange events began to occur and Farra realized that their families were not the only occupants of Brookhaven at Morris Ferry.
Outskirts Press features one of our successful authors each week and we want to spotlight Micheal Andrisano, the author of four books through Outskirts Press: Operation Seeding: Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day, and its sequel, Extended Forecast: Global Chaos along with two other books, Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan and Christianity Karma and Reincarnation: A New Message Begins. Learn more about Micheal and his repertoire of work in this week’s Self-Publishing Author Spotlight.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Mike Andrisano is retired, living in New Jersey with his wife. Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan is a story that was developed in and around the countryside surrounding his wife’s family’s ancestral town of Tournafulla, County Limerick, Ireland.
Operation Seeding is a book that was developed over several decades.
With Christianity Karma and Reincarnation, it was through Mike’s own near death experiences he was given a message that he now needs to share with you. Mike has carried this divine secret for more than 62 years, afraid to share it due to fear of persecution. Finally, the fear could no longer outweigh the message. Email the author at mjasr@earthlink.net or visit http://www.michaelandrisanosr.com/
It had been raining: torrential, miserable, cold wet rain for the last four months. It seemed as if the rain was never going to end. He had already lost his house, his crops in the fields, and his livestock as he watched it all wash away one day right before he himself was rescued. No one could figure out why God was punishing everyone. But God has nothing to do with it. An American company, HT Wetco, quietly reaps the rewards from their life-changing business: cloud seeding. Bob Thurston, past CEO of HT Wetco, knows that countries can be terrorized from the sky – that a change in one global jet stream can cause havoc around the world, that populations can be brought to their knees with snow and rain ruining food supplies. But now someone has caught on to how his technology is being used, and Bob isn’t willing to stand by and let his life’s work be destroyed. He will stop at nothing to make sure that his project is safe. Bob draws a diverse cast of characters into his net of intrigue – including Gunter, a German assassin who begins to suspect that all is not as it seems; Pete Winslow, a former Green Beret whose misguided loyalty to Bob comes from his own blighted childhood; and Juan and Clara, who are determined to expose Bob at any cost. Rooted in real techniques for influencing weather, Operation Seeding deftly explores how greed and corruption can exploit and destroy an otherwise benign force of Nature. This compelling page-turner will change the way you think about what really goes on behind the curtain of global politics. Winner of 2012 Readers’ Favorite Award
Things just haven’t been the same for Harold and Megan since their father mysteriously disappeared. But one night, a ghostly visitor tells Harold that his father is being held captive by a mad gnome from Germania named Gagle the Great. To find the lair of the mad gnome, Harold must solve a riddle. Harold loses all hope; he hates puzzles of all kinds. But a magical box that belonged to his father may hold a clue. When Harold relates his strange tale to his family, his mother refuses to believe it, and thinks Harold is making up stories to console him for the loss of his father. But Megan knows there’s more to it. Against their mother’s wishes, Harold and Megan turn to their classmates for help. But when nobody can solve the riddle, they must convince their mother that their father is in danger, and that they must travel to Ireland to seek the help of his relatives and friends. Little do they know what awaits them on the Emerald Isle: the mad gnome is the enemy of fairy folk, and they receive some special help from the Mayor of the Leprechauns, as well as from a surprise visitor who appears when hope is lost. Will Harold and Megan find their father, and can they rescue him before time runs out? Follow them across the ocean and into a magical world as they explore the realm of enchantment.
Many people in the world today are lost, going through their lives with no direction, enduring terrible pain, and inflicting pain on others. Even those who have faith and belief are finding themselves increasingly hopeless. If you feel this way, do not despair. Christianity Karma and Reincarnation is what you have been waiting for. This astounding message from God to mankind reveals why confusion exists in so many lives today. It tells you how to find your path more clearly back to God, and explains why mankind needs to better understand his purpose here in this Garden that is Earth. This powerful book reveals not only what Micheal Andrisano has personally seen, but also what has been told to him as a very special message to mankind. It is a message we need to hear before it is too late. Read the message, and share it—you now have the tool you need to change your life, and the lives of those you love. First Place in 2014 Reviewers Choice Award
The anti-climate control lobbies are having a field day, their accusations shrieking from the headline of every newspaper, worldwide. It is now accepted as fact that HT Wetco had flown under the radar to single-handedly sabotage the weather around the entire planet. As the repercussions of climate interference spiral out of control, with economies and living conditions impacted around the globe, the trial of the century unfolds. As their largest man made storm Hurricane Susan is bearing down to strike along the eastern seaboard, coincidence, or a deliberate sabotage effort perpetrated by HT Wetco, with the blessings of the US government. As this extreme weather event begins Chinese General Ly N Ming and his men begin their attack in Lorton, Virginia. While unbeknownst to many a former Russian KGB agent, Günter and the Muslim Brotherhood now plot to bring nuclear destruction to America. While Luther and Juan travel From Moscow to Madagascar seeking the whereabouts of the madman Günter. In America Clara, Brad and a new ally Joan Romanski of the Russkaya Mafiya seek the information they need in helping stop the attack. In the center of it all is Todd Thurston grandson and now CEO of HT Wetco. His allies confident in their knowledge that whoever controls the weather will also control the world. A deftly plotted thriller showing you a world that modern technology has created, Extended Forecast: Global Chaos is the second book in the compelling trilogy that began with Operation Seeding, which now has a following around the world. Operation Seeding will be published in an updated edition to coincide with the release of Global Chaos.
Paul Lawrence is self-publishing a book with Outskirts Press. And he wants your help deciding his book cover.
Book Summary
Paul Lawrence weaves a fascinating tale of gambling, romance, adventure, history, football, and betting basics in Monday’s Edition—a football gambler’s odyssey through a season of trips to Las Vegas and Reno to try to beat the system. Taking on this normally impossible task is Martin Adams, a 55-year-old computer technician and confirmed bachelor with an unbelievable secret weapon… Armed with technological know-how and his top-secret advantage, Martin’s life is about to change in a big way—and not just financially.
Follow this modern-day Robin Hood’s incredible trials and treks to the gambling capital of the world in Monday’s Edition. It’s a sure bet!
About the Author
Paul Lawrence has been to Las Vegas more than thirty times. He has played all the casino games, bet in many sports books, and has come home a winner three times. Monday’s Edition is his first novel.
Please take a look at two possible covers below and then vote on the choice you recommend for Paul.
Click on the thumbnail below to enlarge Cover Option A
Cover A
Click on the thumbnail below to enlarge Cover Option B
Bar none, the Frankfurt International Book Fair is the largest and most important book fair in the world. While some might top Frankfurt’s 250,000-plus attendance, the multi-hall, mile-long fairground in Frankfurt hosts the largest contingent of publishing professionals of any book fair anywhere.
The Frankfurt International Book Fair is a meeting place for the industry’s experts: publishers, booksellers, agents, film producers and, of course, authors just like you. With more than 7,500 exhibitors from 110 countries, more than 250,000 visitors and more than 10,000 journalists, it is the most important marketplace for books, media, rights and licenses worldwide.
The Frankfurt International Book Fair is held in mid-October annually at the Frankfurt Fair in Frankfurt, Germany. This is your chance to get in on this year’s event, slated for October 14-18.
Register now for the 2015 Book Fair. Space is limited and the show fills up quickly on a first-come, first served basis. The deadline for the 2015 Frankfurt International Book Fair is this Friday, August 7. Click here to get more details or reserve your spot at Frankfurt.
Remember, you can save 25% on 4 major book events throughout the year (London, BEA, Beijing, Frankfurt) with our Global Book Tour marketing package.
“Choose Your Own Promotion” from Outskirts Press offers self-publishing authors a choice of three popular options when they start self-publishing in August. This promotion allows authors to customize their self-publishing package and choose the option that works best for them and their book.
August 4, 2015 – Parker, CO- Outskirts Press, the fastest growing self-publishing and book marketing company, announced today it is allowing self-publishing authors to “Choose Your Own Promotion” for authors who start their publishing process this month. When self-publishing with Outskirts Press in August, authors may choose one of three promotional offers to fit their wants and needs for their book.
“This type of promotion is not available with any other publisher,” said Outskirts Press Executive Vice President Kelly Schuknecht. “Allowing our newly-published authors the opportunity to choose what promotion they would like to take advantage of allows them to customize their publishing package to fit their publishing needs. Now is the time to self-publish with Outskirts Press”.
Authors who start with Outskirts Press by choosing the Diamond or full-color Pearl publishing packages will have a choice of three (3) very effective promotional options. Authors may choose from receiving 10% off the “Diamond” or “Pearl” publishing packages, a complimentary Goodreads Marketing Campaign option, or receiving a complimentary Custom Cover.
Authors who wish to take advantage of the “Choose Your Own Promotion” only need to enter the valid promotional code, available on the Outskirts Press website at http://www.outskirtspress.com/promotion.html, while they order their publishing package and place it in their online shopping cart.
Outskirts Press offers high-quality, full-service self-publishing and book marketing services for writers and professionals who are seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible way to publish and distribute their books worldwide while retaining 100% of their rights, 100% of their profits, and 100% of the creative control. http://www.outskirtspress.com.
“Try-before-you-buy” sales strategies (i.e. trials, previews, samples) are driven by the undeniable fact that consumers are more inclined to purchase a product when they’ve had the opportunity to test it out first.
By allowing readers to browse your work while they’re actively looking for their next selection, you open the door for them. You welcome readers with a preview, allow their senses to be intrigued by your work, and the buyer develops confidence and certainty to make the purchase.
If you want to turn browsers into buyers, it’s important to offer readers an option to preview your book online. Digital previews, such as the Google Books Preview Program and Amazon’s Search Inside program, allow readers to see a limited preview of your book while making the next step (purchasing the book) as easy as possible. According to Amazon, books participating in the Search Inside program enjoy significant sales improvement, on average.
Writing a book has been your dream, focus, passion and pursuit. Completing the writing of your book has required devotion, commitment, perseverance, sacrifice and confidence. Now what? Are you ready to see your dream realized?
With Outskirts Press, YOU are in control of your publishing destiny! When you choose to publish with Outskirts Press, you get to customize your book publishing package. Now, for the first time ever, you can also customize your book publishing promotion. Start with the Diamond or Pearl publishing package in August and you can choose any of the following promotions. Copy the promotion code you want, click the publishing package of your choice, enter the promotion code upon checkout and you’re on your way to an exciting publishing adventure!
Option 1: 10% Off. Save 10% instantly. Promotion Code: 10AUG15.
Option 2: Free Goodreads Marketing campaign. With more than 40 million members, Goodreads is the world’s largest community of readers. The Goodreads Marketing Campaign option through Outskirts Press is designed to help you connect with those readers through an author profile, book giveaway and targeted ad. Receive this option FREE with the Promotion Code: FREEGOOD15.
Option 3: Free Custom Cover. People DO judge a book by its cover, so wrap your book in an impressive, eye-catching design that represents the quality of work on the pages within. Choose this promotion and receive a free Custom Cover for your book with the Promotion Code: COVERAUG15.
Outskirts Press offers a variety of self-publishing packages that are designed to fit the needs of our highly talented and diverse authors. Not sure where to start? Speak with a Publishing Consultant today. Our Publishing Consultants are available from 8am to 4pm Mountain time at 888.OP.BOOKS.
“I would recommend Outskirts Press to any other author.”
Sandra Harris, Ph.D. received her B.A. from Stanford University and her Ph.D. from the University of Oregon. As a VA clinical psychologist, she conducted psychotherapy with combat veterans. Dr. Harris is a past president of the California Psychological Association, from which she received the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology Award. Dr. Harris retired to Scottsdale, Arizona after a 33-year career in psychology. Dr. Harris is working on her second novel.
Thirty years after the Vietnam War, eight U.S. veterans bravely return to the country where their enemy lurked so long ago. Retired VA psychologist Dr. Ken Carson prepares the men to minimize the trauma of their journey while Reverend Johnny Green and Rabbi David Aloni lend spiritual support. In Vietnam, the veterans confront their painful, haunting memories: crossing leech-infested rice paddies in the dead of night surrounded by enemy; peasants who could be carrying weapons under their loose fitting “pajamas”; terror in the tunnels; degradation in the whorehouses and more. Finally able to relate to each other emotionally, without the detachment that was necessary for survival during the war, the men form a mini-platoon during the trip, bonding in their quest for wellness. Shrapnel: A Journey Toward Psychological Healing highlights the courage of the veterans while eloquently examining the long-term effects of combat stress and helping to remove the stigma of mental health treatment.
to which he quickly realized writing was a natural talent as he scored an A+ on his first paper. Since that time he has written many poems and short stories and the novels. Currently he is retired and lives with his wife, Betty in Pryor, Oklahoma but he is still plenty busy.
Mike Andrisano is retired, living in New Jersey with his wife. Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan is a story that was developed in and around the countryside surrounding his wife’s family’s ancestral town of Tournafulla, County Limerick, Ireland.
Operation Seeding: Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Another Day
Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan
Christianity Karma and Reincarnation: A New Message Begins
Extended Forecast: Global Chaos: Book Two of The Rain Men Series and Sequel to Operation Seeding
Outskirts Press has a new Instagram page (
“I would recommend Outskirts Press to any other author.”