Saturday 7 January 2012

The Self-Publishing Jitters of a Perfectionist . . .

My last post was Christmas Eve!  Good gravy. . . where does the time go? 

My blog copped an attitude on New Year's Day, and I'm hopeless when it comes to knowing what to do!  I was able to get in, but the letters I typed were INVISIBLE!  I couldn't see the curser, nor any words that I typed for at least 30 seconds, which I nicknamed, the PERIL of the PAUSE.  Doom to creativity! 

No one I knew could fix my problem.  For a quarter, I would have thrown that technical bully right through the window!

But life goes on . . . work as usual . . . spring classes began again in Santa Barbara . . . more chapters were emailed to and from my free-lance editor, as I continued to research the self-publishing arena.  But I was FRUSTRATED!  Is there such a class as, "How to Fix Your Own Computer?"

Then last week, I received a call from my bible study teacher, who graciously volunteered her husband.  We talked at church and he came by on Monday.  It took him two and a half hours, and had something to do with a YouTube download, but my computer is fixed . . . "AND I'M BACK!"

"Thanks, Dave, you were heaven sent!" 

"This nation will remain the land of the free, as long as it is the home of the brave."   - Elmer Davis 

The final six chapters of Diary of a Vet's Wife, Loving and living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, were emailed to my free-lance editor last evening.  Once this last group is returned, my memoir will be ready to self-publish.  Brave warriors have just returned home, and a new battle awaits many.  My story shows what took place within my family, and I pray it will help others find their own way.

"Perfection is not attainable.  But if we chase perfection, we can attain excellence."     - Vince Lombardi 

Perfectionism can be a curse, but when you're raised by a perfectionist, you either follow the same path, or you rebel, regressing into a contented slob.  But after so many years, the ideals of a perfectionist are intrinsically engrained to my core.   

There lies my dilemma!  How do I choose the right Self-Publisher for my book? 

Each week, I find another company whose promotions catch my eye.  My mind is a jumble of names, and all the options available.

Before the holidays, I had more or less decided to go with Amazon. Their name is WELL-KNOWN, especially since their bold move into publishing, wooing some of their top authors, and challenging major publishers.

Their online data was impressive, however, their packages seemed expensive.  Yes . . . they do have many levels to choose from . . . but once I saw the "top of the line" . . . that's what I wanted!  What can I say?  But something else was hindering my decision.  The weight of the paper!  Am I too picky? 

It appears that Amazon only offers 60lb offset paper.  I've seen books published with Create Space, and the pages were stiff, like they could easily break away from the binding.  I've read that most traditional publishers used 50lb paper.  Personally, I still like the "feel" of a book in my hands, as I curl up in bed at night to read.  I prefer soft pages that "fan" easily.  Are there others like me?

"A man would do nothing, if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault."  
- John Henry Newman

Recently, I stumbled upon another self-publishing press that caught my attention.  Outskirts Press . . . they offer the flexibility and control of self-publishing, combined with the full-service support and confidence of a book publishing company, all under one roof.  They claim to be there before, during and after publication with a dedicated group of publishing professionals, while you maintain 100% of your publishing rights and 100% of your profits.

They offer many package options at reasonable prices . . . plus 50lb and 55lb paper!  Their crème-white is 30% recycled natural off-white color.

They also offer select marketing services and products to all authors, regardless of where or how you published your book.

My question:  Has anyone out there reading this blog used Outskirts Press?  And if so, could you please share your experience?  I would be most grateful . . . as would many others.

Lesson Learned . . . my two cents

"It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do."  - Elbert Hubbard

12 comments:

  1. Nancy, welcome back! It's so nice to hear your "voice" again! Sorry you were tortured with computer troubles, but at least it sounds like you are well on your way to holding your book in your hot little hands. Yay! I have no experience with Outskirts either, but I'll be curious to hear what others might know. Thanks for yet another informative post.

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    1. Hi, Becky - Thank you, it's nice to be back! Computers are a necessary evil for those of us handicapped in this area, but where there's a will there's a way. Now I'm back in motion. Feedback on Outskirts was questionable. Will be relieved when this decision is behind me. Happy writing! :D

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  2. I can't wait to lie in my bed and flip through your book!

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    1. Hi Sweetie, Me too! I know how much you like "frosting . . . ." Now how many days before you take off for Australia? xo

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  3. Glad to have you back and with a working computer. I can't even imagine how frustrating that must have been for you.
    I haven't heard of Oukskirts, so I can't offer any help. But I wish you the best.

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    1. Feels like "old home" week. Thanks for your warm welcome, Kelly. Still some serious research to do. The "stall" gobbled some prime-time. Still want to catch-up on your continuing success. I wish you much more in the future.

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  4. Glad to see you back, I was wondering where you've been! I have heard of Outskirts Press before, some time back before I published my book. If you google, one of the first things it will auto fill with is Outskirts Press scam, and following that is Outskirts Press complaints. With a little digging, the complaints with this company go back a good 4 or 5 years. While some people may not have issues with them, it seems the majority think/have had the experience that this is another company just out to get your money. That is why I ended up using Createspace. Which at first I was bummed about, because like you, I have an issue with the weight of the paper. In the end though I am happy with the results and will use Createspace again.

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    1. Darian, thank you for the GREAT feedback! A writer's life is isolated without the support of a community, and SheWrites is amazing. Don't believe everything you read! I still plan to research for another few weeks, but you definitely gave me the "boot" I needed. I'm not a quitter and will share what I find. Only wish CreateSpace offered 50lb paper. :D

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  5. Hi Nancy, From one perfectionist to another (and having the same name) let me say, I feel your pain. I too am looking forward to reading your book. I know it's gonna be great. As far as where to have it published, I have heard of Outskirts and read their advertising but don't know anyone who's used them...so I can't say much about them. If I decide to self publish, I think I'll use Createspace. They have a good rep and have been around for a while.

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    1. How funny! You, too, carry the curse. Thank you for your encouraging words. I was a little "bummed," to use Darian's word, but I might give Outskirts a call and confront the accuations. The Better Business Bureau gave them at an A-rating, whatever that's worth anymore. I'm good on the phone, not afraid to ask direct questions. Will research more to see if it's worth my time. I do know CreateSpace has a good rep, so I'll keep them in the wings. A side note: Send out your query letters. Remember, too many rewrites may squelch your "voice." Just my two cents!

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  6. Hi, Nancy,
    I have no experience with Outskirts, and haven't heard/read anyone else's experiences, either. I don't think you're being too picky. If you want 50lb paper, then that's your right. Your book is your baby, after all. I'm not that picky when it comes to paper, and haven't done the research about the difference between the 50-60lb papers. I'm also researching more and more, but right now, I'm still leaning toward CreateSpace. Good luck with getting more feedback on Outskirts. :)

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    1. Hi Regina. Thanks for understanding, and allowing me to "prefer" 50lb paper for my "baby." We don't always get what we want, but we can try! Still keeping CreateSpace in my back pocket. I wish you much luck on your dream: Your own publishing company. Saw you on Facebook. Now if I can only get more feedback on Outskirts. Maybe something good? :D

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