I have a theory that I’m testing with this post. A recent post was titled, “Self-Publishing Verdict: UNBELIEVABLE” and it was among the highest clicked/read postings on my blog in quite a while. So that means this posting should be just as popular, right?
Probably not, and here’s my hypothesis: The word “terrific” is rarely associated with anything but positive, good news. “Unbelievable” on the other hand, is just as often uttered during moments of disbelief or anger as it is during moments of exhalation (as was the case with the author in my previous posting). So, my theory is that the posting with “Unbelievable” in the subject will remain more popular than this one because we, as human beings, seem wired to be more curious about BAD news than GOOD news. And that’s kind of … sad.
So, I’m sorry to disappoint those of us who fall into that category, but the following self-publishing verdict from David Brookover is primarily good news. I say primarily because he does have a little bump that needs smoothing — and that should make the cynics happy. So we’re ALL getting what we want with this posting, and that, if nothing else, IS terrific.
David is a long time author at Outskirts Press, having published his first book Mortal Eclipse with us WAY back in 2004, a lifetime ago in the self-publishing world, and just having published his fifth book, Ghostworld, this month. He wrote me this:
“Hi Brent!
I received my author’s copies of Ghostworld today, and the books look terrific! It’s wonderful to see all those months of hard labor packaged so attractively by your team at Outskirts Press. That’s main reason that I keep coming back to you, book after book!
I also wanted to tell you how professional and personable Bridget and Terri were throughout each phase of this publishing project. They were a pleasure to work with, and I’d certainly want them on my side again for the publishing of my next book! And Dana was just as thorough and pleasant, too, although she was involved for only a short while getting my private label ISBN number for Ghostworld.
Now I’m going to have to work with marketing to iron out a couple of problems, one being that B&N has the book’s publisher listed as Outskirts Press instead of Curlew Press. The other is that Amazon doesn’t show “Search Inside the Book” for Ghostworld yet. I’m sure they’ll be as proficient and personable as the trio I mentioned above, and we’ll get those issues resolved quickly.
Brent, you must be doing something right, because you continually attract the cream-of-the-crop to Outskirts Press. Best of luck to you and Outskirts, and I look forward to working with you and your wonderful staff again soon!
Sincerely,
Dave Brookover”
Both “bumps in the road” he brings up should be resolved soon.
President of Outskirts Press 