On Our Own January 06 Newsletter

Hello!

If you haven't noticed yet, we have a change of name this month. While working on my article, I came across a debate as to what exactly the term "self-published" covers. Most are willing to use it collectively as any method other than traditional. More conservative definitions say it is only "self-publishing" when an author buys her own ISBN and takes the book to a printing shop to pay all costs of manufacturing a certain number of books.

In the light of the controversy and misunderstandings, I changed the name to Indie-publishing Group, my own term to signify that whatever means we use to get our work out there, we are doing it without signing to a traditional company. It ties in with other indie arts, such as music (a popular trend now and spreading well), and is more encompassing than self-publishing.

Speaking of the article, I did intend to have it finished before sending out this newsletter, but with all of the information I'm finding, I have had to do a lot of rewriting to make it more pertinent. It is still coming and I hope the information will be helpful.

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Welcome to our newest members!
The group is still growing well and this should benefit all of us as we share experiences and struggles and successes. If you have a minute, stop by the forum to welcome those introducing themselves.

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I would also like to ask if anyone is interested in being a group assistant. No pressure, here, only if you are interested and available! What I would like is at least one person to keep up with each of the different forums to make sure no one goes unanswered. I try to do that myself, but as the group grows, I may not answer as quickly as I would like.

The forums that need to be watched are:

"On Our Own Marketing Strategies" 
"On Our Own Market Listings" 
"On Our Own Questions and Answers" 

The Marketing Strategies forum may be the most challenging, in the case of specific questions, and some marketing knowledge would be helpful. You don't have to be an expert. Most of us aren't.

The Market Listings forum is fairly independent, but there may be questions posted from time to time.

The Question and Answers forum is for non-members to ask about the group. It needs someone who knows what is available and how it is run. It takes no knowledge of marketing or publishing, only of the group itself.

Anyone is more than welcome (and encouraged) to jump in and answer questions on any of the forums, and I will check them, also, but a second pair of eyes for each would be a huge help. Each assistant will have the ability to email the entire group (sparingly, please), or you can email me with questions or to yell that I haven't been there often enough. I check my mail daily, in general.

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There are several items listed in "On Our Own Projects for Review"  in case anyone is looking for something to review. Post anything there you are planning to publish and want comments on, or anything you have already published and want to let us know.

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Hope your new year is starting well and that the year to come is creative and productive.
LK Hunsaker


(I guess this needs updating, as well!)