---

Ready to take your self-published book from great to award-winning? 
If you’re looking to boost your credibility, gain industry attention and open new doors for your book, the Foreword INDIES Book Awards may be your next big opportunity. 

Unlike many mainstream awards that favor traditionally published titles, the Foreword INDIES were created specifically to recognize excellence in independent publishing—making it one of the most respected competitions for self-published authors today. 

And the best part? If you’re an Outskirts Press author, we’ll handle the entire submission process for you. 

Why Enter the Foreword INDIES Awards? 

Each year, thousands of librarians, booksellers, reviewers, and media professionals look to Foreword Reviews for insight into standout indie books. Being named a finalist or winner can: 

• Validate your book in the eyes of readers and retailers 

• Increase discoverability through Foreword’s print and digital platforms 

• Elevate your marketing efforts with award-branded materials and credibility 

• Enhance your sales potential by catching the attention of bookstores and libraries 

What Winners Receive: 

• Gold, Silver or Bronze medals in over 50 categories 

• Exposure in Foreword Reviews magazine and website 

• Promotion to a wide network of librarians, booksellers and reviewers 

• Use of the award seal in your marketing, cover and author branding 

• Long-term promotional leverage through award-related publicity 

Let Outskirts Press Handle Your Submission 

Submitting your book to awards can be time-consuming—but not with Outskirts Press. 

When you reserve your submission through us, we take care of: 

• Completing the entry forms 

• Selecting the most strategic category for your book 

• Shipping your author copies to the judging panel 

• Managing all deadlines and communication with the awards office 

Plus, you’ll receive our exclusive Award-Winning Author Tip Sheet, designed to help you turn a win (or finalist placement) into a full-fledged promotional campaign. 

Submit Your Book to the Foreword INDIES Awards Now 

Why Awards Matter for Self-Published Authors 

Industry recognition isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a way to: 

• Stand out from the crowd 

• Build trust with new readers 

• Attract media, reviewers and podcast hosts 

• Boost long-term sales and credibility 

If you’re serious about your publishing success, awards should be part of your strategy—and the Foreword INDIES are a great place to start. 

You Wrote the Book—Now Let It Shine 

Whether your book is fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or children’s literature, the Foreword INDIES Book Awards offer an exciting path to recognition. 

Don’t miss your chance to stand out. 
 

Reserve Your Submission 

Start your publishing journey today and save. Your future readers are waiting! 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

---

^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}

---

If you’re preparing to publish a book in the new year, December brings an exclusive opportunity you won’t want to miss. From December 9 through December 22, Outskirts Press is offering a powerful bonus for authors who begin their publishing journey with one of our Ultimate Publishing Packages. 

This limited-time incentive adds exceptional value to your book launch—giving you more support, more resources, and more ways to reach readers. 

Get $500 in Spending Credit 

Use promo code TWOSPEND and receive $500 in promotional credit that you can apply toward upgrades, services, or enhancements that elevate your final book. Whether you want to add design features or explore specialty add-ons, your credit gives you more freedom and flexibility. 

Enjoy Twice as Many Free Author Copies 

Printed copies are one of the most valuable tools in an author’s arsenal—perfect for giveaways, advance reviews, book events, and marketing buzz. This December, you’ll receive double the usual number of free author copies, giving your launch a strong and vibrant start. 

Receive a Personalized Marketing Plan 

Every book is unique—and your marketing strategy should be, too. With this promotion, you’ll receive a custom marketing plan tailored to your book, including audience insights, genre positioning, competitive analysis, and recommended marketing tactics. It’s designed to help you launch with clarity and confidence. 

Get a Professionally Formatted eBook Edition 

In today’s digital reading landscape, offering both print and eBook editions is essential. This bonus includes a professionally formatted eBook, ready for distribution across major online retailers. 

Available with the Ultimate Publishing Packages 

This special offer applies to both versions of the Ultimate Package: 

• Ultimate Black & White Publishing Package 

• Ultimate Full-Color Publishing Package 

These packages offer our highest level of support, premium design features, and worldwide distribution—everything you need to publish your book with excellence. 

Why Publish During This Promotion? 

• More value added to your publishing package 

• A stronger launch, supported by professional marketing strategy 

• Instant momentum heading into the new year 

• Bonus resources that enhance both production and promotion 

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to publish, this is it. With financial savings, extra copies, strategic guidance, and a ready-to-launch eBook edition, this December bonus is designed to help authors succeed at every step. 

Act Before December 22 

Use promo code TWOSPEND at checkout to unlock your $500 credit, double author copies, personalized marketing plan, and free eBook edition. 

Your book deserves a powerful beginning—and with this special offer, you’ll be ready to start 2026 with confidence. 

Ready to publish? Your readers are waiting. 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

---

^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}

---

The holiday season isn’t just a time for festive lights, cozy sweaters, and mugs of cocoa—it’s also one of the biggest book-buying periods of the year. Readers are shopping for gifts, bookstores are bustling, and local businesses are hosting community events that draw large, engaged crowds. For authors, that means one thing: 

It’s the perfect time to host a holiday book signing event. 

Whether you’re a first-time indie author or promoting your latest release, a holiday signing can boost visibility, increase sales, and help you connect with readers in meaningful ways. Here’s why they work—and how to make yours a festive success. 

Why Holiday Book Signing Events Work 

1. Readers Are Looking for Meaningful Gifts 

Books are consistently ranked among the most gifted items during the holiday season. A signed copy adds that extra touch of personalization shoppers love—thoughtful, affordable, and easy to wrap. 

A holiday event gives you the perfect moment to present your book as a meaningful gift with emotional value behind it. 

2. Bookstores and Local Shops Want Seasonal Traffic 

Independent bookstores, boutiques, cafés, gift shops, and community centers often look for guest activities to enhance their holiday offerings. Your event helps them draw foot traffic, and in return, they give you a platform. 

This makes it a natural partnership—and an easy “yes” when you reach out. 

3. Holiday Events Encourage Impulse Buys 

People arrive in a gifting mood. If your book fits a theme—mystery, inspirational, poetry, children’s, cooking, local interest, spirituality—it’s even more likely shoppers will pick it up on the spot. 

Add a signing table, holiday decorations, and a friendly conversation? Sales happen naturally. 

4. You Strengthen Your Author Brand 

A holiday book signing positions you not just as a writer, but as a member of the community—someone readers can meet, talk to, and support. 

That connection builds trust and loyalty that lasts long after the holiday season ends. 

5. Signed Books Help Word-of-Mouth Travel Further 

A signed or personalized inscription feels special. The gift recipient often tells others, shares the moment online, or returns later for their own copy. 

That’s free marketing built directly into your holiday event. 

How to Host a Successful Holiday Book Signing Event 

1. Choose the Right Venue 

Think beyond bookstores. Holiday foot traffic can be strong in: 

• Local gift shops 

• Artisan markets 

• Coffeehouses 

• Holiday craft fairs 

• Churches or community centers 

• Museums or historical societies 

• Toy stores (for children’s books) 

Pick a place aligned with your audience. 

2. Create a Festive Setup 

A welcoming table draws people in. Include: 

• A small holiday banner or themed table runner 

• Large poster of your book cover 

• A display of books arranged at different heights 

• Bookmarks, postcards, or small giveaways 

• A QR code for your website or newsletter 

Holiday visuals signal that your table is part of the celebration. 

3. Promote the Event Early and Often 

Use: 

• Facebook Events 

• Instagram stories and countdowns 

• Local event calendars 

• Email newsletters 

• Community bulletin boards 

Don’t forget to tag the venue—they’ll often share with their network, doubling your reach. 

4. Offer Personalization 

Encourage buyers to gift signed copies. Have sample inscription ideas ready: 

• “Happy Holidays to _____!” 

• “Wishing you joy and inspiration this season.” 

• “For the reader who always believes in magic.” 

People love giving gifts that feel personal. 

5. Bring Print Collateral 

Bookmarks, small posters, business cards, and postcards help readers remember you—especially those who don’t buy immediately. Consider offering: 

• A free bookmark with every purchase 

• A postcard preview of your next book 

• A limited-time holiday discount code 

A little something extra goes a long way. 

6. Engage, Don’t Just Sit 

Smile, greet, ask questions: 

• “Who are you shopping for this season?” 

• “Do you enjoy thrillers/inspirational reads/children’s stories?” 

• “Want a quick holiday gift idea?” 

Friendly conversation is your best sales tool. 

7. Take Photos and Share the Moment 

Document the event for social media: 

• You signing books 

• Your table setup 

• Happy readers holding their purchases 

• The venue’s holiday décor 

This builds excitement and gives you shareable material for future promotions. 

Turn the Holidays into a Marketing Opportunity 

Hosting a holiday book signing is more than an event—it’s a chance to connect, inspire, and celebrate your book with real readers in a joyful setting. With a warm atmosphere, a strong display, and a little planning, your signing can boost sales, grow your fan base, and become an annual tradition. 

Start your publishing journey today and save. Your future readers are waiting! 

Outskirts Press 
Where gratitude meets great publishing. 

Connect with a Publishing Consultant today to learn how Outskirts Press can help YOU publish YOUR masterpiece:

• Call 1-888-672-6657
• Live Chat at OutskirtsPress.com
• Schedule a free consultation 

Outskirts Press stands behind our book printing and design services with the best 100% satisfaction guarantee in the self-publishing industry. Start publishing today.

---

^{Click above to watch the video. New authors, click here for your free publishing kit.}