Ken Welch spent 3 years in formal and informal training as a military intelligence (MI) specialist.  Then, in 1963, he was assigned to the Military Assistance Advisor Group, Vietnam. He immediately fell in love with the tropical paradise and the friendly people.  As an MI specialist, he had access to all sorts of  high level information.  One aspect of this information was that a vast military expansion was already being planned.  Colonels and generals were busy preparing for a much larger war. At the time, communist forces were few and far between.   One of Ken’s first significant duties involved planning for the overthrowing of the President of  the Republic of Vietnam. This resulted in years of government turmoil and a free rain of communist forces in Vietnam.  Ken regretted his minor role in this coup the rest of his life.  He doubted if American soldiers would have been needed in Vietnam had the coup not happened.     Trained and mentored by a brilliant Army Colonel/CIA Officer, Ken learned a simple and effective method to effectively bomb enemy base areas.  He applied this concept during his 3 years in the Capitol, during tours of duty in the northern provinces, and along the Ho Chi Minh (infiltration) Trail in Laos.  Unfortunately his efforts were thwarted by higher ranking officials that directed millions of tons of bombs on illusive radio transmissions.     Promoted but flustered, he volunteered to be an intelligence analyst for the 199th Light Infantry Brigade defending the Saigon/Long Binh Complex.  There he reported daily to the Brigade Commander (who Ken described as the Greatest Soldier Who Ever Lived).  There he became a respected member of the Brigade and it’s leaders.  However he was appalled at the higher ranking generals’ lack of understanding basic communist tactics and strategy.     After 2 years, the Brigade Commander left and Ken was recruited by the CIA to “neutralize” communist spies, terrorists, and supporters.  Although the operation was successful it was “smoke and mirrors” with double agents, double crossers, corruption, and lack of support.  Finally, after 7 continuous years of war, Ken was burned-out, double crossed, and disgusted.  He felt that himself and all his Vietnamese friends and allies were betrayed.  The end was in site. He left Vietnam in tears.

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Have you written a book that you’d like to publish?

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

• Call 1-888-672-6657
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The start of a new year brings a renewed sense of possibility—and for writers and authors, it’s the perfect moment to refocus on creative goals. Whether you’re working on your first manuscript, preparing to publish, or looking to grow your readership, the New Year offers a natural reset point for your writing and publishing journey.

Here are practical New Year’s resolutions authors can make—and keep—to move closer to seeing their books written, published, and successfully marketed.

Commit to a Consistent Writing Routine

One of the most common author resolutions is also the most powerful: write more consistently.

Instead of setting an overwhelming goal like “write a whole book,” focus on manageable habits:

– Write for 30 minutes a day 
– Set a weekly word count goal 
– Designate specific writing days 
– Create a distraction-free writing space 

Consistency—not perfection—is what turns ideas into finished manuscripts.

Finish the Manuscript You’ve Been Putting Off

If you already have a draft in progress, make finishing it your top priority this year. Many authors get stuck in endless revision or abandon projects halfway through.

A helpful approach is to:
– Set a realistic completion deadline 
– Break the manuscript into sections or chapters 
– Focus on finishing first, refining later 

A completed manuscript opens the door to editing, publishing, and sharing your work with readers.

Learn the Publishing Process

The New Year is an ideal time to educate yourself about how publishing really works—especially if you plan to self-publish.

Make it a goal to understand:
– Editing and proofreading stages 
– Book design and formatting 
– ISBNs and copyright basics 
– Distribution options (online and retail) 
– The difference between DIY and full-service self-publishing 

Knowledge empowers you to make confident, informed decisions about your book.

Set a Publishing Timeline

Turning a manuscript into a published book requires planning. Rather than leaving things open-ended, set a clear timeline for the year ahead.

Your publishing resolution might include:
– Choosing a publication window 
– Scheduling editing and design milestones 
– Preparing distribution and launch plans 
– Allowing time for pre-launch promotion 

A realistic timeline keeps your project moving forward and prevents costly delays.

Build or Refresh Your Author Platform

A new year is a great time to strengthen your author presence. Even modest improvements can make a big difference over time.

Consider resolving to:
– Update your author bio or website 
– Start or consistently use one social platform 
– Build or clean up your email list 
– Engage more regularly with readers 

You don’t need to be everywhere—just present where your readers are.

Create a Simple Book Marketing Plan

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The best resolutions focus on sustainable actions rather than one-time pushes.

Your marketing goals might include:
– Posting weekly book-related content 
– Reaching out to bloggers or podcasters 
– Planning seasonal promotions 
– Learning how to run basic ads 
– Scheduling regular promotional check-ins 

Small, steady marketing efforts add up to long-term visibility.

Invest in Professional Support

Many authors resolve to “do it all themselves,” but one of the most productive New Year’s goals can be knowing when to ask for help.

Professional editing, design, and publishing guidance can:
– Improve your book’s quality 
– Save time and frustration 
– Help your book compete in the marketplace 
– Provide structure and accountability 

Treat your book like the serious project it is.

Reconnect With Your “Why”

Finally, take time to reflect on why you started writing in the first place. The New Year is as much about mindset as milestones.

Ask yourself:
– What do I want readers to gain from my book? 
– What kind of author do I want to be this year? 
– What does success look like for me right now? 

Reconnecting with your purpose helps sustain motivation throughout the year.

Make This the Year You Move Forward

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be grand—they just need to be intentional. By focusing on consistent writing, clear publishing goals, and realistic marketing efforts, this year can be the one where your ideas finally become a published book.

Whether you’re writing your first chapter or preparing your next release, the New Year is the perfect time to take the next step forward in your publishing journey.

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.

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As the clock winds down on 2025, many authors are taking a breath, wrapping up the year, and thinking ahead. If you’ve published a book or are preparing one for release, now is the perfect moment to set the stage for a productive, strategic 2026 book-marketing year. 

A well-organized plan today means less scrambling, fewer missed opportunities, and more consistent results all year long. Below are key steps you can take right now—plus a resource to help you get started. 

1. Review Your 2025 Metrics & Lessons 

Before diving into new plans, look back at what worked (and what didn’t): 

• Which promotional channels delivered the most engagement or sales (social, email, events, ads)? 

• Did any campaigns or events generate buzz or reviews that you want to replicate? 

• What tasks kept getting postponed? What bottlenecks stifled momentum? 

• Which dates or holidays in 2025 you missed but could plan for next year? 

Document your insights—it will shape smarter choices in 2026. 

2. Define Your 2026 Marketing Objectives 

Ask yourself these questions: 

• Do I aim to reach more readers (expand audience), sell more copies, or build a stronger author brand? 

• Will I release a new book in 2026, or focus on promoting an existing one? 

• What is my promotion budget and how many hours per week/month can I devote? 

• Which channels will I prioritize (online ads, blog/email, local events, collaborations, awards, etc.)? 

Clear objectives let you allocate your time and resources with purpose. 

3. Build Your 2026 Marketing Calendar 

Once you’ve reviewed, defined objectives, and gathered lessons learned, it’s time to map out when and how you’ll execute. A calendar helps you: 

• Identify key dates (book fairs, seasonal holidays, awareness months, award submission deadlines) 

• Spread your efforts so you avoid big rushes and gaps 

• Allocate time for content creation, launch preparation, promotion, and follow-up 

If you haven’t yet, consider using the Outskirts Press Author Marketing Calendar 2026 — a structured monthly layout designed for authors to plan, track, and execute their marketing. 
Explore it here: Outskirts Press Author Marketing Calendar 2026. 

4. Choose Your Anchor Campaigns 

Pick 2-3 major campaigns that will anchor your year—such as: 

• A book launch in spring 

• A summer reading challenge or giveaway 

• A fall awards submission push 

• A holiday-season promotion or new format (audiobook, special edition) 

These campaigns help you structure your calendar, create content in advance, and build momentum rather than always chasing last-minute tasks. 

5. Create Content Inventory & Systems 

Marketing isn’t just doing things—it’s having the content ready when you need it. Use January to: 

• Draft your author newsletter themes for the first half of the year 

• Create editable templates for social posts, graphics, email headers, bookmarks or promotional materials 

• Set up a content-repository (folder, drive, system) where you store visuals, blurbs, links, and promo copy 

• Plan recurring monthly tasks (e.g., blog post every month, email every other month, social live every quarter) 

These systems reduce stress and keep you consistent. 

6. Budget & Resource Planning 

Marketing takes money and time. On your calendar: 

• Allocate dates and budgets for advertising (Amazon, Facebook, BookBub, etc.) 

• Consider outsourcing or delegating tasks you’re less comfortable with (graphics, video, ad targeting) 

• Reserve funds and time for key events or awards (entry fees, travel, materials) 

By budgeting early, you avoid scrambling or overspending mid-year. 

7. Schedule a Quarterly Review 

Don’t set your plan and forget it. Set a reminder for March, June, and September to review: 

• What’s working? What’s not? 

• Are you on schedule for your anchor campaigns? 

• Do you need to adjust your tactics or re-allocate resources? 

• What can you prepare in advance for the next quarter? 

A plan that is flexible and reviewed regularly lasts. 

8. Launch Your Year with Intention 

Go into 2026 confident—not reacting, but acting. Your first steps matter in setting tone and pace. For example: 

• January: Send a “Book Marketing Roadmap for You” email to your newsletter list 

• Early Q1: Announce your big spring campaign or book release date 

• Pre-launch: Use your calendar to schedule content, create anticipation, and reach out to collaborators 

By starting strong, you build momentum that carries you into the rest of the year. 

Final Thoughts 

Because you write—for readers, for impact, for passion—you deserve a marketing year that supports your story. Starting your planning on December 31 gives you a head start. With clarity, a calendar, anchor campaigns, content systems, and a budget, 2026 can become your most deliberate, organized, and successful book-marketing year yet. 

Need help putting the pieces together? The Author Marketing Calendar 2026 is designed for this exact moment. Start today and give your book its best year. 
Explore the calendar → 

Here’s to a fresh year, a clear plan, and readers waiting to discover your story. 
Happy New Year—and happy planning!  

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.

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