In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to prolific author Karl Beckstrand.

Karl talks to us about marketing and the difference between traditional and self-publishing.

College media instructor Karl Beckstrand is the best-selling author of 27 titles (and 65 e-books) with reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal.

Karl was raised in San Jose, California and has a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate.

His western, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award.

Beckstrand’s mysteries, nonfiction, STEM, and Spanish/bilingual books feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist.

Karl has a plethora of accolades:

• His 27th book - Abundant Paths (nonfiction) was just called “Definitive” by Publisher’s Weekly.
• His bilingual picture book Crumbs on the stairs was named in the top 10 "Best Books" of 2011 by ForeWord Reviews Magazine and featured in School Library Journal.
• His western novel - Swallow the earth won a 2016 International Book Award and was a Laramie Award finalist.
• His kid’s parable on earning a living - the Bridge of the golden wood was selected by the State of Vermont for primary school career/finance curriculum (another was selected for agriculture curriculum in Oregon and Georgia).

Karl also teaches media at a state college, has had numerous books at #1 in their category, and have received nods from Kirkus and The Horn Book.