We are thrilled to announce that BlueInk's first Best Book, "Carlos the Impossible," has been picked up by a major publisher! The gorgeously written novella by Jeffrey Belle is included in an anthology published by McSweeney's in December and is in the company of stories by such respected writers as Elmore Leonard, Julie Hecht and Jess Walter. Read about it here!

We are proud to have recognized this worthy title early in its publishing life!

It's a new year, bringing a new attitude, a new sense of fortitude...and a new slew of books that promise to take us away from the same old lives we had last year—if only from the safety of our armchairs! BlueInk Review has recently uncovered some wonderful books that will take you to farflung places, whether it be to the shanty towns of Cuba or the mountain tops of Nepal. Here's a look at a few:

Cuba, the Island I Treasure, by Walter de Jesus Fitzwater: In this "intimate first-person account," 58-year-old Fitzwater writes vividly about a three-week trip to Cuba, where he was raised. He finds poverty and danger (narrowly escaping being robbed and beaten), but also an appreciation for his roots, resulting in a compelling story that "seeks to reconcile past and present in the life of a volatile nation—and in the life of the author."

Dancing on the Edge of an Endangered Planet, by John Mattson: Mattson has ridden rodeo broncs, trekked Amazon jungles, climbed peaks in Peru, kayaked hair-raising whitewater runs, scaled desert canyon pinnacles...and lived to tell the tales. In this fascinating photography book, he employs a breezy, humble, sitting-around-the-campfire voice, to introduce readers to a global cast of colorful characters that, through a blending of skill, willpower and courage, overcome the inner and outer limits of wilderness experience.

Fate Worse Than Death, by David Holsworth: In this fast-paced book, Holsworth recalls adventures as a mountaineer that have taken him into perilous places, from the frozen waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies to the highest peak in North Africa. In his early mountaineering years, he dangled by one arm while climbing solo on an icefall; fell while rock climbing and walked away unscathed; skied safely through avalanche terrain "and with each close call…felt more invincible” — until he came face to face with his biggest challenge of all.

Anyone who has tried self publishing knows that it’s a contact sport; there are countless mental blows to absorb. First, you face a tough lineup of naysayers who try to talk you out the endeavor. Then, you have to tackle your own critical inner voice that’s telling you you’re wasting your time. And once the book is published, well, you’re back in the end zone with 100 yards to go when it comes to marketing the finished product.

As a self publisher, you need the fortitude of a Tim Tebow to keep your energy up for the entire game – and to do things right.

As 2011 gets underway, it seems the perfect time to review the game plan. Based on the books we’ve reviewed at BlueInk, here's a list of 10 New Year’s resolutions self publishers would be wise to heed.