From time to time in this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following are the words of Hillary Sigrist; author of “Warrior Wife.” To begin your self-publishing journey, get your free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
I’m a WestBow Author!
I’m not just self-published, not just an author, I’m published by WestBow Press! Why does that matter?
I imagine for most aspiring authors they begin their publishing journey much like I did; with a naïve innocence of the self-publishing world. They’re full of passion for their story and overwhelming excitement at the precept that writing dreams can come true. Now, they just have to begin the overwhelming journey of manuscript to book.
Today’s world is flushed with DIY marketplaces. The continued self-done message exists in every area of life, the publishing world is no different. In fact, as I did more research into self-publishing I realized that there is an excessive amount of both good and bad press associated with ‘vanity publishers’ as they’re commonly referred too.
Here’s the deal, the ability to so called, publish for free does exist, again we’ve been told we can do it all ourselves right? Not necessary! Let’s face it, by the time you’ve finished writing your first book, it’s basically become your baby. You’ve invested in mothering it for hours on end, some days late into the night. Don’t you want your baby to get off on the right steps once you’ve sent it into the world? Choosing to or to not partner with a company like WestBow Press is only the first decision of many that will affect the end product, and your possible future success.
When I found WestBow Press I knew I had found the home I needed to succeed. Thomas Nelson is a giant in the Christian Publishing Industry and the chance to at all be associated with them is definitely something I would pay for. Because WestBow is a division of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan, it carries their name attached to it. What does that mean for you? Well, simply this, if the giants of Christian Publishing are putting their stamp on the back cover it better contain the Christian Standard they’re associated with. That’s what the WestBow Press Editorial Standards are all about.
However, it goes beyond that. The professional team of experts attached to every aspect you do as your book becomes reality is irreplaceable. I genuinely felt that my book “Warrior Wife” was treated as important to WestBow. In a company that sees many books pass through its doors, mine was still treated as valuable. Because it is self-published I enjoyed the freedom to bring all my ideas to the front and see them executed by the professionals better than if I had chosen to go at it alone. Each member of the team attached to me throughout the process, was patient and helpful. I felt that they wanted to see success for my book right along with me.
By trusting the WestBow team with my baby, I feel like I’ve made the best decision I could have. Since my book went live August 2015; my achievements have already surpassed even my highest expectations. “Warrior Wife” has won an award, received numerous positive reviews by industry professionals and even paved a way for speaking engagements. I owe much of this success to WestBow Press and the quality they’ve given me in the dream turned reality.
I’m a WestBow Author! And YES that matters! My readers deserve nothing less!
For more information about my book “Warrior Wife: Overcoming the Unique Struggles of a Military Marriage” check out www.hillarysigrist.com or find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/warriorwifebook.
– WBP –
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books, are invited to do so by sending a message through the WestBow Press Facebook page and follow the WestBow Press Twitter account @WestBowPress. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation and length.