In this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journey. The following blog is from Marketta Smith, author of “Twenty-Nine Weeks and One Day.” For more information on the author, visit her website or check out her Instagram. To begin your self-publishing journey, get a free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
Losing a Loved One
God gave me a testimony to share with hundreds and thousands of individuals and one day, millions. I lost my daughter on February 5, 2017 after twenty-nine weeks and one day of pregnancy. Westbow Press changed my life and helped me through publishing my story, 29 Weeks and 1 Day. I hope my book changes and saves the lives, hopes, dreams, and self-esteem of others. Experiencing the loss of a loved one can strip anyone down to the unknown and the unthinkable but with God, hearts can be healed and comforted out of the deepest thoughts and acts of depression.
My Journey with WestBow Press
WestBow walked me through every stage of my journey through consistent feedback, weekly check-ins via email and phone.
WestBow Press will:
Work with you throughout the entire process,
Exhibit your work,
Support your vision,
Talk you through your comments and questions,
Better your story through expertise editors,
Offer you top-notch support and assistance, and
Wait patiently for you to move through your own writing process.
Growing with WestBow Press
Pressing forward with WestBow Press was an opportunity for me to grow as a person, a writer, and an author. The loss of my child was devastating. I needed to write and wanted to publish my first book. I wanted to share how I decided to overcome and not be buried in hopelessness and depression. It was an opportunity for me to heal and allow my story to heal and help others. I was given the time I need to really select a publishing company that would bring my vision to life. I was never rushed or pushed into making a quick decision. 
WestBow Press left an impression on not only my heart but the hearts of many others who or am experiencing some type of pain from a loss.
Changing Lives
My book 29 Weeks and 1 Day has begun to change lives of many others. It has reached individuals who suffer from depression due to loss since that impacts many people. My story gives hope that even in the darkest and lowest points of life you can always get up and get out if you activate just a little faith. God can and will do the rest. After publishing, I received inspiring messages on how my book took people living in depression to fighting to climb out. WestBow Press took my vision and perfected it. I initially didn’t believe I would make it through the process and at times wanted to quit. WestBow Press walked me through the entire process from start to finish and then beyond the finish. I am extremely satisfied, thankful, and grateful to become a first time published author through WestBow Press.
– 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 through the Blog Guidelines Page. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation, and length