tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post2116428583888503133..comments2023-08-21T02:23:54.992-05:00Comments on Timothy's Thoughts: Review: WestBow PressTimothy Fishhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06554064732811895577noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-39702937232815096492016-09-08T12:35:29.710-05:002016-09-08T12:35:29.710-05:00@Elizabeth I'm curious what you know by now on...@Elizabeth I'm curious what you know by now on WB Publishers. I was toying with signing a contract with them but decided to research them a bit more. Now I'm not sure what to do. I've had ten books published and done professional editing for a smaller publisher, so I'm not totally green about the process. But due to circumstances I can't (or won't, anyway) go back to the publisher I worked with for 13 years. I thought I'd take a crack at a publisher like West Bow in hopes of perhaps getting noticed by a major publisher. But now I'm not sure what to do. However, I'm also aware that most reviews for anything are written by disgruntled users, or purchasers, and that satisfied people seldom get around to writing reviews. I'd really like to hear how you made out, or make out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-74991993083585412412016-02-22T14:50:10.980-06:002016-02-22T14:50:10.980-06:00I wonder how many of the folks commenting here rea...I wonder how many of the folks commenting here realize that a) if a book is stitch bound, it must contain specified number of pages per section. I'm in the process of WestBow publishing. When the galley proof comes back to me, if there are blank pages, I'll make some adjustments or additions to fill them. I own many traditionally published books with a blank first page. And b) unless we are famous folks, we are not to expect strong marketing from any publisher, traditional or otherwise. These days authors are expected to put much of their own effort into it. I did much research in looking for the best self-publisher and found WestBow had the better cost after the month's special, world-wide exposure, and services included in the ProFormat package than others I looked into. So far in the process we have exchanged many emails and phone calls, and they have always responded within a day. Of course the finished copy is not yet in my hands but I promise I will report fully on that when I'm there.Elizabeth Rosianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10944659906947908877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-58268852533870616412016-02-16T19:27:50.359-06:002016-02-16T19:27:50.359-06:00I have researched Tate Publishing and there are qu...I have researched Tate Publishing and there are quite a few negative reviews that come up. However, my sister-in-law had her book published with Tate last year and she didn't have any complaints. Lisahttp://www.reststopforthesoul.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-63121931972445756152016-02-01T10:54:52.370-06:002016-02-01T10:54:52.370-06:00ever heard of Tate publishing?
Christian self-publ...ever heard of Tate publishing?<br /><a href="http://www.redemption-press.com" rel="nofollow">Christian self-publishing</a>Jr. Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15627387829300054935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-17642694333674030722016-01-06T22:20:09.351-06:002016-01-06T22:20:09.351-06:00What do people think of Outskirts Press? I see th...What do people think of Outskirts Press? I see that is was rated first among self-publishing.<br />Lu AnnAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07005420266668584816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-4168100494295857272015-06-17T14:23:44.704-05:002015-06-17T14:23:44.704-05:00Crossbooks and Westbow are the same outfit. See th...Crossbooks and Westbow are the same outfit. See this link: https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130714/18453023795/author-solutions-rep-people-complaining-about-our-scammy-services-are-engaged-racketeering.shtmlPriscilla Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00059923196828800736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-28209119375043543612015-06-17T13:40:26.943-05:002015-06-17T13:40:26.943-05:00Wow! I pray I will have a positive experience with...Wow! I pray I will have a positive experience with WestBow. I just signed their contract this week for a children's book. I self-published an adult book last year with CrossBooks entitled "How to Live Holy" and was quite pleased. I especially liked the cover page. I had given their design team my idea and they did a wonderful job. So I submitted a new manuscript for a children's book, and lo and behold they closed a couple months later before the publishing process had been completed. Needless to say, I was disappointed! However, they honorably refunded my money and recommended WestBow to continue the "distribution process" of the already published book. And without "any additional cost". So far, How to Live Holy is "unavailable" on Amazon, et al. until the CB and WB transition has been completed. After reading all these comments, I'm a bit concerned, but I'm going to trust God to "work together for good" everything that appears negative. I solicit your prayers. Thank you, Timothy, for your blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-10205142717493054142015-01-10T10:42:35.235-06:002015-01-10T10:42:35.235-06:00I recently was contacted by a Westbow Press Publis...I recently was contacted by a Westbow Press Publishing Consultant, and he was eager and ready to have me sign a contract with their company, but before I did, I Googled Westbow Press and found your blog and a scam page on the publisher (http://www.scambook.com/company/view/82953/Westbow-Press). I was already convinced not to go with Westbow Press after this, but what really sealed it for me was a book by D L Hughes called The Self-Publishing Trap: Discover the Difference Between Self-Publishing Scams, Traditional and Indie Publishing: Look Before You Leap into the Pay-to-Publish World. This book can be bought on amazon. WOW! was this book an eye opener. I would NEVER pay to publish a book after reading this book. Indie publishing is the way. Read it to know how you yourself can do it yourself as an indie publisher or utilize an indie publisher already established. Your royalties will double at the least!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09588926488480930294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-83637149773885277212014-12-19T10:54:22.034-06:002014-12-19T10:54:22.034-06:00I was an Author Solutions Employee for a number of...I was an Author Solutions Employee for a number of years. To avoid being that disgruntled ex employee I won't spill the beans on all the horrific things done by ASI, and there are many, but I will say that you should choose a different method to publish your book. I can give suggestions if anyone would like - but ASI and WBP isn't the way. ASI has had their successes to be sure, but there are better methods. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-40215355309780081412014-11-18T08:41:31.030-06:002014-11-18T08:41:31.030-06:00I have purchased a package deal through WestBow Pr...I have purchased a package deal through WestBow Press--I believe it was, now, roughly a year and a half ago. Reading this has made me nervous. I was too excited when I dropped the money, convincing myself that I had researched enough. When I had finished my first manuscript, they informed me that at that length, which was roughly 89,000 words, the estimated retail price was $27.95 for softcover and $42.95 for the hardcover. This was not acceptable, of course, as I cannot expect anyone to pay that amount for my first novel, as I would not spend that much myself! So, I stepped back and realized that I would have to cut my book into two separate books for it to work, but that would involve me paying for another package through WestBow Press, and I can't afford that! So, I set that manuscript aside and decided to move forward with a book that I intended to be a childrens book but is gradually evolving into something much different than what I intended (which is wonderful). So now, I'm hoping that the manuscript will not be as long so I can sell it at a reasonable price, but my biggest complaint with that is it has affected my writing and my plotting. If I have an idea, I have to weigh it against another in order to decide which one will fit within the book. While this leads to some good things, such as trimming out the fat early, it also quenches some ideas and that feels tragic to me. So here I am, with money invested into a company that I'm not sure about anymore. The makings of a more superior manuscript that is possibly being held back by the limitations of word count. I'm half tempted to just use CreateSpace, but I don't want to lose my investment. From what I understand of the terms of service, being that I've already turned in one manuscript, I can only get refunded 50% of my investment, save a $150 beginning fee. So, I don't know if anything I just said made sense, but I'm asking for help and I'm hoping you can give me some. Thanks!L.A.Rowlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05803148732094620068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-27638270247596769932014-11-18T08:39:08.558-06:002014-11-18T08:39:08.558-06:00I have purchased a package deal through WestBow Pr...I have purchased a package deal through WestBow Press--I believe it was, now, roughly a year and a half ago. Reading this has made me nervous. I was too excited when I dropped the money, convincing myself that I had researched enough. When I had finished my first manuscript, they informed me that at that length, which was roughly 89,000 words, the estimated retail price was $27.95 for softcover and $42.95 for the hardcover. This was not acceptable, of course, as I cannot expect anyone to pay that amount for my first novel, as I would not spend that much myself! So, I stepped back and realized that I would have to cut my book into two separate books for it to work, but that would involve me paying for another package through WestBow Press, and I can't afford that! So, I set that manuscript aside and decided to move forward with a book that I intended to be a childrens book but is gradually evolving into something much different than what I intended (which is wonderful). So now, I'm hoping that the manuscript will not be as long so I can sell it at a reasonable price, but my biggest complaint with that is it has affected my writing and my plotting. If I have an idea, I have to weigh it against another in order to decide which one will fit within the book. While this leads to some good things, such as trimming out the fat early, it also quenches some ideas and that feels tragic to me. So here I am, with money invested into a company that I'm not sure about anymore. The makings of a more superior manuscript that is possibly being held back by the limitations of word count. I'm half tempted to just use CreateSpace, but I don't want to lose my investment. From what I understand of the terms of service, being that I've already turned in one manuscript, I can only get refunded 50% of my investment, save a $150 beginning fee. So, I don't know if anything I just said made sense, but I'm asking for help and I'm hoping you can give me some. Thanks!L.A.Rowlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05803148732094620068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-60998892987814829292014-10-26T23:36:33.392-05:002014-10-26T23:36:33.392-05:00Tim, you must have contracted with their 'edit...Tim, you must have contracted with their 'editors' for any disruptive changes to be made to your text. I never paid for any such work, after their sample edit proved to be illiterate, both technically and spiritually. It was clear that if the people were even native speakers at all they were incompetent. I therefore kept my text entirely in my own hands.<br /><br />As for the cover design, yes, it can be a long battle to get what you want.<br /><br />The basic problem is that you are simply a paying customer in the hands of ASI under a misleading label. 'Westbow' is not a press at all. Nobody there is interested in your book as such.Priscilla Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00059923196828800736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-951415801893073532014-10-26T14:49:34.222-05:002014-10-26T14:49:34.222-05:00I have worked with photography and design clients ...I have worked with photography and design clients for 35 years and have never had an experience so terrible as with WestBow Press. I had written a 160 page book of poetry and short stories with a finished manuscript and I had finished artwork for the cover. WestBow Editorial took it and completely changed text, titles and punctuation, but I thought fine that is their suggestion. I specified I did not want the text changed, not the fonts or interior text design and it went to WestBow Design. They altered every page and changed my cover design, scrapped my spine (when I had told them I would adjust it according to the width they would specify). This went on and on for 7 months until they refused to allow me to submit a brighter color cover (because RGB to CMYK had dulled the images). I had no choice but to walk away without any refund. I have never in all my professional photography, graphic design and writing career had to deal with a company like WestBow. Tim Periornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-25429122082577278062014-06-24T12:59:32.435-05:002014-06-24T12:59:32.435-05:00The bookseller return will expire after a time and...The bookseller return will expire after a time and you will have to pay to renew it.<br /><br />I am not personally convinced that it did a thing for my sales: getting your book into bookshops in the first place is the basic problem.Priscilla Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00059923196828800736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-63690535436997117912014-06-24T09:02:03.036-05:002014-06-24T09:02:03.036-05:00Just finished reading all comments. About 6 years...Just finished reading all comments. About 6 years ago my agent got Thomas Nelson interested in my book and called me excitedly. She said they were discussing marketing etc. however a couple of weeks later she called me to tell me they were going to be cutting about 1/3 of their backlist. My book ended up not making it. I later found out that was about the time they were creating a self- publishing option. I was discouraged and just let the contract with my agent run out (she had 3 years to try to find a publisher, but after Thomas Nelson falling apart, she gave up). I am convinced that now is the right time. We are actually creating a promotional line of products to go with the book. I have been talking to Westbow for about 3 years. I plan to use a crowd-funding site to raise the money for publishing and will be offering front cover, back cover and other picture opportunities in the book. I guess I'm still not 100% convinced that Westbow is right for me, especially because my book is so clearly designed for a Christian market. But I do like the bookseller return because I am in a network with about 150 baby stores that may very well be wiling to stock it if we have that clause. I am really open to suggestions here!A Nurturing Momenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00456983985008360679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-31551377736918595672014-03-13T01:04:15.534-05:002014-03-13T01:04:15.534-05:00Unless you are really stuck on HB, which CreateSpa...Unless you are really stuck on HB, which CreateSpace won't do, my suggestion is that you go to Goodreads and the Christian Fiction Devourers group and appeal for beta readers. I've handled a couple of texts for Christian people there and eliminated very many proofreading errors for would-be authors. That way they published without that 'indie' look.Priscilla Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00059923196828800736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-12984340378272126112014-03-12T17:15:34.711-05:002014-03-12T17:15:34.711-05:00Hello Timothy, I found your Blog infomative and he...Hello Timothy, I found your Blog infomative and helpful however it left me with questions? I am ready to publish my first book and while I would love to do it completely on my own and use CreateSpace or Amazon for my publishing needs, I am not ready to tackle all the responsibilites associated with using these services. I know that when using these companies the author is responsible for taxes and liabilities, and as a new author the process itself is overwhelming. I am ready to move forward and understand that I still have the responsibilty of marketing and because money is a consideration, I am searching for a company that is honest and can produce a proper book. Can you please suggest a company that offers new authors peace of mind when trying to move forward. Thank you in advance - Michele Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13841836033325036170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-74051479128298698002014-03-12T17:12:51.942-05:002014-03-12T17:12:51.942-05:00Hello Timothy, I found your Blog infomative and he...Hello Timothy, I found your Blog infomative and helpful however it left me with questions? I am ready to publish my first book and while I would love to do it completely on my own and use CreateSpace or Amazon for my publishing needs, I am not ready to tackle all the responsibilites associated with using these services. I know that when using these companies the author is responsible for taxes and liabilities, and as a new author the process itself is overwhelming. I am ready to move forward and understand that I still have the responsibilty of marketing and because money is a consideration, I am searching for a company that is honest and can produce a proper book. Can you please suggest a company that offers new authors peace of mind when trying to move forward. Thank you in advance - Michele Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13841836033325036170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-24304114335009332332013-12-02T17:20:46.552-06:002013-12-02T17:20:46.552-06:00Hi Tim, I have read all the comments on publishing...Hi Tim, I have read all the comments on publishing and continue to be confused. I spoke with WestBow Press, looked into them. but after reading all what you said I don't think I will go with them. What are your thoughts on Crossbooks and on Tate? Please let me know what you have found out on them. I need to make a decision soon. I don't know who to go with. <br />thank youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-32544248124712931702013-11-08T14:09:19.393-06:002013-11-08T14:09:19.393-06:00I am excited that there are so many Christian writ...I am excited that there are so many Christian writers or hopefuls like myself. I am also excited about this blog. Like another writer said, I had just prayed for direction and almost immediately came across this blog. Thank you Timothy for your insightful, informative and apparent unbiased and honest opinion. Your and your followers have helped me a great deal. I am asking for the prayers of those who know the power of prayer to pray with me that my writing will be completed this year and that Sunday schools across the nation will take advantage of the years and labor of love and devotion that I have poured into this handbook as I believe that it will truly be a blessing to the Kingdom of God.<br /><br />Thank you and may God continue to bless your ministry.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13840842548153023009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-73947519707395668192013-10-17T08:57:26.096-05:002013-10-17T08:57:26.096-05:00Hello Everyone~
I'm finding the posts here ve...Hello Everyone~<br /><br />I'm finding the posts here very interesting. I'm in the process of publishing with Westbow Press. <br />First, let's look at a term used in sales: ROI (Return On Investment). To me, this publishing issue is about balancing 2 thins- the ROI and my faith. At 62, I feel like I have an advantage of 20+ years in sales and a 12 year business I founded and directed. My sales were driven mostly from word of mouth after about 6-8 years. But it was extremely tough to get to this point. Also, my business was highly successful, also being driven by word of mouth. But I invested a ton of time and resources to get started. So, I see a couple parallels with the book. Understand marketing (exposure of who you are and what you do) and sales (the result of good marketing). I think we (as authors)better have a good elevator pitch, but that's not all. Check your motive. What is it? Money? Or touching others through the written word? Or both? My goal is to encourage and comfort as I write. I believe the money will follow if my motive is right. I know I have not only the skill-set but gift to write that GOD gave me. In conclusion-be practical. Know yourself. Know your Publisher. Trust God. Do your part. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-48258209069672451032013-07-18T19:57:42.548-05:002013-07-18T19:57:42.548-05:00I just have authored my book 'Moments That Sha...I just have authored my book 'Moments That Shaped My Life: Life of an ordinary Malawian Boy' through Westbow Press. Below is my timeline:<br />March 2013 - Manuscript Sent <br />June 19, 2013 - Title live <br />July 7, 2013 - Ordered books arrived<br /><br />I am ver pleased with Westbow Press. I worked with professionals and they were timely in there responses throughout the journey. I should express here that there has been no time when I have felt being pressured into a decision.<br />I am impressed with the quality of the book and how quickly it has come out. I would not have asked for any thing better.<br />My book is already making a very good impression on the market.<br />As I speak more that 65 copies are already gone. I have scheduled events this month end in the local library and at Chapters Book store.<br />I have had two interviews with local radio stations, and one with the prin media.<br />If one would ask me where I would be taking my 2nd novel for publication, without hesitation I will answer, Westbow Press.nathan Bandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-12057202696316892642013-06-21T05:51:21.640-05:002013-06-21T05:51:21.640-05:00For the books I used CreateSpace for, I did the de...For the books I used CreateSpace for, I did the design work myself and used them for printing and distribution. I don't know that that approach is ideal for everyone, but it works for me and it keeps my costs low enough that it is easy to make a profit.Timothy Fishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06554064732811895577noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-62407345903130190602013-06-20T23:39:07.993-05:002013-06-20T23:39:07.993-05:00I've read a boatload of comments on Timothy...I've read a boatload of comments on Timothy's Thoughts blog dating back to 2010. WestBow Press has been communicating with me. Alicia insisted that she is a publishing consultant and NOT the sales person that she is. She gave me a homework assignment between phone calls to go through e-documents she sent me. I gave her a homework assignment to view my writing on my website, FREEdom from MEdom Project (www.freedomfrommedom.com). Guess who didn't do her homework assignment?<br /><br />She emphasized that the WestBow Press contract is an agreement in principle, more or less, and not an exclusive binding contract. So I asked then why all the legal language, and Alicia (who did a good job being professional and supportive about my ideas) spun a savvy response. <br /><br />A pastor friend of mine, Francis Leeman published on Create Space and his book is awesome. The cover art is fantastic. Anyway, I'd like to know if you have a Create Space experience; editing costs, who you used for editing, etc.<br /><br />Create Space so far appears to be the option to pursue.FREEdom from MEdom Projecthttp://freedomfrommedom.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275104442398599121.post-6993815425483791122013-05-23T14:42:04.837-05:002013-05-23T14:42:04.837-05:00I have been receiving calls from Author House who ...I have been receiving calls from Author House who told me today she would have Westbow contact me, that was after I told her my book was Christian. Westbow called and for some reason I decided to google Westbot and came across this blog..I am thankful for doing that, my eyes are open now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com