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SOME BOOKS by
Julie H. Ferguson
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Last updated on
Sunday June 20, 2010
"Your advice has been right on the
money."
"Julie has the skill and
dexterity to coach...and she is a joy to work with."
"I
cannot thank you enough for the information and encouragement you shared so
generously."
...COACHING TOWARDS PUBLICATION...
Publishing and promotion is a complex world, full of insider rules and financial constraints which, if not respected, cause good books to wither on many a hard-drive and writers to question their calling. Don't let it happen to you!Beacon Literary Services believes writers and speakers need practical assistance, current information, and support throughout their journeys to success.
Julie H. Ferguson has been demystifying the publishing process for clients for over twelve years and has enabled many (74.4% of BLS clients) to realize their dream of publication with publishers such as Penguin Canada, HarperCollins, and Whitecap, as well as successfully self-publishing their books. Her honest one-on-one coaching provides aspiring authors with all the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed with commercial publishers or to self-publish high quality books.
BLS also assists writers to create promotional material - see below.
BLS offers you... an experienced expert on your team who
clarifies the process, reduces your anxiety, saves time, and
significantly ramps-up your chances of successful publication.
Whether you simply want an objective eye on your query letter or you want a professional coach to walk beside you throughout the publishing journey, BLS can provide the expertise for....
deciding between commercial or self-publishing
finding your marketing slant
choosing whether or not to approach agents
researching potential publishers and acquisition editors
selecting one of the 3 methods of self-publishing
perfecting your query letter/proposal/synopsis/cover letters
formatting and submitting your ms
managing your submissions
applying for ISBNs, Canadian CIP data, and registering your copyright
the production phase
the promotional phase
and much, much more
If you need help with your promotional material, BLS can help with this too:
Bios - long and short (for writers and speakers)
Publishers' catalogue blurbs
Media releases
Directory entries
Introductions
Book flyers
Mission and position statements for books
BLS clients have enjoyed a 74% success rate as of January 2009To enquire about the BLS coaching service, click here
*****For a recommended resource list, click here
...BLS does not edit full manuscripts....
For these, BLS recommends Joyce Gram.
Joyce is absolutely the BEST editor and formatter wwwgramediting.com.
Satisfied client testimonials include:
April/May 2009, Joei Carlton-Hossack, author of How I Lost 3 lbs in 30 Years...:
...thanks to your wonderful coaching, [my first mini-read] is ready.... I cannot thank you enough for the information and encouragement you shared so generously. I have a new writing career blossoming. +You are a real treasure to me....
February 2009, Don Cochrane, co-author of The Autumn Ring:
For the past number of years, as a result of workshops and other projects, I have come to rely on Beacon Literary Services. Julie Ferguson, in my opinion, is one of the top literary resource people in the province of British Columbia. When my co-author and I had completed the manuscript for our new book, The Autumn Ring, I contacted Julie and asked for recommendations for an editor and a printer. Julie was kind enough to suggest her own editor (Joyce Gram) and short run printer (Printorium), and told me to use her name.... This kind of knowledge and friendliness in someone with such a wide access to all aspects of writing and publishing, including self-publication and glossy family books, was invaluable. Julie is a resource I would strongly recommend for anyone at any stage in writing.November 2008, Eileen Reppenhagen, CGA and professional speaker:
Julie Ferguson has worked with me to polish my bio, various articles and other writing. I value her precise careful review of my writing more than she will ever realize. I recommend her highly if you are serious about polished presentations. Julie is a consummate professional."
October 2008, Casey Wolf, author of Finding Creatures and Other Stories, Wattle and Daub Books 2008:
Julie, thank you so much for all your help over the last year as I worked toward the publication of my short story collection. Your clear, to-the-point advice, always generously given, has been of great value throughout the process. Your humour, honesty, and encouragement have been inestimable. And on top of that, you are a fan and a photographer, too! Hooray!
October 2008: Anne Herman, Seattle, WA
I still remember the workshop [Marketing Out Loud] I took with you two years ago at the Surrey International Writers' Conference. It completely shifted the way I look at pitching. I had a bad case of stage fright, 'til I heard you speak. You said a pitch to an agent was a conversation with a human being, someone who also loves books. You said to pause, to listen to them, to be interested in what they have to say. Suddenly I could relax. I know how to talk to people, and I like doing that. Your session transformed an intimidating task into an enjoyable, easy chat. Thank you, thank you for practical, powerful advice.October 2008: Joei Carlton Hossack, author of Free Spirit: Born to Wander and many other travel books.
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THE THINGS THAT YOU SO GRACIOUSLY SHARED WITH ME. I'm definitely going to produce a few of those [smaller] books.... THANK YOU. Thank You. Thank you.
October 2008: Don Cochrane
As I expected, when it comes to advice you have knocked the ball out of the park when you came to the plate.... Gail and I send you our very sincere thanks. I will keep you posted and add you to the list of [our book's] acknowledgments.
September 2008 and April 2008: Doug Matthews, author , Special Event Production: The Process and Special Event Production: The Resources, Elsevier 2007
(See more testimonials below, Oct 2004 and December 2005)
"Thanks so much for the...VERY useful changes [to the pitch for my latest book]."
"... it's great to finally be recognized as an author. Got my first royalty cheque today.... Very nice!! It all started with you."
July 2007: medical student, UBC
"Thanks Julie.... You have no idea how much you've helped! I passed along the information to my group and we've gotten the wheels turning :)"July 2007: Eileen Reppenhagen, CGA and professional speaker (www.taxdetective.ca)
"Two sets of eyes are always better than one - that’s why I hire you. Consider yourself my other ‘eyes’ [and] very valuable ones at that; in fact, sometimes priceless."
March 11/07: Marja Bergen, author of Riding the Roller Coaster (Wood Lake Books, 1999) and A Firm Place to Stand (Word Alive, 2008)
"I'm a very fortunate person to have had your help...a great team effort"
January 3 and March 6/07: Monica Magnetti, author of Being in the Present: How to Create the Blueprint of Your Life and Outsmart Stress, Portofino Press, 2007
"[To] Julie H. Ferguson of Beacon Literary Services: for outstanding consulting and endless insight. Thank you for sharing your expertise with enthusiasm and passion during the crucial stages of this book." Also, "I'm honoured to be your client."
And, "Thank you so much for the priceless gifts you give to authors like me."
November 29/06, Leslie Gaudette
"Thanks very much for taking the time to give me such well-thought out advice yesterday.... You really helped and I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge."
December 27, 2005: Doug Matthews, on signing his first publishing contract (Elsevier) for two books, Special Event Production, Part One: The Process and Special Event Production, Part Two: The Resources--both due in 2007. (See also the testimonial below, Oct 2004 )
"I'm about to sign --------whew! And yes, it is a great feeling! Thanks for being a part of it."
November 24, 2005: Geoffrey X. Lane, Lane Consulting, author (self-pub) and professional speaker.
"Your insights are invaluable..."
October 22, 2005: K.C. Solano, delegate at SIWC 2005
"...thank you again for the advice and insight you gave me at the recent Surrey International Writers' Conference. It's amazing how a ten minute...conversation [can] clarify the information-dump...about query letters."
August 2005: Ann Thompson, author of Winning Choice on Abortion (2004), runner-up for the Vancity Book Prize 2005 (self-pub)
"You've consistently been such a help to me, and I really appreciate it. Thanks, once again, for your ongoing support. What a mentor!"
June 2005: Dora Fejes, translator of Helen Fielding's novel, Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination (Polirom, 2005), into Romanian
"[I] would like to thank...Julie Ferguson for the advice and priceless information regarding the political and modern life in London and elsewhere, as well as for the help in deciphering the incredible and ever-changing British slang."
May 2005: Eileen Reppenhagen, CGA and professional speaker
"Thank you! I don't think I could do it without you; you are truly wonderful!
March 2005: Geoffrey X. Lane, Lane Consulting
"Julie is that rare person - a successful writer who can teach others to write - and Julie accomplishes it with aplomb, flare, and insight - did I mention that Julie is truly a 'nice' person?"March 2005: Noel McNaughton, Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Edmonton, AB
"Julie is a highly skilled writer...and a great teacher. And, as a published author, she practices what she preaches! She has helped me get a clear understanding of how to write and get books published...."
February 2005: Shirley Walker, author of From Sailing Ships to Spitfires, Borealis Press (December 2005)
When the publisher at Borealis read my query on a Saturday last fall, he phoned me Saturday night and asked for my manuscript. A week later he called back and said that he and his partner had read it.... They really liked it, and he said he "loved' it..... I worked very hard over my manuscript and my query. I attended two of your workshops, enjoyed several one-on-one coaching sessions, and also used your ebook, Crafting Irresistible Queries. I agree with you whole-heartedly...you can't spend too much time on your query. I found your workshops, coaching, and ebook very helpful.
February 2005: the Rev. Dr. Catherine Hall, Rector, St. John the Apostle Anglican Church, Port Moody, BC.
Thank you for your recent work on our history for the day of the Heritage Society Tour...The combination of photographs and text is laid out in a very inviting way; in fact the whole document far exceeds the hopes and expectations I had.... I am deeply grateful for...the quality of the finished product and the prompt and timely response to my request.
Oct 2004: Dough Matthews, author of How to Create Fantasies and Win Accolades: a Practical Guide to Planning Special Events (self-pub)
"...the tremendous support you have given me...in bringing my first book project to fruition. Your advice has been right on the money. [My book] has gone through two reprints...has been well received in its market across Canada and is doing admirably well on Amazon. ...I thank you for your time, dedication and positive encouragement."
October 2004 and June 2005: Ann Thompson, author of Winning Choice on Abortion (2004), runner-up for the Vancity Book Prize 2005 (self-pub)
"You have indeed been a steadfast 'inspiration'" (June 2005)
"I owe you a tremendous vote of thanks! Not only have you encouraged me when no-one was doing so, but I used the people you referred me to, with great success! Lee Fodi did a superb cover for the book, and I'm glad to have met him into the bargain. Shirley Olson also designed the text and made the book as compact (that is to say, inexpensive) as possible. It looks very good." (Oct 2004)
June/August 2004: Eileen Reppenhagen, CGA and professional speaker
"Julie has the skill and dexterity to coach promotional writing. Her assistance has been invaluable, insightful and she is a joy to work with. ...The results were amazing. I now have a brochure I am proud to hand out..."
September 2003: Matthew A. Klippenstein, playwright of The Middle Path
"[Julie] opened my sight to the subtle, but simple, options I had for finding and approaching my target market -- lovers of Shakespeare and the Japanese community. Through all my dealings with her...Julie's professionalism has shone as brightly as her insight. I have benefited greatly from the lessons...and would heartily recommend [her coaching and] her seminars...to aspiring Canadian writers."
July 2002: Kathy Lynn, Parenting Today, author of Who's in Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home (both Whitecap).
"Julie helped me to understand my book contract and protect my interests without damaging my relationship with the publisher. With the knowledge she gave me I was in control of my book. It was a great experience!"
October 2000: Pat Koretchuk, author of Chasing the Comet, Wilfrid Laurier University Press, 2002
"Thank you so much for your help... I almost didn't go to the interview with the editor, but your comments helped me to brave it out."
To enquire about the BLS coaching for aspiring authors, click here
For more information, please contact
BEACON LITERARY SERVICES at:
(604)469-1319 or info@beaconlit.com
...from inspiration to publication!™
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