Coaching towards publication for fiction and non-fiction writers. Beacon Literary Services

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 and speakers 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 twelve years. Her coaching and presentations have enabled many (74.4% of BLS clients) to realize their dream of commercial or self-publication, in both print and electronically. 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 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.

[For out-of-town clients, I use Skype for our meetings - it is a wonderful way to have face-to-face sessions at no cost. Many of my Metro Vancouver clients also prefer Skyping to phone calls and emails. My Skype name is Juliehf5.]

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:

December 2011, Kathy Lynn, Parenting Today and author of two books on child rearing:
I presented Julie with a challenging project this year and she more than rose to the challenge. I would heartily recommend her services. When you are in Julie’s capable hands you can relax and know that you will receive professional and accurate results.

April/May 2009, Joei Carlton-Hossack, author of How I Lost 3 lbs in 30 Years of Dieting:
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!

September 2008 and April 2008: Doug Matthews, author, Special Event Production: The Process and Special Event Production: The Resources, Elsevier 2007:
Thanks so much for the...VERY useful changes [to the proposal 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. (See more testimonials below)

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. ...I'm honoured to be your client.
And, "Thank you so much for the priceless gifts you give to authors like me."

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.

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. 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 book, 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 book 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: Doug Matthews, author of How to Create Fantasies and Win Accolades: a Practical Guide to Planning Special Events (self-pubbed):
...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've consistently been such a help to me, and I really appreciate it. Thanks, once again, for your ongoing support. What a mentor!
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. (October 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...

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.