Reviews
Finding YOUR Path to Publication
“Based on experience and extensive research, Judy has created a digestible and easy-to-follow guide for anyone diving into a new world (to them) of publishing. Sometimes it’s hard to think of your creative masterpiece as “a product.” Judy’s guidance both respects your creative process and at the same time presents the realities of the outside world after the writing is done.— K.D. Sullivan, author of A Cure for the Common Word and co-founder, Untreed Reads Publishing
“If you have ever wanted to write and publish a book, but didn’t know where to start, Finding Your Path to Publication is for you. Built on years of experience as a successful author and publisher, Judy Penz Sheluk lays out the steps to getting your book out into the world in a simple to follow format—everything from making sure your book is the best it can be, to branding and social marketing, to pitching your baby to potential publishers. If you are new to the world of publishing, this in an excellent guide to making your dreams become a reality.”—Mike Martin, Co-Founder, Writers First
“A comprehensive resource for anyone interested in the business side of writing and the latest publishing options. Chock full of practical tips and sage advice, Penz Sheluk delivers the information in easily understandable bites with an insider’s knowledge. A highly recommended must-read for writers at any stage in their career.”—Brenda Chapman, Author of the Hunter and Tate Mysteries
“A True Vade Mecum: Finding Your Path to Publication is an extraordinary book that quite literally stands alone in its meticulously comprehensive and easy to read communication of information on the subject of steps to publication. This vade mecum should be read thoroughly before beginning your literary journey and referred to constantly throughout. Congratulations Judy Penz Sheluk on creating a truly practical step-by-step guide to publishing.”—James Terry, authorI
“I’ve read a number of books developed to help writers get their books published, but Judy Penz Sheluk’s book tops them all. This is definitely a book every writer needs to have on their reference shelf. It’s up to date with what’s happening in the publishing world. It’s also different in that Judy wrote it in first person, and it’s very conversational. Almost like she has a group of friends sitting around a campfire and she’s sharing everything she’s learned about publishing, which is a lot. By including her own personal experiences, the book goes beyond a simple “how-to” guide. I highly recommend this book to anyone hoping to publish their work.”—Grace Topping, author
“And you thought it would be easy. After all, the story’s been inside your head for a long time. Now you’re up to the NaNoWriMo challenge of writing a 50,000-word rough draft in a restricted time period. Can you do it? Others have, but is that the surest way of seeing your book in print? Writing is bringing it one step closer, but the most difficult part of the journey is yet to come: publishing! Judy Penz Sheluk’s Finding Your Path to Publication will help you maneuver the minefield of pitfalls in the vast and diverse world of publishing. Once you get out there with your 50,000-word (more or less) book, you’ll start to understand why and how the art of publishing can be so overwhelming. It’s more than just finding the publisher that’s a good fit for both you and your book. It’s about knowing what to expect from start to finish so you don’t get scammed or worse. Believe me when I tell you that even a good publishing contract can be fraught with unimaginable red flags. Been there; done that.” – READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW on READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK REVIEWS.
Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie
“User-friendly and methodically organized: the perfect guide for anyone interested in self-publishing. Answers all the questions you didn’t know you had.”—Lisa Tucker, The Book Cover, The Borderline Radio Soo
“Bestselling author and indie pro Judy Penz Sheluk takes the mystery out of self-publishing for both newbies and veteran authors considering this path. With clear explanations, handy checklists, and invaluable resources, Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie offers key information in a supportive but 100% businesslike manner to assist independent-minded authors in making educated, confident decisions. I will wholeheartedly recommend this guide to all of my editing clients interested in learning more about going indie.”— Lisa Mathews, Editor, Kill Your Darlings Editing Services
“Well-researched, well-organized, easy to read, and very comprehensive. Great both for newbies and old hands. I learned a lot!” —C.J. Shane, author of Letty Valdez, Cat Miranda, and Iron Horse mysteries
“A must have for every author embarking upon self-publishing. It’s a comprehensive business guide ranging from setting up your publishing identity, to uploading your books to various platforms, pricing, audiobooks, advertising and promotion, and so much more. This handy manual is rich with pro tips from an experienced author who has run the gamut and succeeded.”—Keenan Powell, Multi-nominated author of Implied Consent, a Maureen Gould Legal Thriller
“For anyone planning to self-publish, this is a definite must have. I suggest buying a print copy you can dog-ear and stick post-its in to keep track of all the important information. And there is a lot! For US or Canadian authors, this is a comprehensive guide to publishing platforms, marketing, and the like. In short, everything you could possibly need to know to self-publish your work. Sheluk breaks it all down into bite sized pieces you can come back to as needed – right down to how to calculate royalties and launch your new work!”—Diane Bator, author
“In Self-Publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie, Judy Penz Sheluk provides a comprehensive overview of the self-publishing landscape, discussing its exponential growth and accompanying challenges, including low sales and modest earnings for authors. She emphasizes the necessity for professional presentation, thorough editing, and feedback, likening self-publishing to running a small business. Sheluk guides authors through essential steps such as manuscript preparation, formatting, cover design, and pricing considerations for both digital and print formats. Detailed instructions are provided for utilizing platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, Draft2Digital, and IngramSpark, with an eye toward global distribution opportunities and promotional strategies. While she uses her personal journey as her lodestar, Sheluk shares insights on overcoming challenges, accessing grants and programs for authors, and engaging with the writing community for enhanced visibility and promotion of their work.” — READ THE COMPLETE REVIEW on READERS’ FAVORITE BOOK REVIEWS
Also available as a 2-book box set