Life By Grand Design
LifeByGrandDesign.net
  • HOME
  • BOOK SHOPPE
  • Life By Grand Design (Posts)
  • Pen to Page
  • SUBSCRIBE

“You don't stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” 
― George Bernard Shaw

Thank you for visiting and enjoy your stay!

BOOK SHOP

Introducing The Laurus Company: A Trusted and Professional Publishing Company.

3/25/2015

16 Comments

 
Picture
The Laurus Company Mission Statement 
"Our mission is to keep you from getting lost or becoming prey in the unfamiliar world of book publishing."

I have had the pleasure of working with this awesome publishing company for three of my books. The whole process was completely painless. Nancy understands that not every publishing company out there has the best interest of the author. Her life's work is to concentrate on helping the author and making their experience a great one with no regrets.

Picture
Nancy is the founder of Laurus Publishing. I can say with out a doubt, Nancy is a very hands on person. She  happily walked me through the process of publishing step by step. Nancy stayed in touch with me from the beginning to the end.  There were no hidden fees, and I was able to retain all my rights to my books. It was a great blessing to have worked with Nancy three different times. 

My first book published through Laurus Publishing was When Delilah Smiles.  The joy I felt when I first saw my book was unbelievable. It was sort of like falling in love for the first time.                                
        Oh my...this is wonderful, but what now?
Picture
Picture
One of the great things I loved about Nancy was her love of God and her heart for the new author. If you were like me, new to the publishing world and a new author, I did not know what to do nor the process. 

Nancy was more than willing to explain the steps in which we needed to get the book published. I found out fast that there was more than sending in a manuscript and getting it in print. It is not a small task! It takes time and effort . 

I honestly believe this!

The publisher has to care about your book as much as you do in order for it to be all it can be! 

The professionalism Nancy exhibited was evident throughout the process. Nancy has so much experience to share with the new or seasoned author. 

My brother Kevin and I decided to write a book together. Before we knew it, God's Playbook was born into existence. Not only was it a very special time working with my brother, but once again Nancy believed in us, putting her heart and soul into publishing a second book for me.
Picture
Kevin and Kim
Picture
Picture
My very first book was Sunnie and Her Peeps.  I jumped whole body into the publishing process without giving it much thought. I was green as could be and had no idea what I was doing. 

Did you say free publishing? Wow...what a deal! 

I loved my little story, but the little chicken book did not turn out the way I had dreamed it to be once it was published. 


I blame myself all the way! 


When someone tells you to look at the draft closely before approving, then you must look at the draft closely! All my pictures ended up at the back of the book. The chicken on the cover looked like a parrot or did it look like a chicken? I am not sure! Maybe I wanted my little book published so badly that I believed it looked like a chicken! It wasn't until my husband said...


"Honey is this a chicken or a parrot?"


Whose fault was it mine or the publishers? 


"For a certain price, you may have all the illustrations placed in the proper place and change the cover!" 

"But you said this was free..."

My personal opinion is this and mine alone!

A publisher that does NOT have a "personal" investment in your book will not give it their all. A personal investment meaning...they truly have a love for helping a new author look his or her best. It is their life's work or calling. The almighty dollar does not drive them!

Saying that... I blame myself for not taking the time to learn the publishing world. I just wanted to see my little book in print like yesterday!

I shared this thought a few years ago with Nancy and she told me when I was ready to re-publish my book, that she would gladly take on this challenge. 


There was this little problem though...that "free thing" had all rights to my book for seven years. Almost five years had passed and I never dreamed I could buy back my rights sooner than seven years. 

Miraculously...I received an email. 

If you would like to buy back your rights for a certain low price, you can! 

Could this really be true? I can buy back my rights?

It must have been all the books I sold for the company! They wanted to reward me and let me buy back my rights. NOT!

This time I made sure I got everything in writing. I have to say they were very helpful to receive my money and unload my book back into my now capable hands.

I knew in my heart that Sunnie and Her Peeps was a great little story, but when they say presentation is everything, it is very true!  I have learned you must capture the reader at first glance whether it be the cover, the title, or the first chapter. 

If not for Nancy...my little book would be forever lost in the sea of forgotten stories.

Nancy kept her word. My little children's book is now completed and will hit the press any day now. It is now all I had dreamed it to be. The title had to be changed, but it is now filled with colorful illustrations and has the professional look I always wanted.

If there is a moral to this story, it is this! 

Do not be afraid to rethink an old story that has possibly got lost in the world of books. Be gentle and forgiving with yourself. We learn from our mistakes. If you think about it, nothing really is a mistake, only a learning opportunity. 

Your story may be sitting in a drawer and needs to be dusted off and refurbished. Remember, you are the one running this show! Always follow your gut deep inside you. It is there for a reason. 


If it looks like a parrot...then most likely it is a parrot!!!!

For me...I am not looking for a best seller, although of course it is every authors dream, but I was looking to satisfy that inner voice inside me that continued to push me forward in republishing this little book. I can now say I gave it all the love I knew it deserved and more.
Let me introduce you to For the Love of Peeps
Picture
More about Laurus Publishing...
I am honored to share the bio from Nancy's site below so that you can read for yourself their humble beginnings and the work they are doing stateside and abroad. Please take time to visit their book store as well. I have provided the link to their site below.
Picture
"The Laurus Company (TLC), a Texas corporation based in the Central Florida area, is a service-oriented book publisher.Although The Laurus Company, founded in 2009, is a relatively new name in the publishing industry, its founder and CEO has a career spanning three decades in print media, publishing, advertising, and web design and development.

The mission of The Laurus Company is simple—to help our clients meet their publishing goals by providing the highest-quality products and services for the most economical cost. There is no "assembly-line" work at TLC. Each author we work with is treated with individual care and respect, and each book we publish gets our undivided attention. We keep our pricing simple and operate with the most transparency possible."

TLC currently publishes under three different imprints:

Laurus Books, for Christian and non-fiction books

Laurus Junior Series, books for children and youth

Marbry Books, for fiction books


The Laurus Company is a full-service publisher and can meet all of your publishing needs, from editorial and design, to Print-On-Demand (POD), to listings in wholesale catalogs. Through the Ingram Book Company, book orders can be printed and shipped from the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Australia. This saves on expensive shipping costs and makes our books available to most of the world. Negotiations are underway in the Far East.

Laurus Bookstore maintains a catalog of books and e-books for Internet retail sales, and provides distribution and fulfillment services. Royalties are paid quarterly on all sales. At The Laurus Company, our clients are our number one priority, deserving of honor, respect, and our TLC. Laurus is a genus or class of evergreen trees belonging to the Laurel family. The foliage of the true laurel (Laurus Nobilis) has long been used as a crown of distinction honoring outstanding achievement. At the Laurus Company, our authors are treated as laureates, deserving of honor and TLC.

The Laurus Company is owned and operated by Nancy E. Williams, a businesswoman, graphic designer, and book editor whose career spans three decades.

In 1980, Nancy opened Graphic Professionals, Inc., a commercial graphics and design studio in Atlanta, Georgia. Her 100+ clients appreciated the benefits of her editing and writing skills as she corrected and improved their printed materials. In the mid ’90s, after personal computers and desktop publishing took a huge bite out of commercial graphics businesses, Nancy closed shop but continued to work at home. She was still producing a magazine for one of her clients 25 years later. It was this client who encouraged her to learn web development in order to have the magazine online. Their first website contained over 50 unique pages.

While operating Graphic Professionals, Nancy landed a contract to edit and produce Christian books. She knew she had found her niche. After closing the graphics company, she continued her work as a freelance book ­editor, designer, and web developer.

With a heart for helping people, she was grieved when she saw authors struggling to find the right resources for publishing and/or printing their books. She watched as some of them made unwise decisions and others fall prey to unscrupulous vendors. She knew she had knowledge and ­experience that could help guide them. She has stated that most first-time authors are like fish out of water struggling to survive on a beach full of cats.

Nancy’s decision was made. In May 2009, she incorporated and with the help of her daughter, Diana L. Meadows, hung out her shingle as The Laurus Company, a full-service publisher. In addition to editorial and design services, she was able to provide book printing as a small publisher with the Ingram Group, providing economical Print-On-Demand (POD) printing, as well as traditional offset printing as needed. This affiliation with Ingram Books means the books are affordable to print in small quantities and are available for retail sales through the major booksellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, Spring Arbor, etc. In addition to the U.S. market, books by Laurus are also available in Canada, the United Kingdom, the countries of the European Union, Brazil, and Australia. The Far East will soon be added to this line-up of countries. E-books are in markets worldwide. The Laurus Company also offers distribution and fulfillment services. As the company grows, watch for more exciting news from The Laurus Company. Nancy is married with four grown children and a wallet full of grand-pics."

Company Overview:

"Laurus Books is the premier imprint of The Laurus Company and specializes in books that adhere to Christian biblical principles. We also consider other fiction and non-fiction manuscripts that are not Christian in nature but do not conflict with Christian principles. Books outside these parameters will be considered for publication under one of our other imprints."

Below  is one of Nancy's favorite Bible verses and song.

May the name of the Lord be forever praised!

" that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding[a]being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come."

Ephesians 1:17-21


"Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it."
Habakkuk 2:2

Picture
The Laurus Publishing Company also creates and publishes electronic books and has recently begun to publish audio books.
The Laurus Publishing Company
Thank you Nancy, from all of us authors, 
 you have so graciously served. 
16 Comments
Vicki link
3/25/2015 03:28:58 am

Dear Kimmie,

This info about your publishing experiences is very useful. I'll certainly be looking very closely at The Laurus Publishing Company. Glad it's been so positive for you, and thanks for the recommendation.
I'm glad you're re-publishing under very different conditions!
Love and hugs

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 02:51:53 am

Thank you Vicki for letting me share this awesome company. I hope you will take a look.
Hugs
Kimmie

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
3/25/2015 04:07:39 am

Kimi,

I love it that you're doing such a great job on catching up with your posts. Your new site is coming along beautifully! I'm also excited that your globe is getting more and more lights showing up on it!

Ditto what Vicki said regarding info on Laurus Publishing. I think I first became familiar with them via Brenda Barnes. I too am very happy Laurus is bringing Sunnie's Peeps back to the spotlight. The story of how Laurus came to be is awesome. Thanks for sharing!

femme

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 02:53:05 am

Hi Femme,
Thank you so much. I am humbled by all the responses. I love being able to share my thoughts and to know someone is reading them is amazing..lol
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Martie link
3/25/2015 06:18:17 am

Dear Kimmie, you have aroused so many emotions in me with this post of yours - happiness for you, admiration for The Laurus Company, and fear for myself. I am about ready to take this leap into the world of publishers. Living down here, where the Post Office is one of the most unreliable organizations, and private mail services are quite expensive, I am honestly not sure what to do. Sticking for the time being to electronic books, or not?

One step at a time, I keep telling myself. Thank you so much for this useful information. May all your books sell like sweet cake all over the world :)

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 02:54:48 am

Dearest Martie
I am so very excited for you. It has been way overdue. You are a wonderful and talented writer and I cannot wait to see your work in print. Wishing you always the very best life has to offer.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Mike
3/25/2015 06:57:10 am

Hello Kimmie, Every title I have seen produced by The Laurus Company is first rate. So glad that 'For the Love of Peeps' has evolved to fit your vision.

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 02:56:34 am

Dear Mike,
Laurus is a great company to work with but I have to say you also have been such an instrument in me being able to be published. You do a great job as well and I cant thank you enough for all the time and effort you given me.
God bless my friend
Kimmie

Reply
Sannel link
3/25/2015 09:58:37 am

Dear Kimmie,
Knowing how dear to your heart 'For the Love of Peeps' is, I'm so thrilled to hear the good news. I can't wait to read your book, and the cover is adorable. Thumbs up to illustrator, Grace Metzger Forrest. :)
I wish you the best of success with the book sales.
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 02:58:08 am

Thank you Sannel. Yes Grace is as talented as you are. I have been blessed to have two wonderful illustrators in my life. How wonderful is that? Thank you for taking the time to write a sweet comment.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Will Starr link
3/25/2015 10:23:40 am

I think I'll give Laurus Publishing a look-see, Sunnie day!

BTW, When Delilah Smiles has a place of honor on our bookshelf!

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/26/2015 03:00:37 am

Dear Will
I am so honored that you have a copy of Delilah on your book shelf. I do hope you will give Laurus a try...I know you will not be disappointed. Wishing you the very best. I did give a little heads up to Nancy that a talented Western story writer I know may be checking her company out...:))
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
3/25/2015 09:53:13 pm

Dear Kimmie,

This is a wonderful post on many levels. It is great to hear your journey, especially how The Peeps have persevered and are rightfully returning to you where they belong - can't wait to get my copies of this book as well.

I am also grateful to learn about Laurus Publishing and the ethical woman behind it as well. Thanks for sharing Nancy's story with us.

Have a peaceful day. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/27/2015 01:07:43 pm

Hello sweet Maria
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Thank you for coming by and always offering such support.
Love and hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Brenda
3/26/2015 10:00:55 pm

Hello friend. Your review of Nancy and The Laurus Company is spot on. Every book I have published through Laurus has been quality, painless thanks to Nancy and a joy to promote. I am so excited for you and your Peeps. It is such a lovely tale and one deserving of Grace's amazing art, Nancy's perfect publishing and your gift of words.

Reply
Kim Thompson
3/27/2015 01:08:57 pm

Hello dearest Brenda
Thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment in support of Nancy. I know she has done such great work for you as well. I love your books so much.
God bless you always
Love
Kimmie

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed


    To subscribe to Pen to Page, enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    Pen to Page Posts

    ↑ Grab this Headline Animator


    Picture

    Virtual Busker

    Graceful Intentions is a free-to-use site, but, if you like my work and would like to leave a tip, I'll surely put it to good use!

    Even small amounts make a difference add up to make big differences.

    Tipping made easy!

    1.Click here to use PayPal 
    ​
    2. Select friends or family option
    ​
    3. Issue to kimmie6078@yahoo.com

    ​God bless you and thanks for your support of the indie biz (independent business) community!
    ​

    Go to...

    Home
    Book Shoppe
    Life By Grand Design
    Subscribe/Contact Me

    Archives

    June 2019
    February 2019
    December 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015


    The Web Only Your Site

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.