A Military Success
When Carol Vandesteeg’s book was released on September 1, 2001, little did she know that our country would soon be plummeted into a war on terrorism that continues to this day. Her book “When Duty Calls” focuses on military deployment, and provides a guide to help military families prepare for separation. Carol wrote this guide after her husband’s deployment to Desert Storm with only a 24-hour notice. She realized she was unprepared for what turned out to be a lengthy separation, and wanted to help other military families in similar situations.
Now, four years and 22,000 copies later, Cook Communications has picked up the rights and will be republishing “When Duty Calls.” Carol was not searching for a publisher, but was simply attending the Protestant Women of the Chapel convention in November of 2004 to promote her book. Her booth happened to be across from the booth for Cook Communications, and the representative from Cook came over, picked up her book, and said “What a great looking book! Who published it?” Carol said, “WinePress Publishing.”
The Cook representative asked Carol if she still owned the rights and would be willing to sell them. Carol said she would consider it, but had a few concerns, and one prerequisite: that the cover remain visually the same because it contains the five emblems of the active duty military components.
Carol received a phone call from Cook in December, 2004, to tell her that “When Duty Calls” would be going through their review process. Committee after committee reviewed it, all returning the exciting answer that they wanted to publish the book. Cook wants to expand their ministry to the military market and will use her book in that effort. They offered Carol a contract, which she signed in February 2005. Her book will be released September 1, 2005. Carol was surprised at how quickly the process proceeded.
Carol commented that her experience with WinePress was very positive. She was happy with the way things were going and her book had more than paid for itself. She wasn’t looking for a new publisher, but when the offer came she decided she was ready to let a traditional publisher take over the marketing and promotion, freeing her to do more writing. Says Carol, “The book is reaching people and helping people. My prayer and goal for the future is that it will continue to do so.”
Tweet This!WinePress Author Pursued by Royalty Publisher
While most authors dream of obtaining a contract with a royalty publisher, Alvin Reid, author of Light the Fire, had the luxury of a publisher approaching him about publishing his book, previously published by WinePress in 2000.
Reid, Professor of Evangelism at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina, felt an urgency to get his message to youth after the Wedgwood shooting in Texas. He knew that self-publishing would be quicker but wasn’t sure about the quality. At the time he was searching for a publisher, someone gave him a WinePress book and he used the internet to make the connection. He was so impressed with the quality and services that he felt he should self-publish rather than seeking a traditional publisher, even though he’d been traditionally published by Kregel, Broadman and Holman, and others in the past.
Light the Fire was a success, selling over 5,500 copies. He’s received calls, e-mails and letters from youth all over the country excited about the message of his book, that God can use youth for his glory. Most teens thought they had to be older before they would be of use to the Lord. When Student Life came to his area, a friend told them about Light the Fire and they purchased 3,000 copies to take on tour around the United States as they minister to youth through speaking and music.
One day the marketing director from Kregel called Reid to get his ideas for marketing one of their books. He casually mentioned Light the Fire and she asked for a copy to evaluate. Kregel loved the book and since they are currently pursuing the college market they asked Reid to make a few changes for that age group. Reid said, “In addition to the quality of WinePress product, they also have great editorial services which made the book an easy switch to traditional publishing.” Though he had a wonderful experience self-publishing with WinePress Reid knew it was time to make the transition. He’s chosen to pursue writing and speaking, letting a traditional publisher handle the details of publishing and marketing. Having experienced both sides of the fence in publishing, Reid commented, “It’s hard to get traditionally published, so if a person has an opportunity to promote his own book I’m 100% for self-publishing. The quality is so much higher now than in the days of vanity publishing.”
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