I have not yet finished my manuscript, but
contacted Living Waters with a brief synopsis of
what the book is. I was amazed to have an answer
from them within nine days. Most publishers hadn't
even responded to me. With the help of Henry
Carlyle and Lacresha Hayes, I was able to catch a
lot of things in the earlier portions of the book that
would have affected my ability to get it published.
I've called on them more than four times and they
always answer me with great insight. I don't have a
contract with them, but I can't think of anyone else
I'd rather publish my book than the people who are
helping me to format it properly."
Carlyn, Louisiana
This is from their testimonial page. Carlyn, let me tell you something darling, the reason why those "legitimate" publishers did not contact you was because your manuscript WAS NOT FINISHED. That's why Living Waters responded so favorably to your problems. Also, you have NO contract with them, so your recommendation is moot. In fact, it looks like you picked up on one of their special programs and they are on your payroll. WHO suggested that your format was in need of work? And why format? What about content editing. Unless this was a non-fiction book, but if it was, the most important part of a project like that is the outline and proposal--trust me, they are tedious and involved, having sold my work on them alone.
"I just want to say that I love you people. You have been
an inspiration to me in this endeavor. I finally finished
my book with a lot of assistance from you. I'm glad you
accepted me as a client. After 10 companies denied me
and 20 others returned my partial manuscript
unopened, I had given up hope. But I was led to your
company and haven't regretted it since that time. Praise
God for a real Christian company that is more
interested in the stories you publish than the money you
make. Thank you and I will gladly refer you to anyone,
even the biggest names."
Carolyn Thomason, Illinois
Again, another unfinished book. Living Waters caught them in the creative stage, right where authors are most vunerable to hype, editing services, marketing, "formatting", or any other service provided.
Both of these examples are bought services--or I'll eat my hat with mustard.
We don't promise to be the least expensive option...
only the BEST option for SERIOUS authors.
I'm a dry Mormon and you've got MY hair standing on end with this comment. Many companies tout that only serious authors should be willing to invest in their own writing. I'm willing to bet my christian life that if Living Waters were to remove all of their fee-based operations, this company would fold, flat on its face, in a manner of weeks. 165 clients is a subsidy writer's mill--there, I've quoted a new term.
The president of this company posted a call for new authors on a Christian Fiction Yahoo group. The post used the phrase "we are a traditional publisher." Yike on the "call" and the phrase! The post said they can take on 75 (!) new authors--"are you one of the 75?" Yike again!
So, Living Waters put out the call for 75 new authors on a Christian Fiction Yahoop group? Say it with me AUTHOR MILL. No self-respecting legitimate publisher has to solicit new writers.
The whole LW site is geared to snag authors and NOT sell books.
Even the traditional arm has multiple conditions and charges. None of this is free or absorbed by the publisher. It all costs.
Tri