From novels and memoirs to poetry and family histories, here at Vale Life we can help turn your words into a beautifully produced book.
There are probably hundreds of books waiting to be written across the Vale of Glamorgan. Some are half-finished novels sitting on laptops. Others are life stories that friends and family have been saying for years really ought to be written down.
There are collections of poems, short stories, journals and memories, and perhaps a few completed manuscripts whose authors simply don’t know what to do with next. At Good Life, we can help.
We’ve spent almost two decades writing, editing, designing, printing and publishing magazines, and in recent years we’ve increasingly put that experience to work helping authors turn their words into real, professionally produced books.
Author, Michael Kollakis
From Barry to the bookshelf
One of our most recent projects was with Barry-based author Michael Kollakis and his latest novel, The Drunk, The Dumb & The Dead. Michael will already be familiar to some Vale Life readers through his earlier work, including Three Faces of February and Dial M for Merthyr. Working with a local author such as Michael is a good example of what we enjoy most about book publishing: taking someone’s work and helping them through those final, sometimes rather daunting stages towards publication. Finishing the manuscript isn’t actually the end of the job. In many ways, it’s simply the beginning of the next one.
Every book is different
We’ve also worked with local authors including John Holmes (also from Barry), whose remarkable story became The Evacuee: A True Story, and Penarth author Erica Austin’s The Webb Connection: The Story of a Welsh Family. The projects couldn’t be more individual, and that’s precisely the point. This is bespoke, personalised publishing.
Some people come to us with a manuscript that is virtually ready to go. Others need editorial help, proofreading or guidance with structure. Occasionally there’s a lifetime of memories, notes and stories that needs shaping into something coherent before the design process can even begin. We can become involved at whichever stage we’re needed.
That might include writing and ghostwriting, editing and proofreading, cover design, page design and typesetting, ISBN registration and British Library requirements, preparation for paperback or hardback printing, digital publication and assistance with sales and distribution. Importantly, we can also help when the book is finally ready to meet its readers.
Getting your book noticed
Publishing a book is a wonderful achievement, but selling it is another matter entirely. This is where our background gives authors another useful advantage. Good Life Publishing isn’t simply a book production company. We publish Vale Life and our wider family of Life magazines, while our creative work has always encompassed design, websites, PR, marketing and editorial. We understand what makes a good story from both sides of the desk.
For authors, that can mean professional photography and imagery, press releases, media packs, interviews, magazine and online features, website content and social media material. We can help position the author as well as the book, and create the material needed to approach the media professionally. After all, there’s little point producing a beautiful book if nobody knows it exists.
It doesn’t have to be a novel
Perhaps the most important thing we’d say to anyone contemplating a book is that you don’t have to think of yourself as an ‘author’ before you talk to us. You might have a fascinating family history you’d like to preserve for future generations, or perhaps you’ve written poetry all your life, kept journals, recorded memories or have an extraordinary personal story. You may have a business or specialist subject you’ve always wanted to write about, or there really could be a novel sitting on your laptop.
We won’t pretend that producing a book doesn’t involve work, but you don’t necessarily have to navigate editing, design, ISBNs, printing, publishing, distribution, publicity and everything else on your own. That’s where we can help. So, if there’s a manuscript gathering digital dust somewhere, or simply an idea that’s been rattling around in your head for years, perhaps it’s time we had a conversation. There might just be a story worth telling.
Could we help with your book?
We offer writing, editing, proofreading, book and cover design, typesetting, publishing support, print, PR and author promotion. Whether you have the beginnings of an idea or a finished manuscript, we’re always happy to have an initial conversation.
We’re here to help!
Call Jennifer on 07766 106701
or Mark on 07766 106731
Want to email us?
hello@goodlifepublishing.co.uk
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