2023 Gold Sponsor: GracePoint Matrix

by Women in Publishing Summit | Jan 24, 2023

When it comes to choosing partners for the Women in Publishing Summit, we are lucky to have so many companies who share our values. It's great to see companies stepping up to support women authors.

We're excited to announce that one of our favorite companies is stepping up to sponsor the Summit once again. Michelle Vandepas with GracePoint Publishing, is joining us as a Gold Sponsor!

People who’ve attended the Summit before will remember Michelle for her thoughtful presentations on publishing topics which marry her decades of publishing experience to create a book that sells with her deeply rooted passion for authentic, meaningful connection with her clients. Her whole business model truly embodies the Women in Publishing Summit ethos: “Empower. Encourage. Support.”

But even if you’ve heard Michelle speak at the Summit, in her TedX talk, or elsewhere, you might not know about GracePoint Publishing — so here’s your chance to learn more about them, and see if they’re right for your book!

What does GracePoint Publishing do?

GracePoint is a traditional publishing house that knows that traditional publishing just isn’t right for everyone. They have a big team dedicated to finding the path that works for you and your book. That means they publish books directly AND offer a partnership publishing route. They even have support for true self-publishing clients, if that’s what you need.

When you choose GracePoint, no matter what route to publishing is right for you, you work with a team of experts who will consult with you every step of the way, so your book achieves both your creative vision AND your benchmarks for success.

GracePoint can work with you from the jump, helping you write and edit, all the way through to building your marketing strategy. Whether you need a ghostwriter, a developmental edit or a branding consult, they have someone on their team to help. They offer author coaching, if you need some help in your creative process. And one big benefit that I really love: they can help with distribution – a confusing and expensive proposition for so many indie authors, I know.

GracePoint’s work stretches beyond your book – they know that there are all kinds of ways that today’s creatives grow their profile. If you’re looking for PR support, help developing online classes and opportunities for speaking engagements, GracePoint does that, too. They even have an in-house production studio that can create audiobooks and podcasts in support of your book or business.

This is all important stuff when it comes to choosing your publisher: GracePoint Publishing’s soup-to-nuts approach means you’ll never have to worry about starting from scratch with someone who doesn’t know your book or your story. You’ll be able to keep the momentum going through your book launch and WELL beyond it, to make sure your book isn’t just sitting in a warehouse someplace.

Choosing GracePoint means choosing an active participant in your book’s success.

What kind of author is right for GracePoint Publishing?

If you’re a leader, a teacher or a creative, GracePoint might be the perfect home for your book. The company was founded with a goal to “give voice to the voiceless,” and that’s been a big part of their mission over the years.

Some common genres that GracePoint has published include self-help, business, human design, channeled work, fantasy, fiction, physical therapy, spirituality, LGBTQ+, devotions, and SO much more. What’s most important to them is to maintain the author’s authentic voice and vision, and to ensure high quality, professional books that will find their perfect readers. Michelle has published over 1000 books in her career, so whatever your genre, she and her team have worked with someone in your shoes before!

How can I find out more about GracePoint Publishing?

Head on over to the GracePoint Publishing website and get in contact with them today to see if they’re the partner your book needs!

2023 Platinum Sponsor: Pub Site

by Women in Publishing Summit | Jan 18, 2023

2023 Platinum Sponsor: Pub Site

We're excited to announce that Pub Site is joining us a the platinum sponsor for our 2023 Women in Publishing Summit. Pub Site is the premiere website solution for author. Their support for a space of our own, as women in this industry, is a reflection of their commitment to an inclusive, accessible publishing industry.

We're looking forward to welcoming Fauzia Burke and her husband, John Burke, back to our conference this year. Alexa first connected with Fauzia when she saw her speak at BookExpo. We’ve been a huge fan of her transformative take on how authors can use their websites to grow their writing career. We’ve been privileged to see that happen in real time for clients, past attendees, and friends using Pub Site in the past few years.

The ease and elegance of Pub Site, quite simply, just works. And in a world where so much doesn’t, we're excited to share more about them with you!

What does Pub Site do?

In short, Pub Site works with authors to build functional, beautiful, smart websites that move their career forward.

That can happen several ways, depending on each author’s unique needs and wants. A variety of proven and specialized templates are available, or Pub Site offers custom design to create the website of your dreams, so you don’t have to worry about it.

Authors need different things on their websites than baseball leagues or jewelry stores or news sites. They need functional e-commerce, clear space to share creative content, places for landing pages and more. They need to have strong visual language and branding that tells potential readers what this writer is all about. They need to connect to all the important social sites, of course. And they definitely need clear, strong calls to action to get on the newsletter list.

Pub Site understands that. Fauzia has spent her whole career in book publicity and marketing – she’s built her company around knowing what authors need. Pub Site isn’t trying to sell you a template made for a realtor or a stone mason or a teacher. They’re giving you the opportunity to build a custom website for a working author that will attract ideal readers, aid in your marketing and become your digital home.

What kind of author needs Pub Site?

We believe that every author needs a website. A website is a great place for people to find out more about you and your books. It also allows them to connect with you on social media and through your email list.

We believe perfecting your book should come before learning a new technical skill set. Every spare minute you have as an authors should go first to making sure your book is everything it should be. Every step you take in marketing is a step towards a successful book.

So unless you love web design or are truly committed to an ultra-low cost process, spending some money on your website is a very smart bet.

Pub Site offers both a semi-DIY option for those who want to flex their creative muscles and get involved in the hands-on work of the website, AND a done-for-you option. We’ve had clients successfully use both, because Pub Site’s team is supportive and helpful at every turn.