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Publishing Services
"For five or more years, I struggled to write and publish my memoir, without results. In the summer of 2010, I was introduced to Mary Nilsen. From that moment forward, my work took wings. Guided by Mary's gentle approach, expertise, timely response, and wisdom, my book, A Privileged Life, became a reality. Published in November of 2010, less than three months after my introduction to Mary, my memoir has had legs. This book has reached more than 1000 persons in less than a year. If you need a professional who knows what to do--editing, advising, publishing at a reasonable cost, contact Mary Nilsen."
Delores Brisbon, Author
Content Editing
Do you have a manuscript that is nearing completion and ready for an experienced writer/editor to read it and give you revision suggestions? Are you looking for someone who understands and affirms both religion and spirituality? Someone who will help you deepen your thoughts and make more artful your prose?
Mary Nilsen has helped hundreds of former students and others bring their work to completion.
"So many asked for copies of my husband Mark's sermons, when he was campus pastor at Augustana College, that he planned to edit some of them, making them timeless, and create a book. But before that happened, he died. Eventually, that project became mine, but I hit an impasse trying to find an editor/publisher. Mary Nilsen was God's gift to me, inspiring me not only to finish Mark's work, but to combine it with reflections of my own, which became the memoir I have always wanted to write. Her artistic and wise sense of language, design and photographs helped me create a book that has been in immediate demand and will be a legacy for my family."Sandy Jerstad, Author
Layout and Design
Nilsen takes your MSWord document and transforms it with Creative Suites software into a beautiful, professional-looking book. Again, Mary works with authors to create a book that goes beyond their expectation and fulfills their dreams.
"For years, I had been collecting maps, brochures and photographs of Woman Lake in northern Minnesota and had a title: “The Other Woman: A Northern Minnesota Love Affair.” Then Mary Nilsen came for a visit, armed with her digital Nikon and a bubbling imagination. She liked the idea. “Just dream it into existence,” she kept saying, and photographed a sunset that became the book cover. So I put together 100 pages of copy, included some of my best photos, and sent it off to her. Then we spent a couple of days with her while she edited, photo-shopped, cajoled, slashed and burned, and most of all provided encouragement. The book, which had been a dream, came into existence and now has gone into a second printing, with total sales of some 1700 copies. It would never have happened without Mary of Zion Publishing, dreamer, literary midwife, cheerleader, and a good person to work with."
Cover Design
While you cannot judge a book by its cover, people often ignore books because of their covers. Nilsen works with authors to design a cover that speaks of the author’s content and personality and also invites readers to pick the book up.
Publishing Advice
Nilsen, experienced in e-publishing, Print On Demand publishing and print publishing can advise you on the most economical and efficient way to turn your typescript into a paper and/or e-book. Once your decision is made, Nilsen will make it happen.
Is Zion Publishing Right for You?
- Do you want to work collaboratively with an editor/designer to make your book what you want it to be? See the endorsements to understand how Nilsen works with authors to make their book the most personal and beautiful book possible.
- Do you want to keep all the rights and profits for your book? If so, then Zion is a good choice.
- Do you have a built in market for your book? If so, Zion might be right for you. Zion does not market or advise on marketing.
- Do you have access to a professional copy-editor? Typos of every sort get past the original writer and the content editor. Nilsen can recommend a copy-editor or you are free to make that contract on your own.
If you have questions, call 1-800-996-2777
or email: marynilsen@zionpublishing.org to describe your project and receive an estimate.
