“As an old marketing guy – I used to teach the subject as a professor at the Harvard Business School — FriesenPress offered me excellent advice on how to convert a sprawling, somewhat unfocused, and certainly unpolished manuscript into a product which is marketable.

They led me by the hand through a very complex process – the intricacies of which, at the outset, were not obvious to me, but which I now know are indispensable. This is no place for do-it-yourself or amateur efforts. FriesenPress handles it all, tactfully and professionally — at a reasonable cost.

Having built a product to market, I was further impressed with their practical advice on a range of issues from pricing, book quality, markups, royalties, channel selection, distribution alternatives, book reviews, promotion, and everything else which goes into the successful commercialization of a book.

So, do you want to write and sell a book? Congratulations! It is no simple assignment – and the professionals at FriesenPress will guide you each step of the way.”

— Ralph Sultan, former Professor of Marketing at Harvard University’s
Graduate School of Business Administration and author of
Ralph and all the Sultans: A Family Memoir


"Throughout my experience with FriesenPress I found there were no surprises, and the process was essentially the same as with the traditional publisher that picked up my book

In fact, I truly believe that my learning curve with FriesenPress is what made the process with the traditional publisher smooth and easy. I was able to navigate a lot of the contract on my own and didn't feel like a rookie who's desperately trying to sign a publishing deal. The fact that my book was already out there and selling also gave me a little more leverage in negotiations. 

Overall, I've had an incredible experience with FriesenPress and you've got a great team. I'm so happy to have self-published with you. I don't think I'd be where I am if it wasn't for FriesenPress."

Lee Know, Author of
Life: The Epic Story of Our Mitochondria

Sara Gilbert Smith Publicity.png

 "I've worked with new and experienced authors for over a decade and understand the confusing decisions and web of choices they face when selecting the path to publish.

The integrity I've seen from the team at FriesenPress when guiding authors is unmatched. The care in understanding the author's needs and the individual attention given is authentic—they simply want their authors to succeed.

FriesenPress is the perfect combination of trustworthy and professional. Highly recommended!"

Sarah Gilbert, Publicist & Business Development Manager
Smith Publicity


“Are you ready to tell your story? I was. And when I had completed my manuscript, I asked myself “what now?”

This decision was easy. I had worked so hard writing my story, I deserved the best. I called FriesenPress.

Within minutes, I was speaking to a professional who guided my path, took away all my anxiety, and was super friendly. It took seven months from start to finish; yes, that’s all it took, and my books are now being sold worldwide. The steps to self-publishing are so easy to follow.

The partners at FriesenPress keep it simple and the team makes suggestions that allow your story to flourish. I loved being involved in the artwork as my book cover is just perfect. AND I still own my book. But best of all...I have made new friends.”

Anne Beatson, Author of
A Master Plan of my Love Life

Trusted advisors. Fine craftspeople. Family. These are a few of the things that come to mind when I reflect on my experience with FriesenPress.

I was a first time author with no clue how to take my raw book concept to fruition. FriesenPress provided expert counsel throughout the process and delivered a beautiful work of art. I had countless conversations with advisors to get me through the rigors of the book publishing journey. From the initial anxiety of whether I wanted to publish or not, to the nuts and bolts of book composition, to the complexities of book marketing, FriesenPress was there. Their Author Account Center is very user friendly and a valuable resource to keep track of every aspect of publishing your book. I am a huge fan of this company and hope to use them again.”

Dr. Neil Craton, Author of
Wisdom from the Homeless


I have published four children’s books with FriesenPress and can’t say enough about their expertise and professionalism. I worked with three different highly-skilled illustrators who were able to capture my vision and bring text to life through vibrant and bold illustrations. Outstanding layout and design rival those of traditional publishers and generate ongoing compliments. The team at FriesenPress helps you to not only accomplish your goals as a writer, but ensures that your book appeals to the right audience in order to optimize sales. I would highly recommend FriesenPress for your publishing journey.”

Trish Hammond, Author of
5 FriesenPress-published children’s books

“Over the past two years, my team helped me publish my deceased mother’s children’s stories. It was my promise to her and it was a very emotional experience. The people at FriesenPress were so lovely and supportive while I was trying to do something completely new to me. If I publish again, I wouldn’t hesitate to use them.

Thanks to FriesenPress, my mother’s dream has come true and now children everywhere can read Twinkles and Wings: Stories of Hope and Belonging by Tannis Mary Fisher and illustrated by Roz MacLean.”

Arwyn King,
Twinkles and Wings


“With the support of the talented professionals at FriesenPress we gifted my sister-in-law Joan Harder with the publication of her lifetime of writing: From Prairie Roots to Lake Erie Shores. Throughout the process FriesenPress staff listened and heard our priorities. They never wavered, providing timely prompts and support. They were committed to our goals and were our cheerleaders as we went through an unfamiliar process. We were never pressured. We got sound advice, but still did the book our way. Most importantly, our dear 90 year old Joan has cried happy tears with a book in her hand and is extremely proud of her accomplishment.”

John and Janet Thomas,
From Prairie Roots to Lake Erie Shores

“When I look back on the publication of my words and all that was involved in getting my story into book format, FriesenPress and its fabulous staff showed off their stellar talents in creating my dream.

A self-published author has nothing to worry about when working with FriesenPress. My publishing specialist guided me through all of my timelines and kept me calm when my urge to hit the panic button was near.

I'm thrilled to say that my book lives on the shelves of local bookstores. I look forward to collaborating with FriesenPress in the future!”

Denise Letienne, Author of
What Scissors Taught Me


 
 

“I was a first-time author and had written a story that I thought ought to be told. At FriesenPress, the enthusiastic and caring staff guided me through a process that was arcane to this neophyte. From reception, to publishing consultant, through marketing and promotion, to senior management, I was given unflagging support. My book was fortunate enough to garner acclaim in the form of stellar reviews and being shortlisted for several awards – winning one. I have no doubt that FP contributed to this success. Their continued backing and their celebration of my success is certain proof of their loyalty and integrity. I continue to unreservedly recommend the professional and dedicated team at FriesenPress!

Mark Cote, Author of
That Lucky Old Son

“FriesenPress offers a streamlined publication process, with every detail presented in a logical order for any writer to thrive. Each aspect of review, editing, marketing and eventual printing are handled by individual experts in their field. Advice was available, whenever it was sought; it was always helpful, friendly and professional. In short, the whole experience has been positive, instructive, and beneficial.

After looking at the alternative routes one can follow to get published, which necessitates a slow and tortuous learning experience very likely ending in simply giving up on the very idea of publishing, I wholeheartedly recommend FriesenPress. They’ll take you through the process with minimum fuss to allow you to get on with what you do best - writing!”

Patrick McLaren, Author of
Magic Travels


“I couldn’t have chosen a better publishing company to work with! The whole team was very supportive right from the start, and I never once felt like just another transaction. The team I worked with was very knowledgeable about all things publishing. They put a lot of hard work into making sure that their authors are satisfied with everything they do. 

They have amazing designers, editors and an overall great team.  Fiona, my wonderful publishing specialist, was well-informed, diligent, patient, personable, honest, and great at making sure I submit my work on time.

I will forever be grateful to the whole team for making my experience a positive one both during and after publishing. Thank you so much for bringing my book Felicity to life! I will forever recommend Friesenpress to any aspiring author, they won’t disappoint.”

T.M. Lona, Author of
Felicity

After 10 years of research, writing and rewriting, I was finally ready to bring my novel to readers. But I was completely overwhelmed by the myriad of skills required to make that happen. Why – after all those painstaking years of work, would I stumble through more years trying to produce it on my own?

Thank goodness for FriesenPress. Together we created a publishing package that was perfect for me.

Many people dream about publishing a book someday. Most people never do.

I did. You can. You will — with FriesenPress — make your dream come true.

Laurel Deedrick-Mayne, Author of
A Wake For The Dreamland


“I have had a wonderful experience working with the Friesen team on my children’s story. The company is a family oriented organization, and they have demonstrated a caring, professional approach in their relationship with me. I have had near immediate responses to my queries, they have offered help, guidance and support throughout the process, and they have published a perfect version of my story exactly as I imagined it would be. Because of their efforts, I can market and share my book with pride with the world!

I highly recommend FriesenPress to anyone who is looking for a company that cares about your story as much as you do.

Paul Toffanello, Author of
Trashcan Twilight

"I had a long-standing dream to publish a book. After writing several drafts of a story and putting them aside, I finally mustered up the courage to reach out and explore the world of publishing. As I gathered information, I soon discovered the glorious people at FriesenPress, who shared valuable insight about how to propel my work into a published book. It was the hard work and expertise of my team that turned my fears into hope, my lack of knowledge into wisdom, and my vision into my first book. FriesenPress is responsible for making my dream a reality!"

Daniella Grsic, Author of
3 FriesenPress-published wellness books for children


“Self-publishing is often an overwhelming task for an author, but not with FriesenPress. The support I received while publishing my books was outstanding. I consistently received professional, detailed, and timely guidance from experienced staff in all areas, including editing, illustrations, design, marketing, and promotions.

I was particularly concerned about the illustrations for my manuscripts, but that proved to be the best part of all! The talented and very gifted illustrators made my words come alive. They were able to depict the scenes I visualized perfectly. The final product, my books, turned out just as I had hoped and imagined! I could not be more satisfied. Thank you, FriesenPress!”

Leslie Yaremko, Author of
Yellowbird and The Prairie Sea

“In 2017 and 2018, FriesenPress published two books by my dad and I: Nowhere to Call Home--Photographs and Stories of the Homeless, Volumes One and Two.

Though we have since moved on to a traditional publisher — Austin Macauley — we look back on our experiences with FriesenPress with very fond memories. The staff were always friendly and professional. They made us feel like VIPs. If you are looking to publish a book, FriesenPress is a great place to start. I couldn't recommend them more highly.

Leah Denbok, Author of
the Nowhere to Call Home series


 
 

I loved every step of working with the Publishing Specialists and incredible team of experts over at FriesenPress. With their detailed support and insightful advice, I was able to bring my first children's book, A Bedtime Story, to life.

The team was professional, dedicated, and enthusiastic about my project, which gave me the confidence and expert level knowledge to move through the process from start to finish. I have the book in hand and it is stunning. The printing is high quality and professional.

I would work with Leanne, Emma, Jodi, and the rest of the FriesenPress team again in the future. Thanks for all the hard work!”

Denise Gassner, Author of
A Bedtime Story

“OUTSTANDING! From first contact to publication my partnership with FriesenPress to publish Trauma No More: A Six-Step Recovery Guide has been outstanding. Their team’s professionalism has propelled me to accomplish the high quality, practical trauma resource book I had envisioned. 

Their high level interest in my unique project (my baby) and their patience, which seemed to be inherent and unending, has kept my excitement high throughout the learning curves. They know their stuff. My next project will definitely be with FriesenPress.

Norm Quantz, Author of
Trauma No More


FriesenPress helped make my dreams of becoming a published children's book author come true – through timely, communicative, supportive, professional, and quality publishing services. I was provided portfolios of illustrators to choose from, and was paired with a very talented artist who took my very particular vision and brought it to life. The process was so easy, yet completely fulfilling – I would do it all over again without question.

Alison Klakowicz, Author of
Mommy’s Big, Red Monster Truck

“Every step of the way, FriesenPress guided me in the right direction with their extensive knowledge in publishing great products. They helped me make solid professional choices with specific services such as copy editing, proofreading, cover design, interior design, formatting and marketing.

I highly recommend FriesenPress to any new or seasoned authors out there looking to publish their stories. Rest assured you will feel very proud of your new book in its entirety.

Thank you FriesenPress team for helping make Cancun Moon a book I am proud to show the world.”

Duane Stanley, Author of
Cancun Moon


“I have found all their many services exemplary. All the different consultants were very knowledgeable and confidently shared their expertise in their specific area. I enjoyed working with the many consultants using a Zoom format, as being able to see them in person gave me confidence in their skills and I felt I had a personal connection with them.  They answered any questions I had and made suggestions to support the process.

Writing my book, The Missing Puzzle Pieces: Finding my Birth Family, has been a passion of love and I am so pleased to have found FriesenPress to support my publishing process. Their support made the whole process enjoyable and one I may try again in the future.  I would highly recommend FriesenPress as a publishing company with high standards which ensure a quality product in the end.”

Joan Zaretsky, Author of
The Missing Puzzle Pieces

“Publishing my first novel with FriesenPress has been a dream come true. The service has been (and continues to be) exceptional. I highly recommend FriesenPress to anyone who wants to publish a book and can’t find a mainstream / small press publisher. FriesenPress made the process seamless, and took care of arcane publishing details that I didn’t know about and likely would have prevented me from actually publishing, had I decided to self-publish entirely on my own.

In short, FriesenPress exceeded my expectations at every step, taking care of business and allowing me to do what I love: write.

Holly Quan, Author of
The Sow's Ear Café


“It is absolutely true that a book gives one's voice credibility. I likely had some remnants of 'self-publishing stigma' floating around in my subconscious mind until I spoke with a FriesenPress Publishing Consultant. Upon checking the store's books, I realized I would be in good company standing shoulder-to-shoulder with FriesenPress's other authors. My vision was pretty clear and it certainly was encouraging to work with specialists who were on the same (ahem!) page. That attunement gave birth to a book cover and a website that encapsulated the essence of my project. Many thanks for those creations.

And yes, the doors opened! I have been a guest on podcasts, webinars and was offered (and accepted) a position as a journalist for a national media outlet. If you have a voice that needs to be heard, trust your message to FriesenPress.”

Suzanne Forcese, Author of
Prime Time

“I truly enjoyed working with FriesenPress to get my book, Geckos in the Garden (March 2023), into print and onto bookshelves everywhere. 

From the outset, everything was wonderfully executed. The onboarding process was straightforward and simple. Editing, design, and promotions were all expertly and professionally done and their comments and input truly helped make my vision come to the front. As the author, you always have final say with FriesenPress and staff advised on items, but listened to my feedback and then we made decisions together.

A wonderful team! Working with them already on my next titles. You can't go wrong here.

Ruth Amanda, Author of
Geckos in the Garden