OUR
AUTHORS
Kat Ross
Author of The Fourth Element Series, The Daemoniac, and the Nightmarked Series
"Holly and Jessica guided me through the process of publishing my first book with a comprehensive and user-friendly blueprint of exactly what had to be to done when, along with effective promotion strategies. Bringing your book to market for the first time (or the second or third!) can feel like a daunting process, but they had terrific recommendations on everything from editorial to cover design and launch day. The best part is that they're both talented writers with years of experience in the business, so they truly get it. I'm about to publish my fourth book with Acorn and I'm just so grateful to be part of this wonderful community of writers and editors. It's such a warm, nurturing place, I feel like I've come home. "
-Kat Ross
Jessica Therrien
Author of The Children of the Gods Series, Carry Me Home, and The Mercenary's Daughter
"I love being a part of this wonderful family of authors. It's fun, rewarding, and I feel so proud to see my books alongside so many great stories. "
-Jessica Therrien
Holly Kammier
Author of Kingston Court, Chasing Hope, Lost Girl, and Six Feet Apart
"We have such an amazing team. The continuous support of this close-knit group of authors is priceless. I feel so grateful to be a part of it. "
-Holly Kammier
Lacey Impellizeri
Author of Your Words Count
"Holly and Jessica have been excellent role models and teachers through the process of learning the publishing process. I owe everything I know to their guidance and superior teachings of the industry."
-Lacey Impellizeri
Bruce Ashkenas
Author of Shadows of Shame and Aglow
"When I finished editing and my book was good enough, publishing was another animal entirely. I found myself in proofreading hell…over and over again the manuscript kept coming back from the printer with unnoticed mistakes. While this was going on I had to build my website, a technological hell for someone my age. And then there was the cover design, back and forth with the artists and the printer. Through all this the ladies of Acorn were with me. Jess took over the web design when I proved hopeless at the task. Holly helped me with the cover, from writing the blurb to encouraging me to select the artwork. I am so glad I published with Acorn."
-Bruce Ashkenas
Alyssa Petersel
Author of Somehow I Am Different
"I feel empowered by my work with Acorn Publishing and grateful to have found Holly and Jessica at a relatively early stage in my writing journey. Leading up to the release of my debut nonfiction anthology, Somehow I Am Different, I maintained control over creative decisions like cover art, font choice, and formatting decisions. My involvement in this process has given me invaluable knowledge and ownership of the material to an extent I would not have otherwise. Since my book's publication in March 2016, Holly and Jessica have been a consistent support system, particularly in guiding me in joining them at the L.A. Times Book Festival and Vegas Valley Book Festival, which both led not only to book sales, but to heightened confidence and excitement about the work. I feel well versed and grounded in industry knowledge and norms. Most importantly, I feel heard and supported in the work that I love to do. Thank you, Acorn Publishing, for my "crash course" and for ceaseless community and encouragement."
-Alyssa Petersel
Joe Gazzam
Author of Uncaged and The Mercenary's Daughter
"Holly and Jessica were great. I'd had some bad experiences in the past with publishers, but they put me at ease immediately. They also guided me through everything I needed to know. They even helped me pick out the best cover art. From marketing to setting up accounts, they were there. It was especially helpful that they were writers themselves and knew what my issues would be and how to get through them. In such a crazy industry, it was nice to have two people like that on my side."
-Joe Gazzam
Jordan Sala Tenna
Author of El Awake
"I was clueless as to how to bring my story to the public. I mean, how do people actually find your book once it's complete, and what makes someone want to buy it? I'm so thankful for Acorn's assistance as they guided me through the windy road of self-publishing. They have been there themselves and they know how to navigate with success. Thank you Acorn Publishing!"
-Jordan Sala Tenna
Lele Iturrioz
Author of Seasons Within Series
"Acorn has been by my side from the beginning. From helping perfect the back cover blurbs to setting me up with a wonderful blog tour company. I love that I can email them about any little thing, any time of day, and they are there to help. They've truly helped me understand publishing and their guidance has been invaluable. Thank you Jess & Holly!"
-Lele Iturrioz
Agnès Déglon
Author of Kids Questions About Life and Once You Know
"Holly and Jessica were great. I'd had some bad experiences in the past with publishers, but they put me at ease immediately. They also guided me through everything I needed to know. They even helped me pick out the best cover art. From marketing to setting up accounts, they were there. It was especially helpful that they were writers themselves and knew what my issues would be and how to get through them. In such a crazy industry, it was nice to have a two people like that on my side."
-Joe Gazzam
"I joined Acorn Publishing after a year of trying to figure out how to publish my books on my own. Best decision ever! I had been struggling for every step on the way, and now I feel like I am on a track, things are moving and I just have to follow along. Great support! Very professional and helpful feedback! Great enthusiasm and encouragement! And the best part is: Excellent guidance where I felt stuck! What a relief, just what I needed! Thank you Acorn!"
-Agnes Deglon
Illustrator of The Loneliest Whale, Sammy's Flame, and Jen's Hens
Dorene Uhrich
"Acorn Publishing was the perfect partner for my first run at illustrating. They have a great eye for what would appeal to kids and be a favorite of parents, and every other word out of Jessica's mouth was encouragement. Acorn has a passion for creating high-quality books people will love, and that passion is contagious. They made the process such a positive experience that I am now working on two more books coming out soon!"
-Dorene Uhrich
Ramcy Diek
Author of Storm at the Keizer Manor, Eagles in Flight, and Overland
"Acorn’s constant support kept me motivated through the publishing process, and I thank them for that."
-Ramcy Diek
Ryan Taylor
Author of Constant Gray
"Where would I be without a random day at Wondercon? I wouldn’t be selling my own book today, that’s for certain. Thanks to the team at Acorn Publishing, I am able to do so now. They answered my crazy questions anytime I had them pop in my brain. They calmed my nerves and eased me through the process of delivering my vision to my audience. I have a lot to look forward to now, thanks to them."
-Ryan Taylor
Author of The Mourning Dove Mystery Series and Sedona: The Lost Vortex
Mikel Wilson
"I made the right decision when I signed with Acorn Publishing. The team at Acorn offered me a clear path to success in publishing my first mystery novel. In addition to giving me insightful feedback that strengthened and elevated my book, they provided a clear, step-by-step process for shepherding it to publication and beyond. They were not only instrumental in the success of my book’s debut, but also in the launch of my new mystery series. They’ve been my strongest advocates and my biggest cheerleaders, and I look forward to publishing with them for years to come."
-Mikel J. Wilson
Lois Letchford
Author of Reversed
"The day Holly and Jessica accepted my manuscript was by far one of the most exciting days of my life. Someone wanted my story and saw its potential. They walked me through the entire publication process, proving an invaluable blueprint that became my bible. And, even on opposite coasts, they stayed in constant contact through email, helping me keep on track. As my “baby” finally entered the world, I found myself opening the Acorn publishing guide daily to follow their detailed instructions for book promotion. I’m lucky to be part of the Acorn family; I’ve connected with their other authors where further ideas have been shared and discussed—a priceless resource. Acorn’s professionalism and standard for high-quality books truly shines through, making this small company stand out in such a competitive field."
-Lois Letchford
Mandy Urena
Author of Touchy, Feely, Squeezy
"I'm just a writer who loves to write. I didn't know the first thing about publishing, content editing, line editing, copy editing or online marketing. Luckily for me, Acorn loved my book and took me under their wing, teaching me the ropes every step of the way - even seeing me through tantrums and meltdowns! I couldn't have become a published international author without their expertise and guidance. They are my cheerleaders!"
-Mandy Urena
Author of Sammy's Flame, Sammy's Village, and Sleeping on Concrete
Sam Ashkenas
"Acorn really is the best of both worlds. You get the help of incredibly talented people while still retaining the rights to your work and all of your profits. The wonderful ladies at Acorn guided me through a publishing process that I'm positive would've overwhelmed me had I done it on my own."
-Sam Ashkenas
Gene Desrochers
Author of Dark Paradise and Sweet Paradise
"Destiny, that’s what I think of when I think of Acorn. I woke up late to attend a writer’s conference in Irvine and as I walked into the hotel, I ran into Lacey. I joked about us both being late and she said that she was actually helping with a panel. She had a relaxed demeanor that put me at ease. She told me about Acorn and the wonderful caring people who started it, Holly and Jessica. I cancelled my plan to attend another panel and went to Acorn’s. As I listened to them describe their philosophy and publishing model, I pulled out my laptop and submitted my book. Their patience and transparency captured my attention. I knew I had stumbled onto my publishing muses. My experience has continued to reflect that first feeling of being in the right place with the right people."
-Gene Desrochers
Author of Bubby Knows Best: Advice From a Jewish Grandmother of 15
Joan Rosenberg
"My book started out as a very small Acorn of an idea and blossomed into a giant oak tree that is securely rooted in place. Could I have done this without the help of Holly, Jessica and Lacey? NO!! Would I have done this without the help of Holly, Jessica and Lacey? NO!! If you want to work with the best and brightest team, then Acorn Publishing is for you. If you go some where else you will likely be sorry."
-Joan Rosenberg
Tori Kron
Author of Courting Kate and Scoring Reagan
"There from the beginning, Acorn Publishing has been by my side as my greatest champion. I am thrilled to be publishing my sports romance series through such a great imprint!"
-Tori Kron
E. A. Fournier
Author of Still Breathing
"I would like to thank Holly, Jess and Lacey for leading this acorn along the harrowing paths that turn manuscripts into books. They pointed the way to a brilliant cover design company and matched my writing with the perfect editor. I don’t know what I would have done without them. They’ve been supportive, responsive and unflappable. Here’s the key. They’ve acquired a staggering amount of expertise and best practices in publishing, social media and marketing, which they share in a documented, step-by-step process delivered in timely, actionable bites. The material is good. It’s very good. I’ve just launched my first Acorn book and I couldn’t be prouder of the results."
-E. A. Fournier
Lori Oliver-Tierney
Author of TRUDGE: A Mid-life Crisis on the John Muir Trail
"The love and patience you all showed as I literally trudged along in this journey was admirable. You guys are the best. You inspired and drove me on. I can never thank you enough."
-Lori Oliver-Tierney
Author of The Scent of Heat
E. P. Sery
"I’ve been told not to think of my debut book as a baby, rather as a product. After all, it IS for sale! But I still can’t stop thinking of Holly Kammier and Jessica Therrien as my midwives. Without them, there would have been no baby. I mean, no BOOK! They kept me on the straight and narrow every time I got lost; from Holly’s editing, Jessica’s professionalism and the team of ‘midwives’ they introduced me to: from the talented book designer, and the brilliant ‘final eyes’ editor to the amazingly diligent formatter. Thank you Acorn Team for your support and guidance.”
-E.P. Sery
Teresa Harrison
Author of Maiden
"The Ladies of Acorn Publishing have been amazing. Always there to support or advise or even nudge me along when I get lost in the process. I never feel like any question is too silly. They have cultivated an amazing group of authors who are also very caring and helpful to each other. With tremendous support and the real feel of being part of a family, I took the steps to move forward and now my release date is just around the corner. I would never have been able to figure this out on my own. Cover Art, formatting, social media, websites, etc. I didn’t even know what an ARC (advance reader copy) was. They know all the bits and pieces it takes to get a book out and market it successfully. And they happily share that information. I know everyone’s success is important to them."
-Teresa Harrison
Author of Flygirl, Angel Flight, and Flying Home
R. D. Kardon
"The attention I received from the principals of Acorn Publishing during the process of getting ‘Flygirl’ to market was immeasurable, and their patience endless. Always available, Holly, Jessica and Lacey weighed in honestly when critical decisions needed to be made. I am truly grateful to know the folks at Acorn, and to have had them by my side as I published my debut novel."
-R. D. Kardon
David Kennedy
Author of Ricochet
"Any success I may achieve will be predicated on signing with Acorn earlier this year. Besides providing a detailed blueprint for self-publishing “the right way”, they remain in frequent contact, both to monitor progress and to just cheer me on. They are remarkable gals. Becoming friends with the other “Acorns” is also a pleasure, as well as being highly informative. What a swell group!"
-David Kennedy
Author of The Power Trilogy
Dot Caffrey
"Thanks Acorn! You really made me feel like one of the family."
-Dot Caffrey
Roger L. Liles
Author of The Berlin Tunnel
"Holly and Jessica presented another path to being published. First and foremost, you get to see your book in print and available to the world. Along the way, you get a detailed written guide and strong hands-on support from two of the nicest people in the world, you get to retain the rights to your book, AND you receive 25% to 30% of the sale price of each book (they don’t take a dime). Acorn Publishing gives you a real chance to actually make some money. Jessica and Holly will help you through every step in the process and very soon you will be able to brag that you’re a published author under an imprint that is growing in name recognition and prestige."
-Roger L Liles
Author of Jen's Hens Make New Friends
Jen Petrovich
PJ Colando
Author of The Winner's Circle
"Gosh I love this group, which seems to convene only for me. Though I know it can’t (and shouldn’t) be true, you all are extraordinary beyond words. So proud to be an Acorn!"
-PJ Colando
Author of Path of Progress
Flora Beach Burlingame
"Holly, Jessica, and Lacey of Acorn, want their authors to end up with a quality product. Sometimes the process seems tough, but Acorn personnel are always there to answer questions, and in the end it is worth the journey. I am proud of the results and love my book. Thank you ladies!!"
-Flora Beach Burlingame
Ashlynn Cubbison
Author of Chasing Beverly
"The team at Acorn Publishing was exactly what I needed to publish my debut novel, "Chasing Beverly." They graciously walked me through every step and guided me to success. The patience, knowledge, and support I received surpassed all of my expectations. I'm beyond grateful to be a part of Acorn and look forward to writing many more books with them! I highly recommend Acorn Publishing to any writer looking to take their career to the next level!"
-Ashlynn Cubbison
Author of My Name Is Rose and Keep Forever
Alexa Kingaard
"The brilliant ladies – my young wizards - of ACORN PUBLISHING, Jessica Therrien, Holly Kammier and Lacey Impellizeri wrapped their arms around me from start to finish and provided me with the tools and knowledge to create a polished manuscript that sparkles and shines."
-Alexa Kingaard
Pamela McCord
Author of The Pekin Dewlap Mysteries, Under the Willows, The Hero, and The Continuing Adventures of Laurel Palmer
"Working with Acorn was a dream. They smoothed the way to make a very complicated process easy to navigate, and provided me with a finished book that I’m in love with. I wouldn’t think twice about asking them to help me publish another book. Being a first-time published author, as you can imagine I had a million questions and concerns. Jessica, Holly and Lacey were on-the-spot in responding to me. Thanks, Acorn. I can’t wait to do it again."
-Pamela McCord
K. A. Fox
Author of The Murphy's Law Series
"My experience with Acorn has been everything I hoped it would be. I know, without a doubt, that I wouldn't have been ready to publish my book as quickly as I did if it hadn't been for the entire Acorn team. Their guidance and encouragement were exactly what I needed to get my story from draft to publication. What I've learned from them along the way has been invaluable and there have been more opportunities to grow my readership and my career as an author because of them. I can't wait to do it all over again. Thank you Acorn - you made this author's dream come true."
-K.A. Fox
Jan Steele
Author of Shoes on the Stairs
"Honestly, Acorn Publishing is amazing. I would have never been able to do this on my own. There are so many things I would have never known to do. Their guidance and support is invaluable."
-Jan Steele
Author of Section Roads, The Conman, and The Lust and Greed Series
Mike Murphey
"Through Acorn Publishing, Jessica, Holly, and Lacey have created a fellowship of authors and teachers. Writing can be a lonely journey. Being accept into Acorn affiliates a writer with a group of talented people who offer validation that we are not just wandering an endless path. True, most of us write because we love writing, but we also write because we want to be read. Acorn provides structure, direction and support along that path, while demanding a high standard of quality in all aspects of the process. I feel fortunate that Acorn believes my work merits inclusion. The learning opportunity has been off the charts. I eagerly look forward to continuing this partnership."
-Mike Murphey
Sherrill Joseph
Author of The Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries Series
"I wouldn't be a published author today if it weren't for Acorn Publishing. They believed in my book and in me, walking me through every step needed to reach book launch day. I appreciated the weekly emailed process sheets that guided my every step, Acorn's patience when I needed extra help, and their stable of talented editors, formatters, and cover designers. I cannot recommend Acorn Publishing highly enough. Writers, you'll be in great hands."
-Sherrill Joseph
Author of The Wingless Angel
Fabrice Wilfong
"The skills required to write a book, and the skills required to publish a book, are very different. Acorn takes the hand of the writer and carefully guides them through the often-predatory landscape that is self-publishing. Without Acorn, my book, which is now flourishing, would just be a forgotten Word file."
-Fabrice Wilfong
Gary Seigel
Author of Haskell Himself
"Acorn was always helpful, consistently patient, and extremely responsive. I loved the fact they got back to me right away and maintained a professional approach to a business that sometimes feels overwhelming and frustrating. Their creativity also helped us come up with a great title and a wonderful cover. I couldn’t have done this without them, and I highly recommend ACORN for anyone thinking of hybrid-publishing their book."
-Gary Seigel
Carol Heasley
Author of What Remains
"I'm so glad I discovered Acorn Publishing! I couldn't be more pleased with my beautiful book of poetry.
-Carol Heasley
Author of The Hollis Timewire Series
Danielle Harrington
"Meeting Acorn Publishing at the Southern California Writer's Conference was a dream come true. The day I woke up to a contract changed my life! The Acorn team provided clear direction for my novel, a step-by-step publication process, and an encouraging atmosphere that allowed me to flourish as an artist. I'm deeply thankful for their guidance and kind hearts. They turned my book into an incredible masterpiece, and I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to release my debut with them. A highly recommended team! You won't regret signing with them."
-Danielle Harrington
Dianne Beck
Author of Sticks and Stones & Finding True North
"I'm grateful every day that I found Acorn Publishing. I am truly so appreciative of all they did to help me make this dream come true."
-Dianne Beck
Author of Once in a Blood Moon
Dorothea Hubble Bonneau
"Competence, compassion and creativity hallmark my experience with Acorn Publishing. Jessica and Holly and have been there and done that when it comes to their own books, and they have graciously honed their knowledge of how to publish and promote with aspiring authors like me. Their compassion and patience in answering my questions as a novice in the publishing world encouraged me to push forward, buoyed by their "you can do this" confidence. I am impressed by Acorn Publishing's review and revise mentality, a proactive, creative approach that seeks new ways to enhance the success of their authors. Thank you for helping me launch Once in a Blood Moon and for continuing to celebrate its foray into the world of books."
-Dorothea Hubble Bonneau
Loran Holt
Author of The Nightmasters Series & Third Time's the Harm
"Writing is easy. You sit at the computer and your thoughts get translated into a story. Then you look for someone to appreciate your story. If you are lucky enough to find one, you are introduced to a whole new world of publishing. One can only hope to find a group of people as congenial, helpful, and welcoming as those at Acorn Publishing. My profound thanks go especially to Holly Youmans and Jessica Therrien for their guidance every step of the way."
-Loran Holt
Author of The Voice of Reason and Spider and Friends Cafe
Kat Clark
"Acorn was nothing but conscientious and professional. I'm very grateful to Holly and Jessica. They've been great to work with."
-Kat Clark
D. James McGee
Author of Beauty is the Beast
"Writing a novel has always been a dream of mine, but in the past I had concluded it to be such a monumental task, that it would be almost impossible for someone like me to complete, let alone bring it to print. After completing a few drafts of my first novel, I was fumbling around on various search engines looking for resources when I came across Acorn. Since then I have never looked back. Holly and Jessica have done all the heavy lifting. They are literally literary mind readers, who’ve listened, understood and displayed my vision exactly how I’ve perceived it. Everything from; editing, formatting, and uploading the work has been done for me. When it comes to the book cover, there isn’t a single person who doesn’t love it. I would never have been able to design such a thing myself. Holly and Jessica are there constantly for support. They never fail to answer emails and go over and above to ensure their clients are thoroughly satisfied. I’m so thrilled to be a part of such a supportive and talented community of writers. I’m looking forward to releasing many more novels under the guidance of the team at Acorn."
-D. James McGee
Jeff Pollak
Author of First Second Coming
"If you’re a writer seeking to publish your first book with a hybrid publisher, you can’t do better than Acorn Publishing LLC. The founders, Holly and Jessica, have exactly those qualities a debut author unfamiliar with the pre-publication process needs: accessibility, knowledge, and a highly organized procedure that guides you forward from the day you sign your contract to the release date of your book. Add to that the support provided by Acorn’s other authors and you’ll find an environment that doesn’t exist with any of the big traditional publishers. Holly and Jess are both award winning authors who were once newbies themselves. They understand and empathize, answer your questions and act on your behalf with all the people you’ll encounter along the way. That many authors stick with Acorn for their sequels or new books is the surest sign that Acorn does things the right way."
-Jeff Pollak
Dennis Crosby
Author of Death's Legacy and Death's Debt
"For a debut author, navigating the publishing waters can be intimidating, if not terrifying. I cannot say my publishing experience would have been as enjoyable and educational with any company other than Acorn. Holly and Jessica an amazing team, the perfect mentors. Their experience in the business, combined with their patience, is the perfect formula for steering authors down a path toward success. I felt comfortable, included in every decision, and most of all, I felt that my work and my writing goals were valued. I cannot thank Holly, Jessica, and the Acorn Team enough. Working with them was absolutely the best decision for my writing career."
-Dennis K. Crosby
Courtney Ramm
Author of Eris Rising
"I am so grateful for Holly and Jessica at Acorn Publishing who helped guide me every step of the way as I worked towards publishing my first book. Along with a wonderful community of fellow Acorn authors, they provided genuine support and encouragement that I greatly appreciated."
-Courtney Ramm
David Reed
Author of Uphill And Into The Wind
"When I heard Acorn present their hybrid publishing business model at a writer’s conference, I knew this was for me. I loved the idea of keeping the rights to my story, and was tired of writing query letters to literary agents. I didn’t want to wait for years to see my book published. Throughout the process Jessica and Holly offered encouragement, were thorough, gently persistent, and worked tirelessly to bring me to press. They offered guidance when I felt awash in details I knew nothing about, and remained steadfast the entire time.
I’m so glad I became an Acorn writer."
-David Reed
Alexander Baima
Author of Young, Broke, and Educated
"If you have enough passion and drive to spend years of your life working on a book then you owe it to yourself to have the best product possible. You deserve to be proud when you display your work of art on the mantle and have your family and friends read it. Acorn Publishing will provide you a product that is as good if not better than the vast majority of professionally published books out there. Thank you Holly and Jessica, I have something that I can be proud of for the rest of my life."
-Alexander Baima
J.C. Farmer
Author of Counterfeit Lover
"Acorn Publishing is a model of professionalism combined with great knowledge and enthusiasm. What a special opportunity for a new author to be surrounded by such talented individuals! The Acorn team is always attentive, hardworking and sincere. And, the other authors in the Acorn family were incredibly friendly and helpful. I am grateful for all the encouragement and support I received at every step along the way."
-J. C. Farmer
Jessica Woo
Author & Illustrator of What to do About Your Monsters
"Jessica and Holly are amazing. They have a great system of not only stepping you through the publishing process but teaching you about it as well. I would have been a lost puppy without them. They answered every email and were incredibly patient with me and my 5 million questions. Jessica and Holly were more than just publishers, they really help connect you with a community of people and are cheerleaders to helping you release a successful book."
-Jessica Woo
Chris Riedel
Author of Blood Money
"I decided to work with Acorn Publishing because I had a story with great national interest that became time-sensitive, and we needed to get it out. Acorn not only worked with our tight timeline, but put their full expertise to work to produce an absolutely beautiful book and cover that conveys both the spirit and tone of my story. In addition, they consulted with us on marketing and promotional strategies that added to our social media and media campaigns. There's an advantage to having publishers who know what it feels like to write books themselves, and we reaped the benefits of that. Acorn went out of the box for us, and the results speak for themselves. I'm delighted to be an Acorn-published author."
-Chris Riedel
Barbara Meyer Link
Author of Chokecherry Girl
