This year marks Xlibris’ 19th anniversary, and the leading self-publishing services provider celebrates yet again some of its authors’ literary and personal achievements.
With nearly two decades of a proven track record in the supported self-publishing industry, Xlibris has made it possible for over 50,000 authors publish more than 70,000 titles. Many of these ardent authors have discovered that with Xlibris, they have complete control over their work from writing to editing to publishing to marketing, plus an array of publishing packages that best suit their preferences and budget. More importantly, self-publishing with Xlibris has become a springboard for more promising opportunities, such as enjoying literary recognition, securing traditional publishing deals, and even getting optioned for a film adaptation of their books.
Read some of these Xlibris authors’ achievements:
Joni Jacques
Author Joni Jacques may have achieved what many others can only wish for. She got the chance to stand in Oprah’s shoes—literally. The American media mogul has recently invited Joni to appear on the “Oprah Show” to reveal how a pair of shoes changed the latter’s life. The Indiana native said she bought the shoes during an Oprah charity sale in 1997. The life-changing event inspired Joni to better her life and pursue her writing dream.
Joni won a literary award for her short story back when she was a university student in 2004. In 2009, she went back to school and graduated from Indiana University Northwest where she discovered her love of writing. She then wrote and published through Xlibris her book Record Paradise recently.
Alan Gibson
Unfazed by repeated roadblocks to turn his horror story concept into a movie, author Alan Gibson instead channeled his creative energy into writing a book. He had thought his story idea would be a clever way to make his farm in West Virginia pay for itself.
A former copywriter, Alan has a natural flair for writing. Writing his debut novel The Dead of Winter, however, came to him as a surprise. “This was my first novel, and frankly, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be … I have so many ideas, and my life has gone in so many different directions; I just lose interest quickly. It’s one of my weaknesses but I also think it’s one of my strengths,” he noted.
With the proper exposure, his book may be good material for a film adaptation in the future.
Titus Andrew M. Bonifacio
At only 12, Xlibris author Titus Andrew M. Bonifacio may be primed to go places—the juvenile author has already had two books under his belt. He wrote, illustrated, and published his first book Landon the Superhero of the Worlds! when he was only 10. At that time, he didn’t only share his talents, but also shared the proceeds of his book sales to a reading and writing literacy project for underprivileged children in the Philippines.
He now introduces the sequel to his book titled Landon, the Superhero of the Worlds: A Race to Save the Human Race.
Pete Liebengood
Following a long career as a sportscaster and a play-by-play announcer, Pete Liebengood wrote and self-published his debut novel Accidental Droning through Xlibris. He then went a step further by presenting his book to participating agents, producers, and studio executives at Xlibris’ Book-to-Screen Pitchfest in Los Angeles, US. One Hollywood producer saw a great potential for the book to be a film, and optioned it for a possible movie adaptation.
Deborah Day, M.A.
A professional life coach and an expert in the mental health field for nearly three decades now, Deborah invites readers to live their happiest and most fulfilling life through cognitive tools presented in her self-help book Be Happy Now!
Her signature self-improvement program is known as the “Women’s Twelve-Week Empowerment Group,” which offers her clients creative tools aimed at achieving “the greatest good” and bringing overall wellness and healing to them. She also conducts experiential therapies, trainings, and workshops.
Donald Wilson II
After realizing his dream to become a published author, Author Donald Wilson II has earned feathers in his writing cap with several instances of literary recognition, namely the 2015 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award (winner, Adventure category) 2015 Indie Book Awards (finalist, First Novel category), and 2015 New Apple Summer E-Book Awards (best book, Adventure category) for his novel Cross Roads.
The award-winning author has shown his love of writing since childhood that his works have been published in journals and newspapers. Currently, he and his family are living in Westchester County, New York. He is also presently working on book two of the Cross Roads series.
He reveals this about himself on his official website:
“I was born in New York City and began writing at an early age. I’m a dad, husband and sports junkie. I created my first comic book when I was eight and have been published in several journals. I graduated from Iona College with a degree in History.”
Teri Metcalf
To write a compelling autobiography is a feat, as not everyone may be interested in your own life story. The challenge for an author in this genre is to make his or her memoir intriguing enough to deserve a reader’s attention. Author Teri Metcalf has pulled that off, winning in the autobiography category of the 2016 Texas Association of Authors (TxAuthors) Best Book Awards for his book “Rambler Rose.”
The TxAuthors panel of judges has picked 25 winners “of stellar quality” for readers, “who love to fall into the pages and experience climbing out with the greatest satisfaction.” TxAuthors help Texas authors to promote their works state-wide, country-wide, and around the world.
Teri and other awardees will be awarded at the Celebration of Authors event on April 30 and May 1, 2016. The TXAuthors Awards is now on its fifth year.
Tony Flood
Nothing peps up an author quite like good reviews for his or her book. They assure that the writer’s hard work is not in vain and that some readers took the time to read the story and found it gripping. For a self-published to gain these accolades is indeed a feat, as he or she has to work doubly hard from writing to book-marketing, unlike traditionally published authors.
Here are some of the glowing reviews by notable celebrities for his book:
Talented former journalist Tony Flood is making an exciting entry into the world of crime writing by treating thriller fans to a Triple Tease. – Bestselling author Peter James
Triple Tease is a brilliant thriller. It’s also wickedly funny, steamily sexy and impossible to put down. – Director-producer Patric Kearns
Triple Tease tells how super delicious heroine Katrina takes revenge for the assault on her sister and comes under suspicion from the police. She then challenges compassionate copper DCI Livermore to ignore the rule book and offers to help him nail a serial killer by acting as the bait in a honey trap. Katrina goes on a date with the main suspect, and there’s another murder as the plot twists and turns to reach a totally unexpected and pulsating climax. – British actor Brian Capron
Testimonials:
I am so glad these wonderful people pushed me to put my book in. I know it needs a lot of work but I took that first step finally. Thanks, Xlibris. – Russell James Harper
I’ve been with Xlibris since 2001: my first work I didn’t know who to call on; I searched the web extensively, communicated and received offers through the mail from other publishers, they were not for me at all, in the least; then I saw Xlibris’s website and it stopped me dead in my tracks! When I beheld their site I knew in an instant they were the one for me, it was like love at first sight … – David Taylor, author of 7 Xlibris-published books
Xlibris is my publisher. They do a pretty good job. They will be publishing “Committed,” a romantic comedy in August (2016). Stay tuned! – A. L. Sutter, Confessions of a Female Vigilante
Thank you so very much for all your help and excitement about all five of my books published with Xlibris. – Robert Spina
I just published my first book with Xlibris “How To Start Your Own Cleaning Business”. I am very pleased with the total process! Xlibris staff are the best, very patient, efficient and responsive. I thought that I was going to drive them crazy with my constant calls and changes. They were very patient and understanding. I love my new book and I love Xlibris staff for a job well done!
I just published my first book with Xlibris, “Practical Guidance About Love, Sex, and Marriage”. I must admit that I am pleased with their services. They put my book on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. They also plan to take it to other book stores around the world. I thank God for their help. I thank God for the good package deal I made with them. They’re the best!