Author Testimonials

 

TESTIMONIALS―A short list of the many heartfelt thanks we have received over the years.


If you want to publish your book, you would be wise to consider Nightengale Press. Contrary to what you may have read or been told, I have found the publishing and marketing of a quality book is a complicated and technical process. The guidance and support of a highly knowledgeable, technically skilled, and experienced partner is really required. This was certainly my case as a new author I found Valerie Connelly and Nightengale Press to be that partner. I use the word “partner” deliberately because that is what working with Nightengale Press feels like. Valerie and I have now published three award winning illustrated children’s books together and it has been a wonderfully exciting, educational, and rewarding process for me.
Do your homework! The field is full of fast talking, low rent hustlers. Talk with some other authors about their experiences with their publisher. Take a good look at their final products. Beware of subtle hidden costs. Pay close attention to the royalty structure that they offer. I did a lot of research early on and I found the royalty structure of Nightengale Press to be absolutely unique and in my opinion the best in the industry.
If you want your book to be something that you can be truly proud of, I would strongly suggest that you consider Nightengale Press.
―James Beverly, Seamus the Sheltie to the Rescue! (2011) and The Adventures of Seamus the Sheltie (2008),  More Tales of Seamus the Sheltie (2009)

I have no formal training in writing aside from English 101 Freshman year in college.  Be that as it may, I wrote a children's book titled Seasons of Isabelle. Call it a lark or a mid-life crisis, but it actually happened.  Being completely clueless and green behind the ears, I reached out to publishers and literary agents I found on the web - nobody bothered to even respond.  As it turned out - my elderly grandmother exercises with one of Valerie's very first authors.  Long story short - he connected me with Valerie and she agreed to read my submission. Valerie was kind enough to take me on as an author, but savvy enough to inform me my book was not an acceptable form of children's prose (compound sentences and such).  That said, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work.  With a little sweat and a lot of laughter we managed to turn the book into something acceptable and marketable. I've been writing ever since. Valerie is an amazing teacher and an even better friend. I would encourage any aspiring author to give her a chance - her professionalism, warmth, and smarts is incomparable. Thank you Valerie for making a dream come true. ―Joshua Fields, The Seasons of Isabelle (2011)

There are many words that can be used to describe Valerie Connelly and Nightengale Press, as long as they are all complimentary and enthusiastic. From the very first minute I made contact with Valerie my experience with Nightengale has been extraordinarily positive. Valerie took a hands-on approach to negotiating a contract that would enable me to reap the best possible rewards for my efforts, and extended that involvement right through the editing and publishing process. My book, Granny Snatching, How a 92-Year Old Widow Fought the Courts and Her Family to Win Her Freedom has caught fire with Baby Boomers and elder advocates both in the US and Canada. Valerie is in regular contact with me, encouraging my marketing efforts and discussing new approaches that will maximize our exposure and opportunities for continued sales. I can wholeheartedly and enthusiastically endorse Valerie Connelly and Nightengale Press, and recommend that authors seeking a publisher who approach their work with passion and genuine concern try her first. They may well find what I did - that there is no need to look further.

―Ron Winter, Granny Snatching (2010)

From the very beginning my experience with Nightengale Press was unique in that Valerie added a human touch. Rather than make me feel like another writer in a long "cattle-call" list of wanna-be's she took the time to make me feel like I was becoming a part of a family. A two-hour long personal conversation, quick e-mail response and overnight follow-up to matters that were pressing proved to me that this was the place for me to be. The process wasn't without trepidation. Valerie does things differently than other publishers. The formatting, proofing and manuscript submissions were quite different from anything that I had been exposed to, but she assured me that there was a method to her way of doing things. The final product turned out to be a combination of personal touch and creative style on a lot of matters that I had not given any thought. I'm very excited about Opur's Blade and feel like the reading public with embrace the final product enthusiastically. Five stars out of five!

―James Ross, Opur’s Blade (2010)

Not only is Valerie Connelly a savvy and in-tune publisher, she is quickly responsive to her authors’ needs. She is very protective of her authors, and always gives us the kind advice and counsel we need to make sure we stay on the right track. ―Erica Miner, FourEver Friends (2009)

Valerie Connelly is a "dream weaver" who helped me turn a life-long dream into reality.  She encouraged me, held me to a high standard and helped publish my book, "The Secrets of Life Power."  Val is extremely knowledgeable about writing and publishing and she is always willing to assist, whether it be by phone or e-mail. I feel so fortunate to be included in the Nightengale Publishing family.  She is truly an "Author's Publisher" who is willing to partner with you and work in your best interest.  Her royalty structure is the best in the business and the printing services that she provides through Lightening Source are world class.  If you have a dream of being a published author, Valerie is the person who will help you get it done!   I am working on my second book and she is the only person I am considering for publishing assistance. ―Barry Gallagher, The Secrets of Life Power, (2008)

I feel very fortunate to have had my latest book, "Bader Field" published by Nightengale Press. Valerie Connelly is always available for my phone calls and has become a dear friend.  She possesses an extraordinary knowledge of the publishing business and is also a very successful accomplished author who supports both aspects of the business creating a wonderful and unique synergy. I am proud to be a member of the Nightengale Press family and look forward to working with Valerie on my next book.  She has great vision, is compassionate, prideful and unwavering in her dedication. ―Carl David, Bader Field (2008)


 

 

Just to let you know, I continue to get great feedback from my book. Just the other day someone I had never met told me that my book changed their life. I could not have done it without you! ..... writing my book, having it published, and getting that five star rating was the most fun I have had in 20 years! —Randy Rossi, The Last Man to Live the Real American Dream. (2008)


Nightengale Press has always somehow had the feel of an extended family to me. I am sure that I am not the only one that considers you not just my publisher - but my teacher and my friend. ―James Beverly The Adventures of Seamus the Sheltie (2008)


Your e-mails are always so heartfelt and sincere. It's apparent that you really care about your authors, in an up close and personal way. I'm glad that I'm working with a publisher who displays such sincerity and concern about her authors and their book selling success. Have a great day! ―Author, Jeanette Conrad-Ellis: Boys, Beauty and Betrayals (2008)


Thank you for all of the work on this book…I realize that having to work with TWO people on this project has resulted in some duplication of efforts. I hope it hasn't been too difficult or tedious….The book looks just great...got my copy yesterday! ―John Kascht, journalist, and son of the Author, Bob Kascht: Good Genes, Luck, Lots of Prayers (2008)


I can’t imagine any other publisher showing the interest, attention and help given to all their authors as does Nightengale Press. I’m grateful for their publication of my two books… Hip, hip hooray for Nightengale Press! ― William Jackson: And The Sea Shall Hide Them, The Incredible Death and Revival of William Morgan. (2004 and 2007)


Nightengale Press made publishing my book quick and easy. Valerie has been wonderful in her enthusiasm and support not only in the process of publishing my book, but also in marketing it. It was wonderful to have direct communication through e-mail, as well as a one-on-one relationship with my publisher. ― Alaina Buchwald: The Tales of Adarya (2007)


I wanted to personally thank you for the outstanding job you’ve done so far with my novel, Net Loss. You’ve guided me through a very challenging process with lots of advice and coaching, never failing to respond to my flurry of questions. I may have asked the same question dozen of times, and sometimes been slow responding to your inquiries, but you have shown the patience and persistence needed to bring an inexperienced author along. I was also impressed by the quality of the actual book. Hold it side by side versus a book published by one of the giants, and you can’t tell the difference. That quality was critical to me in selecting you as my publisher, and the final product exceeded my expectations. From designing the cover, to marketing my novel at a national expo, to providing links to key distributors, you have done everything possible to make my book a success. Thank you for all of your hard work. ― Tim Hein: Net Loss (2007)


As a first time published book author I have been very satisfied with Nightengale Press. Every time I had a question (and there were many!) Valerie never wasted time getting them answered. Many times she went over and beyond giving me hints on how to improve my marketing skills, etc. ― Carol Muller-Funk: Golden Love (2005)

Valerie Connelly has been indubitably, my literary and vocational, book publishing savior. Having completed The Resort after five long years of writing, I was so daunted by, “Where do I start, how do I get a book published?” Serendipitously, Nightengale Publishers appeared on my computer screen. I sent in my synopsis and was accepted. My heroine and protagonist Lara Nightingale coupled with Nightengale Publishers found each other out in selection for exposure in print and the big screen—yet to be discovered. Valerie, thank you for your tireless encouragement, correction, exhaustive work, marketing information, and the now famous, Calling all Authors show. Valerie, we LOVE YOU. ― Australian Author, Michael Ella: The Resort (2005)

Nightengale Press, You take 'dreams' and graciously make them 'realities'. Your continual correspondence makes any author feel secure and well-taken care of. I am amazed at the diversity of your talents, Valerie. You stop and drop everything to represent your author's in person, that is so fantastic. Your expertise and guidance are invaluable to us all. I look forward to our continued relationship, and will keep NIGHTENGALE PRESS as my exclusive publisher. The personal touch you give, means the world to me, and other's I'm sure!!! Thanks and keep up the great job! God Bless! ―Jodi Pliszka, M.S, 2006 AMERICAN INVENTOR TOP 12 FINALIST AND ENTREPRENEUR: Bald is Beautiful―My Journey to Becoming, and the Bella and Gizmo Adventure series for children


 

During the time that I have been communicating with Valerie Connelly, publisher of Nightengale Press, I have been extremely gratified by her prompt, congenial and supportive replies to my questions. She has enhanced my life by her helpfulness. As a first time potential author; I believe that writers, desirous of having their literary work published, would be very pleased with the help and guidance provided by the members of the Nightengale Press. ―Ed Parker: The Invisible Force (2005)


 

As publisher and artistic director of Nightengale Press, Ms. Valerie Connelly and her leadership has been an inspiration to me as a fledgling author. I have witnessed first hand not only the final results of her projects, but also the innumerable hours spent in developing the many titles at Nightengale Press. As writer I have experienced her professional diligence and the indefatigable work ethic of her staff. Her constant striving for perfection is, and will remain, a constant source of guidance and strength to me. No one in her field of author, publisher, and editor works harder, and I am proud to be part of the Nightengale Press group of artists working under Ms. Connelly’s watchful tutelage. I consider her expertise as colleague invaluable. I cherish her guidance as friend, both immeasurable and irreplaceable. Ms. Connelly and her staff are the best in their field, and I am proud that my name is in professional association with the literary team of Nightengale Press directed by Ms. Valerie Connelly. All the best in future success to the very best in the publishing business. Keep up the good work Valerie and staff! ―Canadian Author, Stephen Taylor: The House of Triblinkus (2004)

I'm happy for you to go ahead with the printing once you’re happy with the all the changes that I have made. I would like to thank you for your patience and professionalism during the last eight months. To put in the Australian vernacular YOUR BLOODY MARVELLOUS. I have sometimes thought that on receiving some of my emails you would feel like jumping on your hat or breaking your umbrella over you knee. I managed to do this to one of my colleagues in UK years ago. Much to my mirth. But not this time. Once again my sincere thanks for having guided me through the unknown to this point. ―Australian Author Ian Hill-Smith, (deceased 2006): The Golden Spanner (2004)