Archway Publishing Is Excellent As I begin the process of publishing my 5th novel with Archway Publishing, I feel the need to share my thoughts and experiences. I have been so happy with their services. Archway staff is professional, trustworthy and easy to work with - they have a process in place that ensures the writer's vision is met. I have been so pleased with the quality of my first four books. I feel safe in their hands.

Good service Archway concierge Faye Lewis was responsive and helpful. I don't think I had to wait more than 24 hours for a response from her. She answered most of my emails the same day I sent mine. The line editing was good and accurate. I'm pleased with the cover they designed and we selected. They provided excellent service and advice for a new author, like me.

Every step of the way was described and… Every step of the way was described and handled in a clearly and efficiently. The tools provided by The Author Learning Center were extremely useful. Only one small glitch occurred when I did not realize that Archway had had so quickly published my book (the day after my final approval of the galleys).

Here are the communications that… Here are the communications that illustrate Archway Publishing refused to let me see or approve the design and layout of my book before it was sent to production. From me: Can you please send me some examples for the design and layout of the interior pages of my book? I’m looking forward to working with you and your production team to create visually interesting layouts to compliment the 15 years of work that has gone into the publication. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Reply from Archway Publishing I apologize if I wasn’t able to get back to you immediately. As much as I’d like to send a few samples (of the layout and design of the book) to you, I do not have the resources to do so. Sent to Archway Publishing I have asked for a full refund. It has taken months just to get the links to upload the photos and text (something that should be a very straightforward process that can be completed in one day, but you refused my repeated requests to send the links for weeks at a time). And now you are refusing to show me the design and layout of my own book before it gets sent to production. I cannot be expected to approve a layout and design that I’ve never seen. Saying the book has to be sent to production without the author having the opportunity to review and approve the design and layout, and there will be extra charges if changes are needed later, is not how professional publishers treat their authors. Unfortunately, your communications have been confrontational instead of collaborative and supportive. (a full refund has not yet been provided 4 weeks later). Update: Despite sending the wrong version of my book (a short draft version that I sent just to check the formatting) to production, then over two months of delays trying to get things sorted out, followed by refusing to allow me to see or approve the layout of the interior pages before they were sent to production, I asked for a refund and less than one third of what I had paid was ever refunded. There was no ‘confusion’ or ‘misunderstanding’, Archway Publishing acknowledged these facts and simply refused to act in good faith. This post is to caution anyone thinking of self-publishing to look elsewhere if you are looking for an honest, competent, respectful self-publishing firm.

Little things mean a lot In general, the experience was okay. However, a question I asked about empty pages was not answered correctly. Little things like these mean a lot. The printed copy has empty pages that could have been used. I also missed a typo that I want to fix.