"The list of accolades I could provide regarding my experience with Ballast Books could be quite long. I will suffice it to say that Ballast has delivered on every service they claim to offer. As a first-time author, I have had direct access to the founder of Ballast Books, Andy Symonds. From day one, he began to educate me on every step of the publishing process and my alternatives for publishing, distribution, etc. Andy and his entire team have been very responsive and professional every step of the way. The distribution network and marketing services that Ballast offers have been instrumental for creating opportunities for increased exposure for my memoir. Andy was beyond gracious when he connected me with the right folks (outside of his organization) that enabled me to create an audio version of my book from the comfort of my home. I am beyond grateful to Andy Symonds and the team he has built at Ballast Books!"
Author of The Third Gift
“As a writer publishing for the first time, Ballast Books has been the perfect partner for me. It is very easy to be overwhelmed by the publishing juggernaut. Ballast Books handled everything from developing the finished manuscript and layout to printing, distribution, and marketing strategies. The publisher himself, Andy Symonds, is accessible for advice and coaching and is a great help when decisions need to be made. Their marketing pros have been terrific to work with and have secured numerous guest appearances on podcasts and conferences. These folks are the best, full stop.”
Author of When the Rocks Sing
“Ballast Books made it easy for a first-time author to produce and deliver a very professional product. From first contact to first book on the shelves, no question was left unanswered, and the collaboration was second to none. I’d gladly recommend their services for any author—a “first timer” like me or someone who has multiple books on the drawing table. Thanks for helping me deliver Relentless Positivity in a manner that exceeded my expectations!”
Author of Relentless Positivity
"The Ballast Books team was like having my own cheering squad right next to me the entire time as I wrote my first book. They went back and forth with me every step of the way. They carried me through the highs and lows of writing a book and gave me the confidence to follow through. Don't even get me started on the quality. The beauty and the quality of the book is the number one compliment I get as soon as people get it in their hands. Ballast Books is worth every penny!"
Author of F This
"As first-time authors, we had no idea what to expect when publishing. But Andy and his team did an incredible job walking us through the entire process and our options for publishing and laid out the expectations and timelines for our team. The Twenty-Year War is a large profile coffee table photo journal with high-detail images and custom layouts on every page. The timeline to produce and release a book of its magnitude was astonishingly tight. Any other publisher would have likely laughed us out of the room, but we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of Andy's team to get our book across the finish line in time for our release date."
Author of The Twenty-Year War
“It was my goal for many years to publish a
coffee table
book, and I initially felt overwhelmed by the possibilities. I knew I needed the
editorial and design support from a publishing company but had strong opinions on
many visual elements that I knew could be usurped by a traditional publishing model.
In this research phase, I discovered Ballast Books through the National Veterans
Memorial and Museum, as they had recently published The Twenty-Year War. The
quality and visual appeal of that book, along with feeling comfortable that my
military theme would fit into their library, prompted me to inquire.
I immediately felt at home and excited about the hybrid model Ballast Books uses.
Every step of the way, they provided high-level professional support while honoring
my vision for the project. Their meticulous attention to detail and expertise helped
the book to be elevated beyond what I thought it could be. Everyone on the team made
the experience outstanding—from vision casting to editing, design, logistics,
strategy, and marketing. I’m so glad I worked with Ballast Books on this
project!”
Author of A Midshipman’s Journey
“Have you dreamed of writing a book? What happens when your dream suddenly becomes a nightmare? Changing publishers midstream is an author’s nightmare—kind of like jumping out of an airplane without a parachute and hoping to grab a friend on the way down. During the publishing of my second book, I lost my parachute (aka my publisher) and was freefalling—that is, until Ballast Books invited me to grab onto their parachute. Ballast Books not only took on my unfinished project, but they also they did it with class and professionalism. I had a tight deadline to meet, and the team at Ballast was unwavering in their commitment. Even though words are my life, I find myself without the words to describe the depth of gratitude and respect I have for the Ballast team. If you have suddenly found yourself without a publishing home or are otherwise considering your publishing options, put Ballast Books at the top of your list. I think you will be as pleased as I am…maybe more!”
Author of unEngaged
“As a first-time author (who isn't really an author), I was very intimidated going into the experience of writing a book. From the beginning, Ballast gave me comfort, guidance, and unfiltered truth that gave me the confidence to achieve my dream of publishing a memoir. They were easy to work with, responsive, and direct—all of which matters for full-time executives like myself. I would recommend Ballast to anyone with a dream of becoming a published author.”
Author of There’s No Room Service at the Psych Ward
“As a first-time author, the publishing process can be confusing and overwhelming. I am glad I selected Ballast Books as my publishing company. From day one, the Ballast team was incredibly professional and attentive, providing a level of reliability and efficiency that surpassed all my expectations. The quality of their book publishing service was exceptional, and I would recommend Ballast Books to any author looking for a reliable team to help with all aspects of the publishing process. Thank you, Ballast Books, for not only meeting but exceeding my expectations!”
Author of The Strategic Business of You
"Ballast Books is among a new wave of hybrid publishers democratizing and disrupting the publishing industry. Their business model opens publishing up to visionary authors with a purpose whose works often get overlooked by traditional publishers. Every step of the way, Ballast’s collaborative approach and exceptional quality has equaled or surpassed my experience of traditional publishers within the top seven."
Author of Remaking the Space Between Us
"Your team has been great to work with … I knew nothing when I started this journey and know a little bit now…but they have made each step super simple. Thanks for all that you guys do!"
Author of Red, White & Verse
"I am a first-time author, so I didn’t know what to expect. When I submitted my manuscript, I thought I was done—wishful thinking! I had a Zoom call with Kayleigh and Andy first and a couple of weeks later another Zoom call with Lauren and Andy. They explained the entire process and the timing step by step—very helpful! There is so much work behind the scenes that Andy and his team do, like manuscript editing, cover design, interior design, photo insert design, verifying all contacts/links, landing page design, marketing strategy/contacts, and so on. Lots of preparation and hard work for sure. I am very pleased about how my book turned out. This is all because of the talented, hardworking, energetic, and friendly staff members that Ballast Books has. My genuine appreciation goes to Lauren, Kayleigh, Helene, Kayla, Mirko, Qasim, and of course Andy! THANK YOU ALL!!! For me personally, after working with all the team members for months, at the end, I felt like they were part of the family."
Author of My Golf Journey
