Small Publishing Support
Ken has successfully published his own work for decades. He knows the drill, the frustrations, the mechanics, and the rewards of turning words on a page into a book. He’s eager to assist new authors, especially with memoirs, local history, or unusual stories that need to be told. Or poetry and photo books for that matter. We’re not here to make you a big star and we don’t work for free, other than an up-front consultation. But since we are teeny-tiny and work at home, our rates for book design and prepress work are rock-bottom.
Editing & Proofreading
We also provide manuscript feedback, photo editing, mapping, and accurate proofreading and editing services, normally turning the work around within days, not weeks. Contact us for tips for publishing your work, manuscript development, editing, book design, ISBN, distribution and more.
Should I Self-Publish?
Many of us have an idea or two we’d love to turn into a book. But it’s become ridiculously difficult to get noticed, let alone seal a deal, with any of the mainstream publishing houses–even if you’re among the lucky ones who can snare a reputable literary agent to pitch your work. The industry seems almost completely focused on the next bestseller, the hot new voice they can market to the current trendy thing.
So unless you’re a successful author already, or have truly authored the next blockbuster tome, or have magic stardust in your hair, it’s a tough world out there. That said, if your work is really good, then do try for an agent. You’ll never know for sure.
For the rest of us, we’re usually left with self-publishing, the so-called vanity press, or an online, on-demand book printer. Or there’s always the print-at-home-and-stick-it-in-a-binder option that might work just fine for some of us.
Sadly, self-publishing carries a stigma with some who may not understand what it actually is. It’s complete control by the author, which can be a very good thing. Think of your work as the work of an artist. You create it yourself through your own effort, at your own cost, and just the way you want it. Then give it away or sell it to whomever for whatever price you like. Like an artist, it’s all your doing. The risk, reward, and pride are all yours. So don’t let the bottom-line driven corporate publishing world stand in your way. If you’ve got a good story, go for it!
Still confused, got questions? Feel free to reach out.
Tour Guiding
Since Ken pretty much follows his feet wherever they go, tour guiding has been a natural sideline as well. He has led hundreds of guests on historic walking tours in both the Washington, D.C. area and downtown Seattle–the other, “other” Washington. Private group tours can be arranged just about anytime. Seattle tours explore the founding of the city, the waterfront, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square and more.
Thinking of visiting D.C.? Private walking tours include all the iconic sights on the National Mall and downtown, plus the Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Hill, Georgetown and other quaint historic areas around the city. Ken has been a D.C.-licensed tour guide since 2018 and has consistently earned 5-star reviews. Check Ken’s Blog for details or get in touch anytime for more info or to arrange a private tour. Or pick up a copy of his award-winning D.C. walking guide here, and plan a great trip on your own!
Ken can also assist with trip planning and itineraries for groups and families looking to organize a meaningful, unique, fun, and memorable visit to the American capital and the countless iconic sites that await. To avoid traffic snarls and parking hassles, tours can include brief rides on the city’s excellent Metro system, if desired and depending on the itinerary. (Ken does not provide driving tours.)
Trail Planning and Design
Yes, really! Ken has worked in the field of professional trail planning and design for decades, often contracted with smaller communities and private entities. Ken has planned and designed hundreds of miles of trails and bikeways in urban, rural and wildland environments since the last millennium, serving both public and private clients. Small to modest projects are preferred.
If you have a hopeful trail project in mind, whether it spans 50 feet or 50 miles, and could use a little help, get in touch for a brief, no-cost consultation.