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 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 editing, book design, and prepress work are rock-bottom.
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 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 it as the work of an artist. You create it yourself 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 and reward are all yours. Still confused, got questions? Feel free to reach out.
Tour Guiding
Ken has led hundreds of guests on historic walking tours in both the Washington, D.C. area and downtown Seattle–the other, “other” Washington. Seattle tours are often scheduled as Airbnb Experiences from May through September, although private tours can be arranged just about anytime. Tours explore the founding of the city, the waterfront, Pike Place Market and more.
Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C. – Thinking of visiting D.C. for the annual cherry blossom spectacle? In March and April, 2024, Ken will be leading 90-minute and 2.5-hour, small-group walking tours of the blossoms, as well as all the iconic sights on the National Mall, plus Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, and 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.
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 trails and bikeways professionally in urban, rural and wildland environments since the last millennium. Serving public and private clients. Small to modest projects preferred.
If you have a hopeful trail project in mind, whether it spans 50 feet or 50 miles, maybe you could use a little help? If so, get in touch for a brief, no-cost consultation.