WestBow Press Reviews 832

Westbow Press is a long term recognized publisher of inspirational and Christian works. It is both a recognized brand and a rigorous and stringent reviewer of content. While there are any options for authors to publish works, some less expensive and some more expensive, none or very few options offer the prestige of having met the rigorous standards of WestBow Press and the prestige of being published under the WestBow Press brand backed by Zondervan-Thomas Nelson which is owned by Harper Collins, and is the largest publisher of Christian works in the world. That type of backing means a lot when it comes to the plethora of publishing opportunities available to authors today. The WestBow Press staff is professional, timely, and helpful in guiding an author through the process. While WestBow Press might not be for everybody, it should be a first consideration for new authors jumping into an already very crowded field.

After reading most of the reviews of other authors who published with Westbow Press, I realize that we were expecting a Christian spirit and dedication for the best outcome. All I could see was greed and careless for my opinion, my need for guidance or someone to listen to my instructions. I published my book in November 2022. I did myself the cover, the illustrations inside the book and the editing. They took vacations and did not return my calls, did not read my instructions and I was able to finalize my book only after I spoke with the lady who was executing the printing. I truly regret that I failed for the name of the company, they charge too much for too little they do. The attitude is of unmasked sarcasm and greed.

Westbow press representatives were extremely nice until AFTER they published my book. They continuously contacted me in an effort to get me to agree to more expensive advertising packages. Even though I said I couldn't afford it they continued to email and call with offers for payment plans and such. Several representatives were rude in response to telling them I wasn't interested. My most recent concern is when I received my book and the publish date says "rev date". This is the first and only book I've had published. It is very embarrassing when people ask about the previous version when infact there is no other version. They are not prompt when responding to an issue. When they do finally contact me with their excuses, they don't offer proof of why they're denying to resolve the issue. They're sometimes bossy during phone calls. One representative would cut me off while I was trying to speak to her. They claim to be a Christian publishing company but they didn't treat me with Christian values. Paying for more edits than the package I chose allowed was extremely overpriced. In my opinion this company is only out to make money. I suggest publishing a book yourself instead of paying thousands of dollars only to receive sometimes less than a dollar in three months for all books sold. They asked for information regarding my complaint that I previously submitted. I originally requested a few books that have the word "rev" removed as an attempt to rectify the problem. After dealing with Westbow Press to no prevail I lowered my request to a hardcover author's copy without the word "rev" before the publish date. I am currently awaiting their reply, or should I say denial. ***They will most likely reply to this review saying they are going to improve their services but I guarantee they will NOT negotiate a way to resolve this issue unless it benefits their pocketbook.
Shelly Miller Fronterhouse

********In response to your excuse wouldn't it have saved a lot of time and frustration if you would have told me these things BEFORE this review. Also, I did unsubscribe and still received emails. This doesn't dismiss how rude some of your staff are. Thanks for responding so quickly when it is important to your satisfaction. You aren't kidding about making a profit. Information for authors... This is an example of what you will receive. Example: NET SALE $242.42 AUTHOR EARNINGS $59.44 God Bless!

I have to say that giving a one star review is painful. I am joyful that we have a book, but the level of frustration, especially at the end, was unacceptable. After repeated attempts and paying almost $5,000 to have an audio book published, we were forced to cancel the order receiving only a portion of our payment back. WestBow completely failed on meeting multiple deadlines and fulfilling their obligation. Emails were not answered and phone calls were not returned. We also bought their expensive "marketing package" that they unbelievably executed before the audio book and website were ready and available, which resulted in potentially lost sales and the ability to capture readers' names. WestBow was not communicative during this time. I finally realized that they have a system and authors need to suck it up and follow their system, no questions asked. I highly recommend that authors review other marketing avenues, which I discovered are more affordably priced. Additionally, their publishing process involves moving from one consultant to another during each phase. Some consultants were excellent. If they wanted to sell you something, they were fabulous. The process does not allow the author to form a relationship with any one person so after a while, it felt like I was drowning in emails especially all the ones asking me to spend more money on marketing. Very, very disappointing to have lost money. Even more disappointing is having the joy of a finished book diminished by level of frustration. I expect so much more from a Christian organization.

I suppose I have to admire this outfit for their persistence. I'm not an author, I've never published anything, and I'm not in the USA, but still their pleading emails come despite my attempts to unsubscribe from them. Where they got my address from in the first place is a mystery too! If an actual human being reads this, please can you unsubscribe me?

I received the following letter from you on 28th June. It makes claims that are simply not true - I have never been in contact with you, and I have never heard of you. I classified the address as spam, and asked to be unsubscribed.

Hi Roger,

I see that you had previously expressed interest in our publishing services. (NOT TRUE) I just wanted to make sure you received all the information you were looking for. (I WASN’T LOOKING)

WestBow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan, offers supported self-publishing packages and services for Christian authors.

May I assist in setting up a call with your publishing consultant to discuss this further?

Best regards and have a good day,

Maria Parker | Publishing Assistant
WestBow Press
1.844.714.3454

However, I received further letters into my spam folder (so didn’t see them) on July 1, 5, 10 and 16, all pressing me urgently to respond. On July 18 I once again looked in the spam folder and saw all these letters. Once again I “unsubscribed” and saw the invitation to write a Trustpilot review - which I did.

As I said in the original review, I am not an author, I have never been published, I’m not in the USA, and I have no idea where you got my address from. This is why I assumed that all these letters were just spam.

In 2021 July I was instructed by email to submit my WB8 form to my Country's Revenue department in order to receive my Royalties.Since I submitted all my forms until today I have not received a dime and I write emails without receiving any response. It's been Three years now. Even today I still have not received any response to my emails. It's been Seven years today and a few months added. Please send me an email to communicate.

All connections have been positive and helpful. One outstanding response: I was told in presale conversations that my package would include developing a website for my book. I have had no follow-up or responses for the requested service at this point.

Reaching out to me with a scheduled telephone appointment provided the setting for a productive and personal exchange of information. Keeping the appointment on time convinced me the caller took my inquiry seriously. Listening carefully to my needs, my intention to publish and why, confirmed the caller's sincerity in wanting to help me accomplish my goals, not just make a sale.

The best printing press ever! Very good customer service provider!

What went wrong this time? I gave a low rating because after my book moved to the design and marketing phase, it has been nothing but problematic. In addition, the marketing person does not return calls and or emails. Some people do well with communicating by emails and some don't. I need to talk with you directly and even when his voicemail message says leave me an mail and you will get ready back to us, that is not the case. So that is why I gave them such a low rating. All it takes is one person on the team to impact the entire process and I have been impacted. It is so disheartening seeing that I am a new author.

This was my first experience at self publishing. WestBow Press staff in every department walked me through things I didn't understand and patiently explained everything. They even gave me a little tech support when I needed it. They were always kind and supportive. If I publish again, my first choice would be WestBow Press.

Did a good job of answering my questions and producing my book in a timely manner

Good customer service. Professional product.

The initial encounter and experience with Westbow was great. However, it went down hill quickly! It seemed all they cared about was taking my money. EVERY conversation included a sales pitch for some additional service. At the time, I was doing ministry overseas.

The salesman called and told me how great my book was. I told him that we raised support to do ministry and that I wouldn't be able to afford much, if anything for marketing. The next day, he sent me a proposal for $25,000, proving that he hadn't listened to me at all and that he only cared about the money.

The royalty is also very small. I've sold hundreds of books and have yet to recover my initial investment.

Now, I can't get anybody to return my calls to get copies of my book printed...been trying for a month!

The most disappointing part of all of this, is that this is a Christian company. I expect more integrity and authenticity from Christian companies. I will eventually cancel my contract and reprint on Amazon, and use Amazon for all future books that I write.

All of my contacts at Westbow provided me with clear, concise information in a timely, friendly manner. As a new author, I had many questions. Each query was answered in complete fashion. It has been a wonderful learning experience for me.

One of the things that vanity press companies often get wrong is putting the correct resources on a project and doing frequent, informative communication. WestBow has excellent resources who are conscientious and communicative. I really appreciate that. Everything promised was delivered on schedule and with high quality. Well worth the fee.

Helpful service. The walking through each process.

Excellent quality in every way possible, printing, paper, service, promotional assistance.

The information I was given during the sales pitch was not accurate. First I was told that they could make any size book and then it changed to only two sizes. I was told that they could use a paper copy and then it was only a very specific kind of electronic file which I couldn’t produce.

I asked to cancel the order and was told that it would be canceled which it was but it was $200 short when I saw my refund. They advised me that this was in the contract and it was but the contract was so tiny that I couldn’t read it on my cell phone, nobody mentioned that there would be a penalty for cancellation. The reason I wanted to cancel was because I was told that I could send a paper copy and they would do the rest. This was totally not true I had told them I had no Internet except on my phone and could not Submit anything but paper I was assured this would be fine and I mailed them a book which they still have plus $200 of mine and a lot of my time I would not use them again I trusted Zondervan and Thomas Nelson from my childhood but that was then, and this is now and things do change not always for the better

They might have a case to hold back $200 if I had just changed my mind but it wasn’t because I changed my mind. It’s because they did not deliver what they promised, and since they did not deliver what they promised, they should refund everything.

The number for the account transaction
Was 859969 and it occurred on 4/22/24.

Everyone I interacted with was extremely helpful in helping me get my project published and printed! When I didn't understand something or needed support, they were always there to guide me!