"My Experience with The Writer's Edge is . . ."
What 65 other writers say:
Finding a Publisher is challenging, but not impossible! Also see page 2For several years (up to 2009 and again recently) we asked customers of the Writer's Edge Service to describe what happened when they submitted their material to this service. This page documents some of their experiences. Some had a great experience--a contract for their book--others had no response whatever. We offer here their reactions, unedited, and invite you to read these case studies in freelance writing! Even those who had unhappy results are left in the comment list. Why? Because writing for publication sometimes proves harder than you had thought and we want you to be aware of that challenge.
After realizing how difficult it was to get an agent, I submitted to the Writer's Edge. The day after my work was posted two major publishing houses contacted me and asked to see a partial of my historical fiction novel. Although this didn't pan out, two more major publishers contacted me as well as several smaller houses. I realized then how well respected the Writer's Edge is in the publishing industry. Within 9 months I had a 3-book contract with Revell/Baker Publishing Group. If not for the professionalism of this wonderful service, I'm sure I would still be spending fruitless hours trying to find an agent and break into the market. The editor that reviewed my work provided the encouragement I needed to keep going and everything was handled so professionally, efficiently, and in such a timely manner. I reccomend this service to everyone pursuing publication. I'm so thankful for all that the Writer's Edge has done for me. My first novel, The Frontiersman's Daughter, will be released August 1, 2009. Hats off to a very valuable service! -- Laura Frantz
My first novel, Gray Rainbow Journey, which was announced through Writers Edge and published by OakTara, was winner of a National Best Books 2009 Award for Multicultural Fiction, and a Finalist in the categories of Religion and Mystery/Suspense, sponsored by USA Book News. Writer's Edge helped to make it all possible. Thank you again for this service!" --KiKi BelMonte-Schaller
At the end of last year, I submitted my manuscript, Well Lived: Stories of Wisdom and Wonder, to Writer's Edge. I was so pleased with the whole experience and the careful attention to details. How lovely it was to have one of the reviewer's ( #7, I think) wish me luck and indicate that my ms. was well done and meaningful. This personal response spoke volumes about your dedication. Please know that almost immediately I received an interest inquiry from Paraclete Press. Much to my delight, a contract is being prepared and I hope to have an extended ms to Paraclete by October 1. Writer's Edge works! Thank you for this opportunity. I would not have had it without this vehicle. May God continue to gently and graciously bless your work. --Peace and everything good, --Sr. Bridget Haase - book published as Generous Faith.
My book, originally titled, “God Help Me, I’ve Been Laid Off – Trusting God as Your Divine Employer”, is due for release June 1. . . . in January Bridge-Logos contacted me, and four months later my “baby” is being delivered to (hopefully) thousands of people who are laid off and hurting, to help them during one of the worst times of their lives.
What I respect most about the Writer's Edge is that it is a truly legitimate service. By this, I mean years ago, my proposal and work was rejected twice (along with kind, constructive criticism). On the third try I was successful and it’s just a miracle I thought to update my info shortly before my 5-yr term was to expire, then the publisher contacts me ONE WEEK LATER – four months later the book is being shipped to the masses. Unbelievable! Anyway, my experience with your service taught me that it wasn’t just a bunch of people taking my money and sticking my info onto a web site. I made adjustments to my work according to the feedback I received, and eventually was successful. --Mary Aucoin Kaarto
Susan Brereton and I wrote a book called Mothering Heights: A Novel Approach for Christian Mothers and wanted to find a publisher. However, the fact that we are from a small country (New Zealand) meant that we needed to look overseas for publication which has challenges of its own. The Writer's Edge service was perfect for us as it gave exposure to a variety of Christian publishers in the U.S that we otherwise might not have known about. We were blessed to be approached by three different publishers and in the end signed with Judson Press last July. Our book is due out next week which we are enormously excited about! Thanks to The Writer's Edge!
--Keitha Smith
Last November I sent a manuscript to you for The Eternal Truths of Narnia. Through your service, I heard from Bridge-Logos publishers in February. They accepted the study and it was released in May in time for the Prince Caspian movie. Thank you for your wonderful service. Your partnership has assisted in drawing people to the Word of God through this culturally relevant topic. --Julie Kloster 
Writing a novel is a breeze compared to getting it published. The cycle of agents who aren't taking new clients, to publishers who won't accept manuscripts (or even query letters) unless the author has an agent - is frustrating and discouraging. My story, however, has a happy ending because a small publishing company, in the acquisitions stage of its venture, read my old excerpt postings on Writer's Edge Service. They liked what they read and asked for more. They actually found me through the unique process of Writer's Edge. Without your service, I would still be sending off query letters. Thank you so much for keeping the postings on your site for an extended period of time. The first book in my Jemma series is Corner of Blue and was published in late November, 2007. --Sharon McAnear 
You screened my manuscript for me (twice actually). The first review gave me the tough love I needed to get serious and focused. It worked. "Jesus' Keys" was included in your report to publishers in April 2005. I am happy to report that Upper Room Books offered me a contract in June 2006 and the book, The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits is now available at Upper Room Books. Your service was very helpful to me - and drove me to produce a far better book than I originally conceived. A great service! --Christopher Maricle 
My first novel, Journey to Judah, poured out of me between two family weddings in Spring 2005. My daughter's love story inspired the book. I was passionate about encouraging young women to follow the Lord wherever He leads and trust Him to be a faithful Lover, provider, and protector. I submitted the manuscript to Writers Edge in the fall and waited. I committed the work to the Lord, knowing that if He wanted to land it in the hands of a publisher, He would. And eventually He did! In January 2007, Jeff Nesbit of OakTara Fiction emailed me saying he had seen the listing and wanted to read the manuscript. It so happened I was visiting my daughter in India at the time. Long story short, he loved it and asked if I would publish with Capstone. I said "yes", and the marriage between writer and publisher took place. I am currently working on two other books in the "Born for India" series. --Eileen Rife 
The process was simple and easy. The comments returned by my reader were encouraging, and the results were favorable. I submitted my book to Writer's Edge in early November and was contacted by two publishers within a couple of months. I signed a contract in April and God in MySpace: Answering Questions of Loneliness and Identity will be available as early as December 2007. Thank you, Writer's Edge, for your service. It was a blessing. --Derek Knoke I am delighted to recommend Writer's Edge. I found out about the program quite by accident when learning that some leading Christian publishers do not accept unsolicited mss, but consult Writer's Edge instead. Last spring, I submitted chapters of my novel Among His Personal Effects for review. I received a thoughtful, frank appraisal, which, while complimentary, suggested that my work might be something of a hard sell to some Christian publishers. I was grateful for both the encouragement and the honesty. Nearly eight months later, however, I received two offers to publish the novel and am pleased to say that I have signed a contract with Capstone Fiction. I am grateful to Writer's Edge--and to Capstone Fiction for taking a risk. -- John McDonald, Blountville, TN
I listed my book with The Writer's Edge and within six weeks time received two inquiries from Christian publishing companies. My book will be published by Bridge-Logos early next year. I am so grateful to The Writer's Edge. --Linda Born
I submitted two books to Writer's Edge three years ago and I haven't heard anything from a publisher/editor. I'm disappointed that you pay a large fee to Writer's Edge and the book proposal only gets read once.--K. Ransom
I had a very surprising experience with Writers Edge. My summary appeared in the Feb 2006 report. The only responses I got immediately were from subsidy publishers. After several months went by, I assumed I had just wasted $95 and forgot all about it. Much to my surprise in Jan of 2007 (nearly one year later), I got an email from Capstone Fiction [now OakTara] saying they had read my summary on WritersEdge and were intrigued. I signed a contract with Capstone Fiction on January 16! Boy, did I get my money's worth! --Alison Pickrell
I sent out query letters about my novel to Christian publishers, only to discover that most of them do not read query letters. One publisher suggested that I go through Writers Edge. Within a few months of posting on the Writers Edge website, Capstone Fiction asked me to send out my manuscript. A few weeks later, I had a contract for publication of Walk Me To Midnight. Thank you, Writers Edge! -- -- Jane St. Clair
I finished my book, Light Dancer, in late spring of 2002. After being advised by an editor to get a literary agent, I contacted every single agent listed in the Christian Writer's Market. A few returned my letter. One of them suggested that I list my book with The Writer's Edge. I took that advice and listed the book in April of 2003. In December of 2006, I was contacted by a publisher who said they had seen my listing on The Writer's Edge and asked me to send the manuscript to them. I signed a contract with them in January of 2007. Thanks, Writer's Edge, for keeping my listing posted for so long. My book might never have come to the attention of a publisher if not for you. --J.B. Blunk
My book query for "The Merchant of Damascus" in April 2005, to Writer's Edge received a publisher's acceptance in January 2007. I was very pleased to hear from Capstone Fiction Publishers even though they distribute online only. I had to retype the manuscript on my new computer for electronic submission. It was good to help get the final typos out of the manuscript. My other submission to Writer's Edge with the critique from the editor helped me with valid rewrites on my work. Thanks to Writer's Edge for their services. --Duane C. Stradley 
My encounter with The Writer’s Edge was excellent. From my first inquiry until a follow-up letter congratulating me about my success in finding a publisher, my experience with the The Writer’s Edge was personal and helpful. The materials were clear and easy to fill out. The resulting description of my book proposal did justice to my ideas and was read by at least 80 publishers. Three publishers asked to see chapters of my manuscript, and one of those published my book. Publishing a book today, even in Christian circles, seems such a maze of difficulties in getting your good ideas and writing considered by a publisher. The Writer’s Edge provides a needed connection between author and publisher that is valued by both. --Dr. Mark Cosgrove, Taylor University 
The Writer's Edge Service minimizes rejection! Instead of sending out dozens of queries and proposals, and receiving dozens of rejections from publishers who were not interested, the Writer's Edge Service allows publishers to pre-screen ideas. You don't have to waste your effort to just receive rejections. Only interested publishers will contact you, bringing you that much closer to acceptance. In my case, three publishers contacted me, so I only mailed out three proposals (not dozens). One publisher sent me a rejection, one did not respond, and one sent me a contract. The Writer's Edge Service streamlines and expedites the process of presenting a writer's ideas to the publishing world. I plan to use the Writer's Edge again and again. --Christy Bower Devotion Explosion: Getting Real with God (Discovery House Publishers, June 2007) 
I am extremely grateful to Writer's Edge for the service they offer and the integrity and manner in which they conduct the reviews. They actually deliver on what they promise which is encouraging and refreshing! I completed the draft of a book targeted at 'pre-Christians' encouraging people (many who have been bruised by church and Christians) to revisit who God is and what He is like etc. I was turned down by one publisher I approached in England and then found that most publishers won't look at unsolicited manuscripts. However some did mention submitting work to Writer's Edge for an initial review. I did that last December (2005) and in early February (I think) received an acceptance letter and my synopsis was [reported to the publishers]. . . .Two weeks later I received an expression of interest from Harvest House Publishers and I have been working with them over the past 8 months to produce a final draft. . . . Harvest House is also interested in more of my writing and I am currently half way through another book that I will be reviewed by them within the next six months. --John Cox, British Columbia
After posting my book with Writer's Edge I was contacted by three Christian publishers. I signed with Moody Publications and could not be happier. My first novel, William Henry is a Fine Name, came out this month [October 2006]. Writer's edge has been responsive and professional in every way. Their evaluation was especially helpful in forming some of my later decisions re. promotion and target markets. One thing I learned is that entering the publishing world takes time. The process leading to a contract took several months, but posting with Writer's Edge was my first step. --Cathy Gohlke
Writer's Edge made the difference for me. I sent out dozens of query letters to publishers, with no nibbles. Finally I decided to try Writer's Edge. After a summary of my book was included in their service, I soon received a note from a representative of Harvest House Publishers, wanting to see the manuscript. She liked the book and sent it up to the next level. It took a while, but the book is now published and in its third printing. --Blessings, Dennis Pollock 
I never thought that getting published would be such a pleasant experience, but because of The Writer's Edge, it was! I received wonderful, prompt feedback from my reviewer, and was very pleased with the summary listed in the monthly book report to the publishers. Two publishers requested my proposal, and in just a few short months, I had my first contract in my hand! The process led to a wonderful relationship with my editors at Discovery House Publishing, and a remarkable experience as a first-time author. I would recommend to everyone that they use The Writer's Edge in the beginning of their journey towards publication, not as a last resort. My first book, Who Has Your Heart? The Single Woman's Pursuit of Godliness is out this month (Oct. 2006)! --Emily E. Ryan Though my work was not accepted, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate the thorough consideration which it was given, and the helpfulness of your reviewer’s comments to me. I am highly impressed. Not only do you give a thoughtful evaluation to prospects, you offer the possibility of posting their ideas on your new “Listed and Available” site. I intend to take advantage of your offer, following some diligent editing, based on your reviewer’s comments. . . . Thank you for conducting a most valuable service in an honorable fashion. --Dana Parker
I have submitted two manuscripts to Writers Edge, and both times I received responses from large Christian publishers who wished to review my material. Although a contract did not result in either case, I did make valuable contacts. One editor encouraged me to continue to send her my manuscripts -- how often does a writer hear that! My first book, Even the Sound Waves Obey Him, a children's Bible story and science activity book, ultimately was published in July 2005 by Concordia Publishing House. The contract came about through a contact I made years ago while writing for a Christian magazine. So I would say: Make use of contacts you have made over the years, and be diligent in sending out your queries and proposals. But Writers Edge can definitely get your manuscript noticed by publishers who are not accepting work from unpublished, unknown or unagented authors. My experience shows that publishers do read the reports and request manuscripts for those projects that catch their eye. --Nancy B. Kennedy
I can't recommend Writer's Edge highly enough. I had been working on a book about marriage for over five years and finally had the guts to do something about it. I decided to try Writer's Edge first, and if nothing came of it, I would start looking for publishers to send my proposal to. My book synopsis appeared in The Writer's Edge report for publishers on December 31st, 2004. On January 6th, less than one week later, I received e-mails from two publishing companies. One was Harvest House publishers. After sending them a proposal, then my entire manuscript, they offered me a contract for my book in March. My book, From Blushing Bride to Wedded Wife, (tentative title) is due out in stores in March 2006. I've been asked to submit a proposal for my next book. I sent it today and am waiting to hear what they think. Thanks, Writer's Edge! I'm telling every aspiring writer I know about Writer's Edge! --Marla Taviano 
Two years ago, after sending my completed manuscript to over 50 publishers, I decided to send my proposal to Writer's Edge. After they accepted my work, I was offered a contract with Kregel Publications to publish my devotional book for moms. Kregel had previously rejected my work, but then reconsidered it as a viable product once seeing it endorsed by Writer's Edge. My first book, Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Mom's Weary Soul, came out in February 2002, and I am currently working on a follow-up devotional for mothers. This time, though, I went straight to Writer's Edge. Thank you for your support of my work, passion and dreams. --Elizabeth Corcoran I just received my letter of "rejection" from Writer's Edge- not what I had hoped for BUT first off, I appreciated a quick response- two and a half weeks from when I mailed it off. And although I am disappointed, I don't feel like I wasted my money. My reviewer was very specific with why he/she felt it was not marketable at this time and the advise was excellent. He/she gave me a lot of positive feed back about my writing strengths and was very specific with my weaknesses, sighting examples from my manuscript. It is all things I can work on and change and improve, and frankly, they were all things I had noticed myself and passed by. I tried several years ago to publish a book and was frustrated after contacting hundreds of publishers. If one of them could have told me what to do to make it better it would have saved me so much time, money, energy and disappointment. I feel like I have something to go on here. I can make it better and I want it to be the best I can possibly make it. I have had a good experience with Writer's Edge and I will use them again with the understanding that I may only be paying for a good critique of my work. But what is that worth if it helps you to be a better writer? --Kathie Palazzolo
I entered the world of publishing very "wet behind the ears." It was not long before I realized that having a desire to write and getting a manuscript published were distinct entities with no promise of ever coming together. The Writer's Edge helped to bridge the gap. I signed my first contract last week, and my manuscript (first entitled The Spiritual Roots of Weight Gain) is set to be released in the summer of 2002. Thank you, Writer's Edge! --Kara Davis, M.D. As a tenderfoot hiking through the unfamiliar trails of the publishing world, I was glad to find a guidepost in the wilderness through The Writer's Edge. The process from proposal to book contract has been very smooth for this first-time writer, and I can wholeheartedly recommend the service to all who would aspire to publish. Perusing the website alone serves as a great education for the uninitiated. My first book is being published by Judson Press in March of 2006. Steal Away: Devotions for Baseball Fans is "ESPN meets Oswald Chambers," a collection of devotional readings that center on scripture and use real-life stories from professional baseball to illustrate truth. I suspect I will be honing my craft for the rest of my days, but The Writer's Edge has helped me take my foot out of my mouth and insert it into the door of a publisher. Many thanks! --Hugh Poland, Kingwood, TX 2005
I enjoy writing but had never seriously considered publishing until fairly recently. I learned about Writers Edge Service at the 2006 Calvin College Festival of Faith and Writing. I submitted Heavens to Louie to Writers Edge in May and was notified in June that it was accepted for listing. There was some interest from self-publishing firms after that, but I am cheap by nature and decided to see what the Lord had in mind rather than pay for publication. On New Year’s Day of this year, Capstone Publishing expressed interest and requested submission of the full manuscript. They offered a publishing contract, and signing was completed before the end of January. The book is presently under development. Thank you for your support. --Donald A. Bemis (Book Proposal ID# BeD4909006)
As you requested, I would be happy to share my experience using the Writer's Edge marketing service. I worked hard and prayed hard preparing my manuscript. I believed there was a market for this kind of youth material, but I knew from collecting rejections in the past for other manuscripts that finding that niche can be a daunting task. I decided to use the Writer's Edge. When my book was presented in the W.E. newsletter, I received inquiries from five different publishing houses. In February 2000, I signed with Broadman and Holman. What an exciting day that was. Watch for FAMOUS JERKS OF THE BIBLE, out in 2001. Margaret Brouillette 
The Writer's Edge worked for me. I urge all my writing friends to use the service. It's frustrating trying to keep track of the different submission editors and their confusing guidelines. The Writer's Edge simplifies the process into one easy submission. Give it a try today!"
Warmly, Paul E. Pettit Asst. to the President Dallas Seminary
My experience with Writer's Edge has been very fulfilling and I would recommend their service to any aspiring writer Ethel M.Rutt
I signed a contract with Kregel for the publication of my book, The Tender Scar: Life After The Death Of A Spouse. A number of publishers were still considering my queries and proposals (six to eight months or more after receiving them), but six weeks after my submission appeared on your web site, Kregel contacted me. After reviewing my proposal, they offered me a contract. Frankly, neither the publisher nor I can be certain whether the Writer's Edge was the deciding factor, but it certainly didn't hurt. I'll be using your service again. --Richard Mabry, MD,
Duncanville, Texas
I was completely satisfied with the service that I received from Writer's Edge. Although my entry yielded only one query, the manuscript that I submitted (The Threat From Within: Denial Of Truth) is being published. I would use Writer's Edge again. --Timothy P. Buchanan
I never heard a thing from any publisher --William Badke
I was very pleased with the experience I had with The Writer's Edge. The feedback I received after their review of my manuscript was gracious and encouraging, the synopsis that appeared in their digest was fair and accurate, and I was offered contracts by two publishers who saw my manuscript described in The Writer's Edge. (My book was published as "Dating and Waiting: Looking for Love in All the Right Places) in July 2000). I would not hesitate to use The Writer's Edge again or to recommend it to others. William Risk
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