Recommendations I received of Luminare Press as the epitome of a hybrid publishing company were spot-on. With CEO Patricia Marshall leading the way, I received the input, tools, and guidance necessary to bring my book to fruition. Project manager Kim Harper-Kennedy kept careful watch over the various steps to publication, including front cover graphics and back cover text, interior layout and author revisions, the setup of printing and online sales accounts, and the opening of promotional and marketing conduits. Managing editor Sallie Vandagrift oversaw the editorial services undertaken assiduously by an associate editor, Lori Stephens, in a collegiate manner of counsel shared and particulars heeded. Kristen Brack reworked a graphic image to produce a cover design with thematic resonance and set an interior layout conducive to close reading. Melissa Thomas introduced me to marketing options through a presentation of promotional pages, sites, and materials. Caitlin McCrum facilitated the creation of author pages at Luminare Press, Amazon, and Goodreads, initiated printing/sales accounts at KDP and IngramSpark, handled the issuance of a proof copy for review, and uploaded the final files for publication. With the benefit of these experienced professionals, I now have a published book--precisely realizing my objective--which is available for purchase online or via any bookstore and is being promoted through a wide range of outlets, venues, and opportunities. Many thanks. read more

As a first-timer in creating a book, I knew there would be a learning curve and challenges. I had my plan to locate a traditional publisher (probably a small one because of the barriers to getting noticed by the major ones if you are new and unknown.) True self-publishing was my fall back in case I had no takers in the traditional arena. I wasn't really aware of the middle ground between traditional and true self-publishing when I started the search and what it could offer. But to paraphrase an old adage, when the pupil is ready the right publisher will appear. It was just by chance more or less that I located Luminare's name on an author website ranking self, hybrid, etc. publishers and decided to contact them because of their very high ranking. Soon after the initial phone and email contacts with the Luminare owner and staff I knew it was a perfect fit for me. The publishing experience with Luminare has been very rewarding because of their professionalism, courtesy, patience, fast turnaround, and quality work. An added benefit is the gaining of experience in the publishing process provided to a newcomer. They will be my first choice with the follow up book. - Art A. Willis read more

I, like others, had a wide range of experiences with publishers...not all good. I was hesitant to select one that was out of state - especially one that had not been recommended by my professional colleagues - as the working relationship would be quite different and possibly complicated. I interviewed several publishers. None allayed those concerns like the conversation I had with Patricia Marshall. It was evident that she was an honest professional who took great interest and pride in making sure her team did an outstanding job for Luminare's authors. She immediately addressed the one misunderstanding that arose...proposing a mutually-beneficial outcome. Further, she was passionate about helping authors learn how to be successful...with Luminare as well as on their own. My production team was spectacular (Kim, Nina, Caitlin...tho honestly, anyone I spoke to was very responsive). They not only did a fabulous job, they did so within agreed-upon guidelines. And...they notified me right away if they met with an obstacle. I heartily recommend working with them if you are looking to produce a quality product. I will miss working with them and hope to do so again someday soon. read more

I anticipated a daunting process of searching and inquiry to secure a publisher for my first book. Luminare Press was only the 2nd company I considered, but, as it immediately felt like an excellent fit, I jumped! Now I'm delighted to confirm that my initial impression was correct. My content for "Years and Other Leavings: Poems" was ready to go, but I needed lots of help with design, layout, and the technical aspects of publication. Patricia Marshall and her resourceful team have been consistently professional, patient, helpful, and responsive. I am particularly impressed with their attention to the challenges of formatting those of my poems that are set with varying indents. And the overall cost of producing my book in all three formats was actually less than I had been expecting. The result is a handsome volume that could rival anything produced by the big publishing houses, with the bonus of its having been a collaborative effort from the start. Come the day I feel ready to compile a second collection, I know it will be low-stress: I already have a publisher. read more

It is very exciting to see our published memoir, Between the Lines:You, Me and Sicily, for sale - the result of a challenging and fun creative endeavor. We did not include a list of thank-yous in our book because, well, it was basically just the two of us stumbling through the book writing process. That is to say, before Luminare Press brought it all together for us, far exceeding our expectations for an aesthetically beautiful book. From our first zoom meeting with Patricia to seeing our book for sale on Amazon, the Luminare Press staff was superlative. Their encouragement, positivity, expertise, creativity, efficiency, patience, spot-on advice and professionalism made novices like us feel as if we knew what we were doing...and were their favorite clients. From beginning to end, we found Luminare Press approachable, straightforward and very user-friendly and recommend them enthusiastically for anyone pursuing self-pub read more

Luminare is superb. They hold your hand through the entire publication process, A to Z. And that's with their basic service package. They answer questions promptly, even the stupid ones. Other "hybrid" companies cost more, wanted a guarantee of sequels, or had a two year delay before publication. The only delays I experienced were the ones I caused. And at each step, I could see where I would have wasted time being confused with how to deal with proof reading, type face, book layout, cover design, and pretty constant modifications to each. Then they walk you through (or rather walk and you follow) downloading your files for print and e-book distribution, including running interference with Amazon, Kindle Direct, and Ingram Spark, the main outlets for a self-published book. I couldn't be happier and have already recommended Luminare to fellow authors. read more

I was very impressed with the professionalism and attention to detail exhibited by all staff members of Luminare Press. As a point of reference, I previously published one book with a different self-publishing company, and I have used commercial publishers to produce three books and four edited volumes of collected scientific work. My experience with Luminare was far better than any of my previous publishing experiences. My book, Bitten by the Rowing Bug, required extra work because I included about 240 images, some taken from 100-year-old news clippings and others from archival snapshots. The staff was very helpful (and patient) with my nit-picking efforts to get maximum resolution. Moreover, many versions of the "final" draft were sent to me for editing: I decided when I the book was finished. Overall, I could not be happier with my experience. read more

I first met Patricia Marshall at a writers' conference while my book was still in its draft stage. Her concern for helping authors was apparent. Years later when I was ready for a publisher, and after looking at a bunch of them, Luminare Press offered a package that was exactly what I was looking for. They are an exceptional organization with experienced and talented people at every position. They led me through the process giving me a cover and interior layout that were exactly what I wanted only better. They advised me on pricing and every other matter. If I had tried to do it all myself, I would have wasted thousands learning lessons the hard way. If you want someone who listens to the author and provides exceptional quality at each stage, Luminare Press is what you want. I can't recommend them more highly. CR Foster read more

I couldn't be happier with the service I received from Luminare Press on my children's book, THE ALPHABEAST BOOK. Patricia was very forthcoming in pointing out that I could probably get the book published without their help; I agreed but said that it wouldn't be as much fun. Claire, the graphic designer, made changes in the design that greatly improved the book and was very patient with my obsessiveness. Kim, the project manager, took on all the burden of dealing with IngramSpark and Amazon and continues to follow through with numerous details on that front. Even with a pandemic the folks at Luminare managed to make the book available before Christmas on short turnaround. This is the first of my seven books that I self-published and I can wholeheartedly recommend Luminaire Press to both new and established writers. read more

YELP REVIEW OF LUMINARE August 5, 2024 I recently published my fourth book at Luminare Press. Why do I keep coming back to them? That's easy: they are highly professional, very easy to work with, and care about their authors' success to which end they offer free webinars on the most challenging aspect of being an indie author: the dreaded marketing (at least for me) and other relevant topics. Each one on the team is excellent at what they do, and the management of the team coordinated by the owner, Patricia Marshall, creates a positive attitude that imbues her entire business with a very approachable, highly informed, and supportive environment that leads the author on the path of not only creative expression but the daunting task of independent publishing and marketing. In short: Luminare Press is a gem. read more

Book #3 just published with Luminare Press! I couldn't be more pleased. Each experience has been a delight from book #1 in 2015, book #2 in 2018, and now 2025. The Luminare staff are skilled professionals. With each book I've received detailed information on the process--from the contract, to the questionnaires, to the final proofing. With everything so clearly explained, I had few questions and they were promptly answered. The Zoom workshops Luminare staff present are well worth your time whether you're a first time author or published many books. I would be happy to recommend the Luminare team to anyone wishing to self-publish. I am grateful for all the hard work Patricia, Claire, Kim, Caitlin, Sallie, and Christine put in on Dear Nora. I couldn't be more pleased with the result! Thank you! read more

My experience with Luminare Press has been professional from the start to the finish. Starting with the first phone call to Patricia, to the process of putting together the cover design and interior design with Claire, the marketing and logistics with Kim, and over all inclusive family atmosphere that their office lends. What sets this Press aside from all others is the 100% approval given to them by a professional printer who has a life long career in printing in his own company in LA and for others in the Willamette Valley. His observations from the beginning scoped out the perfection with which they run their business. There is nothing greater than this seal of approval by my husband. I would give them 10 stars instead of the mere 5 allowed on this Yelp site. Bravo Luminare Press! read more

Working with Luminare Press has been an exceptionally positive experience. I had no idea what it would be like to publish a book but wanted to be assisted locally in that process and so glad I did. The exceptional things are as follows: the quality and of keeping things in process, the quick responses to questions, the kind, patient and very helpful "hand holding" along the way with this neophyte writer and her many confusions and questions, the quality of the end product, the feeling of being supported in every way, and the resulting impetus to maybe do another book soon. I am deeply grateful for each and everyone who walked with me, for the quality of the experience and the feeling of being so fully supported in every way. Thank you, thank you. Sherry Lady read more

I searched for months in order to find a reputable publisher having not much luck with my previous publisher. It had to be important due to the fact this would be my 6th published work. Luminare Press stood above all others and assisted with publishing my latest book with extreme quality of service, knowledge of the industry, professionalism, and the utmost courtesy. The staff was always patient and extremely responsive. I finally feel I can take a huge sigh of relief knowing what I consider my best published work is in extremely capable and good hands. I highly recommend and without reservation Luminare Press as your publisher of choice! Dr. Gregg Tyler Milligan International Author and Abuse Prevention Advocate https://www.saveoneanother.com/ read more

Luminare Press was a delight to work with. My book, Great Explications, was my first so I had no prior experience with the book publishing world. The folks were responsive, clear, and ever helpful in guiding me along the way. Each did an excellent and conscientious job. While things took longer than initially expected, the book looks terrific and is slowly starting to sell. I am also particularly impressed with the monthly seminars offered at no cost to authors that focus on different aspects of getting the word out about your book. The premium author's page is also a terrific benefit of publishing with Luminare. I would certainly use them in the future and have already recommended them to my brother who is now working with them. read more

The Luminare Press team reminded me of the relay teams in my 'youth' track and field competitions. The perfect passing of the baton from one member to another was the mark of a winning team. At Luminare Press, from start to finish, the production of my memoir was characterized by smooth transitions from one team member to another, patience in getting the publication done just right, giving me maximum agency, and always, always, communicating in a timely and professional manner. I have worked with other publishers in the past and this was the best of all my experiences in giving birth to a book. If you are in the market for publishing a book look no further than Luminare Press. You will be delighted by the experience. read more

For your self-publishing needs, Patricia Marshall and her staff at Luminare Press offers stellar service. Her publishing packages are custom built to provide customers with many layers of outstanding service. They will work with you even if you only need editing service, cover design, or the full works. Right off the bat, her charming personality sucks you in. She aims to please. Since this was my first time using an editor, I didn't know what to expect. She spoke to me in a calm manner and alleviated my confusion. She broke the process down into manageable steps and kept me on track to my book publication date. I look forward to a long term relationship with Luminare Press. read more

as a total novice to publishing I needed a lot of help... and Patricia provided it. she made every step clear and kept my rampant overenthusiasm under control.she was the epitome' of patience and professionalism. her formatting was beyond my furthest expectations. and Claire, the graphics designer, went above and beyond for the cover.. graciously working in a graphic I provided and incorporating a number of elements without being busy. she went the extra mile.. even when I'd used up my allotment of revisions. the final book is absolutely class from front to back. I can gladly recommend Patricia and Luminaire to anyone looking to have their book be the best it can be. read more

Well, Luminare Press has just published my third book, Three Strikes and You're Out! A Bible and Baseball Journal. I've never met anyone on their staff personally. I live in the Midwest and have not been through Oregon in years, but as with the first two books they published for me, I am treated almost as a friend and certainly with courtesy and respect. And as usual they guide me through the process professionally and accept my edits and revisions gracefully. In addition, they offer other publishing tips and marketing strategies along the way using email literature information or video presentations. Thanks for all your help everyone at Luminare Press. Ron Lutz read more