Kudos

“One of the best business decisions I've ever made was using a 'book shepherd' to get me through the process of writing a book. Her name is Gail Kearns. I’m not sure how I could have gotten published without her and To Press & Beyond. Plus, thanks to Gail’s encouragement to enter the contest, my book won best Self-Help for 2009 from Readers Favorite.”

MK Mueller, author of 8 to Great: The Powerful Process for Positive Change

"Gail Kearns has truly earned her title as book shepherd by helping educate, manage, and motivate me through the entire process, soup to nuts. In addition to her competence in editing, print production, and marketing, she instinctively knows when to push and when to pull back. The group she has assembled at To Press & Beyond are all top notch professionals who are the best and the fastest at design, web development, editing, print production, marketing, and publicity. Most important, they are as excited for my successes as I am. As long as I am in the author/publisher business, To Press & Beyond will be my team."

Laurie Richter, author of Put Me In Coach: A Parents Guide to Winning the Game of College Recruiting

"For the reluctant self-publisher this is the perfect solution — all the decision advantages and control, and a built-in editorial/production/marketing team."

Dan Poynter, The Self-Publishing Manual

"You can say many positive things about Gail Kearns: She's a consummate professional, a knowledgeable book person, and an experienced editor. She is all of these things, but in the last analysis, it is her integrity that counts the most.

When Gail and her team at To Press & Beyond take on a project, it becomes a personal mission. They care, and it shows in the first-rate quality of their work. They are the best."

Eric Kampmann, President, Beaufort Books and Midpoint Trade Books, New York City; Author of Trail Thoughts: A Daily Companion for Your Journey of Faith

“I was really amazed at how the presentation of the book and press kit, which To Press & Beyond helped me create, was instrumental in overcoming the bias that 'self-published' books generate. A book buyer from a major chain saw the book as a winner and I have To Press & Beyond to thank!”

Georgia Weithe, author of Shining Moments: Finding Hope When Facing Death

"To any aspiring writer, I would highly recommend To Press & Beyond. It is a very talented and effective organization, providing great ideas and services to the author. The author maintains control, yet is led along professionally to a very satisfying outcome. I could not have created such a beautiful book without the aid of Gail, Penny and Chris."

Blume J. Rifken, Scarecrow Finds a Friend

"To Press & Beyond is built around a team of capable and knowledgeable professionals. Without their advice and guidance I would not have been able to get my book to press. Many thanks to Gail Kearns for her knowledge, integrity and vast connections in the publishing world. Her advice, encouragement and patience, the latter being thoroughly tested, are all sincerely appreciated."

William A. Trimble, Screw It! I'll Be My Own Contractor

"Service with a smile. That old-fashioned adage is how I would best sum up working with Gail Kearns and her team at To Press & Beyond. They take the time to really get to know the needs of their clients, and they know how to treat us with professional heart and caring. Gail is a meticulous and brilliant editor and writer and Lucy is a tenacious resource specialist. Kate is a dream come to true when it comes to website design and programming. This team is an absolute joy (and must) for creating and promoting your writing project."

Diane Marie Pinkard, author of Just Treat Me Like I Matter: The Heart of Sales

"Great Little Books published our first book in 2007. We're on our third. Gail, Lucy and To Press & Beyond worked on the launch of all three books--from editorial to publicity. In fact, they've kind of taught us the publishing business. Our products have been well-received, extensively reviewed and recognized for their 'big publisher' quality. We're proud of this accomplishment, and Gail and Lucy were a big part of our success."

Barbara Worton, publisher Great Little Books LLC and author, Bedtime Stories: The short, long and tall tales of a sleepwriter and Too Tall Alice

"I was really amazed at how the presentation of the book and press kit, which you helped me create, was instrumental in overcoming the bias that “self-published” books generate. The Borders book buyer I met with saw the book as a winner and I have you to thank!"

Georgia Lang Weithe, author of Shining Moments: Finding Hope in Facing Death

"Gail was a great help in editing my memoir Howling in Mesopotamia. While I was not always very accessible, she made efforts to contact me and worked successfully to focus the language and the story in a manner that would be appealing to readers."

Haider Ala Hamoudi, Howling in Mesopotamia

"Gail Kearns turned out to be a most gifted expert, not only as an editor but also as an e-mail communicator between Santa Barbara and Zurich. I cannot thank her enough for her untiring efforts to keep me in good humor with midnight telephone calls to clarify the written word."

Hans J. Baer, It's Not All About Money: Memoirs of a Private Banker

"What sets Gail Kearns apart is her genuine interest. Gail did a huge amount of research to help formulate the historical backdrop of my memoir. Her research was thorough and well integrated into my book, while paying careful attention to my authentic voice. Whether you call her your coach, consultant or editor, she's a great motivator and person to brainstorm with. She has her pulse on the publishing world. I highly recommend her."

Diana Raab, Regina's Closet: Finding My Grandmother's Secret Journal

"Gail Kearns and Lucy Levenson made a wonderful and caring team when it came to marketing my children's book. They were professional, thorough, and prompt and got me the much needed exposure I was looking for. My book sales soared. I highly recommend them."

Amber T. Kingston, Laura and the Leprechauns

"Getting my story into a readable manuscript and then working through the process of getting it published seemed an almost insurmountable task until I met Gail Kearns of To Press & Beyond. Without her professional editing and patient guidance every step of the way, my fiction story might never have become a book. The details of the publication process received Gail's careful attention, and for all her help I will always be grateful."

Helena Linn, Winter in the Bunkhouse

"Gail Kearns' meticulous and brilliant editing made it possible for Color Me Butterfly to come alive. The book has since won six literary awards, including the National 'Best Books' award. I will forever to indebted to To Press & Beyond."

L.Y. Marlow, Color Me Butterfly

"Gail was extremely helpful in all aspects of book production — editing, selecting a cover designer, and reviewing printer bids ... and, in my case, arranging a distributor. To be competitive in today's demanding marketplace, her expertise is invaluable to giving self-published books a fighting chance."

Davis Liu, MD, Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely

"Thank you, Gail, for your expert insights, meticulous editing, and thoughtful creativity that guided my book project. I thoroughly enjoyed working with you."

Terri Godwin, Natasha's Joy: The Gift of Life for My Sister

"Dan Poynter once told me, 'Gail is very good at what she does and she knows everyone!' While working with To Press & Beyond, I found both statements to be very true. They deliver what they promise. What is even more amazing is how Gail continued to send helpful tips and suggestions — long after our 'official relationship' had concluded. These tips were very welcomed surprises, in such contrast to today's too often 'serviceless' world."

Donna L. Pikula, D.D.S., M.S., Award-Winning Author of After the Diagnosis

"Gail's knowledge, guidance and patience were essential to completing my book. Without Gail I would not have been able to complete my work — and have it turn out beyond my expectations, no less! I highly recommend her and her team."

Ray Chandler, All That Glitters, The Crime and the Cover-Up

"I am most grateful to To Press & Beyond. With the sage editing and counsel I received from their associates, I published a book that exceeded my expectations. They did walk me through each phase and chapter, with skill and attentiveness, to successful completion."

Judy Murphy Simpson, I Want to Stop Smoking, So Help Me God!

"As a new author, Gail helped take my 176-page Word document to the beautiful book that I am so proud to call my first book. All along the process, the gentle care and feedback that Gail and her staff afforded me was just something I could not have accomplished on my own."

Barbara Hughston, In the Kitchen with Kids

"Gail has been remarkable. She walked me through the self-publishing maze with care and commitment. One of the most impressive aspects of working with her is her reputation. All the vendors confide they love working with her because she makes it all so easy. Look up 'Kearns' in the dictionary and you will find a picture of Gail with a reference: syn. Conscientious; high quality."

Dr. Kenneth Majer, Values-Based Leadership: A Revolutionary Approach to Business Success and Personal Prosperity

"My happiness came bundled up in one package — To Press & Beyond. Gail Kearns shepherded my book from conception of the idea to its completion. Her and her team's devotion to making it "the best it can be" reveals itself in the final product. It's top notch!"

Willa A. Young, Happiness Instruction Kit: No Assembly Required

"Working with Gail and her team has been exciting, educational and fun. Their knowledge, professionalism and experience in the media field will take you wherever you choose to go — and if you allow them, beyond!"

Rosemary Sadez-Friedmann, Mystery of Color

"Gail's crisp comments and editorial suggestions helped me to focus and get on track to produce a credible writing that I am proud of. She even proposed a variation on my original title, which I gladly accepted. I can't thank Gail enough."

Jerry Pollock, Divinely Inspired: Spiritual Awakening of a Soul

"Gail Kearns and Penny Paine - Production Coordinators/Publishing Consultants. That is their official title. Gail is also an editor who pushes all the best buttons; 'Practical Penny' has the skill to give legs to ideas."

William T. Close, M.D., Beyond the Storm: Treating the powerless and the powerful in Mobutu's Congo/Zaire

"I give a standing ovation to Gail Kearns and Penny Paine for their contributions and for keeping the project on track. Without them, it would not have happened."

Sidney J. Smith, Before Saying YES to Marriage: 101 Questions to Ask Yourself

"As a first-time author, it's been comforting to know that I can depend on Gail and Penny to give me honest input. I value and trust their judgment."

Michelle Brenner, Here Comes Baby! The Survival Guide to the Transition to Parenthood