About Briar's Books

Briar set up Briar's Books over 20 years ago but has been writing for a lot longer. She was a journalist for 14 years before she began to write her own books - all of which have been translated into other languages. She decided to put her skills in book design and production to good use by  helping authors wanting to self-publish. Briar combines strong writing and editing skills with design know-how, pre-press experience and a level of technical expertise that comes in handy when authors (almost always!) present manuscripts, photos, diagrams and computer files that fall well short (in some way) of what is required for the production of a book and - often - e-book.

With the advent of the digital book BriarsBooks began to produce e-books, mostly for Kindle - the largest and most popular of the digital bookstores but also interactive epubs and pdfs.

BriarsBooks is not trying to make a name for authors or for her services. She simply offers professional services to people who feel they have something to say and want help to get it into print. The people who approach Briar's Books usually aren't pretentious about writing. But they do they believe they have something worth saying that is interesting, uplifting, insightful, distinctive or necessary and they believe that traditional publishers will not - in the main - be interested. 

Briar's Books has produced about 70 books - everything from large, high-end academic and literary books, to small autobiographical books. They run the gamut:  fantasy, counselling, educational, fiction, historical fiction, children's books, poetry, genealogies, autobiographies, science, sociology, crime, sociology, Christian, outdoors, health and well-being, recipe books. See some samples of her work. She seeks to keep her costs down and it helps that her studio is home-based.

Briar has a long working knowledge of computer software used to produce books, notably the Adobe Suite - specifically Adobe Indesign - and experience working with printers. The end of the process is a ready-to-read book delivered to your door. Typically, production of self-published books involves some level of editing and re-organisation of material, cover design, scanning and/or restoration of photos, creation or adaptation of illustrations, and an eye for attractive layout. People have different expectations and Briar works within that if possible. She also has the skills and software to create e-books.

Briar's Books does not undertake marketing or distribution for authors. Most who seek her services are happy to use their own networks and PR initiatives to get the book to intended readers. However this site offers helpful advice  to people needing guidance. Go here for marketing suggestions.