WestBow Author William Sirls’ First Self-Published Book Lands Contract with Thomas Nelson

Overwhelming Reader Response Paved the Way for Multi-book Deal

BLOOMINGTON, IND. – Nov 15, 2011 – WestBow Press, the strategic self-publishing division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., announced author William Sirls’ inspiring first novel, under working title “The Reason,” has been acquired to publish through Thomas Nelson’s fiction division.

Upon finishing his first novel, Sirls decided to self-publish and worked diligently to find a service that could create a professional-looking product, but also offered top-notch editorial services and worldwide distribution. Based on his criteria and the spiritual nature of the book, he ultimately decided WestBow Press was a good fit. In a short time, Sirls’ book was ready to go to press, but WestBow had another idea.

“Alan Bower from WestBow Press contacted me because he had received extraordinary feedback from his editorial staff regarding the book, and he wanted to discuss some opportunities available through Thomas Nelson,” said Sirls. “Alan and I spoke daily, and through his guidance we developed a plan to gain endorsements. Alan and WestBow Press believed in me and my book—it was really an incredible experience.”

WestBow Press produced and sent out 68 copies of the book to several of the nation’s largest Christian congregations; the results were staggering. “From those 68 copies, we received over 200 responses with heartfelt praise for Sirls’ work,” said Bower. “People were reading the book and then passing it along to friends and family insisting they read it too; things just kind of snowballed from there; that’s when we knew we really had something special. The book has the power to positively touch people’s lives.”

WestBow Press shared this overwhelming reader response with partner Thomas Nelson. After hearing similar reviews from within its own organization, Thomas Nelson decided that Sirls’ book would be a great addition to the Company catalog. The novel was acquired as part of a multi-book contract.

“Our goal is to open doors and to create opportunities for authors that can lead to success,” said Keith Ogorek, senior vice president of Author Solutions, Inc., publishing company of WestBow Press. “William Sirls wrote a very powerful, compelling book and we were thrilled to help him accomplish his dream of becoming a published author.”

William Sirls’ novel, under the working title, “The Reason,” will be available in the summer 2012 from Thomas Nelson Publishing.

For more information about self-publishing opportunities with WestBow Press please visit www.westbowpress.com.

About WestBow Press:
WestBow Press is a strategic self-publishing alliance of Thomas Nelson, Inc., the world’s largest Christian publisher, and Author Solutions, Inc. (ASI) — the world leader in the popular self-publishing industry segment. Through this partnership, authors benefit from the rich publishing heritage of Thomas Nelson and the speed-to-market advantages of the ASI self-publishing model. Titles published through WestBow Press are evaluated for sales potential and considered for publication under the Thomas Nelson imprint. Thomas Nelson, Inc. continues to “inspire the world” with distribution of products in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, or to start publishing today, visit www.westbowpress.com or call (866)-928-1240. Follow us @westbowpress on Twitter for the latest news.

About Thomas Nelson:
Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher and one of the largest trade publishers in the United States. The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com.