Jenny Lynch, author of "The Secrets They Kept" and "Under the Covers: Secrets of a magazine editor".
I cannot speak too highly of Mary Egan Publishing and its managing director Sophia Egan-Reid. My current book is the second this publisher has handled for me and the support I have received for both has been second to none.
Earlier, I had three books published elsewhere. In those cases I had no say in the choice of titles, cover pictures (none of which would have been my choice) or page layout. It was a case of handing in the text and pictures and checking proofs - and that was it!
By contrast Mary Egan Publishing consults every step of the way and encourages author input. What a joy to be able to choose the cover design from alternatives offered for consideration by talented artist Anna Egan-Reid. This publisher takes pride in the production values of its books. I can safely say that any writer who puts their work in the hands of Mary Egan Publishing can be assured of a quality result.
For me its Mary Egan Publishing all the way!
Tony Eyre, author of “The Book Collector: Reading and Living with Literature”
Having produced a draft manuscript for my first book, I decided to approach Mary Egan, who I first met over 45 years ago. I knew I could trust her, and in reading over the website of Mary Egan Publishing, I was confident I would receive a high quality and professional service.
And that is exactly what I got – and more! Through all the stages of MS assessment, copy editing, layout, proofreading, design and printing, the publishers kept me fully informed, offered heaps of encouragement and produced a stunning book I am so proud of. Most importantly, I felt empowered. The inclusiveness extended to me by Mary and Sophia Egan-Reid made me feel I was almost physically on the production team!
The finished product was outstanding for this hardback – choice of typeface, layout, font size, dust jacket and cover design were carefully chosen to complement the subject matter of the book and title – The Book Collector: Reading and Living with Literature.
I must also mention Anna Egan-Reid who designed the stunning dust jacket and underlying cover for the book. I am a lucky recipient of her award-winning skills. To quote one reviewer, “As befits a book intended for lovers of literature, this is one of the best hardback productions I have seen from a local publisher.”
Celine Kearney, author of “Southern Celts”
My experience working with Mary Egan Publishing is of professionalism, superb communication skills, elegant design, and constant attention to detail. They also have an efficient system to distribute and sell the published book.
I already knew how knowledgeable Gerard and Mary were about the publishing business, so when I found Mary Egan Publishing, I knew what a fine editor Mary was. I felt that my manuscript would be treated well if accepted. And it was. But more than that I found that Sophia and Anna were their daughters and that the value of family, which informs my book Southern Celts: Stories from people of Irish and Scottish descent in Aotearoa, had spilled over into the team who would help create the book.
The process was seamless: Sophia kept in touch, always encouraging me to ask if I had a question; my input was asked for and accepted at every step. Anna’s beautiful design of the cover and of the text enhances the words on the page, honouring the people who shared their life experience. The team’s proofing and editing skills saved me from my own inattention time after time. I unreservedly recommend the team and thank them for the care they took with a text that was a long time in the nurturing.
Nerys Whelan, Author of “The Keto Chef’s Kitchen” and “The Keto Chef’s Kitchen II”
There is no better feeling than being supported by the right people when you're working on something as scary, exciting and massive as creating and publishing a book, and the team at Mary Egan Publishing are the right people.
When I found Mary Egan Publishing, I had never written a book before, I had no idea who, what, when, where and how to do it. They make it so easy, and it's really nice to have a few laughs along the way!
I've now published two cookbooks with Mary Egan Publishing, I will almost definitely be doing more in the future, and I wouldn't even consider using another publisher.
If you're looking for a publisher you can trust to support you, guide you and help bring your dreams to life, trust the team at Mary Egan Publishing. I did, and it's turned out better than I could have ever imagined.
Isaac Thackray, author of “Queen of Muck”
I don’t really want to tell you how good Mary Egan Publishing is.
And that it was obvious from the first email I ever got from Sophia.
I’d prefer you didn’t know that Anna created eight superb cover options and nailed every single design detail of the book, usually on her first try.
Or how many times Sophia’s guidance left me wondering how such a wise head ended up on a young person.
And that in the hundreds of decisions we had to navigate together, she never said a single false word.
I don’t want you to know how much I love their work.
And what lovely, funny people they are.
Because if I do, word will get out and everyone will want their book done by Mary Egan Publishing.
Then where will I be?
Dougal Rillstone, Author of “Upstream on the Mataura”
From the moment of my initial contact, through to the end of the publishing project, the team at Mary Egan Publishing delivered beyond my expectations. Sophia, who was my main point of contact was responsive, clear and insightful from the start. Upstream on the Mataura was my first book, and it carried with it my hopes, fears and uncertainties. Sophia helped convert this potentially unhelpful combination of emotions into the joyful process of turning my manuscript into a book that eventually graced the book shops of my dreams. From the fine internal design work by Mary, through to Anna’s brilliant work on the cover, I was blown away by the output of this group.
My memory of the wintry day I tore open the courier pack and held Upstream on the Mataura in my hands for the first time will remain with me, because Mary Egan Publishing delivered the book I dared to hope for.
Ivana Mlinac, Author of “Stardust”
From the moment I first spoke with Mary over the phone about my crazy idea, which is now a beautiful children's book, I knew that this was the right team for me. I was always a little nervous, as Stardust isn't your typical children's book. But it is so special. Mary, Sophia and Anna have been so incredibly supportive right from the start and continue to be AMAZING every single day. I couldn't have asked for a better team around me. Thank you Mary Egan Publishing for making my publishing dreams come true and for taking on such a special project. Your belief in me and Stardust has made an impact on so many children in New Zealand.
Eva Borka, author and illustrator of "Laughter and Magic Shoes"
I was very fortunate in 2018 to work with Mary Egan Publishing on my new book of paintings and poems.
From first contact to finished book the experience was first class, completely professional, friendly, and (important to me as an artist) intuitive. I am based in Wellington so our communication was via email - no personal visit was actually needed!
I could not be happier with the process and the finished product, and without reservation would recommend this wonderful team to anyone seeking a publisher.
Kathryn Van Beek, Author and Illustrator of "Bruce Finds A Home", “PET” and “Bruce goes Outside”
There should be a ten-star option for Mary Egan Publishing. This awesome company made my dreams come true.
I could not have asked for a more supportive and dedicated team of people to work with. They have been unfailingly positive and responsive, and I am just so pleased with the finished product.
Thank you Mary Egan Publishing for going above and beyond and for being such an absolute pleasure to work with. A+ would publish with again!
Raewyn Dawson, Author of "Slave Power"
You simply could not choose a better firm. What is needed from publishing services can vary, but it does include a reliance on having an excellent flow of communication and knowledgeable advice.
I was astonished at the constant connection and fast response to questions, and was overawed at the breadth of services provided.
The editing team was scholarly and succinct; the marketing and publicity was thorough; the graphics work by Anna was superb to an international standard, and the friendly tone of Sophia’s emails was deeply reassuring.
It has been a privilege to be part of their team process, and the finished product is a delight.
Sincerely and gratefully,
Raewyn Dawson
Simon Wyatt, Author of "The Student Body"
I simply cannot recommend Mary Egan Publishing enough! As a first-time author, I really had no idea about the A-Z of publishing, let alone the A-B - which is where Mary Egan fit in. Right from my very first meeting with the team - Mary, Sophia and Anna - I knew they were the ones I wanted to publish my book. Their welcoming, honest and down to earth approach to my journey into the publishing world really put me at ease from the get-go. And it never stopped. My primary contact with Mary Egan has been through Sophia, who simply did a wonderful job managing the whole process. She has energy, is extremely efficient and always keeps the lines of communication open. The oversight of the project came from Mary who has years of experience in book publishing. Knowing the team had published so many top quality books in the past was a real peace of mind. My cover was designed by Anna and wow, she really nailed the concept I was after! She was open to ideas, provided a number of samples to work from and was a true professional. When you see her work, you’ll no doubt agree. Thanks so much to the team at Mary Egan – you’ve made this experience a memorable one – for all the right reasons.
Suzanne McFadden, author of "Striking gold"
I can’t write highly enough of Mary, Anna and Sophia at Mary Egan Publishing.
Striking Gold was my first venture into book publishing, and what an incredible experience it has been. Their attention to detail is excellent; their suggestions, and responses to my questions, were always quick, clear and insightful; and I couldn’t be more proud of the finished product they helped to create. And they have a lovely dog.
aaron Topp, author of "Hucking Cody"
When you make the commitment to step into the world of indie publishing you initially want a publisher who shares your devotion to the project, and ultimately a book that looks, feels, reads and deserves its place on any bookshelf in any store. These were my high expectations and from the first phone call to them, Mary Egan Publishing delivered on every aspect. They listened, they gave suggestions (and a lot of answers!), and lead a dream team of specialists who have all worked hard to make Hucking Cody a successful reality.
Jen Shieff, author of "The Gentlemen's Club"
When my first novel “The Gentlemen’s Club”, published on 24th Nov, appeared ten days later on the NZ bestseller list, I said to myself, once again, “Well done Mary Egan Publishing”. Without Sophia’s brilliant project management, Mary’s expertise in book production and Anna’s fabulous cover, my book would never had had such a head-start. Every step of the way, Mary Egan Publishing has provided top drawer service including recommending/outsourcing the right people for those aspects of publication that fall outside their own extensive range of skills: editing, publicity, distribution. I couldn’t have had a better experience in launching myself as a writer. I’m very grateful to Team Egan and highly recommend them.
Garth Falconer, Author of "Living in Paradox"
I was put in touch with Mary Egan Publishing by a very well-respected editor – and that proved to be a key milestone on my journey towards publishing ‘Living in Paradox’. At that first meeting they gave me so much confidence – their knowledge of every conceivable aspect of the publishing process is formidable and their enthusiasm is infectious. Both these things helped me create a high quality, beautiful book of which I am extremely proud.
The team at Mary Egan Publishing have been brilliant through the whole process including the book launch.
And it is a tight family team at Mary Egan Publishing you will be working with, they seamlessly complement each other across all aspects of the production of your book – design and layout, cover design, print management, publicity and sales. The fact that I cannot speak highly enough of Mary Egan Publishing, means that I might even consider writing another book and that’s saying something.
Catherine Ballard, Author of "Country Cop 24/7"
I was recommended Mary Egan Publishing and as much as possible Mary and her team removed the scariness from this project. Every service along the way was explained to me and the cost quoted so that I knew exactly what to expect. There were no surprises. I found communication with the team delightfully easy and pleasant. All our business was conducted by email until well after the book was at the printers, but when I finally met Mary and Sophia face to face I found them charming and excitingly enthusiastic about their jobs. As the manuscript emerged as a book with its brilliant Anna Egan-Reid designed cover very positive comments rolled in. Mary Egan Publishing recommended a publicist and a distributor who ensured a smooth and successful marketing experience. This book has succeeded far in excess of my expectations. This is largely due to Mary Egan Publishing recognising its potential and then advising action to capitalise on this.
Rachel Callander, Author and Photographer of "Super Power Baby Project"
We could not be more impressed and grateful for the incredible service the team at Mary Egan provided for us. They are highly skilled in all aspects of their work and know the book publishing industry inside out. Our book is a thing of beauty and a dream come true for us and I firmly believe there is no other team that could have made this book as beautiful as it has turned out, while at the same time being so wonderful to work with.
Makes me want to do it all again!!!
These women are exceptional.
Dinah Holman, author of "A History of Crime"
For anyone wanting to have their manuscript published, I cannot speak highly enough of Mary Egan Publishing, who have produced my novel A History of Crime. Their outstanding professionalism, artistic skills, attention to detail and consideration for the client have ensured that the book has been beautifully produced, beyond my expectations. Sophia Egan-Reid managed the overall process with great efficiency, patience and good humour. The cover designed by Anna Egan-Reid is stunning, and while options were presented to me, I immediately loved and chose the one recommended. It also very cleverly conveys the theme and spirit of the book. The text was beautifully laid out by Mary Egan on a carefully chosen, creamy paper. The care taken and the professional skill are illustrated by the fact that Mary chose the font, Adobe Caslon, not only because it is very attractive but also because Caslon types were popular during the 1880s when my novel is set. All in all, the relationship Mary Egan Publishing develops with the client ensured that I was immensely impressed and am very happy indeed with the book and the way it was produced. I also found the whole process both highly interesting and also enjoyable.
Bernard Reid, Author of "Conjurors, Cardsharps and Conmen"
Sadly, it is a quirk of human nature that we put pen to paper when we have a gripe or complaint. I was compelled to write for an entirely different reason. Advance copies of my 20 year project finally arrived. I couldn’t wait to get a copy into my hands. I brought it home and carefully studied all six hundred pages. I was completely overwhelmed by the quality of the product. The typesetting and font used, the paper selected, layout, artwork. and binding were all impeccable. The finished product was an absolute gem of publishing all with huge thanks to the professionalism and dedication of Mary Egan publishing.
It is not often in the modern business world that one is 100% satisfied, but why this is so in this circumstance is because the three stalwarts of Mary Egan Publishing, Mary, Anna and Sophia are always available to answer your questions, no matter how mundane, offer advice and suggestions and ensure that the final product is of the highest standard.
Ladies, I cannot thank you enough for the amazing book you have produced.
Drs. Judith McMorland and Ljiljana Eraković, Authors of "Stepping Through Transitions"
Working with Mary Egan Ltd. has been a great pleasure. When we were not able to find a publisher for our book on development in not-for-profit organisations, Mary, Sophia and Anna each played an important role in turning our despair into an exciting adventure of self-publishing. The outcome is a beautiful product of which we are collectively and justly proud. As authors, we were able to benefit from their professional advice while retaining overall authority over what we wanted. With insistence on the highest standards of production and respect for the readers, MEL have created an aesthetically pleasing book, with clear charts and illustrations and a simple but effective layout of text. This partnership has been a most rewarding experience and comes with our warmest recommendation.
Erin Feasey, Author of "Dinosaur Mac’s Discovery"
I actually feel like Mary Egan Publishing are part of my family after all the work they have done and the mass of support they have provided. They have been prompt, acurate, thorough and super easy to talk to. They have made a novice like me feel relaxed and confident about this process. Thanks a million times over.