Testimonials
Here's a selection of testimonials and feedback from current and past clients:
Ann Ball - How to Set Up Women's Circles
What a find Alexa is, this was my first solo published book, from the moment she agreed to work with me she did exactly that, work with me. She offered advice, she facetimed me to discuss processes and offered invaluable suggestions to deliver a wonderful package that I call my book.
Absolutely star quality, and would not hesitate to recommend her or work with her again. I felt she was a well learned friend offering amazing insights in to how my book would be and look. After it was published she continues to support and promote me.
Ann Ball - buy your copy here
Ryan Power - The Successful Salon Marketing System
Working with Alexa has been a breeze - and an enjoyable one at that! From our first chat I knew that Alexa was the person to guide me through the minefield of book publication.
This wasn't my first rodeo however the guidance I received from Alexa made for a smoother process than when I did this before with another coach. I learned all I needed, was able to leverage the skill set of her able team and I had an end product I'm immensely proud of. That wouldn't have been possible without Alexa and I'd certainly recommend her to anyone looking for help publishing their book. She's a gem.
Ryan Power - buy your copy here
Tereza Hepburn - Spikey and the Caterpillar Sausage Cat
Working with Alexa has been absolutely amazing!
I found her accidentally three years ago through a networking group and what a gem she is!
She helped me self-publish two books and I am very much looking forward to working with her on my third one!
You can rely on her from A to Z but most of all, she is very patient! Self-publishing a book means things do change all the time and you must be a Jack of all trades, but trust me, she does manage you/us all brilliantly:-).
Can't wait to send her my next manuscript!
Tereza Hepburn - buy your copy here
Jane McParkes - A Deadly Inheritance
My traditional publisher ceased to trade fifty days after the publication of my debut novel and I was left completely high and dry, with no idea where to turn.
A fellow writer and existing client of Alexa’s - Sue Kittow- recommended her services and when I contacted Alexa, in a complete panic, she was an immediate calming force and took me under her wing.
Thanks to Alexa and the Pen to Published podcast, I am now much more knowledgeable about self-publishing and its intricacies. I am delighted to say that with Alexa’s help my novel has just been successfully self-published and is now a much more polished book than it was before. I certainly couldn’t have managed without her.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Alexa and I am looking forward to working with her again on my second novel.
Jane McParkes - buy your copy here
Douglas Anderson - Never Save a Good Idea
I would highly recommend Alexa’s services to anyone intending to self publish. From typesetting to correct referencing, obtaining image copyright to general aesthetics, Alexa’s knowledge, advice and guidance were indispensable.
Alexa was so helpful in helping navigate what and what not to do while self publishing and always quick to get back to any queries via email and phone.
If your intention is to elevate your book to the best it can be, then Alexa is absolutely the person to work with in order to realise this.
Douglas Anderson - buy your copy here
Philip Bosanquet - The Concise Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide
I am very impressed with the service I received from Alexa. She took my manuscript and transformed it into a professional looking book far beyond my expectations. The formatting and cover design ideas I had were basic and uninspiring. Alexa had great vision producing a fantastic cover that perfectly suited the tone of the book, and a brilliant approach to the interior formatting (I would not have thought it would be possible for me to get excited about interior formatting, but I did).
Alexa certainly went above and beyond. She injected great energy, and I got the impression that she was excited to help me. And all in time for my deadline, and at a great price.
I thoroughly recommend Alexa and The Book Refinery.
Philip Bosanquet - buy your copy here
Sue Kittow - The Rescue
Alexa was recommended to me by another client, Nicola Smith, whose novel was published three years ago. I’ve been been traditionally published for my non-fiction books up till now, so it was a steep learning curve but very interesting to discover all that is involved.
Alexa is hugely knowledgeable and very thorough and I look forward to working with her again on my sequel, which I’m writing at the moment!
Sue Kittow - buy your copy here
Lisa Brett - Finding Happiness When it Hurts
I am so glad I found Alexa and her wonderful team of elves. Or maybe the Universe guided her to me, I don’t know, but I’m so happy that our paths crossed.
In Alexa I have found someone who is talented, enthusiastic, sooooooo easy to work with, full of brilliant ideas, flexible, a fabulous communicator (so many business people aren’t) and she provides value for money. Quite simply, she is bloody good at what she does.
The final product far exceeded my expectations and I had high ones. When I first held my book, and smelled the pages, I actually cried. Alexa and her magical team had brought a dream to life.
Publishing my first book has been like working with my best friend. It’s been fun. She responded to every question and query promptly and with grace. I feel so blessed that I found the right person for me and I so look forward to continuing our working relationship as I have many ideas to build upon my debut non fiction book.
Lisa Brett - buy your copy here and find Lisa on Instagram @lisabrettauthor
Steven Udale - Ed and his adventures in Yolktown
What a professional Alexa is!!
All of the way through the process I have been updated, advised and made to feel like I was a part of a tremendous and exciting journey.
With this being my first attempt at being an author I needed a good team around me and Alexa was a major part of that.
Alexa is calming, encouraging and an all round positivity as she took me through the process of my initial idea to an actual book being in my hand.
I hope to work with Alexa again in the near future. Thank you for everything.
Steven Udale - buy your copy here
Tom Ward - Right Place
Wrong Time
Having completed two manuscripts, I had these in Word format and had no idea how to move them forward to become fully formatted, printed, and published novels. After undertaking a general search on Google, I found Alexa and it’s the best thing that happened. In addition to explaining the whole process in a way that I could understand, she took the time to make suggestions that might benefit the books and I was grateful for that. As a first-time author, there were a few instances of grammar that I had got wrong, and again, these were addressed.
As well as being a first-class professional who clearly understands the numerous aspects of publishing, I found Alexa to be a genuine, warm person and someone who was really easy to get along with. Nothing seemed like too much trouble.
I would definitely recommend Alexa for any typesetting project you have, and I look forward to working with her again when my next novel is complete.
Tom Ward - buy your copy here
Holly Taylor - The Magic Inside of Me
Working with Alexa has been amazing.
Alexa made the journey to authorhood so smooth, from start to finish. Alexa supported me through the choosing of typefaces to bringing my creation to life with the support of her editing team. She is so supportive and is always there to offer advice and help when needed.
Alexa brings a breadth of knowledge to her role and creativity. She really is a true author maker. Thanks for all your help.
Holly Taylor - Buy your copy here
Angela Duffy - The Adventures of Perry and Pippin
Alexa’s name was first given to me following a general plea on Facebook for someone associated with publishing. Once I decided to go down the self-publisher route, I was so pleased I’d been given her name. Not having a clue really as to what was involved, Alexa has helped, advised and been extremely patient and understanding when unexpected delays from my side, arose. She has helped myself and illustrator throughout the whole process and I’m really pleased with the final printed paperbacks and hardbacks from The Book Refinery.
I would definitely recommend both Alexa and the print company to anyone considering writing their own book. Thank you.
Angela Duffy - (check back for where to buy your copy soon)
Catherine Green - Have you ever wondered what it's like ...?
Alexa is a typesetting extraordinaire. When I first came to her, I didn't have the slightest inkling of what was involved. She explained each part in simplistic terms to me with patience and honestly, whilst also allowing space for my own ideas.
She is extremely supportive and when you decide to use Alexa, you're not only getting her typesetting experience, you're also getting a genuinely lovely person who shouts out about you and your book at every possible opportunity. You won't regret having Alexa typeset your work.
Catherine Green - Buy your copy here
Mark and Lisa Cryer - Roundabout Rabbits
When my husband and I approached Alexa to typeset and publish our first children's book it would be fair to say we were clueless.
She took us through each stage, holding our hands and allowed me to be a perfectionist at the same time!
Everything from the layouts to choosing the size and finish of the book, Alexa came up with brilliant ideas that made our little book even more special.
We’re really proud of what we achieved and we couldn’t have done it without Alexa’s guidance and expertise.
Lisa Cryer - Buy your copy here
George Halfin - A Life Less Serious
Working with Alexa has been an absolute pleasure. When I came to her, I had a cover design and I really wanted the inside of the book to compliment it and equally express what it was about. Through her creativity and skill she more than delivered and I am delighted with how it has turned out. To me the whole design honours the personal stories and feelings shared in the words.
Producing a book, especially one, which is anthology like mine, is not an easy process and Alexa could not have been more supportive or helpful. Plus, for a first time publisher myself her knowledge is experience is invaluable. They say it takes a village to raise a child well it definitely takes a supportive team to launch a book and Alexa is someone you really want on your team. She has again and again gone above and beyond and I can’t thank her enough and I would definitely recommend her.
George Halfin - Buy your copy here
Ken Elphinstone - Luna, a Travellers tale
It is almost easy to offload stories in your mind compared to getting them to print.
Alexa and the Book Refinery have not only smoothed the path but guided my ignorance into fulfilling a dream. It is only now I can, with confidence, work on new projects knowing the book refinery has my back.
From the outset and without looking down at my ignorance, Alexa highlighted the business, and graphical illustration sides of the task of bringing my tale from drafted words to printed book.
Already, I have another story in its edit stage and have begun a follow up of my first book.
Thank you, Alexa.
Ken Elphinstone - Buy your copy here
Matt Main - A Gold Medal is a Wonderful Thing
After writing my first book, with all the ensuing excitement and enthusiasm bubbling and swirling around inside me, I searched online for services that could help with type-setting and cover designs. I came across Alexa and The Book Refinery and got in touch. From that point on, everything was natural and intuitive. Alexa was quick to respond, give feedback, provide samples and explain the process. I didn't hesitate to proceed and everything has worked out wonderfully.
Beyond completing an excellent job on the layout and cover design, Alexa has also provided assistance with the ISBN and other necessary action points to help give me and my book a platform for success.
I strongly recommend The Book Refinery to anybody who wants a professional, personable, tailored, supportive and effective service to help with the design, publishing and printing of their book, and many other additional services.
Matt Main - Buy your copy here and connect with Matt on instagram @mattmainlife
Martin Boon - Monkey Pokey
This project is my first of its kind, writing a book, arranging illustrating, setting up a publishing company, then typesetting and printing. So, I could have easily been compared to a blind Rhino in a china shop. Alexa though, took all my energy and marginally wide ideas, tamed them and controlled them, resulting in the beautiful Children's Book, 'Monkey Pokey', that is about to be released. Many, many thanks. I will return for the sequel.
Martin Boon - Buy your copy here.
M J Elliott - New Blood
Alexa was an absolute pleasure to work with. From the first initial phone call, where she explained the process to me, right through to dealing with the printers for me it was a seamless and smooth process.
Sometimes in life you meet people who excel in their field and Alexa is certainly one of those people. I have been fortunate enough to work with people on all of my books who take pride in what they do and again Alexa fits that bill. A true professional who is easy to get on with and who delivers.
I would not hesitate to recommend Alexa to anyone looking for a partner in self publishing. Five stars all the way for me. Thanks Alexa, it's been a pleasure.
Michael Elliott - Buy your copy here.
Charles Bevan - Development Aid
Some four years ago I was persuaded by some alumni to write a history
of a small progressive school I attended in the 1950s.I knew from the start that I would need to self-publish as the potential market was at most a few hundred people. Alexa Whitten and The Book Refinery came to the rescue. In a short period my manuscript was turned into a proper book, and Alexa also helped me set up an Amazon account. In fact, the book has been surprisingly popular, a second print run was needed, and I still get orders now and again from Amazon.
So, when in 2021 I finished the text of a book I have been writing for nearly 40 years about my career in helping poor countries develop their economies, I got in touch with Alexa. Once again, she has done wonders, and Development Aid: The good the bad and the ugly now has the all important ISBN number. The draft text I sent initially was really a bit too long and full of little mistakes and poor references. Helped by her brilliant copy editor, Lindsay Corten, the text was professionally polished, and I now have a book I am very pleased with. Alexa has also helped me get this book on the new ‘print on demand’ service provided by Amazon. There is no doubt Alexa & her team are publishing professionals able to help with all aspects of a book from its size layout and cover. Not only are they full of good idea they are well organised easy to approach, and what is more they provide a very good value friendly service.
Charles Bevan - Buy your copy here.
M.A. O'Keefe - Jahamunite
Working with Alexa has been wonderful, so beneficial to have someone who knows what they are doing and has people working with her who are talented and professional. My books have arrived from the printers and I am very pleased with the finished product.
M.A. O'Keefe - Buy your copy here.
Laura Maclennan - Don't Be Silly!
From her very first email, Alexa has been an absolute dream come true to work with. Getting Don’t Be Silly! out into the world never once felt stressful or scary due to the immediate trust I felt for Alexa and her team, to keep me and my characters safe in our book ventures. I am so thankful for Alexa’s guidance and honesty; knowing what was right for every single page but for also not being afraid to tell me what wasn’t right whilst being respectful of my work and ideas. No question was unimportant and never once did I feel like an imposter trying to play at being an author. Alexa encouraged me, heard me, and helped me fulfil my dream with an intoxicating mix of professionalism and fun. Her knowledge is invaluable, her skillset outstanding and communication wonderful. I am forever grateful that our paths have crossed and could not be prouder to have Compass Publishing and The Book Refinery steer my debut into the authory world. I couldn’t recommend enough if I tried, they’ve not invented the words yet.
Laura Maclennan - Buy your copy here.
J.M. Hope - Callandra and the Crystal Caverns
I’ve often written pieces to offload various ideas that constantly swirl around in my head, but lockdown presented me with the ideal opportunity to produce a book. I had absolutely no idea how to go about the business of publishing my dream. I read up about it online and realised that I would need to self-publish. Just by chance, or was it? A colleague announced on Facebook that she had just had a book published, so I asked her for a link to her publisher.
I spoke to Alexa at the Book Refinery, and she explained how everything worked. She sent me clear and concise terms of business, and oversaw the whole business from start to finish. Importantly, she always answered emails promptly and gave good advice. She was straight forwards and honest in her assessment of any work presented and ensured that everything was done according to her high standards.
If I write another book, I will be back!
Thank You for everything.
J.M. Hope - Buy your copy here.
Penelope Flint - All The Days Of My Life
I wanted to get All The Days Of My Life, originally published by Hodder in 1989, accessible online, especially in view of another book due to be published, hopefully later this year. We needed help updating the book format and preparing it for upload to Kindle.
My daughter, who has a publishing background, googled various websites and found The Book Refinery to be clear and very professional, offering reasonable rates. Alexa proved both scrupulous and enthusiastic, providing ideas for a new cover and guiding us through the initial editing process, more onerous than usual, being a republishing venture. She then completed the job rapidly, producing something which we both think is an improvement on the original, right down to the formatting, font, size and paper type.
We are both extremely pleased with the result and would certainly recommend The Book Refinery to prospective authors. Thank you, Alexa!
Penelope Flint - Buy your copy here.
Emily Andrew - Planning Your Marquee Wedding
Wooohooo! My book is finally published and is looking beautiful! I would never have achieved this without Alexa's endless patience and expertise! Thank you!!
Emily Andrew - Buy your copy here.
Petr Horák - Take My Word For It
Alexa came recommended by my editor and took my breath away with her service and expertise! All my apprehensions about unscrupulous publishers vanished as I worked with her.
Without taking away my autonomy, Alexa advised and guided me and ultimately produced a beautifully typeset book in both digital and paper form.
I can recommend Alexa to anybody, including those who are uncertain whether to publish or not. In my case, it was definitely one of the best steps I’ve taken outside my comfort zone!
Finally, after twelve years, I have achieved my dream. Thank you, Alexa.
Petr Horák - Buy your copy here.
Jodi Heyes - When Worley Gets Brave
Where to begin? I can honestly say there are no words to describe how grateful I am that my path crossed with Alexa's. If it wasn't for her support right from the get go that it was even possible for me to become a published children's author, I would still just be sat at home making powerpoint books for my daughter.
I stumbled upon The Book Refinery's webpage as well as Compass Publishing whilst looking into self publishing. It was the one website I found that actually made sense. It was written in a way that I just knew I wanted to contact Alexa. Our first phone call had me grinning from ear to ear. Her enthusiasm just radiated throughout the conversation and she gave me the boost I needed.
I have always suffered with low self-esteem and belief in myself but she was able to restore that in me and has massively helped my confidence throughout my whole book publishing journey. Her knowledge and expertise are impeccable. She really knows her stuff and was able to advise me in the best ways possible, always keeping my personal style intact. I am overwhelmed by the final product and the process itself has been an enjoyable one. Whenever I had a question, she was at the end of the phone or email to answer.
She has inspired me to chase my dream. Believe that the impossible is actually possible. Not only that, she has put me in touch with fellow authors and helped me make really meaningful connections where I feel I have made some real friends along the way. It actually makes me well up talking about the whole process as she really has touched my heart. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities she has given me and I will definitely be staying in touch for the next instalment in the Worley the Worry Monster series. Alexa, you are actually amazing and from the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough!
Jodi Heyes - Buy your copy here.
Kylie Dixon – Inkcap and the Nethers
Do you believe in fate and magical things?...my first children's book writing experience is woven with fate and magical happenings. Finding Alexa was one of these very happenings. From the moment I received my first email response back from Alexa after my ramblings on how to attempt to publish a book, I knew our relationship would be the perfect fit for what I wanted to achieve. Alexa has taken my crazy ideas and developed them into a beautiful piece of artwork. My book isn't just a story its a beautiful work of art. Alexa has a superb skill in hearing your vision and creating something so bespoke to your needs its quite wonderful to be part of. Not only is Alexa experienced at knowing which angle to position your book with your targeted market but she is invested from the word go in being part of your journey. I am so grateful for the support and the guidance I have had from Alexa and none of this magic would have happened if I hadn't nervously approached her a few months ago. I had a very tight deadline and this was achieved ahead of time. I cannot wait to continue my magical journey with Alexa for a whole book series and I look forward to seeing the beautiful books she will create.
Kylie Dixon – December 2020
Josh Black — author of ‘Personal Best’
“Alexa is simply amazing.
Having worked in marketing and advertising for some of the world’s largest brands (brands like PepsiCo, Gatorade, Unilever and Nike), my standards are incredibly high and Alexa surpassed them time and time again!
She delivered my project on time, within budget and to a really high standard.
If you are thinking of using Alexa and her team to produce your book, then I would definitely get in touch with her. Even working from abroad, she was able to fit around the time difference – which really made a difference in coming in on schedule.”
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