If you have wanted to self publish your book and need a skilled PROOFREADER or EDITOR, contact us.  A writer myself, and a photographer, I can take advantage of the latest online publishing software from Blurb.com to offer bookmaking services to businesses, artists, other photographers, non-profits, and families. My wife, Jan, and I work together to help bring your book ideas to life.  See our new website at http://self-publish-your-book.com

We also publish books using the resources of Lightning Source, Inc. (LSI) which gives us Print-to-order and Print-to-publisher capabilities.  Book data is sent out from LSI to their distribution partners (such as Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com and others) who capture demand form booksellers, libraries and consumers. LSI then prints to order - there is no need for the author to hold inventory.

We are now able to help you convert your book manuscript to e-books, making them available for purchase for Kindle or i Pad users through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Call us at (720) 851-0397 for more information and cost estimates for this service.

If you would like to subscribe to our monthly email newsletter “Book Ideas from BookCrafters” sign up here.

The possibilities are endless.  Some book ideas are: Fundraisers, portfolios, BLOGS, memoirs, travel albums, art galleries, genealogy, family or school yearbooks, weddings, anniversaries, town or other local history books.  We have recently completed a first novel (set in Ireland - by author Ren Patterson), several travel journals, and a fascinating history of a remarkable woman who immigrated to Central City, Colorado in 1863 from Cornwall, England, to marry her fiance!

Have a look at a special book series we have published for Jon Michael Smith of Galveston Texas.  Mike is a physicist and a grandfather who taught his own two sons the basics of physics and math by drawing on napkins when they ate at Burger King.  His sons urged him to re-create those diagrams in a book for their sons.  The result is three 40 page Children’s masterpieces titled “20 Napkins of Physics” - How I taught my sons physics at Burger King. (Also 20 Napkins of Mathematics and 20 Napkins of Chemistry!) Preview the Physics book here: http://www.blurb.com/books/2138484.

Genealogy is a popular topic.  Richard Globe has recently let us publish his Recte Facias book on heraldry, one of the most beautifully illustrated books you will see anywhere.  See it here.

Another recent project is publication of “Prison Life InsideOUT - Letters from Prison,” a 220 page paperback by talented writer Jason Hall. (http://www.blurb.com/books/2205398)  You can review some of Jason’s writing by going to his blog at http://prisonlettersinsideout.blogspot.com/ We are also publishing Jason’s new book as a Print-on-Demand book (POD) to buy through Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc. through their Internet book stores.  Go to  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HYDM0O to purchase this as an e-Book at Amazon.com for $7.95.

Book styles can be either hardcover with dust-jacket, ImageWrap hardcover, or softcover with durable professional binding and coated, semi-matte paper.  Examples of some of the books we have created over the last two years can be seen in our bookstore at www.blurb.com;  click on bookstore, and do a search for ‘Maxfocus.”  All pages of each publicly listed book can be previewed on line.

The books are commercial-quality,  featuring four-color printing on 80#, semi-matte paper.  The photograph reproduction quality is outstanding.  You can select unique sizes - from a 5 x 8 or 6 x 9in B&W text book, a distinctive Square 7 x 7, to a landscape or portrait 10 x 8 or 8 x 10, to a large format landscape 13 x 11 inches.

These books make outstanding and unique gifts !!!

Preview my 120 page book “Colorado Colors.” (Click here to see all 120 pages and to order) It is all about Colorado in July; wildflowers, scenes and interesting places. More than 140 photographs.

One of my books is titled “ROADS LESS TRAVELED.” (Click here to see a preview.) It is a 120 page, coffee table (8 in. x 10 in.) record of many places visited and photographed over the last three years.  Each photograph is accompanied by interesting anecdotes on how to get there, a little history, something unusual, etc.

Click on this link http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/958363 to preview the 78 page book “Cattle Country,” featuring photographs and notes from  the Figure 4 Ranch, a historic ranch on the western slope of the Raggeds Range in Colorado.  The Volk family has cared for this spectacular range land since 1907.

Some Testimonials:

We completed a 296 page memoir by Ruth Feldhorn of her life and travels in the 20th century.  Written in long hand and transcribed by her daughter, Naomi Steinberg, the book includes many family photographs of this 98 year-old woman’s fascinating life. Sadly, the author died the day the book was published (October 2011). (The book can be previewed HERE) Naomi wrote to us from Israel

“The book is the biggest attraction and topic of conversation. It keeps on changing hands and moving up and down between the floors. Everybody who is here sees it and is utterly impressed and moved, especially some of the relatives whose families are mentioned and whose photos are included. If your ears have been ringing over the past two days, it is because I have been talking about you constantly …”

“I am thrilled.   It turned out really beautifully and will be such a keepsake.” Caroline S., New York

“Jan, Joe - I CRIED . . .Llore . . . BEAUTIFULLLLL… BELLO !!!!! My photography book…in the way I have dreamed….I could not believe what my eyes saw in the book …

Thank you …..Thank you …. Thank youuuuu … Super Job  ….  You are both GREAT !!!!   Evelyn - Connecticut

“Working with Joe and Jan McDaniel was effortless!  They understood I was new and a bit excited to be publishing a book and they were so gentle and patient.  Their suggestions and design experience helped me to create the book of my dreams.  I have painted for over 20 years, but putting the paintings into book form was the challenge.  Thank you guys, don’t know what I would have done without you.   See you on my next book, “Too Close To The Edge.” Dixie, H., Florida

“I would like to commend and recommend Joe McDaniel’s work editing and uploading my text and photos to make this book happen. To anyone who wants to do their own book project but needs help navigating the technical and emotional aspect of completing a family book, Joe is a wonderful, kind, encouraging, competent help in a timely manner.” Karen O., Nome, Alaska

“Joe was a pleasure to work with.  He was ultra professional and his work was a creative masterpiece.  My husband and I were so impressed by the wedding photo books he produced for us - they were a wonderful result of memories we will enjoy looking back on.  Thanks for everything!” - Kristin S., Highlands Ranch, CO

“Joe McDaniel is an excellent resource for publishing books! I have purchased two of his creations and been very impressed with his work.  One was a living tribute to my grandmother and her passing, and it was very well done. It included all types of memorabilia from her life, some poetry, and of course a variety of pictures. It will be a family treasure for years to come.” - Keri F., Orlando FL

“Joe _ has a gift of seeing photo opportunities, capturing them, accentuating them in a very beautiful and unique way.  He also has the writing capability to capture the reader’s interest and make the read humorous, enlightening, and fun.” Joyce B., Albuquerque, NM

No need to procrastinate any longer.  Email us at BookCrafters@comcast.net or joe@joemcdaniel.org For information or phone Joe or Jan at 720-851-0397.  See our new website at http://self-publish-your-book.com.