Empowering Independent Authors With Personalized Attention
Taylor Ahlstrom of Emdashery transforms authors’ ideas into bestselling books through expert editing, design, and publishing services, ensuring authenticity, professionalism, and client satisfaction.
Taylor Ahlstrom, the dynamic force behind ZIP Reads, has not only overseen the publication of over 400 books but has also authored and published two works herself. Her passion for fostering honesty, authenticity, and self-reflection shines through in every project she undertakes. Ahlstrom’s dedication to empowering authors is palpable, as she strives to bring out the best in each writer she collaborates with.
Emdashery, Ahlstrom’s brainchild, offers a comprehensive suite of editing, self-publishing, and book design services tailored for independent authors. From manuscript assessment to book launch marketing, Emdashery provides a one-stop solution for authors seeking to navigate the intricate world of publishing. What sets Emdashery apart is its unwavering commitment to personalized service. Ahlstrom, the sole editor and book designer, ensures that each author receives undivided attention and expert guidance throughout the process.
Emdashery’s track record speaks volumes about its success. With a string of satisfied clients and numerous books hitting #1 on launch day across multiple Amazon categories, Ahlstrom’s approach yields tangible results. One notable project, “365 Days of Abundance,” not only sold over 1,500 copies but also catapulted the author, Judy Balloff, into a successful motivational speaking career.
Ahlstrom’s dedication to excellence is echoed in the testimonials of her clients. Authors commend her for transforming their manuscripts into compelling narratives and commendable publications. Joseph Trussel, author of “Vanagon by Louisiana,” praises Ahlstrom’s keen insights and collaborative spirit, while Judy Balloff attributes her success to Ahlstrom’s relentless pursuit of perfection.
Emdashery’s workflow is as efficient as it is effective. Ahlstrom’s rapid turnaround time ensures that authors receive timely feedback and support at every stage of the process. Whether it’s refining the manuscript or designing the book layout, Ahlstrom’s meticulous attention to detail guarantees a polished end product.
Taylor Ahlstrom’s expertise, passion, and relentless dedication have revolutionized independent publishing, empowering authors to create impactful, polished, and successful books.
Above all, Ahlstrom’s commitment to client satisfaction is unwavering. She approaches each project with the same level of care and dedication, ensuring that authors’ voices are heard and their stories are told with authenticity and precision. With Emdashery, authors can rest assured that their literary endeavors are in capable hands, poised for success in an ever-evolving publishing landscape.
What specific services does Emdashery offer?
Emdashery offers turnkey and a-la-carte editing, self-publishing, and book design services for independent authors. We help authors with every step of the writing and publishing process including manuscript assessment; developmental, substantive, and line editing; paperback, hardcover, and ebook design; author website design; and book launch marketing.
Can you provide examples of successful projects that Emdashery has undertaken in the past?
While most of our projects are with first-time independent authors, we’ve never had an unhappy client. Nearly every one of our clients’ books reached #1 on launch day in multiple Amazon categories. But one of our most successful projects was 365 Days of Abundance. The book has sold more than 1,500 copies, and it helped launch the motivational speaking career of Judy Balloff.
How does Emdashery differentiate itself in the industry?
We are a hyper-boutique company—in that I am the sole editor and book designer. When you hire Emdashery, you’re hiring me and my years of expertise with hundreds of published books under my belt. I only take on a single author at a time, and I devote everything to turning their book, their baby, into the best possible book it could be. Authors get unlimited access to ask me questions, and unlimited guidance throughout any step of the process. I’m happy to do everything for you or help teach you how to do it.
And because I am the sole editor and book designer, I’m able to charge a lot less. While I read and edit your manuscript, I am simultaneously preparing it for publication, which means fewer hands on your work and fewer hours you’re paying for. I start ideating design as I go through, and you can start to see your book take shape in real time. Because each step with most self-publishing services is performed by a different person, it can cause additional complexity, longer turnaround times, and much higher prices.
Are there any testimonials from previous clients that highlight the quality of services provided?
“Taylor was a godsend to me, and I am eternally grateful for having the good fortune to work with her. She carried my travel memoir from bland and by-the-numbers to deep, rich, and affecting. Her input and direction—as broad as overall themes and plot and as detailed as individual word choices—provided me with confidence that we had put forth the very best possible book that it could be. Taylor’s candid, forthright, and friendly direction and support made for a fantastic working relationship. Through ups, downs and everything between, I always felt that we were a team. I look forward to working with her again and absolutely recommend her for your project.” Joseph Trussel, author of Vanagon by Louisiana
“I am a first-time author and naïvely thought that writing the book was the hard part of the journey. I can tell you that there’s more I didn’t know about getting a book published than I did know! I had no idea how valuable a good editor was to having a great book. Taylor may be tough at times, but she knows what works and what doesn’t, and she can tell you why. And the book layout she created was both beautiful and professional-grade. I am here to tell you that every dime I spent on getting a top-notch editor and publisher has come back in spades. Taylor challenged me again and again, but in the end gave me a book that I will be proud of the rest of my life.” Judy Balloff, author of 365 Days of Abundance
What is the typical process or workflow that clients can expect when engaging with Emdashery for their services?
As soon as you reach out, I will ask for a sample of your manuscript and help you figure out what services you need before putting together a custom quote. As I turnaround projects more quickly than most, you can have your first draft back within a week, depending on the length. After that, it all depends on what services you’ve asked for and what state your book was in. With some authors, we will spend months drafting and re-drafting, perfecting structure, flow, and making the most impactful story we can. I will challenge some authors to dig deeper and find the story they’re meant to tell. For other authors, we can often be ready to publish after a single round. Once we’re ready to release your book into the world, I will guide you through each and every step of the process.
In what ways does Emdashery maintain standards and ensure client satisfaction?
I treat every book as if it’s my own, and I don’t stop working until you’re satisfied.
