In the ever-evolving world of book publishing, independent authors are increasingly turning to self-publishing companies to bring their literary visions to life. Among these companies, MindStir Media stands out as a reliable and professional choice for authors seeking a comprehensive suite of publishing and marketing services. With offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, MindStir Media has established itself as a premier self-publishing company since its inception in 2009.  

MindStir Media: An Overview 

Founded by J.J. Hebert, a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, MindStir Media has published over 1,000 titles in various genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and more. The company’s mission is to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for authors, guiding them through every step of the publishing process, making publishing “Mind-Stirringly Easy.” MindStir is partnered with Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, and Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington.  

Kev’s Best voted MindStir Media the best book publisher in Boston and Los Angeles. Stellar Business Awards rated MindStir the top book publishing company in the United States. Furthermore, International Business Times hailed MindStir as the best book publisher in LA. MindStir Media book titles have won over sixty literary awards throughout the years. J.J. Hebert’s books alone won nine awards. Hebert, as the CEO of MindStir Media, writes for Forbes and Entrepreneur, through which he shares his knowledge of the publishing industry, from how to self-publish a book to how to market it effectively.  

Publishing and Marketing Services Offered 

MindStir Media offers a comprehensive range of publishing and marketing services designed to help authors achieve success in the competitive book market. These services include professional editing, cover design, distribution, publicity, and even celebrity endorsements from industry icons such as Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank and actress and author Mariel Hemingway. 

MindStir lists ten different paperback/eBook publishing packages on its website. The prices start at $2,999 for a children’s picture book and work their way up to around $30,000 for incredibly comprehensive publishing packages meant to mimic the quality and book launch of traditional published books, but with more focus on digital marketing and influencer marketing. Most of the clients who opt for the top-tier packages are either businesspeople with nonfiction books tied to their business or novelists with mass market potential. The prices between the packages are generally a result of the different levels of marketing and PR included in said packages. The hardcover format can be added on to any of these packages for an additional $1,000. 

All the publishing packages include mentoring from bestselling author J.J. Hebert, a unique and notable feature that only MindStir Media can boast. The packages also consist of items such as custom book design, professional editing, publishing in multiple formats, worldwide distribution and availability in up to 200 countries, built-in marketing like press releases, virtual book tours, social media marketing and more, and one-on-one author support. 

Book marketing and publicity services can be purchased from MindStir Media a la carte. You don’t have to publish with MindStir Media to use them for marketing and publicity. For instance, you can purchase PR placements to be featured in major online publications such as LA Weekly, Entrepreneur, GQ, Inc and others. MindStir guarantees the placements, so you’re not paying for the “hope” of getting featured – it’s guaranteed as part of their service. Other marketing services center on PPC advertising, for example Amazon Ads, Facebook Ads and Google Ads to drive continuous interest and sales. A Social Media Publicist is available as well. The Publicist will create your social media presence and run campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, among other platforms. Celebrity endorsements can even be purchased if your book qualifies.  

Advantages of Choosing MindStir Media Vs. A Traditional Publisher 

Some authors prefer to go the route of traditional publishing for various reasons. But there are plenty of reasons not to. Opting for a self-publishing company like MindStir Media instead of a traditional publisher comes with several benefits. Some of the most notable advantages include: 

• Higher royalty rates: Authors who choose to self-publish typically receive a larger share of the profits compared to those who go with traditional publishers. 
• Control over book rights: Retaining the rights to your book allows you to have more control over future adaptations, translations, and other opportunities. 
• Faster publishing timeline: Self-publishing companies like MindStir Media often provide a quicker route to publication compared to traditional publishers. 

• Creative control: Authors who self-publish maintain control over key aspects of their books, such as cover design, pricing, and marketing strategies. 
• No marketing limitations: Most if not all traditional publishers will dictate how authors market their books. This can be extremely frustrating and discouraging for those authors with an entrepreneurial spirit or marketing background who want to use unconventional methods to sell the book. 

Benefits of Using MindStir Media to Self-Publish Your Book Instead of Doing it Alone 

It might be tempting to do everything on your own if you opt to self-publish, but for most it makes sense to hire a professional team like MindStir Media to ensure that it’s done professionally, helping your book stand out. After all, you’ll be competing with big name authors whether you like it or not and their books are generally professionally produced. If you want to keep up with them, you’ll need to work with the pros, too. 

Here are some benefits of working with MindStir Media: 

• Customized Publishing Packages: MindStir Media understands that every author has unique needs and requirements. They offer tailored publishing packages designed to cater to your specific goals and budget, ensuring a personalized and satisfying experience. 
• Experienced Team: Boasting a team of seasoned professionals, MindStir Media brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Their team will guide you through each step of the publishing process, providing invaluable insights and support along the way. 
• Competitive Pricing: MindStir Media offers competitive pricing for their comprehensive suite of services, making them an attractive option for authors seeking high-quality publishing solutions without breaking the bank. 
• Positive Reviews: MindStir Media has received glowing reviews from clients, celebrities, and industry leaders alike. These testimonials underscore the company’s commitment to excellence and professionalism in the realm of self-publishing. 

MindStir Media Success Stories 

MindStir Media has been instrumental in the success of numerous authors, including countless Amazon, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestsellers. One such example is Christine M. Whitehead’s “Hemingway’s Daughter,” which became an Amazon bestseller and garnered close to 800 Amazon reviews. The book is also an official selection of Mariel Hemingway’s Book Club. These accomplishments speak to the effectiveness of MindStir Media’s publishing and marketing services. 

Another inspiring success story is that of Isabell Hayden, a 7-year-old author who, with the help of MindStir Media, became a #1 Amazon best-selling author and received an endorsement from Mariel Hemingway. She also earned a tremendous amount of media coverage, including features on Yahoo News, Film Daily and Influencive.  

Christopher Masiello is another success story for MindStir Media. As a first-time author, MindStir helped launch his book, Change Short & Simple, onto the Wall Street Journal bestseller list. His book was also featured on a billboard in Times Square. The book dominated the #1 spot on the entire Barnes & Noble eBook store as well, surpassing every eBook in the world for a period of several days. 

These achievements demonstrate MindStir Media’s commitment to nurturing and supporting authors of all ages and backgrounds. 

Mariel Hemingway’s Book Club 

MindStir Media is home to Mariel Hemingway’s Book Club, which further solidifies the company’s reputation as a trusted partner for authors seeking to make their mark in the literary world. The book club offers authors additional exposure and credibility, as their works are handpicked and endorsed by Mariel Hemingway herself.  

So far, the club includes six selections from Mariel Hemingway. Mariel shares those selections on her own social media as well as the club’s social media pages. She’s also beginning to discuss her selections on her podcasts and radio shows for added exposure. 

The Importance of Choosing a Professional Publisher 

Choosing to work with a professional publisher like MindStir Media when self-publishing your book is essential for several reasons. Firstly, the world of self-publishing can be complex and overwhelming, particularly for first-time authors. By partnering with a professional publisher, you gain access to expert guidance and support throughout the entire publishing process, ensuring that your book is crafted and marketed to the highest industry standards. 

Furthermore, self-publishing a book requires a significant investment of time and effort. When you collaborate with a professional publisher like MindStir Media, you can focus on your writing while they handle the logistics of editing, design, marketing, and distribution. This allows you to manage your resources more efficiently and ensures that your book receives the attention and care it deserves. 

Quality assurance is another critical aspect of working with a professional publisher. MindStir Media will ensure that your book meets industry standards in terms of editing, formatting, cover design, and more. This attention to detail guarantees that your book will stand out in the competitive marketplace and appeal to readers. 

Moreover, MindStir Media embraces cutting-edge technology, such as online and digital marketing strategies and AI audiobook creation. These innovative solutions enable authors to reach a wider audience and provide a more immersive experience for readers. By utilizing advanced marketing techniques, MindStir Media helps authors tap into new markets and connect with potential readers through social media, email campaigns, and targeted advertising. Additionally, their AI audiobook creation service, recently announced, offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional narration, allowing authors to capitalize on the growing demand for audiobooks. 

It’s safe to say that MindStir Media is an ideal choice for authors seeking a comprehensive and supportive self-publishing experience. With its wide range of professional services, commitment to nurturing authors, and track record of success, MindStir Media stands out as a reliable and effective partner in the world of independent publishing. If you’re an author looking to retain creative control, enjoy higher royalty rates, and benefit from personalized support throughout the publishing process, consider partnering with MindStir Media to bring your literary dreams to fruition.