Molly Arbuthnott, Oscar the Ferry Cat: Jelly Bean are very organised. They listen to an author’s wishes and do everything very economically and efficiently.
Chris Hudson, Walk the Avon: Once I wound up my business, I needed a project to keep me busy in my retirement. Living on the banks of the Avon, I decided to walk its length and document the sights, sounds and various routes encountered along the way. I even had a publisher lined up, but by the time I had finished, the man running it had retired himself, so I was stuck! A friend of mine in the media business I told me about Jelly Bean Self-Publishing – a name difficult to forget, but I suppose Penguin Books must have sounded odd in the 1935! Jelly Bean did a lot more than print a book: they guided me, advised me, improved the artwork and the text… I knew nothing about printer’s grammar. I didn’t know, for instance, that the left hand page always has an even number, or that the right hand page should never, ever be blank! But Jelly Bean explained everything to me as we went, ensuring I was on board with all their choices.
Bill Kerr, Charley Farley and the Last Steam Train: In the spring of 2014 I finished writing my first novel. Quite by accident I came across a little video presentation by Candy Jar Books and its sister company Jelly Bean Self-Publishing. I gave them a ring and spoke to a lovely young lady called Hayley. As Rick said to Louis at the end of the movie Casablanca, ‘I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship!’ Over the following four months Shaun, Andy, Hayley and Terry worked with me to produce my novel, and over the next three years the book’s profit reached my target figure of £10,000 for children’s charities both at home and overseas. I’m indebted to the team at Candy Jar /Jelly Bean for their professional expertise and genuine enthusiasm, which helped me to transform an average piece of prose into an enjoyable children’s novel. The sequel and third and final story of the Charley Farley series are already inside this old man’s head. If they make it to the printed page, Jelly Bean will be the first people I will contact.
Linda Paffey, ‘Twas the Night Before a Welsh Christmas: Working with Jelly Bean was a delight. They were so friendly and professional. It was a really enjoyable experience, and I loved the finish product.
Christine Perkins, Jake Flynn and the Pirate Porthole: Working with Shaun at Jelly Bean has been a very positive experience. As a new author I have very much appreciated the practical, professional and friendly advice offered at every step of the editing and publishing process. Jelly Bean’s approach has been one of partnership, working with the author to a very pleasing conclusion!
Gavin Parr, A Seemingly Ordinary Man: My book is a re-telling of my grandfather’s experiences during World War Two – so it’s a very personal story for me, and as such it was a big step to search for and thankfully find a publisher who I could trust. I am genuinely pleased that I chose Jelly Bean, who came via recommendation. From day one, they understood the personal nature of the project and balanced that with the highest level of professionalism and insight, which ultimately improved the story. They were thorough and never shy of telling me when they thought something could be improved, and boy oh boy did their input improve the story! They always explained their reasoning, and were attentive to my opinions (which made the process feel like more of a partnership than a business relationship). I’d heard some horror stories around self-publishing online which is why I chose Jelly Bean, and it is a decision I’m really glad I made. I was delighted with the standard of the finished book, from the design of the front cover to the way the story reads. It’s an amazing feeling to hold your own book in your hands, and for me personally, they helped me to keep my grandfather’s memory alive, allow others to enjoy his tales and experiences, and perhaps, to laugh or cry along the way. For that, I am eternally grateful. I can’t recommend Jelly Bean highly enough to anyone considering self-publishing. They take real pride in what they do and most importantly they really care about the book, the story and the people who bring it to them.
Barbara Pontin, Merlys & Tranter’s Cake Shop: I can’t praise Jelly Bean Self-Publishing enough. They were very professional and helped me every stage of the way. They helped me publish two books and made my dream come true!
Alan Stott, Those Kids Next Door!: Jelly Bean Self-Publishing deserve the highest accolade I can possibly award. They were unbelievably helpful to me when I approached them with an idea – a weak idea – and no writing experience to my name. They saw the potential of my premise and, with subtle diplomacy and painstaking attention to detail, helped me develop the story in a much better direction. They went above and beyond what I could have expected, listening, encouraging and making suggestions and alterations with respect, care and patience. With their head of publishing, Shaun’s guidance and friendship, I have moved from being a complete beginner to a stage where I feel able to write easily and fluently. I have just completed my second book and am working on the next. I could not have achieved this without Jelly Bean, and in particular Shaun’s constant help and inspiration.
