Hi, I’m J. Marie Jones — author and founder of Affirm The Word Literary. What began as one self-published journal has grown into a faith-based publishing brand with over 50,000 units sold— including an Amazon #1 New Release later acquired by BroadStreet Publishing.
With a degree in Media Communications and over 20 years of experience in media and design, I help aspiring authors determine if they’re truly ready to publish — and how to avoid common, costly missteps.
In the past three years, I’ve guided writers at all stages — from those unsure how to begin, to those who’ve “finished” a manuscript that’s only been edited by a well-meaning and caring (but unqualified) spouse.
Not sure where to start? Book a 15-minute Discovery Session for $50. If you move forward, that fee is applied toward either of our full 60-minute Initial Consultations. Either way, you'll gain clarity on your next best step — before committing to a process you're not fully prepared for.
15 MINUTES | $50
Self-Publishing Discovery Session
FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY.
Not sure if you're ready to publish your book? This quick session helps assess where you are in the self-publishing process and what you’ll need to move forward. Gain expert guidance, clarity, and a recommended path — and if you decide to book either of our Full Initial Consultations, your $50 payment is applied toward it. This gives you a total consultation time of 75-minutes and is a smart first step for aspiring authors! Let's Go!
60 MINUTES | $250 ($200 W/ Discovery Session)
Comprehensive Initial Consultation + Self-Publishing Guides
FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY.
An initial self-publishing consultation is HIGHLY recommended for future authors who do NOT have a completed (including professionally edited) manuscript. It is also beneficial for those with a completed manuscript who need guidance with how to proceed with publishing, either overseas, with a direct US printer, or using a self-publishing firm.
Some topics covered in Initial Publishing consultation sessions include:
1) Identifying your internal “why”? You will not endure the self-publishing process without that.
2) Establishing the intended purpose (distribution) for your published book?
3) Establishing a tangible budget to cover the self-publishing process and financing options.
4) Clearly identifying where you are in the writing process (If you are not working with a fully completed manuscript).
5) Establishing a business entity to properly manage book sales and related revenue streams.
6) And much more depending on your self-publishing needs.
Please note that this consultation is only 60 minutes, so it is important that you come prepared with thorough responses to the provided intake form.
Comprehensive Initial consultations also come with:
1) Six-Month Self-Publishing Guide
2) The Do’s and Don’ts of Self-Publishing
3) From Draft-to-Done (Your Essential Guide to Finishing Your Book)
4) Top 10 points for Self-Publishing a book | Compiled by J. Marie and based off trial, error, and industry best-practices (with access links)
5) 10% Exclusive Discount on any BookBaby.com publishing package
60 MINUTES | $200 ($150 W/ Discovery Session)
Initial Consultation
FOR NEW CLIENTS ONLY.
Not interested in printable publishing guides? No problem! Our Basic Initial Consultation was designed just for you. In this session, we’ll focus on specific topics that address where you are in the writing and/or publishing process. We can also discuss any of the topics outlined in the Comprehensive Initial Consultation.
This package will also receive:
1) Top 10 points for Self-Publishing a book | Compiled by J. Marie and based off trial, error, and industry best-practices (with access links)
2) 10% Exclusive Discount on Any BookBaby.com publishing package
However, no printable resources will be provided.
30 MINUTES | $125
Review Consultation + Publishing Guide Review
FOR CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY.
This consultation is for clients who have already completed an Initial Consultation Session and need assistance executing previous action items discussed, and/or navigating a step in either of the self-publishing guides provided with the Comprehensive Initial Consultation.
30 MINUTES | $100
Review Consultation for General Follow-up Questions
FOR CURRENT CLIENTS ONLY.
This consultation is for clients who have already completed an Initial Consultation Session and have general questions about any step in the self-publishing process, resolving a production and/or layout issue, formatting questions, assistance executing an action item discussed in the Initial Consultation, or moral support concerning the completion of any phase in the production process.
FAQs
Publishing a book depends on several factors, like: Is the manuscript finished and professionally edited? Is the cover designed? Has the book been formatted into the finished trim size? Those are just a FEW of the many questions that need to be answered before a book is ready to be published. However, consultations are designed to help identify where you are in the process and what you must do to publish your book.
No, but we do offer an exclusive $10% discount on any publishing package with BookBaby.com. They also provide free publishing consulting when you book is finally ready to be published, and will guide you through the process if you decide to self-publish with them.
For aspiring authors with a completed manuscript, we will discuss a self-publishing firm that is currently accepting submissions for the new authors program, where selected manuscripts will be provided with almost $10k worth of publishing services (including marketing and author's copies) if selected.
This really depends on where you are in the process. Most funding organizations require that you have a legally registered business entity to receive funding. However, traditional publishing does not have that requirement and is a viable option for someone seeking to be discovered by a literary agent, or the self-publishing arm of a traditional publisher, like Archway Publishing from Simon & Schuster.
You are always welcome to book a discovery session for next steps if you seriously want to write and then publish your story. The intake form for my initial consultations requires you the clarify your "why", so you can determine just how serious you are about publishing your story. I am happy to discuss that with you via a discovery session, but I believe that time would be used best if that was already clear and you were ready to move forward.
Yes! We are finalizing those offerings now, but we can discuss a custom package during an initial consultation.
I am happy to provide those contacts. However, I do NOT recommend anyone work with an overseas supplier unless that have prior experience doing so and are familiar with international imports (global imports, customs clearance, etc.) I would only be providing a list of contacts, and a referral if you are ready to request samples, but you must do your due diligence and/or pay a surcharge for international suppliers to handle the import process for you.
We understand situations arise when you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. To do so, we request you notify us at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to offer your appointment slot to another client on our waiting list.
Cancellations or rescheduling requests made less than 24 hours before your appointment may be subject to a cancellation fee of the total cost of your booking. No-shows without prior notification will incur totaling the full cost of your booking.
We are happy to accommodate a rescheduling request made less than 24 hours before your appointment due to a documented emergency. However, appointment slots are subject to availability and may extend into the next week.