Forty Years in the Making

Northstar Manuals, LLC was founded in 2016 by author and successful business owner Catherine A. Wilcox when she decided to self-publish her first two books, God is in the Details, Little stories to nourish your faith and the first in a series, Sacred Grief, A Guide for Conscious Change.  Northstar Manuals was aptly named because her Sacred Series of books are actually “manuals” or guides to help heal the mind, body, and spirit.  Wilcox also decided to share her benefits of experience owning and managing several successful businesses for more than four decades by creating The Complete HR Manuals for small businesses and the entrepreneur.  

It is challenging enough to write a book, but the process to take a book to market, Ms. Wilcox learned, is far greater than sending a manuscript to Amazon for “on-demand” printing.  A good book is more than just content.  Correct grammar, book size, type style, cover graphics, and front and back matter are just a few of the details needed to be perfected in every book.   

Wilcox knew from experience the importance of building a team of talented experts for her newest business.  Once she made the decision, the experts started flowing in - from editors, proofers, fact-checkers and layout specialists to book marketers, graphic designers, and even the right printer.  The cohesive team soon developed.  Utilizing her assets and financial know-how, Wilcox structured Northstar Manuals, LLC so that others could benefit from the collective use of her publishing team.  

Fifteen years ago, the concept of self-publishing a book was unheard of.  In today’s world, anyone with an idea, relatively good English skills, and a lot of time on their hands can write a book and have it published.  Even with digital e-books and audiobooks, the printed book is still the most popular format among American consumers.  Over 675 million printed books were sold in the U.S. in 2018, not including self-published books.  

Self-publishing is here to stay. In fact, the first self-published book was printed in 1501.  How many writers have written great books since then but could not afford all the other expert eyes that are needed to make their books interesting and marketable?

Whether you have a newsletter, business brochure or catalog, manual, book, or novel that you would like to see published and would appreciate specialized professional attention to your product, contact Northstar Manuals, your resource for self-publishing.