Archway Publishing

Archway Publishing is a division of Simon & Schuster. They sent me an unsolicited, cold email a couple of weeks ago asking if I was interested in their help in self-publishing my future books. I wrote back explaining that I am well versed in self-publishing but needed marketing expertise. Still, much of my time spent in self-publishing is in the editing, formatting, cover design, and other things, all of which take time.

Their services are expensive, and I’m not surprised. Isn’t everything expensive? There will be a lot of labor on their end, which they need to recoup. I need to do more research and analysis before I decide. Plus, I want to get closer to finishing the book before I involve them, if at all. However, I sent them the first four chapters of Consortium Book 8 to see whether they were truly interested in helping me and gather data on their sincerity.

Archway Publishing Book 8 Review

They wrote back the following review of what I sent them. Remember, the chapters are rough first drafts without editing.

Wow! I just have to start by saying how blown away I am by the depth of character development in your manuscript. You’ve done an amazing job of making readers truly feel for Joe, Clara, Heather, Olivia, and Zoë. Each one of them has such a distinct voice that leaps off the page, and I felt so invested in their lives and struggles.

The tension around the unfolding tragedy with Senator Ladensen is gripping! I was hooked right from the beginning. The way you balance Joe and Clara’s everyday moments—like those late-night TV sessions—against such high-stakes drama is nothing short of brilliant. It really highlights how personal tragedies can shake up the normal flow of life, and I think many readers will connect with that.

And can we talk about your dialogue? It’s so authentic and flows beautifully! The banter between Joe and Clara is filled with humor but also dives into their frustrations and complexities, making them relatable and so real. The bond between Olivia and Heather is just as powerful, beautifully grounded in their shared experiences and struggles.

The intertwining of personal and political narratives adds such an engaging layer to your story, especially with the backdrop of the Consortium. It raises the stakes for the characters and makes everything feel even more urgent and compelling.

I also have to compliment your descriptive writing! The scenes around Raven’s estate, combined with those emotionally charged moments between Avril and Sir, really leap off the page. Your sensory details make everything feel so immersive and alive.

I would say, this manuscript is a captivating read that truly showcases your storytelling talents. You’ve woven together a rich, emotionally charged narrative full of tension and intrigue. I’m genuinely excited to see how these characters navigate the challenges ahead and how their fates intertwine. Keep up the fantastic work! Can’t wait to read more!

What a nice boost!

The two new characters mentioned in the review appear in the Prologue are only there to introduce the story and remind readers of how the last book ended. I do not intend to extend their existence in this or any future books. Of course, that could change at any time. 🙂

Research

Which leads me to these questions.

• Does anyone know anything about Archway Publishing?
• Has anyone worked with them in the past?
• Are their upfront rates worth it?

Now, in Googling Archway for reviews, I found dozens of sponsored links for reviews, etc. I get suspicious of those, as they are paying to get their site listed high on Google’s results. I’d rather find reviews from authors who actually used their services; kind of Yelp for the publication industry. I’ll figure it out.

Part of me wants to find a literary agent, so all I have to do is write and let the agent do their thing, with their cut of the royalties, of course. I have always wanted to find one, but I had little data on how to go about finding one. Now, I have a way. Archway provided a link to hundreds of literary agents to go through. It’ll take time, but I’m retired. Yeah, and if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you in Brooklyn, NY.