Lorin R. Smith IV, Dreadful Tales of the Living and the Dead and Dark Things that Between Them Tread

Joanne and Tom: I'm quite lucky to have both of you in my life. You are very special to me. Joanne, I can never forget the gift you gave to me. It's more than just a published book, but a fulfillment of something I didn't even know I needed. I love you both so much!

Rachel Pagones, Acupuncture As Revolution: Suffering, Liberation, and Love

Joanne impressed me from the beginning with her meticulous attention to detail. She also worked amazingly fast, not because she rushed things (in fact, she kept emphasizing that she would not rush things) but because she was so focused and efficient. I’m really happy with the timeline for her work on my book—it was about the only time in the whole two-year publication process that things didn’t seem to drag on. The best thing, though, was that working with Joanne felt like a true partnership. She was every bit as much an editorial geek as I am, and I not only appreciated her infinite attention to detail, I enjoyed it. I did not ever worry that something might have been overlooked. Moreover, Joanne cheerfully tolerated my “please change just one last thing” every last time. I believe she really cared about every little detail as much as I did. Having decided to leave a traditional publisher, I found it just invaluable to have someone else as invested in my book as I was for the final push.

Michael K. Hirshorne, Taking a Chance on Life: Because a Miracle May Be Just Around the Corner

Joanne Shwed was paramount in taking my 12-year journey from a dream to a published reality. I cannot say enough about her dedication to this project. Joanne is a competent, polished professional who comes prepared to do what it takes to get the job done. I would highly recommend her for ALL of your publishing needs.

April Joy Manger (multiple books)

When I was introduced to Joanne Shwed in 2019, I knew my angels had something to do with it. Joanne completed the copyediting and design for my five books. She is an angel to work with. We connected right from the start, and I feel extremely blessed and grateful to have been guided to her by a mutual friend. Joanne has made the journey of self-publishing books easy! She takes away all the anxiety that you might be feeling. It was helpful that Joanne was already familiar with poetry because her husband Thomas A. Ekkens just happens to be an amazing artist, musician, poet, and photographer. I love them both. In the journey of creating a book with an expert and experienced copyeditor and designer such as Joanne Shwed, you’ll want to make sure that you keep writing to give her your next book project, which is exactly what I’m doing. I look forward to working with her on my next project. My dream of publishing a collection of poetry books and a children’s book has come true. Tell Joanne your dreams, and she will deliver amazing results!

Glenda Benevides, Courage: Find Your Fire and Ignite Action in Your Life

Joanne was a godsend! Her work and professionalism were extraordinary. She was very clear, methodical, and patient. This was my first book, and she made it seem effortless on so many levels. Not having worked with an editor before, I didn’t understand all the necessary ins and outs of what to think about and what to do, but she helped me through them. Thank you, Joanne! It was an incredible journey, and she was the right person to do it with. I am thankful for her sincerity, kindness, compassion, creative mind, and guidance.

Dr. Tamiko Smith, MBA, Random Olives for a Fruitful Life: Life is a Treasure Hunt

I would like to say that my journey in writing my book wouldn't have been complete without the expertise of Joanne from manuscript to full publication. The years invested in working with her made the experience joyful and triumphant. Thank you for hanging in there along my fruitful journey.

Sandra Hughes, Reinventing Your Life: Your Guide to Finding Fulfillment in Starting Your Business and Reinventing Your Life Workbook: Your Guide to Finding Fulfillment in Starting Your Business

Joanne is a highly skilled editor and publishing services provider and a lot of fun to work with. She makes sure that any changes are still in your voice and consistently offers suggestions that improve the overall effect you are trying to achieve—whether in the content or in the physical appearance of your book. She possesses a tremendous attention to detail and guides you at every stage of development. I highly recommend Joanne.

Melody LeBaron, Transforming Death: Creating Sacred Space for the Dying

I feel so BLESSED that a friend of a friend recommended Joanne Shwed as my book editor and designer. When I heard that she’d edited Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s last book, I knew she was the right editor for me. I’ve worked on my book—about creating sacred space for the dying—for 18 years, in between client sessions and taking care of my family. It’s been such a long labor of love that I often wondered if it would ever get birthed. Honestly, if it hadn’t been for Joanne’s kind, consistent guidance and amazing expertise in the three years we’ve worked together, I’m sure I would have given up. It often took me months to finish rewriting a section and get it to her; she’d have the edited and polished version back to me in days. Once I showed up for one of our Zoom meetings feeling so discouraged; that’s the day I discovered Joanne’s delightful sense of humor. And did I mention her patience and kindness? YES, Joanne's book design, cover design, and proofreading skills are unequaled—and so are her people skills. Thanks to her suggestions, edits, and excellent work, I’m wildly proud of this book and SO VERY GRATEFUL for her guidance in the publishing process. Thank you, Joanne. You are the best Book Midwife ever. I could not have birthed this book without you!