Testimonials

We thank all those who have kindly given their permission to use their words in the following testimonials.  If you would like any references then we would be pleased to put you in touch with any of the authors.

For me, the idea of writing a book was little more than a pipe-dream and rather daunting. The prospect of actually submitting a manuscript to a publisher even more so, the whole process being seriously outside my comfort zone. – My approach to 2QT was, therefore, made in hope rather than expectation and with more than a little trepidation.

From day one, Catherine, Karen and Hilary have been exceptionally helpful, patient and encouraging, guiding me through the technical aspects of publishing and transforming my congested ramblings into a coherent memoir. I cannot praise them enough and am delighted to recommend 2QT to anyone in the process of writing a book, whether they be seasoned author, or writing their first (and possibly their only) book.

 ~ John Elm – Music To My Years

I used 2QT publishing to help me self-publish my first novel. Catherine and her team made the whole process very straightforward. The proof-reading of my original manuscript unearthed thousands of changes, including comments and suggestions that ultimately improved the sentence structure on many occasions. Several different cover designs were created, all of which I would have been very happy with. The one I finally opted for has been admired on many occasions since by friends.

When I had to follow up with sites distributing the e-book after 2QT had completed their work for me, Catherine happily and quickly resolved the issue for me even though it was not part of her job to do so.

I am now writing my second novel and will approach 2QT publishing once again when I am ready to receive feedback and go to print.

~ Patrick Hillman – We’re Sending in Jesus Again

We approached 2QT to produce our book because we felt we needed a publisher who would have a personal interest in the book, while allowing us to have a strong say in its design. 2QT fully met our requirements. Catherine Cousins has a detailed knowledge of the process of making and marketing books, and combines that with a real understanding of the hopes and concerns of the authors.   We found her always friendly and responsive, so that talking about and resolving difficult questions became a real pleasure.

Dale Rennard, the designer, was faced with numerous computer files and a vast number of scanned drawings, with exacting demands from the authors about the design of every page of the book. He converted these into printable material with great skill and professionalism, and did it all with such good humour that, as with Catherine, it was a pleasure to do business with him. He was always ready with constructive suggestions, and always left it open to the authors to make the final choices. We should also mention the proof-readers, whose careful attention to details gave us confidence that everything from spelling and grammar to the layout of pages and chapters would be as perfect as possible.

Catherine described 2QT’s mission, and her role, as a personal service to “drive the project” to “produce a good-looking book”, and that is precisely what she and her team have achieved. They did a great job for us and we are very happy to recommend 2QT as publishers.

~ Barry Butler and John Gunner – The Coast-to-Coast Walk: Rocks and Scenery

When I finally decided to write my first book I knew that hard work was just beginning. For me it was all about how it was published and as I had no prior knowledge I had some research to do. Despite many options as soon as I spoke to Catherine at 2QT I knew that’s who I wanted to trust with this. Working with Catherine and Charlotte was an absolute pleasure and they made the whole process enjoyable which is amazing for a first time author. I have learned so much during the putting together of ‘my book’ and it’s an amazing feeling when you actually see the finished product. Thank you so much for making it happen and supporting me every step of the way. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending 2QT to anybody.

~ M T Sanders – I’m Not a Pandacow

I have no hesitation in recommending 2QT.  I used this company to ‘self-publish’ my book and they were very helpful from start to finish.  Their customer service is excellent and I am delighted with the finished product – my book!

~ Mark O’Neill – Mark, my Words – Insights and observations on life… and how to live it well

After I had written my book I spent ages reading articles on the internet and trying to work out the various do’s and don’t’s of self publishing and was finding everything very daunting. Then I discovered 2QT publishing, Catherine was wonderful and talked me through the whole process, Karen helped me create a much better manuscript and Hilary created a beautiful front cover that has received many compliments. I could not have asked for better service and advice and will have no hesitation using them in the future. Thank you.

~ Emma K Blacker – Hannoki’s Will

As a struggling writer, with an extensive collection of rejection slips, it was a novel experience to meet Catherine and Karen of 2QT and to be treated like an author. From the moment we met (excellent coffee and scones!) I was impressed by their friendliness and professionalism and I was given the very best advice.
How glad I was that I had trawled the internet and found 2QT whose greatest strength is a commitment to treating writers as individuals – not just offering an all-purpose package. Catherine and Karen tailored the publishing process to my preferences, and guided me where I was hopelessly out of my depth – that is with anything relating to numbers, finance or business practices.
I have just received copies of my novella –  actually held it in my hand – and it is quite beautiful! I am so very grateful to Hilary for the atmospheric and intriguing cover design – and to the whole team at 2QT and their printers for the clear, professional, very readable look of the text.
As I am rapidly approaching three score years and ten, I am perpetually aware that time is running out and so I must thank Catherine and the 2QT company for dealing so courteously with my numerous, sometimes impatient, often pestering phone calls and emails. Always approachable, you have answered my every question and quibble promptly, clearly and kindly.  I could not have wished for a happier experience than working with you all and I would recommend 2QT to anyone who wants to self-publish. Thank you all!

— Anna Bransgrove – Simple Dame Fairfax

I would like to offer big, virtual hugs to Catherine, the beating heart of 2QT; to Karen, the grammar ninja; and to Charlotte, the doyenne of design.
Notice a pattern here? I have a theory that aliens have abducted all the menfolk in that neck of the woods and replaced them with a eugenically-improved female super race – and if so, I am moving to North Yorkshire!
It’s difficult to admit, but I actually morphed into a raving control freak once the editing process had begun: However, despite phoning in last-minute alterations to this and that (sometimes down to the most pedantic minutiae) Catherine, at all times, retained her air of Zen calmness (for all I know, once I was off the phone, she might have hurled her stapler at the nearest wall before cursing like a muthaflippin’ gangsta from the ‘hood).
I feel fortunate to have spent time in Catherine’s camp: she and the rest of the team have been an absolute joy to work with. They are amazing!

— Kevin Ansbro – Kinnara

It has been a delight working with 2QT. I found working with Catherine and her team made my dream of becoming an author a dream come true. My book looks fantastic due to Hilary and her incredible work. Thank you to Joanne for the editing, making my book the best it can be… It has been a roller coaster writing my (baby) but having Catherine with me all the way with her advice and easy approach smoothed the way. I really can’t thank her enough. So once again Catherine, thank you sooo much.

— DYNA – Aftermath

2QT provided a first class service from start to finish and beyond. What I think sets this publisher apart is their willingness to sit down face to face with the author and discuss the project from the word go. I would describe 2QT as ‘A Listening Publisher’. They are open minded extremely versatile and will dovetail their services to meet the authors needs. When I approached 2QT my book was very much a work in progress, I knew where it was going, but knew that it needed a frank critique. The candid feedback that 2QT were able to provide on my initial manuscript was invaluable. It was critical to the ultimate success of the story. The editing process was superb, both objective and encouraging. I felt that my editor really ‘tuned in’ to my writing style, his approach was to suggest alternatives rather than recommend changes. This worked well for me and more often than not the editor’s insights enhanced the quality of my writing. Looking back it was a real partnership approach. Final polishing was achieved by excellent proof reading by people with the necessary eye for detail. I knew that my book would be compared with several recently published works of the same genre, so it was imperative that the look and feel of the book conveyed quality. 2QT place a premium on the ‘feel’ of the end product . I worked closely with the design and layout team sharing ideas about the books image . I am delighted with its overall appearance, particularly how well the graphics and numerous plates have reproduced. 2QT handled all the ‘behind the scenes action’ seamlessly ensuring that my book is now being distributed well and is available as widely as possible. In summary the whole process felt personalized, professional and wonderfully easy. Apart from the writing that is! That’s still the tough bit. Will I be approaching 2QT with my next book? Absolutely, if they’ll have me.

— Mark Radtke – A Canvas of Rock and Pete Livesey Fast and Free

I am thrilled to have discovered 2QT. Brilliant advice and excellent personal care from Catherine all the way. Catherine suggested a market for my book that I pursued and have greatly benefited from. Dale Rennard typeset for me, listened well, and produced a superb cover. Together we worked online to produce the best possible result. Encouragement to do book signings and other promotions has also given me confidence to do this again. I cannot recommend 2QT more highly. Thanks Catherine! (The exclamation marks are for you!!!)

— Katharine Angel – Being Forgotten and The Froggitt Chain

It was a real joy working with 2QT, from start to finish. I found them very approachable and personable, and easy to work with. Work was done in a professional manner, allocated times for each section of the process was adhered to – usually returned earlier than expected! – and of the highest quality. The finished book looks extremely polished and its physicality is excellent. The price allocated remains competitive, and 2QT helped with the registering of the finished book, along with ISBN numbers and amazon.co.uk placement. In all, I found the entire process enjoyable, and have come away with the added bonus of having something I can be proud of.

— Paul Cave – For Everything A Reason

Having just taken delivery of my book Pudd’n The Cat from a Cardboard Box, I am writing to say how delighted I am with it. Your helpful advice and friendly efficient service has for me taken all the strain out of the publishing experience. I thank you most sincerely. May your Company go from strength to strength.

— Joyce Stevens-Smith (Mrs) – PUDD’n The Cat from a Cardboard Box

When we started our project to produce a book to mark the centenary of Holme School we thought we would probably have to publish it ourselves. After a consultation with Catherine at 2QT we realised that it would be possible to have a proper job done on it. From beginning to end it has been a very rewarding experience, the professionalism of 2QT shining through at every stage, but also retaining a relationship at a personal level which meant excellent consultation throughout. It was always clear that we were making decisions based on great advice and keeping ownership of the project. We could not be more delighted with the end result and could easily envisage working with 2QT at some time in the future. A big thank you to all concerned.

— Geoff Pegg – Holme

Whether or not you are a first time author, having someone critique your manuscript is a daunting experience. I must admit I was terrified when I heard Robert Auty was to rake through the words and punctuation I had sweated over for so long. My fears, however, were unfounded and as it turned out, it was a very enjoyable process. His approach was laid back, yet totally committed. His comments were fair and honest. Knowledgeable and a good listener, Robert worked hard to help make my book the best it could be.

— Paul Ferguson – Killing the Dead

2QT’s Critique / editing services “I have worked with Robert Auty for quite some time now, both as an adviser and as the provider of a critique/editing service for my work. I have found him to be honest, passionate and extremely accurate in all he undertakes. I trust his judgement implicitly. I have acted without question on the advice and suggestions he has provided for the two books for which he has completed a critique, and without doubt my stories have become much better creations because of his interventions. Robert is a commensurate professional who is thorough and believes in what he does, providing a service which, I believe, is excellent value and is second to none in this field. I would recommend unreservedly and unequivocally his skills to authors needing this type of support.

— Frank English – Magic Parcel – The Awakening and The Gathering Storm

As a first time author, I really benefited from 2QT’s expertise and knowledge of the publishing world. 2QT Publishing had a real passion for my work, taking time to truly understand its vision, spirit and essence. Their strength lies in balancing respect for one’s work and in being strong in shaping it to ensure it was well positioned for the reader, the distributor and bookseller.

— Laurence Udell –  The Next Level: Aligning Business Success and Personal Fulfilment

How pleased I am that I self-published my poems. I would have been bitterly disappointed if the presentation had not been top-notch. For me, 2QT was the natural choice, being just a short drive from my home. But, more than that, they helpfully provide post-publication services, invaluable for a novice like me; and I have never been treated as the nuisance I am, making changes as production progresses and indulging my perfectionist tendencies. It is good to know that my efforts to produce a publication are supported by an experienced and helpful team.

— Julie Patten – Hopscotch

Like many first-time authors, I was dreading having to go round agents and publishers trying to sell my Manuscript and having had a bad experience with a so-called Vanity Publisher in the past, decided just to put my typescript in a drawer and forget about it. It came as a complete surprise to me therefore to see that a company called 2QT had established themselves not 10 miles away from where I live and invited would-be authors to attend a get-together. This I did, and was pleasantly surprised with what I found. I got my manuscript read gratis, having a year or two ago faced a 3-figure sum elsewhere for the same reading service with no guarantee of getting an agent or publisher. From the initial submission to 2QT around September 2010 to receiving delivery of the finished books on the Queen’s birthday was no mean achievement by Catherine and the printers. I was particularly thrilled by Hilary who designed a cover for me which in my opinion must be the book’s greatest on-shelf sales aspect. I was and still am, knocked out by the quality of everything about the book, and any minor glitches were were quickly rectified by Catherine. Anyone who wants to see their book in professional-style print could not do better than get in touch with Catherine at 2QT. (please note that this is only part of the whole testimonial and the author has kindly allowed us to select a shortened version)

— Malcolm Wheatman – The Playboy of the Western Railway