praise

I have had the pleasure of working with some fabulous Australian authors.
Here's some of what they have had to say about my work.

Helen Christie is a true master of her craft; she delicately supported and patiently encouraged me through the prickly process of book design. After suggesting several options, she gave her honest and fearless advice, but left the final decisions to be made by me. She always answered my queries with alarming alacrity, and with well-considered and complete responses. A true professional.

 Thanks Helen for your patience and guidance. The process was fun and the final result has surpassed all my expectations.

John M Gasper

I can thoroughly recommend Helen Christie of Blue Wren Books. She did a wonderful job with my two books A Different Earth and Around The Bend I Go. Her technical artistic and design skills polished my manuscripts into shape and fashioned them into a complete form suitable to go straight to a printer. Her advice on the design and layout of the covers of the books and photographic inclusions together with her wise counselling throughout proved to be invaluable. Helen's knowledge of the world of publishing and printing is extensive extending to such matters as ISBN numbers, meta-data, eBooks, marketing items and the actual business of printing. One of the best things about Helen, is that she communicates clearly, succinctly, promptly, intelligently and wisely.

Max C.S. Beck – Magistrate and Coroner, retired

Helen Christie from Blue Wren Books pays particular attention to your book's design, layout and look. She is a prompt communicator, a diligent worker who loves to bring out the best in your project. I have found Helen to be professional, patient and skilful with the many facets of book designing, typography and audience appeal. If you are self-publishing, consider the costs of her knowledge and input. My experiences with publishing and printing children’s picture books and poetry collections have been positive.

M.J. Gibbs

Blue Wren was exactly the right typesetter for my book When You're The Adult In The Room. She communicated well, was upfront about fees, and assisted with the book cover design. She helped convert the manuscript into an ebook. And the printing went seamlessly. Most recommended.

Dr Andrew Wake

Helen made the journey of designing and typesetting easier than I originally imagined it would be. She was always available to give her advice during each step of that journey. Her professionalism turned a manuscript into a beautiful publication that I’m proud of. At the end of it all, it felt like I had been working with a friend and mentor. Helen’s Blue Wren Books is a business with a big heart and exceptional expertise.

Pearl M Wilson

When I received the book of my father's memoirs from Blue Wren Books, I was absolutely delighted with the finished product which exceeded all my expectations. Having presented a broad outline of my requirements, Helen took care of the design, layout, insertion of photographs and printing. All this was done with a sensitive understanding of my requirements. Throughout the process I was kept in the 'loop' and advised as each step was reached. I am so pleased with this outcome that I have been encouraged to publish another manuscript.

Wally Reeve

I can’t say how thankful I am to have worked with Helen on the graphic design and typesetting of my book. Being new to publishing, I often found myself unsure of many issues, some outside of Helen’s service area. Helen was amazing in that she went over and beyond the entire time to assist me not only with typesetting, but by answering my myriad questions about publishing. She was courteous, accurate (picking up many of my mistakes), and delivered promptly. I felt like a person not a number to Helen and she cared enough to assist even when she did not have to.

Hoda McClymont Phd

To find someone who seems to know what you're thinking, can almost finish your sentences for you, is a rare thing. To work in a virtual space with that person as you bring a book to birth was so easy that at times I thought I was dreaming. Helen was a Godsend. I love what we made together.

Dr Toni Risson

Helen, I really enjoyed working with you on this book. Your work, as promised, brought life to my words and enhanced the experience for the reader. I look forward to working with you again – on the next book!

Grant Pink

I was very fortunate to choose Helen Christie to help me publish my first book. Helen was professional, always available, very patient and offered me help and guidance even if I didn’t specifically ask for it. Her creativity, organisational skills and knowledge have resulted in a book I am proud to publish.

Russell Hodge

What a strange mix of emotion – excitement. A sense of disconnect – my name on the book but no longer mine. 8, 9 years in this delicate package called a book. I just can’t quite believe that it is my work. Surely someone else did this? Is it real? Is it true?

Thank you! It looks beautiful. Helen has done a marvelous job typesetting. It breathes. The generous spacing invites the reader. Plenty of room for reflection, contemplation.

berni m janssen

(Text design and typesetting by Blue Wren Books. Cover design by Deb Snibson for Spinifex Press.)

Helen and I developed an excellent working relationship while doing pre-production adding her design, layout and typesetting genius to my words and visual concepts. Helen is an excellent listener, offers suggestions and feedback gently, and dependably delivers her promises in a timely manner! I highly recommend Helen Christie to any future clients and wish her well in her new venture!

Kassia Klinger – Author, Commentator and Advocate

I just wanted to say a quick thank you. The book arrived last night and she is truly magnificent. I'm genuinely thrilled. I couldn't have done any of this without your insights, creativity and dedication. I am eternally thankful. You made this a delightful experience after a previous rotten one.

Lisa Comerford 

… Her flexibility and ability to work cooperatively with a client came to the fore when dealing with the changes I made, and especially when I added images midstream – about 10 became 51!  Helen readily set them in place to best fit the pages and enhance the text …

Helen Martineau

I can highly recommend Helen in any project you may give her. She is efficient and extremely professional. Our book Carbs by Numbers would never have been published without her wonderful design and endless patience. We wish her well in her new venture, I know anyone who engages her will be fully rewarded.

Sandra Dunbar

Helen Christie is a masterful book designer and typesetter. With Helen’s expert help, I recently self-published two novels, Resisting the Enemy and In Mortal Danger. I couldn’t be happier with the result. Helen guided me patiently and effortlessly through the whole process of book cover, design and typesetting. Nothing was too much trouble for her in ensuring that we got everything just right. Her helpful advice, experience and skill make Helen Christie a must-have for anyone seeking to self-publish.

Lorraine Campbell