Point of Difference
We specialise in the growth and development of business and professional women as independent authors by providing strategic book coaching, planning, writing, editing, production, publishing, and marketing support.
We help you to curtail your inner critic, find the heart of your message, connect with your audience, then write and self-publish the book that extends your work and reputation out in the world.
ABOUT BEV RYAN:
Working with individuals and groups as an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, and as the production manager of clients’ quality books, I personally take care of a small number of authors at any time, available as your one point of contact, working flexibly online from my home office.
My own journey into the world of publishing began in my mid-40s when, as a mum of four, I found myself at a career crossroad: I had no desire to return to my former career as a secondary school English teacher (BA. DipEd), but what else could I do? Luckily, I stumbled across a book that changed my life course – ‘I Could Do Anything If Only I Knew What It Was’, by Barbara Sher.
I can passionately affirm that books DO change lives, because that book certainly changed mine.
In 1997, well before home-based business and self-publishing were trends, I took the bold step of publishing my own magazine, ‘Work From Home’, followed a decade later by a second award-winning women’s magazine, ‘Honestly Woman’. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a publication you started from scratch on the news stands, and eventually I decided I would love to share that feeling with other women who also have a dream to publish their own work, even though they lack experience and have frequent bouts of self-doubt, just as I did.
I also became a qualified career coach, and in 2009 I went on to form the Women’s Publishing Network, running monthly workshops to coach and support hundreds of motivated women discovering the thrill and increasing accessibility of self-publishing.
My happy place definitely sits at the intersection of the professional power of publishing and the author’s personal development in the process.
Book authorship ⇔ self-authorship.
In 2012, I slowly established my own boutique one-stop publishing service, managing the production and quality of clients’ books by working with hand-picked freelance editors and designers (as I had done with my magazines), and in 2019 I published my own book, ‘Smart Women Publish’. Then in 2022 I became an Author Accelerator certified non-fiction book coach (which includes the self-help/memoir hybrid) after a rigorous program of training and practical assessments.
By now integrating book planning and production services WITH tactical book marketing services alongside strategic brand and growth support for our authors and their businesses, SWP’s publishing services can become an integral part of your larger business and personal growth plans.
The role of marketing
In her publishing services business, Bev has noticed a recurring problem: many excellent independently published non-fiction books struggle to reach their full potential because the author’s marketing strategy is an afterthought. They pour their hearts into writing but struggle to find their audience once their books are published.
Sometimes too, books come to Bev as completed manuscripts but do not always seem to align well with the author’s long-term business goals.
Bev has a strong desire to do more for her authors and their books, so in 2024, she began offering her clients the opportunity to work independently with Linda Johannesson, business and marketing strategist, author and CEO of The Growth Garden. Linda’s extensive and varied marketing and business strategy experience across many industries, including publishing, ensures she relates to all clients and their businesses, from SME through to corporate, especially in the service sector.
Bev and Linda share a common vision: Align their areas of unique expertise at the intersection of books and business to maximise the impact of publishing for you as the author, your brand, and your business.
This holistic approach to integrating books and business is now at the heart of Smart Women Publish and the primary factor distinguishing it from many other self-publishing services.
Book coaching and publishing clients have access to a free strategy session with Linda, and the option of the ongoing book marketing and business growth support you require before, during and/or after publishing your books.
Read Bev Ryan’s career profile HERE.
Read Linda Johannesson’s career profile HERE.
See SWP clients’ books HERE.
Read SWP testimonials HERE.
The Impact
Book growth magic can occur at any stage of a business’s development: Janet (below) is in a mature stage, bringing all the pieces together. Carrie is just starting out. Other clients are somewhere in between.
Today, Smart Women Publish is more than a boutique publishing service. Our point of difference – leveraging a book for powerful growth is more than a business strategy.
It’s a philosophy we embrace because it empowers women, and ensures your voice is heard as your business or enterprise grows, making the world a richer place, one book, one business, one woman at a time.
A Different Approach
Janet, an experienced Master Coach, approached Bev and Linda to help her independently publish her completed manuscript, and support her as she writes her second book, aligned with the first. She had spent years researching and writing in her career, but she had no idea how to get this new work out into the world and integrate it with her new business direction.
While Janet’s books are immensely important, she (as many other founders may also want to do) wants to find the commonality between her books, her business, her passion and her calling, and create a revised brand that encapsulates them all, and provides the foundation from which to create focused and sustainable growth. By working with Bev on her books, and Linda on her business, Janet can ensure that all of her efforts are working together to bring her unique expertise to the world, while creating a commercially successful and comprehensive brand that creates an impact that definitely includes, but also extends beyond her books.
As they work together, Janet is finding this integrated approach empowering.
A Success Story
Bev and Linda’s unique approach of combining manuscript development with early-stage marketing planning is resonating with women from various fields. A recent success story is that of Carrie-Ann McLean, who worked with Bev to publish her valuable money-management workbook based on her triumphant journey through serious debt and despair.
With Bev & Linda’s guidance, Carrie-Ann’s book, ‘Budget Right’, a mix of how-to, journal, workbook and Excel budgeting spreadsheet, is inspiring readers. The book’s growing success is a testament to the partnership of Smart Women Publish and The Growth Garden, and their complementary skills and methodology supporting Carrie-Ann as she implements what she learns. Carrie-Ann’s vision extends beyond her book. As she markets her book with Linda’s support, it will be the seed that has the potential to grow a business well beyond anything she had originally imagined. Part of their ongoing work together is building her brand and that commercial entity beyond just selling books.
Bev Ryan stood out from the rest with her straightforward and no-nonsense approach. From the very first conversation with Bev I sensed I was talking with someone genuine, honest and professional, which made my decision to work with her to produce ‘Defy Your Destiny’, my memoir with a very important message for women, very easy.
Please reach out to chat about your book needs
I am proud to support these Australian organisations
assisting women & girls in need:
– Dr Lois Frankel: International coach & speaker, author of the ‘Nice Girls’ best-selling series of women’s empowerment books
The Book
SMART WOMEN PUBLISH
After assisting hundreds of people achieve their publishing goals through coaching, workshops, programs, publishing group meetings, and publishing services, I have penned my own book at last!