Author Services

In response to the rapidly changing publishing climate, and to continue to help authors realize their publishing goals and dreams, we have expanded our professional services to writers we do not represent. Whether you are seeking traditional publishing or exploring print-on-demand or custom publishing, it is crucial to have a professionally polished manuscript, proposal and pitch materials, and an exceptional marketing plan. There is always room at the top for the best, and that is what we can help you to achieve…the best book possible.

Our Team

Andrea HurstANDREA HURST, President of Andrea Hurst & Associates, works with both major and regional publishing houses, and her agency client list includes emerging new voices and NY Times best-selling authors. Andrea represents high profile adult nonfiction and well- crafted Fiction. Her clients and their books have appeared on the Oprah Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, National Geographic network and in the NY Times. Andrea is a published author, skilled development editor, keynote speaker, and educator with over 25 year of experience in the industry.

For both new and established authors, Andrea is available for private consulting, book proposals and full manuscript evaluation, developmental editing, and assistance with custom publishing. After discussing your individual needs and goals, Andrea can offer referrals to industry professionals for individualized assistance tailored to your goals.  Whether you are in need of an editor or ghostwriter, blog and website designer, or marketing professional our experienced team will help you produce a top-notch product.

For serious writers and professionals in need of assistance polishing, developing, and evaluating their book for publication we offer the services listed on the right side of the page.

 

BRANDON LaFAVE

BRANDON LaFAVE- Since graduating with a B.A. in Creative Writing, Brandon has done editorial work for large and small publishers, co-agented manuscripts, and served as the agent and editor coordinator for the 2011 Whidbey Island Writers Conference. He’s the former author services director and literary scout for Andrea Hurst & Associates and a graduate of the University of Washington Certificate in Editing program.

 

Brian C. Short

BRIAN C. SHORT is a graphic designer as well as a writer of literary science fiction and speculative non-fiction, with a background in print, electronic and time-based media (i.e. film, video and music). His motion graphics work has won several awards, including an Emmy (in 2001, as part of the team responsible for the title sequence of “Six Feet Under”) and BAFTA awards (1998, for Best Moving Image, “Ceremony of Innocence”). His short films have had screening at SIFF, the New York Film Festival and Rotterdam, and he was a finalist for the 2011 Artist Trust Arts Innovator Award. He currently resides between Whidbey Island and Park City, Utah, where he also works seasonally as a baker and pastry cook.

Services offered:

  • book trailers
  • book covers
  • interior book design

Audrey Mackaman

AUDREY MACKAMAN is a certified copyeditor and book cover designer. She graduated from Beloit College in Wisconsin with a double major is English Literature and Creative Writing, and she received her copyeditor’s certificate through the University of Washington. She designs book covers for a broad range of genres.

 

 

Cate PerryCATE PERRY has a BA in English Literature and a Masters in Education from Western Washington University. She has taught English and Creative Writing for sixteen years. She is an alumna of the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop and an agent liaison for the Chuckanut Writers Conference. She was published last fall in Dr. Bernie Siegel’s A Book of Miracles.

Book Development

  • Full Manuscript Evaluation – Fiction and Nonfiction
  • Developmental Editing for Novels
  • Evaluation/Consulting on the First 50 + Synopsis + Query Letter
  • Book Proposal & Pitching Assistance
  • Branding, Marketing and Platform Building
  • Consulting in all areas of writing and book publishing and marketing

Custom Packaging

  • Custom Publishing – Consulting & Referral
  • Premium Cookbook Packaging
  • Assessment and Referral for Print-On-Demand Authors
  • Book Sheparding

If you would like discuss how we can help your book be a success, please get in touch. 

Faith in our contemporary culture is a wonder to behold, and abiding faith a miracle. Working with Andrea continues to be a Psalm of Faithfulness. She is passionate, confident, meticulous, and, most importantly, immeasurably generous. I am blessed to work with Andrea–she remains a marvelous guide and ally.

Gloria Burgess, PhD Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside

Andrea Hurst was a driving force for excellence in the creation of the illustrated children’s book “The Tree”, illustrated by Dave Danioth and a based on my song The Tree. Andrea always pushed me to strive for the highest quality and the highest expectations throughout the entire project. I found Andrea very straightforward to work with and extremely supportive throughout the entire book creation process. Thanks Andrea!

Dana Lyons The Tree and Cows with Guns


I feel extremely fortunate to have had Andrea Hurst guiding the course of this book with her with her masterful balance of insight, experience and practicality.

Dr. Murray Clarke Natural Baby – Healthy Child


Thank you for believing in me and telling me to “go copyright that title.” This book would never have seen the light of day if it had not been for your encouraging words, gentle guidance, and the opportunity to join your writer’s group.

Marie de Haan Cancer is a Funny Thing


Having never written a book before, I did not know what to expect when working with an editor. Amberly Finarelli showed tremendous attention to detail and was enormously helpful throughout the entire process. She offered her guidance when needed. I have since worked with her on 2 other versions of my book, and she continues to meet deadlines and exceed my expectations.

Christine Giri Consultant & Speaker


I hired Amberly Finarelli to help get my first book ready for publication. What could have been a stress-filled, scary ordeal for me, Amberly made easy. From the very start of our working relationship she made me feel comfortable, and through her professional critiques, my manuscript grew from 57,000 words to 68,000 words. I gained word count along with substance and clarity throughout my book. In Amberly, I not only found a knowledgeable, highly skilled editor, but someone who could ask the right questions, give the best direction, and go the extra mile in helping me develop a marketable product. I am very satisfied.

Sharon Anderson


Amberly Finarelli proofed and edited fiction as well as cover letters and collateral and training material for me. She is a pleasure to work with, professional, exceeded every stated deadline. I have tried many other services who say they do what Amberly does and have found them wanting. I will continue to use her services and HIGHLY RECOMMEND HER to anyone needing proofing and editing.

John Cameron Novelist and Edutainer


Amberly is prompt in returning work in the agreed upon time frame. With quick response to my questions, she has a kind heart and is clear and intentional in her communication. She is incredibly thorough, including catching mistakes other editors have missed. She is able to articulate her suggestions and she doesn’t presume, but always asks great questions about my intention of a section and then offers suggestions based on my intended meaning.I highly recommend Amberly; she is a fantastic editor!

Kate Preskenis The Gene Guillotine: An Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Memoir


As a new author, I came to Amberly s with vague expectations. My first novel had been “professionally edited,” but failed to land representation by a literary agent. My second novel, part of a series, was complete in manuscript form, but I was uncertain as to the amount of rework I was willing to invest, knowing effort alone would not assure me of being published. Amberly read my ms and made general suggestions, but I was still hesitant, and we agreed, for a modest fee, to work on three chapters so I could see for myself what had to be done. Amberly provided suggestions on specifics. I rewrote and reorganized. It became clear this was the way to proceed. We agreed to a budget and worked on a few chapters at a time completing the second novel and beginning to rewrite the first. I have no idea if what we accomplished will achieve my objective. What I do know is that the time and effort working with Amberly has been very rewarding personally. Hopefully it has made me a better novelist.

Richard M. Dorsey