WestBow Press Review—A Closer Look at the Christian Publisher with a Complicated Reputation

WestBow Press has marketed itself as an appealing option for Christian writers, given its association with Thomas Nelson and Zondervan—well-known names in the Christian publishing world. However, a deeper look reveals that WestBow Press operates under Author Solutions, a company notorious for its bad reputation in the publishing industry. While WestBow promises self-publishing options tailored to faith-based writers, many authors have encountered issues ranging from poor service to disappointing results.

Even Michael Hyatt, who was instrumental in launching WestBow Press during his tenure at Thomas Nelson, has distanced himself from the company in recent years, likely due to its tarnished reputation and backlash from writers. If you’re considering publishing with WestBow, here’s what you need to know.

The Author Solutions Connection

Though WestBow Press carries the prestigious Thomas Nelson name, the truth is that it’s merely an imprint run by Author Solutions, a company that has frequently been criticized for its aggressive sales tactics, high prices, and lack of quality service. This connection has caused many to view WestBow as another “vanity press” – a publishing company focused more on extracting money from authors than delivering meaningful results.

For Christian writers hoping to fulfill what they see as their divine calling, working with Author Solutions may come as an unwelcome surprise. Complaints about unmet promises and questionable communication are rife among customers, raising questions about whether WestBow Press lives up to its sacred ideals.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

The broader publishing world has been vocal about WestBow’s shortcomings, and this is reflected in its customer reviews. WestBow Press holds a lackluster 3.1-star rating on Google, and a significant 16% of its reviews on Trustpilot are negative. Authors repeatedly share stories of frustration, unmet expectations, and financial disappointment.

Quotes from Negative Trustpilot Reviews

A scan through WestBow’s 1- and 2-star reviews on Trustpilot paints a clear picture of dissatisfaction. Here are just a few accounts illustrating what authors have faced:

1. Brad Zisch said, “They continue to not pay royalties and won’t release my website.” Unfulfilled financial obligations and communication lapses like this are a recurring theme in the reviews.
2. Rhonda Herb, who paid $5,000 for publishing services, recounted her ordeal:
   “I signed a contract and later got an email stating my prose was considered offensive and objectionable. When I requested a refund, they gave me a partial refund but refused to return the full amount.” Though advertised as supportive of calls to faith, WestBow’s apparent lack of flexibility has left authors feeling abandoned.
3. Andra Serba expressed her disappointment, writing, “They charge too much for too little. I finalized my book only after talking to the printing department directly. I regret falling for the name of the company. Their attitude is one of unmasked sarcasm and greed.”

Stories like these highlight WestBow Press’s failure to meet authors’ expectations with professionalism and grace.

The Pros and Cons of WestBow Press

Like any publishing service, WestBow Press has its advantages and disadvantages, though the negatives seem to outweigh the positives. Here’s a balanced view:

Pros

• Christian Focus: The publisher specializes in books with Christian morals, offering a niche platform for faith-based writers.
• Access to Major Retailers: Books published with WestBow can be made available on platforms like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
• Affiliation with Thomas Nelson: The Thomas Nelson name provides credibility, particularly to authors looking to reach Christian audiences.

Cons

• High Costs: Many authors report paying thousands of dollars for services they feel were poorly delivered or unnecessary.
• Poor Communication: Reviews consistently mention difficulties in reaching representatives, unreturned calls, and confusion about the process.
• Quality Concerns: Complaints about poorly executed designs, low-quality paper, and even censorship of content have left authors feeling shortchanged.
• Unfulfilled Promises: Multiple authors have called out the misleading marketing claims, particularly around book visibility and royalty payments.
• Pressure to Upsell: Numerous authors noted being subjected to aggressive sales techniques where representatives pushed expensive packages with little tangible value.

Michael Hyatt’s Exit

Interestingly, Michael Hyatt, who played a key role in launching WestBow Press during his time as CEO at Thomas Nelson, has distanced himself from the imprint. Hyatt went on to build his own highly successful personal brand, and WestBow’s performance and ensuing backlash may have prompted him to step away from any association with the company. In fact, Michael Hyatt has said that he no longer feels comfortable recommending WestBow. For many writers, this only adds to the growing doubts about WestBow’s reputation and credibility.

Should You Choose WestBow Press?

For Christian writers, publishing a book is deeply personal—often seen as a mission to share their faith and wisdom with the world. Unfortunately, while WestBow Press might seem like a promising partner because of its ties to Thomas Nelson, its association with Author Solutions should prompt caution.

If you’re considering using WestBow, conduct thorough research, read customer reviews, and explore alternatives like self-publishing through MindStir Media or partnering with a boutique Christian publisher. While WestBow can facilitate the mechanics of getting a book to market, many authors have found the experience disappointing, costly, and disheartening.

Publishing a book is a significant decision, and your choice of partner can shape your experience and the success of your work. With all the red flags surrounding WestBow Press, authors may wish to look elsewhere for a more supportive, transparent, and rewarding path to publication.