Client Testimonials

We hope that our customers enjoy writing their life story with You By You Books. Here are a selection of the views and experiences of authors who have come to us for help.

'I met Anna through my local Retirement Fellowship and she guided me through the whole process of publication. I first learned to use a computer aged 88, and my book was published when I was 90. I would urge anyone in a similar position to contact Anna without delay - tempus fugit (time flies)!' Betty Ogilvie, 2010

'I contacted Anna Foster with some trepidation as mine was a very personal story. As a result of her caring dedication the book came on in leaps and bounds and the journey together was a joy.' Pam Black, 2009

'I met Anna at a book fair and she inspired me to write about my life growing up in Kenya. My old pictures have been excellently restored, and the book looks very handsome.' James Cavendish, 2008

Lotte Moore

'Writing my first book at the age of 70 I found myself at a complete loss as to how to publish it. Anna Foster came to my rescue and helped edit text, and advised on photos and layouts, until we were able to produce an attractive first volume, my autobiography, Snippets of a Lifetime.

'I was so pleased with the result that a book of poems and three children's books followed. A whole new window in my life has been opened. I can only praise the encouragement and professional advice I have received and still receive from Anna.' (2009)

Lotte is available to read her children's stories in schools, book shops and libraries in west London.

David Seeney

'Over a number of years I was cajoled by friends to tell the story of my life. The publishing world was a mystery to me but I was fortunate to discover Anna Foster whose advice and encouragement brought the project to a successful fruition which resulted in the publishing of my autobiography At Your Service.

'Anna is a charming person with whom to work and without her invaluable help in editing my manuscript and finding a publisher, I doubt if the book would have existed.' (2008)

You By You Books helped David Seeney prepare his manuscript for submission to general publishers. At Your Service is published by Woodfield Publishing, priced at £9.95.

Jane Pendered

'A chance meeting with Anna was the inspiration I needed to write up a year of my tales in Oz. She took charge of reading through volumes of diaries to condense the year into a thrilling motorbike adventure.

'Initially I wrote the book for my family who had supported me through my travels. Friends also showed interest so we celebrated the launch of Riding High Down Under in our village hall in Biddenden in Kent with an Oz-style bash. The companion who accompanied me brought his currrent dirt bike - not dissimilar to the ones we rode round Oz - and we set up a tent with a billy and fire (not lit!). We sold 50 copies of the paperback on the day. I bought an ISBN number for the book and have since sold Riding High to travel and biking enthusiasts. I also sent copies to friends I made in Oz as a way to say thank you for the hospitality I received there.' (2005)

Ann Robertson

'I had spent several years researching our family history and writing my own life story, but had reached the point where I didn't know how to take my ideas forward. I was introduced to Anna Foster of You By You Books who suggested that a hardback book, illustrated with our family trees and colour photographs, would fit the purpose.

'Having acquired a taste for writing I then wrote a history of The Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent to mark their 25th Anniversary, and of which I am the Founder and Life President. Anna also helped me produce this paperback book which is sold in aid of the Hospices.' (2007)

The Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent is priced at £5 and is for sale through the Hospices. All proceeds go to the Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent. Click here to purchase a copy.

Graham Britnell Green

‘Anna Foster of You By You Books made it possible for me to complete and bring to publication my book, Winceby House School for Girls – A Very Special School, a 330-page hardback, which incorporated 146 illustrations (photographs and documents).

'The original photographs were of poor quality, being mostly over 50 years old. Anna had to deal with nine, partly incomplete, chapters of varying length, an uncertain number of appendices (six eventually), various plastic bags of old photos and albums, with bits and pieces of text, minor changes or addenda, arriving by post or e-mail at uncertain intervals.

'Having negotiated all arrangements with the printers, she turned these elements into a handsome book, the design of which she is entirely responsible for; from typefaces through to the dustcover, and selecting and captioning the majority of the photographs, keeping me informed at all times. The combination of administrative, design and editorial skills which Anna brought to the project was absolutely vital.’ (2008)

Winceby House School for Girls is priced at £25 and is for sale from the author. Click here to purchase a copy.