The following are the words of Judy Barnes, Archway Publishing author of “Two Girls From Nazareth.” Download the Archway Publishing free publishing guide for more information on our supported self-publishing services.

How My Story Became a Masterpiece

My name is Judy Barnes and I’ve always been interested in writing. I have read the Bible many times, but there always seemed to be something missing. How did Mary (the mother of Jesus) become the woman who would give birth to Christ’s Child? While pondering the problem, I started writing about two girls who grew up in Nazareth. Consequently, Two Girls From Nazareth was born.

I started my book about thirteen years ago and it took me two years to complete. As I was writing the book, I thought, this is something I would like to read. I started letting some of my friends read my unfinished manuscript and they seemed to enjoy the story I was writing. One of my very best friends was really interested in it and started helping me with ideas. Sadly, she passed away from lung cancer about halfway through our work. However, she made me promise I would finish the book.

I did finish it and was pleased with what had been accomplished, so I sent the manuscript to a publisher. However, I received a “polite” letter, along with my manuscript stating they were not interested in publishing my book at this time. I was devastated! I put the manuscript on a shelf and left it there.

Self-Publishing with Archway

Another good friend told me her cousin had published a book and suggested I go online and look into self-publishing. I did as she suggested and I found Archway Publishing. I contacted them to see if they might be interested in helping me publish my book and they were. Archway Publishing was extremely helpful, they guided me through the entire process. They even helped with the back and front cover layouts and had their experts make corrections in spelling, punctuations, etc. I was always in control. Nothing was done without my decision. I would highly recommend Archway to aspiring authors. Their expertise in helping people, like myself, to publish their books is extraordinary.

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