Customer story · Book Launchers
HR Executive Transitions to New Career with Professionally Designed Art Journaling Book
Susan Hensley · Recorded 10/23/2024
- Captured on
- Share One · October 23, 2024
- Content fingerprint
- 4e7c301455ac7421
- FNV-1a-32x2 over this page's video URL, capture timestamp and transcript — recompute it to confirm nothing was altered after publication.
Susan Hensley used Book Launchers to publish her book, Art for Your Sanity, transitioning from a corporate HR career to a new professional path. She reports that the process would have taken three times as long without their expertise. The service provided professional interior and cover design, completing the project in approximately ten months.
At a glance
- Primary Use Case
- Professional self-publishing for a career transition
- Reported Result
- Published professional color book 3x faster than DIY
- Time to Value
- 10 months (August to June)
“It would have taken me three times as long - if I ever would have done it - if I hadn't used Book Launchers.”
“The number one benefit that I experienced working with Book Launchers is their design and layout team. My book is beautiful.”
“They were by far the quickest, highest quality, and most efficient way to get my book to the world.”
The interview
How did you first discover Book Launchers and decide they were the right fit?
I really knew Book Launchers was right for me after I heard Julie on a different podcast. When I spoke with her, the process she laid out and the low sales pitch really instilled a lot of confidence in me. I could tell she was ethical and her goal was to run a company that did what it said it was going to do.
What was your professional background before writing your book?
I had been working full time in a corporate job as an HR executive for more than two decades before I left that job, and I'd had a first career as a journalist. The book was the first thing I did in retirement as I thought through that transition.
Why did you choose self-publishing over traditional publishing?
I started to explore writing a book and I thought, 'oh, I can tell self-publishing is going to be the way for me.' I knew right away I didn't want to try and get a traditional publisher. I didn't want to spend the time to pitch to publishers or to try and do it on my own.
What was your timeline for publishing 'Art for Your Sanity'?
I believe I talked to Julie in August. My goal was to get the book out by May, and we made it out by June because I really wanted to be able to talk about the book at a wellness retreat that I knew I was going to that coming May.
What were the most significant benefits of working with the Book Launchers team?
The number one benefit was their design and layout team. My book is beautiful, and because it was about art journaling, it needed to be in color. The design of the cover gets comments from everyone who sees it, and the interior look is so professional. It would have taken me three times as long if I hadn't used them.
What did you learn about the publishing industry through this process?
The learning curve is really high if you've never done this. I realized how much I learned about publishing and the industry, even though that wasn't my primary reason. As I think about my next book, I'm so much smarter because I learned so much.
Frequently asked
Is Book Launchers a high-pressure sales environment?
No. Susan Hensley specifically noted she appreciated what she called the "low sales pitch" when first speaking with Julie, which instilled confidence in the company's ethics.
Can I pause my book publishing process if needed?
Yes. Susan Hensley highlighted that a key benefit of the Book Launchers monthly service was the ability to pause the process if her schedule required it.
How long does it take to publish with Book Launchers?
Susan Hensley started the process in August with a goal of May; the book was completed by June, which she described as the quickest and most efficient way to get her book to the world.
Full transcript
About Book Launchers

Book Launchers
Official site: www.booklaunchers.comBook Launchers is a full-service professional self-publishing company specializing in high-quality non-fiction. They serve thought leaders and professionals like Susan Hensley, providing comprehensive support from writing coaching to professional design. Their process helps authors transition into recognized experts by delivering books that serve as foundations for new careers and personal brands.
- Industry
- Publishing Services
Topics
- self-publishing
- non-fiction
- career transition
- book design
- author branding
Watch next
How this story was recorded
How long did it take Susan Hensley to record this Book Launchers testimonial?
Just a few minutes. Share One walks the customer through one question at a time, so Susan Hensley never had to plan a script or re-shoot. The polished page you're reading was produced from that single take — see how it works at share.one.
Recorded and verified with Share One. Published as recorded — unpaid, unscripted, and attributed to a named person.
Collect your own customer stories at share.one