We recently connected with Tara C. Allred with Patella Publishing Services and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tara , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Patella Publishing Services is not just a service provider; it’s a commitment to transforming the creative journey. Our mission is to offer readers stories with substance and lift authors and writers to new heights.
From the very beginning of a project, we collaborate with authors to ensure that every step is designed with the end reader in mind. This unique approach has been instrumental in bringing impactful narratives to life.
What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity and a touch of rawness in storytelling. We don’t just focus on commercial guarantees or swift outputs; we aim to connect readers with stories that hold real value and speak to the human soul. We pioneer rather than follow trends, listen to our readers for fresh perspectives, and create and improve as we grow.
Services We Provide:
• Manuscript Assistance: Comprehensive evaluation, editing, and proofreading services.
• Publishing Guidance: Expert advice for traditional or self-publishing routes.
• Cover Design and Formatting: Captivating book cover designs and professional formatting.
• Marketing Strategies: Guidance through the complex world of book marketing.
• Author Events and Reader Engagement: Book signings, author-reader chats, and pop-up bookstores.
• Distribution Assistance: Support in distributing books across various platforms.
• Audiobook Creation: NEW for 2024! We’ve built a partnership with a recording studio and this year have added audiobook creation to our offerings.
It all begins with a free consultation. First, we like to meet the writers. During a 30-minute call, we establish what their goals are and where they are in the process. From that evaluation, Patella Publishing Services offers recommendations on how we can support them in their unique creative journey.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
About My Journey:
I discovered the joy of storytelling when I was just five years old. From that little spark, I’ve grown into an award-winning author, educator, and the heart behind Patella Publishing Services. It’s been quite an adventure!
At age 27, I published my first novel with a mid-size publisher. But this conventional route wasn’t a good fit for me. I was downright miserable for a good ten years, grappling with the clash between my dreams and the realities of the publishing world.
Then, in 2012, a writing contest victory opened a new door. For eighteen months, I was with a publishing company until, well, life took an unexpected turn, and they closed shop. Seizing the reins, I self-published my second novel, and that’s when the real adventure began. Throughout the years, I’ve faced numerous challenges, failures, and inner battles with my own demons questioning why I pursued this path. However, with perseverance, faith, and a mindset shift towards gratitude and celebrating growth, I’ve transformed my author journey into a testament of endurance and self-discovery.
I can honestly now say I love the publishing journey I am on.
Patella Publishing Services is rooted in a mission that goes beyond the conventional realms of the publishing industry. Our mission is to offer readers stories with substance while lifting authors and writers to new heights.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Certainly. A pivotal moment in my journey was the inception of Patella Publishing. Due to my passion for creative expression, Patella Publishing originally served as a vehicle for my own publishing goals. However, as writers began seeking guidance, and the demand for tailored support swelled, a broader purpose emerged.
After the closure of a publishing company I was associated with, there was a period of uncertainty. It could have been a breaking point, but instead, it became a turning point. I chose to self-publish my second novel and embraced the challenges that came with it. This decision marked the beginning of a journey that not only tested my resilience but also led to unexpected rewards and joys in the world of independent publishing.
Recognizing the need for a more comprehensive and supportive approach, I pivoted from a solo creative pursuit to building Patella Publishing, a platform that thrives on collaboration with an incredible network. This diverse network, comprising talented individuals with unique skills and perspectives, has played a pivotal role in our success.
This transformation has reshaped not only my view of being a creative but also how I participate in the art of storytelling. As a business leader navigating the publishing industry, I’ve come to understand the profound impact Patella Publishing has on the writing community. It has been an absolute game-changer in how I view our roles in sharing our stories. The journey is not just about adapting to change; it’s about evolving with a purpose, ensuring that every twist and turn contributes to a narrative that goes beyond personal success to create a lasting impact on the creative landscape.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
There are three great rewards:
- Witnessing a story come to life.
- Helping others learn the magic of storytelling.
- Connecting these incredible stories with readers.
Allow me to share a story that illustrates some of these rewards. I was presenting at Author-Con in 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Michelle Leifson Wride introduced herself as a new writer trying to tell her story. The more she shared, it was clear that Mechelle’s story was one that needed to be told.
Mechelle, undeterred, continued her writing journey through the tumultuous months of the pandemic. Then in 2021, Patella Publishing Services stepped in to fully assist Mechelle’s goals. The connection we built over the months that followed culminated in the November 2023 release of her profoundly impactful book, AFLOAT: Drug Addiction through a Mother’s Eyes x4. Since the release, Mechelle and I have had countless people come to us with tears in their eyes sharing their stories and how this book has impacted their lives. There is immense gratitude that Mechelle would be willing to offer such a gift to readers. The response has sparked Mechelle to work on a new book, documenting the events that have occurred since the release.
Our commitment to intertwining the author’s journey with the reader’s experience is what sets us apart at Patella Publishing Services. Mechelle’s remarkable success post-publication stands as a testament to the effectiveness of our distinctive approach—where both the author’s and reader’s perspectives are equally paramount. Witnessing these transformative moments, where stories change lives, brings immeasurable joy. It’s not just about publishing books; it’s about fostering connections and making a lasting impact on both creators and audiences alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taracallred.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taracallred
- Facebook: https://twitter.com/taracallred
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-allred-niekamp/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/taracallred
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PatellaPublishing
Image Credits
Author photograph by Brooke Sperry Audio, Recording image by Josh Law