Publisher’s Note: When I was in the midst of our National Independent Bookstore Day programming at Book and Puppet, a woman approached me and very professionally and briefly introduced herself as a local editor with whom I had connected on Instagram. Now, before I tell you the rest of my story, let me allow her to tell her side. — Angel
By Natalie Lowell, Owner of Exquisite Page
I had the pleasure of meeting Angel Ackerman of Parisian Phoenix Publishing at
Independent Bookstore Day hosted at Book & Puppet Co. Three weeks prior to the
event, I had officially launched Exquisite Page, my editing business. I attended
Independent Bookstore Day for several reasons, including my love of books, my support
for local businesses, and my desire to connect with like-minded people.
Angel and I struck up a conversation, and we decided to stay in contact. I had
previously been watching Parisian Phoenix Publishing from the sidelines, but making a
connection in-person zoomed in my view.
After Independent Bookstore Day, Angel and I met together for coffee at Terra Cafe.
Parisian Phoenix Publishing is far more than a company to Angel. Equipped with her
involvement in the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers’ Group, her collaboration with other
businesses, and her welcoming nature, Angel is building a community of writers and
artists across the Lehigh Valley.
During our conversation, Angel described how her team functions. Each member of her
team has a unique perspective and contribution on a project. One person can identify if
a sentence is grammatically incorrect by ear. Another member of her team is a graphic design professional and teacher who is her go-to person for typography and cover design. The end result of a project displays their combined creativity.
One of my key takeaways from Angel’s story is that we– as writers, artists and humans–
are better together. Our creativity and our stories can inspire each other. Ideas become
real when people come together.
I believe that everyone has a story to tell. My vision behind Exquisite Page is to
empower and equip people to write and publish books that transform individuals,
families, and communities.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the cruelty and darkness of the world. Everywhere you
look, you see people taking advantage of one another. The world needs hope. The
world needs books. I am looking to work with writers who have a message of hope to
share with a world that desperately needs it. Our words have the power to inspire each
other and to change the world.
The Bird’s Eye View
I had no idea how new Natalie’s business was when she and I agreed to meet for coffee. But I admire anyone who will march right up and network or promote themselves, so that is how, on National Independent Bookstore Day, I struck up relationships with Natalie and self-published author Darryl Harris. Anyone who can stick their neck out as an individual has an energy that shows they want to succeed.
I had no idea how young Natalie was when we met, so when we exchanged some of our life stories I realized that like my communication with Olivia Brooks of Chronicles & Coffee I find myself in a position to encourage and potentially mentor the newest generation of writing professionals.
I look forward to working with both of these brilliant young women to see where their ambition takes them.
Parisian Phoenix Publishing 