When my book started getting compliments from readers who were total strangers - traditionally published authors at Simon & Schuster and talented professional stand up comedians at the world famous New York Comedy Club, I was inspired to seek professional publication. I'm so pleased I chose Schiel & Denver Book Publishers. They've made all my dreams come true.

Jessica Walker started writing full length novels at the tender age of 13, and speaks about why she chose Schiel & Denver, the challenges faced by authors getting published and literary agent representation.

I spent my gap year before University working for the Salvation Army and Christian charities in South America, caring for poor homeless children on the streets of Chile. In my spare time, to cheer myself up, I started writing my book, Oh! Emma! the secret diary of a (unrepentant) Nymphomaniac. It's a crazy, laugh-out-loud romp, like a mad version of Bridget Jones, on speed! I thought my writing was okay, but I never expected that it would make so many people...laugh!

But getting published didn't go to plan! Being a traditionalist, I started out conscientiously following the advice in the Writers' and Artist's Yearbook, and sent out query letters to agents. Although I did get tonnes of rejections, I received some really lovely letters from editors telling me how I brightened up their day. I'm told that in publishing, no one pays you a compliment unless they mean it, so take any words of encouragement you receive from big publishers at face value. Generally the consensus was that my work was good enough to be commercially published, but their companies just weren't "looking to publish comedy" at this moment in time! That was depressing.

But I'm not the kind of girl that gives up that easily. I tried Authonomy (HarperCollins Site), tried Macmillan New Writing, and although I continued to get wonderful letters of encouragement, no doors were opening. I just needed someone to give me a break. Having wasted about 3 years being patient, and acquiring rejection letters, I decided enough was enough! I wanted to see my name in print and I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Through Schiel & Denver, I have now won a prestigious comedy award, and I now have a top New York lit agent representing me, with early interest from traditional New York Publishers. I own all the publishing rights, so if I do get an offer, we're primed to move immediately. The only advice I can give anyone wanting to publish their book, is that you couldn't choose a more professional and expert publisher than S&D. The staff have extremely deep industry knowledge, they are the real McCoy, and it has been a privilege to work with them.

A word on print-on-demand. I was a bit sceptical at first, but I can confirm the quality of the book is absolutely smashing. We're talking the finest quality - like you'd find in a Fifth Avenue bookstore. Yes, Schiel & Denver is a class act with genuinely skilled editorial and marketing departments.  I was also thrilled to discover my book distributed worldwide, including orderable through Barnes & Noble, every Amazon - from Amazon USA to Germany and France and virtually every other major bookstore on the face of the earth. Although I live in New York, I have physically walked into bookstores in L.A, Seattle and Miami and they all have my book stocked or available to stock and order, within 24 hours.

When a friend of mine in London wanted to buy my book, all they had to do was order it from the customer services desk in their local bookshop, and they received it in less than 3 days. That was shorter than the many times I'd ordered traditionally published books from a store, including the Oxford Book of English verse which took over 1 week.

Finally, with the S&D trade catalogue, I get an important constant background marketing which, together with my hard work, has propelled respectable sales to 15,000 copies. Schiel & Denver's book publishing services have given me the tools to make my dreams come true, and the success has helped me professionally. I can't say thank you enough. Guys, thank you so much. 

• Buy Oh! Emma! from Barnes & Noble USA (In-Store Ordering Available)

Schiel & Denver's friendly book publishing professionals are available to help you choose the right mix of book publishing services and products for your book. Call us toll-free at 888.629.4449 or request a free callback to discuss your book publishing options