Beginning with a free consultation with Patricia Marshall, I sensed that Luminare is a…read morestraight-forward, ethical company that always has my best interests in mind as an author. As this was my first experience with self-publishing, there was so much to learn, however, Luminare provided explicit, prompt, and very clear instructions staggered to appear at each stage of the publishing experience. I was impressed by their quick responses, fidelity to deadlines, and polite and professional communication. There are so many scams targeting authors and so many self-published texts that look cheap and homemade. However, with Luminare, I felt that my money was well-invested and that my very sentimental project was in the best of hands. There were so many design elements that I wouldn't have considered on my own. The illustrations came from a myriad of artists and styles, but in the final book they look integrated and purposeful. I don't know by what happy accident I stumbled upon Luminare, but I can't imagine a better company to facilitate the publication of my first book.

To all current, future and hopeful authors: Let me introduce you to the experience of working…read moretowards your publishing goals with Luminare Press. It was, and still is, one of the most memorable, exciting, and enlightening experiences of my life. I can honestly say that I have never worked with a company that worked so hard to meet, no, actually EXCEED, my expectations. They are committed, knowledgeable professionals. And they are there to guide an author through the complex process of perfecting a manuscript, designing an appealing cover through the best choices of font and illustration, and strong attention to editing to get the perfect product into the hands of their readers. Luminare goes beyond an author's expectations by familiarizing them with distribution of their books and handling every detail of the process along the way. In the end, your book becomes available through a multitude of vendors; and the author is guided towards the best purchase options for themselves as well. And, another pleasant surprise, Luminare covered many of the small charges along the way ~ completely unexpected, but very much appreciated. I was constantly surprised and impressed by the dedication of the Luminare team ~ their response time is amazing: quick, yet detailed and clarifying with additional guidance for upcoming needs/situations regarding your manuscript. Special thanks to Kim and Caitlin who did most of the heavy lifting on this project ~ you truly went above and beyond the call of duty. Nina ~ your helpfulness towards creating the perfect cover was so creative and fun. Jerry, you had to do the heavy slog through the major editing process, and did it with an eye for perfection ~ thanks for your major time and efforts through a tedious process. And thanks to Patricia for inviting me into the Luminare world and for putting together such a wonderful group of gifted and dedicated bibliophiles!

The Register Guard's website advertises a digital subscription for 6 months for $1. There was a…read morespecific article I wanted to read and reasoned that a newspaper costs more than $1 now, so the 6 month subscription was worth it to read the article. When I got to the end of the process to sign up for the subscription (after entering payment information) a thank you message popped up and showed that I was being billed for a one-year subscription for $39. It's a bait and switch scam. It was a weekend, so there was no way to address it with them since they don't allow cancellations via your online account and there is nobody to contact on the weekend. There was immediately a pending charge for $39 on my bank account, though. I called Monday morning and spoke with someone about it. I was told that the subscription was cancelled and that I had been refunded. The pending charge was not stopped and went through the next morning. So, I waisted my time calling them yet again because they wouldn't address anything via email. The associate that answered this time stated that a refund was in process and would take 6-7 business days to process. It took less than 48 hours to overcharge me by $38, but it will take a week to refund it? The Register Guard used to be a local paper that was respected by locals. Now it's owned by Gannett, a huge news organization and it really shows. Their call center is clearly not local and the local stories and local sports articles are rarely up-to-date. It's truly not worth subscribing and the organization is most definitely not trustworthy. It's a sad state of affairs and they won't be getting my business after this most recent scam.

We have been subscribers to this newspaper for 35 years and the present condition of this newspaper…read moreis ridiculous. Frequent editing errors as well as thinner and more sparse coverage of EVERYTHING! In addition, instead of getting a local live person to speak with about my subscription, I am usually on hold for someone who may or may not have complete comprehension of my English, which makes communication difficult. Their most recent debacles have been when I have requested vacation holds. Three times I requested holds online and three times, my paper continued to be delivered. After the second time, I reported it ( calling a 1-800 number in the sky and on hold for a minimum of 20 minutes). Yet, it happened a third time. The main reason one puts a hold on delivery is so that accumulated newspapers are not evident for the cruising burglar. So, three times this has happened and today's call, another 20 minute hold, ended with the individual telling me her manager told her s/he was unable to notify the carrier. Really? And that's supposed to make me happy? When I requested a callback from said manager, I was told personal information was not given to callers. Well, that took a while to explain that I wasn't wanting the manager's info, just to have him or her call me back. I ultimately threatened to cancel my subscription unless I received a personal call back from the manager because I was definitely not satisfied with the initial message she relayed from her/him to me. And also, I have a problem with the digital online newspaper. Sometimes I can read it just fine and then other times it tells me I have had my 5 free reads and will need to subscribe. And many times when I try to log in to my account with them, it tells me I am not a recognized customer as indicated by my address and phone number! Ridiculous! I have reported this problem also and end up going through shenanigans to try to fix things, and it's always temporary!!! I really think it's time to cancel, don't you?

1....the R.G. still gives its address on the internet as on Chad Dr.in Eugene when in fact they…read morehave not been there for a very long time. 2...customer service is totally NON-EXISTENT.Last live person I spoke with was in the Philippines. A Lotta good that did. 3...apparently a change was made in my delivery person a while back. & that service now equals their customer service. 4...that "service" now includes: my paper in the driveway 30 feet from my front door, soaked thru & thru when it rains..( paper & me) rendering it worthless, all this despite the fact that I have an R.G. box for the newspaper to be placed in. As a 20 year subscriber to this ever shrinking poor excuse for a newspaper they are about to lose me as a subscriber. I'm sure all of this falls on deaf ears, but in the off-chance someone..anyone at the R.G. reads this ....I challenge you to contact me. 541 729 3401

Another wet paper. Third this week! You have absolutely no satisfactory customer service and none…read moreof my correspondence has received a response! The Guard has come to my home for 40 years and the past 5 have been in decline! Not worth the money or the effort!!