About Jim Holmes
Jim Holmes is a teacher by training. His passion for reading and promoting sound Christian books led him to start a book import business in South Africa that became a major force in discount mail order distribution, selling thousands of items each year from UK- and US-based publishers. Given his strong sense of business as well as his theological acumen, Jim was hired as a sales director in a UK publishing operation and became vice president of a US publishing corporation before he launched Great Writing, an editing and publishing service, whose clients include Shepherd Press, EvangAlliance Publications, Sola Fide Publications, TMAI, Trust the Word Press, and several individuals whose writings are being strongly promoted worldwide under his auspices.
Words of Appreciation from Some of Our Clients
“They Held My Hand through Every Stage. . .”
Jim and Sue Holmes are courageous, Christian independent publishers who treated my book like it was their own. I wasn’t a “good investment,” as a debut author with an episodic manuscript. But both of them took on the challenge and held my hand through every stage of the publishing process—and even contributed their visual media talent to the finished product as well!
Grace Utomo, author of “Walking with Grace” (published by Shepherd Press)
“It Was As If He Was Working on His Own Book!”
I would recommend Jim Holmes without reservation as an exemplary editor. Jim not only works with a professional flare that meets all industry standards, but takes a personal interest in his work. It was as if he was working on his own book! Cover design and layout were wonderful. Throughout he kept in regular contact with me, neither changing my basic voice nor failing to suggest improvements.
Eric E. Wright, author of “A Man’s Journey Through Grief”
“A Writer Would Be Hard-Pressed to Find a Better Ally”
A writer would be hard-pressed to find a better ally than Jim Holmes. He has industry experience, creative talent, editorial precision, technical ability, and a warm personality—all of which he employs to advance the desires and best interests of the author. I’m grateful to God that He placed Jim in my life and ministry.
Don Green, Author of “John MacArthur: An Insider’s Tribute,” www.ttwpress.com
“A Well-Executed Process That Assured a Quality Outcome”
As a first-time publisher, working with Jim Holmes has been a confidence-building experience. He has been consistently encouraging and positive about my project. Whenever problems presented themselves, he solved them quickly. His communication skills were excellent, his response time to communication was rapid, and his patience in working with me has been remarkable. He took my raw product and shaped it into a beautiful book through a well-executed process that assured a quality outcome. Everything from editing to cover design to negotiations with printers was accomplished with great skill and competence. An added value was his ability to connect me with other professionals who were able to assist me with the promotion and marketing of my book. I am so grateful to have worked with Jim on my project. I could have never done it without him. If you choose to use his services, you will be glad you did. He will bring tremendous value to your project.
Max Doner, Author of “Revelation: A Manual of Spiritual Warfare,” www.reformedlighthousepress.com
“Counsel Invariably Sound and Sympathetic”
“What do I do with what I have written?” I asked myself. Enter Jim Holmes. His counsel was invariably sound and sympathetic and, while there is no guarantee I will be a new author sensation, with Jim’s help I managed to come up with something that was God honouring, one of the things that made him special. My next major writing project will be on the Kings and Priests of the Bible, with Jim again involved.
John Barber, A Nobody and Author, “Prophets of the Bible”
“I Plan to Use Him Again!”
Jim Holmes did an excellent job of giving my book a professional-looking form and getting it onto platforms where it has a chance of success. He was wonderfully patient with a luddite Boomer who knows how to write but is challenged by any technology more esoteric than a word processor or an email. I plan to use him again. You should, too.
Donald T. Williams, Author, “Ninety-Five Theses for a Modern Reformation”
“Timely, Accurate, Professional!”
Working with Jim was not only a delight personally, but it was a tremendous benefit to our organization. Jim’s commitment to excellent communication, to deadlines, and to the excellence of the finished product made Great Writing a perfect fit for us. We enthusiastically recommend Jim to anyone who is looking for guidance and expert help in getting their book published.
Mark Tatlock, President of The Master’s Academy International (TMAI)
“Encourages, Advises, and Guides”
It has been a pleasure to work with Jim Holmes on the production of For Such a Time as This. His desire to further the Lord’s kingdom through the printed page is obvious in his approach to his work. It is more than a job; it is a calling. Coupled with his spiritual interest are his professional skills. Jim brought expertise and experience to this project, and ensured that the process of publishing went smoothly. He takes care of details and is easy to work with. Jim encourages, advises, and guides, and his pleasant manner has made it a joy to work with him. I thoroughly recommend the services of Great Writing.
Colin Mercer, Author, “For Such at Time as This”, Minister of Omagh Free Presbyterian Church, Northern Ireland
“What More Could an Author Want?”
I have known Jim and Sue for a number of years and heartily recommend them. They are both professional and highly skilled. They recently edited a book that I wrote and did a fantastic job. I had previously given the manuscript to several people to seek ways of improving it, including someone with a Masters Degree in writing. While comments and suggestions received from these people were extremely beneficial, when Jim and Sue were given the final manuscript to edit and proof-read, they were able to find many areas to further improve, and mistakes that others had missed. This resulted in a much better book, with this improvement achieved without sacrificing content or author style. What more could an author want?
David Clark, Author, “You, Your Family and the Internet”, Former Executive Director of EP Books, President of DaCar Inc. (USA), Managing Director of Advanced Technology Consulting Ltd (UK), Former Board Member of Evangelical Times, Editorial Team Member, Christian Hymns
“A Sharp Theological Mind”
Jim Holmes knows books and the publishing world and has tremendous gifts that he graciously uses to the benefit of many writers and publishers. He has a keen eye to recognize solid, biblical content. He has a sharp theological mind that aids the writer’s efforts to communicate theological convictions in a clear manner. He is a very precise editor, improving what is there and catching and correcting small inconsistencies, thus enhancing the work. In a variety of ways, he is an asset to a publisher as well as to a writer looking to sharpen his or her project. I highly commend the gifts, work, and character of this faithful, Christian man.
Brian Croft, Author (of “Visit the Sick” and other books), Senior Pastor, Auburndale Baptist Church, Founder of Practical Shepherding
“Highly Recommended!”
I would like to highly recommend using Great Writing and Jim Holmes for any and all of your writing and publishing needs! I could have never gotten to being a published author without Jim’s expertise and patience. He guided me through so many areas of uncertainty, and carefully helped me achieve what I wanted in this authorship stage.
John Lehman, Author, “It’s Apparent … You’re a Parent” and several other books
“Courtesy and Attention to Detail”
I have been most impressed with Jim Holmes’ efficiency and service in supporting the compiling, making and distribution of good Christian literature. What particularly impresses me with Jim is his courtesy and attention to detail. There is a determination to do a good service and a deep desire to see biblical and worthwhile God-honouring materials supplied to churches and Christian groups. I can wholeheartedly recommend Jim and his Christian service to all.
Professor Andy McIntosh, Creation Apologist and Writer
“Character and Skill”
Two things stand out concerning Jim and Sue’s editorial work: character and skill. The combination ensures the writer’s integrity and the reader’s enjoyment. I recommend them highly.
Dr. Reggie Weems, Senior Pastor, Heritage Baptist Church, Johnson City, TN, Author of several books
“You Will Not Be Disappointed!”
Having worked with Jim and Sue Holmes for several years in the publishing of Christian literature, I can only give them the highest possible commendation. They offer the unusual blend of expertise with Christian kindness and grace. Clients who choose this service will not be disappointed.
Roger Ellsworth, Pastor, Author of over fifty books
“Integrity and Efficiency”
Two words come immediately to mind when I think of Jim and Sue Holmes—integrity and efficiency. When you add gracious courtesy to those you have a combination that encourages you to work with them, as I have in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Their experience and expertise will be of great benefit to authors who choose to partner with them and I commend them warmly to any who consider doing so.
Dr. John Blanchard, Evangelist, Author and Christian Apologist
“Consummately Professional”
I wrote my memoir not only late in life, but also as a complete novice to the editorial and publishing process.
I live in Scotland, yet being on the other side of the Atlantic from the USA made no difference to the meticulous care and attention afforded to me by Jim Holmes. He approached the entire project in a consummately professional manner, dealing with all enquiries, no matter how simple, promptly and efficiently. His suggestions regarding the text, layout, and illustrations were always constructive, reflecting the wealth of his experience in the editorial and publishing worlds. The end-product was something of which we were both proud. My book was initially self-published with Jim’s help, but it has now been taken on by a publishing house in the United Kingdom.
From my own experience I can, without reservation, recommend Jim Holmes as editor, publisher, and literary agent, and I will always remain thankful for his professional support from start to finish.
Farifteh Robb, Author of “Unexpected Grace” 2017