Monday, January 14, 2008

Never Be Too Proud to Receive Correction (Personal note from the President)


Living Waters Publishing Company is about to be made over.

As I'm sure many of you know, we've been under constant fire lately by various groups. It's unfortunate that there are so many hateful/spiteful people in the world. Not everyone is, which was a blessing for us. When the rumors, lies and deception were at their peak, God sent us some angels in the form of Marion Gropen, Kevin Scott Collier, Terry Kennedy, Pete Masterson, and Jeanette Patindol to bring some corrections.

Sometimes, we have a tendency to blame people when we're attacked. I felt as if someone was attempting to destroy my "baby". I love this industry and I wanted nothing to get in the way of building Living Waters to be a new kind of company, one with a real heart. At any rate, after cooling down and being at the point of initiating a lawsuit I was sure to win, and after spending 3 days in revival, God spoke to my heart. When I went back over the posts that had been forwarded to me, I found an opportunity.

I've never made it a secret that we offer various programs to help people see their work published. We have everything nearly any other publisher has and then some. The business model was perfect. But, and that's a big BUT, we were doing a poor job in communicating who we are! The attack against my character and the viability of the business forced me to take real inventory. Needless to say, after all the tears and prayer, we've decided to change the website. As a matter of a fact, the entire company is getting a makeover.

We've operated the three publishing programs too close together. So, we are hiring a separate Acquisitions Manager for each program. We are going to further separate them by causing our traditional program to have it's own website while our cooperative and self-publishing assistance programs are on another site together.

You will notice these changes beginning soon. By the end of February, our new sites will be fully functional. We've hired a Web Designer for the sake of the sites and keeping them updated. We've also made contact with another distributor who specializes in the children's book market. We are further separating the distribution of children's book to guarantee the success of our chldren's book authors and everyone else.

We extend a huge thank you to the above mentioned people for their honesty, integrity, their fairness, their desire to truly build this industry, their willingness to help others and so forth. We will keep you posted further. Your prayers are appreciated.


Lacresha Hayes, President of Living Waters Publishing Company

12 comments:

Marion Gropen said...

I am glad you're trying to learn from the criticism that could have made you bitter and defensive. It's a sad fact that many subsidy and co-operative publishing companies mislead their clients.

There's nothing inherently wrong with the business, as long as the clients understand what they are and are not buying.

That's going to take extra effort on your part, because the dreams tend to filter out the harder facts. But if you want to conduct yourself in accord with your ideals, it's an effort that must be made.

Anonymous said...

I have to say, hearing this from you makes me hate that I ever attacked the company at all. After some digging, I believe that you have a great company and I hope that it is around for a very long time. Accept my apology and know that someone is praying for you.

Anonymous said...

This post is very interesting. So often businesses seem like cold buildings. You have succeeded at giving your business character. May God bless this business to grow. I know Marion from a group. She does have great advice and listening to her is a good start. Go Marion! Go Living Waters!

Anonymous said...

I am thrilled about your makeover, and truly looking forward to working with you! Thanks for hanging in there!
Susan Schank

Mrs. C said...

Lacresha,
I can't imagine the pressure under which you have been. I do know that your blog post put feet to your faith. I respect all that you are doing to solve these problems and the fact that you went to God first.

As a new writer for Living Waters, seeing your heart in your response assured me that I'm in the right place. I look forward to putting "The Pilgrim's Basket" in your hands, and I am grateful that your company and all of its works are in bigger hands than that.

Phil 4:13
Be encouraged!

Mary Ellen

Anonymous said...

Good for you! I've been watching your company from the back row, wondering if you are a match for me. I conversed with another author who is working with you, and I find myself drawn to your business.

May God bless you in your endeavors.

Jeanette Patindol said...

I am honored to be working with you, Lacresha, and Living Waters.

Sure there are many things to learn and polish, but those are just the "Hows" of anything worthwhile. What is important to me is the "What"-- the vision and the heart for it, which, as somebody already mentioned here, is what is lacking in so many corporate businesses.

Keep on keeping on, Lacresha.

Jeanette

Anonymous said...

Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is your critics. I wish you well, and am happy with my business dealings and personal contact with this company.

- Kevin Scott Collier

CecilP said...

I am a member of one of the groups. I don't judge people on what others say unless I was directly affected. I must say some of the things said were pretty harsh and seemed to be based on hearsay.

I hope all that is over and I wish you all the best on your endeavors.

Anonymous said...

Lacresha, you know our whole church is in prayer. The devil is a liar. It's only an attack of the enemy, girl... you're a preacher so surely you know this! Anyway, I'm standing up for you, even though you may not want me to. I feel that I have the knowledge, the research skills and the drive to do it. This was a big things for you to do. You didn't have to mention me. I do it because I love the Lord and good people like you are hard to find, right? Absolutely! Crazy girl, thank God and praise Him right this moment because ALL, EVERYTHING, is well with your soul and your business. Stand tough. Don't let it bring you down. My wife and I mention you daily and God assure us daily that it IS well.

Anonymous said...

There is so much talk on the Bewares and Background Checks thread. At first, I was inclined to believe what Victoria Strauss said, but once I saw how she let the thread get out of hand, I lost total respect for her. She's always had a great name, but now she is no better than anyone else, in my book. It does bless me, however, to see Terry Kennedy support you like he does. I like that Marion is here encouraging you. Don't give up. You must be doing something right for them to hate you so much. I'm getting about 3 posts a day about you. I delete them and move on. I'm with you, girl, and with your business.

Anonymous said...

Hey Lacresha. I happened to be looking for your book and found all the stuff you are referring to. Don't you stop one bit of what you are doing. It helped me. I appreciate it. Why aren't your authors speaking out about how great Living Waters really is? They should. Let them defend you and stop telling them to ignore it. I love you, doll face, and no matter what they say, I'm here.