Testimonials
Being a professional editor for more than ten years, I'm familiar with the basic steps to publishing, but I wasn't as sure I had what it takes to write a successful book of my own. During the Birth A Book course, Dorothy gently but firmly led us through thought-provoking processes, helped us connect powerfully to our readers, gave clear explainations and recommendations for the kazillion options for publishing and marketing, and was an amazingly compassionate cheerleader - working with each of us to instill the confidence needed to birth our books. I went from overwhelmed to empowered, and got SO many valuable insights that made the process more enjoyable, and made my message and book that much more impactful.
I absolutely recommend the Birth A Book course and Dorothy as a coach and teacher for anyone who's feeling like they might have a book inside!
Beth Bolwerk
Editor
I am so grateful for the Birth a Book course. I learned a system to write and publish my first book taught by an inspirational and skilled teacher, in a loving community of fellow authors. Dorothy easily paved the way for me. After simply following her guidance I was able to fulfill my dream of offering my book to humanity. I have thus far received beautiful recognition for my book and am so grateful to have so many new opportunities showing up in my life. Becoming a published author has enabled me to increase my service and develop the career of my dreams.
Renee Raia
Author of Heal the Planet, Heal your Soul: Awaken with Veganism
I have wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember, but I always thought that you needed an agent and a publisher to get it accomplished. Then I met Dorothy Holtermann. Dorothy inspires confidence, gives direction and practical advice. She helps you navigate writing, publishing and marketing. She helps you to become an author. But "Birth a Book” is so much more than a class about how to write- it is the opportunity to join a growing community of gifted individuals who are supporting each other on their journey. The appreciation that I feel about finding this community is hard to express. Thank you to Dorothy for this amazing experience. I recommend “Birth a Book” to all who have ever considered writing a book. Don’t hesitate any longer!
Lisa Paladino
CNM, IBCLC
I took Dorothy's Birth a Book course in Union Square in Manhattan and again in Staten Island. I am impressed with both the way Dorothy runs the class and her knowledge base. Dorothy is a wonderful, informative teacher whose inspires everyone around her. Dorothy helped me publish my first book, Christopher's Garden, a gift I wrote to my autistic son years ago. I was thrilled to have my dream come true to have the book actually published and gratified with Dorothy's assistance. I am now creating a series of uplifting books about the truth about life with an autistic child. Thanks to Dorothy, the people who come to class become so enthusiastic, it is such a pleasure to get to know them. She serves people who never thought they would write a book, let alone publish a book. If writing a book is a dream of yours I recommend you work with Dorothy. She makes writing and publishing books a great adventure and as importantly, a reality.
Brigid Gallagher Davies
Artist, Retired Nurse
Author of Christopher's Garden
It has always a dream of mine to write a book. It was a journey that I never would have been able to take without the help and guidance of Dorothy. She first and foremost gave me the confidence that I needed to believe that I could do it, and then step by step, she gave me the tools that I needed to complete it. Dorothy had the resources necessary to help me to form a team to support my project. She was always there for me, giving me good advice and valuable information every step of the way. Without her help, I would have never been able to navigate through the technical aspects of online publishing. I am not a person who is very tech savvy, so when I was feeling intimidated and stuck, Dorothy's warm and friendly attitude was just what I needed to get the job done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Darlene Stango
Pediatric Nurse
Author of Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister
Dorothy is well versed and is an amazing resource for self publishing. I found her enthusiasm and energy about book writing to be inspirational. I shared with her that I felt like she found her calling. When someone is living their authentic self, it just shines through. This is Dorothy: a shining, bubbling, inspired author and teacher willing to share what she knows to be true and to work.
Dorothy Holtermann's Birth a Book course is a must for anyone planning to be a self published author. When I came across Dorothy's course I had been toying with the idea of writing a book as a way to help my clients to get a better feel for what I am about and how my program came into being. After speaking with Dorothy, I knew this was not only for my line of work, but for myself. Thank you, Dorothy.
Drema Lindie
HHP, E-RYT, Yoga Teacher
I was a member of Dorothy Holtermann's first "Birth a Book" class. I had a vague idea of how to share my experiences as a caregiver for my parents and Dorothy showed me that the information I had would be beneficial to others. I joined the class uncertain of what to expect. I found a supportive environment in which to begin something new. The directions Dorothy shared were hands on and useful. My book, "The Caregiver's Tell All" (Remember to put your oxygen mask on first!), is not yet finished. But I have the road map to complete it. Dorothy explores the need for a good cover; how to find an editor; how to promote your book and other important details that could otherwise become an obstacle to success. Dorothy provides guidance and accountability to keep you on track in your desire to publish. Once you join "Birth a Book" you are an author!
Kathleen D. Bayer
Teacher
Dorothy Holtermann’s “Birth a Book” class provides a wealth of practical insight and tips, not just to get your book written, but to ensure that it will be a bestseller. A best-selling author herself, as well as an experienced, knowledgeable and inspirational coach, Dorothy gives the tips and techniques essential to publishing in today’s market. Thank you, Dorothy, for all the valuable holistic exercises and direction that have put me on the path of becoming an author! I highly recommend this class. Thank you, Dorothy!
Mary Hernandez
CHHC, ADDP
This class was not what I expected. (In a good way!) I was filled with self doubt about whether or not I could write a book. Dorothy is great, she teaches the class in a compassionate way. I am finding the process to be very healing and clarifying. I highly recommend taking this class!
Shelby Caffrey
Yoga Teacher
Author of Shelby the Yoga Teacher Mala Maker
Dorothy's classes are not only fun and inspiring but she has a knack of igniting her students creativity. I was able to break through many sticking points using Dorothy's methods of self-reflection, while brainstorming with a powerful support group of unique authors. Her classes are the perfect playground to explore, develop and create your book that is waiting to be written, or ready to be published.
Michael O'Connell
Yoga Teacher, Carpenter
Author of The Yoga of Wood
My name is Susan Gross and I am the future published author of Put Food to the Test: Eat to Thrive in College. If you have any inkling that you want to write a book, GO to a Birth a Book Retreat! Whether you don’t know what to write about or you don’t feel free or worthy to write, Dorothy will lead you to YOUR book. In the process, you will be with and learn from the most wonderful people in the safest and most supportive environment. Take the opportunity to give birth to a new idea. You will also be blessed with the birth of a new YOU.
With Robert Frost in mind, I offer these words of encouragement to you: make sure the road you take is the one that makes all the difference. I hope to meet you at a future retreat! Thank you, Dorothy.
Susan Gross
Retired Engineer
Author of Put Food to the Test: Eat to Thrive in College
Birth a Book Retreat was a miraculous experience. Dorothy Holtermann, the writing coach, was an excellent "mid-wife". I had no idea that I could progress to a place of not only choosing a title of my book, "A Successful Orphan", but I also created an outline of fifteen chapters! The "all green" space, Balance Bethlehem, lent to the creativity of the participants by providing daily Yoga sessions. Balance also offered a schedule of massages. To complete the package, we feasted on "farm to table" food, which was picture perfect. My accomplishments would not have occurred without the direction of Dorothy who was accompanied by her daughter, Jessy (a Los Angeles actress), who gave voice to my book.
My living accommodations were five minutes away at the Mulburn Inn. I resided in the "James Madison" room which gave me the 19th century feel along with a 21st century hot tub, which I made use of almost daily.
Josie Cooke
Author of A Successful Orphan
Dorothy is an inspiring coach and workshop/retreat leader who provides you with a plethora of tools to write and publish your own book. She guided me into narrowing down my ideas to create a focus and tangible goal of creating my future book. Without her coaching, her guidance, and her inspiration my book idea would just be an idea. Now it's a work in progress! Thank you again for everything! I look forward to sharing my book with you one day.
Stacey Hamblett
Personal chef
In a gray corner of my brain, behind a curtain, are things that rarely come to light, things that are always there, but I seldom tap into. My obsessions are such things as beginning to train for a marathon; learn to speak Spanish fluently and always, to write that book. Now I am happy to say, that the curtain has been spread wide open. I have just attended Dorothy Holtermann’s “Birth a Book Retreat “at Balance Bethlehem, in Northern New Hampshire. I have come away a new woman. In fact I am writing this on my new laptop that I have gifted myself for my new project, writing my book!
Over the course of the week, Dorothy has shown us the way to succeed in finishing our books and put us on the path to publishing. Her knowledge of the self-publishing world is extensive and the tools she has shared with us are practical and accomplishable. She has taken the fear from publishing and given us tools on how to be successful authors.
During our group classes she was very encouraging and the group all came together with positive energy and became good working partners. It was a wonderful group of people who all learned to focus on what they needed to accomplish to realize their goals. Jessy Holtermann’s classes were very insightful, offering a different perspective on public speaking. Through her guidance we learned how to present our ideas to a public that we want to encourage to read our books. She made it safe and rewarding for us all to show our best views. Balance Bethlehem, where the retreat was held, made the adventure all that much better. The beautiful 100% green building, the staff and all the yoga practitioners made us feel very welcomed and comfortable. Stacy our chef feed us like royalty and the food made us all feel very much cared for.
Dorothy’s brilliant & encouraging presentations, Jessy’s thought invoking classes, our group that bonded and our home away from home made for an excellent retreat. I would encourage anyone interested in writing that book enroll in a class now!
Once published, I will think about that marathon…
Colleen Foley
Restaurant Owner
Author of Mornings with Ro'
