RECENT ADDITIONS
Even before I saw the quality of her work, I was relieved when I found Darlene Swanson at Van-Garde Imagery. I knew I wanted a beautiful book but the journey to get there was more frustrating and time-consuming than I expected.
People wanted to tell me what I wanted instead of listening to what I wanted. They insisted something couldn’t be done because they didn’t know how to do it. They quoted me “rush” fees to get to my book in two and a half months instead of the three-month wait they said was normal. They put ridiculous clauses in unnecessary contracts. They ... well, you get the idea.
From the first contact I had with her, Darlene was straightforward and nononsense. Working with her was a dream. Not that the transition from manuscript to book was seamless or even easy. I don’t have those skills. But now I had a partner. I was finally confident I’d found who I needed and made the right choice.
That’s when the surprise happened. I fully expected that I would get good work from Darlene. What I got instead was great work. The book is gorgeous. From the covers to the fonts to the chapter numbers ... everything is skilled and classy and respectful of my vision. Exactly like Darlene herself.
—Alice Vachss, author OBaaT
Please accept my sincere thanks and I am happy to announce to others how pleased I am to work with you.
What an absolute joy to work with this talented couple. Dan and Darlene Swanson’s expertise knows no bounds. Working with them over ZOOM, on the phone, and via e-mail, I got to know their dedication to their work, and they got a feel for me and my book and what I wanted to convey. I’m so proud of the result.
I had an idea for a book cover, which Dan expertly entertained, but the picture I wanted to use didn’t excite me as much as I thought it would. I then let Dan loose to work his magic. I should have given him free rein from the start. I gasped when he revealed it to me.
Darlene designed my book interior beautifully, incorporating pictures and artwork to personalize it in a way I never imagined. I requested a canoe paddle icon between sections, so she asked me for a picture of a paddle for reference. I sent her a picture of my paddle, and that’s what is there – not just an icon but MY very own paddle. Incredible.
Dan and Darlene are personable, patient, gifted craftspeople. They won’t let you go until you are completely thrilled.
—Nancy DeWitte Condon, author, Paddle For Water
Darlene and Dan were fantastic! As a first-timer, I needed a lot of guidance on publishing a memoir. Darlene listened to my overall wishes, and then she provided me with various options. She was kind and patient and explained each step along the way. Dan took my very basic ideas for the cover and made it into exactly what I had imagined. Both of them were highly attentive to my needs, and they turned my project into something beautiful. I highly recommend their services!
—Valerie Ward, author, The Windng Path to Me
I did a lot of shopping around before going with Darlene's & Dan’s services. I wanted to hire someone(s) who took interest in me and my book. I certainly found them to be bright (because they liked my book) and friendly. They went above and beyond their call of duty and really helped me fine tune my project.
—Stephen Cole, author Full Crazy Town
If you’re looking for someone to format a self-published book or make a book cover, I highly recommend Van-garde Imagery, Inc. I’ve worked with Darlene and Daniel for years, and they have both been an immense help to me. I have no idea how Darlene takes a Word doc and formats it into a book, but somehow, she works her magic. Daniel designed the cover for my new book, A Rat Catcher Sojourns to the Playful Heart of a Child, and I just love it. I can’t wait to work on my next book and have Van-garde guide me through the process!
—Michael A. Nolan, author A Rat Catcher Sojourns to the Playful Heart of a Child
As a first-time author, I found working with Dan & Darlene to be a great experience. They guided me through the process, helped me make choices, and were willing to answer my questions. I certainly will use them on my next project and can recommend them to other authors.
—Richard A. Sanchez, author Judah Benjamin
