As MWCP opens its doors with a new owner and fresh look, we thought it prudent to get to know her. Former Self-Published Author of The Valley Series and The Brainwaiver Series, Chantay M. Hadley (Author Alias: Chantay M. James) acquired MWCP on December 21, 2018 with one goal in mind: to take Faith-based publishing higher to new levels of excellence. Here's her story...
"Everything I learned, I learned from cartoons."
Chantay grins when she says this but her intense gaze tells the real story. "See a need, fill a need," the theme from an old cartoon titled, "Robots," Ms. Hadley asserts that the poor reputation of Christian Fiction is what propelled her into the business side of publishing.
"I enjoy my faith. My love for God and servanthood to Christ Jesus has been the pivotal influence in bringing joy, laughter and fun to everyone around me." It was that very love and desire to see others enjoy true relationship with God through Christ that influenced Ms. Hadley to begin writing. Over thirty years ago it started with taking notes for her Bible Study coordinator at work. The gift of writing began to take form and grow from there.
An avid reader and lover of fantasy and movies, Ms. Hadley has always kept one foot on the ground and her heart stayed in Christ, even when her head was in the clouds.
"It makes for a fascinating combination of goofy," Ms. Hadley laughs. Fortunately it is that fascinating combination that allowed Ms. Hadley to meet and work with her very first publisher, Midwest Creations Publishing out of St. Louis, Missouri, a small indie press dedicated to faith-based content.
After the publication of the first two books of her Brainwaiver Series, Ms. Hadley began to consider her options in the publishing world. As a small indie press, MWCP didn't have the staffing or the capital to truly turn out the quality of work that Ms. Hadley had aspired to; something that led to a candid and courageous discussion with her publishing team. A discussion that led to an opportunity Ms. Hadley had not considered: The opportunity of a life time - to acquire MWCP.
Connected to a few influential and talented people in the publishing world, Ms. Hadley jumped at the opportunity that God seemed to layout and make provision for right before her. Aligning herself with stakeholders, donors and publishing professionals, Ms. Hadley has put together a team of highly talented professionals committed to integrity, excellence and a desire to produce quality publications. Which brings us to the new MWCP of 2019 and beyond.
New Authors, New Look, New Everything:
Formerly MWCP served as a funnel for indie authors that desired the credibility of a publisher's backing while maintaining full ownership of their work. While it was a wonderful goal with a compassionate heart behind it, it was a very poor business model for a publishing company to undertake.
Ms. Hadley has the same heart but with many significant changes in mind.
Here’s a few coming in 2019 and 202:
New Authors: Ms. Hadley has acquired a strong stable of future contributors to the MWCP brand, her goal to increase the reach of the company through various subgenres while maintaining the faith-based theme.
New Staff: With two strong editors, a graphics design team and a marketing team at the ready, Ms. Hadley is confident that MWCP will build a strong foundation for future quality publications and sales.
A new author centered pricing table for services rendered beginning January, 2020. While Ms. Hadley doesn't plan on taking on more than the 6 authors that have signed on for 2019, her goal is to set a firm foundation of putting out quality material so that affordable and reasonable rates can be offered to new talent beginning in 2020.
A unique program and design: MWCP will be a fully functional publishing company that will also feature a ministry and a foundation within the next 5 years. Dedicated to giving back to the community, Ms. Hadley has plans to increase the company's reach to support the community spiritually and financially.
And have fun. Ms. Hadley is all about teaching others to enjoy their faith, not mourn it! Christ came that we should have life and that more abundantly! Ms. Hadley plans on helping others do that starting here and now through the reach of Midwest Creations Publishing.