Nesta Aharoni, publisher and writer, is the owner of Grassroots Publishing Group, Inc. Her company is committed to producing books that have the power to transform the world into a better, kinder, and safer place. Her first book, My Goodness: My Kids, Cultivating Decency in a Dangerous World, inspires parents to recognize character-building opportunities every day, and to focus on goodness above and beyond any other quality. Her first booklet, The 6-Minute Home Inspection Guide for Home Buyers and Investors, is intended to give buyers more control of the home purchasing process. www.grassrootspublishinggroup.com

Alexis Ahrens is a write-at-home mom and naptime entrepreneur living in La Mesa with her musician husband, her toddler son, and three cats. She is the creator of Baby's Little Log Book, (www.littlelogbook.com), author of the blog, Taking the Lid off the Sun, (www.takingthelidoffthesun.com), and founder of MOMentum, a mastermind group for entrepreneurial moms. She can be reached at alexis@littlelogbook.com.

Charles Asher is a certified Jungian analyst, licensed Marriage Family Therapist, and Episcopalian priest with a private practice in Encinitas. I focus, in addition to relationship issues, on working with unconscious material, such as dreams in the therapuetic process. Simon's Crossing has just been published. www.drcharlesasher.com or charles@drcharlesasher.com. (805-705-2451)

Tim Barger's Selwa Press has published books about Saudi Arabia since 2000 beginning with the Saudi Arabian best-seller, Out in the Blue: Letters from Arabia 1937-1940, followed by Nimah Nawwab's The Unfurling, and now Wallace Stegner's Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil — a richly detailed history of the rugged birth of ARAMCO. More details at www.SelwaPress.com

Glenna A. Bloemen, J.D., MA Ed., is the owner of Vanderblumen Publications, established 1991 as an independent small press publishing house. Glenna is an editor, book shepherd, author, speaker and educator with extensive legal background in contracts and copyright laws. Her love of writing inspired her to establish her own small press company to assist others in developing their writing skills and seeing their work self-published when traditional publishing avenues were not available. She can be reached at gab11853@aol.com.

Carol Brooks speaks at conferences to land acquisition professionals and the hospitality industry on communication and conflict resolution. She received the Right of Way Magazine’s Mark A. Green Award for Journalistic Excellence for “The Art of Successful Negotiations.” Carol publishes The Conflict Management Link, a quarterly eNewsletter, offering conflict remedies.

Nancy Burnett, PhD, formerly a teacher, psychotherapist, and studio artist, currently celebrates life’s transitional events through individualized ceremonies and rituals, witnesses spiritual seekers through dialogue and sand meditations, creates and facilitates workshops and retreats for women, and reads and writes. Her first book, Journeys Home, can be seen at www.nancyburnett.org.

Kathi Burns, founder of addSpace To Your Life!, is a Board Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) and Image Consultant. Her upcoming book Master Your Muck! Create Space, Organize, Live Your Passion reflects her mission to empower people to master their environment and personal image by showing them simple methods to take control, make change and organize their lives. www.addSpaceToYourLife.com

Lauren Castle began her career with an editorial service in New York where she counted numerous authors among her clients. In response to changing industry demands, she expanded and founded Impress Express, a company that provides a full range of services for writers and other professionals seeking to improve or create their image in person or on paper. She has published numerous articles about image and career management. In addition to Impress Express, Lauren has taught Advertising, Copywriting, and Journalism at Temple University, published The Image Networker (an international image publication), and coordinated promotional book tours for authors.

Andrew Chapman is the current president of PWSD and a 24-year veteran of publishing. He is a recognized expert and professional speaker in the industry, having taught thousands of people individually and in audiences throughout the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Locally, he teaches publishing classes for Learning Annex. He is now reaching a broader audience through his new website AskThePublishingPro.com. To learn more or contact Andrew, visit www.AskThePublishingPro.com.

Nora Cohen is the owner of ChildrensBookEditing.com, a children’s book editing/evaluating web-based business. She is a former Senior Editor and Managing Editor of children’s books at G.P. Putnam’s Sons in New York. She has taught children’s book writing/publishing courses and is the author of An Easter Alphabet (Putnam, under the pseudonym Nora Tarlow) and From Apple to Zipper (Simon & Schuster). She can be reached through www.childrensbookediting.com

Rev. J. Kingston Cowart, M.S. (www.self-change.com) is a counselor and influence communication consultant working with people and organizations that want to make important changes quickly. He recently founded Center Point Publications (www.centerpointpublications.com) in order to produce books, monographs, and articles on personal and professional development, psychological self-change, and spiritual transformation.

Paulette Ensign is the former PWSD vice-president and also known as The Booklet Queen. Since 1991, her company, Tips Products International, has assisted individuals and organizations transform their knowledge into tips booklets for marketing and making money. Paulette's personally sold over a million copies of her own booklet without spending a penny on advertising. Visit www.tipsbooklets.com for more details.

Virg Erwin comes from a navy family, moving every two and half years. After Vietnam, corporate life in the semiconductor industry moved him every two and half years. He retired as VP Worldwide Sales and Service, settled in San Diego, and wrote Cat Lo, a memoir of invincible youth. www.catlo.net

Janice Farnow is responsible for marketing at Just the Skinny Publishing. The company was founded on the concept that "less is more" when it comes to beginner's guides for sophisticated software, and has launched a series of clear, concise and "skinny" books to help readers get up and running quickly and easily. Just the Skinny Books—the best introductory guides you'll ever find! She invites you to contact her at jfarnow@justtheskinny.com or visit http://www.JustTheSkinny.com

Stephen Farnow, publisher and writer, is the owner of Just the Skinny Publishing. He is introducing a series of "Just the Skinny" books to help beginners learn popular software products. His unique ability to demystify difficult concepts and explain them in clear and friendly terms earned him a 4.5/5 star rating from About.com's Guide to Photography for his first title, Photoshop–Just the Skinny. Future titles include Photoshop Elements–Just the Skinny (August 2010) and Flash–Just the Skinny (October 2010). For more information, visit www.justtheskinny.com.

Barbara Field is a communications consultant, author, marketer and speaker. She has worked for CBS (NY), Harcourt Brace, ad agencies, Scripps Health and UC San Diego. She has published in newspapers, magazines and online. Her novel The Deeper, the Bluer won 1st Place for Mainstream Fiction in the 14th Annual Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.

Annette Fix is a wordsmith and spoken-word storyteller living in Laguna Niguel with her Danish Prince Charming husband, aspiring photographer son, and two rescued dogs. She is the author of The Break-Up Diet: A Memoir (www.thebreak-updiet.com) published by her company Orange Curtain Publishing. She is the co-owner and senior editor of www.wow-womenonwriting.com.

Carolyn Fox is a former PWSD board member. Her business, Proof or Consequences, provides proofreading and editorial services. Her editorial experience extends through fiction, nonfiction, technical guides, and marketing materials. Carolyn can be reached at prooforconsequences@yahoo.com.

Michael Lee Garrow is a builder/contractor. He has built everything from custom homes in Rancho Santa Fe, to shopping centers in Fashion Valley, to furniture. Michael has lived in San Diego since 1982, and thinks it is the best place on planet Earth to be as a writer. When Mike is not doing anything else he writes novels: science fiction, alternate history, adventure, mystery, westerns, and romance. Michael is currently getting his latest alternate history book Mein Way ready for publication.

Andrea Glass, owner of WritersWay, is an award-winning ghostwriter and copyeditor. She specializes in writing and editing books, eBooks, websites, articles, blogs, and newsletters in the personal and professional development markets. She helps small business owners, coaches, speakers, trainers, and more turn their wisdom into words so they can help others with their personal and professional journeys. Order her free report at www.WritersWay.com.

Bob Goodman, founder and past president of PWSD (originally San Diego Publishers Alliance), is owner of Silvercat, a book-packaging service, and Silver Threads, a memoir publishing service. An award-winning book designer and recognized speaker, Bob has been in publishing for over 30 years. Currently, he is a board member of PMA - The Independent Publishers Marketing Association. He can be reached at rg@silvercat.com.

Mark Anthony Hall is an internationally-known author/publisher of contemporary and romantic poetry and prose. On November 1, 2009 his forty-sixth book titled Human Solitaire, The Dirty, Dangerous & Deadly Game of Internet Dating will be released. He is also the founder of Entrepreneurship Education through Poetry. Mark Anthony Hall can be reached at markanthonyromance@gmail.com

Luawanna Hallstrom is Principal of Collaborative Communications. Hallstrom’s focus on agriculture’s contribution to issues of education, environment, health, food security, human rights, international good will and understanding for over two decades has led to leadership on several state and national agricultural organizations. Hallstrom is the recipient of Soroptomist International’s 2005 Woman of Distinction Award, Women’s International 2007 Living Legacy and San Diego 2008 Farmer of the Year.

Tom Hinton is a popular author and professional speaker on the topics of Life Balance, Personal Growth, and Leadership. Tom is the author of four books including his 2009 release, 10,000 Days: The Secret to Finding Purpose, Peace, and Passion for the Rest of Your Life. For information, visit: www.tomhinton.com

Holly A. Hunt, Ph.D., is a psychologist, author, and speaker based in Southern California, where she first established her private practice in 1990. She is the author of Emotional Exorcism: Expelling the Four Psychological Demons That Make Us Backslide (Praeger, 2009) and Essentials of Private Practice: Streamlining Costs, Procedures, and Policies for Less Stress (W.W. Norton, 2005). Dr. Hunt provides presentations on the topic of expelling the four psychological demons that make us backslide. For more information and to order the books, visit www.HollyAHunt.com.

Tim and Irene Hunt are authors, photographers and founders of Hunt for Nature Publishing, a nature-based children's book publisher. Their Queen Iween book series entertains and educates children through a fact-based narrative and compelling photographs. The Hunts deliver material in a fun and enlightening manner. To learn more visit http://www.HuntForNature.com.

Lisa Kaczmarczyk, PhD, is an independent consultant, author, freelance journalist and educator. She helps people write grants, and acts as an external project evaluator. She loves to teach, and is writing a computer science textbook due out Summer 2011. Lisa spends her spare time either outdoors or in the yoga studio. Follow her Interdisciplinary Computing Blog at http://computing4society.blogspot.com/. Contact Lisa here: lisakacz AT gmail.com

Marj Lacey, a marriage and family therapist and former journalist and teacher, recently published her first book, It’s Not a Life Sentence: Liberating Your Self, Becoming Who You Are. The book addresses a key mental health issue of our time: the loss of connection to our own authentic selves. Only by rediscovering who we are at the core, Marj believes, can we make the life changes necessary to become whole and profoundly happy. Excerpts may be viewed at www.marjfrazerlacey.com.

Terry Larkin of WhitMar Electronic Press has produced thousands of printed projects for businesses and organizations throughout the San Diego region with great success by providing good service with less expensive production methods giving our clients a great value. We produce newsletters, brochures, books, posters, etc.

Tom Leech is author of books in several genres: Business presentations (winner of San Diego Book Awards), Shakespeare and communications today, and Outdoors San Diego: Hiking , Biking & Camping (Premier, with Jack Farnan). Info at www.winning-presentations.com. He has a new book in work and has recently launched his own publishing firm.

Arlene Lochridge has completed her first nonfiction book, A Fish Out of Water, From Seattle Socialite to Commercial Fisherwoman, a biography of her Aunt Hazel. Told from Hazel's detailed diaries, the book is embellished with 46 photos from the 40s, during World War II and the bombing of Alaska, personal reminiscences from the author, and extensive historical research. The manuscript for this book was awarded Editor's First Choice Submission at the SDSU Writing Conference, 2008. Visit Arlene at her website: www.arlenelochridge.com.

Karla Olson is a current PWSD board member. She has been in the publishing industry for over 20 years and is the co-founder of BookStudio, a publishing consultancy. Before founding BookStudio, she was the Creative Director of Tehabi Books, the founder of Via Press, and worked in the editorial departments of two major publishers in New York City. Learn more about BookStudio and its services at www.bookstudiobooks.com.

David Patrick is Vice President of Art of Problem Solving, a publisher of mathematics books and online resources for high-ability middle and high school students. He is also the author of 3 textbooks: Introduction to Counting & Probability, Intermediate Counting & Probability, and Calculus. Visit the Art of Problem Solving at www.artofproblemsolving.com.

Jannine Corti Petska is published in historical romance and romantic suspense. She prefers 15th-century Italian settings and is currently working on a four-book series set in that era. After tutoring languages at a local college for several years, she turned to writing full-time in 1990. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, as well as numerous online writing chapters. She is also active in the Order Sons of Italy in America. Check out her website at www.jcortipetska.com

Michaela Renee is a journalist and novelist whose primary writing focus is character-driven literary non-fiction and narrative memoirs. She recently completed her first novel, a memoir Teetering on Disaster, and is currently working on a fiction piece Therapy Sessions of an Online Dating Addict. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in both Communications and Broadcast Journalism and has won the Bay Scholarship Winner for Journalism Excellence from San Jose State University. She was also awarded a seat at the Washington D.C. Journalism Conference. http://www.michaelarenee.com/

Raymond A Ringhoff —My passion for writing started when I immigrated to Australia in 1996. My first book, titled Backpacking at an older age, is my 6 month backpacking adventure around Australia, staying at youth hostels, doing adventure tours with international backpackers and working with them along the way doing agriculture work.

Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. (AME), is an internationally recognized book marketing and media relations expert. AME is the first marketing firm to use Internet promotion to its full impact through The Virtual Author Tour™. To subscribe to her free ezine, send an email to: subscribe@amarketingexpert.com

Chiwah Carol Slater is a talented author, ghostwriter, freelance editor (copy, structural, developmental) and book coach, serving scores of private and commercial clients on book, article, newsletter, Web site, marketing and sales letter projects since 1984. Chiwah has founded and published two community magazines and also writes book and music reviews for The Light Connection magazine. www.wordweaver4u.com

Lynette Smith owns ALL MY BEST Business and Nonfiction Copyediting, applying 20 years' experience in proofreading and copyediting, up to and including the level of minor rewrites. She assists nonfiction authors, publishers, printers, small businesses, corporations, consultants, speakers, marketers, teachers, and graduate students. Visit www.AllMyBest.net and/or email her at Lynette@AllMyBest.net.

Janice Stanger, Ph.D., is author of The Perfect Formula Diet, a whole foods diet and nutrition guide. She is also a speaker, researcher, and educator, and is always available to answer readers' questions on diet, weight, and health. You can read book excerpts and email Janice at www.perfectformuladiet.com.

Nicole Strickland is a paranormal investigator, researcher and author. She is a Fellow Founder/Assistant Director of San Diego Paranormal Research Society (SDPRS) and Southern California Area Research Director for the Ghost Research Society, based in Illinois. She is also a published author with the Ghost Research Society Press. Her first book, Field Guide to Southern California Hauntings, was released in 2009. Her second book on the RMS Queen Mary is set to be published in April, 2010. Strickland also enjoys teaching classes and lecturing about ghosts and hauntings.

Gerry Strong has her background in art and is a certified and registered yoga instructor. Her books include The 1 Minute Yoga Plan, showing busy people how to blend yoga into their daily routine, and The Yoga Class, an illustrated yoga book for kids. She has also written 2 Picture Books and 6 Chapter Books for kids staring Charlotte, pug, Master Detective and Sleuth. www.downdogpress.com

Thornton Sully has worked his way across the globe sleeping with whatever country would have him, and picking up stray stories along the way. He is the author of several books and has been a regular contributor to book reviews for the San Diego Union Tribune and other publications. Currently he is Editor-in-Chief for A Word with You Press and lives in Southern California, where a litter of dog-eared passports has taken up residence in his sock drawer.

Carol Sveilich, MA, is an award-winning author and community leader. Her book JUST FINE: Unmasking Concealed Chronic Illness and Pain was  awarded first place in the Health/Medicine/Nutrition category of the Independent Publishers Book Awards. She also received the Channel 10 Leadership Award for her service in the San Diego community. For more  information, go to www.writefaceforward.com

Krasna Svoboda is a writer, teacher, consultant, and co-founder of a publishing start-up, Open Window Press. She is the former editor of PWSD's Publishers and Writers Monthly newsletter, and does technical manuals and publicity writing for clients. Krasna is working on two books: Eight Great Things About Death, a fearless but not too serious look at this scary subject; and Dawn Fire, a poetry anthology. krasna.writer@mac.com

Jeniffer Thompson is the co-founder of MonkeyCMedia, an Internet and Web design and marketing firm that specializes in author services. She is also the author of Website WOW: How to Turn Your Website into Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool. The MCM website is www.MonkeyCMedia.com.

Antonio F. Vianna is frequently on television and radio offering practical tips for taking charge of your career, and is available for speaking engagements, and ghost writing projects. Mr. Vianna is on-faculty with multiple universities in the San Diego area, and he also conducts workshops on “Re-Careering at any Age,” and “How to Write a Book and Get Published.” He lives in Carlsbad. His books, both fiction and non-fiction, are available almost everywhere including his web site at http://www.viannabooks4u.com.

Joan and David Vokac have written ten travel guidebooks and contributed to other publications like Westways.  Their guidebooks include The Great Towns of America: A Guide to the 100 Best Getaways for a Vacation or a Lifetime.  As they update their guidebooks they provide ongoing updates on notable attractions, restaurants and lodgings on their websites, including www.greattowns.com.

Barbara Wallace, an award winning wedding planner located in Orange County, operates ZinGiBer Publishing. She is co-authoring A Beautiful Bride from Every Angle: Look Great in Every Photo… and in Life being released in Spring 2009. She wrote and published The Wedding Vendor Handbook: Get to the Top and Stay There. www.zingiberpublishing.com

Diane Welch, author, freelance writer, public speaker and "full time mom", melds raising her four children with retelling other people’s stories, past and present. She is an authority on the life and works of 1920s architect Lilian J. Rice, an expert on local history, author of local history books, a San Diego Union Tribune contributor, the official Ecke Family historian and Paul Ecke III’s official biographer. For more information visit www.dianewelch.com.

Dr. Elizabeth Yahn Williams loves performing with Partner-in-Rhyme Lundy from her four co-authored Hither & Yahn chapbooks. Her Guidelights Productions helps "groups with goals" — ex., MiraCosta's Phi Theta Kappans who named her "Most Distinguished Honorary" Member. Winner of many creativity/writing awards, Elizabeth received the 2000 SDPA-PMA/BookExpo grant to Publishing University.

Janet F. Williams has authored articles, short stories, sales marketing materials and more. Her upcoming book You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get shows you how to ask for what you want and how to increase your chances of getting it. Visit her blog on this subject at: http://janetfwilliams.com.

Lois Winsen (www.editorontap.com) is a freelance book editor, called "Queen of Polishing" by one of her many authors, for her ability to make any manuscript shine. After a successful career in advertising Lois decided to "give back" and is particularly adept at turning new writers into successful published authors.

The following are also members of Publishers and Writers of San Diego:

Cynthia Acree
www.musicforlifebooks.com

Camille Cloutier

Stephani Dikiy

Marilyn Froggatt
www.atvantagemktg.com

Roberta Giesea

George Goddard

Nancy Gordon
www.pawsforcomfort.com

Anna Kelso

Tom Kirkbride
www.gamadin.com

Jen Leong
www.YourWellnessByDesign.com

Andrea Lex
andrealouiselex@yahoo.com

Elaine Masters
www.DrivetimeYoga.com

Louise Mathews

Karla Ogilvie

Maureen (Mo) Rafael

Harold Rongey
www.whostolemyfood.com

Karen Silsby

Rick Simoni

Karen Slevinske

Sheri Snively

Janice Stanger

Tricia Van Dockum

Larry Wampler
www.drlarrywampler.com

Louise Watkins

James Whiting
www.jimtoons.com