Welcome to Red Journal Books
Some of the most inspiring stories are about celebrating life, family and accomplishment. Who doesn’t love a story about overcoming adversity, or how hard work and smart decisions lead to success?
Helping individuals craft and package tributes to family or personal accomplishment is one of the specialties at Koehler Books. We have helped numerous top executives, renowned entrepreneurs, government leaders, adventurers, and regular people with remarkable stories share them with the world. Legacy books, in particular, are great family heirlooms to be celebrated by generations to come.
We work collaboratively to help writers develop with high-level professional editing, writing and great creative development of layout and cover design. All of our memoirs and legacy books are distributed by Ingram and each book is available in hardback, soft cover and as an eBook.
We offer traditional and co-publishing options. Scroll down for details.
Meet your publisher and executive editor.
John Köehler and Joe Coccaro talk about their passion—helping other authors achieve their dreams.
We publish two ways.
Traditional Publishing
Typically for established writers with superb stories
- This option is normally only for seasoned writers (with or without an agent) with superb work and a verifiable track record of sales and marketing success. The term traditional means that the author will not pay for any development costs or fees, and will typically be offered an advance payment on royalties.
Hybrid Publishing
Typically for emerging and established writers
- This option is best for emerging writers with high-quality work desiring a professional-level publishing experience. Writers accepted into our Emerging Author Program are positioned to land a traditional deal on subsequent books. Those best suited for this program are motivated and collaborative, and receive the same level of editing, creative development and marketing as our traditional authors.
With Koehler Books as your trusted partner, we can help you…
- make your story the best it can be.
- enhance your book’s saleability.
- take advantage of coaching and learning opportunities.
- access world-class distribution and publishing services.
What our authors have to say…
Michael A. Sisti
"One of the most important reasons to deal with any resource is accessibility. At Koehler, when you need help fast, you can be sure that it’s there. It doesn’t matter whether you need a production assistant or the CEO. The entire team is coordinated and prepared to work through any issue and get it resolved. That confidence has me looking forward to having my entire book list published at Koehler."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:59:53-05:00
Michael A. Sisti
Author of On the Brink
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/michael-a-sisti/
Winona Howe
"I feel fortunate to have discovered Koehler Books. The information on their website and the video that John Koehler and Joe Coccaro made about the company and their publishing process intrigued me. I became convinced that this was a publishing house that was open and trustworthy, and that would work with me to publish my debut novel, Sita and the Prince of Tigers. And I was right! John Koehler nurtures writers—he was accessible, heard what I had to say and offered advice and support. Hannah Woodlan shared helpful tips during the editing process, and Danielle Koehler produced a stunning cover that perfectly reflected the spirit of the book. The Koehler Pocket Guide to Publishing and Pocket Guide to Marketing were also beneficial. It should be no surprise that my second manuscript went directly to Kohler Books, because the Koehler team is committed to working together with authors to make their books the best that they can be."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:55:22-05:00
Winona Howe
Author of Sita and the Prince of Tigers
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/winona-howe/
Heloisa Prieto
"Danielle Koehler’s fabulous book cover, design and graphics have mesmerized readers both in the US and Brazil. Although I had already published extensively in my home country, I certainly needed support for my debut novel in English. Koehler’s excellent editorial team not only opened their doors for my magical realism prose style as they helped me communicate with a broader audience.
Now that The Musician's rights have been sold to Brazil’s Nova Fronteira publishers, I need to express my gratitude to Greg Fields and John Koehler for their open mindness and unique approach to book publishing."
Now that The Musician's rights have been sold to Brazil’s Nova Fronteira publishers, I need to express my gratitude to Greg Fields and John Koehler for their open mindness and unique approach to book publishing."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T01:02:41-05:00
Heloisa Prieto
Best Selling Brazilian Author of The Musician
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/heloisa-prieto/
Michael Miller
"I published my debut novel, High Bridge, with Koehler Books in 2023. The Koehler team was professional, patient, and accessible. I could not be happier with the product. They worked with me from cover design, to production of the interior layout, reviewing and finalizing the text, and distributing the book. As a result, I have a book of which I am immensely proud. Evidently, others also recognized the high quality of Koehler’s work as my novel earned Firebird and Feathered Quill Awards as well as being a semi-finalist for the Chanticleer International Goethe Award."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T01:25:06-05:00
Michael Miller
Author of High Bridge
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/michael-miller/
Irwin Epstein
"As a neophyte memoirist, working with Koehler Books was a delight from start to finish. Each member of the team was informed, skilled, helpful and responsive in every stage of the process in their own unique ways. I never felt patronized with regard to my ignorance and always felt my ideas were respected. It was a joyfully collaborative process at a very difficult time in my life."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:41:43-05:00
Irwin Epstein
Author of Men As Friends
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/irwin-epstein/
T. M. “Mike” Brown
"Thanks to John Koehler’s positive response, I found the right publisher for my historical novel, The Last Laird of Sapelo. Koehler Books agreed to publish it, and before its release, the book received praise from Chanticleer, Kirkus, and Historical Fiction Company. The book cover design by Lauren Sheldon was exceptional. Collaborating with Koehler’s team resulted in an acclaimed story about a prominent Georgia family facing the unwelcomed Secession in the South. The Last Laird of Sapelo was a finalist in the Chanticleer International Book Awards for the best Americana Historical Fiction in 2023. If you’re looking for a regional publisher for your unique story, consider Koehler Books. I’m glad I made that decision."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:46:09-05:00
T.M. "Mike" Brown
Author of The Last Laird of Sapelo
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/t-m-mike-brown/
Eunice Boeve
"This is how I was led to choose Koehler Publishing for my latest book. All my life I’ve had some extrasensory perception which I’d kept hidden for fear of what others would think. Then my dear husband of sixty-two years passed and began to contact me in many amazing and wonderful ways, all of which led me to writing a memoir that exposed all my secrets. Koehler Books was the first publisher I checked out and eventually was the one I chose. When my manuscript was accepted, I asked Ron just to be sure and his photo on a shelf nearby fell over. Still, needing more assurance, I drew on two small notes, a heart for a yes and a thumbs down for a no and then added a penny to the heart for an extra yes and that night set them on my dresser. The next morning, the penny was now beside the heart and the note with the thumbs down was turned around so it was a thumbs up. Yeah! 3 yeses! Of course I had a good experience working with Koehler Books and I love the cover design."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:50:10-05:00
Eunice Boeve
Author of This Thin Veil Between Us
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/eunice-boeve/
Steve Wright
"Koehler Books has an exceptional team. Their resources, cover design, tools, and suggestions will fast track your success. As a first-time author, I felt so lucky to be guided by professionals who truly care."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:51:40-05:00
Steve Wright
Author of Aggressively Human
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/steve-wright/
Bill George
"The people at Koehler Books educated me on the entire process of publishing a book. Their graphic design staff created a cover beyond my wildest imagination. The editorial department carefully tightened my manuscript into a polished book. The accessibility of the staff at Koehler Book always kept my mind at ease. If not for all of those at Koehler Books I would still be dreaming of someday having the book they produced with me. "
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T09:56:28-05:00
Bill George
Author of Home Fields
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/bill-george/
Susan Diamond Riley
“Having worked within the publishing industry and published with other houses previously, I am thrilled with the professionalism and attention to detail I have experienced while publishing my most recent three books with Koehler. Perhaps what sets the Koehler team apart most, though, is their personal interest in each project. From publisher to editor to designer, each has made me feel that my book is their top priority and that they are as invested in its success as I am.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:50:41-05:00
Susan Diamond Riley
Author of the Delta and Jax Mystery Series
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/susan-diamond-riley/
Alfredo Botello
"Passion. Transparency. Professionalism. Working with Koehler Books to publish my debut novel has been a joy. These people love their work and it shows. From the submissions editor who first reached out to me, to the graphic artist who designed the cover, to the book editor who was in the trenches giving me both global and granular feedback, to publisher John Koehler himself taking the time to chat with me ahead of the whole process, everyone was keyed in and specific with their notes and suggestions. And they were great notes. When I think back on the original manuscript I submitted and the suggestions the team made to improve the book, I cringe at what could’ve been. Their suggestions made for a better book. John and company take the time to get to know you, to build trust, and they describe what you can expect from the process in simple, clear terms. They are responsive and generous with their time and expertise. Did I mention they’re also down to earth and easy to work with? A great experience all the way around."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T10:13:29-05:00
Alfredo Botello
Author of 180 Days
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/alfredo-botello/
Jennifer E. Hassel
"As a first time author I was apprehensive about the whole publishing process. Thankfully, I found Koehler Books. John Koehler and his team shepherded me through each step, answered my endless questions, and helped me put the final touches on my book. The end result is a product I’m proud to call my own. Based on my own positive experience, I would definitely recommend Koehler Books to other authors."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T10:21:20-05:00
Jennifer E. Hassel
Author of Badass Grief
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/jennifer-e-hassel/
Kathleen Reid
"I was thrilled to work with Koehler Books on my novels, Sunrise in Florence and Secrets in the Palazzo, which won several Indie awards. John Koehler and Joe Coccaro are seasoned professionals who understand the publishing world. It was a joyous collaboration from start to finish. I would highly recommend Koehler Books to new novelists and longtime professionals."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T10:26:13-05:00
Kathleen Reid
Author of Sunrise in Florence and Secrets in the Palazzo
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/kathleen-reid/
Andy Chaleff
"Navigating the ins and outs of publishing can be an overwhelming journey, one I spent months trying to manage on my own. Fortunately, I discovered Koehler Books, and their exceptional service and reasonable prices made all the difference. Over the past six years, I've had the pleasure of publishing three books with them. Each time, their professional guidance and support have been invaluable. I'm incredibly grateful for everything Koehler Books has done to help me bring my work to life. If you're looking for a trustworthy and efficient publishing partner, look no further than Koehler Books."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T10:33:00-05:00
Andy Chaleff
Author of The Last Letter, The Wounded Healer and The Connection Playbook
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/andy-chaleff/
Joel Block
“John, I've dealt with a bunch of publishers over the years. It was a particular pleasure dealing with you because you actually love books. Yes, it's a business, but there is plenty of room for love, and you seem to keep the love from being swallowed by the business side.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T10:37:26-05:00
Joel Block
Author of The 15-Minute Relationship Fix
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/joel-block/
Lynn Seldon
“We’ve worked with many publishers in the past three decades and highly recommend working with Koehler Books. From professional editing to world-class cover and interior design to publication, Koehler Books has helped bring my words to life better than we could have ever hoped.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-24T10:59:34-05:00
Lynn Seldon
Author of Carolina’s Ring and many other books
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/lynn-seldon/
Cheryl & Micah Chavers
We are so excited with our book cover, cover design and the layout. Thank you and the entire Koehler team for your hard work, it is clearly evidenced in the outcome of the book thus far and we love it!! We can't thank you all enough, what a delight this entire process has been, THANK YOU!!
Koehler Books Publishing
2017-10-23T14:12:16-05:00
Cheryl & Micah Chavers
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/cheryl-micah-chavers/
Betsy Ashton
“Koehler Books has a reputation of developing talented debut writers into solid mid-list authors. Writers fortunate enough to sign with Koehler Books experience a true partnership between between writer and editors, and writer and publisher.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-12T20:24:42-05:00
Betsy Ashton
President, Virginia Writers Club and author of Mad Max: Unintended Consequences and Uncharted Territory
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/betsy-ashton/
Angela Correll
“My experience with Koehler Publishing has been very positive. As a first time author, I was new to the entire publishing experience and the one-on-one attention from John and Joe helped build my confidence and helped me understand the business. ”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-13T16:26:42-05:00
Angela Correll
Author of Grounded and Guarded
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/angela-correll/
William Hazelgrove
"I had three books with Bantam which is part of Random House. I can honestly say that my best experience in my publishing career has been with Koehler Books. They are responsive, innovative, supportive. They actually listen to their authors. Koehler is simply a very good publisher.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-13T19:07:10-05:00
William Hazelgrove
Author of The Pitcher, Pitcher 2, Jack Pine and Real Santa
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/william-hazelgrove/
Dr. Charles Parker
“How does an author choose a publisher in today’s remarkably changing market? From nationally prominent authors to just-starters they don’t discriminate on their concerns for your success. Finish your work, and submit it.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-13T19:20:19-05:00
Dr. Charles Parker
Author of NEW ADHD Medication Rules
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/dr-charles-parker/
Heather Weidner
“I have been a part of four books with Koehler books, and I am quite pleased with the experience. My favorite part is the unveiling of the covers. The team works so hard to capture the essence of the work, and it shows in their unique designs.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-22T21:33:20-05:00
Heather Weidner
Author of Secret Lives and Private Eyes, A Delanie Fitzgerald Mystery
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/heather-weidner/
Richard J. Smith
“I have published twice with Koehler Books and am more than pleased with what I have learned about publishing and with the quality of both books. In addition, I found my "adventure" with John, Joe and their team to be a pleasant experience throughout the entire process.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-22T21:38:41-05:00
Richard J. Smith, PhD
Author of Life After Eighty and Once Upon a Christmas
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/richard-j-smith/
Bud Ramey
"The most important decision you will make as an author is to select a publisher with integrity. Köehler offers authors a unique opportunity to partner with a gifted group of professionals who stress their shared core beliefs with pride and conviction."
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-23T14:11:26-05:00
Bud Ramey
Author of five non-fiction books
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/bud-ramey/
Christopher Bowron
Koehler Books helped me to create a book that made it to No. 1 on Amazon. I'd like to think that I'm a good writer, but without a doubt, I'd not have reached my potential without their guidance and expertise. I'm proud that I'm a Koehler author.
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-12-23T14:14:40-05:00
Christopher Bowron
Author of Devil in the Grass
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/christopher-bowron/
Michael Simone
"Writing a book reminds me of jumping off a cliff and desperately trying to build wings on the way down. Köehler Books is a wing-building machine with finely tuned skills.”
Koehler Books Publishing
2016-10-28T20:04:15-05:00
Michael Simone
Author of Altitude, Sr. Pastor of Spring Branch Community Church
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/michael-simone/
Greg Fields
John Koehler had the courage to publish Arc of the Comet despite its length and the pretensions of its author. His care for and nurturing of writers should be the standard for every publisher. I’m immensely grateful for his faith and encouragement. Joe Coccaro and Elizabeth Marshall McClure buffed and polished a manuscript heavy on words and sometimes lacking precision. They’ve sharpened the finished product in ways I never could. I’m fortunate to be in a partnership with a publisher who is thoroughly professional, completely accessible, and, in the end, as much a friend as a colleague.
Koehler Books Publishing
2018-01-02T20:04:07-05:00
Greg Fields
Author of Arc of the Comet
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/greg-fields/
Rani St. Pucchi
My experience with Koehler Books has been everything a writer ever dreams and hopes for in a publishing company. From the very first book to my most recent third book I have been in awe of how they were able to translate my ideas into form. The design team created the book covers exactly as I wanted them. All my books are works of art! It has been such a privilege to have John Koehler as my publisher. I highly recommend this publishing house to any author.
Koehler Books Publishing
2018-01-23T17:01:41-05:00
Rani St. Pucchi
Author of Your Body, Your Style, The Soulmate Checklist, and YOUR BRIDAL STYLE
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/rani-st-pucchi/
Brian J. Morra
"Koehler has published two of my books and the support I have received from the editors and graphic designers has been terrific and improves each time I work with the Koehler team.
I look forward working with the Koehler staff on more books in the future."
I look forward working with the Koehler staff on more books in the future."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:10:59-05:00
Brian J. Morra
Author of The Righteous Arrows and The Able Archers
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/brian-j-morra/
Steve Jam
"When I finished my debut novel, A Seventh Sense, I was aware that the style and the subject matter of the story were both quite out of the ordinary, and I felt that the odds of getting it published and recognized were slim. Any publisher who would take a chance on a story like this would be adventurous indeed.
To my surprise and great joy, Koehler Books not only accepted and agreed to publish and distribute A Seventh Sense, but embraced and supported the creation and production of the book wholeheartedly with their extremely gifted staff of artists and editors (among them senior editor Hannah Woodlan and graphic designer Lauren Sheldon), ultimately creating an award-winning product that was much more than I ever could have hoped for or envisioned!
Publisher John Koehler’s hands-on involvement, consultation and support were not only invaluable to me as a first-time author, but educational as well, and I have found John to be more than just my Publisher, but also someone I can talk to as my friend. For this author, the Koehler Books experience has been enlightening, fulfilling and educational—for me, the realization of a lifelong dream."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:40:51-05:00
Steve Jam
Author, A Seventh Sense
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/steve-jam/
Larry Allen Lindsey
"I highly recommend Koehler Books to both fledgling and accomplished authors. Their packaging and production expertise was invaluable to bringing to life all three of my efforts. They graciously hand-walked me through the entire process, made me feel like one of the family. Their graphics department went the extra mile, incorporating my suggestions, expanding them when necessary. The result was three top-notch, exceptional quality covers. I give John and the gang a hearty five star rating,"
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:23:10-05:00
Larry Allen Lindsey
Author of Bones, Long Slow Target and Stump!
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/larry-allen-lindsey/
Rick Spees
"Koehler books and all the wonderful folks that work there made publishing my novel an enjoyable experience. They help authors through every step of the process and offer excellent advice on marketing their books. I especially liked all the help they provided designing the cover as well as all the editorial assistance. John Koehler is always available for individual meetings with good advice and encouragement. I highly recommend Koehler for all your publishing needs. I am almost done with my second novel and look forward to working with them again."
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:34:37-05:00
Rick Spees
Author of Capitol Gains
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/rick-spees/
Carla Damron
"What do I love about Koehler books?
1) They produce beautiful, eye-catching books. I can't tell you how many people have complimented the cover for The Orchid Tattoo,
2) While most traditional publishers may take 2 years or longer to actually publish your book, Koehler did it in nine months. That's the time for a normal pregnancy, isn't it? I loved not having to wait FOREVER for my book to be birthed.
3) The crew at Koehler are wonderful--respectful, encouraging, and quick to respond to questions. They want the book to succeed.
4) They lay the cards on the table. When it came to promoting, they made it clear what my role is--and gave me guidance on ways to get my book the exposure it needed.
I'm grateful to Koehler books for helping The Orchid Tattoo come into the world!"
Koehler Books Publishing
2024-05-23T00:31:36-05:00
Carla Damron
Author of The Orchid Tattoo
https://www.koehlerbooks.com/testimonials/carla-damron/
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