About Us / Self Publishing, Inc.

Ron Pramschufer has been in or around the printing and publishing industry for over 35 years. His experience, including working in the pressroom, bindery, production office and estimating department helped give him a firm foundation to build on when he entered sales and management. He was a partner in a small press publishing company in Annapolis, MD in the late seventies and co-invented and marketed two controversial political board games which sold over 100,000 copies in the early eighties.

Moving from his home state of Maryland to New York City after his game experience, Ron sold printing services primarily to small and mid-sized book publishers for over a decade before founding RJ Communications, with an old friend. Ron recognized the potential of the Internet very early as a powerful communications tool. In 1997 he started one of the first printer related websites, www.rjcom.com, which catered to the professional print buyer. This evolved into www.BooksJustBooks.com and more recently www.selfpublishing.com which target the print buying novice, primarily self-publishers. All three sites are still operating successfully and SelfPublishing.com was named as one of Writers Digest's, 101 Best Websites for Writers in 2006. Having swung almost exclusively into self publishing services, the name RJ Communications, LLC was officially changed to Self Publishing, Inc. in 2009.

Educating the novice print buyer has been a top priority from day one. To help address this issue, Ron co-authored the popular title Publishing Basics- a Guide for the Small Press and Independent Self-Publisher, now in its Fourth Edition with a changed subtitle, Navigating the Self Publishing Minefield. He is the organizer of the monthly Publishing Basics Newsletter where he writes a sometimes controversial Ask Ron column which addresses various aspects of the publishing process. Since its inception, RJ Communications, and now Self Publishing, have helped thousands of customers print over 100 million books.

Ron is married and has three children. His daughter, Stephanie, teaches second grade and recently self-published her first two children's book in the Oliver the Clownfish series. Matthew, his oldest son, owns a website design business and Erik, the youngest, is getting ready to attend Ohio Wesleyan in the fall.

Hi, my name is Dana Cole. I’m a partner here at Self Publishing, Inc. Before joining Self Publishing, Inc., I was vice president of production and planning at Abbeville Press, New York City, where I worked for 16 years doing just what you are doing now, buying printing and handling book projects from start to finish. My career in publishing began at Alfred A. Knopf in 1979. My experience at Knopf was all one-color books and at Abbeville it was all 4-color books so it’s great fun to be able to assist Self Publishing, Inc.customers with both. The children’s book program is really exciting for me- I’m thrilled to be able to make people’s dreams come true. There are so many great books out there dying to get to the market, they just need you to publish them. Feel free to contact me if you have any production questions. I can be reached at Dana@selfpublishing.com. In addition to books I love cross-country skiing and sailing and I’m a super-big dog person, the “mom” to two Westies, Winston and Whiskey.

My name is Jonathan Gullery and I was born and raised in New Zealand, and received my background in graphics from an apprenticeship in the newspaper industry there.

I arrived in New York in the early 80s and continued a career in design with a Mac Plus (and no hard drive!). Since that time I’ve worked mostly free-lance until teaming up with Self Publishing, Inc. to create Budget Book Design in 2002. Budget Book Design has evolved into the design department of SelfPublishing.com and since then I’ve designed nearly 1,000 books, everything from relatively simple novels to lavish presentation volumes including cookbooks, poetry, family histories, children’s picture books and coffee table art books.

Although I use state-of-the-art equipment I still believe that providing old-fashioned customer service is the best way to successfully compete in our digital world. Feel free to contact me at Jonathan@selfpublishing.com.

My name is Jacki Lynch. I am the customer service person for you if you are printing a digital order of your book. That means that I open and set up your order, send your files to our prepress department and make sure all materials get to the printer. You will hear from me if there are any problems. I will work with you to try and get your book ready for printing. I then keep you informed on the progress of your print order from the proof stage all the way to finished books.

I am a New Yorker's New Yorker. You will be able to tell by my New York accent. I am a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors in English. I have spent most of my working years in the publishing industry, and I love books. In addition to working at Self Publishing, I spend my free time reading, taking care of my 2 dogs, Julie & Jake and trying to grow the perfect rose garden. Feel free to contact me at Jacki@selfpublishing.com if you have any questions about creating your paperwork for your print order.

I’m Carolyn Madison, your editorial consultant, ready to help you achieve your publishing goals. My experience has been focused on analysis, consulting, writing, editing, and publishing.

My bachelor’s degree is in secondary education, with English and journalism endorsements, and my master’s degree is in educational psychology.

As a Gallup researcher and project manager for ten years, I analyzed results, wrote hundreds of research reports, and provided consulting and recommendations to clients.
Later, as Gallup’s director of editing and quality assurance for thirteen years, I developed a team of twenty-five people with specialties such as editing, writing, content management, marketing communications, media relations, and publishing. Book publishing was a major aspect of our work. It involved editing many well-known books, including bestsellers such as First, Break All The Rules; Now, Discover Your Strengths; How Full Is Your Bucket?; and Vital Friends, as well as helping to establish Gallup Press.

After twenty-three years at Gallup (including a company relocation), I was an editorial publishing consultant with iUniverse for one year until iUniverse was sold and also relocated.

I love helping authors find their best paths toward preparing their manuscripts for publication. Now, as editorial coordinator at Self Publishing, Inc., I am delighted to help writers determine their specific plans for preparing manuscripts and achieving their publishing goals. Contact me with editorial questions at carolyn@selfpublishing.com.

My husband and I have a teenage daughter, and also a Golden Retriever named Shasta. Considering Shasta’s status in our family, she actual has us—“her people”—and must exercise us by taking us for walks and playtime.

Vince Pannullo Vincent Pannullo was raised in Brooklyn, New York. His love of design began at the early age of 14, when he started his own company designing movie star posters. With an entrepreneurial spirit, young Pannullo would come into Manhattan on weekends to sell his posters. After leaving school, Pannullo followed his passion and has been in the printing, pre-press, graphic design and production industry since the early 80's. He excelled in these areas, gaining a reputation as a wiz at adobe illustrator, photoshop, quark, In-Design, etc. In such demand for his creative and technical skills, attention to detail, as well as his easy manner and candor when dealing with clients, Pannullo has worked with the likes of Doubleday Publishing, Random House, Modern Publishing, Time Warner Inc, Estee Lauder, Dolce & Gabanna, Giorgio Armani, Tumi, Victoria's Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany&Co., Macy's, Jones NY, NY&Co., Bmg, Guerlian, Samsara, Burberry, Stussy, Calvin Klein, Escada, RCA, TV Guid.

With over 350,000 print and design jobs in his repertoire, Pannullo brings to the self-publishing table, vast expertise, and years of experience, customer service second to none and an innate creativity that can't be learnt. Know that your book will be in safe hands under the watchful eye of Pannullo; and if you happen to catch him on the phone, get ready for a fun conversation.

My name is Bob Powers and I am a Book Coach at Self Publishing. My career in printing started over 35 years ago in the Baltimore area. I worked in many departments at commercial and book printing companies from layout to customer service and management. In fact, Ron Pramschufer was a sales rep. and Dana Cole was one of my customers. Who would have known back then, that we would end up together at Self Publishing!

It all happened when I received a call from Ron as I was getting ready to retire. He convinced me that I still had a lot of useful years and experience and should join the Self Publishing, Inc.team. So, as of July 2004 I did and am very happy to be part of the group. I am here as your coach, problem solver, and advisor at any point in the process. I have a good listening ear, if you just need to talk. I can be reached at 800-479-1870 or at Bob@selfpublishing.com. In addition to working at Self Publishing, Inc., I spend many happy hours with my 6 ½ year old Bichon Frise named “Chops” and enjoy working in my garden.

My name is Matt Pramschufer and, yes, I am related to Ron Pramschufer…. He’s my dad. I was born and raised in Maryland. While most of the other kids were playing sports or getting into trouble, I was working on my computer (with occasional time out for fishing). I can take computers apart, put them together, network them, and create artwork and websites with them as well pretty much anything else you can think of with them. I received a degree from Westchester Community College in New York in Graphic Design a couple years back. Since then I have been designing websites and databases, including the one you are currently visiting. I am also an active book layout cover designer. I’m still a pretty good fisherman as well.

If you have any questions about the website design process, or how to market your book online you can reach me at matt@selfpublishing.com.

My name is Denise Puryear and I am a production person here at Self Publishing, Inc.. (This means I am your contact once you have placed an order with us. I work with the printers on your behalf.) I’ve been in this demanding industry for over 25 years now (and NO I won’t tell you how old I am!).

I started my career at McGraw-Hill Publishing Company in the College Book Division producing College Textbooks. Unfortunately, after 22 years of service, McGraw-Hill, along with many other companies, had to downsize, which meant I lost my job…But this sad story wasn’t the end for me…I found a new home at Self Publishing, Inc.!

I have been working for Self Publishing, Inc. for over 6 years now, and have to say that the personal service we provide our clients is second to none. Working with all the different customers and vendors has been a very enjoyable experience. I love helping our customers seeing their projects go from dreams to printed and bound products, this is especially rewarding when I see the excitement of first time publishers when they receive that first tangible product.

If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at Denise@selfpublishing.com and maybe I can make your publishing dreams come true too!

My name is Kathy Rodgers and I am a Book Coach at Self Publishing. I will be working primarily with children's book authors. It's so exciting to be involved with such a talented and enthusiastic group of people!

I have over 20 years of experience in sales and customer service with major booksellers and educational corporations. While I have handled both large and small accounts, I have always prioritized customer service. I believe in building and maintaining strong working relationships with my clients and customers.

I am, and always have been, an avid reader with have an extensive book collection. After graduating from George Mason University with a degree in Elementary Education I became drawn to the magical stories and beautiful illustrations found in children's literature. As my children were growing up and I was straddling a "mom world" and a "book world" I appreciated even more the adventures, misadventures and topical issues presented in children's books with such caring and beauty.

My husband and I recently moved to coastal Delaware where I spend my free time reading (of course) and bike riding. I have three beautiful grown children, a handsome son-in-law and high hopes for grandchildren in the near future.

I look forward to working with you and helping you to bring your dreams to life. Please feel free to contact me at Kathy@selfpublishing.com

My name is Phil Whitmarsh.. Like Bob & Kathy, I’m a Book Coach at Self Publishing, Inc. Though my college degree was in Political Science/International Relations, with the end of the Cold War my interests shifted from political differences to the common stories that people experience. I started writing and developing some of these common threads while working for national nonprofit organizations. This eventually brought me to publishing. I was introduced to the industry working for one of the “big three” POD companies. Joining Self Publishing, Inc. has been a natural progression in my goal to help writers find their voice and discover the best ways to share their ideas and stories in the broadest marketplace. I look forward to helping you realize your publishing dreams. You can reach me at phil@selfpublishing.com. Like so many of the Self Publishing staff, I keep a four-legged colleague close by, a Shiba Inu named “Cayenne”.