Who We Are and Our Why

From the Founder, Susan Sember:

I’ve been writing all my life. It’s part of my DNA. My first book was written when I was in the 4th grade. My mother instilled a love of books in her children. That writing carried on not only in books but also in political and advocacy speeches, news stories, legal briefs, grant proposals, and producing and contributing to others’ books, as well as crafting screenplays and immersing myself in a serious filmmaking career. I then expanded my creative business ventures to include magazine and book publishing.

In one of my films, Beyond the Game, I, coincidentally, interviewed over 50 professional athletes who had written books, as well as other authors, literary strategists, branding experts, and more. Although it's more of a sports film than a publishing-focused one, I discovered that many new authors don’t understand the process, don’t value the importance of marketing discussions upfront, and fail to maximize the assets of their creativity, let alone sell any books. The same has been the case with many filmmakers.

Their stories were great in these other books, which were published through self-publishing or a basic publishing package from independent publishers. But the right collaboration was missing. I've heard the same scenario from others in past films, as well as friends and business associates I know who are authoring books. More common than not were tales of woe that ended in unfulfilled dreams; a lot of money was spent without return. Writing a book without a plan, without any thought to marketing, or without a strategy to recoup the money spent and realize the envisioned dreams was also a common occurrence. I also conducted a search for a publisher on some book projects related to my films, and found the industry lacking in many areas. Independent publishing was more cookie-cutter, package-driven, and lacked customization or strategic direction.

Art is intended to be a positive, creative, and joyous venture, not drudgery or disappointment. There are also the matters of legacy, the need to help others who are waiting to read such a story, and the burning desire to make a difference in this world. Every book is a piece of art and should be treated as such. There’s an attention to detail, quality, and an author’s unique style that goes into each project, too.

Fast forward: I have a great film career, and I also produce magazines and books as an extension of my creative art and marketing my own and others’ projects. The perfect recipe for a unique publishing experience stems from the blending of my prior legal background as an attorney in protecting and preserving intellectual property rights, the convergence of writing and filmmaking arts in book projects, and the marketing and distribution foresight that I love to implement with every project.

Silverlight Press is the alchemy of “Pen and Lens.” It’s an unmatched storytelling mix that incorporates elements of a successful film into a book. It also fosters collaboration that enables authors further to engage their readers with innovative new techniques from film, and when incorporating imagery, the aesthetics of an award-winning masterpiece. It encompasses a strategy and plan to ensure the creative assets of a book project are maximized in other desired media while also seeing a positive return and fiscal impact on an author’s investment.

As a film director, producer, and CEO of Silverlight Press, it starts with me. Translating your vision into the written word, elevating your book and you to the global stage or even the silver screen is my focus. I’ll direct and orchestrate the best team of writers, editors, strategists, lawyers, designers, branding and marketing specialists, publicists, and distribution outlets—all acting on your behalf. I am personally involved in every project, offering over 25 years of creative and entrepreneurial experience, and bringing a unique style and implementation to each one.

There’s an audience waiting to read and see YOUR story. Let’s make it happen with your voice, your vision, and your impact.