Anybody who has been following me knows that I think Publishing companies are overrated and unnecessary today, so this announcement may come as both shocking and bewildering.

What I am attempting to do with LikePhate is create a new kind of publisher that doesn't control the process of bringing books to the masses, but simply provides the support authors need to make that process easier. LikePhate will provide support for International Distribution (currently: Amazon, B&N and Phibble Books), formatting, and other services related to the publishing process.

One of our focuses will be on helping a new type of author - the small business/entrepreneur. Publishing a book not only can add a revenue stream to your business, but it can also make you an instant expert to potential customers.

Our relationship with Phibble Books allows our authors to reach an International audience that goes well beyond the handful of countries offered by Amazon. Not only can our authors sell to readers in almost every country, they also have the ability to offer ARC's and discounted copies, easily and for a wide range of platforms. For more information on this arrangement, please read our announcement.

So far, we have three authors on our roster; Kate Bowyer, Pibs Tandy and myself.

LikePhate will begin taking submissions and ideas today and you for updates and resources, follow @likephate on Twitter.

Ms. Tandy will be bringing her Nectar Lane Series to LikePhate, as well as her second series, a spin off from Nectar Lane which doesn’t yet have a title. “I wanted to be self published, but I knew I needed help with the business end of things. I ran into Phil’s website, and asked for some direction. He told me he was starting a publishing house, and offered to look at my work. Things just escalated from there.”, said Tandy. “So far, I’m very pleased with how things are working out.”

"I previously published my books through Phibble Media, but I think LikePhate is a better fit", Bowyer said. "I started LikePhate Publishing to put the publishing world on notice, and I think a series on helping businesses market themselves and reach success is a great way to kick things off".

LikePhate is a new publishing company started by Phil that combines the Self Publishing approach with the great things that has made Traditional Publishing so great.

LikePhate’s full catalog is available on Phibble Books and will debut there first before being distributed on B&N and Amazon.

LikePhate will not only distribute and publish Bowyer's work, but through a special arrangement, will also market her books both online and offline. "I'm really excited to have Phil take over my marketing strategy. As my husband, he's always been there to lend support, but now he will be taking a very active role in creating my strategy and making sure I and my books are presented to the right audience using social media of course, but some real world techniques as well", Bowyer said.

"One of the first things we did was raise the price. Her book clocks in at around 400 pages, so we felt adjusting the price was appropriate. We also think the higher price will make her stand out from the books priced at $2.99", said Phil Bowyer, LikePhate's Founder and Chief Strategist. "The second thing we did was make it available Internationally - we wanted to make sure her book was available in every country possible, including the ones that Amazon doesn't sell in."