America Star Books has always been more than a publishing company. From the very beginning, it has been shaped by the people who work here every day—individuals who believe deeply in the power of books, the importance of creativity, and the value of helping authors achieve their dreams.
One of the most rewarding parts of working at America Star Books is witnessing the journeys of authors from their very first idea to a finished publication. As Sarah Freitas from the Special Services team explains, she loves hearing the stories of how authors got their start and helping them reach their goals through thoughtful marketing plans. For her, the greatest reward is making authors happy every single day.
That sense of purpose is shared across the entire team. Sarah Balukoff from ASB Promotions describes the workplace as a family, where colleagues work closely together to provide authors with exemplary publications. Seeing a group of people striving collectively to help others make their dreams come true is, in her words, truly amazing.
For Kerrin Wuchter, ASB Events Manager, the experience has extended far beyond the office. Through America Star Books, she has traveled to book events around the world and seen firsthand how vibrant and alive the global reading community remains. Meeting authors and industry professionals from every corner of the globe has reinforced a powerful belief: books have the unique ability to bridge cultures and ideas. She has found no publisher more dedicated to that mission than ASB.
Personal growth is another recurring theme among team members. Megan Batcheller, a designer with ASB Promotions, shares how her background in fine arts has supported her development as a graphic designer. She credits the helpfulness and knowledge of her colleagues for much of her growth, describing America Star Books as the perfect place to combine her passions and skills while contributing meaningfully to the company.
Caroline Inabinett from Order Fulfillment emphasizes the core mission that unites the entire organization: making it possible for anyone who wants to become a published author to achieve that dream at zero cost. At America Star Books, authors are never expected to pay or purchase anything. Instead, they are offered opportunities for additional promotion and marketing at low cost, all made possible through the efficiency, dedication, and hard work of the staff. Being part of a team that consistently puts authors first is something she takes great pride in.
That dedication is reflected in the scale of the company’s work. Anthony Saavedra, a cover and text editor, has worked with more than 10,000 authors worldwide. Each project is approached with the same goal: to exceed expectations and help bring an author’s creation to life.
The dynamic nature of the workplace is another point of pride. Jackie Velnoskey, Director of ASB Promotions, notes that something new is always happening, keeping the work engaging and challenging. The office atmosphere is one of genuine care, where colleagues support one another and create a fun, family-like environment.
A Company Run from the Bottom Up
America Star Books today is a company run by its employees, from the bottom up. While there is management, there is little traditional top-down structure. The team is close-knit, shaped by shared experiences that include surviving a difficult economy and learning from ambitious experiments—such as printing a million books in-house before deciding that external partners could do it more efficiently and affordably.
These experiences have helped the company navigate the hurdles and roadblocks that come with being a true pioneer in publishing. Established in 1999, America Star Books set out to challenge what was once an elite, closed industry. Over the years, it has confronted entrenched powers, faced lawsuits, and endured criticism. Through it all, the company has persisted, guided by a belief in fairness, access, and opportunity. At ASB, the philosophy is simple: Davids are not afraid of Goliaths, especially when the people are on their side.
Milestones That Define the Mission
The numbers tell a powerful story. America Star Books has published authors for free more than 60,000 times—completely free, without hidden costs. It has translated and published over 4,000 foreign books into English at no cost to the authors, a record that reflects its commitment to accessibility and global voices.
In September 2015, the company expanded its vision with the launch of ASB Promotions, opening its marketing and promotion services to self-published authors as well. Growth was immediate and unprecedented, with nearly 1,000 authors joining in a short period—the fastest growth rate the company has ever experienced.
Looking Forward
America Star Books continues to evolve, driven by the same values that shaped its beginnings: collaboration, dedication, and belief in authors. Based in Frederick, Maryland, just south of Camp David, the company remains focused on its mission—to support writers, amplify voices, and keep the doors of publishing open to all.
This is America Star Books and ASB Promotions: a publisher built by its people, sustained by its authors, and committed to making publishing accessible, meaningful, and human.