Rev. Beyerl’s Books

In 1996 The Hermit’s Grove began the publishing of books as a way to keep previously-published works by Beyerl in print. Over the years our ability to put in print a quality softbound book has grown, although our publishing budget is very small and we are unable to afford advertising and promotion as do the ‘big’ publishers. With three books put back in print so as to keep this information and Beyerl’s approach available to the public, when the time came for new titles to be added the decision was made to stay with this approach. Beyerl prefers being a hermit rather than pursuing the path of a ‘famous author,’ even though The Master Book of Herbalism continues to sell strongly over its twenty year history. In addition to the books in print through The Hermit’s Grove, two of Beyerl’s books are published by Phoenix Publishing. Here, then, are these exceptional books which will further your knowledge and wisdom. The introduction to each of the five titles published by The Hermit’s Grove are available in PDF format for your reading. (Requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader)

The Hatchling: The story of a Unicorn and her Coven, first edition © 2007 (Includes bonus chapter for your reading pleasure)

Although, like many, I had fantasies about publishing my own books and set off in that direction with the earliest books held together with staples. I did not attempt a ‘real’ book until A Wiccan Bardo, originally published by Prism-Unity Press, was allowed to go out of print. At the same time the need was strong to publish new editions of The Holy Books of the Devas and Painless Astrology following a brief and unsuccessful relationship with a small publisher in California.

With three books needing to be reprinted, I found the market for previously published titles with a limited readership was non-existent. None of the publishers I contacted were interested in reprinting a book which would not have adequate sales for their profit goals. One day while awaiting for printing at our copy center I noted a carton of bound books. I began asking Sharon questions and learned that she was more than willing to help me put my own books in print. I had all the skills I needed from my years as a newsletter publisher and she was able to do the printing and subcontract the binding. And so it was, in 1996, The Hermit’s Grove became a publisher. At this point I’d like to give special thanks to George Edington, of New Jersey, whose loving donations helped get our nonprofit book publishing work on its feet.

I often tell people that I’m far too good at being ‘non-profit.’ The Hermit’s Grove has no money for advertising or promotion and the sales of the books we publish are only through word of mouth. With such low-volume sales we can only afford to print in small runs, which keeps the cost of each copy higher than when a large publisher prints thousands of copies at a time.

If there is any consolation to the reader, to date every dollar of publishing income since The Hermit’s Grove became a ‘real’ book publisher has gone into our publishing. A small percentage has gone toward the Grove’s expenses... And not a penny has gone to an individual - not even the author.

All of this means the books we publish cost much more to produce than they do with mainstream publishers. It also means these books are a genuine labor of love.

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