Dave Y.
Testimonial
Testimonial: Panda Publishing & the Journey Behind “Protecting Patients and Staff: Unarmed Response to Active Shooters in Healthcare – THE PLAYBOOK FOR SURVIVAL” By Dave Young, Vice President of Training, Vistelar On February 17, we began a mission—a critical one. This is when I was first introduced to the team by Jeff Gonzales. Our goal was to deliver a book that would not only educate but save lives—especially in the vulnerable and often underprepared environment of healthcare. Just under two months later, on April 11, we completed the journey with the final, self-published release of Protecting Patients and Staff: Unarmed Response to Active Shooters in Healthcare – THE PLAYBOOK FOR SURVIVAL. The force behind that remarkable turnaround? Panda Publishing. When we first started Rick Castle made me feel welcome and answered every question I had. From day one, Panda Publishing exceeded every expectation. Their team wasn’t just responsive—they were engaged. They took the time to understand not only the content but the mission of the book. This wasn’t just about pushing out another title. It was about amplifying a message of preparedness, protection, and leadership in crisis—especially for unarmed professionals who are tasked with safeguarding others under extraordinary circumstances. Their editorial team led by Sarah, handled the manuscript with the respect and professionalism it deserved. Every revision was thoughtful, timely, and geared toward clarity, impact, and readability. Their eye for detail ensured that every chapter, case study, and survival protocol was presented in a way that healthcare professionals, administrators, and even first-time readers could absorb and apply immediately. When it came to cover design and branding, Issac Davidson and his team shared their creativity and visual strength Panda brought to the table was impressive. They translated our core message—this is your survival guide—into a cover that draws you in and communicates urgency, authority, and trust. The subtitle “THE PLAYBOOK FOR SURVIVAL” wasn’t just a tagline—it was a design mandate they delivered on. The formatting process—often one of the most stressful parts of self-publishing—was handled flawlessly. Whether it was the layout for print, the conversion to eBook, or preparing the files for hardcover distribution, their technical team walked us through every step with patience and expertise. Pricing strategy? Spot on. Market comparison, reader accessibility, and value alignment were all taken into account. Their guidance allowed us to confidently launch across three formats (eBook, softcover, and hardcover) at industry-smart prices, with room for promotional flexibility. The turnaround time is worth highlighting again. From concept to final publication—less than two months. That’s nearly unheard of for a book of this scope and importance. Panda made it possible, and they did it without sacrificing a single ounce of quality. In short, Panda Publishing treated our mission like it was their mission. They were more than a service provider—they were a true publishing partner. If you're looking for a team that combines professionalism, speed, creativity, and heart—Panda is it. This book was written to prepare and protect others. Panda helped us bring that message to the world—and we couldn’t be more grateful. We will work with them again! — Dave Young Vice President of Training Vistelar Author of Protecting Patients and Staff: Unarmed Response to Active Shooters in Healthcare




