Local author Vivian Jacobson said she "felt as if one of those Marc Chagall angels had come to me" when a business counselor from SCORE began to discuss potential ways to get her new book published.

The title of the book is "Sharing Chagall: A Memoir." Angels are a feature of many of Chagall's paintings, and for a moment, Jacobson thought maybe one of them had come into her life.

Jacobson had invested about three years compiling a wealth of information she had gathered about the life and works of Chagall and her own personal memories of him. Just when she was ready to get her book published and into the bookstores, she encountered publishers who were adjusting to the financial recession and the changing economy and were less enthused about taking on the works of new clients.

At the suggestion of her husband, Jacobson contacted SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Businesses) for help. Fortunately for Jacobson, the Sandhills chapter of SCORE had just acquired a new volunteer, Ted Dawes, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the book publishing business.

Dawes saw that Jacobson was not only a good writer who had strong endorsements for her book, but also had the zeal and determination to follow through on her project.

His role in reaching publication was to introduce Jacobson to the world of self-publishing after she had been rejected by four major companies. Through Kim Gilley, of Village Printers, she was able to locate the Edwards Brothers Digital Print Center, in Lillington in nearby Harnett County. It was interested in taking on the book project and could begin printing on a schedule that fit Jacobson's needs.

Dawes continued to work with Jacobson in many aspects of publishing, including marketing her book. Now the book is in its second printing.

"This whole thing is going very well, in part due to the advice of my counselor, who has years of experience in publishing," Jacobson said.

She has had a successful book-signing event and is beginning a tour on the lecture circuit, which will lead to more sales.

Although Dawes does not consider himself an angel, he offers no objection to Jacobson's assessment.

Glenn Phelps, chairman of the Sandhills chapter of SCORE, said this is a good example of what SCORE and the volunteer counselors do routinely - help businesses that are looking for tips and information that can make their business work more effectively.

SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit association of experienced business people who provide free, confidential business counseling to small business owners. The Sandhills chapter is active in counseling, mentoring and presenting free business seminars.

Anyone wanting to speak to a SCORE counselor is asked to register as a client at www.edmis score.org/0364. A counselor will contact you.

In addition to counseling by appointment, the Sandhills chapter of SCORE has drop-in service for those who have registered from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Fridays at the Moore County Chamber of Commerce building on U.S. 15-501 in Southern Pines. The phone number is (910) 692-3936.