Guestbook (reviews)

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« I have found Guilaine and her unusual enterprise out of my desperation (…) I was amazed that Guilaine is offering unusually thoughtful and intelligently creative space for all her literary clients. Profoundly educated, she easily recognizes abilities and strength within each of her gifted writers.

Guilaine has a rarest talent and vision on her own about the diversity of wisdom in authentic culture and reality of life. Therefore, Guilaine does not compromise on disturbances from the mainstream of false culture and propaganda.

I would describe her fabulous Balustrade as a blessed literary sanctuary providing rarely thoughtful services for those independent talents who are responsible for their own thinking and life experience.

You are lucky when you are invited to join Guilaine for a very special innovative collaboration with her.

Balustrade is providing inspirationally unique services offered to talents who are searching for thoughtful assistance in uniquely designed promotion for a success and even personal encouragement in dealing with today’s extremely confusing and pushy literary market. » Vera Nova, Las Vegas http://novatown.net

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Guilaine Depis is a brilliant press officer and a true lover of literature, with rare knowledge of the publishing world and the Parisian media. When she was in charge of my book, she organized an unforgettable lecture at an international trade fair, then a lively debate at a leading radio station. Passion, enthusiasm and spontaneity are the driving forces behind the Lady of the Balustrade. (Pierre Mounier-Kuhn, author of "History of artificial intelligence" at EDP Sciences, researcher at CNRS)

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Guilaine Depis : professional, charming, attentive, kind and very efficient! (Frederika Abbate, writer)

“It all happened on a phone call. In May 2020. After a hard Linkedin exchange. I don’t know which of the two was more surprised. I found it hard to believe it. Diantre, a Parisian press attaché who is interested in a provincial author for her first novel… The conversation barely started, it was clear to me that Guilaine Depis would be the one who would accompany with kindness my first steps in the promotion of « La Souciance ”published at the beginning of the year, a few months earlier. Guilaine… and Jasmine Catou, of course. The dream Team. Between dedications, articles on the net and real encounters, here I am invited since thanks to her, to chat with brilliant minds about « La Souciance ». Marie-Ange and Marc were the first and are dear to my heart. Guilaine promises me other moments of celebration and spirit; and I am convinced that it will be so … Because beyond a contract has also been woven a spontaneous friendly relationship, all sparkling and intelligence. A happy and jubilant parenthesis in a heartbreaking and desperate year 2020. ” (Eric Louis Henri, fictionalized philosophical essay)

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I called Guilaine Depis one afternoon, shortly before the release of my book OPERATION CONDOR, on the history of dictatorships in Latin America. A constructive, proactive and triumphant collaboration followed. Guilaine has never stopped coming back to me, always with new ideas and meetings; this long after the end of our contractual relationship. She obtained magnificent visibility for my book published in a difficult period of the COVID crisis, coming back every day until I found my book in the selection of "Back to school books" at Marianne. I already know that she will be by my side for the release of my next book. This is an experience that I recommend to all writers seeking recognition worthy of the name for their work. Pablo Daniel Magee (novel & storybook)

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I can only praise myself for having used the professional know-how of Guilaine Depis to ensure the promotion of my political essay and my historical novel. Her advice is more than judicious, she ardently defends the works entrusted to her and the result was tangible. But beyond this remarkable performance, I can only congratulate myself on meeting a rare woman of undeniable human qualities; this is one of those beautiful and very selective touches of light that our earthly journey can sometimes offer us when we approach exceptional humanities. Authors, do not deprive yourself of this collaboration, you will find there what you expect for your works, but much more. A beautiful encounter is worth a thousand suns say the Buddhists. Philippe Olagnier (historical novel and essay) 

It is with great pleasure that I come to speak to you about Guilaine, her Balustrade and her brilliant assistant Jasmine Catou. Guilaine is an endearing and erudite personality. Passionate and passionate, always active and on the move, she finds journalists who are adapted to the needs of each of us. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not just a writer … I also carry the association « SOS Violenfance. Prevention of incest and pedocrime « which I founded in September 2019 after the publication of my second autobiographical book, and of which I am the chairman. I asked Guilaine to get involved with me. Extremely sensitive to the cause of child victims of sexual crimes, she did so with intelligence, conviction and generosity. Defending the innocence of children and protecting them from pedophile criminals is a real struggle! I highly recommend Guilaine Depis and her faithful assistant Jasmine Catou. Guilaine is a committed press officer who will never forget you on the way. And this path, we will meet there one day, I am very sure. Kathya de Brinon, Founding President of S.O.S. Violenfance – Prévention de la incest et du paedocriminalité (www.sos-violenfance.fr)

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I had known Guilaine Depis for a long time and had a good friendship before giving her the press relations for my poetry collection, L’ombre de la terre. When the opportunity arose, I did not hesitate a moment and can only congratulate myself. Guilaine is of course an excellent professional, with a deep taste for literature, and knowledge of all the print and digital press networks where she is heard and appreciated, but she shows heart and a kind of optimistic boldness all quite joyful, which gives the adventure a scent of joyful conquest even if it leaves us no false illusion about possible results: « possible, she says, but nothing certain ». It is this combination that makes the work of Guilaine Depis at the time of the publication of a book, both solid and precious. Christine Fizscher, writer (poet)

When I got in touch with Guilaine last summer, for the press relations of a book that I had spent 4 years writing, « The intuition of zero cut », I was convinced that I actually had a important story to tell, and that in this case, I had in my hands, an author’s book. Not for a moment could I have thought of myself as anything other than an author, who moreover had struggled to finish his book. So I was very scared of her feelings by entrusting the book to her, but she told me after reading it, that I liked the book very much, which touched her, and relieved, I started. Thanks to her work, she managed to get me a lot of press, interviews, and in particular two incredible articles from great literary critics, I could not believe it. I also received, and it will remain a magic moment, a call from Amélie Nothomb who wanted to tell me that she had really liked the book. I can only say more : thank you ! Sophie Reverdi, writer (story about bulimia) 

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I met Guilaine at an information meeting on the premises of the Harmattan. I had just published my essay « Leibowitz or the Absence of God », the least of which can be said is that it is not a mainstream text. As I live in Israël and I did not know the publishing world, I saw in Guilaine a kind of guardian angel (she literally loos like an angel) who knew how to take me by the hand in a gentle and determined faith. She was able to instinctively identify the people with whom it was useful for me to interact, which gave my work visibility. This movement was unfortunately interrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic, but in the meantime my work has been translated into Hebrew and published in Israël, in part thanks to the coverage I had received in France. Guilaine is an extraordinary woman, both spontaneous and rigorous. She has a strong vision of the world, but is respectful of others as long as she is respected. I have a new essay on the trade, and I will not fail to call upon the service of the delicious Guilaine if necessary. Daniel Horowitz, writer (essays)

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Essential ! Alongside my editor, Guilaine Depis had a leading role. Messenger responsible for bringing the « good news » to these mysterious cases of media resonance whose nobody can really anticipate the curiosity, moods or interest of the moment, Guilaine Depis will have been during this « birth » a key figure of this adventure ! She certainly has the basic qualities of a good press officer : an unshakable enthusiasm, meticulous thoroughness and unusual tenacity. The publication of the book « The Tsar’s Testament » had serious handicaps. In principle, the historical novel is a genre that mobilizes few readers. In addition, its author was unknown and its publisher confidential ! Guilaine Depis managed to overcome everything, not only thanks to her qualities, but also by a keen intuition of long experience in a somewhat confusing environment for the layman. Her decisive action allowed me to meet my audience, thanks to her very human and engaging personality which allow her to meet beautiful people. Youri Fedotoff, writer (historical novel)

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I got to know Balustrade on the internet while I was looking for a literary press attaché for my latest novel, which took place at the Bayreuth Festival, and I wrote to Guilaine Depis when I saw on her site that she was doing part of several Wagnerian circles. Her response was enthusiastic and contact was established the first time we met. I was not disappointed because she gave her all to promote this book by notably obtaining a signature at the Gallimard bookstore which welcomed nearly 100 people, 7 pages in a local newspaper in La Baule where I am born and opened all the doors of the Wagnerian networks. I’m so happy that I’m going to renew my contract because we’re not done exploring all the tracks that are already excellent results. It’s rare to find a press secretary so close to her authors who does not count her time and deploys all her energy. I highly recommend it. Domitille Marbeau Funck-Brentano, writer (novels about Wagner’s operas)

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When I met Guilaine a year ago to ask her to become the Press Agent of the new publishing company “Une heure en été”, she didn’t accept right away: she wanted to read the book and be sure of its quality first. I liked this way of thinking and her enthusiasm: I wouldn’t have been able to work with a press agent indifferent to the book. Her task was far from easy: we were launching a new publishing company, a new author, a new book. Not only did Guilaine obtain several press and radio articles, but she also helped in organizing a launch event and put me in touch with several columnists and literary journalists. Her commitment goes beyond what a traditional press agent offers, she encourages, guides, advises. She is very professional, and her support is precious. I will continue to ask for her services in the future. Aurélia Gantier, publisher and author

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When Guilaine Depis accepted to represent my science fiction novel for teenagers, “L’envol de Lena”, I knew how difficult the task was. She attacked the problem head-on and succeeded beyond my expectations obtaining, apart from reviews in specialty media, an entire page in “Le Parisien” (first French newspaper) and a TV appearance in “TF1’s” newscast (first French TV channel).  She attains amazing results because she puts her whole intelligence and creativity at the service of her authors. Guilaine not only mobilized her important journalist network, for my book she came up with a genuine marketing plan which included it in the current events. She encouraged me to reach out to the teenagers, to meet them in their French classes. This really touched me and profoundly changed my relationship with these readers from all walks of life, from all origins, and with whom I have passionate exchanges. Guilaine Depis is the magician who creates these unlikely encounters and extracts the substance that nourishes the journalists. Eric Jeux, author (teenage literature)

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Guilaine Depis has many qualities which makes her a charming person and, mainly, a PERFECT press agent. She is open-minded, brilliant, upfront, extremely dynamic and proactive. I was so satisfied with her services that I offered her another contract less than a year after we first met. During my career I’ve dealt with many press agents. In books, Guilaine Depis is the best. Marie Desjardins, author (novels)

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For the past fifty years I’ve published more than forty books with the most important publishing companies, and I have to say that I found one of the best press agents in Guilaine Depis. First, she privileged a solid network of critics and journalists who trust her, and this is crucial. Trust her judgement, her choices, her determination to defend what seems important to her. They listen, and this is rare. Then, she lives her era with an acute sense of communication transformation: she knows that today the review on a digital broadcast benefits from more space and allows a more perceptive, more subtle and detailed literary analysis, and thus more effective than on other media platforms. Finally, she is pleasant and honest, quick and responsive, and these are not the least of qualities. For all this, from the top of the Balustrade, her business, we see the future. François Coupry, author (essays and novels)

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I discovered Balustrade and its vibrant director Guilaine Depis online. And I like it. Rely on my intuition rather than my notebook. Give me a chance to meet someone unexpected, a personality, more than a standardized function. If I mention the bias of our meeting, it is that the work carried out on its site intrigued me, amazed. The richness of its content, the diversity of its authors, this greed displayed for eclectic subjects, its tone, its ease in writing. And then, this feeling that behind its lines and its images, I was going to meet an extraordinary person. I have not been disappointed! During our first telephone interview, I congratulated Guilaine for the quality of her site, her attention for each author and in all humility, she admitted to me that she owed it to her faithful and incomparable assistant Jasmine. I told myself that this pair was really an opportunity for my author. After nice exchanges by email, big phone discussions, we agreed to a meeting with Youri Fedotoff, my author. Jasmine did not open the door to Guilaine’s kingdom (the term is justified!) But welcomed us languidly on a sofa surrounded by plush toys. It took me a few minutes to understand that Jasmine was none other than the magnificent cat that spread out royally in the flower cushions and I loved that wink ! And knowing that the woman in front of me had in addition to her professionalism this dose of humor, of lightness which would make us months to come full of surprises! And surprises we had! First, his love for Russian literature and for Russia in general! My author is of Russian descent. One of Guilaine’s great passions. One of the reasons which led him to accept us among his clients (what a chance!). Then her unalterable enthusiasm which she often disguises with a pessimism displayed with her sentence « no obligation of results!  » Healthy attitude when you know a little about the French literary environment. And the results we have had and great! PPDA favorites, Russian Salon, filmed interview for a TV, articles on the novel, articles by my author in magazines. Very nice results given the complexity of our situation. New publishing house, young unknown author, novel with a historical background, a whole string of difficulties that Guilaine took at full load to make it a great literary adventure. Thank you Guilaine and long life to Balustrade! Olivia Petrucci, editor, Y&O Editions

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I hired Guilaine Depis in June 2016 to promote my novel “Panégyrique de l’empire”. Since then I’ve renewed her contract without any interruption. She served as a literary coach, then introduced me to two genuine publishers whom accepted to publish my books (when I met Guilaine I was self-publishing), thus giving me a new recognition in the eyes of several top-notch journalists, whom I then met thanks to her. Guilaine Depis consecutively defended “Qu’est-ce que l’islam ? Les sites internet le dévoilent.”, “Thanatos et Eros”, “La Guerre de France” and “Juste avant ma mort”. Our collaboration will continue in June 2019 for “La partition, remède à l’islamisation ?”. I intend to entrust her with another novel by the end of 2019. The fact that I have renewed Guilaine’s contract every six months for the past three years without interruption proves that I totally trust her in her abilities and her efficiency. Guilaine is an excellent press agent that I truly recommend, without an inch of hesitation,. Christian de Moliner, author (essays and novels)

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In 2017-2018 Guilaine Depis was the press agent for my short story collection entitled Oui et non, with the Valensin publishing house. She is an intelligent, generous and enthusiastic young woman, she is also full of energy. She knows how to adapt to each customer and each work she defends. She knew exactly how to aim for the press and the authors likely to love my work and talk about it. Despite the difficulty (short story collection, small publishing company, unknown author) we had several press articles the book wouldn’t have had without Guilaine Depis. This is a specific job (which, in my opinion, is not within the competence of the author), and I am happy I entrusted her with this work. Adriana Langer, author (short stories)

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Creative, efficient and pugnacious, Guilaine Depis has, besides the qualities of a good press agent, the quality of knowing how to listen and hear the requests of the people she assists in the framework of her activities. In her various missions, when conveying her ideas to the media she thinks best, in addition to her skills, she uses great finesse and perception. During my last two exhibitions: “Au coeur des bleus camaïeux : Camille Claudel et lui en duo” and “Camille ailleurs”, she introduced me to top-notch figures at the world of art, as well as talented journalists who wrote beautiful texts on my work, illustrating them with pictures of my artwork, in full pages or front pages of big newspapers. Her business name: “Balustrade” is in architecture, the name given to a continuation of little columns which carry a tablet serving as a support. Isabelle Béné, sculptor and architect (http://beneisabelle.com)

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As an artist my eye was drawn towards this young woman in high spirits, bubbly, brilliantly organizing the author’s interviews during a signing session for the release of a crime novel which was set in the very exclusive world of art; a large smile, always highly active and constantly multiplying! I immediately thought of Guilaine Depis to assist me as a Press agent during the opening of a Chinese sculptor’s exhibition, very famous in China, Yiming Min, who asked me to be the administrator of his first exhibition in France, at the “Espace Cardin” in Paris.   This opening was a true success thanks to the efficient network Guilaine Depis was able to maintain even though being a young press agent on the Parisian scene. The promotional effects came out in great numbers, and Mr. Yiming Min was himself surprised of the gigantic work she was able to achieve in very little time. Subsequently I had the chance to recommend her to another Chinese artist painter, Guo Defu, for his first exhibition in France, and again, Guilaine Depis’ efficiency did not diminish! Her extensive culture, her intelligence, her technical know-how, her perfect media knowledge, her mastery of situations is perfectly obvious and can only generate interest for this young media professional. Saulterre, sculptor and artist administrator

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The publishing house “Editions de EHESS” (School for Higher Education in Social Sciences) has greatly appreciated Guilaine Depis’ dynamism, team spirit and professionalism who successfully worked to maintain and develop the existing approach and to provide her personality and her network with much generosity. During these nine months of collaboration she was able to promote more than thirty new works or issues of magazines, to the great satisfaction of the authors, ensure the release of a new collection, organize the successful presence of the “Editions” at the Paris book fair as well as during many events and debates. Guilaine Depis can lean on these highly positive results to succeed in her approaches and professional path to come. She has adapted to a specific publishing environment in no time. We are confident she will also give great satisfaction if another editorial style is asked of her. Her adaptability is remarkable. Christophe Prochasson, Director of the publishing house “Editions de l’EHESS” (School for Higher Education in Social Sciences)

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About the permanent contract experience during 4 years at the publishing house “Editions des Femmes”- Antoinette Fouque:

Transcribed Passage of Antoinette Fouque’s show “Citoyen d’honneur” on the Parliamentary Chanel (First broadcasting on 31st March 2009 at 8:30 AM) Nathalie Cuman, journalist: How do you look upon these children, most of the time coming from new family constellations? Antoinette Fouque : (…) So, what do you want, I love these young girls, I find them always magnificent… Look at my press agent also, she’s a young woman, very performant, very beautiful and very proactive… – it’s a funny term…  – yes, but precisely, she’s performant but without any violence, without battle, simply because she’s passionate of what she does… – Laugh  – why are you laughing ? – In your mouth it makes me laugh  – Why? – I don’t know  – But performance can be poetic, political or athletic – In today’s society it’s a strangely connotated word, which, in reality, is evidently not very positive  – “Nice girl” if you want, I don’t know: “Nice girls” who make something with their lives.