ReadersMagnet has been named a finalist for the 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the Pacific Southwest. This is the second time that the San Diego-based self-publishing and book marketing company has been nominated for the prestigious award bestowed by the accrediting body that monitors businesses and organizations throughout San Diego, Orange, and Imperial Counties.

ReadersMagnet was just one of the 24 businesses honored at a ceremony held last Sept. 17, 2024, at La Jolla Marriott, La Jolla Marriot. The company was nominated in the Category Two – 2-5 Employees and the only publishing company and digital marketing services provider nominated at this year’s BBB Serving the Pacific Southwest 2024 Torch Awards.

What is the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics?

First held in 1996, the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics is given to businesses and organizations that uphold the highest standards of integrity and best practices in leadership in all aspects of their operations. Businesses that have won the Torch Awards for Ethics have demonstrated exceptional leadership character and outstanding organizational ethics that benefit their customers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders.

To be considered for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, a business or organization has to be nominated by a customer and submit an application. Finalists are chosen based on four categories – character, culture, customer, and community – by an independent panel of volunteer community leaders based on criteria established by the International Association of Better Business Bureaus. Any for-profit business or organization, whatever its industry or size, has to be in good standing with the BBB by displaying the highest levels of marketplace ethics.

John Carl Abines Vice-President of ReadersMagnet with Matthew Fehling the President & CEO of BBB

ReadersMagnet as a BBB-accredited business

A BBB-accredited business or organization must build, establish, and maintain a reputation for fostering an authentic work culture among its employees, prioritizing its relationship with customers, and creating a positive impact in the community it serves.

ReadersMagnet happens to be one such business that makes it its personal responsibility to provide exceptional services and results for its clients and operate at the highest standards every day.

Accredited since 2018, the self-publishing and book marketing company has attained a BBB rating of A- and a customer rating of 4.69 out of 5 (as of Sept. 20, 2024). This only shows how committed ReadersMagnet has been over the years in exemplifying the highest levels of integrity in the marketplace.

John Carl Abines Vice-President of ReadersMagnet with Matthew
Fehling the President & CEO of BBB


Take, for instance, the number of customer reviews it has received since its accreditation. While it basks in the mostly positive reviews from satisfied authors and prospects, it cannot just ignore the handful of customer complaints the self-publishing and book marketing company has received from disgruntled prospects and even dissatisfied clients.

ReadersMagnet is more than just one of the best book publishing companies based in San Diego, CA. It is first and foremost a BBB-accredited business that values transparency, openness, accountability, respect, and seriousness in its relationship with both clients and prospects. The company strives to respond proactively and promptly to customer complaints on the BBB website. It addresses all complaints head-on and in the most professional manner possible and resolve them to the best of its ability.

Addressing every negative customer experience upfront and as best as possible is a strength of every reputable BBB-accredited business. As a BBB-accredited publishing house, ReadersMagnet empathizes with dissatisfied customers, understands their perspectives, and never hesitates to apologize if needed. From there, the company turns negative feedback into a learning opportunity to enhance its services.

ReadersMagnet as a BBB Torch Awards for Ethics finalist

ReadersMagnet was the only publishing house spotlighted for excellence in ethical business practices during the 2024 Torch Awards. This was the second time the self-publishing and book marketing company was nominated for such a prestigious award since 2022.

“Exceptional customer service, transparency, integrity, and ethical practices are the foundation of what we do in ReadersMagnet,” said Vice President John Carl O. Abines. “For a start-up like us, we are extremely thankful to be honored by the Better Business Bureau for our work and service. I thank BBB for considering ReadersMagnet for this prestigious award.

“While we are beyond happy to be honored by the BBB, this recognition would not have been possible without the authors’ faith in us and our team’s hard work. We also owe it to our community partners Adjoin and UPLIFT for allowing us the privilege to serve and the opportunity to create a greater impact in the community.

More than awards and recognitions, ReadersMagnet is a brand that is passionate about helping authors share their stories with the world, empowering employees in a dynamic and inclusive environment, and engaging the community. The recognition by Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the Pacific Southwest at the 2024 Torch Awards for Ethics reflects ReadersMagnet’s longstanding and ongoing commitment to outstanding marketplace ethics and exceptional customer service.