City Owl Press empowers authors with a unique publishing experience, blending creativity, support, and innovation.
In the world of publishing, authors often feel like they’re just another name on a long list. They struggle to stand out amidst the noise, unsure if their voices will be heard or their work will be truly appreciated. That’s where City Owl Press comes in, an independent publisher that doesn’t just focus on books, but on building careers and nurturing creativity. Founded in 2014 by authors Yelena Casale and Tina Moss, City Owl Press is reshaping the traditional publishing model by offering personalized support and a collaborative experience that empowers authors to thrive.
If you’re an author looking to make your mark, it’s time to pay attention to how City Owl Press is reshaping the publishing world. Let’s explore how this indie press is not only helping authors publish books, but also build lasting, sustainable careers in an increasingly competitive industry.
A Publisher with Purpose: City Owl Press’s Founding Story
The story of City Owl Press is rooted in a passion for the craft of storytelling and a commitment to empowering authors. The idea for the press emerged when Yelena Casale, an award-winning author, and Tina Moss, a USA Today bestselling author, saw the gap in the industry for a publishing house that treated authors as more than just writers. They wanted a publisher that would nurture and elevate careers.
Their shared vision was clear: create a space for authors to thrive, not just through the publishing process, but through the entire journey. City Owl Press wouldn’t be a one-hit-wonder publisher; it would be a place where authors could build sustainable careers, develop their voices, and connect with an audience who truly values their work.
What made City Owl Press stand out from the start was its founders’ deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of publishing. Yelena’s Master of Science in Publishing from NYU and Tina’s dual background in psychology and business gave them the perfect combination of expertise to help guide authors through the complexities of the publishing world.
The Road to Success: Overcoming Early Hurdles
Starting a new business, especially in a competitive field like publishing, is never easy. For City Owl Press, the early years were full of challenges, financial constraints, distribution limitations, and the unpredictability of the indie publishing market. But Yelena and Tina approached these obstacles not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow.
“We didn’t have the luxury of a large team or huge financial backing, but we had determination and a clear vision,” says Yelena Casale. “We knew we could bring something special to the market if we just stayed true to our mission of empowering authors.”
Their persistence paid off, and after extensive research and a strong focus on quality over quantity, City Owl Press gradually began to gain recognition. Their unique approach to publishing, which emphasized individual author support and personalized strategies, began to resonate with writers who were looking for something more than just a publishing contract.
Key Milestones: Breaking Through in the Industry
City Owl Press’s breakthrough moment came when they signed Ti Mikkel, the writing assistant for George R.R. Martin and writer for the TV series House of the Dragon. Ti’s debut novel, The Archivist, received positive reviews and significantly raised City Owl Press’s profile.
But Ti Mikkel wasn’t the only notable author to join the press. Over the years, City Owl Press expanded its author roster and continued to attract talented writers from a wide range of genres. In addition to partnerships with authors, the company began forming strategic alliances with key players in the publishing world. These partnerships enabled them to bring print books to global distribution through Two Rivers Distribution, an Ingram company. The company also forged valuable relationships with SBR Media, an agency known for its work with foreign rights and film/TV representation.
One of City Owl Press’s most innovative initiatives came with the creation of Deluxe Limited Editions for fantasy romance (or romantasy) books. These stunning, collectible editions resonated with passionate fanbases, helping the press carve out its own space in the crowded world of fantasy and romantic fiction.
What Makes City Owl Press Different?
At its core, City Owl Press is driven by a deep respect for readers. The press’s success doesn’t lie in churning out books quickly; it comes from treating each work as a long-term investment.
What truly sets City Owl Press apart is its focus on collaboration and community. The press doesn’t just publish books, it works closely with authors to develop strategies that go beyond the written page. From marketing support and branding strategies to social media coaching, City Owl Press partners with its authors every step of the way. They provide the resources, tools, and insights to help authors build a brand that resonates with their audience and sustains their careers.
“We don’t just want our authors to have a book on the shelves; we want them to have a thriving career,” says Tina Moss. “That means we offer a full publishing experience, one that includes everything from marketing to career tips.”
City Owl Press is also inclusive, providing a platform for authors from diverse backgrounds and embracing a wide array of genres. The press has developed a reputation for being a supporter of underrepresented voices, particularly in urban fantasy, paranormal romance, sci-fi romance, and other niche genres. This dedication to diversity has earned City Owl Press a loyal following and established the press as a champion for authors who may otherwise struggle to find a home in traditional publishing.
A Bright Future: What’s Next for City Owl Press?
City Owl Press has come a long way since its founding in 2014, and the future looks incredibly promising. The press continues to expand its reach with new partnerships and distribution channels, ensuring that its authors’ work is seen by even more readers worldwide.
As an established presence at major events like New York Comic Con and BookCon, City Owl Press is constantly forging connections with fans and industry professionals. Their focus on author-centric publishing has earned them a reputation for being one of the most forward-thinking presses in the industry, and their roster of bestselling authors continues to grow.
Looking ahead, City Owl Press plans to continue pushing boundaries. From introducing new limited-edition collectibles to exploring foreign markets and audiobook production, the press remains committed to creating unique opportunities for its authors to succeed.
“We’re not just here for the short term,” says Yelena Casale. “We’re here to build lasting careers for authors. We’ll continue evolving with the industry to make sure we’re always offering the best support possible.”
Why Choose City Owl Press?
For authors seeking more than just a publishing deal, City Owl Press offers an experience that goes beyond the standard contract. With its emphasis on quality, individualized attention, and career development, the press provides an environment where authors can truly excel.
If you’re looking for a publisher that sees your work as more than just a product, if you want a partner that will support your growth and help you navigate the publishing world with confidence, then City Owl Press may be the perfect fit for you.
Visit City Owl Press to learn more about their author services and explore their growing catalog of titles.
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