As a publisher, husband, and father among other things, I often find myself juggling many responsibilities. Despite these responsibilities, my dedication to Huntsville Independent Press remains steadfast. The mission behind HIP is rooted not only in my personal experiences, but in my beliefs as well - and I am proud to share with you the journey that has shaped our publishing house into what it is today.
Genesis
The inception of HIP was not a spontaneous decision. It was born from a deep-seated passion for literature and a desire to provide a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard. My journey into the world of publishing began with a realization of the profound impact that writing and literature have on our lives.
Growing up, I was heavily influenced by my upbringing in the church. Being naturally introverted, most of my closest connections were with the elderly members of the congregation. Their friendship and approval were elemental to my behavior as a child. As they began to pass away, one by one, I realized that the only way they could live on was through the memories of those they left behind, including myself. This realization sparked a desire within me to find a way to preserve these memories and stories for future generations. As a side note, I have tried - and still do - to take my favorite thing about someone I love, and integrate it into my character when they pass. I understand that this may not be normal per se, but after so many funerals one feels a certain way simply observing rather than doing something productive with the opportunity laid out before them.
Writing a book is the closest thing beyond divine intervention to immortality that a person can attain. Humans have a deep drive to leave something behind when they go and authorship, in my opinion, is the best way to do it by far. This belief became the foundation for Huntsville Independent Press, but it has grown into far more than I could ever have dreamed. I wanted to create a publishing house that values integrity, creativity, and the preservation of stories that might otherwise be forgotten - but instead I built a home.
Our Philosophy
At Huntsville Independent Press, our philosophy is centered around empowerment and authenticity. We believe that every author has a unique voice and story to tell, and it is our responsibility to help them bring that story to life. This philosophy is personal to me, reflecting my own values as well as those of every decent person in the industry, I should think.
One of the core principles of HIP is to provide a platform for diverse voices. Growing up in Huntsville, Alabama, I was exposed to a rich tapestry of cultures and perspectives. This diversity has significantly influenced my worldview and has become a cornerstone of our publishing philosophy. We are committed to publishing works that reflect the multifaceted nature of human experience, from different cultural backgrounds to various genres and styles.
Every Step of the Way
One of the most rewarding aspects of running HIP is the opportunity to support authors throughout their publishing journey. From the initial manuscript submission to the final product, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support. This includes editorial services, cover design, marketing strategies, and distribution.
Our editorial team is passionate about nurturing talent and helping authors refine their work. We believe that the editing process should be a collaborative effort. With the author’s vision at the forefront, our goal is to enhance the manuscript while preserving the their unique voice and style.
Cover design is another critical aspect of our publishing process (and one that we offer as a service.) We understand that a well-designed cover is essential in capturing the reader’s attention and conveying the essence of the book. Our team of talented designers work closely with the press and our authors to create visually compelling covers that properly arouse their target audience.
Marketing and distribution are equally important in ensuring the success of a book. We develop tailored marketing strategies for each title, leveraging social media, targeted advertising, and a few more strategies that are currently under development. Our distribution network ensures that our books reach a wide audience, both nationally and internationally. We also happen to offer our distribution services to authors at an efficient cost, providing avenues of success for authors at every stage of their journey.
The Troubles
Running a publishing house comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is navigating the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry. With the rise of digital platforms and self-publishing, traditional publishing houses must continuously adapt to stay relevant. I have found my time at HIP often spent finding new ways to innovate and advance the essence of what publishing really means.
At HIP, we embrace these changes and strive to leverage new technologies to our advantage. We always publish both print and digital formats for our books, ensuring that we cater to a diverse range of readers. Additionally, we are constantly finding ways to improve upon publishing traditions that span generations of past work by our predecessors.
This drive for change has been the determining factor in several innovations that HIP has made in the past two years alone. As far as I know, we are the only publishing house where all of our employees work remotely and still retain in-house titles and benefits. We pioneered and pilot-tested a new kind of internship in 2023 that offers much more than just in-field experience.
The NexGEN Leadership Initiative is the only publishing internship that offers college credits, hands-on experience, certification of completion and excellence, provides letters of recommendation and job placement assistance for interns. Additionally, our internships offer certified instructors and industry expert courses and lectures, as well as personalized mentoring opportunities.
HIP is the only press where an author can roll up during any phase of their book’s journey and receive a range of assistance and advisement. With the addition of our newest employee, Kimberly Ballard, there is no arena of book publishing where Huntsville Independent Press doesn’t slam the competition in price and quality. From ghostwriting and shelf ready formatting and cover creation to cost-effective book printing with micro-print runs, HIP is prepared to take any author to the next level.
For authors who seek traditional publication, there is no better home for their book than here at Huntsville Independent Press. Every contract in our filing cabinet starts at 40%. Authors here can earn up to 60% either based on sales, or by initial contract negotiation, and it’s something that we’re very proud of. It isn’t easy to bring a book to market, ensuring that the book receives the attention and marketing coverage that it requires to succeed without sacrificing a large portion of what the creator of the product is due - but we do it every day, and we make it look easy.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on my journey with HIP, I am reminded of the many personal experiences that have shaped my vision for the publishing house. One such example was the initial publication of Soul to Soul: Tiny Stories of Hope and Resilience. Soul to Soul, or STS, as it is fondly labeled in the office was a journey in every sense of the word. Not only was STS our first published title, but it was also a conglomeration of many wonderful elements. From the brilliant storytelling by Faye Rapoport DesPres, to the timeless artwork by famed European artist Anya Lauchlan, Soul to Soul took nearly a year to complete, evolving from storyboard-esque outlines and notes to the unique piece of literature that it is today. Serving as a beautiful coffee table book for some, and a memorable book of self-reflection to others, Soul to Soul is a labor of love that will not soon be forgotten. Even as we speak, HIP is gearing up for a grand re-release that will aid in delivering the book into the hands of readers who will cherish it forever.
Another case that comes to mind is that of A Dreamer’s Tale. ADT is the first children’s book that HIP will publish. Coming this December, A Dreamer’s Tale chronicles the story of a young elephant named Todd, who discovers that he has a special power to banish terrible things from the world he inhabits. ADT is a deeply personal commentary about childhood abuse, told in its purest form - through the eyes of the child, himself. Whether Todd’s story makes it as a bestseller or not, we are determined to get the book into the hands of children who need a reminder that they can bring about the changes they wish for themselves, and shine as a beacon of hope for others in a similar position. At HIP, we remain dedicated to those who have not - for we aim to kill the sequel.
Building a Legacy
As I look to the future, my vision for Huntsville Independent Press is imbued with a sense of profound fondness and optimism. HIP is not just a publishing house; it is a living testament to the power of stories and the enduring human spirit. Each book we publish is a brick in the foundation of a legacy that aims to inspire, uplift, and transform.
The work we do at HIP is wonderfully meaningful to me. Every manuscript that crosses my desk represents a dream, a voice longing to be heard, and a story yearning to be told. It is an honor and a privilege to guide these stories from the minds of their creators into the hands of eager readers. There is a unique joy in witnessing an author's journey from the initial spark of an idea to the moment they hold their published book for the first time. This process is not just about producing books; it’s about nurturing dreams and leaving something behind.
Looking forward, our mission is to continue empowering authors and celebrating the diversity of human experience. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive community where creativity can thrive. This involves expanding our outreach efforts, connecting with local news outlets, attending literary festivals, and participating in community events to increase our visibility and reach a broader audience. We also aim to establish partnerships with educational institutions to promote literacy and support aspiring writers.
Our vision for HIP's future is bright and full of promise. We are exploring innovative ways to vanguard the quickly evolving landscape of the publishing industry, leading the way, and developing strategies that ensure our authors’ voices are heard far and wide. We are driven by a forward-facing sentiment that embraces change while honoring the timeless art of storytelling.
The legacy we are building is one of Honor, Integrity, and Purpose - our commitment to the written word. Each book we publish, each author we support, and each reader we reach is a step toward a future where literature continues to illuminate the human experience in all its complexity and beauty.
Huntsville Independent Press is more than a business; it is a manifestation of all our deepest values and dreams. It stands as a beacon of hope and creativity in a world that needs both more now than ever. As we grow and evolve, our dedication to integrity, diversity, and excellence will remain at the core of everything we do. We are excited about the future and look forward to contributing to the rich tapestry of life for many years to come.
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