Reader2writer Press LLC
Reader2writer is run by a collection of creative people all dedicated to developing top-notch materials and stories in the industry of publishing and media. Their starting point was with Dead Avenue Vol. 1 where they created an anthology of 8 horrific short tales by 8 separate authors. Dead Avenue Vol. 2, which will be out this September, will include 8 more tales from new authors. From there, they will expand into novellas and eventually novels. Their mission is to provide a platform for authors, editors, and illustrators to submit their works, but also to gain publishing credits and the necessary experience to work in the publishing field. More importantly, our aim is to develop meaningful relationships based on a set of ethical practices designed to foster 'best for all' outcomes and products.
Brian Hershey (Editor and Publisher at Reader2Writer Press) responded to the following questions:
What do you look for in a manuscript?
Beyond the guidelines, we want to read vivid descriptions, purposeful narrations, and authentic dialogue with the uniqueness of an idea and well-developed characters that represent modern day society. Certainly, this applies to all fiction manuscripts, but we want to see it through the elements of horror. Being a horror publisher, we seek new approaches to classic monsters as well as fresh metaphors for current evil.
How did you get your name?
My professional career began as a Reading Educator in a middle school. Later, I added Writing to my teaching disciplines and authored a book. Thus, the phrase ‘reader to writer’ was established. It is also applied to students learning to read and write. Often students would be inspired to create a story of their own by reading a book in class or one they checked out from the library. The same applied to adults. Many adult authors were avid readers who turned to writing. Because of this, we are building an author support network and learning platform that is similar to what was originally designed so many years back for middle school students.
Is there an event, publication, or any kind of change happening in the next year that you are particularly excited about and would like to share?
As of October 1, 2024, R2W Press launched its first anthology titled Dead Avenue. Our intent is for this to be an ongoing anthology series with each volume containing 8 horrifying tales. Currently, we are accepting submissions for Dead Avenue Vol. 2 set to be released fall of 2025.
We also offer editing services that include Manuscript Review, Structural Editing, and Copy Editing. We specialize in Horror, but also Fantasy and Science Fiction. Concerning non-fiction, we specialize in Writing Craft (How-to’s) and the Field of Education.
What do you believe makes Reader2Writer most unique?
Reader2writer Press began with humble beginnings as a means to engage reluctant readers and as a platform to provide additional instruction. Over the years, the platform has morphed into a traditional publishing company that produces books for adolescents and adults.
What stories are you most interested in telling and representing at Reader2Writer?
Currently, we look to publish within the Horror genre for both adolescents and adults.
Reader2Writer