I spent 15 years working in school governance and educational leadership. I watched brilliant educators struggle to get their ideas into print while marketing-friendly fluff got six-figure advances.
When traditional publishers rejected meaningful work because “the market’s too niche” or “we need guaranteed bestsellers,” I realized the gatekeepers were failing the people who actually had something to say.
Then people I know decided to write their stories.
J T Owens had notebooks full of crime fiction. She’d written for years but never imagined becoming “a real author.” We worked together to publish her first book. Then her second. Then a third. We worked together to publish her first book. Then her second. Then a third.
She now has three books on Amazon, her grandchildren have copies on their shelves, and she gets messages from readers.
My wife Sophie wanted to share her transformative journey to Belize in 1995, but traditional publishers weren’t interested in “another travel memoir.” We published Belize & Beyond, and it’s reached readers around the world who connect deeply with the journey from self-doubt to self-discovery.
That’s when I understood what Red Lodge Publications needed to be.
Not a vanity press. Not traditional gatekeepers. Just honest, professional publishing for people whose stories deserve to exist in the world.
Who’ve spent careers developing expertise that could change how thousands approach their practice – but who can’t wait 18 months for publishers to reject them or water down their ideas.
People like J T Owens and my wife Sophie – who’ve lived remarkable lives and want to leave something lasting for their families and communities.
Both deserve professional publishing. Both deserve to be taken seriously. Both deserve better than “sorry, not for us.”
Red Lodge represents three distinct ventures under one family business:
– RED LODGE PUBLICATIONS (helping people publish books)
– Red Lodge Ceramics (handmade pottery and workshops)
– Red Lodge Learning (governance consultancy)
All three share a common thread: craftsmanship, expertise, and caring deeply about getting things right.
We’ll discuss your project, answer questions, and determine if we’re
the right fit. Everything you need to know about Red Lodge Publications is here on the site, but a 20-minute call usually answers the remaining questions faster.
No hard sell. No pressure. Just honest conversation about your book.
