Author Ownership
The author’s voice and work remain theirs. Professional support should help authors bring their work forward while respecting their ownership.
The story behind the press
Independent in spirit.
Intentional in every edition.
Black Douglas Press is an independent publishing company created from firsthand experience with the decisions, frustrations, opportunities, and production work that bring a manuscript into publication.
We exist to produce strong books—and give authors professional support, clear choices, and respect for their ownership and creative voice.
A name with conviction
The courage to take
an independent path.
Meaningful work sometimes asks us to find our own way forward.
The Black Douglas Press name draws inspiration from the historical Black Douglas tradition and the qualities it evokes for us: courage, independence, loyalty, resilience, and determination.
For the press, those qualities express a commitment to stand behind meaningful work, remain faithful to the writer’s voice, and bring care and determination to the process of making books.
It is a name for a company that values an independent path—and the responsibility that comes with choosing one.
An identity with intention
More than a mark.
A reminder of the work.
These are the meanings Black Douglas Press gives its emblem: the values we intend to carry into our books and our work with authors.
- The sword
- Courage, purpose, and the willingness to defend the integrity of the work.
- The crown
- Stewardship, responsibility, and ownership.
- The heart
- The human voice and meaning behind the work.
- The three stars
- A visual connection to the heraldic identity of the Black Douglas name.
- Gold & silver
- Strength, permanence, craftsmanship, and quality.
The author’s work comes first
Publishing should serve the work—not take ownership of it.
Another path to publication.
An informed choice at every stage.
Black Douglas Press grew from experience on the author’s side of publishing: writing, revising, formatting, evaluating publishing options, preparing editions, and navigating the decisions between a manuscript and a finished book.
That experience shaped a simple philosophy. Authors should understand their choices, know what they are paying for, receive professional assistance where they need it, and retain ownership of their work.
Ownership matters because the voice, meaning, and creative effort behind a book belong to its author. Our role is to help the work reach readers with care, while respecting the person who created it.
We are developing an à la carte publishing-support model around that philosophy. Final service scope, availability, and pricing will be shared when confirmed.
Our approach to publishing servicesFour principles. One standard.
Respect the author.
Serve the book.
The choices we make as a press begin here.
Professional Production
Books deserve thoughtful editing, design, formatting, and preparation. Each stage should serve the work and the reader’s experience.
Flexible Services
Authors should be able to obtain the support their particular book needs, rather than being forced into a one-size-fits-all package.
Transparent Choices
Authors should understand the scope, options, costs, and decisions involved before moving forward.
A publishing house. Many possibilities.
Distinct voices.
A shared home.
Black Douglas Press is being built as a multi-author independent publishing house.
Our list begins with Russell L. Irby, the press’s founder and first author. The company’s purpose extends beyond one writer’s work: we are creating a home for distinct voices in fiction and nonfiction whose books fit the standards and direction of the press.
That community is at its beginning. As the press develops, our aim is to make room for different perspectives while maintaining a shared commitment to purposeful work, careful production, and respect for authors.
Meet Our AuthorsBuilt for the long view
A press with room to grow.
An identity built to last.
Black Douglas Press is being built for longevity: a growing catalog, a home for additional authors, thoughtfully developed publishing support, and a recognizable independent identity. These are the directions guiding our work as the company develops.
The name may be old. The mission is decidedly current: strong books, independent voices, and authors who remain owners of their work.