a literary collective
THE VISION
Westwind is a curated literary collective and independent imprint for emotionally resonant fiction and nonfiction.
The collective is built around the belief that independent publishing can be beautiful, rigorous, emotionally resonant, and culturally meaningful. We champion independently published writers whose work aligns with the Westwind sensibility.
Authors retain ownership of their work while gaining inclusion in the Westwind ecosystem: a literary identity, curated discovery platform, shared visibility, editorial support, (re)launch support, and, eventually, collective distribution pathways.
i wrote a quiet book
THE STORY BEHIND THE VISION
Number one rule if you want to publish traditionally: don’t write a quiet book. But I love quiet books. Intimate relationships, friendship, family, place, atmosphere — atmosphere — the mess and sorrow and joy of being an ordinary human. All my favorite books are these kinds of books.
The market for quiet literary and upmarket fiction is not friendly, and the chances of publishing this book traditionally are slim. Even as I’ve had some interest from agents and have not entirely struck out yet, I’ve come to understand that the publishing business might be bad for my health. As a neurodivergent person teetering on the edge of burnout, I actually KNOW it would be bad for my health.
And yet, I want to publish this book.
I know someone reading this has put their genuinely extraordinary book in a drawer because the idea of self-publishing seemed too overwhelming or embarrassing or horrid. Or did self-publish but didn’t have the energy or access to viable channels to market. But if we worked together, wouldn’t it be easier and more fun?
I envision collective imprints as the future of independent publishing. Readers and reviewers know what kind of book they’re reading because of the imprint. Distributors change their models to work with us because our books sell.
In all my work, I look to the future where resonance is the force that guides us, not marketing budgets.
This is just an idea right now. But if you think it might be a good one, please reach out!
(a mockup)