We believe in the power of creativity, human connection, and great stories.
Meet Ashley
Preserving the humanity in storytelling matters most to founder, Ashley, who wrote her first novel (a Star Wars fanfic) at age 11. She holds an MA in English Literature from Claremont Graduate University, where she taught writing to graduate students. Her work there unlocked a passion for uplifting great authors possessed by great stories. Now she does exactly that with fantasy authors at WTD Press.
Meet Alyssa
Alyssa holds a PhD in Literature from Claremont Graduate University, where she and Ashley met, but her love of books began with Brandon Sanderson novels handed down by her big brother. Now she supports authors with WTD Press through editing at all stages of the writing process.
Meet Our Authors
Steve Johnson
Steve traces his interest in storytelling to close family relationships and growing up in Northern Michigan. Those long winters provided ample opportunity to learn the value of a well-spun tale. He has spent most of his career working in non-profit organizations and has always been an avid reader and dedicated lifelong learner. He thoroughly enjoys creating chaos for his characters in the distant future. In the present, his favorite pastime is spending time with his wife and grown children, playing games, telling stories, and plotting the next adventure.
Piper Sands
Piper Sands is a fantasy author who blends a deep appreciation for classic literature with character-driven stories rooted in myth and fairytale tradition. She holds a B.A. in English from Sonoma State University and an M.A. in English Literature from Claremont Graduate University.
Raised on the Central Coast of California in a family of surfers, open-water swimmers, and divers, her appreciation of the ocean was nurtured from before she learned to walk. When she wasn't at the beach, scanning the water for mermaids, she was lost in the pages of a book.
Piper now lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her wonderful husband and two amazing children. She spends as much time as she can on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, throwing rocks into the water and teaching her kids to look for mermaids.
What Sets Us Apart
Stories by Humans, for Humans
We know AI is out there and it may even have a place in research in some small way—but the work we put forward is human-made. We believe firmly in centering the human creative process with all its bumps, bruises, and difficulties. That’s where the real spark lies.
Long-term Relationships
We’re not looking for the next big hit—we’re looking for great stories and great people to work with. The worlds we share in our catalog are ones we hope readers will want to return to again and again.
Process Meets Flexibility
We’re here to provide a roadmap with deadlines that make sense. Our authors retain control of their rights and their schedule and work in tandem with us to craft their final product.