Author photo of Ti Mikkel, lead title The Archivist.
City Owl Press blends traditional publishing excellence with indie innovation, empowering authors and captivating readers worldwide.
The Rise of City Owl Press: Crafting Stories that Matter
It was 2014 when Yelena Casale and Tina Moss, along with a dedicated team, set out on a mission to break the mold of the traditional publishing world. They believed that there was a void in the market for stories that were not only imaginative and diverse but emotionally resonant and deeply human. From the very beginning, City Owl Press stood for something different, a dynamic, full-service independent publisher dedicated to giving a voice to authors and stories that deserved to be heard.
Starting in New York City, a hub for the literary world, City Owl Press quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to publishing. It wasn’t just about putting out books; it was about crafting experiences, stories that transported readers to new worlds, characters they could connect with, and narratives that challenged and inspired. This vision quickly captured the hearts of authors and readers alike, and the press began to build a catalog that resonated far beyond expectations.
The Heart of City Owl Press: Author Collaboration and Creative Integrity
What sets City Owl Press apart is its commitment to creative collaboration. In an industry often focused on profit margins and quick turnover, City Owl Press believes in taking the time to nurture each book from conception to completion. Authors aren’t just seen as commodities; they are partners in the journey. The press provides a hands-on editorial approach, offering personalized feedback and support throughout the creative process.
But the collaborative spirit doesn’t end with the writing. City Owl Press also places a strong emphasis on marketing and distribution. Their in-house marketing team works tirelessly to ensure that every book reaches its full potential, connecting with readers through major retailers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as independent bookstores across the country. And with the growing power of social media, City Owl Press has successfully embraced platforms like Goodreads and TikTok (#BookTok), where passionate fanbases amplify the impact of their titles.
Tina Moss, Chief Operating Officer, believes in empowering authors through every stage of their publishing journey. “Our mission has always been to give authors the tools and support they need to succeed while maintaining creative control over their work,” she says. “Every author we work with is an important part of our mission, and we do our best to treat their stories with the care they deserve.”
The Road to National Retail Placement
For an independent publisher, breaking into the national retail scene is no easy feat. Yet, City Owl Press has accomplished this with impressive success. One of their notable achievements came with Charissa Weaks’ bestselling Witch Walker series. Securing placement for these books in Barnes & Noble marked a major step in expanding City Owl Press’s retail visibility and getting their titles into the hands of a wider audience. This partnership was not just about selling books; it was about creating lasting relationships with readers who shared a love for high-quality, genre-defying stories.
Moreover, City Owl Press has remained nimble, quickly adapting to trends in popular genres, particularly romantasy, fantasy, and romance. This adaptability has allowed them to attract and cultivate an audience that is passionate about these genres, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
A New Frontier in Romance: The Launch of The Archivist by Ti Mikkel
One of the most highly anticipated releases from City Owl Press in 2025 was The Archivist by Ti Mikkel, a junior writer to George R.R. Martin, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Game of Thrones. This book was a game-changer, signaling City Owl Press’s ability to attract high-caliber talent and expand its reach into genre-blending romance.
The Archivist tells the story of an enigmatic protagonist, a unique take on time travel, and a plot brimming with mystery, romance, and family secrets. As George R. R. Martin himself put it, “The best debut novel I’ve read in years, a page-turner with a fresh and original take on time travel.” This glowing endorsement set the stage for what has become one of the most exciting novels of the year.
The book quickly garnered attention from both critics and readers, with praise from bestselling authors like Lev Grossman and David Anthony Durham, who described it as “fast, sexy, and so, so smart,” and a “breakout thriller packed with huge characters.” For City Owl Press, this release was not just a milestone, it was a statement of their position as a powerhouse of creativity and innovation within the independent publishing space.
What Makes City Owl Press Unique?
City Owl Press isn’t just another indie publisher. What makes it truly unique is its commitment to blending the best of both worlds, traditional publishing quality and indie innovation. They have succeeded in creating a niche that allows for creative freedom while maintaining professional excellence.
Where other publishers may focus on volume or niche trends, City Owl Press focuses on partnership, offering personalized support and guidance to every author in their stable. Each book receives individual attention, with a dedicated editorial and marketing team that works to develop and position every title for both critical and commercial success.
Furthermore, the press is firmly grounded in its commitment to inclusivity, embracing diverse voices and ensuring that every story, whether it’s a high fantasy epic, a heartwarming small town romance, or an innovative work of speculative fiction, has the space to thrive. City Owl Press is a place where authors can create freely, and readers can experience stories that are both imaginative and deeply meaningful.
The Future of City Owl Press: Empowering Authors and Readers Alike
As City Owl Press looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to continue empowering authors and delivering exceptional stories to readers around the world. The press is committed to growing its catalog, expanding its reach, and exploring new formats that allow them to continue pushing the boundaries of what independent publishing can be. With the continued support of both its loyal readers and the authors who trust the press with their stories, City Owl Press is poised to continue its ascent as a leader in the publishing world.
For more information, visit City Owl Press, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, or check out their latest releases.
Sources:
