SALEM, Mass. – Last week, Lauren Devora announced on social media that she and her friend, ZG Burnett had made the decision to start their own publishing company.
The two friends had discovered they shared an enthusiasm for similar types of written works. Devora told TWH, “Well, my friend ZG and I are huge fans of all kinds of paranormal writing, both fiction and nonfiction.”
Both Devora and Burnett are writers and Witches and share a love of the esoteric, the mythological, and also of history. And they are very invested in the Salem community.
“We’d discussed what we’d love to see happen in the literary scene in Salem and then one day it came up in conversation and finally we just said ‘want to start a company together?'” Devora continued with a smile, “It was very organic and is definitely from both our hearts.”
The name they chose for their new company is Old Saltbox Publishing, LLC in honor and recognition of the work of writer and folklorist, Robert Ellis Cahill.
Devora explained the connection, “Yes, he’s absolutely our literary ancestor. His company went defunct in 2014 and he passed in 2005. We saw this as a chance to respectfully revive his company and we have things in the works we’re not able to discuss yet, but we think they’ll honor his legacy in the absolute best ways.”
Cahill, who was born in Salem, wrote dozens of books on New England, many that explored mysterious stories and myths of the region. He also wrote about the Salem Witch Trials and how the legal system persecuted anyone who was perceived as different.
Devora studied creative writing at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, and to date has written five books and two screenplays. She self-published her first two books in the Children of Lilith series. By her own admission she “has been obsessed with the fantastical, thrilling, macabre, and mythological” for as long as she can remember. She identifies as a Celtic Pagan priestess and a Witch.
Lauren Devora – Photo credit: Lauren Hall
Burnett, who holds a Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, works as a writer and researcher with a background in early American history and material culture. She is also a practicing Witch. Her work has been published in a variety of publications, and she is currently working on her first book on preppy Witchcraft.
ZG Burnett – [courtesy]
Devora outlined their core values and plans, “We’re women-owned and operated, and both of us are practicing witches. We have plans to open up for submissions in 2022 and yes, we definitely want to be publishing pagan and witch works and authors. Our goal, other than to educate and entertain, is to give a voice to the marginalized and underrepresented communities. That includes LGBTQIA and BIPOC authors.”
Opportunities for women, people of color, and those who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community are often few. And even while some minority writers have risen to new heights of popularity, there have also been scandals involving exploitation, like the one involving Sherman Alexie, which have often impacted the opportunities of under-served writers.
She said of the abuses in publishing and other industries, “… that’s a terrible pattern in a lot of fields, but creative ones especially. Our belief is that there’s no such thing as too many voices in the choir. We want to create a safe, inclusive environment for authors and listen to the communities we’re here to help serve.”
“Publishing is a volatile beast. It can be really harmful to communities, and the people who hold power often don’t see the repercussions of their actions. It’s tricky for sure,” Devora continued, “We’re really hoping to serve the Salem community and help build something for folks who feel a little on the fringe or left out.”
She spoke of their desire to offer yet another option for writers hoping to get their work published, “We’re hoping to help flesh out the publishing landscape up here. There are so many wonderful publishers here who do fantastic work. We just want to offer another platform for people.”
As for exactly what types of books they will publish or under what categories or genres, Devora said, “We’re finalizing our list at the moment, but broadly speaking we’re looking for nonfiction that slants towards historical and educational (think witchcraft of New England, or haunted areas, etc). And in fiction, we’ll be focusing more on paranormal and fantasy genres.”
When asked what was the one thing she would like TWH readers to know, Devora responded with, “I would like to preemptively thank them for their support and, should they choose to submit to us, thank you for honoring us with an opportunity to read the words you wrote,” she continued, “As a writer myself I know it’s work that cracks open your heart and can ring you out sometimes, so we don’t take this lightly. We’re very excited to get to know new (and new to us) authors and readers.”
They plan to begin accepting submissions sometime in 2022, and TWH will be watching to see what new works they announce they will be publishing as they attempt to make their mark on the publishing world.
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