Welcome to the Murder...
HenDragon Press is an small indie publisher of all things fantasy and fairytales. The goal of this press to build a community of authors who love to weave the darkest threads of our hearts, creating works that stir the soul and inspire our imaginations.
The Head Hen
Hi! I'm Onika Howdyn. I am an author of all things dark, dismal, and forlorn. I started HenDragon Press as a umbrella to house my dark fantasy novels.
But... I wanted to do something more.
I want HenDragon to be a way to collaborate with other authors who love working in the shadows to create something magical with their words.
This press will focus on publishing anthologies based on speculative themes and classic literature that have been a part of our existence for generations.
Besides being an author, I am a wifey, a mother of two, a chicken enthusiast, and a foodie. Growing up, I adored films with a hint of darkness such as The Dark Crystal, Watership Down, and The Last Unicorn.
Fun Fact:
I met Sean Astin, Samwise the Brave, and asked him to give me the Vulcan greeting, which he did without protest.
A look at the first anthology...
Between Fields & Forest is an anthology inspired by the whimsical, moral based fables of the greek storyteller, Aesop. Aesop lived between 620-564 BCE. Although his existence remains unclear and no writings by him survive, numerous tales credited to him were gathered across the centuries and in many languages in a storytelling tradition that continues to this day.
Most of Aesop's fables feature animals tangled in witty predicaments and trickery that are present in the moral dilemmas of our every day lives. Though these characters, readers can see the world through a different lense & learn the deep rooted lessons Aesop was so fond of bringing to light.
Submissions for Between Fields & Forest will open
early 2025. Stay tuned for more details to come!
Starting a publishing company requires a few extra hands. I am looking to build a team that will be instrumental to making HenDragon Press successful. These will be contracted positions within the press.
I am looking for individuals who love fairytales, dark and/or epic fantasy, and are comfortable with a variety of spice levels. These will be for full length novels or novellas (50-100k words). Expected turnaround time will be outlined based on project requirements. Compensation will be determined based on project length and timeframe:
BETA READERS - are required to leave constructive feedback in the document itself and complete a feedback report per project.
DEVELOPMENTAL / LINE / COPY EDITORS - Individual and multi-service editors are encouraged to apply.
PROOFREADERS - editors who offer proofreading services are encouraged to apply.
COVER DESIGNERS - specializing in fantasy and/or speculative fiction. I am looking for designers who use their individual artistic talents in digital, illustration or traditional art. HenDragon Press strongly believes in working with actual artists and designers and will not accept AI generated art. Samples of previous work(s) are encouraged.
BOOK MARKETING - we are looking for a long-term book marketer to handle all of our project releases. This will be the only yearly contracted position. Book marketing will include pre and post book release promotion as well as Kickstarter campaign promotion during the project's development and completion. Organizing book tours, street teams, book blasts, and more. Terms will be discussed per project and distributed monthly per contract obligations.
To Apply, Click the Button Below to Fill Out the Application
DRAGON COOP BOOK CLUB
The Dragon Coop Book Club is a virtual monthly book club for indie book lovers. Each month, a book in the genre of fantasy will be featured for our readers. During our monthly virtual meet up, we will have a round table discussion, not only with our readers, but with the author as well! That's right, the indie author of the featured novel will be invited to the book club meeting where they will discuss their novel, writing journey, and answer any questions from our members.
The book club will be opening it's doors for membership (it's free!) in January 2025.
WANNA SUBMIT YOUR BOOK?
If you are an indie author and would like to submit your book to the coop, click the link below and fill out the application. Indie authors will be contacted if their book is accepted and scheduled for their books monthly feature for 2025. Details will follow if your book is chosen for the book club. Published and soon-to-be published works accepted!
Hang out on the Perch
For updates on book club membership and anthology submissions, enter your name and email below to hop on the perch.
Thank you for joining the Perch!
updates will be send your way when submission open. To stay connected with me, follow me on instagram @oahowdyn
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