City Owl Press: An Independent Publisher Flies High

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) When Yelena Casale and Tina Moss co-founded City Owl Press in 2014, they sought to build more than just a publishing company. Their vision was simple but ambitious: create a small press that would genuinely nurture authors from debut to full-time career, providing them with the support, resources, and guidance needed to flourish. Today, their independent publishing house stands as a beacon for authors looking for a place where their creativity can thrive.

The Origins of City Owl Press: A Publisher By Authors, For Authors

The idea for City Owl Press sprouted from the minds of two passionate authors with decades of combined experience. Yelena, an Award-Winning Author and a publishing professional, and Tina, a USA Today Bestselling Author with extensive business acumen, understood the intricacies of the publishing world like few others. Both came from backgrounds in academia, Yelena with a Master of Science in Publishing from New York University, and Tina with a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from California Southern University and a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Brooklyn College. Together, they brought a blend of expertise in both the creative and business sides of publishing.

They recognized the need for a publishing house that catered to the author as a whole, one that would guide writers not just through the publishing process, but through building sustainable careers. The concept was simple, but creating a successful business in the competitive publishing world would not be.

Overcoming Adversity: The Early Struggles

In the early days of City Owl Press, Casale and Moss dedicated 18 months to deep-dive research into small-press publishing. Despite having an intimate understanding of large-scale academic publishing, they knew they needed to understand the nuances and challenges of running a small press. They were determined to not just succeed, but to soar and bring something special to the market.

From navigating startup challenges to facing the unpredictable nature of the industry, City Owl Press faced obstacles many small presses would struggle to overcome. Yet, with grit and determination, they pushed forward. “Every company will face adversity, but it’s how you navigate that adversity that defines you,” says Yelena Casale. “And that’s something we’ve never shied away from.”

The founders’ commitment to staying true to their mission set them apart from many others in the industry. They recognized early on that their success would come from offering authors not just a place to publish, but a space to grow, providing marketing strategies, social media expertise, and business insights that would empower authors to flourish.

Breaking Through: Key Milestones

Through perseverance and hard work, City Owl Press began to gain traction. The company soon made headlines by signing Ti Mikkel, the writing assistant for George R.R. Martin and the writer/researcher for House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, for her debut novel The Archivist. This was a significant breakthrough for the company, elevating its status in the publishing world.

City Owl Press also quickly established key partnerships that would define its future. Recognized as a qualifying market by the Romance Writers of America (RWA), the company built relationships with Two Rivers Distribution, an Ingram company, to bring print books to full-scale distribution in bookstores, libraries, and retailer sites across the world. In addition, their partnership with SBR Media, a top-three agency for foreign rights and film/TV representation, and their deals with Tantor Audio to produce audiobooks, allowed them to further expand their reach to diverse audiences.

Their foray into creating Deluxe Limited Editions for fantasy romance titles, often referred to as “Romantasy”, set them apart in a crowded market. These beautifully crafted editions attracted a dedicated fanbase and solidified City Owl Press as an innovative and forward-thinking publisher.

What Sets City Owl Press Apart?

City Owl Press has continued to stand out by staying true to the values that originally fueled its creation: quality, professionalism, and a commitment to the author’s journey. “We wanted to create something different from what we saw out there,” Tina Moss explains. “Publishers often focus on the book as a product separate from the creator. We wanted to help authors understand the publishing world from an insider’s view, to nurture their careers, and to help them build lasting legacies.”

The company has proven its ability to thrive in an ever-changing industry, overcoming challenges while maintaining the integrity of its vision. What sets them apart is their unique approach to publishing: rather than focusing on volume, they emphasize quality and individualized attention for each author. City Owl Press helps authors navigate the publishing process from the very beginning, providing them with resources in marketing, branding, editing, and distribution.

Another key differentiator is the duo’s ongoing commitment to creating a platform for voices that may otherwise go unheard. City Owl Press is an inclusive publisher that prides itself on supporting diverse authors, with an emphasis on genres such as urban fantasy, paranormal romance, romantasy, and sci-fi romance.

The Growth of City Owl Press: A Bright Future

From the challenges of building a new business to the triumphs of signing industry-changing authors, City Owl Press has continued to grow and evolve. They have become regular vendors at top events like New York Comic Con, BookCon, and national and regional events, where they connect with fans and other professionals in the industry. Their expanding roster of successful authors and bestselling titles only serves as further testament to their commitment to excellence.

“We’ve been able to create something special,” says Yelena Casale. “We’ve worked hard to stick to our goals and principles, despite all challenges. We’re focusing on the path ahead with a clear mind, knowing we are bringing amazing books to the market.”

Looking ahead, City Owl Press is poised to continue shaping the future of the publishing world. Their expanding reach, successful partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives ensure that they will remain at the forefront of the indie publishing scene for years to come.

Join the City Owl Press Movement

If you’re an aspiring author looking for a publishing partner who will be with you every step of the way, City Owl Press might be your next step. With their expertise, commitment to quality, and proven track record, they offer an environment where authors can truly excel. Visit City Owl Press to learn more about their company and explore their growing list of titles.

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