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Leavitt Peak Press Response
Regarding Authors Guild Allegations
Authors Guild article · March 21, 2025
BBB A+ Rated
No formal complaints on record
IPG Member
Independent Publishers Guild (UK)
4+ International Book Fairs
London · Frankfurt · LA Times · Miami
4+ Years in Business
Trusted by authors worldwide
Dear Authors and Publishing Community,
Leavitt Peak Press has proudly been serving authors for over four years, and throughout this time, we have remained steadfast in our mission—to support writers with integrity, professionalism, and genuine care. Our continued presence and growth in the industry reflect the trust that authors have placed in us and the consistency of our services. Despite challenges, we continue to stand strong and committed to empowering authors worldwide.
We are a registered publishing company, fully compliant with industry standards, and listed with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where we maintain an A+ rating. To date, there have been no formal complaints filed against us with the BBB. This standing is a direct reflection of our commitment to ethical publishing practices and author satisfaction.
It is both concerning and disheartening that our company has been labeled with serious accusations such as "scammers" without any prior outreach, inquiry, or opportunity for us to respond. At no point were we contacted by the Authors Guild to clarify or verify the claims presented.
The article itself contains broad generalizations and alleged "red flags" without citing any verified cases, documented author experiences, or concrete evidence directly linked to our organization. While we do reach out to authors—often to highlight opportunities for books with untapped potential—we ensure that all communication is respectful, transparent, and clearly outlines the scope of our services, including pricing and expectations.
Regarding our "100% royalties for life" model, this is part of a clearly explained partnership structure where authors, in select packages, retain 100% of net royalties after publishing costs. This is not a marketing gimmick, but a transparent offering discussed thoroughly during consultations.
Additionally, any motivational or faith-based tone that may appear in some of our communications reflects our sincerity and respect, particularly when working with authors in inspirational or faith-driven genres. It is never used as a tactic, but rather as an extension of our values as a team.
Beyond our publishing services, we continuously invest in opportunities that allow us to better support and connect with our authors on a more personal level. We actively participate in major international book fairs, including the London Book Fair, Frankfurt Book Fair, LA Times Book Fair, and Miami Book Fair. These events are not simply promotional platforms—they are intentional venues where we can meet authors face-to-face, communicate directly, build stronger relationships, and create a more personalized and engaging publishing experience.
We are also proud to be a member of the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) in the United Kingdom, reinforcing our commitment to upholding recognized standards within the global publishing industry.
Despite the challenges presented by such allegations, Leavitt Peak Press remains strong, professional, and dedicated to what we do best—helping authors bring their stories to life. We continue to stand by our work, our values, and our growing community of authors who have experienced our services firsthand.
We have reached out to the Authors Guild multiple times seeking clarification and the opportunity to present our side, but as of this writing, we have not received a response. This lack of engagement raises valid concerns regarding the objectivity of the claims made.
We welcome open dialogue and encourage any author—past, present, or prospective—to reach out to us directly with any questions or concerns. We also encourage authors to conduct their own research and make informed decisions based on verified information and real experiences.
At Leavitt Peak Press, we remain dedicated to transparency, professionalism, and meaningful author partnerships. We thank those who continue to support us and stand with us in fostering a respectful and informed publishing community.
With sincerity,
Leavitt Peak Press
Questions or concerns? Reach us directly through our contact page.
What Authors Are
Saying
Unfiltered experiences from authors who've gone through the publishing journey — the editorial process, the communication, the launch, and beyond.
To Whom It May Concern:
With pleasure I have come to rely on the extensive services of Leavitt Peak Press to publish and market books I have authored. Exceptional services have been provided to me by two of their employees. They did much more than simply review, organize then move my books into publication. They advised and helped me directly with improving the form and content of the books. They took primary responsibility for the visual qualities of the covers, as well as improvement and organization of book contents.
Buyers and users of these books have been very complementary about the work these two oversaw. Their roles were crucial to my success.
Sincerely, David Hawk
“The most supportive publishing experience I could have asked for”
I submitted my debut novel to Leavitt Peak Press after years of rejections elsewhere. From the moment they offered representation, I knew something was different. My editor took the time to understand not just the manuscript but my vision for it. Every revision note came with a thoughtful explanation. The final book is...
Sarah Chen
The Weight of Silence · Literary Fiction
“Professional, communicative, and genuinely invested in your success”
What struck me most about working with Leavitt Peak Press was how invested the whole team was — not just in selling books, but in building an author's career. My editor responded to every email within 24 hours, the design team consulted me at every stage of the cover process, and the marketing team developed a launch s...
Marcus Webb
Beneath the Bronze Crown · Historical Fiction
“A thoughtful publisher that respects the author's voice”
Writing a memoir is an intensely personal experience, and I was worried about handing my story over to a publisher. The team at Leavitt Peak Press treated my narrative with great care and sensitivity. Editorial suggestions were always framed as questions rather than demands, and I always felt in control of my own story...
Diana Holloway
When the Tide Turns · Memoir
“They championed my story when no one else would”
As a Kenyan-born author writing stories set in East Africa, I faced skepticism from many Western publishers about market viability. Leavitt Peak Press saw the universal humanity in my work and committed to it without reservation. They brought in a sensitivity reader at their own expense, worked with me on an author tou...
Joseph Kariuki
Voices from Nairobi · Literary Fiction
“Short story collections rarely get this level of editorial attention”
Short story collections are notoriously hard to sell, which is why I was both surprised and thrilled when Leavitt Peak Press acquired mine. What followed was months of careful, story-by-story editorial work that elevated the entire collection. The sequencing discussions alone took several sessions — they cared about th...
Emma Sato
Between Seasons · Short Story Collection
“Solid publishing experience with room to grow on the PR side”
Leavitt Peak Press delivered an exceptional editorial and production experience. My manuscript was in rough shape when it arrived and the editorial notes I received were transformative — thorough, insightful, and delivered with real tact. I would have given five stars across the board, but the publicity budget for my t...
Robert Crane
The Long Road Back · Creative Non-Fiction
“A boutique publisher that truly understands diverse voices”
Cedar & Stone took a chance on a story that blends Indian and British culture — a niche that many mainstream publishers ignored. Their editorial process was collaborative and respectful. Communication was consistent and I always knew where my manuscript stood. Distribution was not as wide as I'd hoped, which is the tra...
Priya Sharma
Salt and Saffron · Contemporary Fiction
“Northwind punches well above its weight — exceptional quality”
I almost overlooked Northwind Literary Press because of their smaller size. That would have been a serious mistake. The editing on my manuscript was the most rigorous and thoughtful I've experienced across three published books. Their design sensibility is extraordinary — my cover has been praised by everyone who sees ...
Thomas Aldridge
The Glass Meridian · Historical Fiction
Leavitt Peak Press —
By the Numbers
Aggregate scores across 8 verified author reviews, broken down by the categories authors care most about.
Overall Rating
Editorial Quality
Depth and quality of editorial notes, revisions, and manuscript development
Communication
Responsiveness, transparency, and clarity of communication throughout the process
Production Quality
Quality of cover design, typesetting, and physical or digital book production
Marketing Support
Publicity, launch planning, media outreach, and ongoing promotional efforts
Author Care
How valued and supported authors feel throughout the entire publishing journey
Overall Experience
Authors' overall satisfaction and whether they would publish with LPP again
Shaun Dowling
Author of “The Origin and Future of Mankind”
Published with Leavitt Peak Press
My experience with Leavitt Peak Press at the London Book Fair 2026 (March 11) was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I arrived to the final interaction of the day, everything was handled with a level of professionalism and care that truly stood out.
The book signing itself was incredibly well-organized. As an author, you often worry about logistics—timing, setup, audience flow—but the team had clearly thought through every detail. I was able to focus entirely on connecting with readers, which is exactly how it should be. That alone made the experience both smooth and genuinely enjoyable.
What impressed me most was the people behind it all. JM and the entire Leavitt Peak Press team went above and beyond to ensure not just that things ran efficiently, but that every author felt supported and valued. Their energy, attentiveness, and commitment were evident throughout the event. You could tell they weren't just managing a schedule—they were creating an experience.
I had a fantastic time meeting readers, engaging in meaningful conversations, and being part of such a vibrant literary atmosphere. There was a real sense of community, not just among readers, but among fellow authors as well. It felt collaborative rather than transactional, which is rare at events of this scale.
For any author considering working with Leavitt Peak Press for events like this, I can confidently say they are a team you can trust. They understand what authors need, they communicate clearly, and they execute with excellence. More importantly, they care—about the authors, the books, and the overall experience.
This was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding book fair experiences I've had, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.
— Shaun Dowling
Sharon Downey
Author of “Diverse Love”
Published with Leavitt Peak Press
My book signing experience with Leavitt Peak Press at the London Book Fair on March 12, 2026 was truly memorable and deeply rewarding.
From the very beginning, everything felt thoughtfully prepared and professionally executed. The organization behind the event allowed me to fully immerse myself in the moment—meeting readers, sharing my work, and enjoying the atmosphere without any of the usual stress that can come with large-scale events. That kind of seamless experience doesn't happen by accident; it's a reflection of a team that genuinely knows what they're doing.
JM and the entire Leavitt Peak Press team were absolutely wonderful throughout. They were attentive, supportive, and consistently present, making sure every detail was handled and every author felt comfortable and confident. Their dedication created an environment where I felt not only taken care of, but also truly valued.
What stood out most to me was how enjoyable the entire experience was. There was such a positive energy surrounding the event—both from the team and from fellow authors. It felt like being part of something meaningful, not just professionally, but personally as well.
For authors who are considering participating in events like this, I would wholeheartedly recommend working with Leavitt Peak Press. They bring both professionalism and heart into what they do, and that combination makes all the difference.
I'm incredibly grateful to have been part of this experience, and I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with such a dedicated and passionate team.
— Sharon Downey
What Authors Specifically Highlighted
“Every revision note came with a thoughtful explanation. I never felt like a number — I felt like the most important author on their list.”
Sarah Chen
Leavitt Peak Press
“My editor responded to every email within 24 hours. In publishing, that responsiveness is nothing short of remarkable.”
Marcus Webb
Leavitt Peak Press
“They cared about the reader's journey through the book as a whole. The sequencing discussions alone took several sessions.”
Emma Sato
Leavitt Peak Press
“LPP brought in a sensitivity reader at their own expense and secured international distribution I never expected for a debut.”
Joseph Kariuki
Leavitt Peak Press
Meet the
Publishers
Independent and boutique publishers reviewed by their authors. Leavitt Peak Press leads our platform with the most author submissions.
Leavitt Peak Press
“Independent. Author-first. Built to last.”
6
Reviews
4.8
Avg Rating
47+
Authors
Leavitt Peak Press has built a reputation as one of the most author-centric independent publishers in the industry. Known for meticulous editorial standards, stunning book design, and a genuine investment in each author's long-term career, LPP consistently earns the highest satisfaction ratings from the authors on their roster. They specialize in literary fiction, memoir, and narrative non-fiction, with a growing presence in experimental short-form writing.
Specialties
Est. 2014
Portland, OR
Cedar & Stone Publishing
“Stories that bridge cultures.”
Cedar & Stone is a boutique independent publisher with a focus on diverse voices and cross-cultural storytelling. Their editorial team brings deep sensitivity to multicultural narratives and has an excellent track record of connecting authors with the right readers.
Est. 2016
Seattle, WA
Northwind Literary Press
“Born from the wild margins.”
Northwind Literary Press is a boutique house known for its extraordinary editorial quality and its willingness to take risks on unconventional manuscripts. Despite their modest size, they regularly secure national media coverage for their titles.
Est. 2011
Chicago, IL
Meridian Books
“Where ideas cross.”
Meridian Books focuses on emerging voices in literary fiction and the essay form. They offer a highly personal editorial experience and maintain close relationships with their authors long after publication.
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