This is a list of companies that Shalamar has worked with, has connections to, or otherwise recommends for writers (and in some cases, for general hobbyists). We only include resources that we have tried ourselves and have been happy enough with to put our name behind and recommend to our own clients. Feel free to avail yourself of these resources even if you aren’t involved with Shalamar, but tell them we sent you! (We do not get paid in any way for the vast majority of these links; we have them here because we like them. Exceptions will be marked with an asterisk.)
Publishing Partners
Book Review Directory* — A high-quality but affordable option for authors looking for editorial book reviews. The reviews include quotes that can be used for advertising purposes. (If you sign up, please tell them we sent you! Use affiliate code SH6T53.)
A Writer’s Path* — This author-forward writers’ club offers support, coaching, and discounts for many writer services (including Shalamar’s) to its members. (If you sign up, please tell them we sent you! Use affiliate code SH6T53.)
Publishing Resources
August Rose Press — A publishing house based in Albany, NY.
Gorham Printing — Reliable and cost-effective book printers located in the Pacific Northwest. Shalamar’s offices are in New Orleans, so the distance alone should show how much we recommend them!
Jane Friedman — Publishing expert and consultant who regularly shares publishing advice on her website as well as on her email list, Electric Speed.
Publishizer — A crowdfunding platform that matches authors with publishers.
Writers Helping Writers — A website run by writers providing resources running from characterization ideas to publishing advice. Subscribe to their email list for great ideas straight to your inbox!
Artists
Artventurous_Anuosha — The brilliant, devious, and quirky art equivalent of a mad scientist. Anuosha has drawn many of Deborah’s characters, bringing them to life in spectacular fashion. She also made the covers for New Orleans Supernatural Weekly (Conspirators, Adversaries).
Nel-Nelart — Ingenious artist who specializes in characters, incorporating creative measures such as line art. Nelson created the Connected, Inc character art.
Sparrow Designs — A talented and versatile artist, this Black Sparrow specializes in art that celebrates the culture of the African diaspora. She designed the cover art for Sovereign and is also the genius behind Shalamar’s Bird logo.
Twilight Designs — Twila Dickinson, a professional photographer and artist, makes cover design and other art that could be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
A Writer’s Path Book Covers — Brought to you by our friends at AWP, this is a separate service wherein authors can purchase high-quality premade book covers that are NOT resold to other authors! (There’s also an option for custom covers, which are also very affordable.)
Writing Resources
Novlr — Novel-writing software that runs on a subscription basis, flush with handy features.
Storyist — Powerful, flexible writing software that syncs well between MacOS and iOS.
General Partners & Interests
AK Kerani — Through this forward-thinking company, Danielle Kerani fosters conversations about mental health advocacy, with intitiatives like incorporating knitting into corporate environments. Bonus: Check out her fantastic hand-made scarves, hats, and more via Atindra Designs.
ANEW Network — A media platform designed around women of color, offering original, curated content.
The Eccentric Foodie — Culinary genius Kimmie Merriam shares recipes, reviews, and grocery savings on her regularly-updated blog.
Glowbug Entertainment — A creative production outfit that provides gaming-fueled entertainment, including an improv show based around tabletop gaming.
Memento Mori — Text-based role-playing game set during the decline of Venice.
Mythic Frontier — Text-based role-playing game featuring a Wild West setting, magic, and the Cthulhu mythos.
RPG-Directory — This directory primarily lists text-based roleplays, but solid writing advice and graphic design support can also be found here.
Submittable — Application and submission software with a friendly crew and a knack for creating engaging emails.
TV Tropes — That enduring bastion of writing tools and cliches. When you browse here, prepare to spend hours learning about the intricate signs and signals used in writing.