Roots Before Branches
Nurturing What I’ve Built: A Message About the Future of Chicken House Press
Hey there beautiful dreamers, friends, authors, and fellow storytellers.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about growth—not just the kind that fills calendars and expands queues, but the kind that deepens roots and strengthens the foundation of what we’re building together here at Chicken House Press.
After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to keep Chicken House Press traditional publishing submissions closed until further notice as I realign my vision for what comes next. This isn’t about stepping back; it’s about stepping deeper into the work that matters most.
Since moving into Chicken House Press full-time in January 2022, I’ve published 33 novels and 6 non-fiction titles along with a wonderful collection of children’s books and magazines, and I’ve had the privilege to play an active role in the creative journey of more than 250 creatives. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I’ll be honest—that rate of production isn’t sustainable for a sole proprietorship. The pace has left me looking inward, managing what’s directly in front of me, rather than having the energy to look outward and build the brand in the way it deserves.
What This Means:
All traditional publishing projects currently in my queue will continue to receive the same dedicated attention and service you’ve come to expect. If you’re already working with me through Chicken House Press, nothing changes in your experience. Your book, your story, your journey with me remains exactly as it has been—full of the care, advocacy, and partnership that brought you to Chicken House Press in the first place.
Why This Matters:
Here’s what I know to be true: I’d rather serve fewer people exceptionally well than stretch myself thin trying to be everything to everyone. The authors I’m already working with deserve my full attention, my best creative energy, and the kind of mentorship that can only come when there’s room to breathe, think, and truly listen.
I want to spend this next year nurturing the community I’ve already built. I want to dive deeper into the relationships that make this work meaningful. I want to be fully present for the manuscripts that are already trusting me with their stories.
At the same time, I’m investing extra effort into strengthening Chicken House Press’s presence in the industry. As a small press, I’ve focused primarily on the craft of publishing beautiful books, but I realize I need to be equally intentional about getting those books into the hands of readers. I’m focused on building stronger marketing strategies for my current authors, exploring partnerships with distributors to get our books into more hands, and cultivating relationships with libraries to ensure our titles reach the readers who need them most. This is about building trust and recognition for the Chicken House Press brand in the publishing world—something that will benefit every author I work with.
My hope is to boost the brand to a point of revenue that allows me to bring on help—something I've been saying from the beginning but haven’t been able to pursue when all my energy has had to be spent looking inward rather than outward.
What’s Next:
This pause gives me the space to refine my processes, deepen my author support, strengthen industry relationships, and ensure that when I do open my doors again, I can offer something even more valuable to new voices seeking a publishing home.
Because here’s the thing—I’ve walked this path myself. I know what it feels like to pour your heart onto pages and then wait, hoping someone will see the value in what you’ve created. When the time comes to welcome new authors into my fold, I want to be able to offer them the very best of what Chicken House Press can be.
This decision comes from a place of abundance, not scarcity. I feel incredibly blessed that people keep reaching out to work with me—I take this as a huge compliment. When I started Chicken House Press, I’ll admit I did lead from a place of fear, always saying yes because I wasn’t sure when the next opportunity would come. But now, with my confidence blooming and many of the books I’ve produced winning international awards and being recognized on the world stage, I feel called to nurture rather than over-extend. It comes from wanting to honour the trust that’s already been placed in me and to build something sustainable that will serve authors well for years to come.
Here’s How You Can Help:
You—yes, you—are part of building something beautiful together. If you love what Chicken House Press is doing, I’d be so grateful if you’d help spread the word. Talk about the CHP books you’ve enjoyed, share them on social media, leave reviews that help other readers discover these stories. Ask for CHP titles at your local bookstore or library—every request matters and shows there’s demand for the kind of thoughtful publishing we’re doing here.
If everyone on the CHP mailing list told just one person about Chicken House Press, that would be 1000 new people learning about this thing we're building together. That’s the kind of organic, authentic growth that aligns with everything I believe about publishing and community.
Thank you for understanding, for your patience, and for being part of this journey with me.
Leading with service, powered by passion—just as I always have.
Warmly,
Alanna
Chicken House Press traditional publishing remains committed to current authors and projects. Service-based publishing through Alanna Rusnak Publishing continues on a selective basis. For updates on future traditional publishing submission opportunities, please join our mailing list or follow our press announcements.
