Our Story

Appalachia Book Company began as a book club in Pikeville, Kentucky.

At first, we gathered simply to read together. Before long, we were hosting book swaps, organizing literary events, and leading storytelling workshops throughout the region. What started as a small community of readers gradually became something larger: a growing network of writers, artists, and readers who believed Appalachian literature deserved a wider audience.

Then the pandemic arrived.

Like many organizations, we were forced to suspend in-person events. But an emergency grant for literary organizations gave us an opportunity to pursue an idea we had long considered: publishing our own books.

In 2021, Appalachia Book Club became Appalachia Book Company.

Today, our work includes the Made in Appalachia publication, the Made in Appalachia chapbook series, The Storied Song audio-drama project, public programs, and special publishing initiatives devoted to the literary and cultural life of the region.

Much has changed since those early meetings in Pikeville, but our purpose remains the same: to bring readers and writers together and to celebrate the stories that continue to shape Appalachia.

Our People

Editorial

Natalie Axton, Director of Programs and EIC

Brian Sperger, Co-Founder

Jacob Stump, Contributing Editor

Payton May, Web Development Advisor

Jess Shadrick, Art Advisor

Founders List

Keller Doss

Linda Gibson

Shawn Hopkins

First Kentucky Trust

William Samuels

Kaitlin Ward

Our Partners and Supporters

Appalachia Book Company has been supported by organizations including Kentucky Humanities, South Arts, the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, Appalachia ReFramed, the West Virginia Humanities Council, Berea College Appalachian Fund, Gilliam Family Foundation, Snowy Owl Foundation, the Mountain Association, and many generous individual supporters.

FAQs

  • We work primarily within central Appalachia, the Appalachia subregion as defined by the Appalachian Regional Commission. This subregion includes parts of eastern Kentucky, southern West Virginia, southwestern Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. The area is remote, mountainous, and traditionally associated with the coal mining industry.

  • We get approached by a lot of people who have stories to share. Please understand that we are not a vanity press. We do not accept payment in exchange for publishing your project. Check our calls for submission and see if your story is a fit.

  • Yes, we pay writer’s a small honorarium and send them free copies of their books. Every writer gets a contract.

  • We’re happy to add the news of your Appalachian literary endeavor to our monthly digest, if you notify us two months prior. Send the information to hello@appalachiabook.co.

  • We partner with area MFA and cultural programs and have built internship opportunities there. If you have a proposal for a collaboration, please reach us at hello@appalachiabook.co.