Holiday shopping season has begun. If you’re a much better organizer this year than I am, consider this a list of add-ons. If you haven’t started yet and don’t have any ideas, I have lots of ideas. Instead of introducing a specific book, I will introduce the publisher. These are my favorite small independent horror publishers. We hope you can find something to satisfy everyone on your list, or your own wishlist. I’m not judging.
Even if you don’t like their books (which you will), you will like their personalities. Bad Hand Books has been incredibly vocal about its mission and ethics, and that’s not stopping anytime soon. They also have the title of absolute powerhouse. Check out the table of contents of their anthology and you’ll see what I mean.
Is there someone you are shopping with? do not have Horror reader? It’s okay! Crooked Lane still has horror titles (including a winter anthology), so it’s included on the list, but it also has a section labeled “Cosy.” This should help you make the most of your shopping experience. They are what I watch for more horror.
dark matter ink
This was the first publisher I ever reviewed ARC from, and I still read the books they published. There’s clearly a reason I keep coming back. I swear I’m not featuring them just because their anthology has a story. I know I’m being honest because I can’t buy it yet.
This is fun! It’s not just the publisher, it’s the entire publishing house. Store, discord, podcast…it’s a fun space. And they collaborate with amazing writers. We are also an independent bookstore, so you can find many books from other publishers not featured here.
I found this publisher because I often work with Philippe Fracassi. However, if you don’t want to take that as your recommendation, the way they sort their catalog is really cool. For example, the horror section has four levels, something like a Scoville rating. This is a great way to customize your gift.
This is the press responsible for two of my favorite discoveries of the year. intersection Written by Laurel Hightower worms and their kings Written by Hayley Piper. If you don’t choose one of these two (and you should, because they’re great and very short), I’ll trust you with the rest of the catalog.
I love this publisher so much that I bought all of their 2025 titles. I don’t know if I could give a more enthusiastic endorsement. Check out our VHS series of fun and easy gift sets, get a (protected) chapbook as a stocking stuffer, or buy literally anything. You can’t go wrong.
I wish I could remember which store and which app, but the competition for the biggest endorsement is an independent bookstore that claims all horror sales are from Tenebrous Press. Check out their Split Scream series. We have some great authors participating.
There you have it, eight indie publishers to check out this holiday season, and every season. This list could easily be twice this size. So please let me know your favorite list that I didn’t share. And if you want to consider a book subscription box instead of choosing anything, I recommend two here as a bonus. night worm and aardvark book club. I subscribe to both and look forward to them every month.
Have a great vacation!
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