About Us

Stories that have something to say.

At Lightning Ink Press Co., we recognize that publishing has long been shaped by gatekeeping—often deciding whose stories matter and whose don’t. Too many stories that have something meaningful to say are dismissed as “redundant,” even while the same types of characters—often white, able-bodied, and from already-privileged perspectives—are published again and again.

We’re here to change that. As a nonprofit, author- and artist-first press, our mission is to apply our own privilege, networks, and professional expertise to open the gates for voices that have historically been excluded.

We call on individuals with privilege and publishing experience to donate their skills—from editing and design to marketing and legal support—so talented writers can reach readers without barriers. This collaborative model allows us to offer substantial royalties—around 70%—to our authors, along with personalized marketing and publicity support that aligns with each creator’s goals and values.

Our aim is simple: to put authors at the front of the line, where they belong, and to amplify stories the world needs to hear.

Our Story

What do you get when two ADHD moms passionate about literature and social justice cross paths at a seminar about literary publishing? Answer: Lightning Ink Press Co.

Co-founders Kristin and Jennette met at Queens University of Charlotte while pursuing their MFAs in Creative Writing, Fiction, as part of a path as educators. After attending a talk during residency week about launching a press, the two quickly realized their shared vision for literary publishing and decided to become business partners, despite knowing each other for maybe two days.

It was 2023, and attempts to snuff the flame of racial reckoning that had been ignited by the murder of George Floyd in 2020 were more and more commonplace, barely allowing for the much-needed transformation of the publishing industry to begin. They felt standing up for artistic expression and free speech was more important than ever, and that doing it in a way that lowered barriers to entry for all was imperative. The company name comes from a shared love of tattoos, with the nonprofit model aligning with their focus of fiduciary transparency and accountability rather than personal profit. This mission really isn't about them at all, but the artists they're passionate about introducing to the word.

Masthead

Jennette Holzworth, Co/Founder & Publisher

Jennette is a writer, editor and organizer living on an urban farm in San Jose, California. A South Florida native, she has worked at several publications as a features writer, columnist and food critic, including the Palm Beach Post and INsite Magazine. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte and a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Florida. She is a former Fiction Editor of Qu literary magazine and Daily Editor for Southern Review of Books. Her manuscript, American Dreaming, was selected as as a semi-finalist for the 2023 James Jones First Novel Fellowship.

Kristin Holliday, Co/Founder & Publisher

Publication Terms

At Lighting Ink Press Co., we strive to create a publishing process that is transparent, fair, and centered on authors and artists. Our guidelines aim to ensure that submissions are handled professionally, ethically, and with respect for creative work.

1. Submission Policy

i. We accept submissions from writers and artists at all stages of their careers. Simultaneous submissions are allowed; please notify us immediately if your work is accepted elsewhere.

ii. All submissions should include the materials requested in our current call for submissions, including any required cover letter or artist statement.

iii. We do not charge reading or submission fees. If you are ever asked for payment of any kind on behalf of Lightning Ink Press Co., you should consider it a scam.

2. Rights

i. Authors retain all rights to their work, except those explicitly granted for publication.

ii. For literary magazine pieces, we request first serial rights, which revert to the author upon publication.

iii. For books, we request a limited exclusive publication right for the agreed-upon term. Rights revert automatically after the term or if the work is out of print.

iv. Authors maintain the right to republish, adapt, or sell their work elsewhere once rights have reverted.

3. Editorial Process

i. We prioritize collaboration and transparency. Authors will be notified of editorial changes that affect meaning or style and have the opportunity to approve edits before publication.

ii. Our editorial process includes professional copyediting, proofreading, and design, all provided at no cost to the author. All submissions to our litmag are read blindly.

iii. Feedback is offered respectfully and constructively, reflecting our commitment to helping authors present their work at its best – with “best” being not our lens but the author’s vision. We rely upon the guidance Felicia Rose Chavez provides in The Anti-Racist Writing Workshop.

4. Compensation

i. Authors receive substantial royalties—currently around 70% of net proceeds for book publications.

ii. For literary magazine pieces, authors receive honoraria or contributor copies, as specified in the submission call.

iii. We provide additional support such as personalized marketing and publicity tailored to each author’s goals.

5. Publication Timeline

i. Authors will receive a clear expected timeline for publication, including estimated dates for editing, design, and release.

ii. We aim to notify authors of acceptance within 12-16 weeks of submission.

6. Non-Discrimination and Inclusion

i. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or background. We do not elaborate on this further due to the current political climate.

7. Promotional Use

i. Authors grant the Publisher permission to use excerpts, images, and biographical information for promotional purposes, always with proper credit.

ii. Marketing and PR will align with the author’s goals and preferences, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

8. Transparency & Accountability

i. We provide clear contracts and publishing agreements for all accepted works.

ii. Authors can contact us at any time with questions about rights, royalties, or the publication process.

iii. Our goal is to maintain trust, respect, and fairness in every interaction with our authors and artists.

iv. With permission, we provide the contact information of our published authors to prospective authors to facilitate conversations that shed independent light on our operations.

Please visit our Submissions Page for current calls.