FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

East Nashville Press Launches Independent Literary Imprint Focused on Distinctive Southern Voices

Nashville, TN

 

East Nashville Press, a new independent publishing imprint dedicated to bold, character-driven storytelling, officially announces its launch. Rooted in the creative spirit of Nashville, the press aims to champion original fiction and select nonfiction with a strong sense of place, voice, and emotional depth—particularly stories that reflect the complexities and textures of Southern life.

 

Founded by long time Nashville artist manager, Kelly Clague and author/songwriter, Stacy Dean Campbell East Nashville Press emerges as a response to the growing demand for authentic, independently produced literature that resists formula and prioritizes craft. The imprint will publish select works of literary and upmarket fiction, with an emphasis on intimate narratives, atmospheric settings, and compelling, flawed characters.

 

“East Nashville Press was built to create a home for stories that don’t always fit neatly into commercial boxes,” said Campbell. “We’re interested in voice first—stories that feel lived-in, human, and specific. There’s a richness to Southern storytelling that deserves space to evolve in new and unexpected ways.”

 

The launch will be marked by the release of East Nashville Press’s debut novel, Where the Heathen Rage, written by Campbell. The novel explores themes of abandonment, survival, and moral reckoning against the backdrop of a decaying Appalachian coal town. Through its characters, Where the Heathen Rage examines inherited hardship, the volatility of faith, and the fragile persistence of innocence in a world shaped by violence, poverty, and generational burden. Advance reader copies (ARCs) are currently being distributed to early reviewers, independent bookstores, and select media outlets ahead of the official publication date which is set for Fall of 2026.

 

In addition to print and digital releases, East Nashville Press will collaborate closely with Story Box, an independent audio production company, to develop immersive audio storytelling projects. While operating as separate entities, the two will share a creative ethos centered on narrative quality and artistic independence.

 

East Nashville Press will primarily engage readers through its dedicated website and social platforms, offering direct access to new releases, behind-the-scenes insights, and community engagement opportunities.