Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Herrin.
Sarah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We began as a Kickstarter for a book we couldn’t get published anywhere else. Beyond the Veil Press was founded in March 2021, by SCAD graduates who wanted to promote mental health awareness through poetry and art.
We publish themed anthologies yearly, focusing on marginalized voices such as LGBTQ, BIPOC, and survivors of sexual assault. We also publish individual-author chapbooks!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After my business partner had to leave, I ran the press on my own for a while, which was a ton of work. During the pandemic, I moved to the Denver area and was eventually able to meet other queer poets and build a small team of volunteers.
I’m so grateful to have their help and comradery. Next, I’m moving to San Diego and will start a new chapter of the press, while poet Tyler Hurula will keep the Denver chapter going, including in-person events.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Beyond the Veil Press is a queer & trans-owned indie publisher of poetry & art. We are an invitation to peer into the mysterious unknown – this is where the magic happens.
We donate 10% of each anthology sale to a featured non-profit. Our contributors live around the world. It is important to us to uplift historically marginalized voices, such as BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
Building a local, in-person community is our dream come true – we host many events (sometimes virtual) throughout the year including book launches, open mics, workshops, and writers’ retreats.
Our small team is made up of volunteers (paid in books) and is essentially not-for-profit.
What matters most to you?
Spreading mental health awareness is important to us because, as millennials, we grew up with little to none. Many of us are alone with our darkest thoughts without knowing others share them.
By publishing poetry & art on tough topics like surviving sexual assault, we normalize the struggles many of us go through. Even if our work only connects with one person, we can make a huge impact that can cause a ripple effect of healing through the community.
Pricing:
- $15-17
Contact Info:
- Website: beyondtheveilpress.com
- Instagram: @beyondtheveilpress
- Facebook: @btvpress
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyondtheveilpress/
