Red Fern Press is an indie book publishing press based in Columbus, Ohio, and started by former Gannett/USA Today Network and Fox Sports Ohio journalist Steph West. West is looking for short novels, short story collections, and novels from debut authors to help launch their careers. She will also consider authors who are looking for a fresh start at a new publisher.

All Red Fern Press books MUST feature strong female characters or female characters with a character arc that takes them from stereotypical roles to empowered ones. Books submitted where female characters are one-note and shallow will not be read.

To query us, read our About section here.

Red Fern Press’s most recent novel from West, The Third Period, was chosen as a gold medal winner in December 2025 by the North American Book Awards in the Sports Fiction category. Books were selected across several categories for “…exceptional craft, originality, and excellence in writing, editing, and design…”. You can read the full press release here.

The Third Period is about aging, changing careers, addiction, family, and competition. It follows Columbus Thunder captain Mike Olsky and is set against the world of ice hockey. Readers have commented there’s no need to be a hockey fan or understand the game to enjoy the novel. You can purchase the novel online anywhere books are sold. Learn more here.

West will release debut author Karson Brown’s survival memoir 48 Days to Barbados Oct. 20, 2026.

Learn more at Red Fern Press.