Since its inception in 2016, The Parliament Press has continued to grow exponentially, purposefully becoming the dark, shadowed—but intriguing—corner of the publishing industry. They aim to provide a personable, unique experience for both authors and readers alike. Heading into 2020 with past and upcoming appearances on Tor.com, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and more, The Parliament Press' esteemed authors are certainly beginning to snap necks—er, turn heads...
Shayne Leighton: Publisher, Chief-of-Operations
How did you two meet and how did you two decide to start a business together?
Chantal and I met in our late teens when our hormones and the Twilight fandom were at an all-time high. We were part of this YouTube fan club and it was the cringiest thing EVER, but it was so much fun. We have always been book & dark romance people. We stayed friends online for the next TEN YEARS, until we finally met in person this past December. We decided to begin The Parliament House more or less to fill a huge void in the industry of indie publishing (especially in spec fiction). There are so many talented authors who don’t fit into the standard “commercial” mold that trad pub likes to fill. (We love New Adult titles, btw!) So instead, these authors are left with self-publishing (still a viable choice) or going with a house that might not be the best fit. There are so many indie romance and general fiction publishers, but not many who specialize in sci-fi and fantasy, while maintaining that “Manhattan” standard of publishing. That’s what we aim to do.
How did the company grow from its first publishing season to now?
We started with just a few manuscripts from our friends and acquaintances taking a chance on our vision, to now over forty authors and counting— mega-talented people entrusting us with their book babies, getting queried by agencies— it is absolutely surreal. To look back on these last few years and to count the growth is unbelievable. We went from pretty much just Chantal and me, to now having an editorial staff, a “corporate” staff, getting noticed by heavy-hitters in the industry such as Publisher’s Weekly, Writer’s Digest, Tor.com, and so much more. We are edging closer to our larger goals and it’s all made possible by our growing readership and network of authors. We have so many dreams and our family has so much energy. It’s exciting to wake up to all of them each day. Sometimes, I feel like I need to pinch myself. And I know this is still only just the beginning.
What is your favorite part about running a Publishing company?
Easily, my favorite part about running a publishing company is the people. It’s been a struggle to find a group that is so ambitious, energetic, talented, and passionate…and I feel like I’ve finally found my tribe. We are so supportive of one another. We are all so close. The hardest part is that we are spread out around the country (and the world), so the next best thing is to have them in my phone and on my computer. Everyone is so colorful and so filled with brilliant ideas—so filled with magic and words. They are nothing short of inspiring. I cannot love them more. Reading their stories and getting an inside look at their minds is like nothing else. It’s impossible to not find new inspiration every day in so many ways for so many things (not just books)!
Tell us about the overall feel of Parliament, what made you decide to go with this type of "theme"?
When Chantal and I talked about opening the company, we always knew it would be this “dark and gritty” sort of entity. I’ve played the underdog on more than one occasion in my life, so continuing to fit that trope just feels natural. Having The Parliament House read as this dark, mysterious, occultish thing is just…fun. For lack of a better way to phrase it, it’s fun. It doesn’t feel like a sterile institution. It feels like this company has a personality. If The Parliament House was a person, it would be everything I want to be. It would have tattoos and stand on a neon sign-soaked street corner listening to punk rock. It would be an anarchist. It would do all the wrong things, but it would do them right. I think that’s the persona TPH is taking on within the publishing industry. We are publishing things major trad pub turns away, but we are doing so for a good reason: These are well-written stories that deserve a good team and a good home. We are a street gang, but the nice kind.
What can readers look forward to in Spring of 2020?
Spring 2020 is one of my favorite line-ups we’ve EVER had. I mean that. We’ve got more male authors now (their stories always have a different feel, which I appreciate), and we have more diversity. We’ve got witches, fairytales, strong female leads, phantoms, dreams, fae, rock-climbing ballerinas, mechanical hearts, necromancers, demons, and more! I am so excited!
What is your favorite part about your role?
My favorite part about my role is steering the ship. It feels dangerous and exciting, and it keeps me on my toes. Yes, there are fires to put out, but I like that sometimes.
What challenges do you face in your role?
I think the biggest challenge is making sure all the balls in the air stay in the air. It’s very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day or get distracted. If one of those balls fall, chaos ensues. It takes a lot of time and focus.
Give us a fact about you that no one knows.
I have chromesthesia, which is the dumbest super power ever. Nothing happens…but I can tell you what color this song is.
Tell us what you do when you're not doing Parliament work?
I’m reading about or learning about fashion, finance, design, and current events. I’m always absorbing information, because it ties into what I do at PH.
What is your favorite book genre to read?
My favorite genre is Dark Fantasy, Paranormal Romance or non-fiction in business.
Where can readers find you on social media?
IG - @shayne.leighton , Twitter @shayneleighton , Facebook @shayneleightonfans , Youtube /shayneleighton
Chantal Gadoury: COO, Senior Editor
How did you two meet and how did you two decide to start a business together?
Shayne and I met via a YouTube channel that I had started with a group of girls from around the United States. At the time (back in 2007/2008) there was a group online who were formed around John Green's books, and sort of shared their life and things that they were reading/interested in; each member posted one day out of the week, and it was just this really cool experience to watch. I really wanted to formulate something really similar, but around Twilight. I still remember getting Shayne's audition video to become a member of our Twilight group - and the rest is history. I watched Shayne from afar as she published her books, and became so incredibly successful. One day, Shayne texted me about this idea she had in starting an indie company - inspired from our shared experiences of indie publishing. I remember an hour after I said "Yes! Let's do this!" She had a Parliament House Press website up and running. I think I just sort of "fell" into business with Shayne, but I've loved every minute of it.
How did the company grow from its first publishing season to now?
Honestly, how hasn't this company grown? What started as a two-woman thing (looking back, I'm surprised I don't have grey hair by now!), has now become a full house! We have several main staffers, and a group of a fantastic editors who just help bring to life the manuscripts we sign on! The Marketing Department has become a huge aspect of our company - as I always knew it needed to be, and what I imagined it to be! I love interacting with all of the main staff, and really feel more "at home" than I ever have before.
What is your favorite part about running a Publishing company?
I will admit, I don't really feel like I "run a Publishing company." And maybe that's also my favorite part. It's not something I dislike doing. Making someone's dreams come true is an honor - I know what it's like to get a book in the mail with *your* name on it. There's nothing quite like that feeling. Knowing that I've done something, in some factor - in making that dream come true.
Tell us about the overall feel of Parliament, what made you decide to go with this type of "theme"?
I think the Parliament House has always been this "dark" and "mysterious" entity. It's a place meant for the extraordinary. And I think the new theme playfully plays on that dark and mysterious aspect, while also continuing the sense of unity - we're a society. And, let's be honest, who doesn't want to belong to a book society?
What can readers look forward to in Spring of 2020?
There are so many amazing books coming out in Spring 2020; what isn't there to look forward to? There's more fairytale retellings, more books to add to series, the strange and unusual. I think we have a book for EVERYONE this year - so hold onto your hats!
There are also some really cool things showcasing the Parliament House - which is just exciting! I can't wait for everyone to see them.
What is your favorite part about your role?
As the COO and the Senior Editor, I really just enjoy interacting with all of our spectacular authors, and getting to know all of the editors. Honestly, we have some amazing people on our team - and they don't get enough shoutouts in my opinion. They work incredibly hard, and I love all of them.
What challenges do you face in your role?
Making sure things are turned back into me by deadlines, and getting a manuscript finished by a requested time of the author. With only having about 9-12 Editors on staff for three different "editing" departments, it can be a challenge to get manuscripts sent off to the next phase on time. I enjoy the challenge, but it does require a lot of patience!
Give us a fact about you that no one knows.
I love watching ASMR videos and I'd actually love to try my hand at them myself!
Tell us what you do when you're not doing Parliament work?
I'm not ever not doing Parliament House work ;) If I'm not working at my day-job, I'm working with Parliament weeknights, and weekends. Emails never stop - no matter what time of day, or holidays! When I do have a moment to myself, I enjoy watching Korean Dramas (Goblin is my all-time favorite), reading something on my TBR list, or just spending time with my Mom and dog.
What is your favorite book genre to read?
Young Adult / New Adult - Romance. Historical, Paranormal - anything, as long as it's romantic.
Where can readers find you on social media?
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