LAURA STANFILL is the award-winning publisher of Forest Avenue Press and the author of the historical novel Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary. She's a graduate of Vassar College and the Yale Publishing Course, which she attended thanks to a scholarship from the Independent Book Publishers Association. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she wishes on bookstores like stars and wears a sparkly top hat while walking her dog.

Foreword by Beth Kephart, author of Handling the Truth

A Powell's Books best-seller and staff pick

Featured New Release, Annie Bloom's Books

"Radical empathy runs throughout, making Imagine a Door a likely mainstay on writer's shelves throughout the whole of their careers--a supportive reference to return to again and again."

--Foreword Reviews

"Reading Imagine a Door is like taking a course in book publishing with field trips into the writing process and a writing life itself. Author Laura Stanfill is our warm and generous teacher and guide who answers our questions with knowledgeable insight, real-life examples, and sincere caring about the art and the artist."

--Judy Reeves, author of A Writer's Book of Days

"This book contains vital information, especially if you are anxious about putting your work into the world. Imagine a Door is a guide, a balm, and a blessing."

--Mo Daviau, author of Every Anxious Wave and Epic and Lovely

"The new essential guide for writers."

--Kevin Sampsell, bookseller at Powell's Books

"A treasure trove for writers."

--Nancy Townsley, author of Sunshine Girl

"This is a generous guide that aims to help writers unlock the story they were meant to tell."

--The Bookmonger, Discover Our Coast

"Full disclosure, Laura is a friend. But I can honestly say if you are looking for the insider's guide to publishing, this is it."

--Lori Tobias, author of Storm Beat and Wander

"Offers readers a gentle method for setting realistic and sustainable goals."

--Christina Vega, publisher at Blue Cactus Press and author of Decay, Vega, and Maps

"Stanfill holds tremendous wisdom and empathy."

--Joe Biel, author of A People's Guide to Publishing

"Authentic, honest, vulnerable, and encouraging."

--Michael Gettel-Gilmartin, Project Mayhem

"With the wisdom and thoughtfulness gained from her experience as an author and publisher, Laura Stanfill provides answers that writers haven't even thought to ask. As a bookseller I am so happy to confidently offer this book to writers seeking practical, honest guidance as they pursue their goals."

--Cheryl McKeon, bookseller, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza

Publisher: Forest Avenue Press

Pub date: 2025-04-01

Length: 518 pages