Contrarian Publishing LLC

Contrarian Publishing LLC is an author-subsidized publishing company that offers flexible editorial and production services to writers, allowing them to be as involved in the process as they choose. The company is independently run primarily by three Asian women based in Brooklyn, NY.

Origin

While unclear when exactly they were founded, sources say they were officially registered on August 7, 2025. Their Instagram suggests they've been around for a while, as their first post was published on May 31, 2024; furthermore, their first LinkedIn post was created around 11 months ago.

Founder: Jamie Ryu

NYU alumni and former employee of Big 5 companies HarperCollins and Macmillan, Jamie Ryu, founded Contrarian Publishing to assist indie authors in achieving success. She herself offers editorial services while her company spans to help with a mix of editorial design to typesetting, as well as publishing the works of many authors.

While working in her Big 5 position, she noticed a pattern of underpaid and overworked people within the publishing industry. Jamie wanted to expound upon not only her ability to publish, but also to edit, typeset, design, and market the books of her clients. She wanted to give authors a chance to look into their future so they could succeed.

Mission/Publishing Program

Contrarian Publishing has been consistent with its mission: Where authors choose their own paths.

Contrarian was created because of the desire to evolve. Major publishing companies prove to be grueling and tedious, leading several authors to self-publish; unfortunately, that is a job that is difficult to do alone. Contrarian is built with their authors in mind, allowing them to help as much or as little as they desire.

"Many authors are scared of editorial because they worry that the heart and soul of their project, their core ideas and messaging, will change. With us and with any good editor, that is never the case. We want to do whatever we can to help bring an author’s vision to life while also ensuring that it’s an enjoyable reading experience for the audience." - Jamie Ryu, June 19, 2025

Structure

Three women make up the primary team of Contrarian Publishing:

Jamie Ryu: Founder, Editor in Chief, experienced, versatile, and well-equipped. Graduate of New York University with a degree in Comparative Literature. With experience at top literary agencies and at publishers such as Macmillan and HarperCollins, she is well-equipped to help writers accomplish their goals.

Darrian Kirksey: Social Media and Marketing Consultant. Graduate of the University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley with degrees in Literature and Marketing. With experience in marketing, specializing in social media marketing and website design, she has grown accounts to over 70k followers across platforms.

Leah Block: Publicity and Marketing coordinator. Freelance book reviewer and social media coordinator. Graduate of New York University with a degree in English & American Literature and Creative Writing. Former Kirkus Reviews Editorial Assistant.

Audience

Contrarian Publishing’s audience includes aspiring and independent authors who want creative control and professional support without the constraints of traditional publishing. Contrarian Publishing looks for romance, fantasy, and science fiction novels in all age categories with profound messages at their core. We will also consider select mystery, thriller, and horror titles, as well as memoirs. Contrarian Publishing publishes narrative fiction, especially genre fiction, in all age categories with a profound message at its core.

Here are a few of their recent titles:

- Blood, Sweat, and Queers Edited by Margaret Hall and Jamie Ryu Featuring U.M. Agoawike, Andi Astra, L.A. Barron, Lyndall Clipstone, Austen Lee, Anna McG, Mae Murray, and Ezra Wren

(presents decadent tales of queer love from eight LGBTQ+ authors, all intertwined with the eternal allure of the vampire)

- The Witch Who Chases the Sun by Dawn Chen

(A decade after the Second War, Aixauhan Alchemist Ying Cai-Li seeks to rekindle her relationship with her ex-lover, the Inabrian Oracle Anne Barberry.)

- To the End of the Line by Sage Greer

(A story about academia, siblinghood, and finding joy even when it seems impossible, Sage Greer’s debut novel explores the winding, painful, wonderful path toward love and healing. )

- The Keys of Persephone by Kate Gray Glass

(Perfect for readers who miss the heydays of urban fantasy, The Keys of Persephone is a dark-academia paranormal fantasy brimming with action and excitement.)

- The Summoned Series by M.B. Thurman

(Fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Magicians will be swept away on a journey of love, magic, and self-discovery in this love letter to travel and found family.)

Final Thoughts

Contrarian Publishing has carved out a niche in the indie publishing space by offering flexible, author-first services, and its future appears focused on expanding access, transparency, and creative ownership for writers. Contrarian's influence is subtle, but meaningful in the evolving publishing landscape by empowering authors, encouraging creative freedom, and building a collaborative community. If they continue to adapt to emerging tech and audience trends, they could become a go-to platform for authors who want both freedom and support.

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