Henlo Press – Chandler Haun and Courtney Pierce. Breaking into publishing is tough—especially without connections or cash. At Henlo Press, we champion the talent of Appalachian writers and other underrepresented voices by offering full publishing support—editing, formatting, printing, and marketing—at no cost to the author.

We don’t offer advances, but we provide royalty contracts and real promotional support. Since starting with just two books, we’ve grown to publish multiple titles each year, including our first literary journal in 2023.

We’re building a creative, welcoming community that flips the script on traditional, gatekept publishing. And yes, our mascot is Heckin’ Hecktor—a big blue Troodon in a bowtie who dreams of writing his own romance novel. Because publishing should be for everyone—with talent, heart, and a little bit of whimsy.

Chandler Haun

Courtney Pierce

Workshops with Courtney and Chandler

Inside Scoop: What Agents and Editors Really Love and Loathe with Chandler Haun and Courtney Pierce of Henlo Press Pull back the curtain and hear straight from the pros—what makes them fall in love with a manuscript, and what makes them hit “pass” faster than you can say “prologue.” Join this workshop for the honest, unfiltered take on what works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out–in a good way.

They will also be available to help during the pitch workshops.

Panels with Courtney and Chandler

  • Pick Your Path: Trad, Indie, or Both? with Henlo Press, Misty Simon, and Amanda Hooser. Should you chase a traditional publishing deal or go indie and do it your way? This panel dives into the pros, cons, myths, and realities of both routes. Hear from authors who’ve been there, done that (and got the rejection letters and royalty statements to prove it). Whether you’re dreaming of Big Five prestige or total creative control, this conversation will help you make an informed—and empowered—decision for your writing career.
  • From Pages to People: Finding Your Audience Your book is awesome—now let’s find the people who’ll love it. This panel will discuss how to identify your ideal readers, connect with them authentically, and grow a loyal fanbase. From discovering where your audience hangs out to finding book signings and building meaningful interactions, you’ll learn how to turn casual readers into die-hard supporters. With Casey Bond, Misty Simon, Amanda Hooser, and Henlo Press
  • Genre Fiction: How to Meet Expectations Without Becoming Cliché
     Every genre has its rules—romance wants the swoon, thrillers want the chase, and mystery readers will riot if it’s not solved. This panel will chat about what not to do and how to meet the expectations of readers and editors without selling your soul—or your plot twists. Come for the tips, stay for the tea. With everyone!

Consultations with Courtney and Chandler – sign up in the book sale room