Of Red Herrings and False Leads

Sometimes, to tell your own story, you have to carve out your own path.

When I made the decision to fully commit to the literary world, I quickly realized that many of the important things weren’t just on the pages I was writing, but behind the scenes of publishing itself. After spending years translating books for an international company, I found myself immersed in the inner workings of the publishing process: deadlines, formatting, ISBNs, editing, contracts, layout, rights… It felt a bit like investigating a crime scene with no clear clues. And you know what? It was weirdly fascinating!

At the same time, I was submitting my manuscripts to traditional publishers. But that felt like tossing a message in a bottle into the ocean, hoping someone would eventually find it. The responses were few and far between, and the doors weren’t exactly wide open for an indie writer. That’s when I made a choice: if I was going to tell stories, why not take charge of the entire narrative, including the publishing side?

The thing is, I’m way too detail-oriented to just slap my name on a cover and call it “self-published.” I wanted something with identity, with personality. And that’s how Red Herring Books was born.

If you're a fan of crime, suspense, and mystery stories, chances are you’ve heard the term “red herring.” It refers to a false clue, something meant to mislead readers, sending them down the wrong path or pointing to the wrong suspect. The expression originally comes from the reddish smoked fish that was once used to throw scent hounds off track during training or hunts. Over time, it found a new home in storytelling, becoming a beloved tool of the mystery genre.

To me, it felt like the perfect fit.

Of course, independent publishing isn’t easy. It takes time, planning, financial investment, and a good deal of patience. Sometimes it feels like I’m spinning in a never-ending storm of sticky notes, lists, and deadlines that somehow keep outrunning me. But in the end, when I hold the finished book in my hands, when I see readers enjoying the twists and turns I dreamt up, it’s all worth it.

For me, Red Herring Books is more than just an imprint. It’s a way to ensure my stories reach readers exactly the way I envisioned them—crafted with creative freedom, attention to detail, and, of course, a few false leads along the way.