Founded in 2004, Stark Publishing was initially created as an imprint for a single book by Mark Leslie, and then slowly grew.
Stark Publishing isn’t just a publishing imprint, it’s a methodology about realistically understanding the publishing and bookselling landscape and forging a bold and unique path for each book. It embraces a DIY ethic and traditional publishing, with an understanding that there is no clear and single publishing path.
In January 2018 the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Podcast was launched. It is a weekly podcast that incorporates the ethics and mindsets involved in embracing the multitude of possibilities that exist for writers.
While the name “Stark Publishing” and the logo were created in 2004, they were derived from the original use of “Stark” many years earlier.
In the late 1980’s two best friends, Mark and Steve, created a DJ service in Ottawa, Ontario and derived the brand for their company from a combination of their two names.
STARK = ST(eve) + (M)ARK
STARK Entertainment was born.
Mark had his first short story published in 1992 and continued to sell stories to various small press magazines and anthologies. In 2004 Mark Leslie decided to gather a batch of his previously published short stories and publish them in a collection entitled ONE HAND SCREAMING.
Because self-publishing was frowned upon at the time, Mark used the same initial brand name, and his buddy, Steve, who is a graphic designer, created the logo.
STARK Publishing.
Mark has since published more than a dozen titles under the “Stark Publishing” imprint.
Mark has worked in the book industry since 1992, creating a successful POD (Print-on-Demand) business at McMaster University using an Espresso Book Machine and creating the Kobo Writing Life publishing platform for Rakuten Kobo, Inc.
Combining his more than twenty-five years of experience in the book industry with more than thirty years of writing experience, he has re-adapted Stark Publishing into a consulting agency for writers and publishers, helping them make informed decisions for their own success in writing and publishing.
Customized and Personalized Solutions
Mark Leslie Lefebvre’s LINKED IN Profile
Mark Leslie Lefebvre thrives on innovation and excellence within all aspects of the publishing and bookselling industry.
With more than a quarter century of experience, Mark has been involved in bookselling as it evolved from strictly bricks and mortar operations and into online and digital venues, and has continually been at the forefront of applying digital solutions to publishing and book selling.
An author who has embraced both traditional and self-publishing opportunities for himself as well as the thousands of authors he has coached, advised and consulted with over the past two decades, he not only believes that each author’s journey is individualized and personal, but that each specific project a writer embarks upon can have its own unique goals, elements and desired outcomes.
You can read more about Mark in detail on his author website.
Stark Publishing 