(Lisa Diane Kastner, Founder and CEO of Running Wild, LLC)
Running Wild, LLC, a publishing company founded by Lisa Kastner, is making waves in the literary world by offering a home for lesser-known authors producing groundbreaking stories. With the recent announcement of its 2023 catalogs, Running Wild Press and RIZE Press are set to feature two remarkable novels by exceptional authors who will undoubtedly capture the attention of readers everywhere.
One author who stands out in the upcoming catalogs is the enigmatic Lachi, a high-energy performer and blind author who has made a significant impact in the music industry. As a member of the Grammy board, Lachi has collaborated with major producers and labels, ranging from hip-hop legends to international DJs. Her music has amassed millions of streams across all major platforms and has been featured in various media, including films, TV, and radio. In addition, Lachi is a strong advocate for inclusion and brings her empowering social-awareness message to a diverse range of events, from festivals and colleges to corporate gatherings and nightclubs. Lachi’s upcoming novel, Death Tango, is expected to be as compelling and thought-provoking as her music.
Another featured groundbreaking novel is The Valley of Sage and Juniper by Shay Galloway. This book has been hailed by Kirkus Reviews as a “riveting tale of impressive siblings battling oppression” and praised by Foreword Reviews for “reinventing traditional Western sagas.” With such critical acclaim, it’s clear that Galloway’s novel is a must-read for fans of the Western genre and anyone who enjoys a great story.
Comprising two imprints, Running Wild, LLC includes Running Wild Press and RIZE Press. Running Wild Press focuses on publishing unique stories that defy categorization, while RIZE Press specializes in publishing outstanding genre stories authored by people of color and other underrepresented groups. The company’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is apparent in the authors and stories it selects for publication.
“We look for lesser known authors who are doing great work and, based on current acquisition models by major houses, wouldn’t be considered,” Lisa Kastner, the founder of Running Wild, shared. “We then take those amazing stories and help the authors elevate them, so fans get the absolute best groundbreaking stories.”
Running Wild’s books have already been recognized with Best of the Year awards by Kirkus Reviews, multiple starred reviews, and have even been featured in gift bags for Grammy Award nominees. With a dedication to promoting underrepresented authors and publishing innovative stories, Running Wild, LLC is poised to revolutionize the literary world for the better.
The company targets anyone who appreciates a compelling story, regardless of the genre. As Lisa Kastner noted, “when I started out, I knew tons of authors who couldn’t get published, and I didn’t understand why. Then when I researched how the majority of houses find the stories they later publish, I realized there was a gap in the acquisition models, and we are filling that gap.”
Through its dedication to publishing innovative stories by up-and-coming authors, Running Wild, LLC is making a name for itself in the literary world. With Running Wild Press and RIZE Press, the company offers readers a wide range of diverse stories that push the boundaries and offer unique viewpoints. The announcement of its 2023 catalogs signals that Running Wild, LLC is well-positioned to transform the world through the power of storytelling.
