About Us
Who We Are
Crimson Gate Books was founded by three longtime Down & Out Books alumni who have written successful crime series, edited anthologies, and worked across every stage of the publishing cycle. Together, they bring more than four decades of experience to the imprint.
They also have brought to Crimson Gate industry-leading experts in editing, graphic design, and marketing, all of whom are passionate about the genre and are committed to helping authors succeed.
Our Vision
We want crime writers to have a publishing home that is steady, strategic, and built for the long haul. Authors deserve clear communication, transparent processes, and marketing support that actually reaches readers.
We Are Committed to Quality
We publish distinctive crime fiction that combines depth, originality, and a strong narrative voice, while supporting authors with practical tools to build a loyal and lasting readership. By bringing innovative, results-driven marketing strategies to an industry that often overlooks them, we help stories reach the audiences they deserve. Throughout every collaboration, we maintain the highest standards of integrity, clarity, and reliability, ensuring trusted partnerships and long-term success for our authors and readers alike.
What We Are Not
We are not a vanity press, and we only accept manuscripts that are fully developed and ready for the market. We work exclusively with reliable, vetted vendors and never obscure the publishing process or make promises we cannot deliver. Authors are treated as individual creative partners, not interchangeable names on a list, and we take every contractual obligation seriously to ensure trust, accountability, and long-term success for everyone involved.
WHERE YOU’LL SEE US
Bouchercon
Crimson Gate will appear at major crime fiction events—including Bouchercon—where we’ll host authors, feature books, run giveaways, and meet readers face-to-face. Behind the scenes, we collaborate with publicists, designers, editors, and industry experts who understand crime fiction at a granular level. We are assembling an advisory committee that will help guide the imprint as it grows. This is a publisher built for authors who take their craft seriously and want a partner who does the same.