As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what it means to build a company and publish books with intention.

Long before “hybrid publishing” became a buzzword, partnership-based models quietly paired professional publishing expertise with shared investment and author agency. At The Collective Book Studio, partnership publishing is the foundation of everything we do. We believe authors should remain active participants in their projects, supported by experienced teams who care deeply about quality, strategy, and fostering long-term readership. This year, our belief in these principles was affirmed through many tangible, meaningful milestones.

First, the books themselves.
In 2025, we published 23 titles, each shaped through close collaboration between authors, editors, designers, and production partners. These projects reflect the time and care that go into building books meant to last beyond their launch. Watching these books move from idea to publication remains one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

Second, recognition for that care.
Our books received 25 awards this year, each one a meaningful acknowledgment of the creativity, craft, and thoughtfulness behind our work. While awards are never the goal, they serve as a reminder that partnership publishing, when done with intention, can stand confidently alongside any segment of the industry.

Third, the team behind the scenes.
Our team grew this year, and with that growth came new perspectives and deeper collaboration. Culture matters: The way we make books is just as important as the books themselves, and I’m proud that the environment we continue to cultivate is one built on trust, respect, and curiosity.

Fourth, broader access for young readers.
Starting next year, several of our books will reach young readers through the United States of Readers Program, run by Scholastic’s nonprofit, Impact Reading, which provides free, new books to children in underserved communities. Knowing that Andy: A Dog’s Tale, These ABCs Belong to Me, and both books in The Fly Who Flew series will be part of this effort feels especially meaningful.

Finally, steady, thoughtful growth.
Being named one of the fastest-growing publishers by Publishers Weekly reflected our collective effort behind the scenes. For us, growth isn’t about speed. It’s about building a sustainable ecosystem—one shaped by a dedicated editorial & design team, clear and collaborative workflows, and a strong relationship with our distributor, Simon & Schuster.

Looking back on the year, I’m proud not just of what we accomplished, but of how we accomplished it. Partnership publishing isn’t just a trend: t’s a thoughtful, proven way forward for independent publishers. 

—Angela