Telling Stories That Must Be Told
At Susan Schadt Press, we believe in the power of storytelling to preserve culture and celebrate place. Founded, February 2015, our press is driven by a deep love of narrative and a commitment to beautifully crafted, meaningful books.
With decades of experience in arts leadership and publishing, Susan Schadt brings a rich background to the press. As former president and CEO of ArtsMemphis for thirteen-years, she championed creative communities and fostered a passion for regional storytelling and founded Wild Abundance Publishing, authoring and editing acclaimed titles that explore the intersections of food, land, and tradition in the American South.
Today, Susan Schadt Press carries that legacy forward—publishing works that are rich in voice and vivid in imagery. From cookbooks and cultural histories to illustrated narratives, we’re committed to stories that must be told.
We collaborate closely with authors, artists, and organizations who share our vision, and we are hands-on, selective, and deeply invested in every project.
If you have a story that needs to be told—boldly, beautifully, and with care—we’d love to hear from you.
Susan Schadt
Founder and Publisher
Susan Schadt is the founder and publisher of Susan Schadt Press, an independent publishing company based in New Orleans. From 2002 to 2013, she served as President and CEO of ArtsMemphis, where she launched Wild Abundance Publishing to support the arts and conservation. Through this imprint, she created a beloved series of books celebrating the sporting life along the Mississippi Flyway—and discovered a new passion for publishing.
After retiring in 2015, she founded Susan Schadt Press to continue championing stories rooted in place, culture, and identity. She frequently speaks on regional publishing, cultural preservation, and the power of storytelling. Originally from Memphis, she now lives in New Orleans with her husband.
Lauren Boyer Esthus
Director of Operations and Head of Children’s
Lauren Boyer Esthus, began working with Susan seventeen years ago as the Director of Communication and Marketing at ArtsMemphis. Today she is the Director of Operations and Head of Children’s at Susan Schadt Press, where she leads with both precision and imagination. As a creative collaborator, she plays an integral role in shaping the press’s editorial vision in the development of meaningful, beautifully crafted books for young readers.
Lauren oversees day-to-day operations with a steady hand, ensuring that every project moves seamlessly from concept to print.
As a mother of young voracious reader, she is committed to stories that inspire curiosity, connection, and empathy while working closely with authors and illustrators. Raised in New Orleans, Lauren now lives outside of Chicago with her husband and eight-year old son.
Partners
At Susan Schadt Press, we believe in the power of collaboration and are grateful for the talented partners who help bring our books to life. Each step of the publishing process—from design to distribution—requires a team effort, and we are proud to work with some of the best in the industry.
Doug Turshen Design
Doug Turshen and his exceptional design team are our go-to partners for creating the stunning visuals that define our books. Their meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and deep understanding of our brand have made them invaluable collaborators in shaping the look and feel of each title we produce.
Ingram Publishing Services
We are represented by Ingram Publishing Services, ensuring that our books reach readers and retailers across the globe. With a dedicated national and international sales team with a commitment to service, reliability, and industry-leading logistics makes them an essential part of our success in bringing stories to readers everywhere.
Our Printers
We are fortunate to work with skilled printers who share our commitment to quality. Their expertise and dedication to craftsmanship allow us to produce books that are as beautiful as they are durable, ensuring our stories are delivered to readers in the best possible form.
Photographers/Illustrators
The artists we collaborate with are instrumental in bringing our books and visual stories to life. Their creativity and ability to capture the spirit of each narrative enrich the reading experience for audiences and enhance the storytelling magic we strive to create.
Our Authors
Finally, we are deeply grateful to our authors, whose passion, creativity, and dedication make every project special. Their unique voices and stories are at the heart of everything we do at Susan Schadt Press, and we are honored to partner with them in sharing their work with the world.
Interested in Working with us?
If you’re an illustrator, author, printer, or creative professional interested in collaborating, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us to explore how we can partner to bring your project to life.