Counterbalance Press exists to
Counter the intentional and unintentional drowning out of the true, good, and beautiful by political whitewashing, content generation, and AI slop &
Balance publishing industry models based on follower counts, market forces, and amplifying voices to the degree they can afford to make themselves heard
by creating gorgeous physical artifacts of ephemeral arts, engaging records of endangered histories, interdisciplinary dialogues, and an archive of oddities and essays, poems and stories for staying thoughtfully human.
Indie publishing is about bringing creatives together to make books we think will contribute to the world in some unique way. We are not looking for the next big thing. We are looking for the next small but lovely and necessary thing within our power to realize.
We want to make the visions that have captured our imaginations available to others in the real world. Our pragmatic financial model is based on case-by-case project planning, working cooperatively to forge a budget based on a realistic scope for each publication that will allow writers, artists, and the publisher to avoid unnecessary financial risk and do our creative work in the world in a sustainable fashion.
Archival Ink, Bound by Hand
Our process begins with selecting the finest papers, chosen for their texture and ability to hold archival ink. From precise binding tools to the careful mixing of pigments, every step is a testament to small things made with great love, ensuring each book is a lasting work of art.
In a world of fleeting screens, we choose the permanence of print. Our books are not just read; they are collected, cherished, and passed down as enduring artifacts of human creativity.
Elias Vance, Founder