Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Larkin.

Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

As the founder of Red Penguin Books, my greatest joy isn’t just publishing books—it’s helping writers become authors. There’s something truly magical about guiding someone through the process of bringing their words to life, and I consider it an honor to be part of that transformation.

But if you had told me years ago that I’d one day run a publishing company, I probably would have laughed. My journey didn’t begin in a New York publishing house or with years of editorial experience. Instead, it all started with a hacked-together website.

Long before Red Penguin Books existed, I was running a web development company—something I stumbled into by accident. My husband was chairing an organization that suddenly found itself in crisis when its web developer disappeared… along with all of its funds. They needed a website, so I stepped in. That one project quickly snowballed into another, then another, until I found myself running Red Penguin Web Solutions, helping businesses establish their digital presence.

Over time, our services expanded, including digital books—a natural evolution in the online world. Then, a few clients asked, “Can you make these available in print?” That simple question changed everything.

At the time, I was working closely with the National Writers Union, and during a conference where I was slated to speak, I had a lightbulb moment: We could help writers publish their books, too! What started as a side service quickly took on a life of its own. Within a year, our book publishing division had outgrown the original web company, and Red Penguin Books became the heart of our business.

Our original motto at Red Penguin Web Solutions was “Stand Out!”—because if you saw a sea of penguins on an iceberg and one of them was red, you’d notice that one first. At Red Penguin Books, our mission evolved into “Changing lives, one book at a time.” Books have the power to influence the world, but more importantly, they transform the person who writes them.

There’s nothing quite like the moment an author holds their book for the first time. It’s the moment they see themselves differently—not just as someone who had an idea, but as someone who brought it to life. That’s why I do what I do, and why I’ll always be the proud Head Penguin of our ever-growing family of authors.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Life—and business—are never a smooth ride. There are always challenges along the way, and in publishing, those challenges come in all shapes and sizes.

Over the years, we’ve navigated everything from unexpected snowstorms delaying book shipments to books being banned in certain regions. We’ve weathered rising printing costs, last-minute author revisions (sometimes even after publication!), and the rollercoaster of ever-evolving technology that constantly reshapes the industry. When COVID hit, we had to reinvent book launches overnight, shifting from in-person events to virtual celebrations, ensuring that authors could still connect with readers.

We’ve encountered printing mishaps, like books arriving with ink splotches or formatting errors. We’ve spent thousands on advertising strategies that didn’t quite deliver, only to pivot and find better ways to help books reach their audience. We’ve dealt with internet trolls, navigated currency conversions and international deliveries, and tackled the complexities of scaling up, from efficiently calculating and distributing royalties to hundreds of authors to ensuring that we never lose the personal touch that makes our author relationships so special.

And then, of course, there’s the impact of AI and the shifting publishing landscape, which keeps us on our toes as we adapt and evolve.

Through it all, our passion for books and our commitment to helping authors succeed has never wavered. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve the way we serve our authors—because at the end of the day, publishing isn’t just about printing books. It’s about championing the voices behind them and making sure they are heard.

We’ve been impressed with Red Penguin Books, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

At Red Penguin Books, we do more than just publish books—we bring authors’ dreams to life. Whether you’re writing a memoir, a novel, a children’s book, or anything in between, we specialize in turning manuscripts into beautifully published works that are ready to be shared with the world. From editing and design to distribution and marketing, we guide authors through every step of the process, making publishing as seamless, personal, and enjoyable as possible.

What sets us apart? Our author-first approach. At Red Penguin Books, we believe that publishing isn’t just about producing books—it’s about empowering writers. We provide hands-on support, ensuring that each author feels heard, valued, and celebrated. Unlike big-box publishers that often leave authors feeling like just another name on a list, we create a true partnership, working closely to craft a book that reflects their vision and goals. And because we believe that books change lives, we’re committed to making the publishing experience as meaningful, transparent, and rewarding as possible.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Our authors aren’t just clients—they’re family. We celebrate their successes, promote their books, and stay connected long after publication. From virtual and in-person author events to ongoing support with book promotions, we’re always there to champion their work.

For those considering publishing, I want them to know that Red Penguin Books offers a range of publishing services to fit every need—whether you’re looking for full-service publishing, hybrid publishing, or customized support in editing, design, or marketing. We’re passionate about making publishing accessible, exciting, and fulfilling, and we’re here to help authors at every stage of their journey. Because at the end of the day, your book isn’t just another title to us—it’s your legacy, and we’re honored to be part of it.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

At Red Penguin Books, the key to our success isn’t just about publishing books—it’s about being personal and celebratory every step of the way. Publishing is a deeply personal journey, and we believe that every author deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued throughout the process. From our first conversation to the moment they hold their book in their hands (and beyond!), we focus on building relationships, not just producing books.

Being personal means that we take the time to understand each author’s unique story, vision, and goals. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter solutions—every book is different, and so is every author’s journey. We work side by side with our authors, ensuring that their voices shine through and that they feel supported and empowered at every stage.

And then there’s the celebratory part—because writing a book is a huge accomplishment, and it deserves to be celebrated! We get just as excited as our authors do when a book is published, and we make sure that excitement is felt. Whether it’s launch events, social media spotlights, book signings, or simply raising a glass in their honor, we believe in celebrating every milestone. Writing a book is no small feat, and we make sure our authors know just how incredible their achievement is.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about the number of books we publish—it’s about the lasting connections we build and the joy we bring to the process. By making publishing both personal and celebratory, we ensure that our authors don’t just walk away with a book—they walk away with an unforgettable experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://redpenguinbooks.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.redpenguinbooks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanielarkin
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanielarkin/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RedPenguinBooks