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Catalyst Press was founded in 2017 as a literary spark, bringing voices from around the globe to readers everywhere. We publish books that reveal the world from different perspectives and different understandings. Publishing literary fiction, graphic novels, memoir, travel, crime fiction, science, and books for young readers, our authors explore lives, stories, and places in ways that make our global community feel more connected. Change can happen in lots of ways, but we think it begins one page at a time. Books
Powers Squared marries science and story with an eye towards bringing global voices closer to home. In the same way that historical fiction has often introduced the public to past worlds and the important events of the period, we publish books in a kaleidoscope of color to illuminate the stories inside, outside, and upside down that make up the scientific world. Matthew Powers serves as the imprint’s chief editor. Books
Publishing writers from around the globe, and books across genres for both adults and kids, Flare continues the ethos of Catalyst in sparking conversation through books from around the world— this time with a place-based emphasis. From rural New England to suburban Texas to coastal Sweden, Flare books place readers in locations around the world, along with the sights, sounds, and characters populating them. Flare books feature stories that will ignite the imagination of readers everywhere. Books
CATALYST
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Imprints of the Collective
Change can be gradual, a slight shift that over time becomes a huge movement. Or it can be quick, a frenetic burst that suddenly makes everything new. But it all begins in the same way—with a spark, a catalyst.
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Literary Partners
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Story Press Africa, an imprint of Catalyst Press (USA) and Jive Media Africa (South Africa)
Story Press Africa is a collaborative platform for sharing African knowledge. Launched with our flagship African Graphic Novel Series, Story Press Africa publishes graphic novels and comics. These are authentic, challenging and frequently controversial visions of the continent that birthed humankind— created by Africans about Africa for a global audience. Story Press Africa has its own logo and website, www.storypressafrica.com.
Diplomat in the Kitchen LLC
In Diplomat in the Kitchen, U.S. diplomat Jeremiah Knight invites you on a culinary journey across every continent, blending his diplomatic experiences with his love for food. This cookbook is more than a collection of recipes—it’s a passport to the world’s flavors, bringing together dishes that tell the stories of culture, history, and the universal language of food.
Modjaji Books Ltd: Website
Beginning in May 2025, Catalyst Press is integrating South African publisher Modjaji Books’ existing and forthcoming titles into Catalyst Press’s North American and international catalog. Under this new international publishing partnership, Catalyst Press will progressively take on international publishing and distribution of Modjaji Books’ titles. Modjaji Books will maintain its independent operations, distinctive editorial vision, and established local presence in South Africa and the southern African region under Colleen Higgs and Modjaji Books (Pty) Ltd; however, the international rights and distribution of its catalogue of over 100 titles will transition to Catalyst Press through a carefully managed process.
Maverick Independent Book Reviews: Website
Books aren’t just something to read and enjoy and then set aside. Because narrative is the fundamental way that we explain the world and human nature, they’re a spark for conversation, for understanding, for change in perspective and belief, and a call for action. Through Maverick Independent Book Reviews, we work with writers to review books through thoughtful, personal, and meaty essays that consider books and their places within a larger cultural, political, and historical conversation that shapes the global community—yes, even books meant almost entirely for “entertainment”!
Meet the Team
Jessica Powers
Publisher, Editor, Marketing Guru, and General Girl Friday. She is both the Grand Master and the Padawan, both the mistress and the maid.
In her other life, Jessica is a young adult author of multiple books. She writes under the name J.L. Powers and her author websites include www.jlpowers.net and www.powerssquared.com.
You can reach her at jlpowers [at] catalystpress [dot] org.
Matthew Powers
Matt is the editor of our science-and-nature focused Powers Squared imprint, as well as handling our website and social media.
He has a PhD in the oncological sciences from the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He is also a young adult author, writing under the name M.A. Powers. Matt is a stay-at-home dad and lives in Maine.
He can be reached at matt.catalyst.press [at] gmail [dot] com
Lora Herrara
Lora is Catalyst Press's publicity and marketing person.
She can be reached at
lora [at] catalystpress [dot] org.
Fourie Botha
Fourie is Catalyst's South African Editor and Office Manager.
He can be reached at fourie [at] catalystpress [dot] org.
Izak de Vries
Izak does more than a title can convey. Call him the best friend of the press. A writer and photographer, he's our literary liaison in South Africa. And as a long-time member of the country's literary community, he connects us, our authors, and our books to local readers, media, and organizations.
Ashawnta Jackson
Ashawnta lives in Brooklyn, NY. After a long tenure as the head of publicity and marketing, she is now at the press as a consultant and lead for the annual #ReadingAfrica campaign.
SarahBelle Selig
SarahBelle is a freelance writer and editor who served as Catalyst Press’ South African office head and publicist from 2019-2024.
Jill Bell
Jill served as Catalyst's Copy-editor and Production Manager.