Our Story
One Writer's, Fight
Five novels reclaimed. One certified letter. Thirty days of waiting. This is how Pygmy Monk Publications was born.
The Beginning
Pygmy Monk Publications was born out of a certified letter and 30 days of waiting.
I'm Jamey O'Donnell. I'm a writer from Denver, Colorado. Between 2021 and 2026, I published five novels through AuthorHouse.
My name was on every cover. My life was in the pages. But the rights weren't mine. AuthorHouse controlled the distribution, the formats, and the money. They took 70% of net and left me with excuses.
In early 2026, I read the fine print. I found the termination clause. On June 18, I mailed AuthorHouse a certified letter demanding my rights back. Federal law gives them 30 days. On June 18, 2026, all five books came home.
That envelope is why Pygmy Monk Publications exists.
That's the deal most new writers take when they just want to see their book in print.
The world shaped the Lamb of God series. Felony Flats shaped Meth War. Survival shaped Epiphany. Campfire Stories for Adults proves grown-ups still need to get scared in the dark.
Pygmy Monk Publications is small on purpose. We're not chasing Random House. We're building the place where writers keep their names, their rights, and their dignity.
I fought to get my books back. Now I help other writers so they never have to.
Welcome to the press built by a writer, for writers.
Five novels reclaimed. One writer's fight. Welcome to Pygmy Monk.
What We Stand For
This Press Runs on Three Rules
01
The writer owns the work.
Always. We never take your copyright. Your name, your rights, your dignity — they stay with you.
02
No corporate nonsense.
No fake contests, no $5,000 "marketing packages," no smoke. Just honest publishing, plainly done.
03
Stories have to matter.
We publish fiction about hard truth, redemption, and survival — books that hit hard and stay with you.
Vision
WHAT WE PUBLISH & OUR VISION
What We Publish
Pygmy Monk Publications focuses on stories that challenge, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. Our catalogue includes literary fiction, spiritual journeys, stories of redemption, survival, and the realities of life that larger publishers often overlook.
From the Lamb of God series to Meth War: Lost in Felony Flats, each title reflects a commitment to authentic storytelling and independent creative expression.
Our Vision
Pygmy Monk Publications was founded not only to republish existing works, but to create opportunities for writers who want to retain ownership of their stories. As the company grows, the goal is to build a publishing house where creativity comes first and authors maintain control of their intellectual property.
Our Values
WHAT WE STAND FOR
01
Author Ownership
Writers retain ownership of their work and creative rights.
02
Meaningful Stories
Books that explore truth, redemption, survival, and the human experience.
03
Independent Publishing
A writer-first approach without corporate publishing practices.