It depends upon what you mean by “real”. Narrow Path Publishing was originally created by author Stephanie Silberstein as a means to independently publish Winter’s Silence. She offered her friends the opportunity to do the graphic design and photography for the book because she wanted them to share in her success, and the company vision grew from there.

In the eyes of those who believe only traditional publishing companies are valid entities, Narrow Path Publishing is a “self-publishing” outfit. However, Stephanie Silberstein and her associates prefer to consider it an independent publishing company, publishing high-quality, socially conscious literature without going through all the red tape required to land a publishing contract at a traditional house.

Not at all. Independent publishing is a lot of work. I am currently promoting Shades of Gay through Facebook and Myspace, writing press releases, looking for funding, maintaining my Amazon and Barnes and Noble accounts, creating video trailers, and keeping in touch with fans – all while holding down a full-time job elsewhere and writing the last 200 pages of Shades of Gay.

I prefer publishing independently because I have more control over the final product, including who works on my cover art and photograph. I would not want anyone else other than my current graphic design and photography team. I am also free to write about what I wish, in accordance with my own standards, rather than having to convince someone else to take a chance on my work.

No. The company is based on Jewish spiritual values, especially the concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). Narrow Path Publishing does not, however, publish strictly religious fiction or religious tracts.

Not at this time. At one point, Narrow Path Publishing’s vision included publishing many writers, thus allowing more people to be successful. However, this turned out not to be feasible, as it moved the company too far away from its original mission. In the future, Narrow Path Publishing may produce a literary magazine and open it to outside submissions. For now, though, only Narrow Path Publishing associates may publish work via the company.

Absolutely. Narrow Path Publishing is dedicated to the philosophy that there is enough room in this world for everybody to be successful. If you think you can contribute to Narrow Path's success, e-mail us. Don't forget to let us know how we can contribute to YOUR success as well.

There are several reasons. First, Winter's Silence features a non-traditional point of view: it is written from the perspective of a six-year-old child. Traditional publishers are not willing to take the risk of publishing a non-standard work of literature by an unknown author.

Furthermore, traditional publishers do not have the resources to expend on marketing first novels; the authors are left to do this on their own. Thus, the decision was made in early 2007 to independently publish the book in order to retain control over the content, design, and marketing of the novel.

In August 2006, a friend of author Stephanie Silberstein died of a cocaine-related heart attack. Narrow Path Publishing thus decided to donate 10% of profits from its first novel towards Phoenix House , a well-known drug rehabilitation organization, in honor of his memory.

Winter’s Silence became available for purchase on June 12, 2008.

Customers can order Winter’s Silence via Amazon. They can also order it directly from the publisher online or via telephone. (See the Winter’s Silence page for more details.) Narrow Path Publishing is not equipped to take credit cards at this time.

Narrow Path Publishing does not believe that homosexuality is sinful or wrong. When homosexual people try to force themselves to be straight, they tend to get depressed and even commit suicide. Surely that is not G-d’s plan for those among His children that are gay or bisexual. Furthermore, Narrow Path Publishing does not take the position that one must follow every word of the Bible to be highly spiritual. Instead, we focus on spiritual values such as compassion. Shades of Gay is written as an act of healing the world. It is dedicated to those who are or have been suicidal, in the hopes of reducing the suicide rate among LGBT young adults.

Shades of Gay was born out of a close friend’s deep pain. He had suicidal thoughts because he was told time and time again that it was wrong to be bisexual, and author Stephanie Silberstein decided to write a novel in order to address his suffering.

The Trevor Project is a non-profit dedicated to reducing the suicide rate among LGBT youth. Among other things, it runs the Trevor Project Hotline, the only suicide prevention hotline specifically geared towards helping members of the LGBT community. You can find out more information about The Trevor Project at TrevorProject.org

Shades of Gay will become available on May 22, 2010 – the 80th anniversary of the birth of LGBT rights leader Harvey Milk . The price has not yet been finalized, but expect it to cost around $15.

Yes. Despite the recent snafu regarding the ranking of LGBT books, Narrow Path Publishing plans to sell Shades of Gay via Amazon. It is too large a market to bypass; furthermore, Narrow Path Publishing wishes to help establish an LGBT community on Amazon.