ABOUT LITTLE RED TREE
The Little Red Tree Story
Little Red Tree Publishing was founded in 2006 by Michael Linnard and Tamara Martin while living in New London, CT. Taking as their motto “delight, entertain and educate,” they wanted to combine their love of quality books with an interest in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music, art, design, history, and photography.
From the beginning they defined themselves, consistent with the finest traditions of small independent publishing, as preserving and expanding the dwindling opportunities for previously unknown poets/writers and established poets/writers to publish a full collection of poetry, full-length book of fiction/non-fiction.
They passionately believe that well-crafted books and accessible poetry should be celebrated and presented as such with conviction and confidence. Therefore, all books are coffee table size, 7” by 10” or above—an emphatic statement of intent and a celebration of the author’s work.
Michael Linnard Reflects
What’s in a name
In the summer of 2005, Tamara, and I decided to dig up the rotting stump of a once beautiful but aged Dogwood tree, which had stood in front of our New England home for 30 years or more. It may actually have been planted shortly after the house was built in the 1940s and had borne witness to the history of the house and the development of Ocean Avenue, leading to Ocean Beach in New London, Connecticut. Unfortunately, the dogwood had to be cut down some years ago because it was dying and becoming increasingly unstable. At the time it was a terrible loss and everyone who lived near or passed the tree missed the wonderful pink bloom in spring. In fact, you could see its beautiful radiant spring colour for miles.
Later that summer Tamara and I toured the local garden centers and nurseries in search of a tree to replace the dogwood. We looked at many trees but finally fell in love with a beautiful little red tree. It was in fact a Japanese Red Maple, which we discovered, after talking with the manager of the nursery, to be well suited to the New England weather. We immediately bought it and after a wrestling match, just about managed to fit it into the car, then carefully drove home and planted it in the same spot as the dogwood had previously stood. We thought it looked wonderful from the moment it was in the ground.
Later that year we decided, after many months of discussion, to start our own publishing company and consequently found ourselves shortly after sitting in our Tax Attorney’s office being asked the question, “Well what would you like as the name for your new company?” We immediately looked at each other and in unison said, “Little… Red… Tree.” Thus began the history of Little Red Tree Publishing, LLC.
After spending an enjoyable 5 years in Nebraska, where we also planted a “little red tree,” we returned to Connecticut. After a short stay, we headed for North Carolina, and eventually landed in Louisiana, with a new office in Cardiff, Wales. A new tree will be planted this summer in Louisiana.
Philosophy
The philosophy of Little Red Tree Publishing, and our guiding principle, is to publish stylish, high-quality books that, “delight, entertain and educate.” Three simple words encapsulate and focus our thoughts about the books we produce from the first viewing of a manuscript, through the design and layout of the book to its final printing.
Our company logo, a red tree growing out of an open book, is our attempt to reflect that philosophy in symbolic terms, which is indicative of the concept of a book as the seed for growth. Therefore, a book and its contents are, we assert, innately capable of developing and growing within the person who owns or reads it. As a tree grows, in its early years, with care and attention, we intend to publish quality books that will help people to grow and develop to their full potential.
Publishing Goal
Our goal is to publish books that are exciting to look at and are accessible to everyone, combining our desire to educate and our love of quality books with an interest in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music, art, design, history, and photography.
Where possible we intend to incorporate the full reading experience, including: foreword, introduction, prologue, notes, glossary, indexes, annexes, plus photos and captions, as well as text, either poetry, photography, or prose.
The design of each cover is particularly important and will be a unique entity but stylistically connected to the family of Little Red Tree books. We are enthused about our books, as we hope others will be, to read them and own them as lovely books.