Contact the Founders
Karen Ings and Caroline Goldsmith brought nearly three decades of combined publishing experience to Red Button. You can reach each of them directly using the details below.
Caroline Goldsmith
Co-founder & Publishing Consultant
Email: goldsmithpublishing@redbuttonpublishing.net
Caroline Goldsmith Publishing Consultancy →Karen Ings
Co-founder & Editor
Email: karenings@redbuttonpublishing.net
Former commissioning editor for Quercus and Penguin.
Red Button Publishing was founded with a clear mission: to champion distinctive voices in contemporary fiction. Over four years of operation, the independent press released a carefully curated selection of titles that reflected a commitment to literary quality and originality. The team behind the imprint brought decades of combined experience from major publishing houses, yet chose to operate at a more intimate scale. This allowed for deeper collaboration with authors and a more personal approach to bringing stories to readers. Though the imprint has now ceased active publication, the spirit of discovery and support for storytelling that defined those years remains a lasting part of the founders' professional legacy.
The decision to close the Red Button imprint was not taken lightly, but it came from a place of honest reflection about resources and the changing landscape of independent publishing. The founders remain passionate advocates for writers and the written word. While the press itself is no longer accepting new manuscripts, the consultancy services born from this experience continue to offer guidance to authors navigating the publishing world. The knowledge gained from launching, promoting, and distributing five original titles across multiple formats has proven invaluable for those seeking thoughtful, experienced advice on how to bring their own work to market.
At the heart of Red Button's approach was a belief that fiction matters deeply to how we understand ourselves and each other. The titles published under the imprint explored themes of identity, belonging, and human connection, often through unexpected narrative perspectives. Authors who worked with the press benefited from editorial attention that went beyond surface-level polish, reaching into the structural and emotional core of their manuscripts. This level of dedication created books that resonated with readers who value substance over trend. The backlist remains available through digital and paperback formats, continuing to reach new audiences long after the initial publication dates.
For those who followed Red Button Publishing from its earliest days, the journey was one of genuine community. Readers, writers, and industry professionals alike engaged with the press through events, online platforms, and word-of-mouth enthusiasm. The blog and social media presence offered behind-the-scenes glimpses into the life of a small independent publisher, from the thrill of acquiring a new manuscript to the challenges of distribution. Though the imprint's active chapter has closed, the conversations it sparked about the value of independent fiction continue. The founders welcome ongoing dialogue with readers and writers who share their enduring passion for great storytelling.