A new independent publishing house has launched in Richmond with the release of its first book.

Richmond Literary Press, founded by local publisher Zoe, has published its debut title, Altered Spaces by Suffolk author Nat le Roux.

The launch marks the beginning of the publisher's programme, with further fiction, memoir and children's books planned over the coming months.

For founder Zoe, the venture also continues a family connection to Richmond's literary past.

Her grandfather, Gerald Verner, was one of Britain's most prolific crime writers, publishing more than 120 novels during his career.

Zoe said: "Books have always been part of my life. Richmond has such a rich literary history, and I wanted to create a publishing house that puts authors at the heart of the process while producing beautiful books that readers will treasure."

The publisher recently celebrated the release of Altered Spaces with a launch event at Richmond independent bookshop Books on the Rise, attended by readers, authors and members of the local literary community.

Written by Nat le Roux, Altered Spaces is a collection of six stories set in an imagined version of Suffolk, exploring themes including time slips, parallel worlds and the supernatural.

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Roux explained: "My writing blends realist and speculative fiction. It portrays human interactions in recognisably ordinary settings that are subtly bent out of shape by the unexplained."

According to Richmond Literary Press, the collection explores strange events unfolding in familiar settings, from quiet villages and ancient woodland to windswept beaches, where the line between reality and the unknown begins to blur.

The company says it hopes to support both new and established writers through a collaborative publishing model combining editorial guidance, bespoke book design and marketing support.

To learn more about Richmond Literary Press visit its website here.

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