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Welcome to West-James Press

Explore a world where every imperfection tells a story. Dive into our collection of memoirs, literary nonfiction, and more.

Insights & Updates from West-James Press

NewInBooks Interview about “Burning Salt”

Hello All! Recently I had the privilege to be interviewed regarding Burning Salt by NewInBooks. You can click the link to read it there or read below! Interview with Matthew West-James, Author of Burning Salt by NewInBooks What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book? The story grew out of my fascination with biology, perception, and the enormous variety of life. I enjoy the classic big-headed gray alien or space elf as much as the next person, but I find it…

Burning Salt: After First Contact | Why We Borrow Human Names

Welcome back to the Burning Salt – Jaka Cultural Exchange Archive. The previous entries focused on the history and institutions that shaped Jaka civilization. This entry turns toward a smaller problem that became unexpectedly important after first contact: what humans should call an individual Jaka. The Jaka did not lack a way to identify one another. Their system was far more precise than human naming conventions. The problem was that precision alone did not create familiarity, trust, or the…

Burning Salt Is Now Available

Burning Salt Is Now Available Today is release day. After months of writing, editing, revisions, and far more worldbuilding than ever made it into the final manuscript, Burning Salt is officially available. This novel marks a departure from my previous books. Rather than memoir, Burning Salt is a work of science fiction built around first contact, alien civilizations, and the unintended consequences of exploring a universe that is far stranger than humanity ever imagined. Whether you prefer…

NewInBooks Interview about “Burning Salt”

NewInBooks Interview about “Burning Salt”

Hello All! Recently I had the privilege to be interviewed regarding Burning Salt by NewInBooks. You can click the link to read it there or read below! Interview with Matthew West-James, Author of Burning Salt by NewInBooks What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book? The story grew out of my fascination with biology, perception, and the enormous variety of life. I enjoy the classic big-headed gray alien or space elf as much as the next person, but I find it…

read more...

NewInBooks Interview about “Burning Salt”

Hello All! Recently I had the privilege to be interviewed regarding Burning Salt by NewInBooks. You can click the link to read it there or read below! Interview with Matthew West-James, Author of Burning Salt by NewInBooks What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book? The story grew out of my fascination with biology, perception, and the enormous variety of life. I enjoy the classic big-headed gray alien or space elf as much as the next person, but I find it…

read more...

Burning Salt: After First Contact | Why We Borrow Human Names

Welcome back to the Burning Salt – Jaka Cultural Exchange Archive. The previous entries focused on the history and institutions that shaped Jaka civilization. This entry turns toward a smaller problem that became unexpectedly important after first contact: what humans should call an individual Jaka. The Jaka did not lack a way to identify one another. Their system was far more precise than human naming conventions. The problem was that precision alone did not create familiarity, trust, or the…

read more...

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Current and Upcoming Titles

Our Mission and Story

West-James Press was founded on the belief that every story, no matter how imperfect, deserves to be told. As an independent publisher, we focus on memoirs, literary nonfiction, and narratives that explore resilience and human experience. Our journey began with a commitment to provide a platform for voices that challenge the norm and embrace the beauty of imperfection. With a warm, minimalist approach, we aim to create a literary space that is both professional and approachable, inviting readers to discover stories that resonate on a deeply personal level.

Current and Upcoming Projects

West-James Press is excited to announce our latest projects that push the boundaries of storytelling. 'Kevlar' delves into the complexities of personal armor and vulnerability, while 'Tattoos and Invisible Scars' offers a poignant exploration of identity and healing. Looking ahead, we are preparing to venture into speculative fiction and alternative history, expanding our catalog with narratives that challenge and inspire. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to bring unique voices to the forefront of the literary world.

Get in Touch with Us

We welcome inquiries from readers, media, and authors seeking collaboration. Whether you have questions about our publications or wish to discuss potential projects, our team is here to assist you. Please use the contact form below to reach out, and we will respond promptly. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring the possibilities of storytelling together.

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What Our Readers Are Saying

"West-James Press has a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their books are a testament to the beauty of imperfection."

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"A refreshing voice in the publishing world, West-James Press consistently delivers stories that resonate on a deeply human level."

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