Who Are We?
- Broken Keys Publishing
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Broken Keys Publishing is an Ottawa-based publishing and print company founded in April 2015. With more than 40 years experience in the printing and publishing industries, we have built a reputation for helping authors transform their ideas into professionally produced books.
We proudly operate under two imprints: Broken Keys Publishing & Press, and Broken Keys Publishing – KIDS!
Today, our catalogue includes more than 72 paperback titles, with additional releases currently in production. Across all formats—including ebooks, audiobooks, and hardcover editions—we have published over 115 titles.
Our growing publishing family includes 33 active authors, and we have collaborated with more than 30 additional writers through anthologies and special publishing projects.
In 2022, we spearheaded the concept of Sustainable Publishing, reflecting our commitment to environmentally conscious publishing practices.
Our Team
Broken Keys Publishing is currently powered by a dedicated team of 7 publishing professionals. (An editor-in-chief, two editors, a graphic designer, two print specialists, and an illustrator/artist).
As we continue to grow, we are exploring the addition of another proofreader and illustrator. Beyond our core staff, we work closely with a network of trusted freelancers, contractors, and industry specialists who expand our capabilities and expertise.
Together, our team brings a diverse range of skills and experiences that allow us to tackle complex publishing challenges, innovate creatively, and deliver exceptional results for our authors.
Proudly Canadian
We believe strongly in collaboration over competition. Whenever possible, we support local businesses, contractors, photographers, artists, models, and service providers.
Our entire team is proudly Canadian and based in the National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing both Ottawa and Gatineau. This vibrant region is rich in culture, bilingualism, literary talent, and tradition, and these influences shape both our identity and our work.
The values that define us—respect, collaboration, professionalism, and community—are deeply rooted in our Canadian heritage and reflected in every project we undertake.
Supporting Authors Beyond Publication
Publishing a book is only part of the journey.
We actively promote our authors through television and radio appearances, media opportunities, book signings, and events ranging from independent bookstores to major retail chains.
Unlike traditional publishing models that often position publishers as gatekeepers, we believe readers—not publishers—ultimately determine what makes great literature. Our role is not to decide which stories deserve to exist; our role is to help authors bring those stories into the world.
We see ourselves as facilitators, partners, and advocates for creative voices.
Our Publishing Model
Broken Keys Publishing operates as a hybrid publisher, offering a comprehensive range of publishing and print services, including Editing (including French-language editing), Proofreading, Book layout and formatting, Cover design, Translation services, Artwork and illustrations, Bookbinding, and Professional printing.
Published authors receive discounted service rates ranging from 10% to 35% off.
For printed editions produced through us, authors retain 100% of their profits, with no royalties, commissions, or revenue-sharing arrangements paid to Broken Keys Publishing. (Excludes Print-on-Demand sales.)
Why "Broken Keys"?
The name Broken Keys is inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi—the practice of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with gold. Rather than hiding imperfections, Kintsugi celebrates them, transforming something broken into something even more beautiful and meaningful than before.
The word Keys carries a dual meaning: Piano keys, representing musical composition and creativity, and Typewriter keys, symbolizing the craft of writing and storytelling.
Together, these ideas reflect our belief that creation is a transformative process.
Our Philosophy
Every book begins as something intangible—an idea, a dream, a story that exists only within an author's imagination and heart.
Through the combined efforts of writers, editors, designers, illustrators, photographers, printers, marketers, booksellers, and countless others, that idea takes physical form. A manuscript becomes a book. A thought becomes something tangible that can be held, shared, and experienced.
Yet the journey does not end there.
When a reader opens a book, the story once again becomes something intangible—recreated within the reader's imagination, emotions, and understanding.
We see publishing as a remarkable journey from the metaphysical into reality and back again.
The creation of a book is a grand collaboration of creativity, craftsmanship, talent, technology, and human connection. Like a symphony, it brings together many individual contributions into something greater than the sum of its parts.
At Broken Keys Publishing, we are honoured, humbled, and excited to accompany authors on that journey every step of the way.
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