Shelbyville Author Nedra M. Cobb Launches Stoneywood Publishing, an Independent Press for Middle-Grade Readers

For Immediate Release

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. — October 25, 2026 — Stoneywood Publishing, an independent publisher of middle-grade fiction based in Shelbyville, Kentucky, today announced its official launch. Founded by author Nedra M. Cobb, the press opens with four published titles in its flagship Swift Hill Flower Patch fantasy series and was built to manage the full life of its books, from ISBN ownership and production to retail distribution and direct sales to readers. Over the long term, Stoneywood plans to publish work by other authors.

Stoneywood grew out of questions Cobb found herself asking as she prepared her own series for publication: who owns a book once it is published, how it reaches retailers, libraries and schools, and how a new title earns more than a brief appearance in a crowded marketplace. Rather than publish a single book and stop there, she set out to build the infrastructure behind it. Stoneywood owns the ISBNs for its titles and publishes in hardcover, paperback and ebook editions.

“I wanted to understand what happens to a book after it’s published — who owns it, how it’s distributed, how it reaches libraries and schools,” Cobb said. “Stoneywood is my answer to those questions. These stories deserve a real chance to reach readers, and in time, I want to give other authors’ work that same chance.”

Swift Hill Flower Patch, Stoneywood’s flagship series, is an original middle-grade fantasy that invites young readers into a magical world of friendship, adventure, courage and discovery, with challenges that grow as the series unfolds. The books pair original storytelling with cinematic illustrations designed to draw readers into the world and its characters, an approach that may especially appeal to visual learners and reluctant readers.

The published series includes the prequel Daisy Makes It Right; Book One, The Travelers; Book Two, The Quest, Part One; and Book Three, The Quest, Part Two. Two further titles, The Bazaar and The Rite, are in development.

All four published titles are available in paperback and hardcover through Amazon. Ebook (EPUB) editions are sold directly through the publisher’s website, stoneywoodpublishing.com.

The company’s guiding idea is reflected in its slogan: “New worlds worth discovering, stories worth returning to.” While Swift Hill is distinguished by its illustrations, Stoneywood intends to publish each future book in the format that best serves the story, including traditional novels.

Cobb brings decades of professional experience to the venture. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, she served in the U.S. Navy after high school, then built a career in financial services, beginning as a licensed financial broker and moving into retirement services and account management. She published her first novel in 2004 and kept writing alongside her corporate career and raising her daughter. She now runs Stoneywood while continuing that career, an approach she describes as designing a second act while still living the first.

About Stoneywood Publishing

Stoneywood Publishing is an independent publisher of middle-grade fiction based in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Founded by author Nedra M. Cobb, the press currently publishes for readers ages 9–13, beginning with the Swift Hill Flower Patch fantasy series. Stoneywood owns the ISBNs for its titles, publishes in print and digital formats, and plans to expand its catalog to include work by other authors. Learn more at https://stoneywoodpublishing.com.

Media Contact

Nedra M. Cobb, Founder, Stoneywood Publishing
info@stoneywoodpublishing.com
https://stoneywoodpublishing.com

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