Today we’d like to introduce you to Connor Garrett
Hi Connor, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Lucid House was born in 2019, the brainchild of Connor Judson Garrett and Jawad Mazhir (Founder of Dreams Collective), initially created as a launchpad for Connor’s own books. But it didn’t take long for award-winning author and industry veteran Echo Garrett to step in as CEO and blow the doors wide open, taking the company from a personal project to a powerhouse platform.
“During the pandemic, I hit a point in my career where I needed to do something that mattered—to get the right stories out there, the ones that needed to be told,” says Garrett. “I wanted to give a voice to authors who might otherwise be silenced—those with powerful, unique stories that deserve to be heard, no matter the genre.”
Fast forward to now, and Lucid House is on track to hit nearly 30 published books by the end of the year, with a packed pipeline ready to roll for next year. Lucid House isn’t your typical publisher—no proposals, no advances. Garrett personally hunts down the stories that stand out, then pairs the authors with top-tier editors and designers to bring their books to life. Whether it’s audio, ebook, or print on demand, Lucid House books hit all the major retailers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small indie book publishing company is like navigating a minefield, and visibility is one of the biggest challenges we face. Competing with giant publishers that have endless budgets for marketing and promotion means we have to get scrappy—think guerrilla marketing, direct-to-reader relationships, and constantly hustling to keep our books in the spotlight. Distribution is another beast. Without the muscle of a big name, getting our titles into major retailers and libraries is an uphill battle, often forcing us to rely on online sales and indie bookstores, which can limit our reach.
Then there’s the cash flow challenges—every dollar counts, and with no massive advances or a deep backlist to fall back on, every investment in editing, design, and marketing has to be spot-on. Attracting top-tier authors is another challenge, especially when big publishers are flashing the cash. We have to work twice as hard to offer something they can’t—higher royalties, creative freedom, and a hands-on, personalized publishing experience. The grind is real, but it’s what pushes us to be innovative, relentless, and fiercely committed to making our mark in the industry.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lucid House Publishing is a disruptor in the literary world, championing voices that refuse to be ignored. We specialize in bringing bold, unapologetic stories to life, the kind that mainstream publishers might shy away from. What sets us apart? We craft game-changing narratives that cut through the noise with raw authenticity and unflinching purpose.
We’re known for our relentless commitment to our authors, offering a hands-on, no-BS approach that keeps their vision front and center. From razor-sharp editorial guidance to standout design, we ensure every book we release doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it demands attention. We’re fiercely proud of our brand’s commitment to quality over quantity, curating a catalog where every title packs a punch. At Lucid House, we’re not just publishing books; we’re amplifying voices, shaking up the status quo, and ensuring every story we tell leaves a mark.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor, drop the ego at the door—humility is your greatest asset. Show potential mentors you’re worth their time by doing more than just asking for advice; implement it. Nothing earns respect faster than proving you’re serious by putting their insights into action. And when you do reach out, let them know exactly how you applied their wisdom and express genuine gratitude. People want to see their impact—they want to know they’ve made a difference. So, if you’re looking for someone to guide you, be the person who listens, learns, and levels up. That’s how you earn a mentor’s respect and keep them in your corner.
I also just make sure that I honor the trust I’m given, whether it’s in my role as a book publisher for Lucid House or as a corporate and freelance copywriter. My mentors and professional network are a direct reflection of the value I provide.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucidhousepublishing.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucidhousepublishing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucidHousePublishing
Image Credits
Lucid House Publishing & Kevin N. Garrett
