Transforming Chaos into Art

Founded in 2007 by Terena Scott, Medusa's Muse is a micro, independent press located in Ukiah, California, about two and a half hours north of San Francisco in the Northern California wine country. Yes, we drink a lot of wine around here, and yes, it really is as beautiful as Tuscany. Terena is Editor-in-Chief and publisher, so everybody has to do what she says (which just makes the rest of the team laugh when says that). Jane Mackay is Co-Editor and Copy-Editor, and Rick Wismar is the Designer. The books are literally created in Terena and Rick's kitchen on a lap-top using InDesign, and then sent to Lightning Source, a print on demand company, for printing. Using print on demand allows the press to order the number of books they'll need at any time, rather than trying to store a thousand books in a thousand square foot house.

The press may be small, but the goals are not. Terena, Rick and Jane are dedicated to creating high quality, professionally produced books written by talented authors.

Why Medusa's Muse?

Medusa is the fear of overwhelming chaos when you are convinced you're about to drop dead from the weight of life. But instead of dropping, you look Medusa square in the eye and she blinks. That's the secret. Lock eyes with Medusa and you're free. 

Plus, it's just a really cool name.