Adam Sidwell never planned to start a publishing company, but as a BYU student in 2003 studying animation and computer science, Sidwell knew he loved stories in any form.
“I want to tell stories, and whether that’s in the format of an animated film or a comic book or a YouTube film or a novel, stories are in my blood,” Sidwell said.
His love of stories led Sidwell to begin Provo-based Future House Publishing, a company which houses five employees, four to five interns and has published 30 novels with four more in the making.
Future House Publishing began after Sidwell self-published his book “Evertaster” in 2014. The book peaked at No. 51 on Amazon.com’s bestseller book list, passing up New York Times best sellers. Sidwell toured across country, sold movie rights and added two more books to the series.
Through self-publishing his own book, Sidwell said he had to figure out “so many business aspects” on his own. In the process of figuring out how to design, edit and print his books, he began his own mini publishing company.
“I had all the processes in place for a publishing company,” Sidwell said.
Over the years the company has hired interns, offering opportunities for BYU students and others experience in a publishing company. BYU English major Zac Strickland started out as an intern and is now a project manager with Future House Publishing.
“I didn’t think I would be doing (what I love) so young,” Strickland said.
Strickland likes being a participant in a major part of the machine in publishing, which Future House Publishing offers. BYU senior Claire Nielsen, studying English, is an intern who came on as an acquisitions editor.
She said she thought internships involved menial labor like making copies or doing food runs, but instead she quickly gained experience with proofreading, marketing and other areas of publishing.
Sidwell specifically designed his company so his employees and interns could be “immersed in the process.” Sidwell added that the environment of his company is great for creative writers.
Strickland submitted his own work to the company and said he benefitted from his experience at Future House Publishing. Though being a project manager wasn’t initially part of his plan, he said he is grateful for the experience.
“If there’s an opportunity, just take it,” Strickland said.
Sidwell, who similarly never expected to start a publishing company, offered similar advice.
“Don’t wait for someone else to fulfill your dreams. Find a way,” he said.
