The Lamplighter is a unique book, so it has a unique journey. Rather than being channeled through a big publisher…it is doing exactly what the story is about: rallying community. Readers, teachers, grandparents, parents, booksellers, librarians…anyone with a passion for providing inspiring stories to inspiring kids, will be invited to help fund and receive a special early edition of this book through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding avenue, starting in May 2026. Those who purchase their book through this route will receive bonus content—so stay tuned! The best way to be alerted (spots will be limited) is to sign up for our newsletter. Following the Kickstarter, the book will be available through traditional booksellers (online or in person) in Fall of 2026.

We want you to be a part of the journey! The Lamplighter is a bit of a trailblazer, and it needs a little wind in its sails from each of you, to reach the hearts it was written for. By funding the book through Kickstarter before it releases through the usual book distributors, we are hoping and praying it will also make a way for more books to be created in the future.

Both! The Lamplighter is the book, being put out by our publishing imprint, Lanternwood Press. The Lamplighter is a great big act of hope and faith: if it “performs” well enough, we hope it will pave the way to keep making books. Keep paying real illustrators. Keep providing stories for your kids that were created with real heart and soul, real hours, real vision, real hope…for their very real lives.

If it doesn’t “perform” well enough to allow for creating another book— we are still so thrilled to bring a book whose sole purpose is joy and delight, to any heart who receives it.

In all of this— the risk is so worth it to us.

We’re putting in the work, infrastructure, and hours in hopes that it will support a little publishing house that grows in reach but never loses its heart— all the while standing on the truth that if one single heart is reached, it will all be worth it.

It is bone-deep, using theme and symbolism just like beloved stories such as Narnia. The hope is that this book can be read and enjoyed by anyone, but the faith themes are there to pull to the surface for anyone who wants to dive deeper, explore more. Not because Amanda is “selling out” or hiding a light under a bushel— but because all kids deserve a deep and inspiring story, whether they are kids who have access to faith-based stories or not. Discussion questions and relevant scripture are provided at the end to help pull those themes out. So although the faith content isn’t overt, it is the heartbeat of this story like an invitation of light. Like a parable. Not hidden— but present in its pulse.

Welcome, friend!! We love your generous heart! When the Kickstarter goes live, there will be options for this, whether a small donation in any amount (every bit helps pave the way!), or sponsoring books that will be donated to schools, camps, orphanages, and more.

I already like you, if this is your question. You have a passion for stories, kids, and hearts— and in that, we share a lot in common! Right now, this publishing house is a one-step-at-a-time act of faith. I hope to work with more illustrators and writers in the future…but we have to wait and see how this all unfolds. So, no submissions at the moment. In the meantime— I join you in praying over your own story’s journey…I know there is great purpose in it!