About Our Publishing Company – Makyn Press

Makyn Press is a small but dedicated independent publishing company focused on empowering authors to share their voices, visions, and values through beautifully crafted books. We exist to help creatives and educators navigate the publishing process with clarity, artistry, and integrity—without the barriers of traditional publishing or the confusion of self-publishing alone.

Founded with a passion for meaningful work and lifelong learning, Makyn Press provides a bridge between raw manuscripts and polished, publishable works—especially in genres like watercolor instruction, creative nonfiction, and visually inspired books.

Our Mission

At Makyn Press, we believe that good books begin with good ideas—and flourish with thoughtful guidance. Our mission is to:

  • Empower independent authors to publish without sacrificing quality or control
  • Support creative voices in producing books with lasting value
  • Promote education and artistic integrity through every publication
  • Simplify the publishing process for those who want to retain ownership while benefiting from professional support

We serve authors who care deeply about their work and are ready to take the next step toward sharing it with the world.

Our Story

Makyn Press was established by Amanda Clarke-Peterson, an artist, educator, and creative entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in watercolor, mixed media, and digital publishing. After running the art-focused brand Mandakyns.com and launching various creative ventures—including instructional guides, classes, and digital products—Amanda recognized a need for a publishing model that felt personal, approachable, and artist-first.

What began as a way to publish her own educational and artistic materials quickly grew into a platform to help others do the same. Today, Makyn Press publishes original titles, offers behind-the-scenes support for independent authors, and provides resources to help creatives navigate every phase of the publishing journey.

What Makes Makyn Press Different?

Makyn Press isn’t a vanity press or a corporate publisher—it’s a boutique publishing company with a heart for authors and an eye for detail.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Collaborative Process: We work alongside you—not above you—so your vision stays intact
  • Flexible Publishing Models: Choose full publishing support or selective services tailored to your needs
  • Creative Specialization: We understand visual content, creative instruction, and niche genres that don’t fit typical molds
  • Transparency & Ownership: You retain your rights. We’re here to help—not take over.

Whether you want to publish one book or build a lasting catalog, Makyn Press helps you do it with purpose.

Publishing Support Services

Makyn Press provides an array of publishing services designed for creatives and educators:

  • Manuscript Review & Developmental Editing
  • Professional Book Layout in Affinity Publisher
  • Cover Design Guidance
  • ISBN & Copyright Support
  • Print-on-Demand Setup (KDP, IngramSpark)
  • Marketing Tools & Templates
  • Custom Launch Assistance

For those who need guidance but prefer to self-publish under their own imprint, we also offer à la carte support through our Publishing Services for Authors page.

Our First Title

Makyn Press launched its debut publication, Comprehensive Watercolor – An Interactive Guide for Learning to Paint with Watercolor, in 2025. The book features over 275 pages and 200+ embedded videos, offering a modern, multimedia approach to traditional watercolor education.

It’s the first in a planned series of creative instructional books that combine real-world experience with visual learning tools. Explore our growing list of Published Titles to see what’s next.

Join Our Community

Makyn Press isn’t just a publisher—it’s a growing network of like-minded creatives, educators, and independent thinkers. Connect with us to:

If you believe your book belongs in the world, we’d love to hear your story.

Continue Shopping →
Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00
Checkout