Warrenville, IL — April 27, 2026 — Lakeside Book Company has finalized new sales and distribution agreements for the North American market. Partnerships with Navigator Books and Read With You Publishing will take effect on June 1, followed by Dren Comics on September 1.
Todd McGarity, SVP Business Development said, “This is an exciting time for these publishers to be joining the Lakeside Book Company family. Lakeside Book presents independent publishers with a unique value proposition that no other distributor can offer. Not only can we provide sales and distribution services for a market that is hungry for alternatives, but we can also integrate full-service distribution with digital and offset manufacturing, allowing publishers to streamline their supply chain and ensure inventory availability.”
Navigator Books is an independent book publisher dedicated to publishing compelling books in the categories of History, Biography, Memoir, and Historical Fiction. Navigator will publish 2 books in 2026 beginning in July, with 6 titles scheduled for 2027 and plans for an expanding list in the years ahead. Founded with a mission of producing books that will endure by developing authors creatively and commercially through multi-book commitments, Navigator’s list will be curated, edited, and published by its founder Brendan Cahill, a 30-year veteran of trade book publishing.
Brendan Cahill, CEO and Publisher of Navigator Books, said, “There are many talented established and emergent authors who are frustrated by today’s publishing landscape. Navigator Books is excited to join the new generation of innovative and dynamic author-centric independent book publishers seeking to transform the industry by addressing its legacy limitations. Navigator sees this moment as an opportunity to chart a new course, and will add unique value to the title creation process through early-stage collaborative ideation with our authors to kick off the writing and editing process strongly, both creatively and commercially. We’ll be pairing our category focus on history writ large with a business model grounded in multi-book commitments to our authors, with established royalty and rights split standards that align with veteran agents. And we’ll incorporate modern technologies—including the responsible usage of AI in operational execution—for the benefit of the ecosystem.”
Read With You Publishing is a dynamic, independent children’s book publisher creating high-quality, market-ready content for readers ages 0 to 12. Founded in 2010 by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in technology, education, and publishing, the Chicago-based company produces engaging fiction and nonfiction titles that combine strong storytelling with proven learning value and solid retail performance. With nearly 100 new titles published annually, its rapidly growing catalog spans STEAM, early learning, and foundational literacy concepts, offering strong shelf appeal, series-driven formats, and sustained reader engagement. Read With You Publishing is a trusted content partner for retailers, schools, and libraries across North America, delivering books that support learning goals while driving consumer demand and repeat readership.
Steve Chen, Managing Director, said, “Partnering with Lakeside Book Company expands our ability to bring high-quality, market-ready children’s books to retailers, schools, and libraries across North America. Our growing list of series-driven fiction and nonfiction is now easier for buyers to discover and access, delivering strong sell-through and lasting reader engagement.”
Dren Productions is an independent comic publisher co-founded by Michael Dolce and James Mascia, specializing in sci-fi, horror, and fantasy comics with a retro, grindhouse edge. Known for high-quality storytelling and bold, eye-catching artwork, Dren continues to push the boundaries of indie comics while bringing exciting new projects to life.
Dren Productions Co-founder Michael Dolce, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Lakeside Book, a leader in book manufacturing and distribution. This collaboration marks a major step forward in expanding the reach of our titles and connecting our stories with a broader audience.”
About the new agreements, Jeff Tegge, VP Client Services at Lakeside Book Company shared, “We are delighted to welcome these three innovative and creative publishers as new partners with Lakeside Book Company. We look forward to helping them grow.”