CEO MONTHLY / CANADIAN CEO OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024 4 longside Tina Beier, Alexandria Brown established Rising Action Publishing in 2020, realising a vision of a space where budding authors are able to share their stories with the world. Leveraging a background as a writer, editor, and a media and marketing specialist in a number of roles, Alexandria more than had the experience and knowledge required to build Rising Action into the standout, awardwinning firm that it is today. Rising Action is much more than just a publisher, and it strives to be a partner capable of guiding its authors across this challenging landscape. Despite advancements in the accessibility of the broader sector thanks to the likes of digital platforms and self-publishing, securing a strong foothold in the traditional publishing sphere is still tough. Embracing the recent industry-wide demand for more diverse, inclusive stories has been this firm’s secret to success, as this shift has seen priorities change almost overnight. Even though it is a relatively young company, this deep understanding of the market and an ability to remain flexible to its everchanging nature has paved the way for Rising Action to achieve things that many independent presses of around the same age have yet to. The best example of this came earlier this year, when the firm secured a distribution deal with Simon & Schuster, one of the world’s leading publishers. The incredible support that has been afforded to Alexandira and co. by this publisher in the months since has made all the difference and set up Rising Action for an ever brighter future than it would already have had. Beyond this, Alexandria excitedly shares with us that Rising Action has just recently sold the rights for the adaptation of one its most beloved books to a major streaming service, which is not only the culmination of a lifelong dream for the author, but also a huge milestone for a publishing company that is continuing to make waves in this space. Things have not always been easy for Alexandria however, and since she is the youngest female CEO in many of the rooms she enters, she frequently finds herself surrounded by individuals with more experience than her. She admits this is very humbling but recognises that her journey so far has only been made possible by the Publishing CEO of the Year 2024: Alexandria Brown Alexandria Brown is the CEO of Rising Action Publishing, a firm that is all about helping authors from any background to bring their unique stories to life. A traditional publisher with a difference, Rising Action champions those whose voices may otherwise go unheard, collaborating closely with them on their projects to see that their visions are brought to life across the finished pages. As one of its two co-founders, Alexendria is responsible for overseeing the company’s editorial direction, ensuring that it remains true to its aim of creating something meaningful, together. people who have cleared a path for her and her firm to ascend the top. “Their support and guidance have been invaluable in helping Tina and I grow Rising Action Publishing”, shares Alexandria. This exemplary publishing firm has also been subject to the usual scepticism surrounding its disruptive vision of diversity and inclusion from the wider industry, especially given that it is both young and independent. Pushing these barriers is something that Alexandria recognised would be important early on, and the advice she shares with others is always to embrace collaboration with like-minded mentors and peers who support your goals, and this is exactly what has happened for Rising Action with the likes of Simon & Schuster. As 2024 draws to a close, Rising Action looks back on a year that has been absolutely pivotal in ensuring its future success. For the rest of year and beyond into 2025, the small team here remain committed to supporting the work of their authors holistically across all formats (print, digital, audio), and growing Rising Action Publishing into a driving force of lasting change in the literary world. From continuing to explore adaptation opportunities in the film and television world, to collaborating with more industry giants to further its reach, the steps we are seeing Rising Action Publishing take now are the planting of seeds, seeds which are sure to blossom into an enterprise that will one day lead the charge in the wider publishing landscape. For Alexandria Brown’s instrumental role in this, it is our privilege to present her with this award. A Contact: Alexandra Brown Company: Rising Action Publishing Web Address: https://www. risingactionpublishingco.com/
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