Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Cushing.
Hi Rose, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After a great career in the equine industry and during Covid, I wrote a book, Chasing the Wind. I secured a deal with a traditional publishing house, but that route was not the right path for me. I had an extensive background in publishing having owned a 10 state regional equestrian magazine for many years. I decided to have my own personal publishing company. Cushing Publishing. In 2023 I published my book, and two others.
I was working with an area writers group and had the great opportunity to meet Shelby Stephenson, NC Poet Laureate 2014-2016. He asked me to publish his book Cow Mire Songs. Well, of course I happily agreed. Working with Shelby is a time I will always treasure. He is so gracious and kind. From there it grew into 53 books published to date!
About me
Rose Cushing is a multi-disciplinary creator based in North Carolina, primarily known as the founder of Cushing Publishing.
Her contributions span across traditional publishing, documentary filmmaking, and regional television production, with a heavy emphasis on equestrian culture and the empowerment of aspiring writers.
Literary & Publishing Contributions: Rose founded Cushing Publishing, a small traditional publishing house that focuses on helping new and established authors navigate the complexities of the industry. She provides comprehensive editorial services, cover design, and marketing training, specifically aiming to help writers who have “never written a book or an article” realize their dreams.
She is an author herself, having published works like “Chasing the Wind” (contemporary women’s fiction). As well as, Falling in Love With Ypurself, a workbook of sorts to help you find yourself.
Before founding her publishing house, she served as an Advertising Director and photographer for multiple newspapers, contributing hundreds of articles and photographs to regional media.
Equestrian Media Pioneer is one of Rose’s most significant impacts was in the niche world of equestrian sports and lifestyle, particularly in the Southeast. Magazines: She published a regional equestrian magazine for eleven years. Carolina Hoofbeats was the first monthly equestrian magazine in North Carolina and eventually expanded its reach to a ten-state region.
In Television & Film: She hosted North Carolina’s first weekly equestrian TV show, Carolina Hoofbeats TV for a decade. Her production reach expanded globally, with four additional equestrian shows broadcasting in 42 countries.
Documentary Filmmaking included Flood of Tears, where she has received critical acclaim, aWinnie Award-Winning Film. She is a multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker, often focusing on historical or cultural narratives.
Visual Storytelling: Her films often complement her literary work, focusing on the “magic of storytelling” across different mediums.
Professional Mentorship Beyond media production, Cushing contributes to the professional growth of women and writers in her community: She is a certified Life Coach, helping individuals find the motivation to achieve creative goals.
Recognition: In 2020, she was nominated for the North Carolina Business Women Hall of Fame, recognizing her influence as an entrepreneur and leader in the North Carolina creative community. Note:
Rose Cushing is often associated with the North Carolina Writers’ Network and is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences, where she advocates for the “partnership” model of publishing over the often-isolating self-publishing route.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been rewarding and challenging. Novice authors are sometimes difficult to work with. They don’t understand the process fully. I spend a great deal of time educating and trying to teach the process. Writing a book is a huge achievement and rewarding. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as far as being an Author.. the business side is even more important to an author’s longevity and sustainability.
I am very proud of the work we have done. We have come a long way in three years!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a publisher I spend a lot of time screening queries. I also try to stay very involved in the writing community. I host Carolina Writers Speak, a literary podcast interviewing authors, discussing the intricacies of the business and marketing. We publish Speaking of Writing magazine that celebrates everything book! This is a free subscription. People from all parts of the publishing industry, authors from all levels and beginners submit articles.
We also produce a book expo and writers conference. This is our second year. The Litfest 2026 is shaping up to be the premiere experience in our area! Dec19, at the incredibly beautiful Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern, NC we will have award winning best selling authors, Publishing houses, ph.D’s in the field, great books for readers to buy, meet and greet with all. We will also have an opportunity for kids to write letters to Santa with a special appearance by the man himself Santa! I am very proud of this event! Reading is fundamental and should be easily accessible at any age.
As far as specializing I began my publishing company with a true desire to give good books an opportunity to be published. Big publishing houses don’t want “little fish”. I get it, but writing opens the doors to knowledge, imagination and the universe. It is imperative that we continue to mentor and mold it. I worked very hard in my life to be successful. I had a lot of people helping me, cheering me on and sharing their knowledge. I couldn’t have made it without them. This is my way to give back. A good story is a good story. It’s not about how many followers you have or how much money.
I also teach classes in Marketing. My next one is in June at Next Chapter Books in New Bern.
Any big plans?
I want to continue to grow. I love being able to lift up my peers and help them rise to their potential, Continue with Litfest and when I have time, I still have a few books in me.
Pricing:
- Free the Litfest is free to the public! I hope folks will come and enjoy this great opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CushingPublishing.com
- Facebook: Cushing Publishing
