The Official Web Site of Author Robert Stanek

A heartfelt THANK YOU to readers and supporters who submitted my name for recognition honoring long-standing contributions to writing and American Letters. As someone who has previously been recognized for merit and excellence in the field, I am truly honored by this nomination.

I began my writing journey in 1986 and have since authored over 250 full-length works. My first major breakthrough came in 1995 with a title that helped launch my career as a published author. I started by writing for Macmillan and have gone on to collaborate with a range of publishers, including Random House, IDG, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, Time Warner, Microsoft, O’Reilly, McGraw Hill, Pearson, and others. Over the years, my books have been translated into more than 50 languages and made available to readers across the globe.

Industry Recognition and Giving Back
I am incredibly proud of my career—not just for the work I’ve published, but for the opportunities I’ve had to give back. Throughout the years, I’ve supported fellow writers by sharing my experiences through outlets such as Writer’s Gallery and Internet Daily News, and by founding Go Indie to help independent writers and bookstores thrive. One of my proudest milestones came in 2015, when I reached a long-standing personal goal: donating books with a total print cost of $1 million to libraries, schools, and educational programs. This initiative was never about revenue or recognition—it was about sharing stories and knowledge with those who needed them most.

In the early days, I dedicated myself to learning every aspect of the publishing industry by starting my own publishing company in 1995. This venture allowed me to understand the business side of writing—a perspective that has proven invaluable as the industry evolved. By 2004, I had built a dedicated team that helped secure translations and bring my works to readers in nearly 100 countries.

Despite fierce resistance from traditional publishers who were skeptical of self‐publishing, my approach proved wildly successful. Keeper Martin's Tale quickly became a bestseller on Amazon.com in 2002, and The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches soared to the top of Audible.com's Fiction list in 2005, remaining a Top 10 Kids & YA bestseller for over 180 weeks.

Today, the publishing landscape has shifted dramatically. What was once considered forbidden fruit is now recognized as one of the best ways for writers to earn a living. I remain immensely grateful to everyone who supported my journey.

Thanks for reading,
Robert Stanek