Imagine a Door

LAURA STANFILL is the award-winning publisher of Forest Avenue Press and the author of the historical novel Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary. She's a graduate of Vassar College and the Yale Publishing Course, which she attended thanks to a scholarship from the Independent Book Publishers Association. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she wishes on bookstores like stars and wears a sparkly top hat while walking her dog.

Craft Category winner, The Memoir Prize, 2025Portland's Top Reads, Willamette WeekA Powell's Books best-seller and staff pickAn Annie Bloom's Books best-seller and staff pickForeword by Beth Kephart, author of Handling the Truth"Radical empathy runs throughout, making Imagine a Door a likely mainstay on writer’s shelves throughout the whole of their careers—a supportive reference to return to again and again."—Foreword Reviews"Laura Stanfill's book offers the most honest, pragmatic, and LEAST SNOBBY advice out there." —Jerry Portwood, writing instructor"Perhaps the chunkiest book on writing craft, but I promise it's not as intimidating as it looks. And I daresay it is one of the most comprehensive books on writing you'll ever read! Practical, grounded advice meets enthusiastic encouragement that actually made me get back to writing!" —Adesina, bookseller at Literary Arts"Reading Imagine a Door is like taking a course in book publishing with field trips into the writing process and a writing life itself. Author Laura Stanfill is our warm and generous teacher and guide who answers our questions with knowledgeable insight, real-life examples, and sincere caring about the art and the artist."—Judy Reeves, author of A Writer’s Book of Days"This book contains vital information, especially if you are anxious about putting your work into the world. Imagine a Door is a guide, a balm, and a blessing."—Mo Daviau, author of Every Anxious Wave and Epic and Lovely"The new essential guide for writers." —Kevin Sampsell, bookseller at Powell's Books"This sunshine of a book is sure to shine a light for many.”—Kari Luna, author of The Theory of Everything"A treasure trove for writers."—Nancy Townsley, author of Sunshine Girl"This is a generous guide that aims to help writers unlock the story they were meant to tell."—The Bookmonger, Discover Our Coast"Full disclosure, Laura is a friend. But I can honestly say if you are looking for the insider's guide to publishing, this is it."—Lori Tobias, author of Storm Beat and Wander"Offers readers a gentle method for setting realistic and sustainable goals."—Christina Vega, publisher at Blue Cactus Press and author of Decay, Vega, and Maps"Stanfill holds tremendous wisdom and empathy."—Joe Biel, author of A People's Guide to Publishing"Authentic, honest, vulnerable, and encouraging."—Michael Gettel-Gilmartin, Project Mayhem"With the wisdom and thoughtfulness gained from her experience as an author and publisher, Laura Stanfill provides answers that writers haven’t even thought to ask.  As a bookseller I am so happy to confidently offer this book to writers seeking  practical, honest guidance as they pursue their goals."—Cheryl McKeon, bookseller, Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza