Umbra Print is Krystal Tucker’s Vision for a Publishing House That Lifts Voices from the Shadows

In the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina, a new force in publishing is emerging; one built on diversity, empowerment, and a profound belief in the power of storytelling. Krystal Tucker, founder and CEO of Umbra Print, is on a mission to ensure that every voice, especially those traditionally overlooked by mainstream publishers, gets the chance to shine.

With a background in journalism, technical writing, and digital marketing, Krystal is blending her passion for words with a commitment to community, creating a publishing house that’s as much about supporting writers as it is about producing books.

 

Kystal’s Journey from Wordsmith to Publisher

Krystal Tucker’s love for storytelling began in first grade, when she discovered the magic of books. Despite early frustrations with reading, a literacy class gave her the confidence to embrace the written word, and she never looked back. “Once I learned how to read, there wasn’t a book I didn’t want to open—even just to peek inside and see where it might take me.” she recalls.

This love of reading evolved into a passion for writing, leading her to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she majored in journalism and minored in communication.

After college, Krystal’s career took her through the worlds of technical writing, copywriting, and digital marketing, working with clients in finance, medicine, and hospitality. But it was a personal loss—the death of her mother from breast cancer when Krystal was just 19—that became a defining moment. “I started writing this book to basically deal with that grief,” she shares. “This is why I speak empowering words to myself and others I meet—because everyone is carrying something. It’s important to find the strength within yourself, to lace up your boots, give yourself grace, and have enough faith to keep moving forward.”

That book, a young adult fantasy novel titled Mark of Fate, is now set for release on July 11th, her mother’s birthday, marking a decade-long journey from grief to creation.

 

Umbra Print is More Than a Publisher

Founded in 2022, Umbra Print is not your typical publishing house. The name itself, inspired by the Latin word for “shadow”, reflects Krystal’s vision to bring voices from the margins into the spotlight. “I’m deeply committed to amplifying underrepresented voices—bringing them out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen, heard, and equipped with the tools to grow their talent and shine in their own right. Because I in fact am one of them.” she explains.

Umbra Print offers a full suite of services for writers at every stage of their journey:

• Editing and Proofreading: From developmental edits to final proofreading, Umbra Print helps writers refine their manuscripts for clarity and impact.
• Formatting and Design: Professional layout and cover design ensure that every book stands out on the shelf.
• Workshops and Online Courses: Krystal believes in empowering writers with the skills they need to succeed, offering workshops and classes on everything from storytelling to copyright law.
• Publishing Support: Whether a manuscript is ready for publication or still in progress, Umbra Print provides guidance and resources to help authors reach their goals.

“We’re building a culture that empowers writers—through proper guidance, resources, and incentives—to grow, thrive, and create meaningful and exciting stories.” Krystal says. “Ideally, this serves as a true launching pad—a place where individuals can enter at any stage of their journey. Through workshops, courses, and classes, the goal is to support the full arc of storytelling—from the first spark of an idea to a fully realized piece. For me, it’s about nurturing growth and creating a space where stories can be developed, refined, and celebrated from start to finish.”

 

A Home for Diverse Stories

Krystal’s experience at Thriller Fest in New York is where she noticed a lack of diversity among both authors and attendees was a turning point. “It wasn’t as diverse as I would have hoped because books and storytelling should be for everyone—but not everyone receives the same recognition, opportunities, or support.” she recalls. “The opportunity was both eye-opening and jarring all at once. Sitting face-to-face with agents and directors, pitching my story, was an incredibly enriching experience. It gave me a deep understanding of the full scope of the process—reminding me that writing the book is just the beginning.” This insight inspired her to create a space where all voices, especially those from underrepresented communities, could find a home.

Umbra Print’s catalog is intentionally diverse, spanning genres from young adult fantasy to children’s books, short stories, and more. The company’s children’s imprint, Gypsy Atlas, is dedicated to stories that reflect the richness of human experience. “I’m not here to turn ideas away unless they truly don’t fit,” Krystal explains. “Our focus is on embracing stories with potential—encouraging you to bring your full imagination and creativity. We welcome true and respectful adaptations that reach the farthest corners of our imaginations and make us believe in the impossible. We especially love learning about new, complex, and relatable characters.”

 

Empowering Writers and Building Community

Krystal’s approach is deeply collaborative. She sees Umbra Print as a bridge for writers who may not know the next step in their journey. “We all have one good story to tell,” she says. “Everyone naturally believes their work is a masterpiece, and that’s a beautiful part of the creative process. But there’s always room to grow. Sometimes, you come in feeling a little lost, and having fresh eyes take a look can bring new insight and clarity. As writers, we often get so close to our own work that a new perspective can help us see things in a whole new light.” Whether through workshops, one-on-one coaching, or digital marketing support, Umbra Print is committed to helping writers grow and succeed.

The company is also building a team of interns, collaborators, UX designers, literary agents, and digital marketers to expand its offerings and support writers in new ways. “I’m passionate about creating a tailored experience for everyone on their storytelling journey—from the very beginning all the way to the finish line.” Krystal explains. “If there are plot holes or character moments that need more depth, those are the details I’m eager to highlight. Together, we’ll explore and refine them, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity.””

 

A Vision for the Future

Krystal’s ambitions for Umbra Print are as bold as her passion for storytelling. She envisions a publishing house that not only produces books but also creates franchises, contests, and even opportunities for stories to transition to TV and film. “I want to be an all-around hub for entertainment when it comes to story to screen,” she says. “I want grand stories and grand opportunities to create fandoms where people can be excited and really enraptured in the worlds that are created.”

She’s also committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, embracing new technologies like AI and automation while preserving the human touch that makes storytelling so powerful. “You just can’t replace the power of the human touch.” she emphasizes. “In an age where books and how they’re written can feel like a lost art, I deeply appreciate the role technology plays in polishing grammar and punctuation. But your writing style—that’s your unique voice. It’s your signature, your authentic mark on every story. I want to see real artists with true depth and boundless imagination bring stories to life.”

 

Why Umbra Print Stands Out

• Diversity and Inclusion: Umbra Print is dedicated to amplifying voices that are often overlooked by mainstream publishers.
• Comprehensive Support: From editing to marketing, Umbra Print provides writers with the tools and guidance they need to succeed.
• Community Focus: Workshops, courses, and collaborative projects foster a sense of belonging and growth for writers at every stage.
• Visionary Leadership: Krystal’s personal story and commitment to empowerment inspire both her team and the authors she works with.

 

A Legacy in the Making

For Krystal, Umbra Print is more than a business, it’s a legacy. “I want to create beautiful things that inspire generations from now until forever,” she says. “So as long as it sticks with them, and you have the opportunity to be embraced. And I do want to be, you know, possibly the big seven one day, I want to have a publishing house that the world knows. But for now, I’m okay with building up to that and using those building blocks to create a legacy and memory that I can be proud of. And of course, my mom would be proud of.”

Ready to bring your story out of the shadows? Visit Umbra Print at www.umbra-print.com to learn more about their services, workshops, and upcoming releases. Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned author, Krystal Tucker and her team are ready to help you shine.

1213 W. Morehead St, Suite 500, Unit #100 Charlotte, NC

Website: umbra-print.com

Email: k.tucker@umbra-print.com

Phone: (980)920-9047

Social Media: Facebook | Instagram