By Mark Pruitt
In an era where mainstream publishing has largely abandoned conservative voices, Defiance Press and Publishing stands as an unwavering fortress of principle, dedication, and literary excellence. As co-host of The Defiance Daily Show alongside Travis Roberts, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable transformation and growth of this publishing powerhouse – a journey that embodies the very values we hold dear as conservatives: hard work, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to truth.
A Legacy Built on Defiance
The story of Defiance Press begins with Dave Roberts, a visionary who understood that conservative authors needed more than just a publisher – they needed a champion. Dave didn’t just create a business; he forged a movement dedicated to amplifying voices that mainstream media and traditional publishing houses had systematically silenced. His commitment to conservative principles and unwavering support for authors who dared to challenge the status quo laid the foundation for what would become one of the most respected conservative publishing houses in America.
But like all great legacies, the true test comes in the passing of the torch. When Dave passed away unexpectedly, Travis Roberts stepped up and never wavered. Some may have wondered if the younger Roberts could maintain the same level of passion and commitment that had built Defiance Press into what it is today. Those concerns were quickly put to rest.
Travis Roberts didn’t just inherit a publishing company – he inherited a mission. Under his leadership, Defiance Press has not only maintained its founding principles but has expanded its reach and influence in ways that would make his father proud. The transition represents more than just a generational shift; it symbolizes the continuity of conservative values and the understanding that the fight for truth and freedom must be carried forward by each successive generation.
The Defiance Daily Show: Where Conversations Matter
It’s this commitment to amplifying conservative voices that led to the creation of The Defiance Daily Show with Roberts and Pruitt. Every episode represents our dedication to bringing you the conversations that matter – the ones mainstream media won’t have and the perspectives they refuse to acknowledge. When Travis and I sit down with guests like Tristi Pinkston and Lisa Woodward, we’re not just conducting interviews; we’re providing a platform for the ideas and individuals who are shaping the future of conservative thought and literature.
The show has become more than just a podcast – it’s become a rallying point for conservatives who understand that culture is upstream from politics, and that winning the battle of ideas requires winning the battle for hearts and minds through powerful storytelling and compelling narratives.
Meeting the Architects of Author Success
Our recent conversation with Tristi Pinkston and Lisa Woodward perfectly encapsulates what Defiance Press represents. These aren’t just publishing professionals – they’re warriors in the cultural battle, each bringing decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tristi Pinkston’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Twenty-three years in the publishing trenches, nearly 180 books to her name, and countless authors guided to success – her story is one of relentless dedication and unwavering principle. But what struck me most about Tristi isn’t just her impressive track record; it’s her understanding that writing isn’t just about craft – it’s about character. Her passion for helping authors “find and honor the light within themselves” speaks to something deeper than publishing success. It speaks to the transformation that occurs when we commit ourselves to excellence and refuse to compromise our values.
Lisa Woodward brings a different but equally powerful perspective to the table. Her seventeen years in the publishing industry, combined with her military background as a USAF Combat Security Specialist, creates a unique blend of creative insight and operational excellence. Lisa doesn’t just talk about success – she delivers it. Her track record of creating bestsellers and her work with New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors isn’t the result of luck or accident; it’s the product of systematic excellence and an uncompromising work ethic.
The Reality Check Conservative Authors Need
What I appreciate most about Lisa’s approach is her refreshing honesty about what it takes to succeed in today’s publishing landscape. Too many authors – conservative and otherwise – have been sold the fairy tale that writing a book automatically leads to success. Lisa’s philosophy cuts through that nonsense with military precision: if you’re willing to build a platform and work to promote your book, she’ll move heaven and earth for you. If you’re looking to “kick back and collect mailbox money,” you’re on your own.
This isn’t harsh – it’s honest. And honesty is exactly what conservative authors need if they’re going to compete in a marketplace that’s often hostile to their message. Success requires more than good intentions and conservative principles; it requires excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes to get your message heard.
A Training Ground for Excellence
Recognizing that many talented conservative authors lack the business acumen necessary to succeed in today’s publishing environment, Lisa Woodward has developed comprehensive training programs designed to transform aspiring authors into bestselling powerhouses. These aren’t feel-good workshops that leave participants with warm fuzzy feelings and empty bank accounts. These are intensive, results-oriented programs that teach the nuts and bolts of what it actually takes to build a successful author platform.
The training covers everything from manuscript development and editing to marketing strategies and platform building. But more importantly, it instills the mindset necessary for long-term success. Lisa’s military background shines through in every aspect of the program – there’s no coddling, no participation trophies, and no false promises. What there is, however, is a systematic approach to author development that has produced measurable results.
Authors who complete Lisa’s training don’t just learn about publishing – they learn about business, marketing, branding, and the relentless work ethic required to cut through the noise in today’s crowded marketplace. They learn that success isn’t about getting lucky or knowing the right people; it’s about outworking and out-executing the competition while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
The Defiance Difference
What sets Defiance Press apart isn’t just our commitment to conservative values – though that commitment is unwavering. What truly distinguishes us is our understanding that excellence and principles aren’t mutually exclusive; they’re mutually reinforcing. We don’t lower our standards to accommodate authors who share our worldview. Instead, we demand that conservative authors meet and exceed the highest standards of literary and professional excellence.
Our distribution network speaks to this commitment. When your book is published by Defiance Press, it’s not relegated to some corner of the conservative book market. It’s distributed through Barnes & Noble, Google Play Books, Spotify, Apple Books, Kobo, and numerous other mainstream platforms. We compete in the major leagues because we know conservative ideas can win when they’re presented with excellence and professionalism.
A Call to Conservative Authors
If you’re a conservative author who’s tired of being ignored by mainstream publishers, if you’re frustrated by the lack of professional support for your work, and if you’re ready to commit to the level of excellence required to succeed in today’s marketplace, then Defiance Press and Publishing wants to hear from you.
But understand this: we’re not looking for authors who want their hands held or their feelings protected. We’re looking for warriors – men and women who understand that the battle for America’s cultural future will be won or lost in the realm of ideas, and that victory requires more than good intentions.
We’re seeking authors who combine exceptional talent with an incredible work ethic, who understand that success requires sacrifice, and who are committed to excellence in every aspect of their craft. If that describes you, then you’re exactly the kind of author Defiance Press was created to serve.
The Future of Conservative Publishing
As I reflect on our conversation with Tristi and Lisa, and as I consider the remarkable journey of Defiance Press from Dave Roberts’ original vision to Travis Roberts’ dynamic leadership, I’m filled with optimism about the future of conservative publishing. We’re not just surviving in a hostile marketplace – we’re thriving. We’re not just maintaining our principles – we’re advancing them through excellence.
The torch has been passed, the mission continues, and the best is yet to come. For conservative authors ready to join this fight, ready to commit to excellence, and ready to work harder than they’ve ever worked before, Defiance Press and Publishing stands ready to provide the platform, the training, and the support necessary to turn their message into a movement.
The question isn’t whether there’s room for conservative voices in today’s publishing landscape. The question is whether you’re ready to earn your place at the table through excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to your craft.
At Defiance Press, we believe you are. The question is: do you believe it too?
Mark Pruitt is co-host of The Defiance Daily Show with Roberts and Pruitt, Director of Author Acquisition at Defiance Press and Publishing, and manager of Defiance Daily. A former U.S. Marine and Houston police officer, Mark brings decades of experience in leadership and service to his role in conservative media and publishing.
To submit your manuscript, visit our website at www.defiancepress.com and Click On “GET PUBLISHED”
