Mark Leslie | Author | Coach | Speaker | Stark Publishing (Audio)

The Kino Isaac Podcast

I chatted with Mark Leslie—a passionate storyteller, book industry expert, and self-proclaimed "Book Nerd." Mark’s journey into the world of books began in 1992 when his first short story was published, the same year he started working in the book industry. Since then, he has worn countless hats, from bestselling author to industry leader, all while remaining dedicated to the craft of storytelling. Mark has published over 30 books, including thrillers and fiction (Evasion, A Canadian Werewolf in New York, One Hand Screaming), paranormal non-fiction (Haunted Hospitals, Spooky Sudbury, Tomes of Terror), and anthologies (Campus Chills, Tesseracts Sixteen, Obsessions). Under his full name, Mark Leslie Lefebvre, he helps authors navigate the publishing world with books like The 7 P’s of Publishing Success and An Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries and Bookstores. Beyond writing, Mark has left a significant mark on the book industry, serving as President of the Canadian Booksellers Association, Director of Author Relations and Self-Publishing for Rakuten Kobo, and Director of Business Development for Draft2Digital. Many indie authors fondly remember him as “Mark From Kobo,” a nickname that arose from his leadership at Kobo Writing Life and his approachable presence in the author community. Since 2018, his work at Draft2Digital has earned him the playful title of “Mark2Digital.” Mark is also the founder of Stark Publishing, established in 2004. Stark Publishing is more than an imprint—it’s a bold methodology that combines a DIY ethic with a deep understanding of traditional and indie publishing. The company empowers authors to forge unique paths for their books, ensuring they’re available across major retailers, libraries, and in multiple formats, including print, eBook, and audiobook. Join us as Mark shares his journey, insights into publishing, and his unwavering love for storytelling. Whether you’re an author, a book lover, or just someone passionate about creative pursuits, this episode will inspire you to carve your own path in the ever-changing world of books. Featured Book: One Hand Screaming (20th Anniversary Edition) Mark Leslie celebrates the 20th anniversary of his debut horror collection One Hand Screaming with a special edition that’s bigger, bolder, and more haunting than ever before. Originally published in 2004, this book wasn’t just Mark’s first published work—it was a bold experiment in self-publishing long before indie authors took the literary world by storm. Fast-forward to 2024, and One Hand Screaming returns with more than double the original content, featuring chilling new introductions, behind-the-scenes author notes, and an exclusive look at Mark’s creative journey over the past two decades. This anniversary edition is a visual and literary treat: Custom Artwork: The regular trade paperback and eBook editions include single-page art for each book section, while the hardcover and Kick starter-exclusive Deluxe Editions showcase stunning two-page spreads. Expanded Content: Dive deeper into Mark’s twisted tales of terror with added stories, reflections, and insights into the making of this milestone collection.