At first glance, it might be hard to connect being a paranormal investigator, historian, and fantasy author to running a publishing company. But for Erin Egnatz, the thread tying them all together is simple—storytelling.
“Whether I’m writing fiction or exploring a haunted location, I’m chasing the same thing: adventure,” she explains. “Paranormal investigation teaches me how to observe, listen, and look deeper, and that sense of mystery absolutely bleeds into my writing.” That same curiosity is what inspired her to launch Phantom Publishing, a creative space that helps writers share their voices and experiences with confidence. “It’s a space where curiosity and creativity coexist,” she says.
Egnatz founded Phantom Publishing out of her own experience navigating the complexities of the literary world. “When I began my author journey, I had to learn everything the hard way—from agents to editing to marketing,” she says. “I wanted to build a space that demystifies the process and gives writers the support I wish I’d had early on.” The company’s mission, she explains, is straightforward: empower storytellers to take ownership of their work, preserve their authenticity, and find their audience without losing themselves in the process.
Behind the business, Egnatz’s personal life is a balance of structure and spontaneity. “My family keeps me grounded and reminds me why I do all of this in the first place,” she says. “Sometimes that means writing in the middle of the night after grading papers or going ghost hunting on a weekend with my husband and kids cheering me on. It’s chaotic—but it’s my kind of chaos.” That balance, she believes, fuels her creativity and authenticity as both a writer and business owner.
Looking ahead, Egnatz is focused on growing Phantom Publishing into a home for independent authors who don’t always fit the traditional mold. “I want to expand opportunities for indie authors and build mentorship programs that make publishing more accessible and community-driven,” she says. Alongside that vision, she’s continuing to grow her literary universes—Professionally Chaotic and The Jaded Knight—and is exploring ways to merge her paranormal research with storytelling. “Long term, I just want to keep creating—stories, spaces, and opportunities—for people who love the strange, the human, and the in-between.”
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