Down & Out Books Closes Its Doors After 15 Years of Championing Crime Fiction
After fifteen years of publishing hard-hitting crime, noir, and mystery fiction, Down & Out Books has officially shut down operations, and with the closure comes an abrupt halt to royalty payments for hundreds of authors.
In an email sent to authors this week, founder and publisher Eric Campbell announced the closure of the independent press, citing a steep decline in sales since 2020 as the reason the company could no longer sustain itself financially.
“For 15 remarkable years, Down & Out Books proudly published nearly 1,000 titles, collaborated with over 500 talented authors, and earned more than 50 prestigious awards,” Campbell wrote. “Today, however, we must announce the closure of our operations. Regrettably, a sharp decline in sales since 2020 has made continued financial investment unsustainable. As a result, no further payments will be issued.”
According to the email, all titles will be withdrawn from distribution channels in the coming weeks, and rights will revert to their respective authors and editors “in accordance with their contracts.” That means authors will soon regain full control over their works, allowing them to republish independently or seek new publishing partners — though the suddenness of the shutdown has left many scrambling to figure out next steps.
Down & Out Books was founded in 2011 and quickly earned a reputation as a powerhouse for gritty, character-driven crime fiction, publishing both debut and veteran authors in the genre. Over the years, the press built an impressive catalog of noir, suspense, and mystery titles, and developed several respected imprints and partnerships, including collaborations with anthologies, short story collections, and award-winning crime series that often spotlighted marginalized voices in the genre.
Its closure marks a significant loss for the indie publishing community, particularly in the world of crime and noir fiction, where Down & Out’s reputation for nurturing raw, authentic voices filled a niche often overlooked by larger houses.
The financial struggles that led to the shutdown reflect broader challenges facing small and midsize publishers in the post-pandemic landscape. Rising printing costs, increased competition in digital publishing, and changes in book-buying habits have put sustained pressure on independent presses.
While Campbell did not respond to inquiries about unpaid royalties or the timeline for rights reversion, his message to authors emphasized appreciation for their partnership and creative spirit.
“We are deeply proud of what we built together,” the statement said. “To every author, editor, and reader who believed in our stories — thank you.”
As Down & Out Books exits the scene, its impact lingers. For a decade and a half, the press helped define a new era of independent crime storytelling, proving that bold, unflinching fiction could thrive outside of traditional publishing structures.
Though its final chapter has been written, the authors it championed — many of whom have gone on to build acclaimed careers — carry forward its legacy of dark, fearless, and unforgettable storytelling.