CREAR PUBLISHING
Find your next independently published read here.
We are an independent book publisher based in the North East of England, founded in 2023 on a simple belief: brilliant stories deserve to be told, wherever their authors call home.
From gripping true crime and powerful memoirs to laugh-out-loud women's fiction, heartfelt poetry, page-turning YA and magical children's books. Our catalogue is built for readers who love discovering something fresh, honest and independently published. If you're tired of the same big-publisher names and want books with real heart behind them, you're in exactly the right place.
Our authors write from lived experience, from the North East of England to Australia, and every book we publish is one we're genuinely proud to put our name on.
Readers: browse our books and find your next great read.
Authors: if you have a story to tell, we'd love to hear from you.
Northeast Indie Book Festivals
North East Indie Book Fest 3 October 2026
Returning for its second year, this festival showcases talented independent authors from across the North East, sharing their writing journeys and connecting directly with readers. More details in the events section of the website. You can buy your tickets using the button below.
After the huge success of the inaugural North East Indie Book Festival in 2025, Crear Publishing is delighted to bring two exciting literary events to the region in 2026.
North East Children's Indie Book Fest 25 July 2026
A fun and inspiring event celebrating independent children's authors, with storytelling, author talks and opportunities for young readers to discover new books. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared in sucha wonderful day.
Both events celebrate independent publishing, local authors and a love of books.
Join us and discover your next favourite story.
Upcoming events!
Justine is coming home to Sunderland
Sunderland-born author Justine Sless is heading home this October to celebrate the launch of her new novel, Before I Sing You This Song.
Born and raised in Sunderland, where she lived until she was 19, Justine now calls Melbourne, Australia home. But this autumn she’ll be swapping Melbourne for Wearside for a series of special events celebrating her latest release.
Before I Sing You This Song tells the story of Elsie Bishop, a young woman determined to make her mark in stand-up comedy in 1970s Sunderland, in the era of legendary North East comic Bobby Thompson.
We’re delighted to be helping host several events during Justine’s visit, giving readers the chance to hear more about the inspiration behind the novel, Justine’s writing journey and her memories of Sunderland – with plenty of stories and laughs along the way.
Take a look at our Events page to find out where Justine will be appearing and come along to meet her, hear her story, buy a copy of Before I Sing You This Song and have it signed.
Upcoming release!
New novel by Justine Sless
Late 1970s Sunderland.
Elsie Bishop spends her days serving customers in the local greengrocers, but dreams of making people laugh. Inspired by her comedy hero, Bobby Thompson, The Little Waster, she’s determined to become a stand-up comedian.
There’s just one problem…
It’s a man’s world, and women aren’t supposed to tell the jokes. They’re supposed to stay quiet and know their place.
Warm, funny and full of northern heart, Before I Sing You This Song is an emotional story about daring to dream, finding your voice and discovering that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is step into the spotlight.
Release Date: 03 October 2026
Location: Field and Fodder as part of the North East Indie Book Fest
Upcoming Release
The Christmas Rift
Christmas is coming... and so is the biggest rift this tiny flat has ever seen.
When Daisy and Kate's glamorous new housemate is announced, they picture another girl.
Instead, they get Maxi.
A ridiculously handsome male model with an ego the size of Lapland, an appetite that empties the fridge daily and a nasty habit of encouraging two best friends to compete for his attention.
Before long, Daisy's mentally picking out wedding dresses, Kate's having far less wholesome thoughts and the flat has descended into festive warfare.
Watching every drama unfold from the safety of the skirting board is Nigel, the house's delightfully eccentric resident mouse. Sporting an abandoned contact lens as a monocle and never knowingly short of an opinion, he's firmly convinced humans are the daftest creatures ever created.
He's probably right.
A laugh-out-loud Christmas comedy about friendship, festive disasters and why some housemates really should come with a warning label.
Release Date: 03 October 2026
Location: Field and Fodder as part of the North East Indie Book Fest
Book launch event!
Debut novel from L. J. Morton
After a Viking raid leaves her a hostage, a youngnoblewoman must learn to survive among her captors, where shifting loyalties and rising power blur the linebetween enemy and ally.
Coming soon!
Electric Beacon Books, 1 Albemarle St, South Shields NE33 1LZ
Upcoming release!
New novel by Katie Lou Jeffery
Step into a world where darkness whispers, magic awakens, and survival is the greatest act of courage.
Beacon of Light is the breathtaking first instalment of Katie Lou Jeffery's gothic romantasy trilogy, introducing readers to Leora, a young woman haunted by the trauma of her past. As she returns to her childhood home, unsettling forces begin to emerge from the shadows, drawing her into a realm where ancient magic, terrifying secrets, and an enigmatic guardian named Valthren await.
Blending gothic atmosphere, slow-burn romance, and richly imagined fantasy, Katie has crafted a story that explores resilience, healing, and the extraordinary strength it takes to confront the darkest parts of ourselves. Inspired by real emotions and lived experiences, Beacon of Light is far more than an epic fantas, it is a powerful story of survival, hope, and reclaiming your own light.
Prepare to lose yourself in a haunting new world that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
Karen is appearing in several news articles in July.
More articles to follow...
Crear Publishing founder Karen Crear was featured in a full interview with Spectrum Magazine in July 2026, discussing the publication of her children's book Where There's a Wheel There's a Way, a story she originally wrote and illustrated at the age of nine under her childhood name Karen Ferguson.
The interview covers the story behind the book, the decision to publish it more than four decades later, and the hidden dragonfly on every page in support of the Dragonfly Cancer Trust. Karen also discusses running Crear Publishing, organising the North East's indie book festivals, and her passionate belief in the power of reading to transform children's lives. A portion of proceeds from the book is donated to the Dragonfly Cancer Trust.
Jonathan Brough's Cottingley Beck Wins Open Book Award
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Jonathan Brough's forthcoming novel, Cottingley Beck, has been recognised with a Highly Recommended Winner award at the Open Book Awards, an outstanding achievement for both Jonathan and everyone at Crear Publishing.
Due for publication this September, Cottingley Beck is a beautifully written and deeply atmospheric novel that has already captured the attention of industry judges before its official release. Receiving this recognition ahead of publication is a wonderful testament to Jonathan's exceptional storytelling and the quality of the book.
At Crear Publishing, we are passionate about championing talented independent authors, and Jonathan's success perfectly reflects that mission. We couldn't be prouder to have him as part of the Crear family and can't wait to share Cottingley Beck with readers across the UK and beyond.
Please join us in congratulating Jonathan on this fantastic achievement. We have no doubt this is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Cottingley Beck.
Congratulations Jonathan, we're incredibly proud of you!
Now available
New novel by Jonathan Brough
Openly gay school leaver Sandy Chapman loves the magic of musical theatre. But when mysterious faerie forces begin interfering with the school play that he’s helping to produce, how can he keep his vision untainted and ensure that everyone, including himself, remains genuine and true to themselves?
Where there's a wheel there's a way
Buy your copy!
Where There's a Wheel There's a Way is far more than a children's story. It is a remarkable tale of resilience, hope and the power of never giving up.
The story began over forty years ago when Karen first wrote it as a young schoolgirl. Even then, her imagination created an uplifting tale about determination, courage and believing that every obstacle can be overcome. The handwritten story was treasured by her family and, decades later, Karen fulfilled a lifelong dream by bringing it to life as a beautifully illustrated children's book.
Its publication carries an even deeper meaning. During Karen's own battle with cancer, the message at the heart of the story became intensely personal. As she faced treatment with courage and determination, Where There's a Wheel There's a Way became a reminder that hope can be found even in life's most difficult moments.
Crear Publishing is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from every copy sold to The Dragonfly Cancer Trust, a charity that creates precious memories for young people living with cancer and provides comfort and support to families during incredibly difficult times.
Through this partnership, the book not only inspires young readers but also helps bring hope, kindness and lasting memories to those who need them most.
Perfect for children and families, Where There's a Wheel There's a Way is an inspiring story that encourages readers of all ages to believe in themselves, face challenges with courage and remember that, no matter how difficult the journey, there is always a way forward. Every purchase helps support the incredible work of The Dragonfly Cancer Trust, making this a book that truly gives back.
What Our Authors Say
"It is a real delight to work with the wonderful people at Crear Publishing. Karen and Ryan clearly love books, love writing, love readers and love authors."
Welcome to the refreshed
Teapots & Tequila Shots series
This much-loved collection of three laugh-out-loud novels celebrates reinvention, friendship and the joy of starting again later in life. Packed with sharp humour, heartfelt moments and heroines who refuse to fade quietly into the background, these stories prove that life does not slow down with age, it simply gets more interesting.
Whether it is rediscovering confidence, embracing romance, or throwing the rulebook out altogether, each book follows a woman navigating life’s twists with wit, warmth and a well-earned splash of tequila.
If you enjoy uplifting, escapist reads that celebrate living boldly at any age, the Teapots & Tequila Shots series is waiting to be devoured, book in one hand, cocktail in the other.
Available from
30 May 2026
Join us for a special book launch event celebrating The Antiquities of Amalthea Academy, the exciting new children’s adventure by Jonathan Brough.
Packed with mystery, friendship and imagination, this treasure-hunt adventure blends a touch of the supernatural with a twist of Greek mythology. Three friends must work together to save their school, but can Thumper, their lively and loyal border collie, help them uncover a hidden collection of twentieth-century artefacts, and will it be enough to save the day?
Meet Jonathan Brough, who retired from teaching in 2023 after one hundred terms in education, including serving as headteacher of three schools. Jonathan now shares his love of reading and writing with young readers across the country, visiting bookshops, festivals, libraries and schools to talk about storytelling, answer questions, and inspire children to create stories of their own.
Perfect for families, young readers, teachers and book lovers, this event will include an author talk, audience Q&A, book signing, and the chance to discover a wonderful new adventure story.
Come along and celebrate the launch of a brilliant new book full of puzzles, surprises and heart.
A Letter from Clarence House
We were deeply honoured to receive a letter from Clarence House, written on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, following the receipt of our book Playing with Fire, which my Coleen Greenwood kindly sent to Her Majesty.
Dated 14th October 2025, the letter expresses appreciation for the book and acknowledges the work we continue to do in support of women facing adversity. It was both humbling and uplifting to read such thoughtful words, and to know that our efforts have resonated with someone who has shown lifelong dedication to championing women’s causes.
Receiving this message of encouragement from Clarence House is a profound honour. Playing with Fire was written to highlight resilience, courage and the power of shared experience. To have our work recognised in this way is both a privilege and an inspiration to continue supporting those whose voices deserve to be heard.
A portion of all sales from Playing with Fire is donated to Women’s Aid, a charity dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. It is a cause that remains deeply personal to us and we are proud that our book continues to help raise both awareness and vital funds for their important work.
We are deeply grateful for this gracious acknowledgement, which we will treasure always.
"Words from the Soul"
by Natasha Robinson
Buy your copy now!
Words from the Soul is a heartfelt collection of poetry drawn from Natasha Robinson’s memories, hopes and lived experiences. Each poem offers a glimpse into her world, from the comfort of long held friendships to reflections on family, childhood and the beauty found in everyday life. Honest and deeply personal, these verses shine with warmth, resilience and sincerity.
Writing has long been Natasha’s way of expressing her feelings and experiences, including her journey living with epilepsy. This debut collection marks a proud and powerful milestone, representing years of dedication and courage. Her words remind us that no matter who we are or what challenges we face, our voices matter.
Tender, uplifting and authentic, Songs from the Soul invites readers to step into Natasha’s world and discover poetry that truly speaks from the heart.
Evelyn Weaver is a Later Life Diva
Evelyn Weaver has lost her spark. In fact, it has dimmed to a mere flicker. Her life is boring her senseless and she has taken to living vicariously through her soap operas. Her usual activities of the bridge club and supermarket shopping just aren’t cutting it anymore.
She may be in her late sixties but is this really all there is? Must she just shuffle along for the remainder of her life in her fluffy slippers with knitting at hand.
Or could there be more? Could there be one final love affair waiting for her if only she dared to be brave enough?
Join Evelyn as she flips the script on her life completely. There are dating disasters, plenty of drama and surprising new friendships along the way.
In a tale that is both heartwarming and hilarious Evelyn proves that growing old is inevitable but thinking old, well that’s a choice. And sometimes life’s best chapters are still to be written.
Now on Audiobook!
A Christmas Caroline
She's the Queen of Mean, until one chaotic Christmas Eve night threatens to blow her life and budget wide apart!
Caroline’s got frugality down to a fine art. She can make a tin of soup stretch for days, considers “reduced to clear” her love language, and thinks Christmas is just a daft excuse for people to throw their money away on tinsel trimmed tat.
But Christmas Eve night takes a turn when her best mate, Marlene, drops in for a chat. Lovely, right? Except Marlene’s been dead for seven years and she’s got a message for Caroline, she will be visited by three spirits and if she doesn’t pay attention, her future’s looking bleaker than the contents of her fridge freezer.
Caroline’s convinced she’s having a hallucination. Ghosts? Surely not! But as the night goes on, she starts to wonder if she might just learn something worth more than her latest discount voucher. And for someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing, this might be the wake-up call she didn’t see coming.
Perfect for fans of Anstey Harris, Dawn French and The Thursday Murder Club – A Christmas Caroline is a hilarious, heartwarming festive tale about second chances, eccentric family ties and learning that some things in life are worth the splurge.
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