It was all

a dream.

Every journey starts with an idea—turning a hobby into something more, building an artistic portfolio, or sharing a creative project with the world. Whatever your vision, sharing your story within a supportive and uplifting community can make all the difference.

At Yazzabear Self-Publishing Press, we believe that emotions are universal but our stories are personal. We strive to empower individuals to explore and share their narratives freely, without cost or limitations. Our mission is to amplify and preserve unheard voices, ensuring their stories reach and resonate with those who need them most.

Meet the Collective

  • Antoinette Barton

    FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (@anbarton)

  • Joey Meece

    FOUNDER / ZINESTER (@the.sleepless.dreamers)

  • Yaz

    FOUNDER / CHIEF INSPIRATION OFFICER

  • LIL ANT

    ARTIST (@lilartsyant)

  • A.B. Wong

    WRITER / NOVELIST (@_abwong)

  • Jamil Hawkins

    PHOTOGRAPHER / ILLUSTRATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

  • Emma Swan

    WRITER / POET (@boidisthewoid)

  • ARTEE

    POET / RAPPER (@arteeskii)

  • YOU

    POTENTIAL MEMBER

  • Teleco

    EAST BAY

    Alt-country band from both sides of the bay. New-age traditionalists, abomunists, late-sleeping utopians, uncynical music-makers. Here to dance

  • Watch This Drive

    SAN FRANCISCO

    BIO TO COME

  • Melon Collective

    BERKELEY

    BIO TO COME

  • The Sunday Souls

    BERKELEY

    BIO TO COME

  • Heaven Sent

    BERKELEY

    BIO TO COME

OUR PARTNERS

Berkeley Bait and Tackle

•

Gallery 2727

•

THIS COULD BE YOU

•

YOUR ORGANIZATION

•

ET VOUS?

•

Berkeley Bait and Tackle • Gallery 2727 • THIS COULD BE YOU • YOUR ORGANIZATION • ET VOUS? •

  • “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

    ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

  • “The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

    ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

  • “The first draft of anything is shit.”

    ― Ernest Hemingway

  • “If a story is in you, it has to come out.”

    ― William Faulkner

  • “A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit.”

    ― Richard Bach

Join the team

Join our collective as we grow into a nonprofit publishing house and organization. We keep things flexible, chill, and cool. The only requirements are:

  • Commitment to your writing and artistic projects.

  • Attend team meetings at least once every two months, either in person or via Zoom.

  • Help distribute publications to retail stores, organizations, and galleries in your area.

  • Be interested in taking on an operational role within the collective.

  • Willingness to represent the organization at events and workshops (online or in person).

In return, you'll receive:

  • A copy of every publication released during your time with us.

  • Access to a supportive network of creative community members.

  • Connections and opportunities through external organizations in the publishing industry.

  • A share of the sales from your publication(s).

  • Experience in creative community building, leadership, and stepping into the publishing and art industries.