Herstory: A Women’s History Month Q&A with Elizabeth McKellar

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, Elizabeth McKellar, our Director of Sales, Marketing, and New Media, shares a bit about herself, her thoughts on publishing, and the one book she recommends to everyone in the world!

How did you get into publishing?

I kind of fell into publishing, really. I was pre-med in college and fully set on becoming a doctor. But I was doing a dual degree with English because I needed something to keep me sane, and my English literature classes became a refuge.  

Then, sometime in my sophomore year, after studying abroad in India and doing internship and volunteer work in the medical field I had the realization that I didn’t actually want to be a doctor. Cue the existential spiral. All I knew was that I wanted to keep my English major, but I had no idea what to do with it. As they say in Avenue Q, “What do you do with a BA in English?”—I definitely didn’t have the answer. I knew I didn’t want to teach, and I didn’t have a clear path forward.  

After graduating, I decided to take a break before heading to grad school for a Masters in English. I knew I wanted to be around books in some way—maybe I could work at a bookstore, museum, or library. Then I came across a job posting for a publicity internship at a mid-size independent publisher in the SF Bay Area. As a longtime book lover (and a fan of Bridget Jones), I thought, “Why not?” I imagined my life turning into a fun, chaotic publishing adventure—spoiler: I was *not* Bridget Jones. But I did fall in love with the industry.  

From publicity, I moved to production, then to sales and marketing, then to special markets and international sales—and now I’m here! It’s been a winding path, but every step has deepened my love for bringing books into the world.

What is the most rewarding part of your role as Sales, Marketing, and New Media Director at Parallax Press?

Honestly, knowing that I get to help bring books into the world that actually make people’s lives better. I mean, I could be selling lawn furniture. But instead, I get to work with books that inspire mindfulness, compassion, and maybe even a little more sanity in this weird world.  

It’s incredibly rewarding to see a book find its people, to watch it land in the hands of someone who truly needs it and who finds comfort within its pages. Books have always been a haven for me, so being a part of bringing books to others makes my day! 

Plus, I get to work with an incredible team and with authors who are passionate about their work. It’s a job that keeps me constantly learning, creating, and occasionally pulling out my hair when a marketing campaign doesn’t work.

As a Black woman in publishing, how do you see the industry evolving?

It’s a work in progress. More diverse voices are being heard, but there’s still a lot of room to grow in terms of both representation and leadership. As a Black woman in publishing, I am cheering because I do see more and more Black authors, editors, and agents making a significant impact—whether through traditional publishing routes or creating their own spaces. But it’s not about filling quotas; it’s about making sure these voices are centered and that the stories being told aren’t just reflective of one experience, but of many.

One thing that excites me is the emergence of independent presses and the work of Black creatives building their own publishing ecosystems. They’re not waiting for mainstream publishers to play catch-up or make space at the table—we’re building our own table, and I think that energy is shaping the future of the industry.

Plus, folks working with digital publishing and social media have really created platforms for voices that may have once been overlooked. The publishing industry is no longer a one-size-fits-all business. Even though it does still struggle with gatekeeping, more diverse voices and experiences are creating richer stories.

If you could have dinner with three women in history, who would they be?

• Octavia Butler
• Nadiya Hussain
• Catherine of Aragon (I have tons of questions)
• Michelle Obama because she needs to be on this list

Which Thich Nhat Hanh Book has had the biggest impact on your life?

I actually came into mindfulness and discovered Thich Nhat Hanh through the mental health space. I was in a PTSD therapy group, and many of the quotes and excerpts the therapist used were pulled from The Art of Living and No Mud, No Lotus. I really resonated with the excerpts used in those lessons; they spoke deeply to the healing journey I was on. Those two books, in particular, were the ones that brought Thich Nhat Hanh—and later Parallax Press—into my life, so I definitely consider them the key titles that had the biggest impact on my journey. The wisdom in those books helped me see mindfulness as a transformative path for dealing with my trauma and PTSD, and I really thank those titles for a part of my growth and healing. After encountering those teachings in therapy, I was drawn to read more of Thich Nhat Hanh’s work, and it felt like a natural progression from there. 

How can people support women in publishing this month (and beyond)?

BUY MORE BOOKS! Seriously: recommend books written by women, and discuss diverse perspectives. Mentoring, offering opportunities, and advocating for more leadership roles for women in the industry is also deeply supportive. We need to make space at the table and invest more in women writers, editors, publicists—in women working in all aspects of the publishing industry!

How do you hope to see Parallax Press grow in the future?

I hope to see Parallax Press continue to grow in accessibility, both content-wise and platform-wise. Specifically, I want to see simultaneous releases of our print titles alongside ebooks and audiobooks, ensuring that our books are available in every format people need. Whether it’s different languages, digital formats, or audio, I want our books to be as accessible as possible so everyone can experience the wisdom and teachings we publish. That kind of growth is what I envision for the future.

If you could give one book to everyone in the world, which one would it be and why?

I would pick The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, because it captures the magic of childhood, the beauty of small moments, and the quiet joy of discovery. I love that Peter, a little Black boy, is at the heart of this classic story—it was groundbreaking then and still feels extra special now. Books have the power to make us feel seen, and this one does that with warmth and simplicity. Plus I appreciate stories that invite us to slow down, appreciate the world, and find joy in the little things, which I think people could do a lot more of.

What is your favorite Thich Nhat Hanh quote?

You must love in such a way that the person you love feels free.

Elizabeth McKellar is a Bay Area native whose journey has taken her across the US and abroad, always in search of great food and a good museum. A passionate traveler, animal lover, and self-proclaimed musical theater aficionado, she dreams of one day competing on The Great British Baking Show—despite the minor detail of not being British.

A writer at heart (though far too shy to share her work), Liz currently calls the Bluegrass State—where she lives with her husband, four cats, and one very patient dog—home.