About Us

Mural by Faith XLVII, 521 Southwest 11th Avenue in Southwest Portland, Oregon

Blue Canary Publishing was founded in 2022 and expanded to its current state in 2025. Initially focused on internal works, we are now excited to offer our services for others who are frustrated with the traditional publishing model. We do not require authors to have an agent before submitting their work, although represented authors are welcome. If you would like to join us, we are looking for authors who are interested in a local, author-focused, financially rewarding partnership. In accordance with our business model and values, we offer profits to authors significantly above the industry standard.

The name of the company comes from the band They Might Be Giants’ song “Birdhouse in Your Soul,” about a blue canary night light that watches over its people, much like a tiny, guiding lighthouse. Birds evoke freedom and autonomy, while the color blue signifies trust, imagination, and inspiration.

Blue bird of friendliness / Like guardian angels it's / Always near

Our mission is to uplift the voices of Pacific Northwest authors by providing top-notch editing, printing, and marketing services that bring entertaining genre fiction to life. Through dynamic partnerships with local authors, bookstores, and the broader literary community, we connect readers with imaginative and captivating stories that keep them turning pages long into the night.

  • Emma Montgomery

    FOUNDER, HEAD OF FINANCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    Emma holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Puget Sound, also studying at the University of Edinburgh, and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Syracuse University. After living in New York City, where she was a researcher for a major wildlife non-profit, she moved home to Portland and worked for the Oregon Community Foundation and Portland State University before founding Blue Canary Publishing in 2020. Emma loves mystery, romance, travel, history, and humor, as evidenced by her small but beloved collection of P.G. Wodehouse and Agatha Christie first editions.

  • Erica Jolly

    EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

    Erica holds a BA in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Rhetorical Criticism from the University of Puget Sound. Her professional life has taken her hither and thither over the years, including work as a blogger, food photographer, and recipe developer for Portland-based Plum Deluxe tea; associate for Burnt Bridge Cellars winery in Vancouver, WA; and nanny to two wonderful children who have each inspired their own picture books. Along her various paths, Erica’s heart never strayed from writing and editing. After completing a variety of pro bono and freelance editing projects for local authors, she is excited to have joined Blue Canary Publishing in 2025.

  • Malena Goerl

    HEAD OF MARKETING AND PUBLICITY

    Malena has loved escaping into the world of fiction since childhood. Whether reading stories or writing them, she is rooted in her love of words. After earning a BA in English with a minor in Publishing & Printing from Pacific Lutheran University, she pursued roles and projects that allowed her to express her creativity in unique ways. Malena joined the Blue Canary team in 2025.