Navigator Books today announced its launch as an independent book publisher dedicated to publishing compelling books in the categories of History, Biography, Memoir, and Historical Fiction. Founded by Brendan Cahill, a 30-year veteran of trade book publishing, Navigator will publish three books in 2026 beginning in July, with six titles scheduled for 2027 and plans for an expanding list in the years ahead.
“Our goal is to publish books that matter, and to reach a broad readership,” said Cahill, CEO and Publisher of Navigator Books. “Our society and culture are hungry for new, in-depth perspectives on history in our fast-evolving mobile/social digital era, which AI is accelerating even further. We need a scalable, human-creativity-forward approach for publishers and authors to create meaningful books that are meant to be experienced at the speed humans can absorb them.”
Navigator Books seeks to address the frustrations of established and emerging authors with the current publishing landscape by offering an author-centric model. The publisher will add value through early-stage collaborative ideation with authors and multi-book commitments, with royalty and rights split standards aligned with veteran agents. Navigator will also incorporate modern technologies, including responsible usage of AI, for operational execution.
The initial 2026 list includes three titles for which Navigator holds World Rights in All Languages, along with eBook and Audio: “JUST GIVE ME A CHANCE TO FAIL: THE BIOGRAPHY OF NFL HALL OF FAME LINEBACKER SAM MILLS” by Paul Domowitch (July), “BRAINROT: A CULTURAL HISTORY” by Olivia Shelly Alcott (August), and “DARK MESSIAH” by Sara Z. Carson (September). Domowitch’s biography traces Sam Mills’ journey from the New Jersey projects to the NFL Hall of Fame, while Alcott’s cultural history explores the roots of addictive mobile content. Carson’s debut historical novel is inspired by the Jim Jones cult.
Navigator’s physical books will be distributed in North America through a hybrid printing and distribution partnership with Lakeside Book Company. Digital distribution and marketing will be handled by Open Road Integrated Media (ORIM) for eBooks and streaming audio titles worldwide in English.
Lakeside Book Company’s SVP of Business Development Todd McGarity said, “We’re excited to be partnering with Brendan to help launch Navigator Books. We’re confident that combining Brendan’s deep industry experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and unique publishing talents with Lakeside Books’ end-to-end supply chain will set up Navigator Books’ growing list of extraordinary titles for success right out of the gate—and for years to come.”
ORIM CEO David Steinberger added, “I’ve known Brendan for years, both as a publisher and an innovator in our industry. He played a big part in working with our founder Jane Friedman to set Open Road on the path to success in its first days, and welcoming him back in this new partnership is a perfect fit. We are thrilled to have Navigator entrust us with its digital distribution and marketing as Brendan builds an ambitious new list.”
Cahill independently operates the company as its principal owner with a small in-house team, augmented by partnerships with veteran industry professionals. The company is funded in part by a select group of experienced startup and industry investors. Navigator Books is based at the Pennovation Center in Philadelphia.
