Atmosphere Press Staff Spotlight: Elana Sederholm

As Atmosphere Press’s Book Distribution Manager, Elana Sederholm supports authors throughout their post-production journey, serving as the primary contact for online listing updates, printer coordination, and royalty management.

Elana holds a BA in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and has contributed to both non-profits and startups, including Public Art Saint Paul and Our National Conversation, where she successfully helped publish their first book. She is passionate about helping authors share their stories and achieve their dream of becoming published.

Outside of work, Elana enjoys low-risk hobbies such as baking, reading, and puzzling. Though she tends to avoid the outdoors (thanks to allergies), she makes regular summer visits to the Minnesota Zoo to see the animals she’s allergic to.

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What’s your role at Atmosphere Press, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I’m Atmosphere’s Book Distribution Manager! Most of my work starts after an author receives their physical proof copy: communication with the printers, author copy orders, royalty reports, etc.. I love that every day is different and there’s always something new popping up. I never know what my inbox is going to look like each day; it’s exciting!

What book, film, or piece of art has shaped you the most?

When I was a kid, my mom would read to my sister and me every night: Little House on the Prairie, Betsy-Tacy, Peter Rabbit, etc… The best part about being in Minnesota is that I live in the same state where the Little House on the Prairie and Betsy-Tacy books were set. I’ve been to Walnut Grove, Plum Creek, and the Lincoln Park neighborhood in Mankato where Maud Hart Lovelace grew up. I even met Charlotte Stewart, who played Miss Beadle on the Little House on the Prairie show. These stories inspired my love for reading because I could fully immerse myself inside and outside of the books. 

What do you wish more authors knew about Atmosphere Press’s publishing process?

We like to take the publication process one step at a time. There are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes of your book’s creation, and the team tries to avoid confusion or miscommunication when we can. We know you’re eager to reach the finish line, but we want to ensure that every step is completed before you get there. All of us at Atmosphere Press want you to be proud of our work!

What’s a fun fact most people wouldn’t guess about you?

I have a hedgehog! I’m allergic to most animals, and after my sister got her first hedgehog in 2020, I finally found a cute animal that I can live with. It’s not your typical pet, but hedgehogs have their own personalities and quirks that allow them to be the cutest little companions. 

When do you feel most “in flow” creatively?

I love it when I am able to just sit down and fully focus on what’s in front of me. Since I tend to take on 3-4 things at once, I go all in when I am finally able to focus on one project. Of course, some good music also helps me to get creative. You never know what’s going to inspire you!

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More staff spotlights are on the way!
Until then, meet the rest of Atmosphere Press’s amazing staff on our team page.