Atmosphere Press Staff Spotlight: Trista Edwards

Trista Edwards holds a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of North Texas. She is the author of Spectral Evidence and editor of Till the Tide: An Anthology of Mermaid Poetry, with her poems and prose appearing in numerous literary journals. Beyond the page, Trista has a unique draw to alligators, a nose for intriguing perfumes (the weirder, the better!), and enjoys binge-watching documentaries about cults.

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

My primary roles at Atmosphere Press are as an Acquisitions Editor and a Developmental Editor. As an Acquisitions Editor, I love discovering new voices and compelling stories that truly resonate and then having the privilege of bringing those authors into the Atmosphere Press family. As a Developmental Editor, what’s most rewarding is working closely with authors to help them shape their manuscripts, refine their ideas, and truly elevate their storytelling. There’s something truly special about helping to bring someone’s creative vision to life and seeing a project evolve.

How does your own creative practice inform my work with authors?

As a writer and a mother, my own writing schedule swings from regimented to nonexistent, with work sometimes done in scheduled, quiet hours and sometimes in sudden spurts. This experience instills a profound empathy for the sheer work and will it takes to write, allowing me to deeply appreciate the immense effort, vulnerability, and often solitary nature that goes into crafting a manuscript. I understand and appreciate the unique journey each author is on.

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

This is a tough one, as so many have left their mark! If I had to pick just one in recent years, I’d say Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder. The way it explores identity, motherhood, and the wildness within us, all with a unique blend of surrealism and sharp observation, was incredibly thought-provoking and resonated deeply with me.

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

I wish authors truly understood the level of personalized care that goes into every single book at Atmosphere Press. It’s not a one-size-fits-all factory; we genuinely dive deep into each manuscript, ensuring that the author’s unique voice and vision are not only preserved but enhanced. Our process is designed to be a true partnership, where every decision, from editing to cover design, is made with the book’s best interest—and the author’s goals—at heart.

Any advice for fellow creatives trying to stay inspired?

My advice would be to read widely and diversely, and to embrace boredom. Reading outside your usual genres can spark new ideas and perspectives. And allowing yourself to be bored, even for short periods, creates space for your mind to wander and connect seemingly disparate thoughts, often leading to unexpected creative breakthroughs.

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

I have a passion for dollhouse miniatures, but not in the traditional sense. I’m particularly drawn to creating southern gothic and abandoned scenes. There’s something incredibly compelling about depicting things that are old and decayed; I love how that decay itself tells a story, hinting at what once was and the passage of time. I also love to recreate miniature moments from my favorite Shirley Jackson books—there’s something fascinating about bringing those eerie, atmospheric scenes to life in miniature.

Where can people find your creative work, if you’d like to share?

You can find more of my poetry and prose on my website at www.tristaedwards.com. Additionally, my poetry collection, Spectral Evidence, is available online wherever books are sold!

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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.