THE HISTORY OF SERVING HOUSE BOOKS

Serving House Books is an independent, global book press that publishes literary novels; collections of poetry, essays, and memoirs; and art books.

Serving House Books was co-founded in Denmark and the United States by Thomas E. Kennedy and Walter Cummins in 2009. Serving House Books, was born as an homage to the main character in Tom’s novel, Kerrigan in Copenhagen—to his vibrant excursions to Danish bars, taverns, and other serving houses.

Thomas Kennedy passed away on May 26, 2021, leaving a significant mark on world literature through his publication of many books, stories, essays, translations, reviews, and interviews, as well has his support of many writers in the U.S., Denmark, and other countries. When Tom retired from an active role with the imprint, he left with more than one hundred SHB titles in circulation, a number of which have been honored as winners or finalists for a variety of awards, including Kirkus independent press books of the year.

In 2024, Dr. William K. Lawrence assumed the role of publisher. Walter Cummins remains as a close advisor and editor. SHB has continued to publish important writers and unique books that are both intimate and universal, blending the sophisticated with the unexpected.