Big Earth Publishing is committed to being more than just a publisher of good books. We are a family of independent publishers with a unified purpose—to provide our readers with compelling stories and ideas that inform and inspire us all. We remain focused on those ideals that make independent publishing unique: a reader and an author perspective, creativity, and flexibility.

Trails Books is the leading publisher of regional non-fiction titles in the Midwest, specializing in outdoor activity guides, sports, home and garden, legends and lore, photography and children’s books. From its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, Trails Books publishes a list of more than 100 titles for the Midwest generally and for the states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and Kansas. Our subsidiary imprint, Quiz Master Books, publishes trivia books on sports and popular culture topics.

Westcliffe Publishers, founded by renowned nature photographer John Fielder in 1979, quickly built a solid reputation of producing high-quality fine art books and nature guidebooks. Twenty-nine years later, Westcliffe continues to live up to this reputation. Acquired by Big Earth Publishing in 2007, they have continued in the tradition of producing beautiful books that celebrate nature, outdoor recreation, and conservation. 

The American West has long been the source of myths, legends, and tall tales--a vast mystery to many. Johnson Books was established in 1978 and for 30 years Johnson Books has been exploring and celebrating both the facts and fantasies of the West through its varied list of nonfiction. Located in Boulder, Colorado, Johnson Books has grown with the West, and so we have been able to keep a pulse on its important issues--both old and new. Everyone will be able to find something new and fascinating to learn among our many titles.

Our books are regional in nature and include environmental subjects, history, geology, archaeology, guidebooks, outdoor recreation, cookbooks, general nonfiction, and fly-fishing.

Bleak House Books publishes crime and dark literary fiction featuring imperfect protagonists doing their best to survive in the world. Our authors have been finalists for the most prestigious awards in the mystery field including the Edgar, the Anthony, the Barry, the Macavity, the Shamus, and the Gumshoe. The company publishes approximately 15 titles a year.

Telluride Magazine It was with little forethought and less planning that the Telluride Times issued the first Telluride Magazine during the 1982/83 ski season. John Arnold convinced the publisher of the newspaper at the time to produce the first issue—Arnold was the managing editor and Mary Duffy served as production manager. None of the staff had any four-color experience, but in a place as vibrant and beautiful as Telluride, a four-color magazine seemed imperative. Visitors who wanted to relish photographs and read more about what the area had to offer, and less about local politics, had nothing to reach for. Another regional magazine wasn’t out there, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to take the media to the next level.

With the support of many of Telluride’s most steadfast institutions, the first issue was launched. Typesetting, shooting half-tones, cutting rubylith, waxing copy, pasting ads and proofing (we didn’t become computerized until 1990), we worked until the ninth hour to get the pages ready for press. The finished product hit the stands mid-winter.

After the success of that first issue, Arnold decided to establish an independent publishing company and produce the magazine (it didn’t prove profitable for the newspaper). Over the years, the publishing company engaged the talents of Telluride’s finest photographers, writers, designers and editors, showcasing the beauty, history and character of Telluride.

Women’s Adventure Women’s Adventure is the only sports, travel, fitness and life magazine published specifically for active women. Published bi-monthly, Women’s Adventure is for women who find mass market outdoor publications to be too general and fitness titles to be too weight loss focused.

Each issue of Women’s Adventure brings a personal connection between our talented writers and our readers that stir deep emotions. Even if you’ve never trekked through the arctic on skis, sailed solo across the oceans of the world, or competed in a fast-paced road cycling event, through Women’s Adventure, you will experience the thrill and excitement of adventure and personal challenge in today’s modern world.

Our active subscribers are a part of a growing community of women who choose to thrive in the wild. Every edition inspires, informs and invigorates adventurous curiosities. Subscribe today to Women’s Adventure: the first and last word in great adventure.

Our Staff

Mira Perrizo functions as the dictionary, Chicago Manual of Style, encyclopedia, and ultimate book publishing guru for Big Earth’s Boulder office, supplying her well-preserved knowledge upon request and free of charge. She spends her spare time in the office buying print for all of the publishing and magazine divisions. She also knows a lot about fine wine. At the age of 28, Mira reluctantly left a successful career as a professional motocross racer after a serious crash. She now spends her spare time with her Afghan hound Sophie, growing orchids, and playing bridge. She has spent the past 30 years in the publishing industry, and 13 years with Johnson Books.

Linda Doyle, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Big Earth, has had most every job imaginable in this industry - from bookseller, to buyer, to publisher - and all kinds of less-than-glamorous jobs in between. What keeps her going is the thought that some day she will hit it big with a bestseller. She is most passionate about gardening, running, grandkids, and reminding the rest of us that she walked 10 miles to school each day in Northern Siberia (Minnesota).

Martin Balgach, Director of Sales & Marketing, holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a Master of Fine Arts in Writing. His writing and criticism has appeared or is forthcoming in journals such as The Bitter Oleander, Cream City Review, Many Mountains Moving, MARGIE, Opium Magazine, and Rain Taxi. Outside of the office he enjoys hiking, telemark skiing, and playing melancholic, low-fi guitar music.