Kathryn Starke

Kathryn Starke is a national literacy consultant, CEO, reading specialist, author, and former inner-city elementary school teacher. She has previously written books for children, teachers, and Hallmark movie fans. Starke is the creator of the 9th annual Tackle Reading event supported by the National Football League. She founded Creative Minds Publications to help authors bring their books to life.

Twenty years is an incredible milestone. What inspired you to start Creative Minds Publications, and how has your mission evolved over the past two decades?
In 2025, I initially started Creative Minds Publications to publish and market my first children’s book, Amy’s Travels. I was an elementary school teacher at the time and never imagined that I would become a published author and now the founder and CEO of an award-winning publishing company. Since my expertise and background is in literacy and education, our mission has always focused on children and teachers and to teach the world to read. Today, we help even more authors bring their books to life

As both a publisher and a bestselling author of six books, how do you balance the creative process with the business of publishing?
I’ve been fortunate to create a business that thrives on creativity. Personally, I only write books and articles when I am inspired or have an important story to tell. We specifically choose books and authors that I believe our company can creatively market, publicize, or develop book campaigns around to reach new readers. My previous position as a literacy leader in schools prepared me to implement and execute strategic timelines and projects that yield results. I’ve always been organized, disciplined, and resourceful, there attributes that support me in business.

What’s one lesson from your journey that you wish you had known when you first launched Creative Minds Publications?
I was hesitant of social media in the beginning, and Facebook was the only platform at the time. I didn’t feel comfortable talking about myself or posting the honors, media, and accomplishments I received along the way. I’ve learned, however, that no one is going to know your story or share your story if you don’t do it yourself. Today, I have a company page on Instagram and LinkedIn to let our supporters, friends, and readers celebrate our good news.

Your books have made a lasting impact on readers and educators alike. Which book are you most proud of—and why?
Thank you for saying that. My goal has always been to provide motivational, educational, and inspirational books for students, families, teachers, and readers of all ages. What I love about children’s books is that they are timeless. There is always a new reader to introduce a book to, and there is always someone who reads a favorite book over and over again. Amy’s Travels is used in elementary school classrooms every school year and is in over 26 countries on 6 continents. My book, A Touchdown in Reading: An Educator’s Guide to Literacy Instruction, was voted among the “best books to teach kids to read” and has helped over 200 schools achieve literacy success.

What’s next for you and Creative Minds Publications in this new chapter? Any new projects or dreams on the horizon?
To celebrate our 20 years, we are publishing 20 books this year. We are currently taking submissions (no agent required) to be considered one of the twenty new titles while we continue to build our catalogue and expand our imprint. Our goal is to increase the reviews, awards, and publicity for our authors, books, and company. We are committed to helping teach the world to read.

What was your inspiration for your first children’s book, Amy’s Travels?
I was teaching second grade looking for one children’s picture book to teach all seven continents. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to tell the story of my friend Amy who grew up traveling around the world and lived on five of the seven continents. My students were captivated, and I knew that this educational true story would support students and teachers around the globe. No matter where you live, you learn about the seven continents.

What have been some of your greatest moments on your publishing journey?
I’ve been grateful for everything on this journey. Amy’s Travels was selected by the California Department of Education for their multicultural book list and was turned into a musical by the Latin Ballet of Virginia. My book, Tackle Reading, launched a philanthropic initiative supported by the National Football League. The 10th annual Tackle Reading event kicks off March 2, 2026. This past spring, I was selected to share my work and introduce Creative Minds Publications on a global stage as a speaker at the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University.

How do you decide which books your company publishes?
Our company began because of a children’s book, so we love selecting engaging and educational children’s books we feel can make the difference in the life a young reader. We also select creative, talented authors who are committed to helping their book be successful. Recently, we have started curating a line of inspirational Christian books based on the submissions we receive and how popular the titles are among many groups of readers.

What partnerships and initiatives have made an impact in your company’s impact?
We believe in publishing for a purpose. We use our titles to increase awareness in important platforms including literacy, travel, cultural awareness and environmental issues. We have partnered with a variety of nonprofits, companies, and educational conferences to make this happen. Our greatest partnership to date is with the National Football League to promote a love of literacy with a passion for football. Each March, we kick off Tackle Reading events around the country with NFL teams, NFL Legends, and Hall of Fame players, who all donate their time to read to elementary school students. For the last three years, we have received sponsorship from Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House Children’s Books to give the gift of reading in various ways to deserving schools coast to coast.

What is your vision for the next 20 years?
I’m excited to welcome debut authors, illustrators, and new titles to the Creative Minds Publications family. We are excited to expand our reach and become a premiere publisher in children’s book publishing. We also plan to partner with producers and talent in the entertainment industry to turn some of our popular titles into children’s series and exceptional movies.

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Website: https://creativemindspublications.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynstarke/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativemindspublications/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeMindsPublications/​
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-minds-publications/

Purchase the book here: 
https://www.amazon.com/Amys-Travels-Kathryn-Starke/dp/0976973731