Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla: Championing Women’s Voices in Publishing and Literature
Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla is a powerhouse in Philippine publishing, redefining self-publishing through PaperKat Books and Reel Books. Her work has given women storytellers a platform, breaking industry barriers that often silence unique female voices.
As the head of publishing at HS Grafik Print, she has helped countless aspiring authors bring their stories to life. “I grew up surrounded by paper and ink,” she shared, reflecting on her childhood in her family’s printing business. Her passion for storytelling started early, fueled by books her parents provided and a love for writing.
Carving Her Own Path
Her writing career began when she was hired as a freelance writer for Summit Media, where she ran Bedroom Blog by Veronica. Inspired by real experiences, she wrote about relationships, dating, and modern womanhood. “Four years’ worth of content gave me the idea to convert the blogs into a book,” she recalled.
However, she soon realized that the company owned all her work, preventing her from publishing it independently. Instead of giving up, she wrote her own short fiction, submitting manuscripts to publishers. “I heard nothing for months. I got sad, thinking my work wasn’t good enough,” she admitted.
Her turning point came when her parents suggested using their printing business to publish her first book. “We have a printing business, remember? Why don’t we print your book?” they asked. That moment sparked her journey into publishing, leading to the birth of PaperKat Books.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Traditional publishing is a competitive industry that often prioritizes commercially viable stories over unique, untested narratives. “Many books don’t get published because, at the end of the day, publishing is a business,” she explained.
To counter this, she founded PaperKat Books, a self-publishing imprint giving authors the tools and mentorship they need. Unlike traditional publishers, PaperKat Books allows writers full creative control, giving voice to unconventional stories that might otherwise be overlooked.
“We like trailblazing creatives. The ones who think outside the box,” she emphasized. With no corporate board to approve pitches, she has full control over selecting manuscripts, ensuring diverse voices are represented.
Underrepresented Themes
One of her strongest advocacies is addressing mental health through literature, a topic often avoided due to stigma. “Mental health, especially mental health issues. And it’s because of the stigma,” she said, acknowledging how important these conversations are.
Several PaperKat Books titles, including Her Last Cigarette Yesterday and Echo, explore mental health struggles with depth and authenticity. By publishing these stories, she provides representation and support for readers facing similar issues.
She also believes that impactful stories don’t need to be grand or complex to be meaningful. “Sure, books and series like Harry Potter and Game of Thrones have their place,” she said. “But simple stories can be just as powerful.”
A Lasting Impact
Among the works she has edited, two books stand out: Overwhelming Chaos by Felisa Ordep and Happyland Ballerino at Iba Pang Kuwento by Vittena Vibar. These stories deeply resonated with her, demonstrating the emotional power of literature.
“I cried several times while editing several parts,” she said about Overwhelming Chaos, a post-apocalyptic novel set in a futuristic Manila. The gripping narrative and raw emotions made a lasting impact on her.
Meanwhile, Happyland Ballerino captured the harsh realities of children growing up in Manila, showcasing Filipino resilience. “I couldn’t put the manuscript down because of the dialogue, the characters, the setting,” she said, praising its storytelling.
Empowering Future Female Writers and Publishers
Her advice to aspiring female writers is clear: “If you want to be a writer, read first. Read a lot.” She emphasizes the importance of reading widely, even genres or books considered “garbage,” to learn from different writing styles.
For those aspiring to become publishers, she stresses learning the business side of the industry. “It’s always better to go slow with a map on hand than to go fast and run in circles,” she advised.
Mentorship is another key factor she highlights. “If you want to become a publisher, you need a team. You really can’t do it alone,” she explained, encouraging future publishers to build strong support networks.
A Legacy of Storytelling
Through PaperKat Books and Reel Books, she has created a community where women’s voices are heard, stories are nurtured, and creativity thrives. Her work ensures that aspiring female writers and publishers receive the support they need to succeed in literature.
Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla is more than just a publisher—she is a mentor, a storyteller, and a driving force for women’s empowerment. “If my privilege can fuel new writers, then go ahead and roast me,” she says, embracing her role in the industry.
By breaking barriers and paving new paths, she continues to inspire the next generation of women in publishing and storytelling.
