From the desk of Daniel Willcocks, Devil’s Rock Founder
Welcome to the Devil’s Rock
For over a decade I’ve lived and breathed dark fiction. From writing my own tales of terror, to publishing the work of others, to helping insanely talented authors find their voice and readers discover their next obsession, one thing has always driven me: a belief that dark stories matter. They challenge us, entertain us, and help us explore the shadows we’re often too afraid to face in the daylight.
It’s from under that rock that Devil’s Rock was born.
What started as a small, independent publishing imprint has evolved into a far bigger vision. Over the years I’ve seen the horror and dark fiction space change dramatically. I’ve watched brilliant indie authors struggle for visibility. I’ve watched readers drown in a sea of low-quality, AI-generated, or poorly produced books that make it harder to find the real gems. I’ve watched the horror community thrive in pockets across the internet yet lack a single place dedicated to celebrating quality dark fiction from every corner of the genre.
Devil’s Rock is my fix for that problem.
Where We’ve Come From
In 2015 I published my first horror story—a tale that went on to become a #1 Amazon bestseller on Halloween.
In 2016 I co-founded “The Other Stories” podcast with Hawk & Cleaver—a podcast that reached over 13 million listeners.
In 2018 I became a full-time author.
In 2020 I ran my first mini course with Luke Kondor, helping horror authors write short horror stories.
In 2020 I published my first multi-author anthology, “The Other Side,” showcasing 11 amazing horror authors.
In 2020 I founded “Activated Authors,” an author coaching community in which I supported authors writing their novels, helping with mindset, and providing practical advice on getting their books published.
In 2025 I published my 70th book.
There’s a lot more woven inbetween (podcasts in which I interviewed some of the world’s greatest horror authors—including Nick Cutter, Josh Malerman, Eric Larocca, Gemma Amor—conferences, side projects and website designs), but the bottom line is this…
For over ten years I have dedicated myself to horror fiction. Whether through writing, coaching, producing, showcasing, or designing, horror sits at the bottom of my withered little heart.
Devil’s Rock Publishing began as a home for my own fiction and a handful of authors who trusted me to bring their stories to life. Now, it has become clear that the mission needs to evolve, and I need to level up.
Horror readers are hungry for books they can trust, books that respect the genre, books that feel crafted by people who genuinely love the dark.
At the same time, authors need a platform that understands them. A platform run by someone who has been on both sides of the table: writing the stories, editing the manuscripts, launching the books, and engaging with the readership.
The new Devil’s Rock isn’t just a publisher. It’s a hub.
Where We’re Going
The future of Devil’s Rock Books is built on three pillars:
1. A Curated Horror Library
The Devil’s Rock Library will be the beating heart of everything we do. Not an automated list. Not a dumping ground. A curated collection of the best dark fiction being published today, across indie and traditional publishing. Every title featured will be hand-selected, vetted for quality, and presented with care.
For readers, this will be the place you come to find your next great read without having to wade through noise.
For authors, this is visibility with purpose.
2. Community at the Core
The Devil’s Rock community is already forming: readers, writers, editors, reviewers, podcasters, creatives. We’re building spaces where dark fiction fans can connect, share recommendations, join reading groups, take part in events, and help shape the future of the library.
This is a community built by horror people for horror people.
Join us HERE.
3. Expanding the Devil’s Rock Ecosystem
Beyond the library sits everything else we’re building:
- The Writer’s Chair podcast, shining a light on the storytellers behind the stories
- Publishing opportunities for authors we believe in
- Reader resources, curated lists, and guides
- Events, giveaways, interviews, and spotlights
- A high bar for quality that we refuse to compromise
This is just the beginning.
Why We Exist
We exist because dark fiction deserves better.
Readers deserve a place they can trust.
Authors deserve a platform that cares.
The genre deserves a home that celebrates the depth, craft, and community that make horror and dark fiction so powerful.
Devil’s Rock is here to champion dark stories, elevate talented creators, and bring readers and writers together under one roof. Not through algorithms, but through curation, passion, and a genuine love for the genre.
Thank you for being here at the start. The rock is only just beginning to rise, and there’s so much more to build.
Stick with us. Step inside the library. Join the community. Find your next favourite story.
