Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Boutique Book Publishing Services in New York
Founded in 1990, Smith & Kraus has established itself as a premier boutique publisher dedicated to serving the theatrical community. Our journey began with a simple yet profound observation: actors and theater professionals needed curated, high-quality monologue collections to enhance their craft. Over three decades, we have expanded our offerings to include over 700 titles, ranging from essential theater resources to contemporary fiction and non-fiction. Our commitment to personalized author collaboration remains unwavering, ensuring every publication meets the highest standards of excellence.With the next generation of leadership now at the helm, we continue to innovate while honoring our core mission of enriching theatrical education and practice. Our family-owned structure allows for agile decision-making and genuine care in every project we undertake, making us a trusted partner for authors and theater enthusiasts worldwide.
Services
Theater Book Publishing
Monologue Anthologies
Productions in Print
Manuscript Submissions
Author Collaboration
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized expertise in theatrical publishing.
- Our family-owned structure ensures personalized author collaboration and decision-making.
- We pioneered the modern theatrical monologue anthology format in 1990.
- Our leadership team combines generational publishing knowledge with fresh perspectives.
- We provide end-to-end support from manuscript development to print production.
What people say
Exceptional theater resources
Personalized author support
High-quality publications
Industry-leading anthologies
Family-owned authenticity
Services
Theater Book Publishing
We create specialized theatrical resources including monologue collections and play anthologies. Our publications serve actors, educators, and theater professionals seeking performance-ready materials. Each title undergoes rigorous editorial review to ensure educational value and practical application for stage professionals.
Productions in Print
This service transforms live theater into commemorative publications. We compile production scripts, behind-the-scenes essays, cast biographies, and professional photography into hardcover editions. These books serve as lasting audience keepsakes and institutional fundraising tools while preserving theatrical works in permanent format.
Manuscript Development
We guide authors through the complete publishing process from concept refinement to final production. Our editorial team provides structural feedback, market analysis, and genre positioning while maintaining author creative control throughout the publication journey.
Monologue Anthologies
Our signature monologue collections feature contemporary and classic works curated for auditions and classroom use. Each anthology includes context notes, performance tips, and character breakdowns to help actors prepare effective presentations for professional and educational settings.
Genre Expansion Program
We now accept submissions across all literary genres while maintaining our theatrical core. This initiative supports diverse voices in fiction, non-fiction, and experimental works, providing emerging authors access to our distribution networks and editorial expertise beyond traditional theater formats.
People
Peter Kraus
President
Peter Kraus leads strategic direction with a lifelong passion for storytelling. His publishing career began with championing youth fantasy literature. Prior hospitality industry experience informs our customer-centric approach to author relations and market trends.
Luke Kraus
CFO
Luke Kraus oversees financial operations with dual expertise in law and business management. His entrepreneurial upbringing shapes our technology-forward financial practices while maintaining family business values through three generations of publishing experience.
Marisa Smith
Co-Founder
Marisa Smith established our theatrical publishing niche in 1990. As original visionary, she continues advising while pursuing playwriting. Her industry insights ensure our publications remain essential resources for working theater professionals across multiple career generations.
Eric Kraus
Co-Founder
Eric Kraus co-founded our company and pioneered theatrical book packaging. His hands-on publishing approach evolved from garage operations to industry leadership. He remains actively engaged in mentoring the next generation while preserving our founding commitment to quality and accessibility.
Questions
What genres do you publish?
We specialize in theater resources but now accept fiction, non-fiction, and speculative works. Our catalog includes monologue collections, play anthologies, and contemporary literary works.
How do I submit a manuscript?
Use our online submission portal with author bio, table of contents, sample chapter, and market analysis. We review all proposals within 6-8 weeks.
What is Productions in Print (PIP)?
PIP transforms stage productions into collectible books containing scripts, production photos, cast details, and creative team essays for lasting audience engagement.
Do you work with international authors?
Yes, we collaborate with theater professionals globally while maintaining our US-based production and editorial operations.
Are your books available in physical stores?
Our titles are available through major retailers, specialty theater shops, and directly via our website with wholesale options for institutions.
