Jason Reed is an author and publisher known for his contemporary Louisiana-based fiction. Raised in Eunice, Louisiana, he drew early inspiration from literature such as S.E. Hinton’s "The Outsiders," a book that left a lasting impression on him. After earning an English degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in the mid-1990s, Reed worked as a technical writer before founding New Bayou Books in 2020. Under this imprint, he wrote his first two novels, both set in South Louisiana, within 18 months, aiming to address the scarcity of modern Louisiana literature in the market.
Reed’s career spans diverse experiences, from serving in the Peace Corps in Mongolia to a two-decade tenure in the U.S. Air Force and public sector. His writing reflects a deep connection to his home state, blending personal nostalgia with a commitment to revitalizing its literary presence. While his early, unfinished comic novel remains a relic of his youth, his recent works demonstrate a matured focus on regional storytelling. Reed continues to advocate for Louisiana’s literary revival through New Bayou Books, positioning himself as a key figure in the state’s contemporary fiction scene.