We're Alibi Syndicate Press

A traditional publisher with a new take on something as old as time - story telling.

We're looking for the best noir, thriller, and mystery writers around, and we've resolved to take a new, author supportive approach to publishing using modern marketing never before available, crowdfunding, and active engagement with readers.


Stacey Smekofske: Co-Owner, CEO

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With more than a decade of experience guiding authors from concept to publication, Stacey Smekofske is an accomplished publishing professional, editor, and project manager whose name has become synonymous with quality, strategy, and results. As the founder of Edits by Stacey and Print to Pro, and the co-founder of Alibi Syndicate Press, Stacey has personally guided and published over 250 authors and hundreds of titles across genres, helping writers transform their manuscripts into award-winning, market-ready books.

Her authors have earned some of the industry’s most respected honors, including the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion, NYC Big Book Award, Whitney Award, Prometheus Books Independent Publishers Silver Medal (Health/Medicine/Nutrition), African-American Nonfiction Award, National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist, BookLife Prize Winner (2023), Indie Diamond Book Award Winner for Poetry (2019), Bram Stoker Award Winner for It’s Alive: Bringing Your Nightmares to Life (Crystal Lake Publishing), and the StoryMakers Guild Award for Nonfiction (2023)—with hundreds more landing on national and category best-seller lists.

Stacey brings her sharp editorial insight and business acumen to every stage of production—overseeing acquisitions, developmental strategy, editorial refinement, and the marketing alignment of every title. Known for her ability to balance creative integrity with commercial strategy, she ensures that every project under her guidance not only meets industry standards but also amplifies the author’s unique voice and long-term success.

Stacey’s leadership philosophy centers on empowerment, transparency, and the belief that publishing works best when art and business sail in tandem. Her mission is to elevate voices, champion excellence, and redefine what’s possible for authors navigating today’s dynamic publishing landscape.



Vincent Zandri: Editor At Large

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Considered one of the most prolific writers of his generation, Vincent Zandri is the winner of the 2015 PWA Shamus Award and the 2015 ITW Thriller Award, both for MOONLIGHT WEEPS in the Best Original Paperback category. He is also the NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and AMAZON KINDLE OVERALL NO.1 bestselling author of hundreds of novels, novellas, and stories, including THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT WEEPS, THE EMBALMER, THE SHROUD KEY and QUIETLY INTO THE NIGHT.

His list of domestic publishers includes Delacorte, Dell, Down & Out Books, Thomas & Mercer, Blackstone Audio, Tantor Media, and more. He is also the CEO of Bear Media. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, his work is translated in the Dutch, Russian, French, Italian, and Japanese. Having sold over 1 million editions of his books, Zandri has been the subject of major features by the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and Business Insider. He has also made appearances on Bloomberg TV and the FOX News network.

In December 2014, Suspense Magazine named Zandri's, THE SHROUD KEY, as one of the "Best Books of 2014." Suspense Magazine selected WHEN SHADOWS COME as one of the "Best Books of 2016". He was also a finalist for the 2019 Derringer Award for Best Novelette.

A freelance photojournalist, freelance writer, and the host of the popular YouTube Podcast, "The Writer's Life," Zandri has written for Strategy Magazine, RT, Living Ready Magazine, New York Newsday, Hudson Valley Magazine, The Times Union (Albany), Game & Fish Magazine, CrimeReads, Altcoin Magazine, The Jerusalem Post (ghost), Market Business News (ghost), Duke University (ghost), Colgate University (ghost), New York University (ghost), The Rice University Gazette (ghost), Yale University (ghost), Digital Journal (ghost), and many more. An Active Member of ITW, he lives in New York and Florence, Italy. To learn more, visit www.vinzandri.com..


Troy Lambert: Co-Owner, President


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Troy Lambert is a prolific author, editor, and publishing professional based in Idaho. Raised in southern Idaho, he began writing stories as a child and has since built a career that spans more than three decades. His catalogue includes over thirty novels and several works of non‑fictionplottr.com. Lambert’s fiction primarily explores dark, psychological thrillers and mysteries such as the Capital City Murders series and the Max Boucher Mysteries. His novel Teaching Moments was one of the winners of the 2023 Truly Independent Book Awards. He's an associate member of International Thriller Writers, a member of Novelists Inc. (NINC), and active in the writing community around the country.

Along with fiction, he also writes practical guides for writers; his Pocket Guide to SEO for Authors teaches how to make author websites more discoverable.

Alongside his writing, Lambert has extensive editorial experience. Early in his career he took on freelance editing assignments and eventually served as managing editor and later senior editor for Tirgearr Publishing. IHe continues to edit both privately and for in his role at Print to Pro.

These roles have sharpened his understanding of story structure and the publishing process. His passion for sharing that knowledge has made him a sought‑after educator and speaker; he has presented workshops and talks at national and international conferences including Author Nation, LTUE, Storymakers, the Greater Los Angeles Writers Conference, the Plot Summit and others. Lambert frequently teaches on topics ranging from plotting and pacing to author marketing and SEO.

Troy lives, works and plays in the mountains of Idaho. When he isn’t behind the keyboard you’ll find him hiking, cycling or enjoying time with his dog. He is excited to help new authors on a greater scale in his new role as co‑owner and president of Alibi Syndicate Press, where he aims to combine his storytelling experience and editorial expertise to nurture the next generation of writers.


Ashley Brown: Chief Marketing Officer


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Ashley Brown is a book marketing strategist with a proven record of driving visibility, engagement, and sales across digital publishing channels.  

As part of her proven marketing strategy, she also collaborates with publishers and creative partners to design and execute full-scale campaigns that elevate books from launch to long-term market success.

Ashley focuses on brand development, content strategy, paid media, and influencer partnerships. 

She has a Master's in Psychology that guides her developed understanding of reader behavior. Ashley helps clients build impactful author platforms so that they stand out in a highly competitive publishing landscape.