The Controversial Visual Artist was originally set to debut and publish his first two books but is now requesting help to release them.
Chicago, IL (PRUnderground) August 31st, 2026
Chicago-Area Artist and Poet Russell Frantom Seeks Collaborators, Editors, and Publishing Support for Upcoming Books
Midwest visual artist, poet, and writer Russell Frantom is actively seeking assistance with the writing, editing, development, and publishing of his forthcoming books. The self-described eccentric artist, known for raw expressionist paintings, darkly comedic writings, and deeply personal work exploring recovery, mental health, faith, and life experiences, is calling on writers, editors, literary agents, publishers, and collaborators to help bring his projects to a wider audience.
Frantom, who launched his professional art career in 2010 with the solo exhibition "The Faces of Death" in Jacksonville, Florida, has since exhibited widely across the United States, particularly in the Chicago area and his hometown of South Bend, Indiana. His paintings have been acquired by private collectors internationally. In addition to visual art, Frantom has developed a body of writing that includes poems, short stories, rants, and autobiographical material marked by self-deprecating humor, unfiltered honesty, and themes of recovery, religion, family estrangement, and personal transformation.
He has previously announced projects including the coffee-table-style art book My Life Now (featuring paintings, sketches, poems, short stories, and photographs) and the comedy-inflected recovery narrative Life After Death, both associated with Pyramid Art Gallery in Chicago and slated for availability around August 2026, with distribution planned via Amazon and signed/numbered editions through the gallery and the artist. Frantom is now seeking additional hands-on support to refine manuscripts, strengthen narrative structure, polish prose, navigate traditional or hybrid publishing pathways, and expand the reach of these and potential future works.
"I have always considered myself a comedian before anything else," Frantom has said of his writing style. He describes his material as darkly humorous, self-reflecting, and aimed at helping others who struggle with similar issues. He is looking for partners who can help elevate the work while preserving its raw, authentic voice.
Frantom is open to a range of collaborations, including:
Developmental editing and ghostwriting/co-writing assistance
Manuscript polishing and structural feedback
Guidance on traditional, independent, or hybrid publishing routes
Marketing, design, and distribution support
Potential literary representation
Interested writers, editors, agents, publishers, or collaborators are invited to contact Russell Frantom directly.
Media Contact
Russell Frantom
Email: frantomrussell@gmail.com
