The Press
Origin Story: Why Crumb Trail Publishing Exists
Crumb Trail Publishing was created from an important understanding: a child can be deeply loved, yet still feel unseen and unsure of their own worth.
As a child, Devans Eli was thoughtful, creative, and full of ideas, but also deeply hesitant. He did well in school, and those around me believed in my future. Still, he struggled to believe in himself. Devans often felt like he was in the way, or simply existing rather than belonging. Inside, though, he was building entire worlds.
Devans filled a green binder with stories, drawings, and imagined creatures, pages of ideas that helped me make sense of life. But he kept them hidden. Not because they didn’t matter… They were hidden because he didn’t think he mattered enough to share them. That silence followed him for years.
Even as Devans continued writing, he found himself endlessly revising—hundreds of drafts, not in pursuit of excellence, but in response to doubt. It took time, growth, and intentional inner work to understand what was really happening: he was questioning his worth through the editing process.
As an adult, Devans began the inner work of reconnecting with that younger version of him. He learned how to navigate his emotions, how to build confidence, and how to show up fully in the world. Then something shifted.
He shared one of his stories.
Sometime later, Devans learned that a young girl (someone he had never met) had written her own story, inspired by his. His words had reached her. His imagination had sparked hers. He couldn’t believe it.
Five years later, Devans published Nora Escapes the Bakery.
Crumb Trail Publishing exists to ensure that children don’t feel the need to hide their ideas the way Devans once did. It exists to remind them that their imagination has value and that their voice deserves to be heard.
The Mission
Crumb Trail Publishing creates stories and experiences that support both imagination and emotional growth.
We are committed to:
Building courage in young readers through character-driven storytelling
Encouraging creative expression and belief in original ideas
Supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) through relatable characters and guided discussion
Providing tools for educators and families to extend stories into meaningful conversations
Our work is grounded in the belief that creativity is a pathway to confidence, identity, and connection. We are not reducing creativity to busy work or activities that keep kids quiet.
Founder Bio
Devans Eli is a writer, artist, and founder of Crumb Trail Publishing. Originally from central Virginia and now based in Baltimore, Maryland, he is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at the University of Maryland Global Campus, with a focus on human development and emotional growth.
Devans creates stories that blend imagination with emotional depth. His work spans children’s literature, fantasy, and reflective prose, often exploring themes of identity, courage, and transformation.
His debut children’s book, Nora Escapes the Bakery, is a character-driven adventure that introduces young readers to courage, curiosity, and self-discovery. The book also includes built-in discussion prompts and a creative activity, making it a valuable resource for classrooms, caregivers, and youth programs.
As both a storyteller and creative professional, Devans is passionate about helping readers—especially children—recognize the value of their ideas and the power of their voice.
Writing Categories:
Children’s Literature (Ages 5–10)
Fantasy & Mythic Fiction
Speculative & Dark Fantasy
Poetry & Reflective Prose
For Media, Schools, and Libraries
Devans Eli is available for:
School and library visits
Author readings and interactive story sessions
SEL-focused discussions and classroom engagement
Creative workshops centered on storytelling and imagination
Each experience is designed to be age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with educational and social-emotional learning goals.
Publishing Status
Crumb Trail Publishing is currently an independent press dedicated to the works of its founder and is not accepting outside submissions at this time.
Contact
Email: authordevanseli @ gmail dot com (without the spaces)
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 5149
Baltimore, MD 21224
Social:
Author Website: www.devanseli.com
Instagram: @authordevanseli
Bluesky: @devanseli
Devans Eli, founder of Crumb Trail Publishing. A lifelong storyteller who believes imagination deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated.