The Story Behind Author & Co.

A New Chapter for Literature

Author & Co. began as a collaboration between readers and creators exploring how literature might exist beyond the page. From that question came something entirely new: the first objects designed to make storytelling part of daily life, a new category of products that we call Literary Devices. Products that merge literature, design, and technology in useful, joyful ways.

By observing the information people seek each day—the time, the weather, the small details that define routine—we reimagine the familiar as opportunities for storytelling.

Time felt like the natural place to begin. After all, it is both the structure of daily life and the architecture of every story. We noticed how specific times appear throughout novels, as anchors in the flow of narrative. Collecting those moments became the foundation for Author Clock, the clock that tells time through literary quotes.

In 2021, engineer Jose Cardona and designer Luke Gray launched Author Clock on Kickstarter, hoping for 200 people to join in and help to raise $20,000. Instead, nearly 8,300 backers pledged over $1.3 million, proving the idea resonated far beyond expectations. Yasmin Sara Gruss joined soon after as editor, curating thousands of literary quotes, followed by Caleb Williams, who focuses on finance and operations. With production underway and a growing community, Author & Co. was officially founded.