Shahid Mahmud is the founder and publisher of Arc Manor, one of the most decorated speculative-fiction small presses in the United States, with works that have won the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Prometheus, and other major awards. In 2021, Arc Manor published Robert A. Heinlein’s final novel, The Pursuit of the Pankera, based on a rediscovered manuscript. 

Arc Manor is currently working with Mercedes Lackey on the long-awaited final volume of the Halfblood Chronicles, originally created with Andre Norton, and is helping redefine Harry Turtledove as a fantasy writer through the acclaimed City of Shadows series. 

Before founding Arc Manor in 2006, Mahmud worked in finance managing multibillion-dollar portfolios for the City of San Diego, where his contributions were recognized when the Acting Mayor proclaimed November 7, 2005, as Shahid Mahmud Day.