Tailwater Press LLC was established by the architect Marc Appleton in 2000 as an adjunct to his architectural practice.

The word “tailwater” refers to the colder outflow water downstream from a dam and is a term more commonly known by trout fishermen. Appleton has said, “Tailwater Press is known for publishing unprofitable books which nobody in their right mind would publish if they thought they were going to make any money at it.”

The somewhat esoteric list of publications is comprised of books about architecture and architectural history, with occasional detours.