Over the years,
as theGayEditor, I've noticed that many of the gay-themed pieces I've edited with clients have simply disappeared without ever being published. These vanishing acts were not always by the author's choice. Sure, some of the authors were solely writing for fun, others only for family and friends, and a few just to get something off their chests. But many tried submitting to traditional publishing houses, only to be rejected for having written "inappropriate content!"
Recently, however, I met a woman who had crafted a wonderfully written full-length relationship novel—about a lesbian couple. After shopping the manuscript around for a couple of years to traditional publishing houses and considering self-publishing the book (an option, yes, but one with expensive upfront costs), she seemed stuck. After more research and more queries and more submissions, she did finally stumble across a cautious and reserved but willing publisher of books for "alternative" markets. The book is now selling well, and the publisher is somewhat eagerly, but only a little less warily, awaiting the author's next project.
But, don't take my word that such occurrences happen. Read this account of the gauntlet that author Wyatt O'Brian Evans (by the way, I don't believe that we're related) went through while trying to publish his novel, Nothing Can Tear Us Apart.
The bottom line is, though, that no one should have to worry about the story they've written having a gay or lesbian theme on top of all the other everyday obstacles to getting published.
It is the aim of this publishing company, therefore, to provide a place in which gay-oriented literary expressions can be published, enjoyed, and promoted. The following are common types of such works:
- "flash" fiction
- short stories
- young-adult novels
- general full-length fiction, including
science fiction / fantasy, mysteries, and
romances,
but not usually poetry
- personal narratives, including coming-out
stories and inspirational or motivational materials
- personal and "family" histories
- historical fiction
- plays or scripts
- nonfiction
And, so, that is why the world needs a gay publisher. It's true that some day we may no longer serve a purpose; that some day, a utopia will surround us that is not biased, not prejudiced, and not judgmental, a world in which we all treat each other equally and respectfully . . . But, until that day comes, instead of holding your breath, you go ahead and write and we'll be here to serve you—to help get your thoughts and dreams and words to a special category of audience.
Now, click away and get to know us, sign up for our free e-newsletter or subscribe to our virtual or print magazine, and help out financially if you can. Regardless of what you do, we thank you for your support and hope you enjoy what you find. |
