Now that I’ve blogged about print publishers, I’ve compiled a list of digital/small press publishers that will consider non-erotic SFR (stories with heat levels ranging from sweet to borderline erotic). I chose to include the better known companies in the romance community whose backgrounds authors can easily research online. These days, with an ever-shifting publishing landscape, it seems that aspiring authors have a better chance of landing a lucrative NY contract if they demonstrate solid sales with a small press/digital publisher first.
While doing research for this list, I eliminated publishers if it wasn’t clear that they’d be interested in SFR submissions. For example, if the submission guidelines called for romance but specifically stated no science fiction or weren't clear that all sub-genres of romance would be considered, I didn't include them. However, if folks out there think I’ve missed any, please leave a comment with the information. If said information is reflected in the publisher's guidelines I will add it to the list.
When there was extra information or tidbits to include, I did. (For the record, this list is a guide, not an endorsement.)
Best of all, with digital publishers, no agent needed! Get in while the going’s good:
Carina Press
Carina Press is a digital-only publisher (and a division of Harlequin Enterprises Ltd.). Carina is actively seeking science fiction romance (including steampunk!). Its philosophy is "no great story should go untold!"
For updates, visit the Carina Press blog.
Submission Guidelines
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Cerridwen Press (A division of Jasmine-Jade, which also owns Ellora’s Cave)
For more information, check out Redlines and Deadlines, the blog run by the Ellora’s Cave editors.
Submission guidelines
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Crescent Moon Press
SFR factoid: CMP released Leanna Renee Hieber's futuristic novella, DARK NEST, which won the 2009 RWA FF&P Prism Award.
Submission guidelines
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Desert Breeze Publishing
Relatively new, but Desert Breeze is actively seeking SFR. To wit: “Have you written an epic science fiction or futuristic book series? A Space Opera? Or even a single title novel of the genre?”
Submission guidelines
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Drollerie Press
SFR should probably be submitted to Drollerie’s Quadrivium imprint.
Submission guidelines
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Eirelander Publishing
Eirelander will open its doors in October 2009. Thanks to TGE regular Rae Lori for the info. According to Ms. Lori, "Eirelander Publishing is a small press with the owner having lots of experience in publishing...They have two current SF lines they're looking to acquire for "Unto Tomorrow" and "Legacy 2150""
Publishes work by: Rae Lori (A FEAST OF SHADOWS)
Submission guidelines
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Eternal Press
Submission guidelines
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Liquid Silver Books
While primarily a publisher of erotic romance, Liquid Silver editors consider three different heat levels. Some SFR authors may be interested to know about the Sterling Level:
* "Sweeter" erotic romance
* Allow for emotional buildup leading to culmination of relationship sex
* Longer sensual tension/slower developed heat
* M/F only
* HEA
* Descriptive sex
Skiffy Rommer Dawn Jackson recently sold her first novel to Liquid Silver, a futuristic romance called SLIPPING THE PAST. You can read a short excerpt here.
Submission guidelines
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Lyrical Press
From the Web site: “Lyrical Press, Inc. is a New York based small press owned by the husband and wife team of Frank and Renee Rocco.” They are “actively seeking erotica and romance and paranormal sub-genres.” They’re also interested in acquiring steampunk romance!
Submission guidelines
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Mundania Press
According to its submission guidelines, “Currently, our catalogue is full through 2011 with science fiction and fantasy, so at this time we aren’t looking for either of those genres…Presently, we are actively looking for unpublished quality manuscripts in the genres of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, horror, and steampunk.”
How steampunk doesn’t qualify as SF or fantasy, I’m not sure, but there you are.
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Red Sage
I’m including Red Sage here because “At present, we start almost all of our new authors in the Red Sage Presents line of e-books.” While Red Sage publishes primarily erotic romance, its editors will consider “ultra-sensual” SFR.
I interviewed Managing Editor Theresa Stevens in my post The Red Sage Wonder. I also profiled and interviewed Red Sage author (and TGE regular!) Nathalie Gray.
Get *free* nuts & bolts editorial advice at Edittorrent, run by editors Alicia Rasley and Theresa Stevens.
Publishes work by: Nathalie Gray, Ellie Marvel
Follow Theresa Stevens on Twitter
Submission guidelines
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Samhain Publishing
My features on Samhain will provide you with links galore to learn more information: Samhain Publishing; An interview with former Executive Editor Angela James (includes list of Samhain authors who have blended SF and romance); an interview with editor Sasha Knight.
Follow Samhain on Twitter
Submission guidelines
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Whiskey Creek Press
Whiskey Creek is “…especially interested in all genres of romance, science fiction, and fantasy.”
Submission guidelines
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Uncial Press
Submission guidelines
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Other:
Wisewomen Anthology (Given that it’s “an annual anthology series of science fiction featuring powerful and remarkable women,” there might be an opportunity for SFR stories. Thanks to Lisa Paitz Spindler for the link.)
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Digital publishing resources
EPIC - Electronically Published Internet Connection.
RWA’s Electronic and Small Press Authors’ Network (ESPAN)
Digital Publishing: Looking at the Business Model
Series of epublishing articles by Angela James
Joyfully yours,
Heather