PANSY is the new queer book publishing house founded by author Matt Cain and businessman Harry Glasstone. It is now open for submissions as it begins its search for the next wave of mainstream queer fiction.
Pansy is inviting submissions from LGBTQ+ authors
Whether agented, unagented, debut or previously published, there is a particular focus on fiction that can reach beyond the LGBTQ+ community and connect with readers from all walks of life.
PANSY is looking for commercial, page-turning fiction with authentically queer characters and stories at its heart. This can include queer rom-coms, crime and thrillers, book club fiction, big emotional novels, or stories that do not neatly fit into any one genre. What matters most to the publishers is that the books are impossible to put down!
Authors can submit an initial two-page document
The document must include an elevator pitch, a synopsis, an explanation of the book’s wider appeal, and a short author biography.
“The Heated Rivalry novels have proven without any doubt that there’s a massive market out there for mainstream queer fiction aimed at a broad readership. They’ve proven that straight women readers aren’t put off by queer content – or intimate love scenes – but are actually drawn to it. Outrageously, the Heated Rivalry books weren’t published in print in the UK until the launch of the hit TV series. I think that’s indicative of the disinterest and disengagement of traditional publishers in mainstream queer fiction. PANSY is here to make sure that doesn’t happen again – and to make sure the next Heated Rivalry comes from a queer author. I can’t wait to start our search, to read authors’ manuscripts, and to do our bit to clear the blockage of queer talent that for so long has been a blight on this industry.”
Matt Cain
No agent or writing background required
Those submitting do not need an agent or even a writing background, but the publisher is also welcoming previously published authors whose books may have been under-resourced or overlooked by traditional publishers.
PANSY will publish only four titles a year, ensuring each book is treated as a lead title and given the focus, energy and resources needed to find its readership.
Profit share model
The publisher will not follow the traditional advance model. Instead, PANSY will offer authors a 50/50 profit share once all costs associated with the book have been deducted, with the aim of creating a more transparent and collaborative publishing partnership.
“The needs of many readers with mainstream tastes still aren’t being met by traditional publishers, the needs of those who want to read a romantic comedy, a psychological thriller, or a detective series with queer characters and themes. When I read a book, I want to be transported, to laugh out loud, to be caught up in a plot, to be annoyed to have to put the book down, to be excited for my next fix – but I want all this with queer characters and settings. I’m looking forward to giving LGBTQ+ authors from all backgrounds an opportunity to have their voices heard. I can’t wait to work with them to share their stories with the world!”
Harry Glasstone
Full details can be found on the website, pansybooks.co.uk
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