Strange Attractor appeal

Strange Attractor Press is an independent UK publishing house. Founding editors Mark Pilkington and Jamie Sutcliffe edit, publish and produce all titles in-house, aided by freelance editors, designers, illustrators and proofreaders.

They published fiction but nonfiction is their speciality. Most of their titles come from ‘discussions with authors and we only rarely take on new projects on spec’. However an unusual, well-thought out plan is always welcomed. Read the submission guidelines before sending a proposal. Remember that the team at Strange Attractor Press continues its mission to celebrate unpopular culture, so check out their backlist and their Strange Attractor events before submitting a query.

They prefer to publish books about ‘previously neglected or rejected areas of research and investigation’. They hope for authors with ‘new research which will be breaking new ground, or presenting new perspectives on a story that has been told previously’. They want ‘engaging and accessible writing’ though, not academic work. However research must ‘be credible, backed up by evidence and fully referenced’. The team do occasionally publish fiction or a short fiction anthology. Authors with fiction which ‘sits uneasily alongside other strange tales of science fiction, fantasy or the supernatural’ are welcome to submit a query.

Submit by email. First of all, send a brief summary, about 800 words long, of what you have written, or intend to write. A separate breakdown of chapters is useful if you have one. They will then decide whether they want to see your completed manuscript, or discuss a commission. Finished manuscripts will be read for assessment.

Response time is ‘slow’. There is no advance but a ‘generous share of profits’ is negotiated with the contract.

Details: Strange Attractor Press, email: proposals@strangeattractor. co.uk; website: http:// strangeattractor.co.uk