What's Happening?
Keaton Patterson, a seasoned bookseller and lead buyer at Brazos Bookstore in Houston, has initiated a new venture called Grave Empire, a micro-press dedicated to publishing horror fiction. The press began accepting submissions on April 1 and will continue
to do so until June 30. Patterson, who has experience as a judge for the National Book Awards, is focusing on novels and novellas ranging from 50,000 to 90,000 words, excluding poetry and short story collections. His aim is to publish high-quality, compelling horror literature. Patterson's background in bookselling has broadened his literary exposure, and he believes horror is a versatile genre deserving of greater literary recognition. The launch was announced on Instagram, with support from authors like Clay McLeod Chapman and Paul Tremblay. Patterson plans to manage the press independently, handling design, distribution, and marketing, with initial print runs of 300 to 500 copies.
Why It's Important?
The launch of Grave Empire highlights a growing interest and respect for the horror genre within the literary community. Patterson's initiative reflects a broader trend of niche publishing houses that cater to specific genres, offering diverse voices and stories that might not find a place in mainstream publishing. This move could encourage other independent publishers to explore genre-specific markets, potentially leading to a richer literary landscape. For readers, it means access to a wider array of horror literature, which Patterson notes has seen increased sales at Brazos Bookstore. The success of Grave Empire could also inspire other booksellers and literary professionals to pursue similar ventures, further diversifying the publishing industry.
What's Next?
Patterson plans to expand Grave Empire by seeking distribution partnerships with entities like Asterism or Consortium. He will also attend StokerCon, the Horror Writers of America convention, to network and promote the press. As the press grows, Patterson may consider expanding his team to manage increased demand and operations. The success of initial publications will likely determine the pace and direction of this expansion. Additionally, the reception of Grave Empire's first titles will provide insights into market demand and reader preferences, guiding future publishing decisions.
