June will mark the start of the second year I've been with them, and I really, really love them. They're fantastic to worth with, and I absolutely adore how open they are to things that other publishers usually want to shut down.
Is your novel genre-bending? Does it fall into more than one genre category? Many publishers would turn it away, because they don't know how to classify it, and therefore how to market it.
I have heard of publishers who've asked writers to "take out the gay" or "you have a homosexual and a trans-man. That's a bit much." That stuff really gets my goat. I'll write more on that later... one of these days... when I can get the energy to rant about it.
Anyway, Renaissance is open to gay, trans or non-binary heroes and actively encourages it. That makes me happy. I'm not gay, trans or even non-binary (though let me tell you how utterly fucking stupid that binary is one of these days), but I do recognise how important representation is. I also recognise that these people exist in the world, and to not include them is an exclusionary agenda.
But that's a different piece. What I'm trying to talk about is how great Renaissance is. I'm really happy to be working with such wonderful people, who are so very open to all kinds of characters. It's nice to be able to write without idiotic restriction on your characters, and know that it'll find a home.
And they're turning five years old.
Of course, there's a celebration happening. They're looking for a home for their physical celebration, but in the meantime, they're having an online celebration as well. From their email:
Tell us you love us!
Do you love Renaissance? Do you love to win stuff too?
We're looking for testimonials for a special project to highlight our upcoming fifth anniversary!
Please send us a short video, or a picture of yourself holding a sign telling us why you love Renaissance, and you will be entered in a draw to win 40$ in Renaissance merchandise!
Send your entry via email to pressesrenaissancepress@gmail.com before March 23rd! We will announce the winner via Facebook on March 25th.
*Please note that entries may be shared on social media.
I'm off to work now.
Ciao!