Why this, why now?

We’re writing and publishing what we want to read. If we can contribute to the groundswell of queerness in publishing, that works too.

We may be experiencing a publishing sapphic/wlw renaissance now, but in big trad there isn’t a lot of sapphic speculative fiction that’s different, that plays with genre, that scratches that itch for people who are more plot and character forward but still really want to see ourselves in stories.

Here at Scylla Publishing we don’t promise happy endings every time, but we promise choices, and conflict, and adventure, and emotional connection.

Scylla Publishing is a traditional publisher, at a micro level. The difference isn’t just size, it’s a mindset.

Look at it this way. I drink beer and wine from retail chains (cheaper, faster, convenient), but they stock only beer and wine that appeals to a wide palette. Even with “different” product, the number of people you need to convince this can SELL wide means the sharp corners get rounded.

I seek out independent producers because they’re going to be original. They can’t distribute wide, but they have cellar doors, or a microbrewery, and I can visit as a niche buyer. I’m a consumer, I can have both.

Scylla Publishing aims to produce small quantities of high quality work from own voices authors. It’s niche, and not going to appeal to everyone, but it is always sapphic.

Why Scylla? (Pronounced SIL-A)

In Greek mythology, Scylla was a beautiful sea nymph who was transformed into a monstrous, many-headed sea creature by a jealous goddess.

Queer people are a magnificent, many-headed community sometimes painted as ugly. We are reclaiming our beauty and love, while embracing all the other parts of who we are. Writing can be beautiful and ugly by turns, and we want to read it all.

We are who we are, we love who we love, and we create art that reflects this. We embrace our community. We are strong and fierce, romantic and cozy, harsh and soft, resilient and hopeful. Scylla sang when others wanted her silenced. We will use our voices. We will not be silent, in this or any other time.

Why small press?

If you’re a writer looking for a home and you want big trad, you should do that. Don’t go with a small publisher as a second choice. This is an entirely different path and experience. You should go small because we share your vision, support you, give you the freedom to express yourself, and we work every day to find your audience. Our writers are 100% involved from end to end, from creative choices, to feedback on cover design. We have more info for authors here.

Who are we?

Please meet our team!

We’re passionate book lovers and professionals with stories to tell.