New publishing house opens doors for N.B. authors
Merlin Star Press will be publishing their first novel this spring
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A group of New Brunswick writers aims to help local authors get their stories in the hands of readers with the opening of a publishing house.
Warren Redman, who writes under the pen name Zev Bagel, said he is part of a writing group that meets in Shediac. The group was discussing starting a publishing house to give New Brunswick writers more options to put their books into print.
“We know how hard it is for New Brunswick writers, any writers really, to get published,” said Redman.
He noted there are several publishing companies in the province, but they often get flooded with submissions.
The writers founded Merlin Star Press, which is based in Cocagne.
Redman is president of the publishing house, and the team consists of other writers, including as Allan Hudson, Don Blewett, and Maria Gillespie.
Currently, Merlin Star is only accepting submissions from New Brunswick authors. The manuscripts must be for long-form fiction novels, Redman said, but can be on any subject.
“It could be on anything as long as we’re impressed with the writing,” he said.
The publishing team is looking for captivating stories, and they do not necessarily have to be based in New Brunswick.
Their first book will be The Widow & The Will by Moncton author Rhonda Bulmer. The story is set in the Fundy area, and involves paranormal activity and romance, said Redman.
The launch of Bulmer’s book is April 4 at the Alma City Club in Moncton.
Redman said at first they are starting out with one published book in their first year, but hope to ramp up to four to six books a year once they get more accustomed to the process.
The Merlin Star team is dividing the responsibilities of a publishing house, such as editing, marketing, and sales. One of their members is a lawyers with knowledge on incorporating the publishing house, and the contracts they will make with the writers.
Redman said they are learning about the complexities of the publishing process as they go along.
“It does take a bit of time to get there,” he said.
In the future, Merlin Star would like to arrange more book launches, author signings, and participate in events like book fairs and the Frye Festival, said Redman.
“We really want to look after our authors,” he said.
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