In a bold move to reshape the publishing industry, author Matt Cain and his husband, businessman Harry Glasstone, have launched Pansya new publishing house dedicated to queer books by queer authors for all readers. This initiative comes after years of frustration with the industry’s perception of queer literature as niche.
The couple’s mission is to provide a platform where queer stories can thrive without the constraints imposed by traditional publishing. Pansy aims to prove that queer books can appeal to a broad audience, not just a niche market.
Breaking Barriers in Publishing
Matt Cain’s journey in publishing has been marked by challenges, particularly in the realm of commercial fiction. Despite the success of some of his books, he often faced minimal marketing budgets and the misconception that queer books are only for niche audiences. This experience drove him to take matters into his own hands.
The launch of Pansy comes at a pivotal time. Cain’s recent recognition with an MBE for Services to LGBTQ+ Culture has given him a platform to amplify his voice. Additionally, the success of his Heated Rivalry book series has debunked the myth that queer books, even those with gay sex scenes, cannot appeal to a wider audience.
The Castle of Stories: Pansy’s Debut Novel
Pansy’s first publication, The Castle of Storiesis a novel that resonates deeply with Cain’s personal experiences. The story follows Adam and Theo, a gay couple in their 40s, as they navigate a new chapter in their lives. Theo, recently out of the closet, is divorced with three children, while Adam inherits a rundown farmhouse and castle in rural Italy from a great uncle he never knew.
The novel is inspired by Cain’s own life. At the age of 44, he met his partner, who casually mentioned owning a farmhouse and castle in Tuscany. This property, inherited from a distant relative who fled a hostile world due to his queerness, became the catalyst for the story. Cain saw the potential in this narrative, thinking, Oh my God, what a great starting point for a novel.
A Historical Perspective on Queerness
The setting of the novel, a semi-ruined castle in Tuscany, serves as a backdrop to explore the enduring presence of queer people throughout history. Cain emphasizes that while figures like Anne Lister are well-known, there were also working-class queers in places like Halifax, whose stories have been erased. Fiction, he argues, can fill in these gaps and bring these narratives to life.
Supporting Emerging Queer Voices
Pansy has announced an open call for author submissions, seeking stories that can connect with a mainstream audience without toning down the queer experience. Cain and Glasstone are looking for fiction that can prove queer books are not just for niche audiences but can appeal to everyone.
Cain’s advice to budding writers is to play to your strengths and go for it. He encourages aspiring authors to find their unique voice and share their stories with the world. Pansy is committed to supporting and amplifying these voices, providing a platform where queer stories can flourish.
For those interested in supporting queer media, DIVA magazine has been a beacon for the LGBTQIA+ community for over 30 years. Now a charity, DIVA continues to spotlight the community and can be supported through the DIVA Charitable Trust.
