MORRIGAN BOOKS signs Martyn Taylor's Whitechapel for its e-book series

Morrigan Books has today signed a contract with author Martyn Taylor with regards to publishing his novel Whitechapel, as part of its new e-book series. Martyn has already been published by Morrigan Books in the anthology The Phantom Queen Awakes, with his short story The Good and Faithful Servant, and is also due to be published with Gilgamesh Press and their début anthology In the Footsteps of Gilgamesh with The No Man.

Morrigan Books is extremely excited about Whitechapel and believe it is a book that will whet the appetite of anyone who appreciates clever and imaginative fiction.

During the Indian summer of 1888 London is the capital of an empire that colours half the map of the earth red. Yet even the rulers of such an empire are taken aback when envoys arrive from a very distant location, wishing to come under the protective wing of the Great Queen. While the government entertains the visitors (the 'Men from Mars') they also have them kept under close observation by their chief secret policeman, Inspector Fred Abberline. These mysterious visitors also attract the attentions of a penniless radical teacher and journalist, George Wells, and his equally eccentric lady friend, Miss Cara Benn. As the negotiations proceed in Whitehall, in Whitechapel Abberline and Wells become involved in ghastly slaughters that will leave the inspector's place secure in history, as well as opening up the future to Wells.

Whitechapel will be edited by one of Morrigan Books' newest editors, Amanda Rutter.

Gary McMahon and Sharon Ring sign author/agent contract.

Gary McMahon has signed up with Literary Agent Sharon Ring. Sharon Ring will act as agent in regard to two titles, The Quiet Room and Rain Dogs (previously published by Humdrumming Press).

Gary is widely acknowledged as a powerful, new talent in British horror fiction. He received a British Fantasy Society nomination in 2009 for his first novel, Rain Dogs, and his short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies, including The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror Vols. 19 & 20 (ed. by Stephen Jones). Tim Lebbon calls him a “bloody good writer indeed... heartfelt, talented, soulful... serious and mature.” Conrad Williams describes Gary as “a skilful writer... an able cartographer of these badlands.” With three novels already under his belt, plus three more titles scheduled for publication in 2011, Gary is set to reach a wider genre-loving audience.

Gary McMahon said, “I’m very excited about this new collaboration. Sharon is an ambitious, knowledgeable and proactive person, who believes strongly in both my work and her own abilities to make things happen. Her passion for dark literature, along with the contacts and know-how she has developed over the last couple of years, will hopefully place us in a good position to take things forward and bring my writing to an even wider audience.”

Sharon said, “I’ve been working toward taking on my first author as a literary agent for some time now. I wanted to make sure my first client was a perfect fit. An opportunity arose to work with Gary McMahon on two titles and I knew the time was right. Gary is one of the most talented horror fiction authors on the scene, breathtakingly astute in his vision of the modern world and the fears which lie at the heart of us all, and completely unafraid to venture into the darkest of territories. It’s a privilege to be working with him at this time in his career.”

A full list of Gary’s published work can be found at http://www.garymcmahon.com/2008/04/publications.html.

All enquiries regarding this deal should be directed to Sharon Ring: sharonlring@gmail.com.

You reading enough?

Well you may think you are but honestly if you've not picked up at least one of these, then you really need to be changing some priorities over the next few months...

Allyson Bird: Has a lovely looking site, designed by the wonderfully talented Vincent Chong. Bull Running for Girls has been nominated for best collection at this year's Fantasy Con and I'm lucky enough to be receiving my signed copy on arrival!

Jenny Blackford: Has released The Priestess and the Slave, I'm very much looking forward to this, and yes, I have ordered my copy - you got yours yet?

Carole Johnstone: Has a new novella out. Frenzy has already been released and guess what, yes, I will be getting my signed copy in September!

Kaaron Warren: Has already released Slights, and of course it's excellent and of course I've read it!

Robert Hood: Released his collection Creeping in Reptile Flesh. I have my copy and have started it. Anyone not having read Hood should do so immediately!

Gary McMahon: Is releasing Different Skins at Fantasy Con. Lovely cover and I've no doubt fantastic work within. I'll be buying a copy of that you can be sure!

Cate Gardner: Has released her little chapbook, The Sour Aftertaste of Olive Lemon. Much shorter than I wanted it to be but some lovely imagery in there and well worth a read!

So, off you go, go buy some books!