Per Aspera Press takes its name from the Latin motto Ad Astra Per Aspera, which translates as ‘To the stars through difficulties.’

For much of the last century, publishing has operated under a model unique among retail businesses — one which is particularly unkind to the small and the independent. New and midlist authors (i.e. ‘everyone who’s not a nationwide bestseller’), independent and genre booksellers, small presses and self-publishers ... all are at a more than usual disadvantage under the prevailing system.

‘Per Aspera’ — ‘through difficulties’ — speaks to our commitment as publishers and authors to succeed despite these obstacles. The star in our logo reminds us of our goals.

We are passionate about publishing quality fiction, including the many excellent manuscripts rejected by corporate publishers as insufficiently commercial.

We are enthusiastic about reclaiming the tradition of nurturing new authors.

We are devoted to creating books of quality design — books that compare favorably in every detail to the best products of the largest publishers.

We are dedicated to offering fair and friendly contracts to authors and illustrators (because as writers, we've been on the other side of that fence).

We are committed to developing close and direct relationships with independent booksellers.

Per Aspera Press was founded in 2003, and we published our first title, Liferock by Jak Koke, in December of that year. Fall 2004 will bring publication of our second title, Singularity by Bill DeSmedt. We are currently expecting to publish two to three titles in 2005.

We are beginning with a focus on speculative fiction: science fiction, fantasy, science thrillers, magical realism, and so forth. Our long-range plans include additional imprints covering other subjects. Prospective authors should see our current submission guidelines.