By William Swift, Priyanka Joshi, Jess Fischer and Elizabeth Haslam
Space Cat Press, founded in 2019 by Siobhan Logan and Darragh Logan-Davies, originated as a non-profit specifically publishing books on the cosmos. Since then, this passion project has kept its shoestring budget and dedication to sci-fi and speculative fiction, while growing their reputation as a publisher authors want to work with.
One or two books a year are published by Space Cat, starring astronauts, aliens and the origins of everything. In form, this press is equally as open-minded, with anthologies containing poetry, non-fiction, flash and short fiction arranged with the reader in mind. The benefit of this for the emerging author or young writer cannot be understated: in an industry where there are more short fiction authors than there are readers, the support and engagement from small publishing houses is invaluable to the craft and community of our literary world. There is something for everyone on the fringes of the universe, and Space Cat Press, with its limited resources, have called attention to this expanding field.
Logan and Logan-Davies are in good company, among indie presses and massive business owners, who started with a passion for a subject and a room in their house. Space Cat Press promises to expand the mind of the reader, and the genre of literature, one book at a time.
New Releases
Bark & Bone: part of the publishers’ Wilding Worlds Anthology collection, Bark & Bone contains the work of thirty-three writers as they explore themes of secrets, refuge and enchantment against the backdrop of woods and nature. While some of the travellers seem to thrive and bloom in the forest environment, others lose all grip on themselves completely.
The stunning artwork by Sally Barnett on the cover compliments the interior, an eerie yet mystical depiction of our natural world.
Uncharted Constellations: Uncharted Constellations is one of the two publications in the Uncharted Souls Anthology collection. The focus of this book is all things space, and twenty contributors use the last Space Race as a launching pad to travel into the future. Space Cat Press describe the anthology as a mix of “dark science fiction to lyrical poetry, via twists of flash fiction and fragments of memoir. And between the strangeness of space and the loneliness of long-distance missions, you will find the human heart refracted in a myriad of ways.”
Notable Releases
Rosetta's Midnight Barge: Crossing the Comet's Underworld by Siobhan Logan is a captivating sci-fi odyssey that plunges readers into a surreal and haunting journey through the cosmos. The story follows astronaut Rosetta Hart as she crash-lands on a mysterious comet, uncovering an eerie, hidden realm beneath its surface. In this alien underworld, Rosetta must confront ancient forces and unravel cosmic secrets while battling her own fears and doubts. The novel's narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and a haunting atmosphere blending the tension of space exploration with the mythic allure of an otherworldly landscape. Logan masterfully combines elements of suspense and existential reflection making it a thought-provoking read that explores the limits of human endurance and understanding. Rosetta's Midnight Barge is ideal for those who appreciate science fiction with a psychological edge and a deep, immersive world.
Desert Moonfire: The Men Who Raced To Space by Siobhan Logan is a riveting account of the early days of the space race focusing on the engineers, scientists and astronauts who pushed the boundaries of human possibility. Set against the harsh and isolated landscapes of desert testing sites, the book explores the intense challenges and personal sacrifices faced by those on the front lines of space exploration. Logan's writing is both meticulous and evocative, capturing the tension and excitement of an era defined by ambition and innovation. Her portrayal of the men who raced to space is nuanced and humanising, shedding light on their triumphs, fears and the ethical dilemmas they encountered. With a compelling mix of historical detail and vivid storytelling, Desert Moonfire offers readers an engaging look at the human side of the space race, making it a must-read for history buffs and space enthusiasts alike.
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