Elastic Press to close

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Andrew Hook has announced that Elastic Press is now closed to new submissions and is winding down.

It comes after six successful years, in which Elastic Press published 31 books and won five major awards.

Elastic Press was one of only a few independent publishers in the science fiction & fantasy genres that had with book store distribution.

Andrew provides more information on the chronicles forums:

This hasn’t been a snap decision, and isn’t the result of any ‘credit crunch’ or financial difficulties. In fact, I’ve known for two years that ‘Subtle Edens’ would be our final book. The main reason for closing is that I’ve increasingly found Elastic is becoming a burden rather than a pleasure. I’ve run it mostly in my spare time over the past six years (and occasionally part-time and full-time), and I’ve decided that I now want to focus on my own writing and spend more time with my family. Not only that, but I feel I’ve taken Elastic as far as it can go. We’ve had some great successes – in terms of reviews, awards, and sales – with, perhaps ironically, 2008 being the best year to date; however I feel I’ve hit a wall in my ability to expand the press further and my enthusiasm is starting to wane. Rather than wait until such time that I start to do a disservice to the authors, it seems better to quit whilst I’m ahead.

While no doubt it is a sad decision indeed, Andrew has to be lauded for his tireless work and effort in building a successful and popular independent press.

In the meantime, existing writers will continue to receive royalties, and Elastic Press books will be available at UK conventions through 2009, such as Redemption, EasterCon and probably Alt.Fiction.