In 2001 I learned about print-on-demand technology. I had been working for a small Jewish publishing house and grown tired of marketing books that an editorial board sent me and having to explain later the dwindling venues for such books (by then, there were only a handful of Jewish bookstores, Barnes & Noble wanted our Bible translation and little else, and synagogue libraries had limited funds). I also had a crazy scheme that I could bring back out-of-print titles with my own small press: thus the name Lethe, based on the Greek mythological rever (soon after, several of our early releases boasted the slogan “Immerse yourself in forgotten works”). I also wanted to print a collection because I thought it might help me sell my novel. I published eleven books that first year–several of which are still in print.

Since that March, Lethe’s focus has grown into a press that specializes in several areas: lgbt speculative fiction! author short story collections! gay books featuring Bears!(thank you, Ron Suresha) and opportunities for diverse writers ignored by many presses. I’m proud of the work we’ve done in fifteen years. Most of the gay presses around in 2001 are gone. Alyson? Haworth? Firebrand? Gay Men’s Press? Naiad? At this point we are among the older continuous independent publishers of queer books.

I cannot share a large slice of cake (beefcake? cheesecake?) with each and everyone, from authors to readers to store owners to bloggers; all of you have helped me bring attention to the brand along with many books. What I can do is this: for the entire month of March, I am offering any current ebook edition of our titles at only 1.50 each. I do ask that you purchase at least three titles. So please visit our website, www.lethepressbooks.com and buy yourself that book you always wanted as well as an author new to you.

And please share news of this sale with your friends, your frenemies, that strange guy who lives in his virtual basement surrounded by ebooks and cat videos.

All my best,

Steve Berman, Publisher