Alyson Books

Alyson Books was founded in 1980 by gay activist Sasha Alyson and acquired by LPI Media, owner of The Advocate and Out magazines, in 1995. In its twenty-five year history, Alyson Book’s ground-breaking and award-winning list of cutting edge fiction and informative nonfiction has led a dedicated cause to reflect the evolving issues and ideals concerning the LGBT community. In 2005, Alyson Books made the transition from Los Angeles to New York City, the heart of the publishing industry in the United States. With its new goals of reaching a larger slice of this lucrative market—and with a team of publishing professionals at the helm—Alyson Books is poised to move beyond its already-established reputation as the leader in LGBT book publishing and become synonymous with queer books of the highest caliber. Among Alyson Book’s authors are Jay Quinn, whose celebrated novel “Back Where He Started” led to his being recognized as a 2005 Out100 honoree, his latest book, "The Beloved Son was released June 2007; first-time novelist Blair Mastbaum, whose “Clay’s Way” was honored as the Best Debut Gay Novel from the Lambda Literary Awards; Rob Weiss’s “Cruise Control,” a serious nonfiction work about sex addiction that led to appearances on “Oprah”; the now-classic children’s book “Heather Has Two Mommies”; and Romaine Patterson’s memoir, “The Whole World was Watching,” about her friendship with Matthew Shepard, a book that was named the Top Pick of 2005 by InsightOut Book Club. Alyson's upcoming Fall 2007 season includes many exciting new books and authors as well as the return of some favorites from last year. "Nightlight" by Janine Avril is a gripping and honest memoir of hidden secrets and revealed truths, it will be published in September. "The Advocate Guide to Gay Men's Health and Wellness" by Frank Spinelli, M.D. is an invaluable resource for gay men to live happier, healthier lives and will be published in January 2008. Arthur Wooten returns this season with a hilarious sequel to last year's "On Picking Fruit" with "Fruit Cocktail" to be published in December. Curve magazine's most popular comlumnists, Lipstick & Dipstick bring you "Lipstick's & Dipstick's Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships" in November and "The New Lesbian Sex Book, 3rd Edition" is new again in February with all the latest information and tips. "Out Plays," "The Dying Gaul and Other Screenplays by Craig Lucas," and "Die Mommie, Die! and other Screenplays by Charles Busch" mark the debut of Alyson's perfoming arts category in February and March. "The Portable Queer" series debuts the first of Alyson's gift book line in October with three nicely packaged compendiums that cover gay history, gay biographies, and an indespensible collection of quotes and sassy sayings. Claire McNab delivers a new Kylie Kendall mystery, more Q Guides on gay beaches, classic monster movies, "The Designing Women," and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer." And much, much more so stay tuned!