Chaosium appoints James Lowder as new Executive Editor of Fiction

Publishing company Chaosium, known for such beloved games as Call of Cthulhu and RuneQuest, and fiction, such as the anthology Cassilda’s Song, is pleased to announce the appointment of award-winning editor and author James Lowder as executive editor of fiction. Chaosium President Rick Meints commented: “James embodies that magic combination of wisdom and enthusiasm. Knowing his craft inside and out, he brings his advocacy and integrity to the table at every turn. Having him relaunch our fiction line is a ‘the stars are right’ moment.”

Lowder's extensive experience includes line editing for the Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, and Pendragon novel series; and helming more than twenty critically acclaimed anthologies, including Madness on the Orient Express, Hobby Games: The 100 Best, and The Munchkin Book. 

Before this commitment to Chaosium's fiction line, Lowder previously worked as a consulting editor for the company, tirelessly resolving problems for past fiction contributors. 

“For the past year and a half, I've helped the new management at Chaosium try to address all the payment and contract issues that had previously plagued the fiction line, including many problems that fell outside the company's legal obligations. Chaosium made a sincere effort to do the right thing for a lot of authors, artists, and editors. I'm very proud of what we achieved.”

Lowder will shepherd new titles to print as part of a relaunch of the fiction line, with releases starting in 2018. As a bestselling author, he understands both sides of the work ahead, as well as the potential for the amazing things publishers and authors can create together.

“Going forward, Chaosium will be a professional market, with pay rates and contracts in line with HWA and SFWA guidelines. More importantly, authors and editors working with the line will find Chaosium a partner interested in helping them get their works out to the widest possible audience, in the best possible form.”

Of initial interest for the line will be original, Mythos-related novels, anthologies, and single-author collections. Non-fiction will be considered as well. 

Submissions guidelines can be found at http://www.chaosium.com/fiction-submissions/

For further information, contact Michael O'Brien: mob@chaosium.com

For questions on fiction submissions not answered by the guidelines, contact James Lowder: james@chaosium.com