Launched October 31, 2011, Dark Hall Press is a new Horror Fiction publisher. Dark Hall seeks to promote a diverse body of quality works, advancing the tradition of Horror storytelling as well as providing exposure for up-and-coming writers.
The Dark Hall list includes works of supernatural and non-supernatural horror, as well as cross-genre pollinations (sci-fi/horror, fantasy/horror, noir/horror, etc.) and experimental works.
All Dark Hall titles are published in simultaneous e-book and paper editions, with distribution of the latter via Ingram.
Today, we have the opportunity to speak with William Renehan of Dark Hall Press to learn more about what this young horror publishing company has in store for its readers.
Hellnotes: These are interesting times to be starting up a publishing venture. How did Dark Hall Press come about?
William Renehan: The idea for Dark Hall began as a response to the fast growing though increasingly stagnant literary Horror scene. As a life-long fan, I hold great respect for all the varied sub-genres of the field, but let’s face it — zombie schlock novels are a dime a dozen, the once imposing figure of the vampire has been mangled by the hands of pop culture, and gratuitous violence is relied upon more and more to the detriment of narrative merit … Dark Hall is a return to formula.
HN: Unlike most small press publishers, Dark Hall Press focuses on horror fiction. Is horror your favorite genre? Do you think it’s strong enough to carry Dark Hall Press?
WR: Horror is indeed my favorite genre – have been hooked since I was a kid… I feel confident about the work we’re doing right now as we seem to be in the midst of a real upswing in the proliferation of horror fictions.
HN: You’ve got three new titles under your belt. How have sales been?
WR: Sales have been going very well – and the reader response we’ve received so far has been very encouraging considering that we’re a small press.
HN: Tell us about your book giveaway program.
WR: Our current book giveaway will be the first of many – we like to engage readers/fans as much as possible. The contest is free to enter, just visit the contest section of darkhallpress.com and provide an answer to the horror trivia question for a chance to win.
HN: How does Dark Hall Press differ from the other small publishers out there?
WR: It is our belief that, in order to restore integrity to the literary Horror scene, authors and publishers alike must look inward and consider their work in regard to the collective body of Horror literature as a whole; for there can be no true innovation without a working knowledge and appreciation of the tradition … Dark Hall is experimental in spirit, but with a mind toward tradition.
HN: What’s your greatest hope for your publishing company?
WR: Our hope is simply to provide readers with exciting new works of quality horror fiction. We are fans first, publishers second. To leave a progressive mark on the tradition is more than enough.
HN: What can readers look forward to from Dark Hall Press in 2013?
WR: In 2013 readers should look out for the first Dark Hall short fiction anthology, we also have several other projects in the works, including a truly chilling vampire novel. So stay tuned.
