What is MAELSTROM? A Brief Primer

This information is mostly for new fans, since long-time readers know this already. Maelstrom is my signed, limited edition hardcover imprint at Thunderstorm Books. It was created to address three concerns impacting today’s book collector. 

1. Pricing: Many publisher’s prices have steadily increased to levels higher than many collectors and readers are willing to pay.

2. Uncertainty: Customers are hesitant to spend money on a signed, limited edition book by an author who they are unfamiliar with. For every stellar new author who has debuted in the small press over the last few years, there are a dozen who weren’t so stellar. Unless there is a ringing endorsement by someone whose opinion they trust, consumers are holding off on purchasing such volumes by new authors.

3. Value: Collectors are seeking more than a simple signature and limitation page. They want extra material for their money. They want assurances that if they spend a generous sum on a book, that same book won’t necessarily be available a month later in trade paperback or digital. They want limited runs that are actually limited, rather than numbering in the thousands. They want collectible value.

Maelstrom has met those concerns with each annual release. Each release has involved a set of three books — a novel-length work by me, a novella by me, and a novel-length work by a new author whom I endorse, and who, more importantly, I think you’ll enjoy. Sets have been priced at around $125, which puts the books firmly in the $40 to $45 price range favored by the majority of small press customers. All Maelstrom releases have been published as signed, limited hardcovers. Sets have been limited to below 300 copies, thus making them true collectibles. Each set has also included special offerings to further increase value and collectibility (free exclusive chapbooks, guarantees that certain titles will never be reprinted, etc.)

Maelstrom Set I (2010)

A Gathering of Crows by Brian Keene

The Rising: Deliverance by Brian Keene (no reprint until 5 years after pub)

Six Days by Kelli Owen

Maelstrom Set II (2011)

A Conspiracy of One by Brian Keene (never to be reprinted)

Alone by Brian Keene

Once Upon A Time In Midnight by John Urbancik

Maelstrom Set III (2012)

Deluge by Brian Keene

Sundancing by Brian Keene (never to be reprinted)

Answers of Silence by Geoff Cooper

Maelstrom Set IV (forthcoming October 2013)

Details forthcoming within the next 24 hours…