Announcement: Gatehouse Press joins Story Machine

Story Machine and Gatehouse Press are delighted to announce that we have merged to create a bigger publisher able to do more to support talented new writers into print.

The merger will see Gatehouse Press and Lighthouse Journal become imprints within Story Machine, and the outdated Gatehouse Press website phased out. All Gatehouse Press and Lighthouse books and journals will from now be sold through www.storymachines.co.uk. Existing orders, including subscriptions to Lighthouse Journal need not change.

Speaking about the merger Sam Ruddock, Director of Story Machine and former Director of Gatehouse Press, says:

‘I am thrilled to welcome Gatehouse Press and Lighthouse Journal into the Story Machine family. This merger creates a stronger independent publishing group based in Norwich UNESCO City of Literature. It will enable us to manage costs and create a publishing force better able to serve our authors and provide a better and easier experience for our readers.’

Andy McDonnell, Director of Gatehouse Press, says:
‘The past 18 months have given us a chance to reflect on how we operate as a publisher. After much discussion and consideration we are excited to announce that we will be joining under the umbrella of Story Machine. ‘

Julia Webb, Steering Editor of Lighthouse says:
‘These are exciting times for us. We would like to reassure our readers that Lighthouse will remain the Lighthouse you know and love. Keep an eye on our social media channels for news of events and sign up to the Story Machine newsletter for links to a more user friendly website in the weeks to come.’

We are confident you will continue to enjoy the quality new writing we publish. Our most recent books are:

• Lighthouse – Issue 22
• Madeleine by Stella Bech (New Fictions winner)
• The Day I Killed J. D. Salinger by Alex Carulli (New Fictions winner)
• Source: A Saga by Rosemary Johnston (New Fictions winner) 
• Paperchains: Our Stories from Lockdown (an anthology of writing from people with experience of prison, homelesness, and addiction)

FAQs

I have an existing subscription to Lighthouse. Will this impact me?

No. You will continue to receive your subscription as before. However, you will see that it is now dispatched from Story Machine rather than Gatehouse Press.

How do I renew my Lighthouse subscription or take out a new subscription?

New subscriptions to Lighthouse Journal will be sold as 4 or 8 editions. You will be able to purchase a new subscription from www.storymachines.co.uk in the next fortnight.

How do I purchase a new copy of Lighthouse 22?

You can purchase new copies of Lighthouse 22 at www.storymachines.co.uk/products/lighthouse-22

How do I buy backlist Gatehouse Press books and issues of Lighthouse?

All books currently in print from Gatehouse Press will be sold through www.storymachines.co.uk and be ready to purchase in the next two weeks.

How should I stay in touch with the latest news?

We recommend you sign up for the Story Machine newsletter here.

We’ll keep you updated with further news but in the meantime you might wish to make sure you follow all our social media handles:
Story Machine – Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Gatehouse Press – Facebook | Twitter
Lighthouse – Facebook | Twitter

I have further questions. Who should I ask? 

If you have any questions please address them to Sam (hello@storymachines.co.uk) or Julia (admin@gatehousepress.com)