Head of Zeus launches adventure imprint Aries

Head of Zeus is launching Aries, a new action and adventure imprint, in August with books from Brad Taylor, Ethan Cross and Matthew Harffy.

The imprint will be overseen by Aria editorial director Hannah Smith and editor Holly Domney who has just joined from Canongate where she looked after authors such as Simon Brett, Caro Ramsay and David Hewson. Both report into publishing director Laura Palmer.

Publishing in e-book, audiobook and print, the imprint will release 30 titles in 2020, and double this to 60 in 2021.

“Whether Dark-Age historical epic or near-future techno thriller, Aries will bring together a community of authors with readers who are looking for their next adventure read,” Head of Zeus said.

C.e.o. Nicolas Cheetham explained: “Aries is a long-overdue recognition of that most versatile and international of genres—adventure fiction. Our energetic publishing programme reflects the vitality of the list—there is no time or place that Aries cannot explore, no adventure too great for the imprint. Aries will be a key ingredient in our growth for 2021 and beyond.”

Other authors on the list include Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty, who have teamed up to co-write a trilogy exploring the rise of the Emperor Constantine, Tim Hodkinson with an Icelandic saga, Matthew Quirk with his political thrillers and Glenn Cooper with his medical thrillers.

Harffy said: “I'm very excited to be one of the first writers published by the new Aries imprint. It is wonderful that Head of Zeus has created a list dedicated to top-notch action and adventure stories. I look forward to seeing Aries go from strength to strength as more genre authors join this fantastic team.”

Submissions are currently open for manuscripts of 70,000 words and over, which can be emailed to Aries@headofzeus.com.