Brain Lag started simply: I decided to self-publish my first novel (Aurius) in 2010 and I enjoyed the process and wanted to do it for others. In 2014, Brain Lag released its first book from an outside author: Extreme Dentistry. Since then, we have signed on over twenty other authors and released over 50 books running the gamut of speculative fiction.
I love stories. Fast-paced or slow burn, classic stories or envelope-pushing, literary, mystery, and more, I’ve had the privilege to publish dozens of fantastic novels and short story collections. I’ve even been pleasantly surprised by submissions I wouldn’t have thought would be to my taste.
My goals with Brain Lag have been to create high-quality books at a reasonable price and to treat authors fairly. I love Canadian authors, debut and emerging authors, and work from marginalized people (2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodiverse, disabled/spoonie, etc.) but again: the first thing I’m looking for is a good story.
I love publishing these books and being part of the Canadian genre fiction scene and look forward to continuing to do so for years to come.
Catherine Fitzsimmons, owner