Circlet Press papers
Scope and Contents
The Circlet Press papers contain printed materials pertaining to various aspects of managing the small press. Series I consists of materials relating to publicity such as brochures, flyers, programs, catalogues, press releases, reviews, awards, and conventions. Publicity materials from other publishing houses and affiliates/organizations supported by or related to Circlet Press can also be found in this series.
Series II includes materials related to publication, such as form rejection letters and potential submissions to Circlet. Series III contains correspondence in card, letter, and postcard formats. Reseachers will find letters to Circlet Press from other publishing houses and organizations as well as letters from Circlet Press to editors, publishing companies, and writers.
Series IV consists of financial materials, including invoices, bank documents, and order forms. Series V includes notes and Series VI is for miscellaneous materials.
Addendum I consists of materials received by SCA in the 2019 donation from Cecilia Tan. In addition to business records, researchers will find items relating to the press' publicity and correspondence with both active, perspective authors and artists.
Dates
- created: 1985-2016
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research under the terms of the NIU Special Collections and Archives. Photographs and photocopies of collection are prohibited.
Conditions Governing Use
Property Rights are transferred to the University Libraries per the signed Deed of Gift Document. Literary Rights are retained by the content creator. Any copyrights so stated in the materials remain in force.
Historical Information
Circlet Press was founded by Cecilia Tan in 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This unique publishing house specializes in science fiction and fantasy erotica that spans across the gender and sexuality spectrum, creating a niche for alternate sexuality stories. Circlet Press paved the way for erotic fiction and expanded what was possible, and acceptable, in the science fiction and fantasy market. Circlet Press's books have been nominated for a number of awards, including the Independent Press Awards, Benjamin Franklin Awards, the Spectrum Awards, and the Lambda Literary Awards.
In February 2020, Riverdale Avenue Books acquired Circlet Press.
Full Extent
4.75 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into 6 series, with addenda at the end.
- Series I: Publicity
- Series II: Publication
- Series III: Correspondence
- Series IV: Financial
- Series V: Notes
- Series VI: Miscellaneous
- Addendum 1
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Donated by Cecilia Tan on July 31, 2012.
Accruals
Accruals donated by Cecilia Tan received by SCA on December 2, 2019.
Content Note
This collection contains explicit material pertaining to science fiction erotica, including but not limited to, imagery, literature, and graphic adult advertisements.
To read the NIU Libraries Statement on Offensive, Sensitive, Difficult or Harmful Materials, click here.Genre / Form
Topical
- Title
- Circlet Press papers
- Author
- Updated by Nora Jiménez, Archivist, NIU Special Collections and Archives.
- Date
- October 2025
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Northern Illinois University Repository
Founders Memorial Library
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb IL 60115 US
815-753-9392
rhcua@niu.edu
