Steve Berman American editor and writer Country: Great Britain

Biography of Steve Berman

Steve Berman is an American editor and writer who has made significant contributions to the genres of dark fantasy and urban fantasy. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in a wealthy suburb in southern New Jersey. At a young age, while attending a partial high school, Berman discovered his sexual minority identity. Years later, he wrote about his first gay experience in a creative essay titled "Coming Out 101: Final Exam." Despite the initial challenges, Berman's decision to be true to himself did not strain his relationships with his loved ones.

Berman pursued a degree in English literature at Tulane University. He then continued his studies at Rutgers University, earning a master's degree in liberal studies in 2006. During his time as a student, Berman briefly worked in publishing, wholesale trade, and marketing for a small publishing company in Philadelphia.

One of the most significant encounters that shaped Berman's life occurred while working at the gaming magazine 'd8 Magazine,' where he met Holly Black. Shortly after their introduction, Berman landed a position as an assistant editor at 'Churchill Livingstone,' a medical publishing company in New York City. By chance, Black also joined the same company. Over time, Berman and Holly became close friends and likeminded reviewers.

Berman was a former member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and one of the few lifetime members of the Role-Playing Game Association (RPGA). Most of his short speculative fiction stories fall into the subgenres of dark fantasy and urban fantasy. He participated in the "Nameless Workshop" seminar in the Philadelphia region, where he interacted with renowned authors such as Judith Berman and Victoria McManus. In 2001, Steve founded the independent publishing house 'Lethe Press,' specializing in speculative fiction, gay-themed books, poetry, and classic works on occultism and the supernatural. Several books published by Lethe Press, including Berman's short story collection 'Trysts,' are now considered literary treasures.

In 2004, Berman met writer Toby Johnson and offered to republish his award-winning book 'Gay Spirituality.' The book delves into the role of gay identity in transforming human consciousness, the future of the LGBTQ+ community, and how homosexuality can reveal insights into the essence of God and the Universe. Although Berman was raised in the Jewish faith, he has not fully embraced any religious beliefs, oscillating between secular Judaism and agnosticism. He is part of the advisory board of the non-profit organization 'White Crane Institute,' which advocates for the interests of the LGBTQ+ community and collaborates with Lethe Press to publish specific literature.

As of January 2007, Steve Berman has sold approximately 80 of his articles and stories, many of which celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through speculative fiction. Berman has been a finalist for the 'Gaylactic Spectrum Awards' seven times and the 'Lambda Literary Award' three times. His novel 'Vintage: A Ghost Story,' released in 2007, was a finalist for the 'Andre Norton Award.' In June 2009, Berman launched 'Icarus, the Magazine of Gay Speculative Fiction,' a quarterly publication that showcases LGBTQ+ voices in speculative fiction.