Julia Ember is the author of The Seafarer’s Kiss duology (Interlude Press), a Norse myth inspired retelling of The Little Mermaid, and Ruinsong (FSG/Macmillan), a dark standalone sapphic fantasy set in a world where magic is sung. She was a finalist for the Bisexual Book Award, and her work has been recommended by USA Today, School Library Journal, Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus. She is currently working on a graduate degree at Harvard.

Julia currently lives in Seattle with her wife, two cats, two dogs and two very fluffy ponies. She has previously worked as a teacher, bookseller and wedding cake decorator.

One Sheet Data for Booksellers and Librarians

  • I write sapphic books! Currently, most of my work is fantasy, but I also dabble in historical fiction and a little light sci-fi. I am the author of The Seafarer’s Kiss duology, a Norse myth inspired retelling of The Little Mermaid. My latest book, Ruinsong, is also high fantasy. It is a f/f romance that takes place in a world where magic is sung, ruled over by a tyrant queen and a quartet of goddesses. Currently, I am working on expanding into adult books. Watch this space!

  • I would love to! I have lots of experience working with teens (ages 12-17) in schools and would be delighted to conduct a reading or a workshop with you. When I lived in Scotland, I worked with the Scottish Book Trust in many high schools. Especially if you are in the Seattle city, please get in touch. I also offer virtual visits.

  • Yes! I am happy to hear from bloggers and members of the press with interview questions. I generally have a pretty fast response time, but please let me know in the initial email if you have a specific deadline in mind!

  • I am represented by Eric Smith at Neighborhood Literary.

  • I do not run an editorial service. In the past, I have mentored with both Pitch Wars and Author Mentor Match. If you are looking for a freelance developmental editor for your book, I recommend Katherine Locke and Kat Howard.

  • I can’t refer books I haven’t read and will only recommend writers I think my agent would also enjoy working with. So unless we are critique partners or personal friends, and I know both you and your work, I can’t refer you to my agent. Neither of my publishers accept unsolicited submissions.

  • If your book is under contract for publication and you think I might be interested in reading it, please contact me via my agent. I tend to like dark SFF and historical, with strong worldbuilding and unlikeable protagonists. If you are a queer author with a small press, please feel free to email me directly.

  • The series was always planned as a duology, with one book from Ersel’s perspective and one from Ragna’s. It’s complete and no other books are planned in that world.

  • Dreamspinner Press, the parent company of Harmony Ink, underwent significant financial challenges in 2018. These novellas are now out of print, at my request for rights return, as a result of these challenges. I don’t have any plans to self-publish these books.