Sharon Jarvis

Sharon Jarvis

Born: 10/1/1943
Written by: Mandy Criswell, Summer 2002; updated 2018
Vocation
Literary
Geographic Connection to Pennsylvania: Laceysville, Wyoming County
Abstract

Born in 1943 in New York, Sharon Jarvis began her career as a copy editor and copywriter. She helped pioneer the way for women in the science fiction field by becoming a successful writer, editor, and publisher. At the time of this writing, Jarvis lives in Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

Biography

Sharon Jarvis was born October 1, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents were Joseph and Ethel Jarvis.

Jarvis received a BFA from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 1964. After graduation, Jarvis spent time working for a newspaper to give her the experience she would need to advance her career. Jarvis received her first job in the publishing field in 1969. She began working for Ace Books in New York City as a copy editor and copywriter. Jarvis was not happy with her position at Ace Books because she was not able to advance in the field. Her superiors only promoted men to higher positions because they felt women could not manage the field of science fiction. Jarvis had similar experiences at two other publishing companies and was determined to find a more fulfilling career. In 1974, she accepted a position at Doubleday & Company and eventually was put in charge of managing the science fiction line.

Jarvis has made her mark in the science fiction field as a writer, editor, and publisher. She has published several books under the pen names H. M. Major, Johanna Hailey, and Jarrod Comstock, and also publishes under her real name. In 1983, Jarvis moved away from New York City and became a literary agent in Laceyville, Pennsylvania. As an agent she has discovered many popular writers, such as Melanie Rawn, W. Michael Gear and Peter David. In 1995, she started publishing books under the imprints Toad Hall Press and Belfry Books.

One of Jarvis' major accomplishments has been her rise to the top of the science fiction field, which had previously been dominated by men. Her hard work and determination allowed her to go from an unfulfilling job at a newspaper to creating her own publishing company. Over time, Jarvis has contributed her ideas to the industry. She has helped various publishing companies sell science fiction novels by suggesting book covers that would attract the largest audience. She has also assisted in introducing erotic themes to mainstream science fiction.

At the time of this writing, Sharon Jarvis lives in Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

Selected Works

Books:

  • The Alien Trace. New York: New American Library, 1984.
  • Time Twister. New York: New American Library, 1984.
  • Enchanted Paradise. New York: Zebra Books, 1985.
  • Crystal Paradise. New York: Zebra Books, 1986.
  • Beloved Paradise. New York: Zebra Books, 1987.

Edited Books:

  • True Tales of the Unknown. New York: Bantam, 1985.
  • Inside Outer Space Science: Fiction Professionals Look at Their Craft. New York: Frederick Ungar, 1985.
  • The Univited. New York: Bantam, 1989.
  • Beyond Reality. New York: Bantam, 1991.
  • Dark Zones. New York: Warner Books, 1992.
  • Dead Zones. New York: Warner Books, 1992.
Sources
  • Clute, John and Peters Nicholls. Eds. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993.
  • Jarvis, Sharon. Ed. Inside Outer Space: Science Fiction Professionals Look at Their Craft. New York: Ungar Publication Company, 1985.
  • Jarvis, Sharon. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction (SFE). 12 August 2018. 24 September 2018. ttp://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/jarvis_sharon>.
  • Jarvis, Sharon 1943- . Encyclopedia.com. 2009. 24 September 2018. <https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/jarvis-sharon-1943>.
  • Sharon Jarvis. The Gale Literary Database: Contemporary Authors. The Gale Group. Thomson Corporation. 2001. 17 May 2002. <www.galenet.com>.
  • Sharon Jarvis. Toad Hall Inc. 2002. 14 June 2002. <www.laceyville.com/Toad- Hall/about_us.htm>. Web address inactive.
Photo Credit

"True Tales of the Unknown." 1985. Cover Copy. Cropped to 4x3, Filled background. Source: Bantam. Source: Online Resource.