Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Cindi Meyer's Market News - Market Resource
This week over at Cindi Meyers' blog there's three new paying markets listed. Story Houston which pays $200 for genre stories up to 5000 words, Bridgestone Publishing is putting together an erotica anthology with payment of $50 per story, and HarperCollins has a new crime imprint called Witness that is open for novel submissions. Head on over and check them out!
Dark Markets - Market Resource
Darkmarkets.com has three new anthology calls and a new zine listed this week, all paying markets. Be sure to check them out.
Xchyler Publishing - Anthology Contest
Xchyler Publishing opened submissions today for their winter fantasy anthology contest which has the theme of "Back to the Future". All stories must be submitted anonymously. The deadline is August 31 for stories of 5000 to 15,000 words. Payment is shared royalties. You can find all the details here.
Shroud - Reading Period Opens Tomorrow
Shroud magazine has only one reading period a year and it opens tomorrow, August 1, and runs to September 30. They're looking for dark literary stories in the genres of horror, mystery, fantasy, and suspense. They pay $10 for flash up to 1000 words and $25 for short stories to 5000 words. They also accept non-fiction up to 3000 words with a flat payment of $25. You can find all the details here.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Shock Totem - Open for Submissions
Shock Totem has opened to submissions for their next issue. They are looking for dark fiction up to 5000 words, flash of 1000 words or less, and micro-flash of 200 words or less. Payment is 5cents a word or original fiction and 2cent a word for reprints. There is a cap of $250. You can find all the submission details here
UPDATE: July 31, 2013 Their submittable page says they're closed until September 1. Sorry!
UPDATE: July 31, 2013 Their submittable page says they're closed until September 1. Sorry!
Crossed Genre Magazine - YA Theme for Next Reading Period
The theme for Crossed Genre Magazine's next open reading period is Young Adult. They're looking for short stories of 1000 to 6000 words that defy the conventions of YA storytelling. The reading period opens on August 1 and runs to August 31. Payment is 5cents a word. You can find the details here, just scroll down the page a bit to find what they're looking for with this theme.
Lamplight - Open for Submissions
Submissions are open for the Fall issue of Lamplight magazine until October 15. They're looking for dark fiction in the horror and noir genres. They pay $50 for flash to 1000 words and $150 for short stories of 2000 to 7000 words. You can find the details here. Submissions are through submittable.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Nightblade - Themed Issue Call for Ghost Stories
Nightblade magazine has posted a themed call for their December issue. They're looking for ghost stories and would especially like to see them set in the wintertime. The deadline for this issue is September 30. Payment is $5. You can find the details here.
Hat tip to Horror Zine's magazine list!
Hat tip to Horror Zine's magazine list!
Comet Press - ebook Novella Publisher
Sometimes when the market news is slow I like to post up a reminder of what some of the markets are looking for. For those of you who write novellas in the genres of horror, dark crime, fantasy, and dark erotica, you might give Comet Press a look. They have been publishing ebook novellas in those genres for a bit over a year now and seem to be doing fairly well. They're looking for 15,000 to 40,000 words and pay royalties. You can check out the guidelines here.
Fractured: Tales of the Canadian Post-Apocalypse - Canadian Anthology Call
Editor Sylvia Moreno-Garcia has issued a call for a new anthology called "Fractured: Tales of the Canadian Post-Apocalypse". This anthology is open to Canadian authors only and must be set in Canada. They are looking for stories of 2000 to 10,000 words about life in post-apocalypse Canada. The reading period opens on September 1 and closed November 30. Payment is 5cents a word CAN. and flat fee of $50 for reprints. You can find all the details here.
Hat tip to Literarium!
Hat tip to Literarium!
La Fontera Publishing - Call for Western Anthology
La Fontera Publishing has issued a call for Western short stories for their anthology "Broken Promises". They are looking for both traditional and contemporary stories up to 5000 words. Reprints are acceptable unless the story has been published in another anthology. The deadline is October 15. There is no mention of payment.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Jamais Vu - New Market
Post Mortem Press has issued a call for submissions for their new quarterly magazine "Jamais Vu - The Journal of Strange Among the Familiar". The reading period will begin on September 1 and end October 15. They are looking for dark fiction short stories of 2000 to 4000 words with payment of 5cents a word. They are also looking for book reviews, film reviews, poetry, and non-fiction. The managing editor is Paul Anderson. The first issue will release on January 15, 2014. The theme for this issue is strange among the familiar. You can find the details here. Post Mortem Press is also open for novel submissions at this time. You can check them out here.
Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives
I'm so looking forward to this anthology. It's due to hit the book stores in August but you can pre-order. It's rare to see an anthology that celebrates the women of our genre, and Sarah Weinman has collected together some of the best. You can check it out here.
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Hum Story Cupboard
If you're looking for a new way to begin an apocalyptic story give "The Hum" a try. I wonder if maybe the government has implanted tiny devices in our heads to create the hum and drive people to do unspeakable things. You know, a mind control project gone wrong. Just joking, of course! Our government would never do something like that, would they?
For some reason that link up there isn't working any more. You can try this one as it has most of the same information.
For some reason that link up there isn't working any more. You can try this one as it has most of the same information.
Bleed - Call for Non-fiction Writing Essays
The lovely Katherine Tomlinson emailed me this link to an ad on Craig's List. Jaded Ibis Productions has set up a blog called Bleed and is looking for non-fiction essays about writing of 1500 to 2000 words. There's no payment. They have some essays up on the site so you can get a feel for what they want. I couldn't find a separate submission link for Bleed so I assume you send your essay to the press submission address.
Six Questions For... - Market Resource
Jim Harrington hosts a most excellent blog called Six Questions For... where he asks editors of magazines six questions about their submission process. Not only do you get a good look at what the editors want but you can also find zines you've never heard of before. It's a great market source for writers. Today's six questions are for the editors of Apex magazine.
Mythic Delirium - New Web Site
Mythic Delirium has its new website up and running with stories available for reading. They will also be open for submissions from August 1 to October 1. Shorts stories to 4000 words in the sci-fi/fantasy, horror, or crossed genre genres. Payment will be 2cents a word for shorts and a flat fee of $5 for poetry. You will find the guidelines here.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
On Writing - Stephen King and First Sentences
A great piece by Stephen King about that all important first sentence of your story.
When I'm writing that first sentence it's usually just an idea that gets me into the story and many times that first sentence will be deleted because it no longer fits with what comes after. I remember when I first started writing in a flash critique group. For one story I wrote a gentleman told me I had three great starter sentences for my story, then he added, now pick one and run with it. :) I try not to worry too much about that first sentence until the first draft is done, then I'll probably wind up changing it and reworking it about fifty times before I'm happy with it. On occasion though that first sentence is just spot on perfect and the story that follows comes fairly easy.
A big thank you to Michael Bracken for the link!
When I'm writing that first sentence it's usually just an idea that gets me into the story and many times that first sentence will be deleted because it no longer fits with what comes after. I remember when I first started writing in a flash critique group. For one story I wrote a gentleman told me I had three great starter sentences for my story, then he added, now pick one and run with it. :) I try not to worry too much about that first sentence until the first draft is done, then I'll probably wind up changing it and reworking it about fifty times before I'm happy with it. On occasion though that first sentence is just spot on perfect and the story that follows comes fairly easy.
A big thank you to Michael Bracken for the link!
Melange Books - Call for Submissions
Melange Books has issued a call for submissions for "Christmas Memories". They need stories of 9,000 to 20,000 words. The deadline is September 15.
They are also looking for YA "Horse Stories" of 10,000 to 20,000 words for shorts and novellas and novels of 40,000 to 60,000 words.
Another call is for shorts of 8,000 to 15,000 words with the holiday themes of Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
And lastly they need chick lit/hen lit stories of 9,000 to 20,000 words.
There are no deadlines for the last three calls. Authors are paid royalties on both ebooks and print. You can find all the details here.
They are also looking for YA "Horse Stories" of 10,000 to 20,000 words for shorts and novellas and novels of 40,000 to 60,000 words.
Another call is for shorts of 8,000 to 15,000 words with the holiday themes of Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
And lastly they need chick lit/hen lit stories of 9,000 to 20,000 words.
There are no deadlines for the last three calls. Authors are paid royalties on both ebooks and print. You can find all the details here.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Speeding Star - Call for Submissions
Speeding Star is a new imprint from Enslow Publishers, Inc. They're looking for stories that will appeal to boys from third grade through high school written at a fourth grade reading level. Stories should be 5000 to 12,000 words in the genres of adventure, mystery, sports, or fantasy. There's no mention of payment. You can find more details here.
One thing that surprised me was that they didn't want work submitted by agents.
Hat tip to Cindy Meyers! Her post today has quite a few good markets so be sure to click on over.
One thing that surprised me was that they didn't want work submitted by agents.
Hat tip to Cindy Meyers! Her post today has quite a few good markets so be sure to click on over.
Getting to Know You
The most important part of any story is your characters. If readers don't like them, they're not apt to keep reading. Even your bad guys, especially in noir need something that a reader can relate to in order to spend time with them. Over at Writer Unboxed David Corbett has an excellent post called "Avoiding Boring Character Biographies". And from Michael Bracken there's a link to Opinionator and an essay by Silas House called "Tell Us Their Secrets".
Some days the links come with themes :)
Some days the links come with themes :)
Monday, July 22, 2013
Out of the Gutter - Bareknuckles Pulp Update
Out of the Gutter has posted a Bareknuckles Pulp update.
Knowing When to Quit
There's an excellent essay by Eric Beetner over at Do Some Damage about knowing when to cut your losses on a writing project. If you're like me you've left many a short story withering away in your files, but like Eric says, there will come a day when you'll be in the right place to break that story wide open and expose it's heart. No piece of writing is ever wasted if it moves your writing forward.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Broken River Books - Anthology Call
I received this email this morning from author/editor J. David Osborne:
My name is David Osborne and I am the editor-in-chief of the new crime fiction imprint Broken River Books. I am currently working on an anthology, and Brian Lindemuth suggested I contact you regarding getting the word out:
"Next
year, Broken River Books will release a crime fiction anthology, which I
am tentatively calling INCOGNITO. In this book, all of the authors will
be writing under pseudonyms, and will be required to sign a gag order
so that they cannot divulge their involvement. This will be writing at
its purest: without any thought of the value of your name brand. These
could be friends of mine telling these stories, these could be famous
authors (a few of which are already on board), these could be first-time
strangers. No one will ever know. The compensation is as such: all of
the royalties, every penny, will go to the authors. I'll front the cash
for it, you reap the benefits. Kind of an inversion of the "no pay, but
exposure" wank-off shruggery. No one
will cherry pick this antho to read their favorite author's pieces.
Everyone is nameless. No one will gain anything: there will only be a
fucking solid block of writing. Send your submissions to brokenriverbooks @ gmail.com. If this idea seems mind-bogglingly dumb to you, you are cordially invited not to participate."
The deadline for this is December 31. At the moment they have no active website but you can find out more about the press and Mr. Osborne at this link.
UPDATE: December 2, 2013 Here's a link to their new Twitter feed. And their website link.
My name is David Osborne and I am the editor-in-chief of the new crime fiction imprint Broken River Books. I am currently working on an anthology, and Brian Lindemuth suggested I contact you regarding getting the word out:
The deadline for this is December 31. At the moment they have no active website but you can find out more about the press and Mr. Osborne at this link.
UPDATE: December 2, 2013 Here's a link to their new Twitter feed. And their website link.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Chupa Cabra House - Anthology Calls All Genres
Chupa Cabra House Publishing has four open anthology calls. Each of them needs stories in any genre of 3500 to 10,000 words. Payment here is $25 per story except for the Weird Westerns which is $20. Here are the themes:
1. Invisibility - deadline September 1.
2 Weird Westerns - deadline December 1.
3. Eco-Horror - deadline November 1
4. Strange Sports - deadline March 1, 2014
The also publish a quarterly journal called Unpredictable Changes. There's no mention of payment for this. And they're looking for novel submissions. You can check them out here.
hat tip to darkmarkets.com
1. Invisibility - deadline September 1.
2 Weird Westerns - deadline December 1.
3. Eco-Horror - deadline November 1
4. Strange Sports - deadline March 1, 2014
The also publish a quarterly journal called Unpredictable Changes. There's no mention of payment for this. And they're looking for novel submissions. You can check them out here.
hat tip to darkmarkets.com
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Twit Publishing - Anthology Call for Ninja Stories
Twit Publishing has posted an anthology call for "NINJAS". Yep, they want ninjas in any setting you'd like to put them so long as they're badass ninjas. The deadline is April 18, 2014, payment is 3% of revenue of both print and ebook formats. They're also looking for non-fiction. You can find all the details here.
Polis Books - New Ebook Publisher Call for Novel Submissions
There's a new epublisher rolling out the red carpet for writers. Polis Books was founded by Jason Pinter and submissions are open to novel length work in a variety of genres. You can check them out here. There's no mention of how their payment system will work.
More information here.
Hat tip to Shots Magazine!
More information here.
Hat tip to Shots Magazine!
Mixer Publishing - Call for Submissions
Mixer Publishing has opened for submissions of short stories in all genres. They no longer pay for online content, only for stories included in their print publications. You can check them out here. They publish some outstanding stories here. They've also extended the deadline for their sci-fi contest, there is a fee to enter. Submissions are through Submittable.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Got Plot?
David Farland has an excellent piece about plotting on his blog today. I love that a writer can learn something new everyday.
Lethe Press - Non-erotica Anthology Call
While Lethe Press is an erotica publisher this call for "Daughters of Frankenstein: Lesbian Mad Scientists" is not looking for erotica. They want over the top B movie type mad scientist stories. 2500 to 12,500 words with a payment of 5cents a word. The deadline is January 31, 2014. You can find the call here.
Steve Berman is the editor for this one.
Hat tip to horrortree.com
Steve Berman is the editor for this one.
Hat tip to horrortree.com
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
I don't talk books here too often but if anyone gets a chance to read "The Alloy of Law" by Brandon Sanderson they should definitely jump in. Mr. Sanderson has created a story here that grabs hold of every genre available and takes you along for a most excellent ride.
I picked up the book because I was looking to read a bit of fantasy and this seemed to fit the bill. And the fantasy world was there, along with a science fiction twist, a bit of steam punk, and a noirish crime story, all overlaid in a wonderful Western type story. Oh yeah, there was just a touch of the paranormal. If you're looking for a prime example of crossed genre story telling, this is it.
The book flap said it was a return to Mr. Sanderson's Mistborn series but you really don't need to read those to enjoy this book as it takes place three hundred years after that trilogy ended. He sprinkles a bit of that world history into this story but it never comes as an info dump. This is just a book full of wonderful storytelling.
If you have teenage boys who enjoy fantasy this is a good book to pass along. Though there's plenty of fistfights and gunfights, there's no swearing or heavy sex scenes.
UPDATE: I found a proper review of the book if anyone wants to know more.
I picked up the book because I was looking to read a bit of fantasy and this seemed to fit the bill. And the fantasy world was there, along with a science fiction twist, a bit of steam punk, and a noirish crime story, all overlaid in a wonderful Western type story. Oh yeah, there was just a touch of the paranormal. If you're looking for a prime example of crossed genre story telling, this is it.
The book flap said it was a return to Mr. Sanderson's Mistborn series but you really don't need to read those to enjoy this book as it takes place three hundred years after that trilogy ended. He sprinkles a bit of that world history into this story but it never comes as an info dump. This is just a book full of wonderful storytelling.
If you have teenage boys who enjoy fantasy this is a good book to pass along. Though there's plenty of fistfights and gunfights, there's no swearing or heavy sex scenes.
UPDATE: I found a proper review of the book if anyone wants to know more.
Black Beacon Books - Anthology Call for Australian Writers
Black Beacon Books is a new Australian publisher who wants to promote short work and Australian writers. They have issued a call for their first anthology called "Bisbane Mysteries". They're seeking mysteries of 2500 to 25,000 words set in Bisbane, AU. Payment is $10 and the deadline is November 18. They're also looking for novellas of 15,000 to 35,000 words. Payment is $50 plus royalties. You can find all the details here.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Out of the Gutter Online - Changes
Last week Court Merrigan announced that he was stepping down as editor of the Bareknuckles Pulp section of the online editions of Out of the Gutter. Today comes word that the longer stories will no longer be published online but there will be an anthology call for Bareknuckles Pulp later in the year. They will still be publishing flash fiction stories under the Flash Fiction Offensive banner.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
2013 Assent Publishing - No Fee Rogue Writing Contest
Bad Day Books, an imprint of Assent Publishing is hosting a no fee "Rogue Writing Contest". Until October 31 they are accepting novel and novella submissions in the subgenres of horror that include thriller, suspense, and apocalyptic. Novel length is 70,000 to 120,000 words and novella 40,000 to 50,000. There are six prize packages. You can find all the details here.
There's also more information here.
Hat tip to hellnotes.com
There's also more information here.
Hat tip to hellnotes.com
Friday, July 12, 2013
A Question
I just had this weird question pop into my head. Are there no plots in Apocalypse stories? Is the whole purpose to just see who can survive and how they do it? Even in Quest stories there's no underlying plot except to get from point A to point B and win the prize right? Or am I looking at this all wrong? Well, that's more than one question, but I tend to over think things :)
Written Backwards - Anthology Call
Chiral Mad 2 is looking for horror fiction "that disturbs the nonlinear fabric of reality". They're seeking stories of 1000 to 5000 words, payment is 5cents a word to 5000 words with a $250 max. The deadline is November or until filled. Please note that this is a charity anthology and all profits after production costs and author payments will go to Downs syndrome charities. You can find all the details here.
Hat tip to darkmarkets.com
Hat tip to darkmarkets.com
Blank Fiction Magazine - New Market
Blank Fiction Magazine is a new market looking to launch their first issue on November 1 through the itunes app store and onsite as a pdf download. They're looking for literary genre stories up to 15,000 words. The deadline for the first issue is October 15. There are themes listed for the first three issues. The first being straight literary so you're free to play in any genre you choose. The second issue is Noir Fiction and the third is Science Fiction. All submissions must go in blind, meaning no names. Payment is a $50 honorarium. You can find all the details here. Submissions are through Submittable.
Hat tip to Katherine Tomlinson!!
Hat tip to Katherine Tomlinson!!
Don't Toss Your Gun Yet
Sometimes I run across an essay that just tickles my funny bone while making excellent points about storytelling. One such is this piece by CE Martin called "Dinosaurs are NOT Bulletproof". He gives us a perfectly sane reason for hanging onto our handguns.
Hat tip to the scifisignal.com
Hat tip to the scifisignal.com
Rachael Swirsky - Interview
There's an interesting interview with short story writer Rachael Swirsky here. In talking about her new story in Apex she mentioned that several horror editors told her that they received stories in a genre they called "kill the bitch stories". Now that statement really struck home for me because it's very prevalent in the crime genre. Writers are always ready to sacrifice the female characters, but even when the female is doing the killing, she's considered the bitch. I find it odd that no matter whether the female character is killed or doing the killing she's always tagged as a bitch. I wonder why that is?
Need Shorts?
If you're looking for some short stories to read BV Lawson over at In Reference to Murder has you covered with a great lineup of new anthologies that are either out or coming out soon. Go check them out!
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Diabolic Publications - Anthology Call
Diabolic Publications has a call up for an anthology titled "Ether World". They're looking for sci-fi shorts up to 4000 words where "some facet of future science or technology is integral to the plot". The deadline is September 1, payment is 3cents a word. You can find the details here. Just scroll down for the anthology call.
Burning Book Press - Erotica Anthology Call
Burning Book Press has an anthology call up for "Best Men's Erotica 2014". They're looking for erotic stories in any genre written from a male perspective. Both male and female writers are welcome to submit. 2000 to 10,000 words with a deadline of August 1. While they prefer new stories they will consider reprints. Payment is $25. You can find all the details here.
Harlequin Horror - Call for Submissions
Harlequin Horror is looking for Horror submissions of 10,000 words and up and though it's a Harlequin imprint there's no need for romance in your story. I couldn't find their payment schedule but I expect they're paying professional rate. You can read the call here then check out their submissions guidelines.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Gigantic Worlds - Call for Submissions
Gigantic Worlds is running a Kickstarter to fund their sci-fi flash fiction anthology. They are open to submissions of stories up to 1200 words with an August 1 deadline. They are expecting to be able to pay pro rates. You can find details here and more on their submishmash page.
hat tip to scifisignal.com
hat tip to scifisignal.com
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Who Do You Trust?
I've been updating an old Scarlett River blog post today. I've also been trying to wrap my head around this situation. The press was set up by two writers, Allen Jacoby and Jo-Ann Russell, and I don't understand how they can treat the writers who trusted them the way they have. I'm sure they wouldn't enjoy being treated in the same way by editors and publishers they've submitted to.
I can understand if they had to close up shop, but to not notify the writers is unconscionable. In my search for news about this press I found that at least one of the anthologies they posted calls for has been published recently and is available for sale. And I wonder, have the authors been notified? Will they receive the royalty payments they were promised?
And I think what irritates me the most about this situation is that Jo-Anne Russell is still out there working as an editor for another new press.
As writers we have to trust the people we work with. At some point in the process between submission and publication we have to trust that the editor isn't going to screw us over. And the more these small presses open and close with no regard whatsoever for the writers, the harder it's going to be for other small presses to gain author trust.
UPDATE: 7/10/13 I received this email from Jo-Ann Russell explaining the situation.
Greetings Sandra, how are you?
I have read your blog and the comments, and I completely understand where everyone is coming from. SRP fully intends to keep all commitments. I had intended to have the press change hands, however that did not go as planned. Rather than let the press die I have chosen to stay on board and carry on. During this process, I have lost most of my editors and therefore I am trying to secure new ones in the hopes of getting up to date with all the works past due. The website is currently down but will be back up soon.
I have been in similar positions like my writers from time to time, and I know how awful the feeling is.
Be well.
I can understand if they had to close up shop, but to not notify the writers is unconscionable. In my search for news about this press I found that at least one of the anthologies they posted calls for has been published recently and is available for sale. And I wonder, have the authors been notified? Will they receive the royalty payments they were promised?
And I think what irritates me the most about this situation is that Jo-Anne Russell is still out there working as an editor for another new press.
As writers we have to trust the people we work with. At some point in the process between submission and publication we have to trust that the editor isn't going to screw us over. And the more these small presses open and close with no regard whatsoever for the writers, the harder it's going to be for other small presses to gain author trust.
UPDATE: 7/10/13 I received this email from Jo-Ann Russell explaining the situation.
Greetings Sandra, how are you?
I have read your blog and the comments, and I completely understand where everyone is coming from. SRP fully intends to keep all commitments. I had intended to have the press change hands, however that did not go as planned. Rather than let the press die I have chosen to stay on board and carry on. During this process, I have lost most of my editors and therefore I am trying to secure new ones in the hopes of getting up to date with all the works past due. The website is currently down but will be back up soon.
I have been in similar positions like my writers from time to time, and I know how awful the feeling is.
Be well.
Jo-Anne Russell
Monday, July 8, 2013
Blood Bound Books - Open Reading Period
I've probably mentioned this one before but it's always good to have a reminder of who's open. Blood Bound Books is looking for dark fiction novellas, novelettes, and novels of 10,000 to 80,000 words. Their submission period ends on October 31. You also have three different editors to choose from, each with their own preference in stories and sub-genres. You will find the details here.
Mystery & Horror, LLC - Anthology Call
Mystery and Horror, LLC has posted up a new anthology call titled "Undead of Winter". They're looking for undead stories with a winter holiday setting. 3000 to 8000 words, payment is a $5 advance against royalties. The reading period begins August 1 and runs to October 1 so you have plenty of time.
Also they're still taking submissions for "All Hollows Evil" until July 15. You can find the calls here.
Also they're still taking submissions for "All Hollows Evil" until July 15. You can find the calls here.
Carrie Cuinn - Interview
Here's an interesting interview with short story writer Carrie Cuinn. It's always wonderful to come across another writer who loves short story work as much as I do.
Hat tip to sfsignal.com
Hat tip to sfsignal.com
Sunday, July 7, 2013
The Contest Payment Plan
Katherine Tomlinson emailed a link to a spec-fiction market called Fiction Vortex. She made the comment that it would be nice if they'd just state that they pay or don't pay. Now they do pay a flat rate of $3 per story but then they run a monthly contest where readers vote on their favorite story and the winner receives $10. Besides the popularity contest the editors pick the top three stories and the winners receive $30, $20, and $10 extra. Now it seems to me that the better way would to take that $70 and split it evenly among the writers for a payment of at the least $10 per story, especially since they're paying through PayPal, and let's face it, after fees the writer would be lucky to have enough to buy a candy bar.
Another "contest" racket that I've spotted lately is in the anthology markets. Instead of calling for submissions for a non-paying market they sponsor a non-paying contest. The prize? You get published.
And then there's the submission process for both zines and anthologies where only the top story receives a payment of $10 or $25. Basically another "contest" type.
I don't know about you, but this type of contest payment plan just doesn't seem right or fair to the writers. Sure, some writers get their professional fees but the others pretty much get "a stick it up your butt" payment. I'm not a fan of paying fees to enter contests but, on average, it's a much better way than this current trend of contests.
What about you? How do you feel about these "contests". And what other sort of "payment plans" do you find rather offensive to writers?
Another "contest" racket that I've spotted lately is in the anthology markets. Instead of calling for submissions for a non-paying market they sponsor a non-paying contest. The prize? You get published.
And then there's the submission process for both zines and anthologies where only the top story receives a payment of $10 or $25. Basically another "contest" type.
I don't know about you, but this type of contest payment plan just doesn't seem right or fair to the writers. Sure, some writers get their professional fees but the others pretty much get "a stick it up your butt" payment. I'm not a fan of paying fees to enter contests but, on average, it's a much better way than this current trend of contests.
What about you? How do you feel about these "contests". And what other sort of "payment plans" do you find rather offensive to writers?
Rose Red Review - Call for Submissions
The Rose Red Review is currently open to submissions for their Fall issue. They're looking for Halloween themed fairytales (there's an explanation of what they're looking for on the home page). Up to 7500 words with an August 12 deadline. Submissions are through Submismash. This is a non-paying market.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Evil Jester Press - Call for Novel Submissions
Evil Jester Press is also open for dark novel submissions. They're looking for 40,000 to 100,000 words with an August 1 deadline. You can find the details here.
Horrific Tales Publishing - Call for Novel Submissions
UK ebook publisher Horrific Tales Publishing has opened a reading period for novel submissions. The period ends August 31. There's no mention of how much they're paying or what the royalty split might be so be sure to contact them before submitting to get an idea of their terms. You can find the details here.
Hat tip to hellnotes.com
Hat tip to hellnotes.com
Friday, July 5, 2013
Grim Corps - Call for Submissions
Grim Corps publishes twice a year and they are currently looking for submissions for their second issue. They need short stories of 1000 to 7000 words of dark fiction in various spec-fiction sub genres. Payment is $10. You can find all the details here. Their first issue is available for download on their home page. Oh, and for those who have trouble reading on the 'net be advised that their submission guidelines is grey print on black.
Stephen King Interview
Wonderful interview with Stephen King discussing storytelling. It's nice to know that even the best have off days :)
A big thank you to Katherine Tomlinson for the link!!
A big thank you to Katherine Tomlinson for the link!!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Storytelling from Andrew Stanton
And from Michael Bracken we have a video link that features film maker Andrew Stanton (Toy Story and WALL-E) talking about storytelling.
The 2013 Macavity Award Nominees
The 2013 Macavity Awards have been announced. Here's the list of short stories that have been nominated. A big congrats to friends of the blog Barb Goffman and Art Taylor. It's always good to see familiar names mixed in with the famous. You can find the entire list of nominees over at the Rap Sheet.
• “The Lord Is My Shamus,” by Barb Goffman (in Chesapeake Crimes: This Job Is Murder, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman, and Marcia Talley; Wildside Press)
• “The Unremarkable Heart,” by Karin Slaughter (in Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance, edited by Lee Child; Mulholland)
• “Thea’s First Husband,” by B.K. Stevens (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, June 2012)
• “When Duty Calls,” by Art Taylor (in Chesapeake Crimes:
This Job Is Murder)
• “Blind Justice,” by Jim Fusilli (n Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance)
• “The Sequel,” by Jeffery Deaver (The Strand Magazine, November-February 2012-2013)
• “The Lord Is My Shamus,” by Barb Goffman (in Chesapeake Crimes: This Job Is Murder, edited by Donna Andrews, Barb Goffman, and Marcia Talley; Wildside Press)
• “The Unremarkable Heart,” by Karin Slaughter (in Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance, edited by Lee Child; Mulholland)
• “Thea’s First Husband,” by B.K. Stevens (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, June 2012)
• “When Duty Calls,” by Art Taylor (in Chesapeake Crimes:
This Job Is Murder)
• “Blind Justice,” by Jim Fusilli (n Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance)
• “The Sequel,” by Jeffery Deaver (The Strand Magazine, November-February 2012-2013)
Cindi Myers Market News - Calls for Submissions
Cindi Myers Market News is posted every Wednesday and is a good source for paying markets. This week she has a contest, an anthology call, a short story call, and a romance novel call posted. Go check it out!
18th Wall - Anthology Calls
The 18th Wall is a new horror publisher with a pair of open anthology calls posted. You'll find the guidelines in a pdf file. For each they need stories of 4000 to 25,000 words and payment is 20% of the profits for each story. The open titles are "Lying in Wounded Woods" with an August 1 deadline and "Those Who Live Long Forgotten" with a September 30 deadline. You can find the details here.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Wood Cuts - Just for Fun
I find all kinds of interesting items showing up in my email account. From markets to today's email from woodcut artist Loren Kantor. I checked out his blog and found it quite interesting. He does woodcuts of people and a few settings then adds a history of the people he's carved. Here are the links he sent me to wood cuts inspired by film noir classics. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Upgraded: A Cyborg Anthology - On Kickstarter
With a hat tip to sfsignal.com I found this anthology running a Kickstarter funding. "Upgraded: A Cyborg Anthology" edited by Neil Clarke. They have already solicited stories but they will be opening up a reading period for other writers. Not sure when the reading period will be opened but it's something for you to keep an eye on if you write in the sci-fi genre. Pay will be pro rates. They have met their goal already so the project will be fully funded.
Uncanny Books - A Caution
Duotrope posted up a new small press publisher called Uncanny Books. They will be opening for novel submissions on July 15 in the sci-fi and horror genres. Pay is 5cents a word. The catch? They are calling this work for hire and any character or world you create becomes their intellectual property. What does that mean? They own your work and can resell or hire other writers to work in your world without paying you beyond the original 5cents a word. One thing I'll say for them, they're very upfront about this and haven't hidden it in the contract. Be careful out there my friends.
Monday, July 1, 2013
A Field Guide to Dark Fiction - Market Resource
Over at Darkmarkets.com Lorna D. Keach has put together a "Field Guide to Dark Fiction" with links to markets that publish all things dark.
Nightmare - New Issue
Lots of great reading hitting the Kindles today! The new issue of Nightmare is available.
The Red Penny Papers - Reading Period Opens This Month
The Red Penny Papers will be opening for submissions from July 15 to August 31. They're looking for dark fiction in a variety of genres but they also like humor. 1000 to 5000 words, payment is 1cent a word.
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