It never fails. I discuss something in the newsletter, and then after I have sent in the final version I find an article relevant to something I discussed. Oh well. Here’s an article about some of the alternatives to Kindle.

Speaking of the newsletter, I had a piece in there where I had polled editor's about their responsibilities to writers and readers. Their responses are in yesterday's post, and I would love to hear from the writers now. So if you could just scroll down a bit and leave your thoughts it would be much appreciated.

Enjoy today's slightly/heavily speculative fiction focused feast. (I actually considered trying to make that sentence more alliterative...)

Note to writers: While submitting to newly started/starting publishers can increase your chances of publication, you have to be careful. Since they're not established, there are no guarantees about the quality of the magazine/books produced or how good they are about actually paying you. We don't know yet who's going to be wonderful, who really should stay out of publishing, or who wont stay around long enough to actually publish your story. Some of these are going to take off and be wonderful, but I don't know which ones. Take a look, but be wary and ask questions.

Contests

SFReader Short Story Contest is an annual looking for speculative fiction of 1000-5000 words. The prize is $525 and publication. No entry fee. "We are interested in works that feature well developed characters along with colorful settings and fast-moving plots. There are no restrictions on sub-genres, though all stories must be firmly within the realm of Speculative Fiction. Our interests include, but are not limited to: Hard Science Fiction, Soft Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Cyberpunk, Slipstream, and Alternate History, just to name a few. The speculative element must be integral to the story." Deadline is December 31, 2007.

Submissions

Literary. River Oak Review wants 250-7000 word stories. "We try with each issue to showcase many voices of America, loud and soft, radical and sublime. Each piece we publish, prose or poetry, is an attempt to capture a part of 'us', with the notion that it is through our art that we are defined as a culture." They do not want genre fiction or "lessons of morality; 'idea' driven stories usually do not work."  Accepts submissions by e-mail. Writers receive 2 contributor's copies. Additional copies $10. Pays on publication. Acquires first North American serial rights. Publication is copyrighted. "The voice is what we notice first. Is the writer in command of the language? Secondly, does the story have anything to say? It's not that 'fluff' cannot be good, but we note our favorites stories tend to have meaning beyond the surface of the plot. Thirdly, the story must by populated by 'real' peoples who are also interesting, characters, in other words, who have lives underneath the storyline. Finally, look before you leap."

Comics/GN. Bloodfire Studios is a midsize independent publisher who mostly works in spec fic and manga. “We pride ourselves on maintaining a high level of quality comparable to the big publishers. Art, Story, paper, etc meet or exceed Marvel and DC standards." Publishes paperback originals, paperpack reprints. Ongoing series include Intergalactic, DNA Hacker Chronicles, Kindergoth, Vampyrates. Prefers submissions from writers, artists, writer-artists, creative teams. Follow guidelines posted on their website closely or submissions will be trashed. "We attend major industry shows such as San Diego Comic Con, Wizard World LA and Wizard World Chicago." Responds to mss/art packets in a few weeks. Considers simultaneous submissions. Often comments on rejected mss. Payment and rights varies on contract terms for each book. "Make sure you follow the guidelines to the letter. Make sure the art, writing, etc fits within the other genres published."

New Magazines

Spec Fic. Transmitter will be an online anthology series, and they’re looking for fiction of 500-2500 words, and they’ll pay 5¢/word ($25 min). "Transmitter is seeking speculative fiction stories of any style or theme. We are not a 'hard science fiction' only publisher, so all writers of all sub-genres are encouraged to submit. We do not publish horror or fantasy unless a strong science fiction element is present. No fan-fiction please." 

Spec Fic. Serpentarius Magazine is also new web zine, but this one will be quarterly. They’re looking for fiction, poetry, & non-fiction of 1500-5000 words. Pay is 5¢/word. "We are a Speculative Fiction market. Speculative means genres like Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Fear, Steampunk, Alternate Worlds, Sword and Sorcery, and any other similar trope. Or tripe, as the case may be." 

New Publishers

SF/F/Paranormal Romance/Mainstream/YA. Lilly Press debuted in Canada this year and they do print and e-publishing. They’re looking for stories of 15,000-150,000 works and pay 15-50% royalty. 

Spec Fic. Fiction Reborn is a epublisher debuting in the USA. They’re looking for stories of 15,000-200,000 and will pay 38-45% royalty. "At this time, Fiction Reborn is primarily accepting manuscripts for the following genres: Science Fiction, Traditional and Contemporary Fantasy, Paranormal, and Horror. Elements of Romance, Erotica, Action/Adventure, Urban, Christian/Religious and Young Adult are more than welcome (and encouraged), but the primary classification of your manuscript should match what we are looking for. If you have a something not quite described here, but believe it deserves a shot, please send us a query email or letter outlining your manuscript. We’re looking for quality fiction; and we all know that doesn’t always fit into a neat little niche. Authors do not need to have an agent to submit a manuscript."

Anthologies
Catholic SF. Twilight Times books will be doing an anthology called Infinite Space, Infinite God II. They want stories of 3,000-10,000 words and will pay $50 plus a copy of the book. "Science Fiction & Catholic stories only. We're not looking for fantasy. You don’t need to be Catholic, but your stories do! Characters and/or settings must be genuinely Catholic. Catholic theology and practices must conform to the Magesterium--or have an incredibly good reason to veer!" Opens to submissions Jan 1 and runs until filled.