The Word in Writing with BJ Muntain

The latest in publishing news for fiction writers including short story markets, novel markets, as well as recent market updates.

Find out who's accepting, who's closed for submissions, and who is really interested in what you do.

Get the inside secrets, the latest rumors, in publishing here!

Published by zentao7.com writers group in their July 21, 2004 newsletter

The Word in Writing by B.J. Muntain
Vol 1, Issue 2

I don't guarantee any markets. Use at your own risk.

Anthologies:

I don't usually look at anthologies, but these pay fairly well (usually 3 cents or more per word).

Cascadia Con, the science fiction and fantasy convention, is putting together an anthology for the Sept 2005 convention. Deadline is Nov. 1, 2004. Pays 5 cents per word upon publication. Anthology site.

Modern Magic, a Fantasist anthology. Deadline Jan 1, 2005 or when filled. Pays 2-4 cents/wd advance on pro rata share on 35% royalty on acceptance of final draft. Guidelines.

Carnifex Press is looking for submissions for Revenant: A Horror Anthology. The reading period is Sept. 1, 2004 to Jan. 1, 2005. Do not submit earlier or later. More information at: Web page.

Hellbound Press has two open anthologies (that I know of, so far):

• Deathgrip Exit Laughing is open to humorous horror. Submission dates are Aug. 1 to Dec. 31, 2004. Again, no earlier or later. For more information: guidelines.
• Deathgrip 5: Damned Nation is looking for stories about Hell on Earth (whatever that means). Submission dates Nov. 1, 2004 to Mar. 31, 2005. For more information: guidelines.

The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror -- open to short stories or poems published in either of these genres in 2004. Guidelines here. You've got until Dec. 31, 2004.

Changes:

Speaking of The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror: The new editors for the fantasy half of the book are Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, taking over for Terri Windling, who is leaving to concentrate on her own writing.

A bunch of changes at Harlequin, for those romantically inclined:

• Harlequin Temptation will no longer be sold in North America through retail and direct mail markets, starting in July, 2005.
• Love Inspired is adding two Love Inspired Suspense Novels per month, bringing the total to 6 per month.
• Flipside, Harlequin's new romantic comedy line, is being cut.
• Intimate Moments is going from 6 books per month to 4, so they can concentrate on the best-selling authors and themes.
• American Romance will not be buying for 6-8 months, while they make some changes to the line.
• Harlequin Historicals will only be published in their North American direct mail business, and their overseas businesses.
• Next (Primetime) will begin a four-book-per-month series "that will focus on women who are entering a new stage of their life."
• Harlequin Blaze is increasing by two books per month.

Black October, The Magazine of Dark and Unusual Horror, is also making some changes:

• New mailing address: BOM 43 King St, Port Jeff Sta., NY 11776
• New people:
  • MJ Letty will be a submission editor and in charge of marketing.
  • Christine Vittoria will also read submissions.
  • And a new, unnamed webmaster.
• New pay: They will soon start paying 5 cents per word for fiction, possibly as soon as the October issue. This means, however, that the issue cost will not be lowered, as had been hoped.

Sinisteria, the horror e-zine, is going print instead. They are now looking for stories for their special Halloween Edition. They say, "We want to be terrified. Can you scare us? If you think you can, send us your stories." Guidelines.

Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, the Australian speculative fiction magazine, will now accept novellas, but only from local authors (meaning from Australia, New Zealand, or having lived in Australia at some point) or subscribers. For guidelines, see their web site.

On Spec's production editor, Jena Snyder, will resign after the Summer 2004 issue. She's been with the Canadian speculative fiction magazine since it began in 1988. See On Spec at their web site.

Closed Markets:

With the exceptions of open anthologies (such as those mentioned above) HellBound Books Publishing is closed to submissions. They are filled through 2006.

Deaths:

William F. Deeck died at the age of 68 on July 2, 2004. A very active mystery fan, he was best-known for his mystery indices, The Mystery Fancier and The Armchair Detective.

Paula Danziger, b.1944, died on July 8 after suffering a heart attack in June. Danziger was a children's and teen's author, who began her career with The Cat Ate My Gymsuit. Among her other books was the science fiction novel written for young teens, This Place Has No Atmosphere.

Grants:

The Speculative Literature Foundation offers an annual travel grant of $600 for writers of fiction, poetry, drama or creative nonfiction. This is to be used for travel expenses like airfare, lodging, etc., in the course of the writer's research. See the SLF website for more information.

Author's Note:

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's thoughts, views or news on markets, your experiences with markets, or anything on this list. You can contact me by using this form: Contact BJ with your writers market news.

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