The following market report on the anthology, Live Free or Never Die: Speculative Fiction from the Granite State to the Stars, as well as the follow-up interview are courtesy of Market Scoops by D.L. Snell.

The Market

Anthology: Live Free or Never Die: Speculative Fiction from the Granite State to the Stars
Editor: Rick Broussard
Pay Rate: $50
Response Time: 3 months
Reading Period:
Description (from the editor): Pulp-style short fiction in the genre of science fiction and strange tales, all set in New Hampshire
Complete Guidelines: Writer’s Guidelines

Note: Horror author D.L. Snell conducted the following interview to give writers a better idea of what the editors of this specific market are seeking; however, most editors are open to ideas outside of the preferences discussed here, as long as they fit the basic submission guidelines.

The Scoop

1. What authors do you enjoy, and why does their writing captivate you?
I enjoy reading the works of writers like Kurt Vonnegut and Ray Bradbury who have distinctive voices and who can make words do tricks at their command. On the other hand, I really admire the imaginative scope and durability of classic science fiction writers like Robert Heinlein and the rebel spirit of fantasists like Harlan Ellison.

2. What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
My very favorite genres are precisely the genres that this anthology covers: science fiction and strange Twilight Zone-style tales.

3. What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
I’m most intrigued by the workings of the human mind. After all, that’s the setting where the story really takes place no matter if the environment is exotic or quotidian.

4. Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
Short story pacing has to conform to an equation based the density of the story’s essential plot points and the length of a sustainable arc for the narrative.

5. What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
I prefer protagonists who are somewhat out of their depth in whatever the situation is that they find themselves. I identify best with them. Other characters should possess more than one dimension unless it’s a character from a place where there only is one dimension.

6. Is there a specific tone you’d like to set in your publication? What kind of voices grab you and keep you enthralled? Any examples?
I want the tone to be colorful and alluring and maybe a little tawdry.

7. What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
I’ll edit out anything too extreme. I think shooting for PG 13 is probably a good idea but I’m always willing to bend rules for good writing. Past volumes have had their share of all of the above.

8. What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market? In general, what themes interest you?
Science fiction invites high concepts and I welcome those, but writers get extra points for actually taking the NH portion of the title seriously. The Granite State should be at least a secondary or parallel theme in every story.

9. Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
No preference.

10. Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do’s or do not’s?
Put your contact information on the manuscript.

Short, Scary Tales Publications has updated their guidelines for Peep Show, Volume 2 submissions. From their website, here they are:

We now pay contributors! It’s not very much I’m afraid, but it’s a start.

Short, Scary Tales Publications are now open to submissions for Peep Show, Volume 2. We are looking for well-written, original, erotic horror stories between 2000 – 10000 words please. They can have any theme: vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, serial killers, etc., as long as they are erotic horror tales. The sex content can be mild or extreme but must not contain anything to do with children.

Previously unpublished stories only please.

There is no set deadline. Submissions will close when the book is filled. (The tentative publication date is mid to late 2012.)

We now only accept email submissions. No snail mail submssions please. These will be recyled unread.

Please email your submission as a Word document (.doc, .docx or .rtf formats only) or as a .pdf to: submissions@sstpublications.co.uk.

Payment per story is £5 (GBP) payable upon publication, plus 1 complimentary copy of the Trade Paperback and eBook version.

Artwork samples can be emailed as a .jpg attachment or you can send a link to your online portfolio to: artsubmissions@sstpublications.co.uk.

Thank you very much, and we look forward to receiving your submissions!

Short, Scary Tales Publications is back and now open to submissions for Peep Show, Volume 2. They are looking for well-written, original, erotic horror stories between 5000 – 10000 words please. They can have any theme: vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, serial killers, etc., as long as they are erotic horror tales. The sex content can be mild or extreme but must not contain anything to do with children.

Previously unpublished stories only please.

There is no set deadline. Submissions will close when the book is filled.

Short, Scary Tales Publications will only accept email submissions. No snail mail submssions please. These will be recyled unread.

Please email your submission as a Word document (.doc or .rtf formats only) or as a .pdf to: submissions@sstpublications.co.uk.

Payment per story is £5 (GBP) payable upon publication, plus 1 complimentary copy of the Trade Paperback and eBook version.

Artwork samples can be emailed as a .jpg attachment or you can send a link to your online portfolio to: artsubmissions@sstpublications.co.uk.

The Edge Of Sundown: An Original Anthology of Western Horror Stories is open for submissions. The anthology will be assembled by Kevin Ross (Dead But Dreaming 1 and 2) and Brian M. Sammons (Cthulhu Unbound 3 and Undead & Unbound), and published by Chaosium, Inc. Chaosium, one of the oldest publishers of roleplaying games, is well-known for producing the award-winning Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game, based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. Chaosium also publishes a line of Lovecraftian and horror fiction, including works from writers such as Robert Bloch, Arthur Machen, Robert W. Chambers, and Lois Gresh, and such editors as Robert M. Price and S.T. Joshi.

Writer’s Guidelines

The Edge of Sundown will be a collection of western horror stories totaling roughly 80,000 to 100,000 words. We’re looking for stories up to 10,000 words in length, with 4000 to 8000 word-length preferred. No poetry, please, and we’re not terrifically interested in humorous stories or parodies – again, such a thing would be an incredibly hard sell hereabouts.

As for content, we’re looking for stories set in the American west (west of the Mississippi River) in the latter half of the 19th century, basically from about the Civil War era until the dawn of the 20th century. (We’re comfortable with moving the goalposts back a bit to include the Mexican Revolution of 1916, since that period was still very “wild” and “west”.) This is an incredibly rich historical period, full of possibilities for good stories, from real-life heroes and villains to Indians and their legends, cryptozoology, and yes, even opportunities to use elements of the Cthulhu Mythos.

Most importantly, what we’re looking for are good, SCARY stories set in the old west. We’re not looking for tongue-in-cheek works, but ones that take the genre seriously. (Compare, for example, the old Gene Autry serial The Phantom Empire and the more recent western creature-feature The Burrowers.) There can be elements of pulp, fantasy, or adventure, but in the long run the story must have a very strong horror element to it. Other examples of the type of thing we’re looking for would include the serious western (and western horror) fiction of Robert E. Howard, films such as High Plains Drifter, Django the Bastard (AKA The Stranger’s Gundown), and the novel and film The White Buffalo; while the latter is not specifically horror, it is drenched in a palpable (supernatural?) awe of the titular beast.

Obviously there have been other western-horror anthologies, and most of them included at least some good material. Unfortunately, many of these other anthologies either didn’t take their subject all that seriously, or their definitions of “western” and “horror” were too broad. With The Edge of Sundown our target is very specific, like a bullet straight through the heart: good, serious, scary western horror tales.

As the editors are both avowed Luddites, we prefer hard copy submissions sent to either of the editorial addresses listed at the end of this prospectus. Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope or a valid email address for replies, and if you want your manuscript returned include sufficient postage. Multiple submissions are permitted as long as you don’t send more than three stories at a time, and no more than three stories per month. If you wish to send an email copy, please clear it with one of the editors first. If an electronic submission is arranged, please have your story saved in Rich Text Format – again, see Luddite admission above. You can reach us via email here: bmanrun@hotmail.com

If your story is accepted, Chaosium will buy the First North American Serial Rights to your story. Payment will be 3 cents per word and contributors will receive three copies of the book; additional copies are available from the publisher at a discount. We are open to submissions beginning immediately (November 2011), with a final deadline for stories of June 30, 2012. Publication is tentatively planned for the end of 2012. If you have any questions, please contact one of the editors.

The Editors

Kevin Ross
1212 Greene Street
Boone, Iowa 50036
USA

Brian M. Sammons
2459 Littletell Ave.
West Bloomfield, Michigan 48324
USA

Boone’s Dock Press has launched a 50/50 fiction contest.

The Concept

This is a proper 50/50 contest. Remember the raffle at the church supper? It’s just like that. Boone’s Dock collects all of the entry fees and splits the cash with the winner, who will be published and formally announced in the next issue of Boone’s Dock Review.

What They Like

Boone’s Dock is not bound to any particular form, subject matter, or style, but are interested specifically in the literary merit of the work. They hope to see a strong voice that is both timely and timeless. Above all, they think these two are the qualities of any great art, and they will strongly consider all manuscripts that display both for publication, regardless of the contest’s outcome.

For complete guidelines: Boone’s Dock 50/50 Fiction Contest

Boone’s Dock Press originated in a moment of pure inspiration and seeks to bring that authenticity to everything they produce and promote. Their mission goes far beyond publishing books and promoting great writers and artists. They are driven by a comprehensive philosophy that requires strict attention to detail, visionary demonstrations of artistic capability and elevated consciousness, environmental responsibility, financial responsibility and service to humanity.

In addition, Boone’s Dock Press is having a giveaway for the month of October. Everyone who likes them on Facebook or Google+ by October 31 is entered to win a special Halloween edition of their Boone’s Dock Review.

The following market report on White Cat Magazine, as well as the follow-up interview are courtesy of Market Scoops by D.L. Snell.

The Market

Magazine: White Cat Magazine
Editors: Charles P. Zaglanis, Ferrel Moore
Pay Rate: 5¢/word
Response Time: 2 months
Reading Period: Quarterly
Description (from the editor): Online quarterly web magazine, eBook and print publisher.
Complete Guidelines: Writer’s Guidelines

Note: Horror author D.L. Snell conducted the following interview to give writers a better idea of what the editors of this specific market are seeking; however, most editors are open to ideas outside of the preferences discussed here, as long as they fit the basic submission guidelines.

The Scoop

1. What authors do you enjoy, and why does their writing captivate you?
The short list of authors I enjoy reading would include James Lee Burke, Charlene Harris, Jasper Kent, Lee Childs, Dan Brown, Raymond Khoury, Sheri Priest, David Baldacci and Ramsey Campbell, Kathryn Reich, Janet Evanovich. What do they all have in common? They know how to keep a story moving.

2. What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
Mystery and suspense intrigue me when integrated into any genre. For example, it’s the mystery and suspense in Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. It’s also the mystery and suspense that flows through Sheri Priest’s Boneshaker that I find interesting. Having said that, at White Cat Magazine, we’re thrilled to have submissions from all genres save erotica or those involving excessive violence. Anything from westerns to romance, science fiction to mystery and everything in between.

3. What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
In short stories, I used to think it was a bit difficult to present exotic locales with the attention to detail they deserve. However, a number of our international contributors have shown me that it is possible to add the elements of exotic locales with a deft touch. Real or fantasy, past, present or future are secondary to the story. If it’s a good story, that trumps most anything.

4. Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
Particularly for short fiction, pacing is critical to modern readers. So our preference is for fiction that starts strong and continues at a good pace till the end. Of course, it’s a bit of a dance with the various types of readers, isn’t it? But I think readers of fiction on the web move along more than those settling into a comfortable chair with a three-inch-thick book.

5. What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
Dangerous, complex characters are the most interesting to me. When we enter the world of fiction, we go there for a reason, and it isn’t to sleep. Complex, unpredictable characters driven by strong desires. Contrasted characters that generate electricity just by being in the same room. Dave Robicheux, the detective from James Lee Burke’s stories, is a prime example of an interesting character.

6. Is there a specific tone you’d like to set in your publication? What kind of voices grab you and keep you enthralled? Any examples?
That’s a great question, and the answer is simple – I’d like to see strong voices that clearly exhibit mastery of the storytelling craft combined with an ear for natural dialogue.

7. What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
The policy is that most of us get enough swearing in day-to-day life, so I read more attentively those writers who elevate their game. I value my reading time and I enjoy the company of classy people. Combining these two preferences should tell writers that I would prefer stories that satisfy both elements. The same answer would apply to violence and sexual content. Taboos? If it involves violence and sexual content with kids don’t bother sending it.

8. What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market? In general, what themes interest you?
I’ve never had an interest in themes at all. I enjoy the concept of deeper meanings and multiple layers of revelation, but most seem a little hokey because focusing on broad social themes distracts the writer from focusing on what’s most important–creating an interesting, relevant story. Themes give writing teachers something to lecture about. I have seen more stories wrecked on the rocks of theme creation than perhaps anything else. If what we write comes from our true world view, thematic story elements will evolve in due course as a writer matures.

9. Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
Upbeat.

10. Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do’s or do not’s?
None other than the standard advice to read the submission guidelines.

Untreed Reads is announcing an open call for short stories for their holiday season. Please note the following:

1. The holidays they are interested in are Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and New Year’s. They are looking for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa stories in particular.
2. Short stories may be in any genre (except religious, erotica, children’s or anything above a PG-13 romance), but must encompass one of the holidays listed above.
3. The short stories will NOT be in an anthology, but rather published as stand-alone stories. All will receive our standard short story line covers.
4. Previously published material is fine providing electronic rights have reverted to the author.
5. Stories may not be shorter than 1500 words or longer than 5000.
6. Deadline for Thanksgiving submissions is October 31, 2011. Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah is November 15th. New Year’s is November 30th. Submissions received after these dates will not be considered.
7. For this call, Untreed Reads can only accept works where they can be granted worldwide English rights.
8. This is an open call, and may be reposted and resubmitted everywhere.

All submissions should be sent to Jay Hartman, Editor-in-Chief, at jhartman@untreedreads.com. Submissions should be in Times New Roman, 12pt and DOC format attachment. Submissions may NOT be submitted as either PDF or in the body of an email. Stories sent in that manner will not be considered. Please indicate the holiday in your subject line in the format: Holiday: Name Of Story.

Once Untreed Reads has selected their stories for the season, all authors will be notified as to the final status of their submitted manuscript.

For any questions regarding this call, please direct them to Jay Hartman at jhartman@untreedreads.com.