The following market report on the anthology, Dark Faith 2, as well as the follow-up interview are courtesy of Market Scoops by D.L. Snell.
The Market
Anthology: Dark Faith 2
Editors: Maurice Broaddus and Jerry Gordon
Pay Rate: 5 cents/word
Response Time: 90 days after deadline
Reading Period: January 1st – January 31st
Description: Everyone believes in something and we want you to put those beliefs to the test. We’re looking for the story only you could write, something deeply personal and at the same time universal. We’re looking for smart, literate stories that don’t proselytize or stereotype. Stories that make you think, that comment on the human condition and the social order. Stories that are rich in their use of language.
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?
Gary Braunbeck, Cat Valente, Toni Morrison, George Pelecanos, Octavia Butler, Nick Mamatas, Amy Hempel, Ray Bradbury, Michael Chabon, Tom Piccirilli. What they have in common is the poetry of their language use, their deft characterizations, their distinct voice, and the originality of their ideas.
2. What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
Maurice is a crime fiction junkie. Jerry leans more toward literary science fiction, fantasy, and horror. For the sake of this market, genre with a dark and speculative/fantastic edge is what we’re looking for.
3. What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
Interesting ones.
4. Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
We want pacing that’s true to the story you’re telling. That said, the story should grab us early and let us know, as readers and editors, that we’re in good hands.
5. What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
Fully developed characters with a distinct voice.
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?
This is not an easy thing to describe because while the overall tone of stories is dark, that doesn’t rule out a humorous or uplifting tale. One of the best ways to get a feel for the type of stories we like is to pick up a copy of the first Dark Faith.
7. What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
As long as it is germane to the story, we’re good with it. Gratuitous anything is bad.
8. What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market?
In general, what themes interest you?Personal explorations of faith particularly interest us because they feel more genuine.
9. Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
We prefer good endings.
10. Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do’s or do not’s?
Don’t annoy us. Do buy us drinks at conventions. While Maurice loves talking animal stories, Jerry is quick to veto them. DO READ THE GUIDELINES.
