The following market report on the anthology, Dead Bait 2, as well as the follow-up interview are courtesy of Market Scoops by D.L. Snell.
The Market
Anthology: Dead Bait 2
Editors: Gary Lucas and TBC
Pay Rate: 1¢ per word
Response Time: After Deadline, July 1st, 2010
Description (from the editor): Stories must include themes revolving around fish/fishing and aquatic creatures (more in guidelines)
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?
Apart from all the wonderful authors at Severed Press, I read a lot of books by a lot of different authors. A couple that spring to mind are I am Legend and John Dies at the End, but if I had to pick one it would be Michael Crichton. I really liked the way he included cutting edge science into thrilling storylines. I think a lot of scientists searching for Dino-DNA have Michael to thank for their funding.
2) What are your favorite genres? Which of these genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
Horror. In the original Dead Bait we managed to incorporate Weresharks along with zombie and vampire fish; I really liked these fishy twists on traditional monsters.
3) What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
Definitely exotic. There are so many great locations with some very weird and dangerous creatures. The world’s great rivers the Amazon, Ganges, Nile etc., the Antarctic and southern Oceans, unexplored trenches… and the list goes on.
4) Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
I think the great thing about anthologies is that you can have a little bit of everything.
5) What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
I like all kinds of characters, but I really liked Quint from Jaws.
6) What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content?
Everything and anything in its place is fine.
7) In general, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
Either.
8) What are the top three things submitters to this market should avoid?
Mermaids, porn and mermaid porn.
9) What trait are you seeking most in submissions to this market?
Well researched.
10) Any last advice for submitters to this market?
Enjoy your writing.
