The following market report on the anthology, Sick Things, as well as the follow-up interview are courtesy of Market Scoops by D.L. Snell.
The Market
Anthology: Sick Things
Publisher: Comet Press
Editor: Cheryl Mullenax
Pay Rate: 1/2 cent/word
Response Time: 3-4 weeks
Deadline: May 1, 2010 or until filled
Description: Extreme creature themed horror anthology
Complete Guidelines: Comet Press
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 many different authors. Some that come to mind are Jack Ketchum, Edward Lee, Michael Slade, Stephen King, Jeffrey Sackett, Bentley Little, and Brian Keene. I think what is common among them and what is captivating is that they can tell a great story with a simple and straightforward writing style (and their ability to scare the hell out of me).
2) What are your favorite genres? Which of these genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
All things horror, apocalyptic, monsters, zombies, conspiracy, occult horror and especially the crime thriller/horror combo. We did the cross-genred hardboiled crime/horror anthology The Death Panel last year, and it was amazing how well and creatively horror writers blurred the lines between those genres. For this anthology, I’m open to any kind of creature or beast horror story, and I would love to see more mythical, legendary, or local beasts, such as Berserkers, Peter Stubbe, Beast of Gevaudan, Popo Bawa, etc.
3) What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
Ordinary locales in real (earth) settings, either present or past, and the apocalyptic future.
4) Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
I have no preference. It depends on the story.
5) What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
Flawed, everyday men/women who find themselves in a horrific situation, pull up their britches, and deal with it. I’m going to steal the Jaws reference (the movie) but use a different character as an example: police chief Martin Brody. I like my villains absolutely evil.
6) What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content?
Anything goes, but common sense should prevail.
7) In general, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
No preference, as long as it’s not sappy.
8) What are the top three things submitters to this market should avoid?
A child as the main character and robots. Or robotic children. Does that count as three?
9) What trait are you seeking most in submissions to this market?
Extreme stories with horrific, vile creatures and monsters. This anthology is a follow up to Vile Things: Extreme Deviations of Horror, which was released last year. Dark humor is acceptable.
10) Any last advice for submitters to this market?
Have fun writing. Read the guidelines. I’m not a nitpicker on manuscript formatting, but do proofread carefully before sending your story.
