Lost Specs

 Word in Writing  Comments Off on Lost Specs
Mar 082008
 

I really *am* behind in the business these days. I just found out today, in the latest Ansible, that Speculations is gone. According to their website now, “As of 2 March 2008, Speculations is no longer in the business of publishing market information for writers.” Their subscriptions will be continued via Cynthia Ward, the Market Maven. But with the loss of Speculations and the Rumour Mill, speculative fiction has lost an incredible resource and networking site.

They hint at returning with a format change. The Market Maven will be the first to announce their return.

We’re gonna miss you guys!

Other losses I learned of in Ansible are:

  • Dungeons & Dragons creator, E. Gary Gygax
  • Roy Scheider, of Jaws fame
  • Columnist and wordsmith William F. Buckley, Jr.

All in all, a rather sad day for the person who can’t keep up with these losses as they happen…

A Couple of Anthologies

 Mainstream, Mystery, Science Fiction, Word in Writing  3 Responses »
Dec 292007
 

Well, there’s been some activity at the Speculations forum, in the New Markets category. I thought I would pass a couple on to you, my loyal readers (you must be loyal, if you’re still reading…)

As usual, I do not guarantee ANYTHING.

Permuted Press is putting out an anthology called Robots Beyond. “But speculative fiction is, at its heart, the art of what-if. That’s what this collection is all about: Robots Beyond the normal sci-fi boundaries, crossing into other genres with their customary logic and precision.” Guidelines can be found on the Permuted Press web site. Lane Adamson is looking for stories between 3000 and 7500 words, and will pay 1 cent per word US. No fanfiction. Submissions period opens on January 2, 2008, so wait a few days before sending your stories out. Deadline is April 4, 2008.

WolfSinger Publications will publish This Ain’t No Rodeo, an anthology based on the sport of Bull Riding. 75% of proceeds go to the Resistol Relief Fund for injured riders and their families. “We are looking for stories up to 7500 words in length that feature the sport of Bull Riding. They can be in any genre as long as the sport of Bull Riding is a key part of the story.” Payment is $10 flat. Deadline: March 31, 2008. Call for Submissions.

Maybe in 2008 I’ll be able to dedicate more time to The Word in Writing. I may even make a few changes — but I’m not making any promises. So, here’s hoping your holidays have all been happy, and that the new year brings you more sales than you ever thought possible!