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Post by dragonlots on Oct 30, 2010 16:40:22 GMT -5
This is a pre-call for a soon to be open anthology. Several details are still being discussed. I’m posting this here so that writers have a couple of months to work on ideas/stories before submissions will be accepted. Please, address any questions you have to this thread. I will be checking back and updating as agreements are worked out/signed.
Guidelines: Not open to submissions until January 2011.
Cats and dragons, two favorite subjects in many novels and story collections. What is being sought for this anthology are tales about dragons only, cats only, and with both. No restrictions on type of dragon. The editor would like to see Chinese, European, Sea Serpent, or any other type. Same with cats. Do want to see some with house cats but also want to see pieces using Mountain Lions, Tigers, Lynx, Fishing Cat, Bobcat, Snow Leopard or any kind of large or wild feline.
Not all stories must be set on Earth. Am open to other planets, parallel universe, futuristic, animorphic, space ships or stations, magical places, haunted houses, everyday life, and feel free to dip into different mythologies.
Mostly looking for Science Fiction, Fantasy and some Horror, but also open to other genres. Editor is looking for unique and creative tales outside the norm. Keep to a PG13 rating. No gore, sex or blatant preaching of any religion or belief system. If a character has an expressed faith - that's fine as long as it's important to the plot. Story length between 1000 and 6000 words. Might consider a longer piece - depends on several variables. Will accept poetry but will only use three; one on each subject to introduce the section.
Please use standard manuscript format, but headers/page numbers are unnecessary. Spell check and edit piece. Any not submitted correctly or obviously checked, will be rejected and returned. Attach as an rtf document. Include a short 100 word bio in email with 300 dpi B&W photo. No reprints. Deadline – Being discussed. Email to – to be announced.
Editor has an extensive background on feline behavior. If it is a good story, but the animal motivation or movement isn't quite right, it will be returned to the writer with suggestions for revision. Also, knows poetry forms and techniques and will be watching for poets who know and use them as well.
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Post by dragonlots on Nov 3, 2010 16:23:27 GMT -5
Quick update - deadline now March 30th, 2011 for possible May release. More details forthcoming as publisher and I work out details.
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Post by dragonlots on Nov 4, 2010 16:25:29 GMT -5
Will be opening for submission on Januray 10th. At that time the email address will be included and the final details.
In the meantime, please look over the guidelines and work on your story submissions. The open window to submit is very short, so I’d advise not waiting until the last minute.
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Post by dragonlots on Nov 11, 2010 12:23:25 GMT -5
One interesting detail I wanted to share. I will not be seeing the pictures or bios of the writers. The publisher will be keeping these and forwarding the stories to me. I really like this set up because it means I will be selecting stories on their merit alone – not the writer’s publishing credits. This means that everyone has an equal chance of getting a story picked.
Now, if I know you, of course I’m going to know you’re publishing past. This will have no bearing on whether or not your story will be included.
I am hoping that about 50% of the stories chosen will be from first time authors.
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Post by dragonlots on Nov 16, 2010 18:34:30 GMT -5
Just an FYI. This anthology is generating a great deal of interest. I'm getting queries about it from a number of writers.
Final draft of guidelines due to publisher by the end of the month. After which - will be posting here and sending out to a number of different parties.
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Post by beckyminor on Nov 20, 2010 11:59:20 GMT -5
Thanks for keeping us up to date on this, Dragonlots. This anthology sounds like it will be a great read.
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Post by dragonlots on Nov 29, 2010 19:44:02 GMT -5
Official guidelines have been sent to the publisher. Will post the updated ones when have confirmation from DreamZion.
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Post by dragonlots on Jan 8, 2011 17:03:44 GMT -5
Here are the official guidelines for the anthology. Am hoping to see submissions from many of you! Cats and dragons - two favorite subjects in many novels and story collections. What is being sought for this anthology are tales about dragons only, cats only, and with both. No restrictions on type of dragon. The editor would like to see Chinese, European, Sea Serpent, or any other type. Same with cats. Do want to see some with house cats but also want to see pieces using Mountain Lions, Tigers, Lynx, Fishing Cat, Bobcat, Snow Leopard or any kind of large or wild feline. Not all stories must be set on Earth. Am open to other planets, parallel universe, futuristic, animorphic, space ships or stations, magical places, haunted houses, everyday life, and feel free to dip into different mythologies. Mostly looking for Science Fiction, Fantasy and some Horror, but also open to other genres. Editor is looking for unique and creative tales outside the norm. Keep to a PG13 rating. No gore, sex or blatant preaching of any religion or belief system. If a character has an expressed faith - that's fine as long as it's important to the plot. Story length between 1000 and 6000 words. Might consider a longer piece - depends on several variables. Will accept poetry but will only use three; one on each subject to introduce the section. Editor has an extensive background on feline behavior. If it is a good story, but the animal motivation or movement isn't quite right, it will be returned to the writer with suggestions for revision. Also, knows poetry forms and techniques and will be watching for poets who know and use them as well. Please use standard manuscript format, but headers/page numbers are unnecessary. Spell check and edit piece. Any not submitted correctly or obviously checked, will be rejected and returned. Attach as an rtf document. Include a short 100 word bio in email with 300 dpi B&W photo. No reprints. Open for submissions: January 10th, 2011 . Deadline: March 1th, 2011 . Please see www.dreamzion.com for more information and other open anthologies. Email to: submissions@dreamzion.com Please, note: Publisher will be keeping pictures and bios. Editor will be seeing stories only, so both pros and non published writers will have equal chances of getting a story into the anthology. Buying First Published rights. Please, do not submit/sell/print any where else for one year.
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Post by isabeau on Jan 9, 2011 20:48:24 GMT -5
According to Dreamzion's website:
Do they require authors to pay to have their stories or books published?
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Post by dragonlots on Jan 10, 2011 13:54:13 GMT -5
Novels or certain charity editions they do. Anthologies they print and sell to the authors at a reduced price. The writer can then charge any price they want to make a profit. I'm in their winter edition and didn't pay to have my story published. I am buying 10 copies at $3.50 a piece. It retails at $15.
Working with small publishers you do much of your own promotion work. You'd be doing the same with a large house as well. It is now part of the writer's job to help sell their own work. You have to have a platform, a marketing plan, and keep yourself visible at conventions, conferences and online. It's a very different world today.
I'll be one of the guest writers at CoSine in two weeks in Colorado Springs. If we could afford it, I'd do a few out of town Cons as well. I don't have a writing conference on the schedule either. Just can't afford it after the bad financial year we've had. It'll hurt sales, but I can't do much about it.
But I keep visible online and talk to people at work, at the store, etc.
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Post by anedale on Jan 11, 2011 19:48:31 GMT -5
Just to be clear, there is no payment to an author whose story is accepted?
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Post by dragonlots on Jan 12, 2011 14:38:43 GMT -5
There is no up front payment. Profits are made by selling copies of the anthology.
Let me explain at little about the ‘business’ side of publishing, something all writer’s need to know. I interned with a small house so I would understand how it works.
Some anthologies give an advance. For instance, WSP pays it writer’s $5 plus a share of the royalties. However, until the book ‘earns’ out’, meaning the publisher makes back the expense of printing, etc., the writer doesn’t get any money. It could take up to five years before the author sees a check.
Others, like Dreamzion, don’t pay up front, but do allow the writer to buy copies at a reduced rate. For instance, the anthology I’m in, I’m buying 10 copies at $3.50 a piece. If I turn around and sell them for $15, which is what it retails for, then I’ll make $67.50, minus my costs $33.50, means I make $34. That’s a nice payment for a short story.
Working with small presses is completely different than with a large house or a well known magazine. Not only do you have more say, but you get to work closer with the editors/publishers. I’m working with DreamZion through a recommendation from a fellow writer. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have looked at them at all.
I’m also have a story in an anthology in which my payment is a contributor’s copy.
When you’re starting out, don’t expect to make a lot of money. My income from writing last year was a whooping $60.00.
Also, you may do a lot of contributing just to build your publishing background so that a year, or five or ten from now, a large house will seriously look at your work. Some of what you do you won’t get paid for. Some you will.
Bottom line, don’t turn your nose up at something just because you don’t get a check or you have to do some work in order to make money. Don’t turn down a gig because all you get is a contributor’s copy. Remember – you’re building publishing credits.
We all start somewhere. I’ve spent 13 years contributing stories for the practice, the chance to work with a great editor, build a readership both in the US and Internationally, for no more payment than a contributor’s copy or feedback from my readers.
I’ve learned much on my journey. Yes, now I’m getting paid – sometimes. More importantly, I’m getting my name in front of editors and more readers. I’m getting know fellow writers. I have them as friends on Facebook and I follow many on Twitter. I use social media both for social reasons and for networking. It’s amazing how many writing opportunities I’ve found this way.
A writer is self employed. You need to be looking for work every day! You need to be marketing. You need to be talking to people. Yes, God opens doors. He has for me at the right time, but it is up to me to walk through them and to keep searching for more.
It is no longer up to the publisher to sell your book or short story. It is now the writer’s. This is true both in the secular and Christian markets.
In other words, please, send me a story for the anthology. It is an opportunity for you. The publisher is open to work from Christian writers. That is rare. Take advantage!
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Post by dragonlots on Jan 23, 2011 1:42:49 GMT -5
Hi guys,
Right now I'm at CoSine and am giving everyone a quick update. Publication has been delayed due to my current crazy work schedule - I'm working almost 50 hours a week between my full time job and tutoring. Publisher has agreed to this.
However, the deadline date remains since this is about when tutoring will end.
ALSO, PUBLISHER IS VERY EXCITED AT THE PROSPECT OF HAVING CHRISTIAN AUTHORS IN THIS ANTHOLOGY!!!!!!
Everyone, this is a wonderful opportunity for you. Okay, you don't get a check up front. But, since the going rate is about $4 - $10 a story - ouch! - buying copies at cost - that's right - Dreamzion makes no money from you. Then, you can turn around and resell them at higher price - give them away - or whatever you chose to do. It is a GOOD deal and an excellent way to gain exposure and publishing credits. Oh, and this is a better deal than most publishers give. The current discount rate for authors wanting extra copies is 50-55%.
Or you can post short stories for free and yes, you might get some reads, but it isn't the same type of PR.
You see, the publisher times releases for around convention times. The one I'm in - Frostbitten Fantasies - is selling very well at CoSine. I have my ten copies to sell, already know I have a few potential customers and will have them for MileHiCon in October. Now, if I have enough for even one day at CCWC - I'll a few to sell as well.
Self promotion is part of you, the writer's job now. This is true both in secular and Christian worlds.
Okay, lecture over. Please, everyone, consider sending a story for the anthology. It's a great opportunity. I look forward to reading your submissions.
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Post by isabeau on Jan 23, 2011 21:13:01 GMT -5
Everyone, this is a wonderful opportunity for you. Okay, you don't get a check up front. But, since the going rate is about $4 - $10 a story - ouch! - buying copies at cost - that's right - Dreamzion makes no money from you. Then, you can turn around and resell them at higher price - give them away - or whatever you chose to do. It is a GOOD deal and an excellent way to gain exposure and publishing credits. Oh, and this is a better deal than most publishers give. The current discount rate for authors wanting extra copies is 50-55%. I just want to make sure I understand.... Can readers purchase this (or any other DZ) anthology directly from the publisher? Or does DZ only sell copies to the authors, and then the authors sell them to their readers? Also, I understand that DZ doesn't pay an advance. Do they pay royalties (of course, the only way they'd pay royalties is if readers could purchase books directly from them)?
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Post by dragonlots on Jan 24, 2011 14:52:02 GMT -5
Yes, readers can buy directly from the publisher. Money earned from this goes back into the business so he can print more anthologies. Authors only earn money on what they themselves sell. As the publisher put it, he provides a service. It’s sort of like a subsidy only he doesn’t ask for money up front to publish the work – unless it’s a complete novel. (I learned a lot about how he ran his business this weekend.)
Small publishers are working on a number of different business models.
Dreamzion is a service, charges only cost to writers and gives a contributors copy. You still have the potential here to make for money rather than waiting five years for royalties that may or may not appear. They also promote at conventions. This gives writers the chance to get exposed to many different markets and new readers, plus you do your own marketing which helps not just yourself but other writers as well.
Wolfsinger operates on small advances and royalties – after it has earned out and in $5 increments, and gives a contributors copy. Discount is 50-55% to authors and you have the potential to make money off what you sell without giving the publisher a cut. You also do all your own marketing. Copy of the contract is online.
Flying Pen Press doesn’t give advances but does give contributor copies. You can purchase author copies at 55% discount and keep whatever you make on what you sell. Royalties come slowly – if at all - for up to five years. You are expected to do your own marketing. Copy of contract is online.
Marcher Lord Press ? I have no idea. I know Jeff attends writing conferences and Comicon and has recently expanded where the books are sold. I do think, and this is my opinion, that he needs to attend the local conventions. I’m discovering there is a good market for his books and that local SF/F/H fans have no idea this press exists. Meaning, there are potential customers who are being missed.
You see, in the SF world, word of mouth is the best way to pass on information. Fans here are connected to others all over the country and world. I myself know people in Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Texas, New England, Salt Lake City, Kansas City and many other places thanks to Facebook and Fanfiction.net.
Worldcon in Reno is coming up and at Denvention in 2008 – the biggest complaint was that there are NOT enough faith based SF/F/H out there. They are hungry for it. Randy Smith is on the ConCom for Renovation 2011. Again, my opinion, Jeff should go to this convention to connect with the Christian fans. The personnel connection with the fanbase will do wonders for sales at MLP.
Now folks, don’t get upset. I’m not coming down on Jeff on what he is doing or not. It’s just that I understand how the fandom works and what needs to be done in order to sell books or make the connections, etc. A bit more attention needs to be focused here in order to get the word out about MLP. The Christian fanbase is there. Some of us are known – others are underground. Doing some marketing at the cons would do wonders for sales. It’s just good business practice.
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