Post by dragonlots on Jan 30, 2012 11:13:08 GMT -5
‘Different Dragons’ Anthology Guidelines
Most everyone has the same image of dragons and there are tons of Fantasy anthologies and series on the market following pretty much the same formula.
For ‘Different Dragons’ however, what is being sought are stories with a twist. While they can be Fantasy, the editor is also seeking Science Fiction, Paranormal, Horror, Steampunk, Mystery, Romance, Humor, Christian Speculative and just about any genre as long as it meets the guidelines.
Writers are highly encouraged to research dragon lore and use dracos from other countries. Yes, there will be stories about the traditional European Dragons, but examples of others are : the Chinese Lung, Korean Yong, Frost Dragon, Knucker, American and Mexican Amphithere, Lindworm, Wyvern, Marsupial, Tibetan, Dwarf Dragons and Sea Serpents.
To give the contributor an idea on what types of different ideas the editor is looking for:
1. What if a multi-headed dragon had the abilities of Medusa?
2. Was the dragon the evolutionary step between dinosaurs and birds?
3. How would the outback be different if Marsupial Dragons had evolved instead of Kangaroos?
4. In the Antarctica Scientists stun the world by discovering the still partially skin covered skeleton of a Frost Dragon and the remains of hatched eggs.
5. Perhaps a piece of jewelry inherited from some eccentric relative contains the spirit of a dragon and is left to a very surprised and unprepared niece or nephew.
6. What would be the result if a dragon was part lion? Or a shape shifter?
7. Dragon angel anyone?
The ideas are infinite and the above list is just a springboard. Main characters can be the dragon his/herself, a human going through some misadventure, or even a companion animal. They can be set in modern day, on other planets, alternate dimensions, in the past, in the future, and even in a painting. The only condition is that a dragon must appear in some form.
Not wanted are stories with graphic violence, excessive cussing, sex scenes, sorry, if you’re characters go to bed together it must be behind closed doors and not shared with the reader, erotica, animal cruelty or FanFiction. Rating for the anthology is PG13. Characters whose faith is an integral part of the plot will be accepted, but please, no preaching.
All writers of all skill levels, published or not, and even teenagers, are encouraged to submit. Length can be from 1000-6000 words. Times Roman 12. Standard Manuscript submission form. Attach as a RTF document. Prefer original stories. Query on reprint.
In the subject line please put: Submission: ‘Different Dragons’: Title of your story: Your name.
In cover email please tell the editor a bit about yourself, the genre of your story and a quick one line synopsis.
Bios will be requested is your story is accepted and should be written in third person.
WRITERS BE WARNED: Editor is ‘your worst nightmare English teacher’. Expect to be asked to have your story critiqued, if accepted, and to do rewrites. More polished writers might only be asked to do minor revisions. If requested to change something and writer makes a valid case why it shouldn’t be – Editor will listen. Excessive argument could result in rejection. Pet peeves, ‘crutch words’ like that, suddenly, in a moment, or any word used excessively. Not editing or spell checking your story. Fragments okay if used correctly and for effect. Please, use world appropriate similes. If unsure how to do this, Editor suggests reading anything by Andre Norton or Anne McCaffrey – both writers are excellent examples on how to do this correctly.
Submissions open July 1st - end December 31st. Release will be Spring 2013. The rest of the submission info will be posted when the antho opens.
Most everyone has the same image of dragons and there are tons of Fantasy anthologies and series on the market following pretty much the same formula.
For ‘Different Dragons’ however, what is being sought are stories with a twist. While they can be Fantasy, the editor is also seeking Science Fiction, Paranormal, Horror, Steampunk, Mystery, Romance, Humor, Christian Speculative and just about any genre as long as it meets the guidelines.
Writers are highly encouraged to research dragon lore and use dracos from other countries. Yes, there will be stories about the traditional European Dragons, but examples of others are : the Chinese Lung, Korean Yong, Frost Dragon, Knucker, American and Mexican Amphithere, Lindworm, Wyvern, Marsupial, Tibetan, Dwarf Dragons and Sea Serpents.
To give the contributor an idea on what types of different ideas the editor is looking for:
1. What if a multi-headed dragon had the abilities of Medusa?
2. Was the dragon the evolutionary step between dinosaurs and birds?
3. How would the outback be different if Marsupial Dragons had evolved instead of Kangaroos?
4. In the Antarctica Scientists stun the world by discovering the still partially skin covered skeleton of a Frost Dragon and the remains of hatched eggs.
5. Perhaps a piece of jewelry inherited from some eccentric relative contains the spirit of a dragon and is left to a very surprised and unprepared niece or nephew.
6. What would be the result if a dragon was part lion? Or a shape shifter?
7. Dragon angel anyone?
The ideas are infinite and the above list is just a springboard. Main characters can be the dragon his/herself, a human going through some misadventure, or even a companion animal. They can be set in modern day, on other planets, alternate dimensions, in the past, in the future, and even in a painting. The only condition is that a dragon must appear in some form.
Not wanted are stories with graphic violence, excessive cussing, sex scenes, sorry, if you’re characters go to bed together it must be behind closed doors and not shared with the reader, erotica, animal cruelty or FanFiction. Rating for the anthology is PG13. Characters whose faith is an integral part of the plot will be accepted, but please, no preaching.
All writers of all skill levels, published or not, and even teenagers, are encouraged to submit. Length can be from 1000-6000 words. Times Roman 12. Standard Manuscript submission form. Attach as a RTF document. Prefer original stories. Query on reprint.
In the subject line please put: Submission: ‘Different Dragons’: Title of your story: Your name.
In cover email please tell the editor a bit about yourself, the genre of your story and a quick one line synopsis.
Bios will be requested is your story is accepted and should be written in third person.
WRITERS BE WARNED: Editor is ‘your worst nightmare English teacher’. Expect to be asked to have your story critiqued, if accepted, and to do rewrites. More polished writers might only be asked to do minor revisions. If requested to change something and writer makes a valid case why it shouldn’t be – Editor will listen. Excessive argument could result in rejection. Pet peeves, ‘crutch words’ like that, suddenly, in a moment, or any word used excessively. Not editing or spell checking your story. Fragments okay if used correctly and for effect. Please, use world appropriate similes. If unsure how to do this, Editor suggests reading anything by Andre Norton or Anne McCaffrey – both writers are excellent examples on how to do this correctly.
Submissions open July 1st - end December 31st. Release will be Spring 2013. The rest of the submission info will be posted when the antho opens.