Fantasy: January 29, 2014 Issue [#6128]
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Fantasy


 This week: Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Steps to Publication
  Edited by: Prosperous Snow celebrating Author IconMail Icon
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

“Heinlein's Rules for Writers

Rule One: You Must Write
Rule Two: Finish What Your Start
Rule Three: You Must Refrain From Rewriting, Except to Editorial Order
Rule Four: You Must Put Your Story on the Market
Rule Five: You Must Keep it on the Market until it has Sold”

Robert A. Heinlein


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Step 1: (The Obvious) write the story. You can plan the story, you can outline the story, or you can sit down at the computer or with a pen and paper and begin writing. It does not matter how you do this step because each of us has a different way of taking the first step to publication.

Step 2: Check your grammar and spelling by printing off a hard copy of the story and going through it with a red ink pen marking the places where there are typos or misspelled words. Then check the grammar and make sure that in the heat of writing, you did not switch from past tense to present tense or visa versa. You also need to check for run on sentences and other grammar issues. The last part of this step is to make sure you are showing the action rather then telling it.

Step 3: Find a publisher for your story. There are many online and e-magazines, in addition to the regular print market. Read the magazine to find out what type of stories it prints. It may be possible to get a free copy of the magazine by sending paying for the postage, which is normally much less then purchasing the magazine. If the publication will not send you a free copy then you may be able to find a copy of the latest issue of magazine at your local library.

Step 4: Once you have decided on a publication then read the submission rules carefully. I suggest printing off a copy of the submission instructions so that you have read the instruction properly and understand them. When you are ready to submit your story, then follow the instructions exactly. I the magazine wants a printed copy of the story check your printer cartridge to be sure it is working properly before printing the copy and then check the copy to see that it can be read before sending it to the editor.

Step 5: If you get a rejection slip then read it carefully to see if the editor gave a reason for the rejection. Keep the rejection slip; even if it is just a standard rejection slip without specific information, it is still useful. When you go to have your taxes done, you can use it as proof you are submitting stories or us can use the rejection slips to redecorate your bathroom.

Step 6: Find another publication to submit the story. Do not put the story in a drawer of a filling cabinet and forget it. Continue to submit the story until an editor accepts it for publication or edit requests you make changes that will make it ready for publication.


Editor's Picks

 Take a Bite: Introduction Open in new Window. (13+)
A bite from an apple can bring more to life than imagined, and the Devil knew this.
#1970820 by Elizabeth Leerman Author IconMail Icon

I’ve never really done one of these… an allegory they may call it, an account perhaps? Maybe they will call it a lie, I don’t care. The reason I am doing this is because I know I need to get my experience out there, that’s all. Do I want people to believe me? Yeah, I guess I do. Do they have to? Contrary to popular belief, no, they do not have to.

 Bitten Open in new Window. (E)
Vampire's feelings while he's with a victim
#1972373 by o Author IconMail Icon

I grab you by the waist and pull you in close. Our eyes meet and for that one instant I feel as if your soul is already mine. I can see it through your eyes. Your soul weakened by terrors past. You will soon be mine.

 A Footstep in the Snow Open in new Window. (E)
A single footstep can change anything, even an entire nation...
#1972147 by GastlyInspector Author IconMail Icon

Winter was cold as always, exactly 60 degrees cold to be entirely exact, and it would stay 60 degrees for exactly, 3 months, 30 days, 18 hours, 30 minutes, and 59 seconds. as it always will be, eternally, for that's what the council declares....

 Life is a Disaster (intro) Open in new Window. (13+)
A teenage girl tells of her not-so-ordinary morning..
#1969812 by Livinia Anne Author IconMail Icon

I woke up at five o'clock this morning to my alarm clock quietly muttering about some football game that happened days ago, which, for some unknown reason, is still newsworthy. My cat was--as usual--lying on my chest and constricting my breathing. I gave him a pat and pushed him off; rolling over to check my phone. I then commenced operation "Procrastinate Waking Up and Living My Life" until the poor alarm clock finally shut itself up.

 A Vision of Magic Open in new Window. (E)
A Descriptive Piece of a Dragon- contest entry "writing without, gender"; "prompt contest"
#1971037 by Elfin Dragon-finally published Author IconMail Icon

I was walking upon a beach of white sand when my eyes beheld a wondrous creature. A dragon men would call it, and fear it as well.

 Protectors - Prologue Open in new Window. (E)
The prologue of my fantasy novel, Protectors.
#1973018 by Dices Author IconMail Icon

It was seven in the morning, but the sun still remained hidden behind a couple of clouds, displaying a coyness it had not previously displayed. I took it as a bad omen not to have seen the glorious sun rise I was expecting. Now that it came to omens, the whole scene surrounding seemed to whisper me a warning. Empty beach on the morning. Sun behind the clouds. The waves grey. Sand darker. Only difference was Spencer's mood. It was good, for a change.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1971547 by Not Available.

At the market, a little man nodded his Hello to Chloe and her mother Ann. Ann quickly looked away, but Chloe smiled and gave a little wave. Chloe's mother pulled her by the arm away from the little man. "I do not want you to talk to him," Ann warned. "Why not mommy, he's our new neighbor across the street? Chloe asked questionably.

 Trepidation Open in new Window. (E)
100 word short story for newbie contest.
#1972590 by Edmund Curie Author IconMail Icon

Archer sat with his back propped up against the door gasping for air....

 
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Ask & Answer


BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful Author Icon writes: Make sure you send your letters to the right people.
 Anthros Versus Zombies Open in new Window. (18+)
Two strains of viruses have turned most of humanity into anthros or zombies. 4,700+ Views
#1902915 by BIG BAD WOLF Feeling Thankful Author IconMail Icon


brom21 Author Icon writes: Like probably everyone on WDC I want to publish; and like you, I struggle with grammar. I also a problem character depth and fluidity. I have another question as well; at what point do you know your good enough to publish?

Good questions. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas about this for the next newsletter? Prosperous Snow celebrating Author Icon

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