CALLIHOO Newsletter ----------------------------------------------------------------- Vol. 6 No. 38 Editor: Julia West February 16, 1999 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Web page: http://www.sff.net/people/julia.west/CALLIHOO/index.htm ----------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS Utah writer Sue Kroupa just sold her story "Counting Calories" to the sff.net anthology, =The Age of Reason: Stories of the New Millennium=. Congratulations, Sue! * * * Ken Rand has several of his stories available for download at Alexandria Digital Literature now. Check out the website at http://www.alexlit.com/. The stories are: "The Brass Bottle," "The Geezers," "Read Directions Carefully," and "Snowflakes, One by One." They can be downloaded for a very minimal sum, so check them out! DEADLINES Let me know if you need more information on the contests, anthologies or magazines listed below. A good place to check is the CALLIHOO website, listed above. Salivan Enterprises Short Story Contest deadline 28 February 99. [Canadian, $5 entry fee, categories SF/F or H or romance to 6,000 wds, each category winner receives 40% of category revenue, pub in antho (on web?) for royalties, Salivan Story Contest, 1692 Place de Lierre, Suite 300, Laval, Quebec, CANADA H7G 4X7. E-mail: salivan@hotmail.com. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 29)] =Eternity Online= Best of the Web anthology, deadline 1 March 1999. [Fiction pub on web in 1998. No word limits or submission fee. 10 $5 prizes, $50 Grand Prize. E-mail subm okay. Steve Algieri, eternityol@aol.com or Eternity, Best of the Web '98, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] =Writers of the Future=, 2nd quarter 1999, deadline 31 March 1999. [$1000 first, $750 2nd, $500 3rd place. No entry fee. L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, P.O. Box 1630-JBW, Los Angeles, CA 90078. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 10)] =Pulp Eternity= Volume 5: Eternity Unbound, open submission, deadline 1 April 99 or when it's filled. [Any genre, to 10,000 wds, but most under 5000, pays 3 cents/wd. on pub. Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003, E-mail: eternityol@aol.com; http://www.pulpeternity.com. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] =XX= Magazine, issue 1 deadline 1 Apr 1999. [SF 1000-7000 wds, 1/4 cent/wd., no reprints or sim subs, E-mail subm okay, Jon Hodges, editor, c/o XX, 1959 N. Peace Haven Rd. #317, Winston-Salem, NC 27106-4850, E-mail: jon@blindside.net. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] Jewish Science Fiction anthology, deadline 15 April 1999. [Jewish SF, pays $250, 6000-10,000 wds, all subm E-mail to Chaim Mazo, pop@netvision.net.il. [GLs in Vol. 6, No. 38)] =Eternity Online= Second Anniversary Issue, deadline 1 May 1999. [genre fiction, incl. SF/F/H, to 5000 wds. No reprints. 1/4 cent/wd. to $50. Send to eternityol@aol.com; put Anniversary Issue in the subject line. Subm. not following guidelines returned unread. http://www.pulpeternity.com. Anniversary Issue, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 38)] Carson McCullers Prize for the Short Story, postmark deadline 3 May 1999. [Original unpublished short stories, any genre, to 5,000 words, prizes $2,500 and (3) $1,000, entry fee $10 per entry, get form at website, send to =Story='s Carson McCullers Prize for the Short Story, 1507 Dana Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45207. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 35)] =Pulp Eternity= Volume 6: Women of Empowerment. Deadline 1 July 1999 or when it's filled. [Female viewpoint to 10,000 wds, but most under 5000, pays 3 cents/wd. on pub. Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003, E-mail: eternityol@ aol.com; http://www.pulpeternity.com. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] =A Twist of the Knife= anthology, received deadline 1 July 1999 [H/DF about traditional monsters with a twist, to 5000 wds, pays $10, reprints and sim subs okay, e-mail subm preferred, text in the body of an e-mail to kirkwood@nucleus.com, snail-mail to J. Kirkwood, Apt 1, 17728 - 81 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5T 1M1 Canada. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 35) ] =Such a Pretty Face: Tales of Power & Abundance= anthology, deadline 31 July 1999. [SF/F/H to 5000 words, fat people in positive roles, 3-5 cents/wd., no E-mail subm., Mrs. Lee Martindale, Editor, Attn: Such A Pretty Face, c/o Rump Parliament, PO Box 865137, Plano, TX 75086-5137. (GLs in Vol. 6 No.30)] =Eternity Online= Halloween Horror Issue, deadline 1 August 1999. [scary stories, incl. H/dark F/dark SF, to 5000 wds. No reprints. 1/4 cent/wd. to $50. Send to eternityol@aol.com; put Halloween Issue in the subject line. Subm. not following guidelines returned unread. http://www.pulpeternity.com. Halloween Issue, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 24)] ByLine contest, 1st chapter of a novel - Deadline August 5, 1999. [Opening chapter of unpublished novel. Mainstream or genre; adult or YA audience. Maximum 25 pages. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $70, $35, $20. Mail entries to: Contests, ByLine Magazine, PO Box 130596, Edmond, OK 73013. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 36)] =Pulp Eternity= Volume 7: Alternatives II/ Science Fiction. Deadline 1 September 1999 or when filled. [SF and alt. sexuality, to 10,000 wds, but most under 5000, pays 3 cents/wd. on pub. Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003, E-mail: eternityol@aol.com; http://www.pulpeternity. com. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] ByLine Contest, genre fiction - Deadline September 4, 1999. [Short story to 5,000 wds, romance, sci-fi, confession, mystery, western, etc. No children's stories. Entry fee $5. Prizes: $50, $30, $15. Mail entries to: Contests, ByLine Magazine, PO Box 130596, Edmond, OK 73013. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 36)] Technology: The Price We Pay Fiction Contest, deadline 1 October 1999. [Stories abt. technology, to 10,000 words, no entry fee, 1st prize $300 and publication in =Pulp Eternity=, subscribers unlimited entries, nonsub one entry, Steve Algieri, Eternity Press Technology: The Price We Pay Fiction Contest, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 38)] =Pulp Eternity= Volume 8: I Am Cat. Deadline 15 Dec 1999 or when filled. [SF cat stories, to 5000 wds, pays 3 cents/wd. on pub. Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003, E-mail: eternityol@aol.com; http://www. pulpeternity.com. (GLs in Vol. 6 No. 38)] =Starlight 3= anthology, deadline end of 1999. [SF/F, pays 7-1/2 cents/wd., no upper word limit, Starlight 3 c/o Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Tor Books, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10010. (GLs in Vol. 6, No. 38)] ANTHOLOGIES =Jewish Science Fiction anthology= [Jewish SF, pays $250, 6000-10,000 wds, deadline 15 Apr 1999, all subm E-mail] Pitspopany Press will publish a Jewish Science Fiction anthology in the fall of 1999. Anyone is eligible to submit a manuscript. Selected authors will be paid $250. Here are the details: Theme: Jewish Science Fiction Length: 6,000 to 10,000 words Deadline: April 15, 1999 Contact: Chaim Mazo Email: pop@netvision.net.il All submissions must be via email. Stories can be shorter than 6,000 and he's not against humor. [SFRT4, Cat 1, Top 2, 4 Feb 99] =Starlight 3= [SF/F anthology, pays 7-1/2 cents/wd., no upper word limit, deadline end of 1999] Starlight 3 c/o Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Tor Books, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10010. =Starlight 3= is open. I'm interested in all kinds of SF and fantasy, definitely including hard SF. Send submissions to Starlight 3 c/o Patrick Nielsen Hayden, Tor Books, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10010. I pay $0.075 per word. Yes, I'm open to novellas; no, I won't give you a firm upper length limit. I can be very slow to respond. The book will be open until the end of 1999. Patrick Nielsen Hayden pnh@panix.com http://www.panix.com/~pnh [SFRT4, Cat 15, Top 22, 27 Jan 99] CONTEST ="Technology: The Price We Pay" Fiction Contest= [Stories abt. technology, to 10,000 words, no entry fee. 1st prize: $300 and publication in =Pulp Eternity=, subscribers unlimited entries, nonsub one entry, deadline 1 Oct 99] Steve Algieri, Eternity Press Technology: The Price We Pay Fiction Contest, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. Eternity Press is proud to announce its second fiction contest in conjunction with "The Price of Magic," =Pulp Eternity='s fourth issue. The contest is open to both pro and amateur writers. Stories must be original, unpublished works not submitted to any other contest or magazine. Stories may be any length to 10,000 words. No fan fiction, please. Stories must focus on technology and the price or cost a character, society, or a group of people must pay to achieve a technological advance, impliment technology, live with technology or live without technology. The stories can be any brand of the fantasic: science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery or fantastic romance. They can be set on earth, in a fantasy world, on another planet or in space. These stories can contain humans, fantasy beings, aliens or any permutation of the three. They do not neccesarily need to be about human technology. In addition, stories may be set in the past, present or future and can be about any technological advance from the wheel to FTL travel. Grand Prize Winner: $300, publication in =Pulp Eternity= and 5 complimentary copies of the "The Price of Magic" issue. Additional copies can be ordered for $2 each, no limit. Runners-Up: The other four finalists will receive 1 complimentary copy of "The Price of Magic Issue." Runners-up may also be offered a contract to appear in the issue at the editor's discretion. ENTRY FEE Unlimited entries are free for subscribers to =Pulp Eternity=. Non-subscribers can submit one story, no entry fee. DEADLINE Eternity Press will accept contest submissions postmarked on or before midnight October 1, 1999. No exceptions or extensions. HOW TO SUBMIT Because of the high volume of entries, no email submissions for the contest will be accepted. Follow the format below on your cover page. Put the title and page number at the top of each page. DO NOT put your name on the pages. Also, DO NOT include a cover letter. The cover page should include this information: Your Legal Name Pen Name (if you wish the story to be published under another name) Title of your story Address Telephone number Email address (if you have one and want email confirmation) Technology Fiction Contest Specify if the manuscript is available on disk or by email if selected. Use standard manuscript format. Send all entries to Steve Algieri, Eternity Press Technology: The Price We Pay Fiction Contest, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. Include SASE for response. Disposable manuscripts appreciated. Send any questions to Steve Algieri. Remember to include a SASE for written replies. Good luck to all. [From website at http://www.pulpeternity.com/gl/tech.htm] MARKET GUIDELINES =Eternity, The Online Journal of the Speculative Imagination= [Webzine, SF/F/H/mystery/romance to 5000 wds., pmt varies (usually 1/4 cent/wd. to $50 on pub), no reprints or sim subs, E-mail subm okay, follow gls, cover letter required] Eternity, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. E-mail: eternityol@aol.com =Eternity, The Online Journal of the Speculative Imagination= pays for quality works of fiction and verse from published and unpublished authors. We buy stories not names. Eternity has recently begun to expand its focus for the online magazine. Science fiction, fantasy and horror fiction will still be the major focus, but will now begin to consider mystery, suspense, thrillers and fantastic and historical romance. We will consider any length, but prefer stories under 5000 words. Short and epic poems of all types considered. Free-verse, rhyming, haiku, etc. with speculative, mystery or fantastic romance themes are welcome. We also consider shorts under 1000 words and personal essays (under 2000 words) dealing with the fantastic, bizarre, paranormal, UFOs, witchcraft, the vampire lifestyle, future technology and fetish subjects. Erotica is acceptable, if done in good taste. Since we are off AOL, the stories can be a little more adventurous in regards to sexuality. Payment: Varies, acording to issue. Please note: Read the guidelines carefully and follow them. All submissions must include contact information (including snail mail adress), the issue you're submitting to and a cover letter (except for Best of the Web '98). Because of the high volume of submissions, those submissions that do not follow the guidelines will not be read. Please help us help you. Best of the Web 1998 Anthology Issue This anthology is open to any work of fiction that first appeared on the web during 1998. Stories could have appeared in print in a prior year or in multiple zines during 1998. Stories that appeared in paying, non-paying, fanzines or on personal websites are eligible. All genres and lengths also eligible. No word limits. Ten stories will be selected as finalists to appear in this issue. Payment: All selected stories received $5 appearence payment plus a free subscription to Pulp Eternity. The winning story as selected by a panel of online editors will receive a $50 bonus, plus our new annual Eternal Cyber Award. The ezine or website on which the story first appeared will receive a free full-page ad in =Pulp Eternity=. How to submit: Send all submissions to eternityol@aol.com. Put Best of the Web 1998 in the subject line. We will only accept submissions pasted into the body of an email or as an attached text or rtf file. No other formats, please. In the body of the email include: Authors's name, address and phone #, email address, title of story, and author's name or pen name. In addition, list all publications or pages in which the story appeared during 1998. Include URLs, please. Snail mail: Send snail mail submissions to Eternity, Best of the Web '98, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. Deadline: March 1, 1999. No exceptions or extensions. Second Anniversary Issue This issue is open to any work of genre fiction: Science Fiction, fantasy, horror, fantastic/historical romance, or mystery/thriller. Submissions must be original, unpublished works of fiction. NO reprints or simultaneous submissions please. Poetry: Poets may submit up to three poems for this issue. They must be original and unpublished. NO reprints or simultaneous submissions please. Payment: All selected stories received 1/4 cent per word to $50. Poems receive a flat $2. Payment upon publication. We buy First Worldwide Electronic Rights and hold one-time anthology rights to for all contracted works. How to submit: Send all submissions to eternityol@aol.com. Put Anniversary Issue in the subject line. We will only accept submissions pasted into the body of an email or as an attached text or rtf file. No other formats, please. In the body of the email and attached file include: Authors's name, address and phone #, email address, title of story, and author's name or pen name and a brief cover letter with credits. All submissions not following the guidelines will be returned unread. Snail mail: Send snail mail submissions to Eternity, Anniversary Issue, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. Deadline: May 1, 1999. No exceptions or extensions. Halloween Horror Issue This issue is open to scary stories of all types and genres. We will also look at true scary stories for this issue. We are no looking for stories that gross us out, but rather scare the heck out of us. Vampires, witches, ghosts, goblins, monsters, dark mystery and fantasy, psychological horror, dark SF, occult, dark erotica, and dark romance are all acceptible. Stories can, but are not required to, be [sic]. When in doubt, submit. They must be original and unpublished. NO reprints or simultaneous submissions please. Poetry: Poets may submit up to three poems for this issue. They must be original and unpublished works of dark poetry. NO reprints or simultaneous submissions please. Payment: All selected stories received 1/4 cent per word to $50. Poems receive a flat $2. Payment upon publication. We buy First Worldwide Electronic Rights and hold one-time anthology rights to for all contracted works. How to submit: Send all submissions to eternityol@aol.com. Put Halloween Issue in the subject line. We will only accept submissions pasted into the body of an email or as an attached text or rtf file. No other formats, please. In the body of the email and attached file include: Authors's name, address and phone #, email address, title of story, and author's name or pen name and a brif cover letter with credits. All submissions not following the guidelines will be returned unread. Snail mail: Send snail mail submissions to Eternity, Halloween Issue, PO Box 930068, Norcross, GA 30003. Deadline: August 1, 1999. No exceptions or extensions. [From website at http://www.pulpeternity.com/ gl/eol.htm] =Noesis= [Quarterly British print mag, SF/F/H to 6,000 wds, pays L3 per 1,000 wds after first 1,000 wds, no e-mail subm.] Lesley Milner, Literary Editor, Noesis Science Fiction Magazine, 61, Pengarth Rise, Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K., TR11 2RR Website: http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~rwaddling/Noesis/index.html =Noesis= - Author and Artist Guidelines What are we looking for? There are opportunities for emerging and established authors, artists and cartoonists to explore science fiction and science fact. We are interested in original and unpublished Science Fiction, Fantasy, Humour, Satire and Psychological Horror (No blood and gore stuff, experimental or poetry please). Stories that we will consider accepting will be well plotted, with believable characters and without gratuitous sex or violence. Length - up to 6,000 words. =Noesis= - Style Science Fiction is a form of speculative fiction in which the author takes as a starting point the universe as we know it and how it has been and how it might evolve. Story lines need to be developed within established physical laws and facts or at least plausible extrapolations of existing knowledge. The science has got to hold true and not challenge unduly the credulity of the reader. Stories should be built around human beings or entities without whose existence science would not exist. Science fiction is a vehicle with which to explore alternative realities and imaginative futures. It addresses the changes that we may all face with a mixture of scientific, technological, social and cultural perspectives. It can test human values in new environments. It can provide the reader with fresh perspectives on the evolving trends of today by placing familiar issues in unfamiliar situations. Successful science fiction should be memorable! To quote two successful writers: Sam Moskowitz - "Science fiction requires the 'willing suspension of disbelief'" Frederick Pohl: "Does the story tell me somehing worth knowing, that I had not known before, about the relationship between man and technology? Does it enlighten me on some area of science where I had been in the dark? Does it open a new horizon for my thinking? Does it lead me to think new kinds of thoughts, that I would not otherwise perhaps have thought at all? Does it suggest possibilities about the alternative possible future courses my world can take? Does it illuminate events and trends of today, by showing me where they may lead tomorrow? Does it give me a fresh and objective point of view on my own world and culture, perhaps by letting me see it through the eyes of a different kind of creature entirely, from a planet light-years away?" But we do not necessarily expect material in the style of these authors. =Noesis= - Submission Please provide typed or word processed A4, single-sided sheets with double-spaced text and 1" margins. Number pages and include a cover sheet with your name, address, e-mail (if you have one) and a word count. No draft quality print out please - it's too hard on the eyes. Include a brief author's resume of no more than 150 words containing bibliographical material about yourself. We will publish this if your material is accepted. Artists - don't send your original work, only good photocopies to show style. We can currently only deal in black and white illustrations. If we like what we see, we will commission work to suit particular stories. We are also interested in single cartoons and cartoon strips. Please include an SAE of adequate size for return of your manuscript. Overseas - send a disposable manuscript, (marked so), and a small envelope with 2 International Reply Coupons. We can't reply to anything without return postage. Do only send one story at a time, and never your only copy! No responsibility can be taken for loss of manuscripts or artwork. If you'd like confirmation of receipt of your work please include a stamped addressed postcard. We do not accept or view contributions mailed electronically. If we accept your story, we will be buying First English Language Serial Rights and will pay on publication. A contract will be sent on acceptance. Royalties Payment for authors is one free edition of =Noesis= for the first 1000 words and then at the rate of L3 per 1000 words - pro rata. Artists - rates vary according to size and complexity of images. Dispatch Please mail your contributions to Lesley Milner, Literary Editor, Noesis Science Fiction Magazine, 61, Pengarth Rise, Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K., TR11 2RR. =Noesis= - Review All material that is submitted is reviewed by at least two members of our Editorial Panel. Their comments are sent back to authors whether or not we wish to publish the material. At =Noesis= we are determined to maintain high standards. The science must be correct, as must the grammar and the syntax. Our Editorial Panel is keen to support the work of new and emerging authors, but it must be remembered that it is rare for us to publish stories that have not had at least some modifications. We want to help you to make the best possible contributions. If you do not agree with our Editorial Panel, we are happy to discuss the issues. It is usual for stories to be returned with suggested modifications and issues for consideration by the author. When acted upon and resubmitted the material is sent for secondary review and hopefully publication. We will not ask for modifications unless we think it likely that we will publish your material. If our initial response is to reject a sample of your work, it indicates that your piece requires a drastic rewrite before resubmitting or that the piece is outside of our publishing remit. We would hope that comments from our Editorial Board will be of value. [From website at http://www.ndirect.co.uk/~rwaddling/Noesis/ guidelines.html] Pulp Eternity [Quarterly print mag, spec fic/mystery, 3 cents/wd., length varies, themes, no reprints, mult and sim subs okay, E-mail subm only by subscribers, past sales, commenters. Cover letter required, read gls] Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, Pulp Eternity, PO Box 930068, Norcross GA 30003 E-mail: eternityol@aol.com =Pulp Eternity=, the new cutting-edge journal of speculative fiction, mystery and fantastic romance seeks quality short fiction. We pay 3 cents a word for fiction plus one contributor's copy (additional copies $3, Issues 5-8), upon publication. We buy FNASR. Issues are quarterly and themed. No fan fiction, poetry or reprints, please. Simultaneous submissions OK. =Pulp Eternity= Volume 3 Alternatives I This issue is now closed to submissions. Check out our Alternatives I Poetry Contest. =Pulp Eternity= Volume 4 The Price of Magic This issue is now closed to submissions. You can still submit to the Technology: The Price We Pay Fiction Contest, however. [see above] Important information about =Pulp Eternity=: 1. On January 1, 1999, we will begin to accept submissions for our next four issues. (Please don't query to ask if you can submit early.) If you have a story that might fit these themes or hope to write one, please send it in early. I've decided to read for all four issues at once and close down subs to any particular issue that might fill up. Issues will remain open until filled. Please wait until January 1 to send these subs. 2. Read the guidelines before you submit. Do not go over the word limit and do not query about longer pieces. PE features cutting-edge short fiction. I will be looking at longer stories but your best shot at publication rests with stories of 3500 words or less. We might have one or two longer stories per issue. The key here is "might." 3. We will accept unlimited email subs from 1) subscribers, 2) contributors who have sold stories to =Pulp Eternity=, =Eternity Online=, or 3) any writer who reads, rates and comments on at least 3 stories in the online magazine for the month they submit. Electronic subs take a lot more work, but I'm glad to do it for writers who remain involved in Eternity. 4. You can submit multiple entries in the same envelope for snail mail subs, as long as you include a separate cover letter and SASE for each story. Make sure, however, that you include only one story with each electronic submission. Use only text or rtf attached files or paste your submission into the body of an email. 5. Every submission must have a cover letter, if I know you or not. That cover letter must include your personal information, list of credits (if any), a brief bio and perhaps a sentence or two about why you think this story is a PE story. One more time: cover letters are required. 6 Read this article: "Getting Published in Eternity." [See below] Then frame it, memorize it -- live it. Not every writer will agree with my vision for this magazine. I don't mean to convert you, only save you time and stamp money. I don't think I can be any clearer than that about what I'm buying for both magazines. 7. I know what I like, when I like it. Stories don't grow on me; they don't need time to germinate in my mind (usually). That means I'm fast. I'm accepting simultaneous and multiple submissions now. I want your manuscripts first and you'll have an answer in a few days to a few weeks in most cases. Eternity Unbound Theme: This issue will mark our first open-submission issue. Writers may submit up to three stories for this issue, any subject or genre. Subscribing writers and past contributors will be allowed to submit unlimited stories. Word limit: 10,000. However, 90% of the stories selected will be 5000 words or less (under 3500 words. still preferred) as we still concentrate on short fiction. Update: I've found the two longer stories I want for this issue. I'd suggest concentrating on stories under 3500 words. What we want: Submit early. Issue may close down early if enough good stories come in. We will be looking for stories on the fringes of the genre, especially mystery, romance, SF, historical fantasy, ethnic and regional connections, dark fantasy, erotica and cross-genre pieces. Hints: We don't care for child abuse, suicide, needless gore and sex, and present tense stories, unless spectacular. The cover letter is essential regardless of your publishing history. We like humor, but of the more cerebral or sly type. If it doesn't quite fit anywhere, it's probably for us. You may submit multiple manuscripts in the same envelope. Women of Empowerment Stories must be written in the single first or third person viewpoint of a female. Lesbian, bisexual and feminist themes and characters welcome. Word limit: 10,000. However, 90% of the stories selected will be 5000 words or less. Alternatives II/Science Fiction A double theme issue. Stories of alternate sexuality and SF will be given first preference, but open to all types of SF and alternative sexuality stories of any genre. This updated theme replaces the Cyberpunk issue. Cyberpunk stories still welcome of course. Word limit: 10,000. However, 90% of the stories selected will be 5000 words or less. I Am Cat Theme: We had so much fun with dragons, why not cats? Stories need not be written in a cat's point of view, but we'd like to see some of those, too. Black cats, cats in space, cat-like aliens, etc. are all acceptable. If written from other than a cat's point of view, at least one cat that appears in the story must be essential to the conflict/resolution process of the story. Word limit: 5000. Firm ********** Submit a clean manuscript and tell us about yourself in a brief cover letter. Don't tell us about your story; we'll read every manuscript from beginning to end. We are interested in seeing each writer who submits to us grow in their craft. We invest our time and talent in you. We will report back within 90 days (probably much less), depending on the number of manuscripts received. Be patient, we'll be back with you as soon as we can. We will usually comment on every manuscript received. We hope that this criticism is constructive. We never attack the writer. Sometimes we will offer suggestions and ask for a rewrite. We will never send a form letter. You are too important to us. If you wish a personal response, request one in the cover letter. Otherwise, we will send a checklist response with hand-written comments. We accept simultaneous submissions but not reprints. Snail Mail: Use standard manuscript format. You must include your real name, address, telephone number, and pen name, if you use one. We require brief cover letter. We are very open to new and established writers. You must include a SASE to receive a reply. We prefer disposable manuscripts, but if you want your manuscripts returned be sure to include a return envelope with proper postage. Note if manuscript is available in electronic format. Send snail mail submissions to: Steve Algieri, Senior Editor, Pulp Eternity, PO Box 930068, Norcross GA 30003. Electronic Submissions: Due to the rising number of submissions, we will only accept email submissions from subscribers, past contributors to PE and Eternity OL, and writers who have read, rated and commented on 3 or more online stories.You must include your real name, address, telephone number, and pen name, if you use one. If you submit by attached file, make sure your name, address and email is at the top of the submission file. Send electronic submissions to: eternityol@aol.com. You can cut-and-paste electronic submissions into the body of an email (preferred) or attach them as a separate text or rich text format. One fiction submission per email, please. All other formats are not acceptable. You may also send your submission on disk to the snail mail address. Writers who have submitted stories or who wish to check out what we have on hand can visit =Pulp Eternity= Story Queue, which lists the stories and poems in the queue and those bought through issue 8. Getting Published in Eternity Steve Algieri Eternity Senior Editor Now that I've closed down open submissions to =Pulp Eternity='s "Price of Magic" issue -- the fourth issue I've read for -- I have clear vision about the type of stories that fit this market. During that time I've grown as an editor, writer, and publisher and I've watched many of you grow with me. It's a special thrill to see the successes many in the Eternity family have had during the last eighteen months. And you are family if you've submitted a story to me, if I've accepted your work or not. Today is a good time to share my thoughts on what an Eternity story is and, perhaps even more importantly, what you'll never find in =Eternity= or =Pulp Eternity=. The time draws closer for "Eternity Unbound": are you ready for my challenge. 1. Child molestation and/or abuse. Child abuse is not scary. I don't want to read it and neither do my readers. It's an abomination -- and not speculative fiction at all. Save your postage. 2. Graphic violence. Spurting blood is not scary. Mostly it's tasteless and boring. I want to be scared not splattered. 3. Graphic sex. I enjoy erotica and would love to publish more. I don't publish pornography, however. Keep it sexy, not smutty. 4. Present tense. What's the obsession with present tense all of a sudden? I have bought some PT, but from established writers with years of experience. I've found that PT rarely works and usually gives me a headache. 5. Default settings. Don't name your setting lake town, small town, city by the mountain, etc. I want to know where you're taking me and why I'm there. Set your story somewhere and develop it. If you transport me to Chicago, I want to taste a Chicago dog and a deep-dish pizza. I want to know if your character likes the Cubbies or the Pale Hose. I want to walk on Waveland Avenue not Oak Street. If fantasy is your dig, create a world and submerge me in its wonders. 6. Stilted dialog. In about sixty percent of the stories I read, every character talks the same and usually sounds like Tom Brokaw or Connie Chung. Sometimes dragons, elves, aliens and monsters are not even safe. Forget what you learned in English class. Characters speak -- and think -- in short, choppy sentences. Rarely, will one character listen to another for three uninterrupted pages. New Yorkers speak differently than Southerners. Reflect those things in your dialog. 7. White-bread characters. Why are almost all the characters I read about ethnically challenged? How about some variety? All things being close to equal, I'll always select a story with some ethnicity over one without diversity. The ethnicity of your characters doesn't even have to be exotic. Irish to African, British to Egyptian, all are welcome in Eternity. 8. Historical Fiction. Read my lips: I LOVE HISTORICAL FANTASY, ROMANCE, DARK FICTION AND MYSTERY. I don't get enough and want more. It has to be historically accurate, of course, but I am an active market for this type of fiction. I'd love to see more Celtic, Arabic, Far Eastern, African, South American and Native American fiction, especially. 9. Once it's done If I've covered a theme, I won't buy a similar story. So don't send in time travel, dragon or price of magic stories to the unthemed issues. Been there, done that. Alternative sexuality as a theme is always welcome. 10. Read the Guidelines. I REQUIRE cover letters. Why do half of the writers who submit to me ignore this? If you've submitted recently, frequently or I've bought a story from you, you can skip the credits, bio and preliminaries. If it's your first submission, please say hi. I take my time with your work; I expect the same courtesy. If an introductory letter's too much effort for you, submit elsewhere. 11. Harlequins not couch potatoes. If your lead character doesn't change or affect real change on others or society, it's probably not an Eternity story. Your characters should solve their own problems and be active participants in the story. 12. Journal stories. I've only bought two stories of this ilk, both of them for the online magazine. I doubt you'll ever see one in Pulp Eternity. This is another fad that turns me off as I consider it a writer's cop-out to get around show don't tell. I want action, dialog and interaction not reams of narrative. 13. Active over passive. Basic English rule number 1: Subject then verb. Always choose the active voice over the passive except on those rare occasions you wish to set the tone. Then, the passive voice becomes a powerful tool rather than a construction that slows the reader down. 14. Where has all the SF gone? Because of the dearth of quality non-traditional fantasy markets I receive a good number of excellent fantasy stories. Good SF, however, is a precious commodity for several reasons. First, there are more SF markets. Second, SF is much more difficult to write, especially hard and adventure SF. I'd like to see more SF stories set on distant words, in the far future and in space. I prefer hard and military SF to space opera, however. *I'd also like to see more cyberpunk, especially of the erotic kind. 15. Our two newest genre categories. I haven't received too much romance and mystery yet and I'm looking for more. This is a good way in the back door. Remember that I particularly like SF and fantasy combined with romantic or mystery elements. A good example of that is the dragon mystery I bought for Volume 2. 16. First person. A common misconception has been circulated regarding my dislike of first person. That is not the case. First person is so much more difficult to write than third, especially for new writers. The "I-it is" virus riddles most first person that I read. Stories with too many pronouns and I thoughts, I felts, I saws, I heards, etc. turn me off. How about some internal monologue, strong images and power verbs. Every pronoun brings you closer to rejection. 17. Issue. I like controversy. Don't fear tough issues; I embrace them. Unlike the Big 4, I don't care if my material offends chain stores. I want the stories others are afraid to publish. 18. Be persistent. If I reject your story, try again. I'm honest. If your work is off-target, I'll say so. Write me and I'll do my best to bring you into the Eternity fold. 19. Read the online stories and buy a sample copy of =Pulp Eternity=. The online stories give you a feel for what I like and you can read them free. The stories in =Pulp Eternity=, however, are a bit stronger and have a harder edge to them. If you don't research your market, you're doomed to failure. 20. Finally, become involved in the magazine. I'll say this for all posterity. I go out of my way for those writers who read the online magazine, offer suggestions and rate the stories. If you really want to be in =Eternity= and =Pulp Eternity=, involvement is any writer's ticket in. I frown on writers who ask for my help, yet never contribute their time to me. Those who have become involved have already reaped benefits. I hope these simple rules of thumb bring you closer to publication. In 1999, I'll probably publish 100-150 stories in the markets I edit. Perhaps more if a few anthology deals I'm working on come through. I hope to see you in =Eternity=. Copyright (c) 1998 Eternity Magazine [From website at http://www.pulpeternity.com/gl/pulp.htm] =XX Magazine= [Update from last week. Print mag, SF 1000-7000 wds, 1/4 cent/wd., no reprints or sim subs, E-mail subm okay, deadline 1 Apr 99.] Jon Hodges, editor (first issue) c/o XX, 1959 N. Peace Haven Rd. #317, Winston-Salem, NC 27106-4850. E-mail: jon@blindside.net =XX= pays for quality works of fiction and verse from published and unpublished authors. We buy stories, not names. XX [is] a digest sized print magazine, edited by some of today's rising editors. Each volume will have a different flavor and focus. =XX= is currently looking for science fiction manuscripts set beyond the New Millennium. Near and far future stories are both acceptable. I am only looking for pure science fiction tales -- no cyber punk or space opera. Also try to avoid too much technical mumbo-jumbo in your story, as we aren't all scientists or engineers. Dark themes OK. I tend to lean more towards the artistic side of writing, so literary pieces are very welcome. All works should be character-driven with a strong, suspenseful plot. Word limit 1000 to 7000 words. These are firm lengths. Do not query to submit longer or shorter. No reprints or simultaneous submissions acceptable. Payment: All published manuscripts will receive 1/4 cent per word and three copies of the issue. Additional copies will be available for $1. You can make submissions by email and postal mail. If submitting by email, please try to add the story to the body of your email. Only use an attachment if you deem it necessary for any reason. If putting in the body of the email, please double-space between paragraphs. The subject line should have "XX SUBMISSION" in it. Submissions can be made to: jon@blindside.net. Please only submit one story at a time. If submitting by postal mail, do your best to send a disposable manuscript. I don't use forms, so all rejections will be tailored to your piece alone. A cover letter is required with your name, pseudonym (if used), address, email address, and exact word count. On the first page of your manuscript, include your personal information (name, pseudonym, address, email address, word count) again in the upper left corner. Include your name and the title on all following pages. Postal submissions can be made to: Jon Hodges, c/o XX, 1959 N. Peace Haven Rd. #317, Winston-Salem, NC 27106-4850. Submissions will be accepted until April 1, 1999 OR until the issue closes. [From website at http://www.pulpeternity.com/gl/xx.htm] ==End of CALLIHOO newsletter for 16 February 1999==