DarkMarkets.com

The Cult – Writer’s Market

Lorna D. Keach — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:45:12 +0000

I’m going to let you in on another vast and terrible dark secret; one that humankind was not meant to know, and as soon as your eyes stumble across the words you will most likely go irrevocably mad. It is a secret that has plagued the earth for centuries, whispered of in dark necromantic writers’ circles, and might actually bring about the fall of civilization—in fact, as I prepare to type this most horrible secret, I half suspect a bolt of lightning will burst forth from the sky and strike me down for my hubris.

Are you ready? Okay, here it is:

We do not need to buy this year’s Writer’s Market.

…

Okay, good; no lightning yet. I guess that means the dark gods have permitted me to live. Cool.

So, yeah, if you haven’t stumbled across this vast and terrible secret yet, I’m glad to have shared it with you. It took me a long time to realize I didn’t need to shell out the $40, $50, at one point 70 dollar smoke screen that is the Writer’s Market Deluxe Edition and its yearly online subscription. (I think the $70 point hit sometime around 2003, before Google had really rushed in on its white horse to save me.)

I mean, of course the Writer’s Market series of money-sinks—er, I mean market guides—have lots of handy information in them, without which I probably would not be where I am today. (Who’d even heard of a synopsis back in ‘99, let alone how to write one? Certainly not me…) For beginners, Writer’s Market is awesome. And I’m not suggesting that we outright shun the franchise entirely. On the contrary, I think every Sunday should be Writer’s Market day, reserved to rest and flip through the articles and skim through the markets to make sure there’s nothing that you missed while online…

So that brings me to the second part of the vast and terrible secret. Ready?

…

You know, your public library? The one you probably haven’t set foot in since you got high-speed internet?

That public library will have a copy of this year’s Writer’s Market.

Ask for it at the reference desk. Bring a pen and paper. Write down the website or guidelines for the markets you’d like—don’t fork out your last thirty bucks to take it home with you. That money would be so much better spent buying copies of the magazines you want to submit to, or donating to small-press publishers trying to carve a decent niche in the industry, or even paying your electric bill or buying yourself enough Ramen noodles to last the month. There are so many ways we can spend our money other than Writer’s Market and, in my opinion, those other ways will further our careers a lot more than the Deluxe Edition ever can.

But, of course, I may be struck by lightning any minute so, if that happens, I’ll advise you to check out the awesome deal they’ve got at Amazon for the abbreviated Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market edition. Only $19.79 plus shipping. The dark gods work in mysterious ways.

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New Edition of David Dunwoody’s “Empire” Hitting Shelves March 16

Jessica Brown — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:38:06 +0000

On March 16th, 2010, the second edition of David Dunwoody’s zombie novel EMPIRE will be released as part of a co-publishing venture between Permuted Press and Simon & Schuster. Dunwoody’s debut novel from 2008, EMPIRE approaches the concept of a post-apocalyptic zombie yarn from a new angle, pitting the Grim Reaper against the living dead.

The year is 2112. The crippled U.S. government and its military forces are giving up the century-long fight against an undead plague. Born of an otherworldly energy fused with a deadly virus, the ravaging hordes of zombified humans and animals have no natural enemies. But they do have one supernatural enemy: Death himself.

Descending upon the ghost town of Jefferson Harbor, Louisiana, the Grim Reaper embarks on a bloody campaign to put down the legions that have defied his touch for so long. He will find allies in the city’s last survivors, and a nemesis in a man who wants to harness the force driving the zombies—a man who seeks to rebuild America into an empire of the dead.

Hailed as “A MACABRE MASTERPIECE OF POST-APOCALYPTIC ZOMBIE GOODNESS” on the Library of the Living Dead podcast, Empire brings stunning new twists to a shattering and unforgettable scenario of the not-too-distant future.

“The macabre mixture of mythology and modern horror, along with a cast of weirdly entertaining characters and gore-a-plenty, make this zombie book well worth digging into.” – Dark Realms

The sequel to EMPIRE is in the works, and related short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. More information is available at Empire’s website.

EMPIRE is currently available for discounted pre-order at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

At Amazon: Empire

At Barnes and Noble: Empire

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The Horror of the Horror Shelf

Lorna D. Keach — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:15:14 +0000

(or, Stephanie Meyer Ate My Baby.)

Listen, I’m going to confess something here that is truly, truly horrible. It is a dark secret that few souls have had the privileged terror of knowing, and one thing I don’t admit in public when I’m trying to get people to like me. It’s a monstrous secret, one I probably need professional help for, and I’m compelled today to confess in a spirit of honesty and community to my fellow writer:

I like Romance novels.

I do, I’m sorry! They’re like Feelings-porn. They’re tacky little kernels of masochistic mindlessness, with usually flat prose and ridiculous plots that are so overly sweetened with sex that it’s like eating cardboard dipped in caramel. (Mmmm, porn-caramel.) I usually pick up a pile from the clearance rack at the local used bookstore when I’m interested in really debasing myself for a whole afternoon. Romance novels are great.

But not when they’re mixed up with my Horror.

Go to any major chain bookstore and you’ll probably see what I’m talking about. The two and half shelves labeled “Horror” will have your standard trappings of the genre stocked there—a handful of Stephen King, a pile of old Anne Rice, some Poe and Matheson collections with a row or two reserved for Dean Koontz. (Oh sweet, dark gawds of doom, not Dean Koontz. But I’ll rant about that, later.) Anyway, then you’ll see a small scattering of other “real” horror writers like Bentley Little, Ramsey Campbell, Brian Lumley, et al…but all that takes up a surprisingly small section of the shelf.

What remains—what squats in the remainder of the space like black leeches on the chest of a pre-Industrial revolution cancer patient—is paranormal romance. Laurel K. Hamilton. Charlene Harris. Stephanie Meyer. Stephanie freakin’ Meyer, people! Sitting right there, next to Graham Masterson!

If that thought doesn’t keep you awake at night and haunt your every fevered nightmare…well, then, maybe you should go write a SciFi novel.

But keep in mind, I have no issue with paranormal romance itself. (The Twilight series, of course, is an abomination on this earth that needs to be exorcised, but we all know that.) Paranormal romance is fine. I like paranormal romance—when on its own freakin’ shelf.

The fact that the major chain bookstores are compelled to stock these books as “Horror,” when anyone with a third grade education can see they are not remotely scary and not even meant to be scary, is a very bad sign. Either it’s a vast lack of vision on the part of book distributors, a sign of a changing market, or a hideous conspiracy to take the teeth out of that gory, scary genre we’ve come to know and love. I’m going to say its option one: lack of vision. Because, frankly, the other two options are just to horrifying to consider.

But, after you moved passed that horror, you might stand in front of the shelf, looking at poor Graham Masterson and the porn-caramel company he’s obtained in the bookstore just because his name starts with M. And you might have a name that starts with M yourself, which might lead you to think: “Oh, no. When I get my novel published, it might be sitting right there, next to her, and my beloved characters will be close enough to rub butts with Edward Cullen.”

Run screaming for the hills, people, cuz it don’t get any scarier than that.

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Episode 5: Lover Come Hack To Me

Randi Harlan — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:00:13 +0000

Original Air Date: June 21, 1989

Fake love, hot sex, blood & guts – what more do you need? This episode is based on the story “Lover, Come Hack to Me” seen in issue #19 of “The Haunt of Fear”.

You’ll find issue #19 in “The Haunt of Fear EC Annual 4″. The annual edition includes issues #16-20. I found eight copies available from one seller on EBay with free shipping for only $7.

Fans of the old EC Horror Comics should check out the modern day “Grave Tales“, published by Cemetery Dance Publications. Writers and artists might want to check out their submission guidelines.

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Ransom: Give Me What I Want And I’ll Go Away

Jessica Brown — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:54:32 +0000

Ransom, from Wicked East Press, is now open for submissions.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: September 30, 2010 Midnight (EST)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are looking for suspenseful stories of intrigue, mystery, espionage and (of course) ransom. These stories can take place in any time period and don’t have to be on this planet. We are looking for creative insight, not traditional mystery and suspense- shake it up and make it new. We want stories that make us question everyone’s purpose, make us look at the darker side of the world, and wonder why. This is a collection of stories to be enjoyed by everyone, so please keep excessive cussing and sex out unless integral to your character.

WHAT WE ARE NOT LOOKING FOR:

We are not interested in slash and hack or blood and gore for their own sake. Graphic rape, torture, child abuse, and animal torture have their place, but not here.

We prefer stories written in the third person— we will consider first person if you knock our socks off.

We are looking for short stories in the 3,500- 7,000 word range, but will consider stories from 1,500-10,000 words.

Payment is one contributor’s copy upon publication.

Submissions will be accepted until September 30, 2010 Midnight (EST).

Tentative Release Date: November 2010

Email submissions to: ransom@wickedeastpress.com.

Please put SUBMISSION, followed by the title of the story and word count, in the subject line of your email. Follow standard manuscript formatting and attach your submission in .rtf format. Submissions pasted in the body of the email will be rejected unread.

Questions about this anthology? Email editor: jaweiss@wickedeastpress.com.

Source: Wicked East Forums

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The Cult – Absolute Write Water Cooler

Lorna D. Keach — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:02:17 +0000

Some days, a writer just needs to get their bearings.

Some days, a writer’s been locked in their room for a week and a half with no human contact save for You Tube videos and a packet of demon-possessed Skittles candy.

Some days, when the burden of the terrible task weighs down upon us too heavily, a writer needs to share in the camaraderie of the writer’s life and relish the joys that come with the pains of this monstrous career we have undertaken…

This site will not help you do any of that.

Don’t get me wrong; I adore the Absolute Write Water Cooler. It’s like word cocaine. One can go there and howl about the trials and tribulations of writing, connect with writers who’ve had similar experiences, get advice and support and lots of other happy shiny things. At the Absolute Write forums, you’ll learn more about the craft of writing and the publishing industry than Writer’s Market will ever teach you. With over 20,000 members, professional and non-professional alike, it is the premiere indie gathering place on the internet for writers.

There’s just a reason they call it the “Water Cooler.” Because you’re not working while you’re standing around it.

But, when you’re in a bind, check out the site and peruse their exhaustive boards for whatever help you might need, be it for character development, dealing with jerkish editors, viable market information, or even the philosophies of language itself—chances are, they will have posts detailing whatever it is you’re looking for. But, after that, remind yourself that, yes, you are a writer, and it’s a writer’s plight to suffer in reclusive dementia, alone.

And, speaking of suffering, I think I’m giving up second person plural for Lent. (I’m not Catholic, but my husband talked me into it; he says self-denial is good for the soul, especially when done in groups. Of course, he also says Mohawk Jesus was the fastest gun in the West, so maybe I shouldn’t listen to him.)

My point is; it’s good to remember suffering and self-denial when dealing with the fabulous addictiveness that is the Absolute Write Water Cooler forums. Don’t stand around the cooler for too long, ya’ll—aw, dammit, second person plural.

I screwed it up already. Mohawk Jesus won’t be pleased.

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Episode 4: Only Sin Deep

Randi Harlan — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:16:52 +0000

Original Air Date: June 14, 1989

This episode was based on the story of the same title, seen in issue #24 of “The Haunt of Fear”. Otto Binder wrote the script.

Here we see a vain prostitute sell her “beauty” to a seemingly loony man for $10,000. She thinks she’s pulled a fast one on him, but the joke is on her four months later.

The prostitute is played by Lea Thompson of Howard the Duck fame.

Fans of the old EC Horror Comics should check out the modern day “Grave Tales“, published by Cemetery Dance Publications. Writers and artists might want to check out their submission guidelines.

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Zombality: A Queer Bent on the Undead

Jessica Brown — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:55:07 +0000

The Library of the Living Dead Press proudly presents Zombiality: A Queer Bent on the Undead.

Submissions are open to all authors and will run until June 27, 2010.

Stories must be about zombies and include a strong emphasis on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered plots, themes, and/or character(s).

This is horror with a queered twist. Stories can represent the horrific, gruesome, psychological, suspenseful, satirical, and other creative elements.

We are not seeking pornographic or extreme erotic stories.

Word count should be between 3k – 9k, .rtf attachment in Courier font only. Please include your name, address, phone number, email, and the word count on the title page. In your email please mention where you found the submission call and any current work you have done. You may also mention any specific writing, editing, publishing, or other glbt themed work you have done.

Please send submissions to zomboqueer@gmail.com.

Payment is one cent per word and one contributor copy.

Source: Library of the Living Dead.

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Probing Uranus

Jessica Brown — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:45:23 +0000

From the desk of Tim Long, editor of Library of Science Fiction and Fantasy Press -

“Library of Science Fiction and Fantasy Press is proud to announce Probing Uranus, an anthology of humorous science fiction stories. Science fiction is a pretty broad term so I turned to Wiki for a definition. Keep in mind that while it has to be funny and it has to be science fiction it can also contain elements of bizarro.

Science fiction is a genre of fiction. It differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation). Exploring the consequences of such differences is the traditional purpose of science fiction, making it a ‘literature of ideas.’ Science fiction is largely based on writing rationally about alternative possibilities.[2] The settings for science fiction are often contrary to known reality.

These may include:

A setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archaeological record,

A setting in outer space, on other worlds, or involving aliens,

Stories that involve technology or scientific principles that contradict known laws of nature,

Stories that involve discovery or application of new scientific principles, such as time travel or psionics, or new technology, such as nanotechnology, faster-than-light travel or robots, or of new and different political or social systems (e.g., a dystopia, or a situation where organized society has collapsed),

Humor- do I need to explain this one?

The anthology will be open to submissions for approximately 10 weeks from February 12th to April 23rd. I picked these dates by staring into a nanoscopic-future-engine powered by Gillette eclectic shavers and pineapple juice, not by downing a glass of wine and staring at a calendar for five minutes.

Word count needs to be between 6k – 9k, in Rich Text format only, Courier font size 12 with indented paragraphs and double spacing. Make sure you use italics – do not underline.

Once I receive the submission I will email you a confirmation. After that, please don’t ask about the status of your submission. I am very busy chasing two headed goats in my back yard with a badminton racket.

Place your contact information on first page, upper left – name, address, phone number, and email.

Place your word count on the upper right hand side.

Place your name/pen name under the title.

Send submissions to upuranusantho@gmail.com

Please mention any of your previous work and a brief explanation of who you are or which dimension you currently reside in.

You may submit one story. Send me your best or figure out a way to look into the future.

Published authors will receive one cent per word and one contributor copy.”

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The Horror of the Form Rejection

Lorna D. Keach — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:59:48 +0000

(Or, “Do you like me? Check yes, no, or go to hell.”)

There are few things more crushing than the dreaded Rejection Form.

You’ve already gone through the horror of Submitting. You’ve spent weeks editing your story, crossing your fingers and praying to your favorite dark gods that yes, finally, this time someone will say “What an awesome story! Thanks for sending it!” And then you spend weeks more, waiting, pacing, compulsively checking your email or your mailbox every ten minutes for that shinning gold note that says, yes, you are validated in your pursuit as a writer…

But then, the day comes, and you get a form.

Not just a note from an editor saying “This story doesn’t fit our needs.” Not just a “Thanks, but no thanks.” But a demeaning piece of fill-in-the-blank crap that lacks any semblance of soul or humanity. A Form Rejection.

The worst form rejection I’ve ever gotten read as follows:

Dear Mrs/Ms/Mr (Writer),

We were unable to accept your submission for one or more of the following reasons:

1. While the quality of writing and formatting was good, the mood and tone of the piece did not fit with our publication.

2. There was excessive and gratuitous violence/gore/sexuality, which does not fit with our publication.

3. We are currently closed to submissions.

4. Never in a million years would we consider publishing a story as abysmally conceived and horribly written as the piece of crap you just sent us.

Okay, maybe I’m embellishing a bit. But, the point is, many editors employ similar multiple choice, no-effort form letters. And some of the forms I’ve gotten weren’t even filled in! Seriously? Refusing to fill my name in the blank is one thing, but send a form, and then don’t even make the effort to check a box?! We all know that editors are busy people, but does being “busy” give you license to be a jerk?

No, it doesn’t. I may have sent them an abysmally conceived and horribly written piece of crap, but it’s never okay—professional or not—to be a jerk.

So, instead of slinking into their offices under the cover of night and painting lewd penis graffiti all over their desks, a tough writer will just go “Oh, well.” “Oh, well” is one of the most powerful weapons in a writer’s arsenal. With a shrug and a toss, a jerkish form can be discarded, erased, exorcised from your desk, and then all you have to do is concentrate on the next place to send your story.

Sure, it’ll sting for awhile, but we’re writers. If it doesn’t hurt a little, you’re not doing it right. Okay, if it doesn’t hurt a lot…

Anyway, my point is; it’s useful to just get rid of your form rejections. Some people say get rid of all your rejections, or save them all, or use them to build a paper mache temple to Nyarlathotep in your living room—do what you want. But, I’ve found keeping the good ones, those nice personal notes from editors, and trashing the jerkish ones really help keep you going when the nights grow cold and nobody’s reading your stuff.

Of course, if you happen to be a writer who’s also a powerful Voodoun, then totally keep the form rejections. Pile them up on your altar to Somedi and wrap them around your little editorial-shaped dolls…

And, if you have editorial-shaped dolls, would you mind if I sent you a few of the form rejections I’ve gotten lately? Oh, not for any specific reason…but I’ll pay $50 cash for every mysterious herpes outbreak. Just sayin.

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