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Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

compellingsciencefiction.com

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Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#11

Post by embwbam »

mojoe wrote: post #8
eamann wrote: post #5

I like the idea, but it's a bit disheartening to submit stories to an unknown organization whose website includes zero details about who the publisher will be or how the stories will be published. I get that it's a "self-funded hobby," but it could just as well be a scam by a nameless, faceless group of con men. Considering the domain is registered anonymously through Amazon, there is absolutely no information availa…

I'm disheartened that my site seems scary to you -- the "we" referenced is myself and some friends who have signed up as slush readers. I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what information I could publish that would give you confidence in the site. It sounds like I should put up an 'about' page with some information about myself and my readers. For now, here's my linkedin page, to put a face to the face…

Writers are paranoid. I played around with a self-publishing site last year (http://webfiction.co) and was surprised more than once by how worried writers were about getting ripped off, losing control of their work, etc. I think there are so many shady characters in the space that everyone has been burned.

Basically everyone wants someone else to take a chance on you to provide social proof. Consider tracking down a well-regarded writer and commissioning something?

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#12

Post by mojoe »

japhyr wrote: post #3
mojoe wrote: post #2

Compelling Science Fiction is a self-funded hobby -- I want to support the creation of great science fiction. Ultimately I'd like it if the project became self-sustaining, which would allow me to pay more authors more money and promote more stories. If you REALLY like this idea and would like to be a "slush pile" reader, my email address is in my profile!

I hope you repost this when you've got your first round of stories selected. I'd love to see the quality of writing you receive. How are submissions going?

I will! We just launched, and have a handful of submissions so far.

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#13

Post by mkrfox »

There are many excellent, paying science fiction/fantasy collections out there. You need to set yourself apart in a way that convinces people to trust their stories to you (who we know nothing about) instead of someone else.

Especially since the established collections prefer/require first publication. Why should we risk that you'll publish and fail to pay?

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#15

Post by dotsamuelswan »

gboudrias wrote: post #14

You know, 600$ for a 1000 word story actually sounds pretty good. If I was a native English speaker I would submit some stuff. Edit: Brain fart, it's 60$ for 1000 words. I'd still do it.

Your math is a little off, but you should seriously consider brushing up a bit and writing. SFF (and speculative fiction as a whole) has a diversity problem.

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#17

Post by m12k »

gboudrias wrote: post #14

You know, 600$ for a 1000 word story actually sounds pretty good. If I was a native English speaker I would submit some stuff. Edit: Brain fart, it's 60$ for 1000 words. I'd still do it.

A 1000 word story would be $60 while a 10000 word story would be $600

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#18

Post by mojoe »

embwbam wrote: post #11
mojoe wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm disheartened that my site seems scary to you -- the "we" referenced is myself and some friends who have signed up as slush readers. I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what information I could publish that would give you confidence in the site. It sounds like I should put up an 'about' page with some information about myself and my readers. For now, here's my linkedin page, to put a face to the face…

Writers are paranoid . I played around with a self-publishing site last year ( http://webfiction.co ) and was surprised more than once by how worried writers were about getting ripped off, losing control of their work, etc. I think there are so many shady characters in the space that everyone has been burned. Basically everyone wants someone else to take a chance on you to provide social proof. Consider tracking down…

Getting some social proof is a great idea. I have some author friends in real life, so maybe having endorsements from them on social media will help instill confidence. I think the first few months will be the hardest, but eventually we'll have a track record.

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#19

Post by eamann »

mojoe wrote: post #8
eamann wrote: post #5

I like the idea, but it's a bit disheartening to submit stories to an unknown organization whose website includes zero details about who the publisher will be or how the stories will be published. I get that it's a "self-funded hobby," but it could just as well be a scam by a nameless, faceless group of con men. Considering the domain is registered anonymously through Amazon, there is absolutely no information availa…

I'm disheartened that my site seems scary to you -- the "we" referenced is myself and some friends who have signed up as slush readers. I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know what information I could publish that would give you confidence in the site. It sounds like I should put up an 'about' page with some information about myself and my readers. For now, here's my linkedin page, to put a face to the face…

It's a matter of us not knowing who "we" are. We don't know who you are. We don't know who else is involved. Aside from your comment that this is a personal hobby, we have no idea what your intentions are with the site. Nor do we know your experience or qualifications.

I'm not the only writer with an experience being ripped off by a prospective publisher. Again, while I'm sure and hoping everything here is on the up and up, there are zero details on the site itself to help assuage any concerns. Linking to your LinkedIn profile here of all places only helps those who discover the site via Hacker News ... that will be a tiny sliver of your traffic.

Re: Show HN: I'm looking for science fiction writers

#20

Post by mojoe »

mkrfox wrote: post #13

There are many excellent, paying science fiction/fantasy collections out there. You need to set yourself apart in a way that convinces people to trust their stories to you (who we know nothing about) instead of someone else. Especially since the established collections prefer/require first publication. Why should we risk that you'll publish and fail to pay?

It is a risk to trust stories to someone who doesn't have a public track record. I'm guessing that the majority of my initial submissions will come from authors who know me in person, and know that I'll pay them and publicize their work. Hopefully after the first few issues it will be clear that I'm serious about supporting this genre!
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