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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

#61

Post by mojoe »

c0riander wrote: post #56
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…

As a writer familiar with SF&F short fiction markets, I agree that more information is needed. Including more biographical information on the website about yourself and any editors making acquisition decisions would help. You don't need to have industry cred already (though that helps), but writers like to know that (a) you're not a publisher/editor known not to pay, has a bad rep, etc. and (b) that you're a real per…

Thank you, this is very helpful. I will be adding much more information to the submissions page based on the great advice I've received on this thread!

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

#66

Post by [deleted] »

joeax wrote: post #39

I am a coder by day, but I'm nearing completion of a full length novel (100,000 words) and ready to self-publish on Kindle and possibly Smashwords. I'll have to take a look at this for some other works. I have some other short stories I've been kicking around. I particularly like the bias against dystopian fiction as I feel the same way. I also eschew themes like moral decay in the future, since as humans I believe w…

[deleted]

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

#67

Post by mabbo »

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…

Give them some way to prove that they sent you their work, and that it remains their property.

I've contemplated sharing some writing before, but I trust Kindle Direct Publishing far more than I trust nameless website with an email address and some nice sounding promises, even if I might make less money. Big publishers who might reject me still have a reputation to uphold, and won't turn around and take me stories, pay me nothing, then start publishing them with their own name on it.

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

#68

Post by dcole2929 »

c0riander wrote: post #56
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…

As a writer familiar with SF&F short fiction markets, I agree that more information is needed. Including more biographical information on the website about yourself and any editors making acquisition decisions would help. You don't need to have industry cred already (though that helps), but writers like to know that (a) you're not a publisher/editor known not to pay, has a bad rep, etc. and (b) that you're a real per…

I somehow missed your post and so wrote a comment covering almost all of this. Went ahead and deleted mine as yours is far clearer, and op has already responded

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

#69

Post by striking »

waterlesscloud wrote: post #48
mojoe wrote: post #47

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're right, I need more roadmap details on the site. I will add detail this evening.

All you really need to do is publish good work and pay 6 cents a word for it as promised. Writers will beat your door down if you do that much.

Chicken and egg. The majority of good writers are paranoid and would rather publish with established platforms.

Providing proof that this is legitimate is pretty necessary.

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

#70

Post by nommm-nommm »

bryanlarsen wrote: post #30
Wildgoose wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Diversity problem? Nonsense! Just look how many succesful Speculative Fiction authors are female: Andrea Norton, Susan Cooper, Connie Willis, Ursula Le Guin, Julian May, Nancy Kress, Octavia Butler (black, as well as female) and dare I say it, J.K. Rowling - all off the top of my head. Then there are well known award-winnning gay authors such as David Gerrold. And I've just finished reading last year's Hugo Award win…

It's "Andre Norton", not "Andrea Norton". Her real name was Alice. It'd be nice to think we'd advanced far enough that females wouldn't feel it was necessary to use male pseudonyms, but it's "JK Rowling" not "Joanne Rowling" to avoid scaring off the boys.

Yes, Joanne Rowling was asked by her publisher to publish Harry Potter under two initials because they thought boys might not want to read a book written by a woman. Not having a middle name she choose K as a nod to her paternal grandmother, Kathleen.
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