I'll cut to the chase. I'm looking for a few brave souls to help keep short fiction reviews alive, specifically those from the small/semi-pro paying press. From Skull Salad:
Here's the deal: Dave Truesdale of Tangent Online has made public Tangent will no longer review publications paying less than "pro" rates (currently 5 cents/word according to both the SWFA and HWA). Jason Sanford has an eloquent response at his blog.
My less-than-eloquent response: that sucks.
No reviews for anything from Clockwork Phoenix, Shimmer, Weird Tales (WEIRD TALES!), Space & Time, Triangulation, Electro Velocipede, Albedo One...
As a writer, I've benefited from several favorable reviews of my stories in Tangent's virtual pages. I don't have the time/energy or expertise to fill the gap left by Tangent's rather narrow focus. I can offer suggestions of short pieces I've read and enjoyed, and will continue to do so here at Skull Salad. What I'm asking is simple:
I need a few brave souls to join me, not as "full-time" reviewers, but as folks who enjoy good, short speculative fiction and would be willing to offer suggestions of reading material from time to time. Nothing big. Even one story recommendation a month goes a long way in keeping the speculative fiction machine alive.
If you want on the list (no obligation), email me. (aaron.polson(at)gmail.com)
From here on, Skull Salad only touches short fiction from venues paying less than "pro" rates.
7 comments:
You have mail.
Yes, it's a real shame.
But did you notice that he says:
"In other words (and with a few exceptions at my discretion) only professionally paying markets will be reviewed."
So I'm guessing Weird Tales, Interzone and the like will still be reviewed.
But many others won't.
I don't know if I've misunderstood Dave Truesdale's argument, but the notion that only pro-paying markets dare to publish the ground-breaking, non-PC stuff he wants to read is utter bullshit.
Good luck with the Skull Salad agenda. As a former beneficiary, I'm giving careful thought as to how I can help.
Well that's a kick to the balls : P
Thanks, Cate.
Deborah - And he's more than welcome to review at his discretion, as any of us are.
Michael - I just want to do what I can to call notice to the small press cream.
Natalie - Hard.
Argh. That does suck. I'll post short fiction reviews. I love short fiction!
The thing about the reasons for limiting the focus to pro-paying mags being the kick in the pants--that's how I feel exactly. What a bunch of bull. Funny what some people will do to feel like a special snowflake, I guess.
And yeah, artsy people are more inclined to do that crap, because, you know. Validation is harder to come by, and even more necessary. I get it. I just dislike it extremely. Enough to use adverbs, even.
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