is the product of an unorthodox crossbreeding program between the CIA and United States Army Intelligence, a project terminated after only a few years when they realized the resultant offspring would never pass for normal in modern society.
Most of his history is subject to rumors, misdirections, and outright lies, but enough photographic evidence and paper trails exist to confirm that he graduated from St. Albans School for Boys in Washington, DC, before getting a degree in Theatre (technical concentration) from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Instead of pursuing a career in the noble art of backstage theatre, he went against all sane expectations and became a writer, something he’d dreamed of for years. He pretty much fell sideways into his role of book reviewer, and has kept it up ever since for various reasons, not the least of which is getting books from the future. He’s seen a few fiction publications over the years, and he’s still trying to figure out exactly how that happened.
Because I’ve been getting numerous submissions which don’t suit my needs, I find myself in the position of placing certain things at the very top, in the hopes people will read them.
2) No multiple submissions without asking me first. One per author per attempt.
6) Your story MUST contain visible LGBTQ characters, and within that, specifically, transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, asexual, aromantic, gay, or facets of the spectrum not specifically mentioned. I’m very sorry, but I have enough stories with predominantly lesbian protagonists or relationships. If I don’t see visible evidence, I’ll be forced to assume that everyone is straight/hetero/cis, and that’s not the point of this particular call for submissions. I have several stories already in hand which cover that end of things.
7) See #6. I’m going to get increasingly cranky if people keep breaking this one. I’m not saying your character needs to burst into the scene going “IIIIII’MMMMMM TRAAAAAANS” and doing a song and dance routine, but if I don’t see some sign of what I’m looking for… well, y’know. I’m a reasonable editor, but I know what I want, and no amount of not giving me what I want is going to make me magically accept something which doesn’t fit the criteria.
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Just about every culture has some sort of tradition involving people who dabble in the supernatural to one end or another, and there’s a vast amount of potential left to be tapped in this genre, especially with teenage protagonists. Whether they’re wizards-in-training, voodoo princesses, the last descendant of an infamous historical figure, the newest apprentice in the family business, or just someone in the wrong place at the right time, the stories are endless.
While LGBTQ elements are not required, they are highly encouraged, as are protagonists who defy traditional roles and labels. (As in “girls doing boy things” and “boys doing girl things”.) More importantly: no story will be turned away for containing LGBTQ characters or elements, unless it violates the other guidelines.
PLEASE NOTE: I have already seen a number of stories which address bullying. While I’m still open to considering stories incorporating this theme, I’d like to see some more variety to help round things out.
SUBMISSION ADDRESS: All submissions may be sent to
[email protected]. Please address any questions or queries to that address as well.Submissions should be sent as an attachment, as .rtf or .doc.