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1. Press Release and Review Copies.
Electronic format press releases should be sent to news [strange round-ish e-mail symbol] sfcrowsnest [little dot] com - for physical items (games, DVDs, books, comics etc) please query us for review copy suitability first.

2. Submissions Guidelines: The Creative Side Of SFCrowsnest

Let's make things easier to understand what I look for in submitted material to be correct. This covers articles or stories - whether its flash fiction, short stories or even samples for those submitting for e-book release - let alone articles and reviews. There's also links below looking at specific problems that continually come up that you should pay attention to solving. Read everything below for enlightenment.

We haven't got a budget that can pay you for anything but considering that we have over half a millions readers world-wide, its some exposure for your name and material. You also keep copyright but we have first viewing permission.

1. Original ideas. Yeah! I know. With so much fiction and articles around there's bound to be no new ideas under the sun or whatever star you pick. However, it does mean you can bring a new take to an old idea if something less than original occurs to you. Do a little research to make sure you haven't gone the same route as a published author. You don't know how much I've read to do otherwise.

2. Grammar and spelling. Any editor will tell you the less work they have to do, the happier they are. I'm no exception to this even if I'm known to sort out some problems, tell you what they are and on occasion, even sort them out. It makes my life a lot easier if they weren't there in the first place. If you see getting a submission accepted here as a means to develop your writer's CV, then think with a professional attitude. Read and, more importantly, understand a book or two on basic grammar and keep a decent copy of Chambers 20th Century Dictionary and a Roget's Thesaurus by your side as word processor's spell-checkers can't tell the difference between context and word usage even if a word is spelt correctly. We nominally use British spelling NOT American spelling. It shows where we're sourced from and can be easily adjusted using your 'Language' command in your word processor. When we send samples abroad, we change to the native spelling, so we expect the same consideration. If you don't, then we'll make the adjustment. LINK: The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

3. Formats. Stay within standard rather than HTML formats so you don't pick up any bad habits. If you don't know what standard formats are you can either consult a copy at your local reference library of 'The Artists And Writers Handbook' (which is recommended for understanding copyright law anyway) or as follows for hardcopy: Borders 2cm (1inch) except left hand side which is 3cm(1 1/2inch). Main text should be double lined (you only need to do this once you completed your copy) using 12pt Times New Roman font. Use italics or bold if you must but remember these don't necessarily convert to HTML format without some work. The start of each paragraph should be indented by 2 spaces in preference to tabs. Header should only consist of up to 2 lines on the left hand side - left to its own devices, word processors will make the point size smaller than then main text - consisting of title, your name and address. Page numbers in the top right hand corner. If accepted, we will require an edited proof as a TXT or DOC datafile with permission to do a final edit - although you will be kept in the picture as to what was corrected that was missed the first time after following our corrections if accepted.

4. Protocols. Apart from the sample or completed short story, article or review, it is always advisable to have an introductory letter telling something about yourself as well as a writer's CV (don't worry if its brief, we all have to start somewhere) and a brief synopsis in the first instance. Intro letters are supposed to tell me something about you personally rather than the formal writer's CV and insight into your personality. If you're concerned about having your ideas stolen, don't. I have enough problems and lack of time keeping up with my own ideas and everything is dealt with in strict confidence.

5. Be prepared to take criticism. Egos should be left at the door. What counts is making your story or article the best they can be. Make sure you have names spelt correctly, facts, arguments rational, sources for your research noted just on the off-chance I haven't some knowledge on the subject and ask you questions. There are too many people in the know to fake known facts, let alone when deviate a little in SF without it holding up. If they survive my scrutiny then that of half million readers shouldn't necessarily roast you neither.

6. Attachments. Don't send them unless we ask you to cos we don't always open them. It's the easiest way to be virused. Ask permission first if you have to and then only as TXT files as it conserves space and download time.

7. Return Postage. If you want your material returned to you, ensure adequate stamps on your correctly sized SAE. For Non-UK residents, it'll be cheaper to destroy your sample by recycling than return it. If you just want a proper reply, an A5 envelope Stamp-Addressed Envelope as well as an email address - if you move or change servers, one or the other will reach you. Non-UK residents, 3 International Reply Coupons (IRC) instead of stamps with your SAE. Please note: as pretty as your unfranked foreign stamps are, they are not legal tender in the UK. If you want an acknowledgement that your envelope arrived safely, include a stamp-addressed postcard with the relevant info on. For Non-UK residents, an extra IRC with your card. If you don't include return postage, you shouldn't expect a reply. Don't forget, I do extensive replies as I spend time looking over your work.

8. Do Not Send In Multiple Stories! Apart from it not being fair to everyone else, I'm only going to choose one anyway. Experience has shown that faults reoccur so it's in your interest to make that one shot your best. This does not mean you can't send in further samples but only after you've received the answer from the first one and used the information to sort out existing problems.

9. I'm also very nice but be patient waiting for a reply. I spend time going over all material, giving comment and opinion on what you've wrote whether it's acceptable or not. Whether its stories, articles or reviews, you will eventually get a long reply. Whether you like it or not is debatable but it's better than a note that tells you none of the reasons. Give a day or two for emotions to quieten down and read the replies again if you feel bitter or confused. The replies are meant to help you. There are very few people who don't feel some kind of hurt having their material criticised or think it's a personal attack but if you intend to survive as a writer then you should read it to see if it was justified or not. Try living by a mantra I use: If I can't defend my argument adequately and rationally, then it deserves to be changed. It doesn't necessarily follow that you'll agree with my suggestion or make me change my opinion, but it would certainly allow you a re-think and arrive at a better solution.

10. If you survive me then your chances are better that you'll come away a better writer. At the end of the day, that can only serve both of us well.

What We Aren't Interested In:-

1. Media Tie-Ins of SF TV shows or films or the use of characters of same. There's enough sites out there doing this already and we have no desire to be sued for copyright infringement.
2. Role-Playing Games (RPG) - stories based on them are a copyright minefield!!! If you think you're a good storyteller in RPG, then try writing your own material.
3. Using living people, other than those who would be deemed as public property, as characters. We don't want to be sued, have a fatwa, etc for character assassination. I don't think you want to neither.
4. No poetry or filk-songs. There are other websites who are happy with this kind of material. Support them instead.
5. Stories based on Arthurian legends and quests - both have been rather done to death. Let Arthur Pendragon keep his sword Excalibur. Avoid cliché scares and jumps.
6. Material that has been used elsewhere first. We're seen as the breakers of new material.

Is There Anything Left That We Are Interested In:-

Plenty.

1. Original Science Fiction with capital 'SF'. If all you understand is the term 'Sci-Fi' then you might be in the wrong place. Hard or Soft SF is immaterial. SF plots are stories that tend not to work in any other genre.
2. We are primarily an SF website but we will look at its grey cousins, horror and fantasy only on a pro-rata or pro re nata basis. A little imagination stretching is good for the mind.
3. The range of our article interest for SF books, films and TV can be seen if you read the website - always a good place to start. Tell me what you're planning to write article-wise before submitting can be useful to avoid duplication. Again, a little feedback from our side can help you as well. We see the forests as well as the trees.

Flash Fiction

One page stories. This works out to be an A4 page or approximately 650 words when you double-line. Writing a single page story is a demonstration of word control, so make every word count.

For more details:-
One Page Stories Or Flash Fiction Submissions
So You Really Want To Write An SF Story?
The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

Short Stories

A short story is anything up to 40 A4 pages. It doesn't have to be the maximum length. Most of the time, short stories are less than 25 pages long. Always remember: a story is as long as it needs to be told. Don't pad, waffle or use unnecessary detail.

For more details:-
One Page Stories Or Flash Fiction Submissions
So You Really Want To Write An SF Story?
The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

Novel-length

This is longer than 50 pages and will be in my slush pile for e-book consideration. I'm a long way behind at the moment, so if you can't be patient, do the rounds of the other publishers first. If you're in my pile but sell elsewhere, no problem. Let me know and my pile becomes one less. It will be one less if I find out its sold by cursory check anyway. I do do very thorough post mortems, though, so if you are going wrong, I do point out the weaknesses. It takes longer but that's where the time goes. I invariably come away knowing more about your material than you do.

Do Not Send In Complete Novels!

Can't be any plainer than that. A synopsis and a 3 chapters as sample with an intro letter. If you show good storycraft and credible interesting ideas, then we'll ask to see the completed book not before. I live in a paper jungle as it is. Saying that, I do prefer hardcopy samples as opposed to digital. It stops me getting square eyed and I can look at the work objectively away from the screen. It's an editor thing. I am currently nearly two years behind at the moment. Consult the last PS of the editorial for the exact position. If you change address or email, let me know.

For more details:-
So You Really Want To Write An SF Story?
The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

Articles
Check with me first before submitting. We might have run something like it originally or recently. With articles, make sure you have names spelt correctly, facts, arguments rational, sources for your research noted just on the off-chance I haven't some knowledge on the subject and ask you questions on the subject. Size doesn't matter but potential boredom factors like padding, waffle and repetition do. The smart writer will look at counter-arguments to their ideas to make sure they hold up. Editorially, my job is to see you don't end up with egg on your face with mistakes.

For more details:-
The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

Reviews
This should be easier for all of you who can express an opinion about a book you've read. The real trick is in expressing this on paper or screen. You need to be mostly UK-based, like reading and expressing an opinion about what you've read. We have an ample supply of SF, fantasy and horror books to choose from. This is the one area where you get something for your trouble. The book for your review. We love people who read books.

For more details:-
So You Wanna Write Reviews For SFCrowsnest?
The Problems I See Most When Looking At Samples

Editorially, my job is to make sure you look your best. Better for me to spot the mistakes than others. It also saves you groaning 6 months down the line when you spot a mistake that should have been spotted in the first place. If you look good then it reflects on everyone else concerned.

If you're creative, opinionated or both and can write, there must be something in the above that will stir you. Good luck.

More details

Guidelines for would-be daily newsfeed journalists

Guidelines for flash fiction submissions

Guidelines for short and long fiction submissions

Guidelines for book and movie review submissions

The problems Geoff sees most when looking at samples

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