Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Guidelines for Fantasy and Science Fiction..

This is topic Guidelines for Fantasy and Science Fiction.. in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by skadder (Member # 6757) on :

quote:
We have no formula for fiction. We are looking for stories that will appeal to science fiction and fantasy readers. The SF element may be slight, but it should be present. We prefer character-oriented stories. We receive a lot of fantasy fiction, but never enough science fiction or humor.

Does this mean that they won't accept a story that has no science fiction element, or does 'SF' mean 'science-fantasy', i.e. all stories must contain some element of either science fiction or fantasy.

I am confused because the title seems to suggest a fantasy story is acceptable, as well as science-fiction stories.

Anyone read this mag or submitted to it?

Also they don't mention their view of profanities etc. Anyone know?

[This message has been edited by skadder (edited February 09, 2008).]

Posted by Igwiz (Member # 6867) on :

I read it. They are chock full of fantasy. That's the point of the comment. They are ALWAYS looking for more hard SF, because nearly every month there are twice as many fantasy stories as SF.

But, there has to be either an SF OR a Fantasy element to the story.

If I were you, I'd find a hard copy and take a look. It is $4.50 here in the states. Beware when you're looking for it. It's not regular slick size (8.5 x 11), it's chapbook sized (4.25 x 7), so it might not jump out to you as a "magazine."

Also, they ONLY take hard-copy subs. No electronic subs.

Good luck!

Posted by Spaceman (Member # 9240) on :

Understand this is the hardest spec fic market to break into. Don't worry about profanity. Make the first page as compelling as possible or you'll get a 7-day "didn't grab" rejection.

Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :

SF in this case means Speculative Fiction.

The good thing about the Magazine of F&SF, they've got the quickest turnaround time of the pro mags, seconded only by ROF.

Posted by MartinV (Member # 5512) on :

I write science fiction, not fantasy. Which publishing companies like science fiction?

Posted by Igwiz (Member # 6867) on :

MartinV:

Please take a look at this website. They have nearly 2,100 markets in a searchable database format. Good stuff.

http://www.duotrope.com/

Good luck,

Posted by ChrisOwens (Member # 1955) on :

Speaking of F&SF, I just recieved my quickest rejection ever: 6 days.