Permuted Press

THE MARKET

• Publisher:  Permuted Press
• Editor(s): Jacob Kier
• Pay Rate: Varies, advance paying
• Response Time: 30 days for query, 6 months for manuscripts
• Reading Period: Until filled
• Description: Seeking apocalyptic, time travel, Cthulhu Mythos, and other genre novels.
• Submission Guidelines: permutedpress.com

NOTE: Author D.L. Snell conducted the following interview to give writers a better idea of what the editors of this specific market are seeking; however, most editors are open to ideas outside of the preferences discussed here, as long as they fit the basic submission guidelines.

THE SCOOP
1) What authors do you enjoy, and why does their writing captivate you?
I love old school Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Richard Laymon.  I'm a big fan of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.  I'm less likely to follow a particular author these days than to be drawn to interesting ideas, setups, or situations.

Within the apocalyptic/zombie genres, I've really enjoyed Brian Keene, Jonathan Maberry, and Simon Clark's work.  My absolute favorite apocalyptic novel is Cormac McCarthy's The Road.
 
2) What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
It should be obvious looking at the Permtued catalog that I love zombie fiction and apocalyptic fiction in general.  I'm attempting to bring in more variety this time by also looking at time travel novels and novels that make use of Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos.
 
3) What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
I'm not opposed to any setting, but I do tend to be more interested in real settings rather than fantasy or futuristic settings.  Generally the situation and characters are more crucial to me than the setting.
 
4) Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
I think any good novel is going to take the time to develop characters and include slower thoughtful moments, but I'm less inclined to be interested in novels which have long slow periods, or which build up too slowly.  Most often I'm into novels that have a good flow of fast pace mixed with slower moments.

5) What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
It seems somewhat cliché I suppose, but I like normal characters thrown into abnormal situations.  How does the school teacher react to the apocalypse?  What does the southern farmer do when confronted with Lovecraftian monstrosities?  Exploring what happens when the average Joe is pushed to the extreme interests me.

One other that sticks out is that, despite that they don't line up with my personal philosophy at all, I'm often drawn to charismatic nihilistic characters--Fight Club's Tyler Durden comes to mind.  The characters who are so self-centered that you want to loathe them, and yet you find yourself liking and even cheering for them.
 
6) Is there a specific tone you'd like to set in your publication? What kind of voices grab you and keep you enthralled? Any examples?
It's difficult to end the world without it being dark!  That said, dark with no glimpses of light is boring.  There has to be some hope--even if it ends up being futile--or you're left with a pretty bland story.
 
7) What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
I'm not interested in extremes just to be extreme.  Vulgarity and violence are fine as long as they're enhancing the story in a realistic way and not a distraction.  Sex in books is fine, but I'm not looking for material that's overly descriptive sexually.
 
8) What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market? In general, what themes interest you?
I'm fascinated by any story where a person or group is caught in a situation where they must come up with creative ways to fight or survive.  The situations that force everyone to become a MacGuyver.  Whether it's scrounging to survive a zombie apocalypse, being shipwrecked on a desert island, or being locked down in a skyscraper fighting terrorists, I can't get enough.  But the best tales like these are the ones that also use these desperate situations to remind us of what’s important:  relationships, love, family, endurance.  Throw MacGuyver into the zombie apocalypse and you'll have a heck of an entertaining novel.  Throw MacGuyver into a zombie apocalypse and make readers cry, and you'll have a book with potential to become a classic.
 
9) Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
I can't say I prefer one over the other; I'm open to either.
 
10) Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do's or do not's?
I encourage anyone submitting to spend some time on your query letter.  As I mention in the guidelines, your query letter is either going to open the door for your novel, or close it.  Make sure your description of your book sounds like something you'd actually want to read, not just a dry plotting of the novel’s main points.

It's been said a million times before, but get someone--ideally multiple people--to read your novel and give you feedback.  Generally writers (me included) just aren't good at seeing the problems in their own work.

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For more scoops, go to marketscoops.blogspot.com.

D.L. Snell writes with Permuted Press. He edited Dr. Kim Paffenroth twice, John Dies at the End once, and provided a constructive critique to Joe McKinney on his next major novel after Dead City. You can shoot D.L. Snell in the head at www.exit66.net.

To reprint this article, please contact D.L. Snell.

Interview – Dan Henk, Tattoo Artist and Writer

Up next in Wayne Simmons's series of interviews with people that he particularly respects within the sci-fi and horror genre is tattoo artist and writer Dan Henk. Dan is respected worldwide as one of the finest horror and realist tattoo artists around, and Wayne is honoured that he has taken time out of a hectic schedule to answer these questions.    

WS: So, who are you and how do you contribute towards the horror and sci-fi genre?

DH: I’m Dan Henk. I do everything from paintings, storyboards, writing, tattooing and secret assassinations for the CIA – but don’t tell anyone!

My paintings and writing almost always involve horror and I’ve been in quite a few galleries, 6 books and a slew of magazines. Tattoo-wise I do a slightly broader range of material, almost anything realistic (except religious stuff). however, I’m fairly well know in the tattoo community as a horror artist. I’ve been a featured tattoo artist in over 30 magazines and 5 books.



WS: What attracts you to the horror/ sci-fi genre?

DH: It’s the best genre going! Fuck that run of the mill “daily drama” shit!

Seriously, I think any good story and/or artwork needs a good sense of drama, suspense and other foundation elements but any story is better when you add an element of sci-fi or horror!

WS: You specialise in horror realism. Why do you think people like to get archetypal horror images tattooed on their bodies?

DH: They identify with the movies. The outcast, “anti-square-conformist world” implications of it. To them, and to me, the monsters are the heroes, they’re the stars that make the story worth telling.



WS: How much of your tattoo work is custom? How different is the process to creating a custom horror tattoo to reproducing an image from a film/ comic etc.?

DH: Well, everything I do, I draw up with my take on it. So it might be Travis Bickle or Jason Vorhees but it isn’t a dead ringer from a scene you will see in a movie. I often put my own slant on a customer’s idea to shift even the more serene or everyday material towards horror. After all, that is why they came to me. For example, I’m currently doing a Batman sleeve. I made the Batman more dark and aggressive and the Joker a zombie. I do portraits as well, again with a bit of a reinterpretation because; although there are plenty of straight forward portrait artists, people tend to come to me because they want something a bit darker.

WS: You’ve also written a sci-fi/ horror novel – tell us a little about that.

Read more...

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For more interviews and book reviews by Wayne Simmons, go to www.waynesimmons.org

Belfast born, Wayne Simmons, has been loitering with intent around the horror genre for some years. Having scribbled reviews and interviews for various zines, Wayne released his debut horror novel, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, through PERMUTED PRESS. The book was received well by both fans of the genre and reviewers alike. In April 2010, the rights to DROP DEAD GORGEOUS reverted back to Wayne. An extended version of DDG will be released through SNOWBOOKS in 2011.

Wayne released the zombie apocalyptic horror novel, FLU, through SNOWBOOKS in April 2010.

In what little spare time he has left, Wayne enjoys running, getting tattooed and listening to all manner of unseemly screeches on his BOOM-BOOM Box…

The Zombie Feed, Vol. 1 antho

THE MARKET

• Antho: The Zombie Feed, Vol. 1
• Publisher: The Zombie Feed (an imprint of Apex Publications)
• Editor(s): Jason Sizemore
• Pay Rate: 1¢ / word
• Response Time: 4-6 weeks for rejection. Longer if your story is held.
• Reading Period: Until October 31st, 2010
• Description: The Zombie Feed, Vol 1 is an introductory anthology for our new zombie book imprint. The stories we're looking to publish can be thought of as more traditional zombie fiction…end of the world scenarios, social issues, etc. Like Romero attempts in his films. (More in guidelines.)
• Submission Guidelines: thezombiefeed.biz

NOTE: Author D.L. Snell conducted the following interview to give writers a better idea of what the editors of this specific market are seeking; however, most editors are open to ideas outside of the preferences discussed here, as long as they fit the basic submission guidelines.

THE SCOOP
1) What authors do you enjoy, and why does their writing captivate you?
For novel length works, I'm a big fan of the following authors: Charlie Huston, Richard K. Morgan, Cormac McCarthy, Cherie Priest, Ekaterina Sedia, Brian Keene (I could really list a bunch more but that's a good start).

For short fiction, I like: Jennifer Pelland, Catherynne M. Valente, Mary Robinette Kowal, Peter M. Ball, Joe Hill, Lavie Tidhar (again, this is just a small sampling).

For many of these writers, I am drawn to their ear for dialogue and narration. They understand the poetic rhythm and cadence of the English language (Huston, McCarthy, Sedia, Valente, Hill, Tidhar). And others excel in plot and characterization (Morgan, Priest, Keene, Pelland, Kowal, Ball). And naturally, all these authors are, at minimum, really damn good at both.

2) What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
I'm a fan of dark SF. While I'm looking for traditional zombie fiction for the anthology, I would be quite pleased to see quality cross genre work.

3) What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
I enjoy scenarios where the protagonists are fighting against the odds. This can be in the form of a doomsday scenario, being trapped in a barn surrounded by zombies, having just been bitten and knowing death (zombification!) is imminent. Yet, it is important that there be more to the story than just the setting.

4) Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
I like a slow burn. Static mood pieces, when done properly, excite me. I'm also a fan of a well-written action packed work.

5) What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
I like the 'McCready' character as seen in Carpenter's THE THING. Clever characters are my favorite.

6) Is there a specific tone you'd like to set in your publication? What kind of voices grab you and keep you enthralled? Any examples?
Dark. Nearly hopeless. It's the zombie apocalypse!

7) What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
Not much bothers me at this point. Having read slush for Apex for five years I've become impervious to most nasty crap.

8) What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market? In general, what themes interest you?
The struggle to survive. Fighting against great odds. Typical zombie metaphors.

9) Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
Downbeat.

10) Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do's or do not's?
I'm not a fan of unhappy, bitter characters. If your story opens with a man bemoaning his miserable marriage/job/life, you're not doing yourself any favors with me.

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For more scoops, go to marketscoops.blogspot.com.

D.L. Snell writes with Permuted Press. He edited Dr. Kim Paffenroth twice, John Dies at the End once, and provided a constructive critique to Joe McKinney on his next major novel after Dead City. You can shoot D.L. Snell in the head at www.exit66.net.

To reprint this article, please contact D.L. Snell.

Graveside Tales publisher

THE MARKET

• Publisher: Graveside Tales
• Editor(s): Myrrym Davies
• Pay Rate: No monetary advance; royalties average +/- 15%.
• Response Time: 20 - 30 days
• Reading Period: Twice yearly:  March 1 - May 30 and September 1 - November 30
• Description: Publishes horror and dark fiction novels, novellas, and anthologies with a supernatural angle, as well as select backlisted titles.
• Submission Guidelines: www.gravesidetales.com

NOTE: Author D.L. Snell conducted the following interview to give writers a better idea of what the editors of this specific market are seeking; however, most editors are open to ideas outside of the preferences discussed here, as long as they fit the basic submission guidelines.

THE SCOOP
1) What authors do you enjoy, and why does their writing captivate you?
As a reader and an editor, strong world-building skills, compelling characterization and unique emotive style are qualities I cherish in an author.  My list of favorites is a mile long, but the three that immediately spring to mind are Orson Scott Card, Clive Barker and George Orwell.  Card does a wonderful job of creating recognizable worlds and vibrant, well-rounded characters.  Barker has a knack for evoking a wide range of emotions over the course of a single story.  And Orwell's satirical style and dystopian settings are simply timeless; the content of his works is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. 

2) What are your favorite genres? Which genres would you like to see incorporated into submissions to this market?
Horror titles—both large and small press—take up a large portion of my bookshelf, but I also enjoy comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, steampunk, mystery, political thrillers, and erotica.  Bizarro and paranormal/pulp romance... not so much.  We would like to see more genre blends, particularly those incorporating humor, science fiction, fantasy and Western elements. 

3) What settings most intrigue you? Ordinary or exotic locales? Real or fantasy? Past, present, or future?
Ordinary, real-world locales are my personal preference, but I do not object to exotic or otherworldly settings when it comes to submissions.  The time period does not really matter. 

4) Explain the type of pacing you enjoy, e.g. slow building to fast, fast throughout, etc.
It depends on the story.  Slow build-ups are great, provided the tension is maintained throughout.  The same can be said of more action-oriented pieces.  The consistency of the story's pacing is more important to me than anything.

5) What types of characters appeal to you the most? Any examples?
I don't have a preference when it comes to specific types of characters.  All I ask is that they be fully developed and play their part in a realistic manner (and that includes engaging in believable dialogue).  A manuscript featuring blatant stereotypes or unconvincing characters will probably not make it past the first round of reviews. 

6) Is there a specific tone you'd like to set in your publication? What kind of voices grab you and keep you enthralled? Any examples?
Any unique, well-written horror story with compelling characters and an intriguing plot will be considered.  While we do expect the tone to be dark, we are not looking for a specific kind of "voice."  We like to offer readers a variety of writing styles to choose from—a little something for everyone, if you will. 

7) What is your policy for vulgarity, violence, and sexual content? Any taboos?
Graveside Tales does not usually censor its authors, but we tend to avoid publishing pieces containing overt racism, explicit depictions of child abuse, and pointless torture or rape.  That said, as long as the content in question is essential to the story and not included solely for shock value, it will be considered. 

8) What kind of themes are you seeking most in submissions to this market? In general, what themes interest you?
We are looking for solid, character-driven novels and novellas containing supernatural elements (think monsters and madmen).  Genre blends are also welcome, provided the focus remains firmly on horror.  Topics that have been overused, like post-apocalyptic zombies and clichéd paranormal romance themes, will likely be rejected. 

9) Overall, do you prefer downbeat or upbeat endings?
Personally, I favor downbeat or open endings, but what I read for my own pleasure and what is acceptable in a submission are two different things.  The story determines the ending, and as long as the ending is sensible and fits the work as a whole, its tone is irrelevant. 

10) Any last advice for submitters to this market? Any critical do's or do not's?
Three things.  One:  do your homework on the venues to which you intend to submit, and only send those pieces that fit the publication's requirements.  When in doubt, query.  Two:  have a couple of beta readers review your work before sending it off.  A proofreader's input is invaluable in helping clean up grammatical issues or fill obvious plot holes.  And three:  follow the guidelines.  I know every editor mentions guidelines in the dos and don'ts section, but you'd be surprised at how few submitters actually adhere to them.  Your manuscript stands a much better chance of being reviewed promptly if it sticks to the requested layout.

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For more scoops, go to marketscoops.blogspot.com.

D.L. Snell writes with Permuted Press. He edited Dr. Kim Paffenroth twice, John Dies at the End once, and provided a constructive critique to Joe McKinney on his next major novel after Dead City. You can shoot D.L. Snell in the head at www.exit66.net.

To reprint this article, please contact D.L. Snell.