As some of you may know, small press publisher L&L Dreamspell is starting a new line of ebook anthologies that will include “…from four to six “themed” stories” in a variety of subgenres (3,000-6,000 words). Hence, they currently have an open call for anthology submissions. Courtesy of L&L Dreamspell author Pauline B. Jones (GIRL GONE NOVA), I’d learned about the steampunk anthology. After blogging about it, I perused the site further and learned that there is a science fiction anthology they’re seeking to fill as well.All of which point to one thing: the SF and steampunk anthologies are like a giant neon sign for science fiction romance, one emblazoned with the words “Submit your science fiction romance shorts here!”
Think about it. Within the digital market, there’s an increasing number of ways to get science fiction romance stories in front of readers. The big boys and gals in New York publishing houses aren’t going to come knocking on SFR’s door anytime soon, and especially not for anthologies (at least, not yet). Rather, we have to seek out alternative ways to grow the readership for the subgenre.
L&L Dreamspell’s new anthology line offers a strategic opportunity for SFR authors—especially aspiring ones or those looking to penetrate the ever-growing digital market. It’s exactly the type of partnership between the SFR community and publishers for which I’ve been advocating. L&L Dreamspell has anthologies to fill, and SFR authors have stories to tell.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that every story in the SF and steampunk anthologies will feature a romantic component, nor should there be. But based upon the publisher’s releases, they strike me as extremely open to considering the possibility of at least one or two. Maybe that romantic SF short that’s been knocking around in your head might be a good fit for this publisher. Or you’re looking for a way to tap into the steampunk craze and want to break in with a traditional steampunk short. This avenue could help open the door for your epic steampunk romance in the future.
At any rate, I hope some of you consider submitting stories to either the SF or steampunk anthologies. Even just a few SFR or steampunk romance shorts will create a bridge to our community and harness the marketing power within it. They’ll also enable us to give readers yet another reason to explore science fiction romance stories. Inexpensively, too, since the digital-only anthologies will be “priced around one third the cost of print titles.” (Their digital editions of past anthologies seem to average around $5.99).
If you decide to submit an SFR story to L&L Dreamspell and it’s accepted, please let me know. Email me at sfrgalaxy “at” gmail.com so we can get the ball rolling!
Thanks so much for the great info and head's up, Heather
ReplyDeleteI hope Brigade nembers will use networking to get the word out to their peers about this opportunity. If we all work to build the buzz for and about SFR, we'll all benefit.
My pleasure, Laurie! And yes, if anyone wants to tweet/blog about this opportunity, go for it!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post (which I managed to miss until now!) thanks for the shout out!
ReplyDeleteI've loved working with L&L. They pride themselves on great attention to detail--both exterior and interior. by keeping the number of stories lower, gives the author a bigger piece of the take, too.