Comments on: Closed Versus Open Anthologies

By: Notes From Coode Street » Eclipse reading period

Notes From Coode Street » Eclipse reading period — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:59:53 +0000

[...] October I said on Jeff VanderMeer’s blog that I’d be holding an open reading period for Eclipse Two and Three in February or March of [...]

By: Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 19:56:04 +0000

I believe I’ve said and I’ll maintain that most if not all short story editors are on the look out for new writers–as much because those so-called big names rarely write short stories and most of the short story writers we started publishing move on to novel writing and no longer write short stories. This is hardly brain surgery folks. I’m not even sure who is referred to when talk is of these “big names”–I can name on one hand for any of the three subgenres of fantastic fiction: sf/f/h–ie. Writers whose names will be commercial enough to make a significant difference in the sales of a magazine/anthology. (and in sf I don’t think there IS any writer).

By: Gregory Frost

Gregory Frost — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 17:40:38 +0000

Well said on all points, sir. 99% of the slush pile is not functional (I used to read slush for Asimov’s), but the opportunity to discover someone who IS writing superbly, telling a story, and hitting the notes is important. Otherwise, the same cluster of writers just keep writing the same stuff even after it goes flatulent (or they do), and no one new enters the arena. Hardly the glowing neon “Welcome” sign that the genre purports to display.

By: brendan connell

brendan connell — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:34:45 +0000

I left a couple of comments on Jay’s blog. But I’ll comment here too.

I feel very strongly as you do Jeff. Generally publications should be open to unsolicited submissions. Most anthologies and magazines are far too square as it is. By denying new voices, these places just become even more square.

I can understand giving preference to writers whose names will help sell a book, but at the same time, just because one person can sell, doesn’t mean that their work is better. And in the end, is if all a person wants to do is make money, fiction–publishing, editing, writing–is the wrong field for them. Better become a banker, a thief or a seller of eye-liner.

By: Blue Tyson

Blue Tyson — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:58:16 +0000

Is there any noticeable sales difference? Most of us wouldn’t know one from the other on this end.

By: Alex D M

Alex D M — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 08:34:18 +0000

I actually want to slush-read for the antho I plan to edit. I’m sure I’ll encounter my share of frustrations, but the idea of digging in the pile for the good stuff is one that really appeals.

By: Jeff VanderMeer

Jeff VanderMeer — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:59:05 +0000

Thanks for your post, Jonathan. Very cool re Eclipse!

Jeff

By: Jonathan Strahan

Jonathan Strahan — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 23:45:37 +0000

I’m pretty much on board for your view of things. I agree that open anthologies are, ‘in principle’, a very good and are desirable for the health of the field as a whole. I would add that any editor worth his or her salt has some obligation (and almost certainly desire) to promote the development of a healthy field, so doing open anthologies when you can is the way to go.

I also agree with points made by Jay, Ellen, and yourself, that this isn’t always possible. I co-edited a ‘zine for ten years that was an open market. I’ve also edited or co-edited four original anthologies, one of which was an open market. I’m currently working on three more, and of those will be open shortly. For both commercial and practical reasons, I couldn’t open the closed anthologies to general submissions. It is unfortunate, but sometimes practically speaking you don’t have a lot of choice (as you mentioned about the Disease Guide).

Actually, I should probably mention that I’m going to announce shortly a brief open period for Eclipse. Because of practicalities, I’m going to accept submission for Eclipse 2 and Eclipse 3 together. It’ll probably be for a month around February or March. I’ll make sure the announcement goes out in the usual places. Because of the situation governing the Eclipse series, I’m guessing there’ll only be a few slots open to unsolicited stories, but it’ll be nice to get a different perspective.

By: David de Beer

David de Beer — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:32:15 +0000

Have already added my halfcent to Jay’s post, and I agree with your stance on this matter. But I don’t think it’s going to make a difference, unfortunately. Some systems, no matter how broken or lop-sided, never change.
Closed anthos are “easy”, in a manner of speaking.
Personally, I find it a more ideal platform to both provide new work for established names while simultaneously showcasing new talent. That’s pretty much my take.