Submission Guidelines

STATUS: CLOSED TO FICTION SUBMISSIONS

STATUS: CLOSED TO POETRY SUBMISSIONS

FICTION: send a story (text, attachment, whatever) to: submissions at bullspec dot com and let us know: (1) where you are writing from as we try to keep some balance between local and global content; and (2) if it has been previously published, where and when. We prefer to receive submissions in a standard manuscript format such as William Shunn’s Proper Manuscript Format but we’re not terrifically picky. A word count is quite helpful as well. We do accept simultaneous submissions, just please let us know when your story is accepted elsewhere. We do not accept multiple submissions at this time. We’ll read from about 1000 words (soft edges) to 8000 words (soft edges) but my sweet spot is in the 2000-4000 word range.

  • What we're looking for: amazing speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, etc.) of any subgenre.
  • What we'd like to see more of: (1) near or further future science fiction with a more optimistic voice and picture of our shared future; (2) well-written non-contemporary fantasy. Note: We're unlikely to like your story if it has significant amounts of graphic violence or sex, trebly so if it's gratuitous.
POETRY: send a poem (text, attachment, whatever, as above) to: poetry-submissions at bullspec dot com and, as above, let us know: (1) where you are writing from; and (2) if it has been previously published, where and when. If sending multiple poems in one submission, please let us know if they are meant to be published as a set or individually. Please send no more than 3 poems at once. (Note: this will be updated shortly to point to a more expansive poetry guidelines post.)

PAYMENT: for all original poetry and fiction, advance payment is $0.05/word, $5 minimum for poetry, $50 minimum for fiction; for reprints, advance payment is $0.01/word, $1 minimum for poetry, $10 minimum for fiction; plus contributor copy of the issue. [Note: on July 1, 2014, payment will rise from $0.05/word to $0.06/word per SFWA guidelines.]

PERMISSIONS: Mainly, I’ll need to be able to print your story or poem in its magazine issue and include it in its magazine issue PDF. Not exclusive for long, exceptions made for the big stuff.