Expert: Cathy Clamp - 2/17/2008

Question
Hello. I have recently completed several short stories, and I am not exactly sure how to go about completing them. How do I find the right market for what I write? And how can I find which markets suit my needs? And once I do, how do I go about submitting my work, and are there any ways that might give me an edge, that will make my submission stand out?

I don't know if it will help, but I write horror stories.

Thanks for reading my questions. And sorry if they are a bit vague.

Answer
Hi, Andrew!

Well, you've picked one my favorite genres, so I'll be happy to help if I can. :)

Horror has had a bit of a difficult time lately, I'm afraid. It might be the rise of "urban fantasy" as a genre, which pulled a lot of the "bad things happen, but the good guys win" stories away from the horror shelves into the fantasy shelves (Simon Green being one example.) Plus, large authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz are now being shelved in general fiction owing to their bestselling fame. Because of that, a lot of the magazines that used to carry horror---don't anymore, or at least they're calling it other things.

That's not saying that there aren't plenty of markets. It's just that there aren't as many and they're now pickier. Some of them might even be CALLED something different. Dark Paranormal, Dark Fantasy, Speculative Fiction...all of these are genres which used to be under the umbrella term "horror."

So, it takes a little more searching to find the right magazine for the right story. A lot depends on the type of story you write, so you'll need to read the magazine/ezine's guidelines carefully to see if you fit. No shotgunning of queries, because that will get you a BAD reputation. Read the magazine, even if you have to buy a copy. Heck, if we horror writers don't buy the magazines, who will? Here are some good links to pro markets (those that pay more than 3 cents a word.) Yeah, there are plenty more "display" markets---those that don't pay except for a copy of the magazine. But why start there? I believe in starting at the top and working your way down the list until you find the right spot.

Here are some good links (and the Horror Writers Association also has some GREAT tips for making your story stand out!)

http://www.horror.org/markets.htm

Look for the "Sound advice" link above the various markets.

Another place I like is this site:

http://horror.fictionfactor.com/promarkets.html

They really keep on top of the markets, and are more specific to horror than Ralan or Duotrope.

You might also consider attending a horror convention near you.  They show up all over the country and it's a great way to meet other horror writers, editors and magazine owners. World Horror Convention is in Salt Lake City this year. I'm one of the guest authors and it should be a great time!  Here's the link to the guest authors page, which also has links to other attendees and the various things happening:

http://www.whc2008.org/members.php

Hope that helps a little. Let me know if I can answer any other questions. Good luck! :)

Cathy