So I'm going through potential publishers, looking at genres, trying to decide what to write. I'm feeling vague and formless so I'm making the effort to decide and act. I pick out a genre, I start the rudiments of a plot, and then I decide to check again with who might receive this.
Only to discover at least three titles on my list have folded: Dark Realms' final issue was Fall 2008. All Possible Worlds actually closed their curtains over a year ago--I must've found their entry here before their listing was deleted. And I have never been able to find Twisted Shift online, their URL garners an error message. Apparently one Dorothy Ellis of Texas purchased the domain name in 2005 and it expires next year, but I've been looking for her site for a few months and it fails to exist.
Now I'm going down the list of magazines and checking to see who's actually still in business. I'm not exactly starting to sweat, there are plenty of options out there, I'm sure. But when one is being lazy and looking for excuses, this is a convenient obstacle.
No more excuses! Don't make sure there is a market out there and then write. Write first. You'll find a market somewhere. One place to find very diverse types of publications though is duotrope.com. You name it, they've got it (genre, length, form, theme, whatever). If you can't find it here, look there. It's a terrific resource.
none08:01 AM CST