Fiction Guidelines

Fiction Guidelines

          The purpose of fiction in Calliope is to entertain its readers, most of whom are writers, or trying to be. Calliope is open to any genre of short fiction, including science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, and all their sub-genres. Mixed genre stories and experimental forms are also welcome. Mainstream/literary stories will be considered if they are in some way out of the ordinary. Humor and satire are greatly appreciated.

        Since Calliope is basically a writers’ newsletter offering tips on writing, market and contest news, and reviews, space for fiction is limited. Stories should be under 2,000 words in length. Occasionally, a longer story will be published.

        Editorial focus will be on originality, characterization, emotional content, and imagery. Sex, gore, and strong language, while not forbidden, must be used with discretion and be an integral part of the story. Don’t beat the reader over the head with them; same goes for political/social points of view.

        Take chances; challenge the readership but don’t, in the process, forget to tell a good story. Avoid literary clichés and trite endings.

        Follow good manuscript mechanics. Neatness does count.

           1.   One-inch margins all around.
           2.   Name, address and phone number in the upper left-hand corner; word count (to nearest 25 words)
                 in the upper right. Double space, but don’t double-double space between paragraphs. On
                 subsequent pages, put last name and page number in the upper-left corner.
           3.   If typing or using a dot-matrix printer, use a clean ribbon. Clear, photocopies/ disposable
                 manuscripts are preferred; handwritten manuscripts discouraged. E-mail submission is fine
                 but please contact me before you send your work.
           4.   Proof-read and spell-check before mailing.
           5.   Cover letter required; we want to know about you. Provide a brief bio with a few of your most
                 interesting credits. If you don’t have any credits yet, let us know that, too.
           6.   No response without a SASE. If you want your manuscript back, enclose proper size envelope with
                 sufficient postage.
           7.   Simultaneous submissions acceptable if stated on the front page of manuscript--below word count.
                 Two short stories (less than 1,000 words each) can be submitted in the same envelope.

        Calliope will give publishing preference to members of the Writers’ SIG. We will also try to feature at least one new writer per issue. Members are encouraged to comment on the stories presented.Send Fiction to:
Sandy Raschke
sreditor@clearwire.net
Allow one month for a response. One-time rights purchased--copy in payment.