About the Speculative Fiction Publishing Industry
Developing the craft of writing isn't enough on it's own. Beginning writers have to take the time to learn about the business side too. Here are a few resources that I have found especially useful:
- Podcasts
- Dragon Page Cover to Cover:
Conversations with the creators of the best in science fiction and fantasy. If you love SF literature, are an author or aspire to become one, you'll enjoy this podcast.
MOST USEFUL FOR: Publishing news. FUN BECAUSE: Michael Stackpole and Michael Mennenga (co-hosts) never flinch from a spirited discussion of the future of the publishing industry. - Adventures in Sci Fi Publishing:
Bringing science fiction and fantasy authors to your ears one podcast at a time.
MOST USEFUL FOR: Host Shuan Farrell has a knack for interviewing writers about their experiences in the publishing industry. FUN BECAUSE: AiSFP is going 2.0 and the content and opportunity for interactivity with the show is exploding.
- Dragon Page Cover to Cover:
- Magazines
- Locus Online:
The website of the magazine of the science fiction & fantasy field.
MOST USEFUL FOR: Keeping track of everything. Where's that editor from Big Publishing House who published that book you really liked working now? What is the pricing model for e-books this week? Locus knows. FUN BECAUSE: You can pop in for a few minutes each week, catch up, and sound like an old pro at the next con you attend. ALSO: If you can afford it, it's a very good idea to subscribe to the print version of Locus magazine. - Publisher's Weekly Online:
Publishers Weekly is the international news website of book publishing and bookselling including business news, reviews, bestseller lists, commentaries and more.
- Locus Online:
- Professional Associations
- Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA):
SFWA is a professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy and related genres.
MOST USEFUL FOR: Professionals who qualify for membership receive the most from SFWA, but all aspiring writers should read through the For Authors section of the website to learn from the experts about contracts, copyrights, professional etiquette, and more. FUN BECAUSE: SFWA established the Nebula Awards. - Horror Writers Association (HWA):
[HWA] exists to promote and protect the careers of professional horror writers and those seeking to enter their ranks, while at the same time using its best endeavors to raise the profile of the horror genre in the publishing industry and among readers in general.
MOST USEFUL FOR: HWA's Dark Whispers Blog is a great way to keep up to date with news in the publishing industry for those interested in the horror genre. (You won't find much horror genre news on Locus.) FUN BECAUSE: HWA established the Bram Stoker Awards.
- Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA):