Rosemary Kind has set up a company that offers an exciting opportunity for writers as well as a good deal for readers. I said she could tell you all about it if she produced a cute puppy picture as well. She's kept her side of the deal with Aristotle's photo, so let's hear from her.
"When I
was 10 my sister bought me a birthday card with the quote ‘Do not
follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and
leave a trail.’ I took that slogan to heart and have carried it
with me through every turn of life.
As
with so many fiction writers, I'm frustrated by the reduction in
markets for short stories. I’m also frustrated with an industry
which thinks it is only women over 55 who want to read short stories.
There's a whole new market of people filling their travel time by
reading i-phones, Kindles and e-readers. Of course writers can
publish through Amazon or Smashwords, but not everyone has the time or
knowhow and not everyone has a whole book to submit. Nor does Amazon
lend itself to a pricing set up for short stories.
I got
to thinking what if we could develop a new way of buying short
stories. What if people could download short stories as they would
music? Just one track or the equivalent of an album. That’s where
Alfie Dog Limited comes in, a download site that puts writers and
readers at the heart of our publishing. We aim to become THE place on
the web to find short stories in a wide range of genres.
www.alfiedog.com
will be a site that keeps itself simple and never forgets that
without authors there would be nothing worth reading. This is the
beginning of an exciting project. Please
see here for submission guidelines. "
If you're a writer, do consider subbing something (I already have). If you're a reader then please dowload a story or two once they become available (you'll be able to read them on a computer if you don't have an e-reader.)
update 14/2/12 Just to clarify - this is a paying market, but it's royalty based rather than a flat fee.
update 14/2/12 Just to clarify - this is a paying market, but it's royalty based rather than a flat fee.
23 comments:
Great idea! As a writer who only rarely writes a short story, and then never in any style to fit the markets I know, this sound like a very promising venture. I'll hop over there and take a peek.
Awww. Aristotle is adorable! :)
If I submit, please may I have Aristotle!?!? He is adorable!!
But seriously! Thank you for the info to this wonderful venture and giving some much needed space for short story writers!
p.s WHO AND WHERE does one say only women over 55's enjoy short stories!?!? Stories are for all ages, all genders! Silly industry statement! :-(
p.s. had another look at super cute Aristotle and am calm and happy again!
Take care
x
I was supposed to sell Aristotle when he was a puppy, but I'd fallen in love by day 2 and had to keep him. I pretended to the rest of the family that I was looking for a home. :)
This sounds really interesting! Thanks. :)
That sounds very exciting! Great idea. :)
Rob, I think this is a good chance for those stories that don't quite fit into the genres with obvious markets.
Isn't he, Linda. I can quite see why Rosemary couldn't part with him.
Kitty, you're right that short stories are for everyone - hopefully this project will prove that.
Rosemary, I don't think mny people were fooled!
Rachel, I think it's a good idea.
I agree, Margo.
Have you checked with author Milo James Fowler? The dude knows hundreds of places to submit short stories - and get paid!
Oh my goodness, you had me with the photo - what a gorgeous pup!
Very interesting site - thanks for posting this. I have bookmarked it for a proper look later x
Awww cute puppy. Interesting post thank you.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Patsy.
Alex, I do look in on Milo's blog, yes.
btw, this is a paying market but payment is via royalties rather than a flat fee.
Teresa, glad our sneaky plan to get people's attention worked!
Isn't he, Diane? I think Rosemary should pledge to give him a cuddle for every submission she gets.
You're welcome, Keith.
btw, those subs I made? I've already had an acceptance for 3 stories! (Rosemary has said she's getting lots of subs now so can't guarantee all responses will be so quick)
Lovely photo. Will check out the site - does it pay or is it a platform for stories?
I love that quote at the beginning. I'm going to print it out and paste it up somewhere.
Ahhh... He's so cute. As for the alfiedog site, looks like a brillaint idea. Hope it takes off.
Rosemary, it pays royalties so what you get depends on the number of sales (rates per sale are given on the site)
Maggie, I like it too.
I hope it does well too, JJ - and not just because some of my stories have been accepted.
Excellent lead - thanks.
Best of luck if you send something in, Farawayeyes.
Thanks for telling us about Alfiedog, Patsy.
I have just submitted two stories and I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I chose stories which have not been published though because I have no idea if I hold the rights to all the stories I've sold over the years.
It's a bit of a complicated issue, isn't it?
Good luck with your subs, Susan.
I agree copyright can be very complicated.
That sounds really interesting. And I love the puppy. So cuddly.
I just wanted to let you know there's a blog award waiting for you at Novel Moments: http://novel-moments.blogspot.com/2012/02/sweets-and-facts.html
I know you have it already but I still wanted to give it to you.
Bring the puppy along when you pick it up.
Thank you, Liz.
He's Rosemary's puppy not mine so I can't bring him, but I'll ask her to give him a hug from you.
Hug duly given. :)
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