September first

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dclary

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Wizards of the Coast's annual open call comes round again.

Do you have a project that you can polish up and send in?

ZOMG.

I TOTALLY do. Can you send us that link again?
 

waylander

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Sounds like they're not greatly interested in 'trad' fantasy novels.
 

dclary

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Yeah, while they flat out say no hard sci-fi, they skirt the hard fantasy no-no, but it seems the call for "genre-light" means Elric or Bereliand would probably not be their top choice.

But so many of their branded worlds are hard fantasy, that I bet they'd look at these books with an eye toward the author's ability to write within their own worldplanes.

Anyhoo, I am at the happy circumstance of writing a near-future (within 5 years) sci-fi novel that I think would meet their guidelines awesomely.

I wish *SOMEONE* (anyone, really) who had worked with these guys before could give some indication as to what kind of financial deal they make with first-time authors was.
 

mhughes

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Hurrah. I got turned down for the first one (though with a handwritten note so that's a bit of pride for me), but it's good to know they are doing this again. Got a project I'm working on but seriously doubt I'll be finished by September 1st (or even before the call ends).
 

Irysangel

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I wish *SOMEONE* (anyone, really) who had worked with these guys before could give some indication as to what kind of financial deal they make with first-time authors was.

badducky might be able to answer this one. But honestly, I've heard of major publishers offering very small, pathetic advances. Haven't heard anything about WotC but I know there are other 'big' publishers out there that offer a range of 1-4k for first time authors. That's 1k. As in 1 and three zeros.

But still. If a piddling advance means a foot in the door, would you still take it?
 

dclary

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badducky might be able to answer this one. But honestly, I've heard of major publishers offering very small, pathetic advances. Haven't heard anything about WotC but I know there are other 'big' publishers out there that offer a range of 1-4k for first time authors. That's 1k. As in 1 and three zeros.

But still. If a piddling advance means a foot in the door, would you still take it?

I don't know. I honestly don't know.
 

Zoombie

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This seems interesting, but I don't know if my story fits into their guide lines. It's sci-fi...but it is not hard sci-fi. Its got romance, but it is not entirely focused on romance. It is mostly about lots of stuff...happening.

Oh well, I have a whole month to figure it out...then another month after that.

If you found the summery of my story maddeningly vague, please: Swear at me.
 

badducky

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My advice - and I don't speak for Wizards of the Coast, and I won't answer money questions because you CAN look this stuff up in Publisher's Lunch - DON'T REJECT YOURSELF!

If you think it might fit, send it. Their shared worlds have nothing to do with their new imprints. These books are different. Elsewhere on the website, you can find the official website with the four launch titles. One of them is gothic horror. One is about a superhero. One is quite nearly epic fantasy. One seems to defy all definitions.

Anyway, the point is: don't reject yourself. They'll do that for you. (Unless, of course, they make an offer.)
 

GeorgeK

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For some reason I can't copy/paste from acrobat so I can't, specify the wording but sections 1c, 1d and 2 of their required contract for submissions sounds like they are allowed to steal your MS. Is this wording "standard" or am I being paranoid?
 

dclary

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For some reason I can't copy/paste from acrobat so I can't, specify the wording but sections 1c, 1d and 2 of their required contract for submissions sounds like they are allowed to steal your MS. Is this wording "standard" or am I being paranoid?

I'll paste. Hang on.
 

dclary

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This is all standard publishing boilerplate. 1c says "Ideas are as common as assholes. If we happen to publish a story with a similar idea as yours -- even an identical idea, it's not our fault. Shit happens."

1d says "Don't send us your original. We might lose it. We might just throw it away. Don't get mad if that happens. Keep a copy for yourself."

2 says that if some secret governmental watchdog looking out for writers exposing their demonic mudgelslayer operations finds you because of this program, it's not WotC's fault.




(c) SUBMITTEE acknowledges that the Idea may be identical with, similar to the theme, plot, idea, format, or other element of the material that Wizards has independently developed or that has or may come to Wizards from other sources and SUBMITTEE shall not be entitled to any compensation by reason of the use by Wizards of such similar or identical material.

(d) SUBMITTEE shall retain a copy of all materials submitted to Wizards and hereby releases Wizards from any and all liability for loss of or damage thereto. Wizards shall have no obligation to retain a copy or return to SUBMITTEE any of these materials.
[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]
2. Waiver
[/FONT]
Submittee completely releases and forever discharges Wizards, its parent, affiliates, and their respective past, present and future successors, officers, directors, agents, and employees, from all claims, damages (including but not limited to general, special, punitive, liquidated and compensatory damages) and causes of action of every kind, nature and character, known or unknown, in law or equity, fixed or contingent, which Submittee may now have, or Submittee ever had arising from or in any way connected with the submission of the Idea.​

 

Sage

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Cheering you all on!
This is all standard publishing boilerplate. 1c says "Ideas are as common as assholes. If we happen to publish a story with a similar idea as yours -- even an identical idea, it's not our fault. Shit happens."

1d says "Don't send us your original. We might lose it. We might just throw it away. Don't get mad if that happens. Keep a copy for yourself."

2 says that if some secret governmental watchdog looking out for writers exposing their demonic mudgelslayer operations finds you because of this program, it's not WotC's fault.
:ROFL:
 

badducky

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You arn't that bad of a ducky after all, now are you?

I don't float. I don't fly when I flap my arms. I don't lay eggs. Also, when I dip my head in the water, I prefer not to come up with something slimy in my mouth.

Also, if you squeeze me, I don't squeak. Unless you're a hot babe and you're into that sort of thing.
 

waylander

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OK I'm going to send to them, but without a great deal of hope.
 
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