Koehler-Hintz Publishers / Black Death Books / Skullvines Press

Can anyone suggest any legitimate horror publishers to submit to that accept unagented works?

Who publishes the works you like to read?

If that publisher requires an agent -- all that does is change the location of the slush pile, not the fact that you're going to have your manuscript spend some time in a slush pile.

ok, so is it safe to assume that 90% of unagented works remain in an editor's slush pile?

90%?

I can't figure out what you're asking.

Toni1953 said:

ok, so is it safe to assume that 90% of unagented works remain in an editor's slush pile?

Click to expand...

Do you mean "Never makes it further than the editor's slush pile?"

Actually, that percentage is much higher, probably around 99%, according to Teresa Nielsen Hayden's legendary column on the slush pile. Agents also reject a high number of books.

However, this might not be quite so discouraging when you learn what you're up against. Some people send books on topics that the publisher doesn't publish. Others completely ignore writing guidelines. We've had a thread on what sorts of weird things turn up in the slush pile. The comments in the Slushkiller entry include one author who apparently did not let virginity and a lack of anatomical knowledge stop him from trying to write erotica. I'll bet that there are real-life cases of someone sending a in manuscript like the one Jack Nicholson typed up in The Shining.

In other words, much of the other writing in a slush pile is unbelievably bad. A good manuscript will stand out. However, it's often best to send a querry letter first.

Yes, I'm sorry not to have made myself clear.

What I meant to ask was, is it a good bet that 90% of unagented works will never make it to an editor's desk, let alone get read by said editor.

So how can someone who's a good writer combat those odds?

Let's look at a publisher that takes unsolicited manuscripts.

When they have editorial assistants and paid slush readers going over the slush pile, what they're doing is weeding out the things that aren't remotely publishable by that house. Sure, that's easily 90%. The ones that survive that cut go to the actual editors for decision making. Nine out of ten of those will be sent back too. But they were seen by an editor.

After reading Slushkiller, you probably want to read Myrtle the Manuscript.

Myrtle the Manuscript is an eye-opener! Fast paced and funny, and a must read for any author at any stage of his/her career!


i definitely enjoyed it. Hard to imagine that actually happens, but i'm sure it does. Probably more often than we want to admit.

Thanks. It's not for lack of trying, believe me.
I just need to cut a break.

I'm a Black Death Books author, and its definitely NOT a PA in disguise. They are an independent horror press that just happens to currently use the POD technology to deliver books.

They don't charge a penny, they vet manuscripts, they edit, they employ professional artists for the covers, they send out ARCs to reviewers, they provide free author copies, they pay royalties on time, and they do sometimes manage to overcome the odds and get POD books into bookstores (I've seen my books in branches of Waterstones, Ottakars and several specialist genre stores)

They're growing fast, picking up great reviews for their books in the horror genre press, and are currently investing in their own print technology with a view to moving to mass market paperbacks and limited edition hardcovers.

I've sold them six novels (4 published so far), all in trade paperback.... and I've signed a contract for a limited edition hardcover of my Watchers trilogy.

They also run an annual anthology (The Blackest Death), and publish novellas in their Demonic Clown imprint. There's talk of a print magazine and also of comic books at some point in the future.

Check them out here:
http://www.khpindustries.com/index2.html

Oh, and they like "series" characters, so if you're looking for somewhere to publish a horror series, this could be the place.

Tell them Willie sent you

Willie
http://www.willie.meikle.btinternet.co.uk

I have a full out with them right now. I'm really excited, Generally how long did it take for them to reply back (if you've had a request)?

They're closed for subs and have been for a month or so now.

Depending on how many subs they get, it can take them up to six months to reply. I do know that they've made their selections for 2009 already as I got an acceptance a couple of weeks back.

If you've been waiting a while I suggest you send them a follow-up query. They got a -lot- of subs in their last reading round.

Ah, I see. They requested my full manu. in April from a query I sent in February. I haven't been waiting long Karen emailed me Tuesday and said a decision would be made in a few days. I'm just really anxious/hopeful and a few days could mean anything to a creative director lol

chrisrose331 said:

Ah, I see. They requested my full manu. in April from a query I sent in February. I haven't been waiting long Karen emailed me Tuesday and said a decision would be made in a few days. I'm just really anxious/hopeful and a few days could mean anything to a creative director lol

Click to expand...

That's great news you've got that far... Karen is a workaholic and is usually true to her word. I'm sure she'll be back to you very soon.

Good luck, and hope to see you over at BDB soon