Doesn't anyone write animal fiction?

I was quite surprised to read this posting.

Firstly, because I thought after James Herriott, and all the subsequent spin offs, this kind of thing had been done to death.
And secondly, because when I started writing animal stories, I literally couldn't find anywhere to send them to.

Yes, I did have Front Porch accept one, and a couple have gone off to Chicken Soup et al, but other than that...?

You do get mags that specifically focus on cat, dog and horse stuff, but anything else is really not accommodated for. It tends to shift into the 'practical advice' from there on in.

My family and friends have been badgering me for ages to do something on the animal front, but I've resisted for all the above reasons.
Plus, of course, that mine comes from a smallholding/opting out perspective, which the market also has been swamped with.

Very interesting to hear your thoughts though ...

I've just had a quick peek at the site, and it doesn't really suggest that you may even consider this type of fiction. It certainly doesn't say anything about stories based on non-fiction. James Herriott wrote about his lifestyle, it was all true, save a few place and name changes.

Heee's not a nubian, he's an alpiiiiine (said in whiney voice!)

I've got to be honest, CC, the only thing that bothers me about the ezine sites (not yours in particular) is that the rights are simply tied up. OK, not the hard copy rights, but most publishers wouldn't touch it with a barge pole if it were to be available on the net into internity.

I may be wrong about all this and if somebody wants to come along and put me right I'll be only too happy to accept it.

I'm going now because apparently I have started to talk in brackets (I think I must be very tired!)

Well, I do actually have a nubian cross, so obviously what has happened is that I have put the wrong photo up!
There. Solved.

OK, (whispering voice) I won't tell anybody, I can see the quandry from all sides. I can also now see, that there are going to be a few markets that for this reason, do focus on re-prints. Never thought of it before.

Very, very, small ones!

Yep. Floppy ears on the nubians.
Actually, my alpine is a tad unique. His face markings aren't equal, he's all lopsided. Bobby boy, has a goofy clown face

Gelding. Technical term - wether.

I only keep castrated males about the place. It gives me a feeling of superiority

Thanks for posting, CC! And welcome to this little bit of the Cooler.

I'm so glad you mentioned that you're looking for animal-related fiction. We have folks wander in here from time to time asking for markets for their animal fiction. Let's hope they all see this!

Feel free to post your submission info in the market sticky at the top of the forum. And thanks again.

This post is a bit of a surprise to me as well. My first fiction novel about a group of 'magical' cats is out seeking a home right now. I've only submitted it to one agent so far but she is considered a heavy hitter. If it is rejected I'll shop it elsewhere, but I felt if I'm going to fall off the ladder it might as well be from the top rung. My short stories regularly feature animals; one is in front of the NYer, one is being polished up (Glimmer Train is being considered as a first shot) and a humor short is half complete.

I like using animals as characters more than using people, though I have started two more fiction novels without animals in them. I write more for mainstream/contemporary though and think stories about animals will appeal to the larger market there.

I write a few animal stories but they do not tend to be in the James Herriot vein (so to speak). Those ones based on life might quickly cause my writing and animal career worlds to collide whoch could have unfortunate consequences. I do write sci fi and fiction with a strong animal focus. Like 'the Lost Souls of Cats' which is up with Quantum Muse: http://www.quantummuse.com/aug05_lost.html . I have a sequel to that one written and plan several more which take a fantasy-based approach to discussing our relations (good and bad) with cats. So perhaps once it has reverted to me I will try sending them your way?

QM is one of my favourite online zines. They are very quirky in what they take but it is always fun to read. I will see about finishing those sequels in time for the story going off QM

CyberCobre said:

I think W did that a long time ago. TD's in there I think Oct 2005. And it seems to cold in there without anyone being able to post except the poster.

Click to expand...

No, I meant the sticky in this particular forum. Anyone is able to post markets, submission requirements, etc. Feel free.

awatkins is the Mod of this forum, so that makes it totally okay to do as she suggests.

VG, I read your story in QM and absolutely loved it.

I don't usually read fiction, but seriously enjoyed every bit of this one.

Hi CyberCobre, just saw this post and thought I´d mention these, maybe you´re already aware of them, A Constellation of Cats edited by Denise Little and a series of books called Cat Fantastic. There are 5 of these edited by Andre Norton & Martin H. Greenburg. Both are published by DAW and are basically fantasy.