So I recently came across Word Hustler in my web-wanderings. It's something of a novelty, I think. There are dozens of sites which give you submission information for various publishers, agents and magazines. This is the first site I've seen that will actually send your work for you. That's right. Word Hustler is a mailing service for writers.

I should be clear: it isn't just a mailing service. There's thousands of markets and contests listed that you can use for free. That's right. You can actually get all the market info for free! I was really astounded at that little perk. I've trolled through some of the listings and they're pretty complete, along with links to web sites when applicable. Agents aren't left out either. If you search through agents, you not only get all the regular contact info and what they're looking for, you also get their client list, which isn't always readily available at other information aggregate sites.

The unique thing that Word Hustler does is send out your submissions. For a price, they'll print your Great American (or any other cultural group) Novel (or short story, or non-fiction book proposal), include your cover letter, a return post card, if you wish and package it all up nice and professional-like. Then they'll send it to the markets/agents of your choice from their database or you can specify any address you wish (including your own).

So what's the cost, you ask? It ranges from $.99 (under 4 pages) to $8.99 (50 pages) and .10/page after 50. It includes postage, tracking and SASEs. This can get pretty steep when you're talking about 350 page books going out to a dozen editors. But for short stories, queries and even contests, this may be economical if you've got more money than time and you don't want to mess with the hassle of getting everything formatted correctly. Check out the price list.

Oh, and when I signed up, I got a code for a free submission, so I'll give it a try and see what happens. At the very least, that 3000 market database is going to get some good use!

So what do you think? Is it worthwhile to pay a service to send your ms? Making the assumption a service is trustworthy, are there reasons why you wouldn't use it?

From the website:

Presenting a new short fiction contest for unpublished writers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.

For its third edition of Spectra Pulse, Bantam Spectra is allowing unpublished writers to get their work featured alongside some of the most well-respected names in science fiction and fantasy.

One lucky winner will receive $100 and have his/her story published in the Summer 2009 issue of Spectra Pulse, Bantam Spectra’s exclusive magazine distributed at Comic-Con San Diego and select conventions and bookstores (available July 2009).

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So here's the skinny: You have until January 31, 2009  to submit a spec-fic story under 2000 words. It can be submitted electronically! They'll notify the winner in March and announce officially in April.

Want more details? Go to the contest website!

Good luck!

Have you missed me? I've missed you!

Life, as always, sometimes gets a bit more than one can handle and some things have to fall by the wayside. I did not want this blog to be one of those things. Unfortunately, that happened anyway.

However, we're going to start again, you and I, if you're willing. I won't promise daily updates, but, for now, I'll promise weekly ones. And then we may move up to meeting twice a week! And even perhaps three times. And oh, won't they talk about our clandestine romps, then!

So, how about it? A weekly date? You and me? We'll talk about writing and reading and publishing. Maybe we can get a podcast or two going. What do you think?