OLD, out-of-date guidelines are still hosted on the blog at: this link.

STATUS: OPEN TO FICTION SUBMISSIONS AS OF 1 OCTOBER 2011 UNTIL (PLANNED) 30 NOVEMBER 2011

STATUS: CLOSED TO POETRY SUBMISSIONS AS OF 27 OCTOBER 2011 UNTIL (AT LEAST) 6 JANUARY 2012

FICTION: send a story (text, attachment, whatever) to: submissions at bullspec dot com and let me know: (1) where you are writing from as I try to keep some balance between local and global content; and (2) if it has been previously published, where and when. I prefer to receive submissions in a standard manuscript format such as William Shunn's Proper Manuscript Format but I'm not terrifically picky. A word count is quite helpful as well. I do accept simultaneous submissions, just please let me know when your story is accepted elsewhere. I do not accept multiple submissions at this time. I'll read from about 1000 words (soft edges) to 8000 words (soft edges) but my sweet spot is in the 2000-4000 word range. What I'm looking for: amazing speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy, slipstream, etc.) of any subgenre. What I'd like to see more of: (1) near or further future science fiction with a more optimistic voice and picture of our shared future; (2) well-written non-contemporary fantasy. Note: I'm unlikely to like your story if it has significant amounts of graphic violence or sex, trebly so if it's gratuitous.

POETRY: send a poem (text, attachment, whatever, as above) to: poetry-submissions at bullspec dot com and, as above, let us know: (1) where you are writing from; and (2) if it has been previously published, where and when. If sending multiple poems in one submission, please let us know if they are meant to be published as a set or individually. Please send no more than 3 poems at once.

PAYMENT: for all original poetry and fiction, advance payment is $0.05/word, $5 minimum for poetry, $50 minimum for fiction; for reprints, advance payment is $0.01/word, $1 minimum for poetry, $10 minimum for fiction; plus contributor copy of the issue.

PERMISSIONS: Mainly, I'll need to be able to print your story or poem in its magazine issue and include it in its magazine issue PDF.