Novellas

The guidelines for Alchemy Novellas state: "We are looking for original, unpublished novellas." Please do not send us reprints. Or if you have something that you think we really should consider, contact us beforehand.

A tip for (new) writers

The Alchemy Press is currently accepting submissions for three anthologies: Astrologica, Pulp Heroes 2 and Urban Mythic. Check via the above tabs for submission guidelines. You'll note that each anthology has its own editors -- who are named -- and their own email addresses.

Here's the tip: when you send in your sub, address your email to the editors by name, or at least as Dear Editor. Then write something like: "I wish to submit my story (title) for possible inclusion in your anthology. Please see the attached file."

These words are not definitive. However, we have received some submissions without the simple salutation and even some without any kind of covering letter. You wouldn't send a manuscript to Gollancz or Tor in such an unthinking manner, so please extend the courtesy to us.

Sex, Lies and Family Ties: reviewed

Sex, Lies and Family Ties by Sarah J Graham

Reviewed by Allen Ashley

Set mostly during September 1970, this book will evoke bittersweet memories for anyone who remembers drinking halves of cider or bottles of Kia-ora; painting their bedroom wall orange or purple; listening to early T Rex and mourning the untimely death of Hendrix; describing unpleasant situations as a “bummer” or “heavy vibes”. At the core of the story are three friends – Carol, Syl, and Jac – all aged nineteen and on the cusp of womanhood. It is bookshop assistant and biker girl Carol whose narrative we mostly follow. The occasionally meandering plot reflects her damaged and uncertain psychological state as she inches towards taking control of her own destiny and throwing off the stifling shackles of “Family… something you got lumbered with.” She is a sympathetic though sometimes annoyingly self-centred heroine. The novel has some strongly written scenes, particularly the gripping final chapter as Carol floats adrift through her abusive brother’s funeral and wake before metaphorically swimming to safety. A thought-provoking coming of age story; as well as a snapshot of those difficult times.

Thanks to Allen Ashley for permission to reprint the review. Buy the book from Amazon or other online dealers -- follow the link for details.

Submissions now open

The Alchemy Press has opened its submission windows for the next three anthologies: Astrologica (edited by Allen Ashley), Urban Mythic (edited by Jan Edwards and Jenny Barber), and Pulp Heroes 2 (edited by Mike Chinn). In brief:

The Alchemy Press Book of the Astrologica is looking for stories about the signs of the Zodiac, the characteristics associated with those signs and/ or people born under them. I will also consider stories involving the mythical characters and creatures of the astrological signs, perhaps their history and origin, perhaps their present and future state. Note: I am not saying that one has to believe in the paraphernalia associated with modern astrology; but authors should seek to use some of this as inspiration and underpinning of their narratives.

The Alchemy Press Book of Urban Mythic is seeking contemporary tales with all the magic and wonder of myth and legend, blending modern life with the traditions of folklore from around the world. Whether lurking in dark alleys or brash shopping malls; from shanty towns to the floating cities of Venice, Bangkok or Dubai; swanky riverside penthouse lofts or humble suburban semis, we want to see how the mythic is woven into the everyday. Think Charles de Lint, Terri Windling, Robert Holdstock, Seanan McGuire, Jim Butcher, Kate Griffin, Simon R. Green, Holly Black, Neil Gaiman…

The Alchemy Press Book of Pulp Heroes 2 is after tales from the arid plains of Mars to the canyons of Manhattan; the foetid jungle to the naked jungle. Demented criminals versus dark heroes with sinister powers. The flash of steel in the palaces of long-forgotten civilizations or along the sterile corridors of impossible spacecraft. Swords against sorcery or sword and planet.

And don’t forget, this year sees the launch of Alchemy Novellas: these will cover almost all areas of Fantasy – that’s heroic fantasy, alternate world fantasy, urban fantasy, supernatural, dark crime and horror. Comic fantasy will be considered but not if it’s a parade of puns or bad gags. We are not fans of zombies or heroic vampires. We will not publish hard science fiction. Essentially, acceptance will be based on how well the novella works for us.

Visit the above links for full details.

Happy New Year

Standard manuscript format

The Alchemy Press requests that submissions are sent using standard manuscipt formatting. Read the details here.

Season's greetings!

Opening the windows...

A reminder to all you writers looking for a home for your stories: the submission periods for the 2013 Alchemy Press anthologies -- Astrologica, Pulp Heroes 2 and Urban Mythic opens on 1st January and remain open until the end of March 2013. Now is the time to polish off your manuscripts and getting them ready to send them in to your hard-working editors.

We had hoped to secure additional funding in order to pay semi-pro rates for your stories. But alas, the people holding the cheque book didn't think that a series of fantasy anthologies was serious enough. What do they know? Therefore we will only be paying a nominal fee again (as we did this year for Ancient Wonders and Pulp Heroes 1). Check the above links for details.

Sex, Lies & Family Ties -- review

Many thanks to Barry Lillie for allowing us to reproduce his review from Goodreads:

"A dark and gritty tale that focuses upon a handful of days in the life of a teenager in the 1970s and how those few days bring with them change and closure. Well written, compelling and deliciously dark. The sense of betrayal at the end was as sharp as a harridan's tongue. I'd recommend this book even to those not old enough to remember the era as there's very little to alienate a younger reader. The setting may be the '70s but the story and content is still pertinent to society and the coming of age today."

Sex, Lies & Family Ties reviewed

An excellent review of Sex, Lies and Family Ties by Sarah J Graham has been posted on Good reads.