It’s been a month since submissions opened for Larceny & Last Chances, the fourth Superior Shores anthology of mystery & suspense and while I’m a bit behind in reading the entries, there have been several very solid stories so far. My process is both simple and fair:
Step 1: Log submission and acknowledge receipt.
Step 2: Read the story at least three times, and on different days (because I don’t want my mood of the moment to impact my decision). I do make brief notes on my spreadsheet to remind me what the story is about, e.g., jewel thief at high school.
Step 3: If stories are determined not to be a good fit, I will notify the author with a brief explanation as to why with this caveat: Reading is subjective, and I can, at best, select only 25% of the stories submitted. When possible, I will provide a sentence or two on the reason for the rejection. Sometimes I may provide a suggestion or two. My hope, you see, is that the author can find a more suitable home for their work.
Step 4: If a story has potential to make the final cut, I’ll include it in my long list. With past anthologies, this was about 50% of submissions received. If a story makes the long list, I notify the author with the proviso that they do not share that information. One further note: whether you’re a personal friend, an award-winning author, or new to publication, you’ll be given the exact same consideration, no more and no less.
Step 5: After submissions are closed (February 15, 2024, or when 80 submissions are received) I will cull that list down to 19 or 20 (I plan to include one of my stories in the collection). I expect that process to take 3-6 weeks, at which point all authors awaiting word will be notified. I will be updating the Larceny website page periodically with submission numbers.
Your Step: Don’t wait until the last minute. I mean that sincerely, even though with every anthology, I receive a good 10-12 stories in the last couple of days (and a couple in the last HOUR). Then, instead of having the luxury of reading and rereading and rereading again, I’m more prone to make a decision on the first read. Generally speaking, that won’t benefit the author.
Last Step: No matter how good your story is, if it doesn’t fit the theme, it won’t make the cut. That said, please try to think outside the box. If I have two stories about cat burglars, for example, only one will be included.
I look forward to reading your work.