There was some interest in the Magazine submissions when I first mentioned it, but I've heard nothing since posting the notice. I was wondering if everyone missed the post. It's above in the thread called, "Calling all Writers". I hope there is still some interest.

R.L. Wolf, Writers Forum/Gallery Coordinator

I was quite interested, at first, until I read the rules and requirements. I don't write Science Fiction or fantasy. Most of my tales carry an element of the occult and horror. I'm certain they would be rejected.

In my opinion, 7K to 20K is far too long for a short story. If I submit a short story for publication, most publishers request a word count of 2K to 7K.

Having been a member of many writing groups, I've come to realise a reader's attention wanes after a couple of thousand words. Unless the writing is formatted like an e-book, it becomes tedious scrolling down through a thousand lines of text on a web page or blog, particularly when trying to find a place they finished in an earlier reading session. If I ever submit a piece of more than 3K words to a blog, I split it into sections like chapters.

The section that reads, "All submissions are expected to meet the highest standards of publication before submission," to me sounds too draconian. It becomes almost impossible for a writer to edit their own work to that sort of level. I agree that the writer should edit carefully--bad grammar and spelling makes a piece difficult to read. However, as stated, "There is no monetary compensation for publication;" employing a professional editor is, to most writers, not an option.

Further to this, does Renderosity differentiate between UK English spelling and grammar, and US English?

@mysteral Thank you for the feedback, it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. The requirements are a composite of submission requirements drawn from several popular scifi magazines. The word count range can certainly be dropped between 1,000 to 20,000 words. I would even look at flash fiction. Genre can also be widened somewhat, though it would depend on the content of the story. For instance, horror such as in the style of R.L. Stine would be perfectly acceptable. The story has to remain appropriate for all audiences. Submission standards for grammar would have to remain the same. Everyone has a copy of Strunk and White, or Chicago Manual of Style, or any number of free online checkers, or even MS Word Grammar check. I fully expected to have to work through some editing problems. What I was trying to avoid was editing nightmares where the author didn't even bother to edit to a reasonable level. And, UK English is fine. I have editing software designed for UK English.

Nothing is ever locked in stone. If the writers (or writer) would like to rewrite the submission requirements, staying within the intent, I would certainly pass it up for approval. This is a project from the bottom up. The Magazine has given the Writers Gallery the opportunity to publish stories, but, as with most contests and projects on Rendo, it is the volunteer Coordinators driving the events. Give me something you'all will be willing to work with, and I'll send it forward.

R.L. Wolf, Writers Forum/Gallery Coordinator

I'd echo Mysteral's words, which I recognise you just addressed, and also add I don't know what a "character oriented" story is. I started writing as a hobby, and the only literature classes were part of gen ed. It's possible I'm not the only who doesn't know what that is.

I also had a question it says stories must be stand alone. I understand that but would it be acceptable if someone were to use the same characters/setting to write multiple stories, sort of along the lines of Nancy Drew books where you could read them in any order and not be lost?

@redphantom Plot driven stories are by definition more complex, structured, and of course, require more words to develop the plot. The plot driven story is often filled with action and extensive descriptions. The Character driven story focuses on internal feelings, expression, inner conflict; the characters shape the plot. The structure of the character driven story is less rigid and allows for more creativity. From what I've seen of the story posts in the writers gallery, you'all are already writing character driven stories.

And yes, using the same character in several short stories is fine. A stand alone story, as you said, could be read in any order. The important part of the stand alone story is that it does not have a cliff-hanger, or need to be continued in a follow-up story.

Though.... I would consider a cliff-hanger story if it felt right to do so and would draw more readers in. Nothing is ever locked in stone.

I'm a little bit more awake today than early this morning when I went through the forums. I re-read the submission requirements looking for areas to change per above discussion and came up at a loss to find a place to change anything. The word count was only recommended between 7k and 20k; not stated as a required amount, and all the main fiction genre is listed already. So, all the compromises are already built into the submission requirements. But, still willing to forward any changes not already listed on the original post.

I'm afraid I'm too involved with the writing of my second novel and I don't know what the Chicago manual of style is.

The Chicago Manual of Style was first published in 1906 and for a century has been the most used style guide by editors, publishers, and writers. Any book you submit for publication will be edited by a publishing team using the CMOS.

For more information see:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chicago_Manual_of_Style

http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/home.html

http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html

https://www.scribendi.com/advice/an_introduction_to_the_chicago_manual_of_style.en.html

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/01/

https://www.amazon.com/Chicago-Manual-Style-16th/dp/0226104206

I am still thinking how I want to approach this. I am "trying" to create my story. I am most worried about the CMOS. I have it but haven't cracked the cover. Not only do I not know where to start, it looks like a college degree will be required to use it. As an amateur I really hesitate. I think when I have something, I will submit it to the Writers forum and see how it goes.

The CMOS is a reference guide, and you only need to be concerned with chapter 6, and if you are feeling robust, chapter 5. If, for instance, you are confused where to place a comma, 6.16 will explain. But, you don't HAVE to use CMOS. Strunk and White is simple to use, or one of those plastic Grammar Guides you see on the rack in Barnes and Noble, or any number of grammar guides available. The idea is to learn to edit your work, but not to stem your creativity. An example: In your post above, you placed quotations around the word, trying. Is that the correct use of quotations? Chapter 6.66 in the CMOS would explain the correct usage. And, no, it is not the correct use of quotations. But, one look at the sentence and I know perfectly well what you are doing, and so would any reader; you are using creative license. I would be hesitant to have you remove the quotations.

If you have a story to tell, write it down. Read it. Does it make sense? If you omit that comma, does it make more sense? Re-read it. How does it look to you? Not sure about that dialog tag? Look up the correct use of dialog tags, or ask in Writers Forum. Have a friend read it. Does anything stand out to them? Let the story cool off for a few days. Re-read it. Read it out-loud. How does it sound when you read it out-loud. Sounds good?

"All writers are crazy. So never mind what the editors and your family and your critique group tells you. Submit your manuscripts and keep submitting until you get an offer. Then you can be crazy, with a paycheck." MaryJanice Davidson, best seling author and co-author of somewhere around 80 books.

Thanks...my friends have like what I have written so far and they made suggestions. I will make an effort to read Chapter 6. And some point submit something to the Writers forum.