Please remember, though, that the information on this page, and the listings of agents and publishers that follow, is not intended as a definitive guide, but rather a starting point. It's simply impossible to keep everything up to date on a daily basis, so please do check websites and writers' handbooks where possible.

If you would like to be informed whenever this section of the JBWB website is significantly updated, simply send an e-mail to jenny@jbwb.co.uk with 'UPDATE' as the subject.

See also:

SHORT STORIES

The main market here is in the popular magazines targeted at women, but don't let that put you men off - after all, these are the days of equal opportunity, or so I'm told. Anyway, always keep a copy of your story, and don't forget to enclose a stamped, addressed envelope with your manuscript (which must be typed and double-spaced). But, most important of all, research your market. Read several issues of the magazine you're going to submit to, ask yourself if your story is going to fit their requirements, and gauge the type of readership from the rest of the magazine's content. TIP: Even study the advertisements - these will tell you a lot about the type of person who is likely to buy the magazine. Will they want to read your story? If not, neither will the editor.

For much more information on agents (as well as comprehensive listings), consult the new editions of The Writer's Handbook or The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook - 2008 editions now available from Amazon.co.uk. Also available this year, a new, essential resource for writers and artists wanting to enter the highly competitive world of children's publishing: Children's Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2008

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Aesthetica The UK's cultural arts magazine that features writing, art, music and film. It reports on the arts and publishes features, interviews, news, articles and reviews that stir the imagination around current themes.  Website: www.aestheticamagazine.com

Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine pays 7c a word on acceptance for stories to 14,000 words. Fiction with ghosts, futuristic theme or suspense must contain a crime or the suggestion of one. Contact: Alfred Hitchock Mystery Magazine, 475 Park Ave South, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA. Website: http://www.themysteryplace.com/ahmm/index.shtml

All Hallows magazine, published by the Bram Stoker Award-winning Ash-Tree Press, Canada wants ghostly tales in the classic tradition. Modern graphic horror/gore not required; suspense/atmosphere are. Preferred length, 3,000-5,000 words; work between 1,000-10,000 words considered. Well-researched non-fiction articles also needed. Visit www.ash-tree.bc.ca (e-mail: ashtree@ash-tree.bc.ca) or write to Ash-Tree Press, PO Box 1360, Ashcroft, British Columbia, Canada V0K 1A0.

Analog Science Fiction and Fact (http://www.analogsf.com) is one of the world's leading sci-fi magazines. Published eleven times a year in paperback format, editor Stanley Schmidt chooses fiction and articles that demonstrate a sound understanding of science and an imaginative vision of possible scientific futures. Contact: Analog Science Fiction and Fact, 475 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-6901, USA.

Any Dream Will Do Review Dr. Jean M. Bradt, publisher and chief editor of the Any Dream Will Do Review, has created a new story genre, Fiction in the Raw, and she seeks new or accomplished authors who wish to try writing in this genre. Fiction in the Raw is fiction that contains raw emotions (not raw sex, which will be rejected). Writers of Fiction in the Raw are unique in that they are not afraid to honestly expose their own deepest emotions. Can you meet this challenge? See website for submission guidelines: http://willigocrazy.org/Ch09a.htm

Aquila Dedicated to encouraging children aged 8-13 to reason and create, and to develop a caring nature. Short stories and serials of up to 4 parts. Occasional features commissioned from writers with specialist knowledge. Approach in writing with ideas and sample of writing style, with sae. Length: 700-800 words (features), 1000-1100 words (stories or per episode of a serial). Illustrations: colour and b&w, cartoons. Payment: £75 (features); £90 (stories), £80 (per episode). Jackie Berry, New Leaf Publishing Ltd, PO Box 2518, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2BB. Tel: 01323 431313. Fax: 01323 731136. Email: info@aquila.co.uk Website: www.aquila.co.uk

Back Brain Recluse (BBR) International speculative fiction magazine providing opportunity for new writers. 'We strongly recommend familiarity with our guidelines for contributors, and with recent issues of BBR, before any material is submitted.' All correspondence must be accompanied by s.a.e. or international reply coupons. Payment £10 per 1000 words. Email: backbrainrecluse@bbr-online.com for enquiries only - no unsolicited submissions or manuscripts. Include brief summary of the project with a short description of the relevant features, with a short synopsis for novels, plus an outline of the key differences between this title and others already available and selling. Mention factual reasons why this title can be expected to be more successful than other similar titles. Website: http://www.bbr-online.com/ Editor: Chris Reed, PO Box 625, Sheffield S1 3GY.

Best Will consider stories of 800-900 words. Payment negotiable. Submit to: Pat Richardson, Best, National Magazine House, 72 Broadwick Street, London W1F 9EP. Tel: 020 7439 5000. Fax: 020 7312 4175. Send s.a.e. for guidelines. Email: best@acp-natmag.co.uk

Black Gate Magazine is looking for submissions of adventure-oriented fantasy fiction suitable for all ages, including urban fantasy, sword and sorcery, dark fantasy/horror, romantic fantasy. Pays six cents a word for up to 7,000 words, $420 for 7,000-14,000 words, and three cents a word for longer works; buys First North American serial and electronic publication rights. Guidelines: submissions@blackgate.com or the website (www.blackgate.com). Editor: John O'Neill with New Epoch Press, Attn: Submissions Dept, 815 Oak Street, St Charles, IL 60174, USA.

Bloodlust UK From 1st September 2005, bloodlust-uk is re-opening as a paying market for vampire fiction. Details are as
follows: Publishing one story per month on a paid basis 0.01p GBP per word up to 2000 words £20.00 GBP max payment for stories up to 4000 words Enquire before submitting 4000 words + (probably 'no'). Hard copy and ebook Anthology to be published in next few months. Details, sub form and new terms will be at http://www.bloodlust-uk.com at end August. (See Fear Fiction, below)

Cadenza A new quarterly magazine, publishing vibrant, modern short stories, articles, poetry, interviews and markets of interest to fiction writers. CLICK HERE for contributor's guidelines.

Chapman Scotland's quality literary magazine. Features poetry, short works of fiction, criticism, reviews and articles on theatre, politics, language and the arts. Unsolicited material welcome if accompanied by s.a.e. Approach in writing unless discussion is needed. Priority is given to full-time writers. Features: Topics of literary interest, especially Scottish literature, theatre, culture or politics. Maximum 5000 words. Fiction: Short stories, occasionally novel extracts if self-contained. Maximum 6000 words. Payment £15 per 1000 words. Special Pages: Poetry, both UK and non-UK in translation (mainly, but not necessarily, European). Payment by negotiation. Editor: Joy M. Hendry, 4 Broughton Place, Edinburgh EH1 3RX. Tel: 0131 557 2207. Fax: 0131 556 9565 Email: editor@chapman-pub.co.uk. Website: www.chapman-pub.co.uk

Collective Publishing - paperback publishers. They are looking for erotic stories between 3,000 and 10,000 words. Submission guidelines: http://www.collectivepublishing.co.uk/html/submissions.html Contact: Freya Heims, Collective Publishing, P.O. Box 474, Fareham, Hampshire, UK.

Countryside Tales Your story can be in any genre as long as it has a 'countryside' feel or setting. For example, you could write a crime story about a village policeman or a romantic tale set in the country. Your story should contain interesting and believable characters and have a beginning, middle and satisfactory conclusion. If there is a 'twist in the tale', it should not be obvious. One of the more common reasons for rejecting short stories is that we know almost immediately how the story is going to end. No erotica, children's stories, or stories told from the viewpoint of an animal. Maximum length: 2000 words. The best poem, article and short story in each issue (as judged by the editor) will receive a payment of £10.00. For all other published items, payment is a complimentary copy of the magazine. Details: Countryside Tales, Park Publications, 14 The Park, Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, Glos GL54 1DX; contact editor David Howarth (tel: 01451 831053) to discuss ideas, or send sae for guidelines. Email: parkpubl4@hotmail.com Website: www.parkpublications.co.uk

Dark Tales Created as an outlet primarily for unpublished writers of sci-fi, dark fantasy and horror short stories. Published stories are the winners and shortlisted entries from a quarterly competition. Fiction should be strong on characterisation as well as original, thought-provoking ideas.  Up to 2500 words. Annual subscription £12, single issue £3.50, either by cheque/P.O. payable to S. A. Jeffery or securely via the website. Subscription provides half-priced entry to all competitions. Dark Tales Subscription (Ref: JBWB), 11 Lower Chestnut Street, Worcester WR1 1PB. Email: details@darktales.co.uk . Website: http://www.darktales.co.uk

Delivered accepts all genres and has a 3000-word limit. It includes poetry and a crossword both of which are open to contibutors. Delivered costs £3.00 per issue or £10.00 for a one year subscription. There are prizes of £20.00 £15.00 & £10.00 for the top three stories per issue. All authors receive a free copy if their work is published. Further details are on the website: www.grimmyproductions.co.uk

Descant An established, Canadian literary magazine. Descant considers submissions of poetry (submit about six poems), short stories, novel excerpts, plays, essays, interviews, musical scores and visual presentations. Standards for acceptance are high. They receive a large number of submissions every month – please send only your best, carefully edited work. No submission may be under consideration by another publisher, nor can it have been previously published. Please note that it can take up to 12 months to hear back regarding your submission. More information on the website (http://www.descant.ca). Submission Guidelines: http://www.descant.ca/submit.html

Dred is the electronic rebirth of Dread: Tales of the Uncanny and Grotesque, a print digest that ran for three years in the late 90s. Now seeking horror, strange tales, and dark fantasy up to 7,500 words. Pay $10 (US) flat rate for first electronic rights. See full guidelines at www.dredtales.com for more details.

The Edge Wants modern/psychological/urban/imaginative science fiction/horror/crime/erotic fiction. Enclose sae/IRCs. No reprints or email submissions. Full guidelines at website. Sample copy £3.50, cheques payable to The Edge. Writers' guidelines available on request. Send s.a.e. or email. Payment negotiable, up to £50 per 1000 words. Editor: Dave Clark, 65 Guinness Buildings, Hammersmith, London W6 8BD. Tel: 020 74609444 Email: davec@theedge.abelgratis.co.uk Website: www.theedge.abelgratis.co.uk

Espresso Fiction require a broad range of short fiction to ' challenge, intrigue, provoke, stimulate and resonate'. Actively encouraging more submissions, particularly for engaging fiction aimed at teenagers. Details on website at http://www.espressofiction.com

Extremes 5 A new anthology of horror stories from Lone Wolf Publications, subtitled Fantasy and Horror from the Ends of the Earth. Editor Brian A Hopkins is looking for tales from beyond the North American continent. He wants stories that can capture the atmosphere of somewhere exotic (from an American perspective), which paint a vividly frightening picture of non-US life. Avoid clichés like Whitby and vampires, but offer, instead, something that presents local culture and superstition in compelling form. No word limit is set, but possibly tales under 7,000 words might stand a better chance. Visit the website (http://www.lonewolfpubs.com) for further information; email submissions (lwpub@aol.com) are preferred. Lone Wolf Publications, 13500 SE 79th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73150, USA.

Fear Fiction has been put together as a horror writing competition which offers cash prizes for each competition - the more entries, the more the prize money. Every month, a new competition will be launched, based on a first line. Readers are invited to submit their story and the winner is announced at the end of every month. Details at http://www.fearfiction.com/ (See also Bloodlust, above.)

Flesh & Blood A multi-award-winning dark fantasy fiction magazine published quarterly. Fifty-plus pages featuring a variety of the strange and offbeat behind its full-colour cover. Will look at fiction up to 6,000 words. Website: http://fast.horrorseek.com/horror/fleshnblood/main.htm

For Women Monthly magazine of erotic and sex interest for women. Approach in writing in the first instance. Erotic short stories. Maximum 2000 words. Payment £125. Editor: Zak Jane Keir, Fantasy Publications, 4 Selsdon Way, London E14 9EL Tel: 0207 308 5090. Fax: 0207 308 5075

Gay Times Young, gay writers are being offered a new opportunity for publication in the Gay Times Book of Short Stories: The Next Wave, to be published in October 2001. This will be the 'world's first' collection of fiction by gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (GBTQ) youth, aged up to 25 years. Submissions should be crafted, heartfelt, original writing, set in the year 2001 or slightly beyond, of 1,500 - 4000 words. Deadline is 14 February 2001. Open to males only, with the exception of individuals who identify as female to male transexuals. Payment upon publication for inclusion is £100. Under UK law, parental/guardian consent is needed for payment and publication of fiction by anyone who has not yet reached the age of 16. Submissions (maximum of two) to P-P Hartnett, c/o Gay Times, Worldwide House, 116-134 Bayham Street, London NW1 0BA. Please remember to include a sae, a brief covering letter, date of birth and a 100-word biography.

Historical Novel Society See Solander below.

The Hot Spot An erotic fiction periodical whose editor and publisher, Barbara Cardy-Phillips, provides hints and tips to all budding writers of 'smutty' stories... Full details on website at http://www.hotspotbooks.co.uk/

Hub Currently accepting flash fiction submissions of between 800 and 1,500 words. These figures are set and should not be treated as general guidelines. Website: http://www.hub-mag.co.uk/submissions.html

iddie A journal filled with quality fiction and poetry. Website:  http://www.iddie.net. Submission guidelines: http://www.iddie.net/Submit.html

Imaginings A collection of novelette-length tales of sci-fi and fantasy, produced by Albe-Shiloh Inc and published by Pocket Books. Horror stories will be looked at, but only if they have sci-fi and/or fantasy elements. Stories, 8,000-15,000 words, must be original; no reprints will be accepted. Submissions to: Imaginings, PO Box 4976, New York, NY 10185-4976. Any story sent via any other method than posted mail will be rejected unread. Ten stories will be accepted and payment will be $950 plus one percent of royalties. For more information e-mail: imaginings@albeshiloh.com but first read the website: http://www.albeshiloh.com/imaginings/

Interzone: Science Fiction & Fantasy Monthly magazine - Circulation 10,000. Unsolicited mss welcome 'from writers who have a knowledge of the magazine and its contents'. S.a.e. essential for return. Fiction 2000-6000 words. Payment £30 per 1000 words. Owner/Editor: David Pringle, 217 Preston Drove, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6FL Tel: 01273 504710

Ken*again, the literary magazine A quarterly, nonprofit e-zine presenting a hearty, eclectic mix of prose, poetry, art and photography: accessible, obscure, soothing, disturbing. Especially seeking short stories, generally 2500 words, maximum, for the November 2001 issue. We do not pay cash but we publish authors' bios and often link to their sites. Prose and poetry may be sent either in the body of an email or by attaching MS-Word Documents. Art should be attached in jpg format or we should be directed to Artists' and Photographers' websites. Edited and Published by John Delin and Pamela Boslet Buskin. Website: http://kenagain.freeservers.com Guidelines: http://kenagain.freeservers.com/contact.html

The Lady Accepts more literary fiction of approximately 2,000 words. Nothing too cosy and nothing too predictable. Editor: Arline Usden. For the latest Lady submission Guidelines Click Here

L.A. Therapy is open to short fiction and poetry submissions of any nature, though priority is given to writers from Los Angeles. This is a non-profit journal and contributor's copies are all that can be offered writers at this point. Interested writers should send their submissions electronically as part of the body of their message to: Alexander Cicak, Editor and Publisher, Email: latherapy2001@yahoo.com

Linkway Magazine (now in its seventh year) is looking for good short stories (as well as articles and poetry). Competitions. Before submitting material, read a sample copy - simply send 54p in stamps (or two IRCs) to the address that follows. Alternatively, order the current issue for £3 plus 50p p&p (£4.25 outside UK). Cheques should be made payable to F C Davies. Contact: Fay Davies, Linkway Magazine, The Shieling, The Links, Burry Port, Carmarthenshire SA16 0HU.

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction is looking for character-driven stories up to 25,000 words. They receive many fantasy submissions but never enough sci-fi or humour. Payment on acceptance: 5-8 cents per word for North American and 'foreign' serial rights. Remember IRCs, and use American spell check if possible. Contact: The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, PO Box 3447, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA.

Mslexia Women writers' magazine Mslexia needs theme-based poems and short stories for its new writing section. Up to 30 selected submissions will appear in Mslexia each quarter and a guest editor will comment on each published piece. Previous guests have included Fay Weldon, Michele Roberts, Jackie Kay, Carol Ann Duffy and Wendy Cope. Poets can send up to four poems on the current theme, and fiction writers no more than 3,000 words. Mark envelopes with theme as appropriate; enclose a sae and daytime telephone number. Submissions to: Mslexia, PO Box 656, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1PZ; tel: 0191 261 6656; e-mail (for information only, no submissions): postbag@mslexia.demon.co.uk Website: www.mslexia.co.uk

My Weekly For the latest My Weekly submission Guidelines Click Here

Neonbeam UK based e-zine produced as a quarterly PDF. Poetry, fiction and review submissions from all over the world are welcome via e-mail (submit@neonbeam.org). The poetry and fiction submission selected as Best Of Issue each quarter will receive a copy of the relevant poetry/fiction featured book. Submission guidelines are available on the website. http://www.neonbeam.org

New Welsh Review Welsh literary magazine in the English language. Welcomes material of literary and cultural interest to Welsh readers and those with an interest in Wales. Short stories should be sent to the editor accompanied by a covering letter and a stamped addressed envelope or international money order for return. Material will not be returned unless it is accompanied by sufficient postage. If acknowledgement of safe receipt is required, include a stamped addressed postcard with your submission. Email submissions are not accepted without the prior permission of the editor. They pay £60 to £75 for a short story and aim to let you know within three months if your submission has been selected. Editor: Francesca Rhydderch, PO Box 170, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Wales SY23 1WZ. Telephone 01970 628410; Fax 01970 626320. Website: http://www.newwelshreview.com

Oceans of the Mind (www.trantorpublications.com) publish sci-fi and pay up to five cents a word to 8,000 words. Do not send fantasy or sword and sorcery stories; editor Richard Freeborn buys first anthology rights, First Foreign Serial rights, nonexclusive reprint rights, and electronic rights. E-mail submissions preferred. See website first for current themes required, then send as an attachment in a format readable by Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Simultaneous submissions accepted but please indicate this. Hard copy submissions accepted, but response time is longer than for e-mail submissions. Richard Freeborn, Oceans of the Mind, Trantor Publications, 9838 Old Baymeadows Road, #283, Jacksonville, FL 32256, USA; e-mail: oceansubs@trantorpublications

Peepshow Magazine (http://www.peepshowmagazine.co.uk/), a new venture into erotic horror, is looking for short stories (up to 6,000 words) which can chill the blood and inflame passions, avoiding the cliche trap of panting virgins and sharp-toothed vampires. Submissions by post only. Contact: Paul Fry, Editor, 15 North Roundhay, Stechford, Birmingham B33 9PE.

Playboy Regarded as one of the best paying markets for serious contemporary stories, mystery, suspense, humour, science fiction and sports stories. The average length of a Playboy story is 1,000-6,000 words, and they will not consider manuscripts longer than 7,500 words. Payment, made on acceptance, is usually $5,000; very short pieces are paid $2,000. Writers who submit manuscripts without including a self-addressed, stamped return envelope will receive neither the manuscript nor a printed rejection. Won't consider stories submitted electronically or by fax. Decision time: around eight weeks. Send submissions to Playboy Magazine, Attn: Fiction Department, 680 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

The People's Friend Entertaining, optimistic stories are required by this publication - throw in a touch of nostalgia and let your fictional world move more slowly than today's and you'll stand a far better chance of succeeding. Stories should usually be between 1,000 and 4,000 words, but there are occasionally slots for shorter pieces of 500 to 1,000 words. Send for guidelines, or submit to: The Fiction Editor, The People's Friend, DC Thomson and Co. Ltd, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. Tel: 01382 462276 or 01382 223131.

For the latest People's Friend submission Guidelines Click Here

Quality Women's Fiction For female writers of short stories - CLICK HERE for guidelines.

Sci Fiction http://www.scifi.com/scifiction/ is looking for literate, strongly plotted science fiction and fantasy stories; length between 2,000 and 17,500 words; 3,000 to 5,000 words would probably be preferable. Ellen welcomes submissions on a variety of subjects and themes, though cautions against any stories that dwell on technical jargon. She wants thought-provoking stories that will intrigue any reader, not just ones steeped in science. Characterisation, as always, is vital. Avoid sword and sorcery and space opera. No electronic submissions - postal only. Guidelines are available online, or by post from Ellen Datlow, Fiction Editor, SCIFI.COM, 48 Eighth Avenue, PMB 405, New York, New York 10014, USA (Enclose sae and IRC).

Scribble Quarterly short story magazine now in its seventh year of publication. Offers prizes of £75, £25 and £15 for the best three stories in each issue of the magazine, on any subject, up to 3,000 words. Details and guidelines: Send sae to: Scribble, Park Publications, 14 The Park, Stow on the Wold, Glos GL54 1DX. Website: www.parkpublications.co.uk

Short Shorts Can you capture the essence of an idea in a hundred words or less or tell a story that captivates, amuses or inspires in 300 words or so? Do you have dozens of coherent snippets that never quite made it into that 1000-word masterpiece? Can you make someone break out in laughter after reading a few brief lines? A new online magazine, launching May 2005, may be the answer. Especially interested in thought-provoking, stories and essays (short), humorous pieces and personal narratives that evoke emotion and suggest connections to larger themes or raise issues that touch the human heart. No payments at this stage and all freelance. But it is your chance to establish your credentials in a brand new market. Send a brief resume and one sample piece -- maximum 200 words -- to micro.editor@gmail.com

Solander Payments of £100 per short story (length 4,000-7,000 words) are being offered for publication in the Historical Novel Society's magazine, Solander. Many contributors published in Solander have found agents and gone on to further success. Any theme or period is acceptable, and the editor is prepared to read time-slip or alternative history as well as 'straight' historical fiction. All genres will be considered and submissions are not restricted to members, although contributors should read a copy of the magazine first. Please either send hard copy (to Richard Lee, Marine Cottage, The Strand, Starcross, Devon, EX6 8NY. UK) or an email attachment (preferably in Word) to Richard – histnovel@aol.com. Please note that the HNS makes no guarantee that it will enter into any correspondence about the stories. Membership of the Historical Novel Society costs £18 per year. Details: Marilyn Sherlock, Membership Secretary, 38 The Fairway, Newton Ferrers, Devon. Website: http://www.historicalnovelsociety.com/

Spec Magazine A Canadian magazine seeks fantasy, horror, ghost and fairy stories; both poetry and prose. Guidelines and pay rates: http://www.onspec.ca/ or contact Spec Magazine, Box 4727, Edmonton Alberta, Canada T6E 5G6.

Spectrum is a new high-quality quarterly UK sci-fi magazine, published as a B-format paperback book. Each issue is 160 pages, concentrating on stories, with a short reviews and letters section at the back, suggesting a harking back to the classic New Worlds of the 1960s. The magazine is hoping to become an open market, but is currently accepting submissions only from writers with previously professionally published work. Overseas submissions should contain a disposable manuscript (marked as such) and IRC (two for an airmail reply) or e-mail address for reply. Payment is £35 per 1,000 words for short fiction up to 7,500 words; £30 per 1,000 words from 7,500-17,500 words; and £25 per 1,000 words for over 17,500 words. Submissions (that have been solicited after a query e-mail to editorial@spectrumpublishing.com) should be sent to: Spectrum Publishing, PO Box 10308, Aberdeen ABU 6ZR and contain sae.

Stickman Review (www.stickmanreview.com) is a new, online literary magazine that will be published twice yearly. Editors Anthony Brown and Darrin English welcome e-mail submissions of literary fiction (fiction@stickmanreview.com), non-fiction (nonfiction@stickmanre view.com) and poetry (poetry@stickmanreview.com). Although they do not rule out genre stories, the editors emphasise that this is a literary magazine, and their major interest is the quality of the literary style. Contact: Stickman Review, 2890 N. Fairview Dr, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, USA.

StoryWar A battleground for writers - worth a look. Website: www.storywar.com

The Strand Magazine is a quarterly print publication offering a variety of crime short stories, book reviews, articles on the mystery genre, and interviews with prominent authors or people with a decided 'criminal' interest. Managing Editor Andrew F Gulli looks for tales written in the best traditions of the classic writers. Weave a mystery, sprinkle it with red herrings, and introduce characters with whom the reader can sympathise. Explicit sex or violence are not welcome. Stories of 2,000 to 6,000 words should be submitted by mail to: The Strand Magazine, PO Box 1418, Birmingham, MI 48012-1418, USA.

Take a Break They are looking for stories maximum 1,000 words to fill their fiction slot: sharp, succinct with good plots and a 'twist in the tail' ending. Keep the number of characters to a minimum (certainly no more than four) and make your main character a woman. Submit to: John Dale, Take a Break, Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London NW1 7DT. Tel: 0207 241 8000. Email: tab.features@bauer.co.uk (DO NOT send manuscripts by email).

That's Life A full-page piece of fiction appears each week here - and you can earn £300 if you're the successful writer. Stories should be written in a chatty, conversational style, preferably with some love interest but not an out-and-out romance. (Max. 1200 words.) 'Twist in the tail' endings are popular, too. Submit to: Jo Checkley, That's Life, H. Bauer Publishing, 24-28 Oval Road,
London NW1 7DT . Tel: 020 7241 8000. Fax: 020 7241 8008

The Third Alternative Quarterly A4 colour magazine of horror, fantasy, science fiction and slipstream fiction, plus varied features and artwork. Publishes talented newcomers alongside famous authors. Unsolicited mss welcome if accompanied by s.a.e. or International Reply Coupons (no length restriction, but no novels or serialisations). Potential contributors are advised to study the magazine. Contracts are exchanged upon acceptance; payment is upon publication. Winner of British Fantasy Awards. The magazine is supported by Eastern Arts. Editor: Andy Cox, 5 Martins Lane, Witcham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2LB. Tel: 01353 777931

Thirteen specialises in short horror stories and cross-genre stories with an element of horror. They publish thirteen pieces of fiction once a month, with two issues in October, and now select a monthly winner who will receive £113.  The twelve runners up will each recieve a free copy of the issue in which their work appears. The magazine is an intriguing concept and the website is well worth a visit at http://www.thirteenmagazine.co.uk/

Tin House (http://www.tinhouse.com/) is a quarterly literary magazine that publishes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. It accepts submissions from around the world. Non-fiction articles include interviews with literary figures and essays on writing and literature. Pays from $200 for short stories and $50 for poetry. Contact: Tin House, PO Box 10500, Portland, Oregon OR 97296-0500, USA for further information (enclose sae and IRC), or visit the website for fuller guidelines.

Transmitter A new professional online science fiction market, Transmitter is seeking speculative fiction stories of any style or theme. Guidelines:
http://www.illusiontv.com/fiction/fiction-submission.php

Ulster Tatler Articles of local interest and social functions appealing to Northern Ireland's ABC1 population. Welcomes unsolicited material; approach by phone or in writing in the first instance. Fiction: Max. 3000 words. Payment £150. Editor: Richard Sherry, 39 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6UT. Tel: 01232 681371. Fax: 01232 381915 Email: ulstertat@aol.com Website: http://www.ulstertatler.com

Vermont Ink considers submissions in most genres; between 2,000-3,000 words; pays up to $25 plus contributor's copy. Contact: Donna J Leach, Box 3297, Burlington VT 05401-3297. Email (query first): vermontink@aol.com Website: www.VermontInk.com

Virgin Publishing Ltd - Black Lace: In addition to full-length fiction, Black Lace publishes roughly two short story collections a year. Unsolicited submissions are welcomed in both formats - but from female authors only. It is also most important to note that if you are intending to submit your manuscript, you should initially obtain a copy of their guidelines. You can do this easily enough by sending an SAE to: Black Lace Guidelines, Virgin Publishing, Thames Wharf Studios, Rainville Road, London W6 9HT.

Wee Ones E-Magazine (www.weeonesmag.com) offers entertaining fiction and non-fiction for three to eight-year-olds. Editor Jennifer Reed is looking for read-aloud stories, picture stories, arts and craft ideas, puzzles, and anything that will capture the imagination of a young child. Her objective is to select material that will encourage children to think and to develop a thirst for reading. Visit the Website for further information. Email: (submissions@weeonesmag.com) with your story ideas.

West Somerset CyberFiction is looking for short stories by writers resident in West Somerset, for new ARTLife (West Somerset Arts Consortium) grant funded website www.west-somerset-cyberfiction.f2s.com For details/guidelines either visit website or send sae to: Helen King, c/o 10 Paganel Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5ET, or e-mail helen@ukwriters.net

Woman's Weekly is looking for warm, realistic short stories in two length categories: 2,000 words and 1,000 words. Serials are also required of between 2 and 6 instalments of around 4,000 words per instalment. Submit to: Gaynor Davies, Woman's Weekly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 OSU. Write for the latest Woman's Weekly Writers' Guidelines, enclosing sae. Email: womansweeklypostbag@ipcmedia.com

Woman's Weekly Fiction Special is published bi-monthly and contains approximately twenty-five complete stories of between 1,000 and 6,000 words. Themes are varied, from humour to romance to gentle crime. Each issue also includes a feature aimed at helping would-be writers and a readers' poetry page. Submit to: Gaynor Davies, Woman's Weekly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 OSU. Write for the latest Woman's Weekly Writers' Guidelines, enclosing sae. Email: womansweeklypostbag@ipcmedia.com

The Yellow Nib The literary journal of the prestigious Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry, showcases the best in critical and creative writing. Published every October with selections of poetry, essays and short stories from both new talents and well established artists. Website: www.blackstaffpress.com

Yours A fortnightly magazine covering general women's interest and lifestyle. Aimed at readers over fifty. Publishes general interest short fiction. Website: http://www.yours.co.uk Email: yours@emap.com Features Editor: Caroline Chadderton, Bretton Court, Bretton, Peterborough, PE3 8DZ

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Phone: (044) 01454 324717

e-mail: jenny@jbwb.co.uk