Black Matrix Publishing LLC

Sample of our latest release, The Promise

2011-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

The Promise: Book 1 of The Coven series is now available in PDF format from Black Matrix Publishing. Kindle and Nook versions will be available in a couple of days, followed by the trade paperback in about one week. Meanwhile, enjoy this short sample...

Open publication - Free publishing - More coven

Sharing Atmosphere released

2011-07-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

We invite you to read a sample of our latest book release, "Sharing Atmosphere," by Ron Savage.

Open publication - Free publishing - More scifi

Interview with Grateful Undead author Susan Stec

2011-06-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Susan Stec was recently interviewed by Candy O'Donnell on Blog Talk Radio. You can listen to it here:

Listen to internet radio with Candy ODonnell on Blog Talk Radio

Another giveaway

2011-06-05T00:11:00.000-07:00

We have two copies of Fractured Time available through Goodreads.com. Enter now for a chance to win. We are planning more giveaways in the future for other books we publish.

E-books outselling paper books

2011-05-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago Amazon.com reported that since April 1, for every 100 paper books they sold (including hardcover and paperback) they have sold 105 digital books. It was only a matter of time, I just didn't expect the day to come so soon. That's one of the reasons we have been focusing a lot on e-books lately. We already sell more digital books than we do paperback.

You can now read our books on almost every portable device since free Kindle and Nook e-reader software can be downloaded onto PCs, iPads, Android phones, etc. We also sell PDF copies directly from our website.

E-book editions

2011-05-21T18:34:00.000-07:00

All of our novels are now available on Amazon's Kindle and Barnes & Noble's Nook e-readers for $2.99 each.

Encounters Magazine returns as a digital only publication

2011-05-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

We have decided to keep Encounters alive, but as a digital publication only. It will be distributed free through various outlets around the Internet. We are making it available in a number of different formats so that it can be read on everything from computers and e-readers to cell phones. Look for it to debut in a few weeks, and grab a copy wherever you find it. Like I said - it's free.

Each issue will contain at least four stories and we will release a new one on the first of every month. It will have the same eclectic mix of science fiction, fantasy and horror that filled the former print edition. Writers and artist guidelines are available here: http://www.blackmatrixpub.com/encounters.html.

The Grateful Undead: They're So Vein now available on the Nook

2011-05-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Good news for owners of Barnes & Noble's ebook reader. The Grateful Undead is now available for $2.99 on the Nook. Look for our other titles to be available on this platform soon.

Fantasy novel, Everwinter, added to our summer release list

2011-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce the acquisition of Elizabeth Baxter's fantasy novel, Everwinter. We'll share more information on this title in the near future.

We're Giving Away 3 Copies of The Grateful Undead: They're So Vein

2011-05-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

As part of our promotion for Susan Stec's irreverent and hilarious new vampire novel, we are giving away 3 free trade paperback copies. Goodreads.com will pick the lucky winners next month. Look for future promotional giveaways of this title and others. Entries for this giveaway are open to the residents of the U.S. and Canada.

Fractured Time now on Kindle

2011-04-28T17:13:00.000-07:00

Robert J. Knowle's Fractured Time is now available on the Kindle. We are working on conversions to other platforms that will be released soon.

The Grateful Undead: They're So Vein now available on the Kindle

2011-04-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Our other titles will also be available on the Kindle in the next few days. We are also working on conversions that will make all of our titles available on numerous hand-held devices such as the Nook, the iPad, Android phones and many others.

Working on Web site updates today

2011-03-25T11:17:00.001-07:00

Work underway on our site today includes adding samples of our books and links for purchasing in print and ebook format. We will try to complete all the updates today if possible. Meanwhile, here is a first look at the cover for book one of the The Grateful Undead trilogy: They're So Vein.

New Web site uploaded

2011-02-25T18:31:00.001-08:00

We have posted our remodeled Web page at www.blackmatrixpub.com. Keep in mind that it isn't 100% complete as yet, but over the next week we should get all the links and other functions fully working. We will also have some information soon on a another new science fiction novel we recently aquired.

New Directions

2011-02-01T13:39:00.000-08:00

We are currently transitioning from short fiction to novel-length projects. We will no longer accept short story submissions and Encounters will go on hiatus until later in the year when we make a final decision about whether or not we will release any new editions. If you recently submitted short fiction to Encounters Magazine, please feel free to resubmit the manuscript to other markets.

We hope to release at least one book per month for the remainder of 2011. New projects will be announced here when they are given the green light.

Projects planned for release in January

2011-01-09T16:03:00.000-08:00

Novel: Fractured Time by Robert J. Knowles

Novel: Re-release of Advent Tour by P. E. Snyder:

We are also hoping to complete preparation on The Grateful Undead: They're So Vein by Susan Stec for a February 1st release. Look for more info on these books in upcoming posts.

Work is underway on Encounters #5 (yes, we are a bit behind on the schedule, but we are working to complete the issue by the end of the month). We are still working through a backlog of stories so please be patient. Our response times are ranging from 60 to 90 days on most short fiction and somewhat longer on novel length manuscripts. We hope to shorten that considerably over the next couple of months.

Pushcart Prize nominees

2010-12-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

Every year, editors and publishers are encouraged to nominate short fiction and poetry they have published for inclusion in the Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses anthology. This coming year will be the thirty-fifth volume in the series.

We have six stories nominated from authors we have published this year:

The Kramers by Blake Kimzey
Our Subterranean Complex by Raleigh Dugal
Arabesque by Lawrence Buentello
New Rules by Cheryl Gilbert
True Believers by Clare M. Clerkin-Russell
Leviathan by Lawrence Buentello

ePUB edition of Encounters

2010-12-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

Encounters Magazine #4 is now available in ePUB format for reading on a variety of phones and other portable devices. The ePUB edition can be ordered from our Web site for $2.99.

Encounters on Kindle

2010-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Kindle edition of Encounters Magazine is now available at Amazon.com.

ePUB edition of Encounters coming soon

2010-12-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

We are currently working on a ePUB compatible edition of Encounters. This will make it available for reading on a wide range of devices from phones such as the Android and iPhone, and book readers including those from Sony and others as well as the iPAD. Look for it soon.

Read a short sample of Encounters #4 here

2010-11-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More fantasy

2010-11-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Encounters #4 update

The print edition of issue #4 is now available on our Web site (www.blackmatrixpub.com/catalog.html). Discounted pricing is available, just use the code provided.

Encounters #4 PDF edition now available

2010-10-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

We have added a link on our Web site to the PDF version of our new issue (www.blackmatrixpub.com/pdfcatalog.html). We are still doing some updates on the site, so the preview function for #4 isn't up yet, but it will be soon.

Encounters #4 PDF version

2010-10-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

The PDF version of Encounters will be released some time in the next 24 hours. The print edition will follow in a few days. Meanwhile, enjoy this sneak peek at the cover.

Encounters #4 release set for this weekend

2010-10-21T10:37:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note to let everyone know that issue #4 will be released in PDF format this weekend, followed by the print release a few days later.

Encounters Magazine #4 update

2010-10-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Artwork is being developed for the issue and we are now working on the layout. Here's a list of stories and authors you will see in this issue:

Polar by Candra Hope
Swimming With Sharks by Timothy Miller
The Black Grave by Scott Hill
Returns Permitted Within 30 Days by Russell James
Fermi's Paradox by DoA Worrell
Oblivion by Naomi Johnson
Father Mars by Jack Mackenzie
The Curator's Dilemma by William Knight
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by Thomas Canfield
Asteroid Eternia by Collin R. Skocik
I Regret I Must Eat You Now by Tom Barlow
A Symphony of Horrors by Kevin J. Bartell
Oumings in the Dark by Jeffrey Aaron Miller
Wind Like Dry Bones by Wayne Faust
The All-Consuming Lie by Ryan Kinkor
Hushabye by John Morgan
Some Theories Regarding the Current Crisis by David Tallerman
The Memory Miners by Sergei Servianov
World of Shells by Chrystalla Thoma
Celestial Encounters by Michael Meyerhofer
Tap, Tap by Aaron Polson
The Best of Us All by Martin Turton

A Quick Note...

2010-09-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just an update to let everyone know we are temporarily down to 2 staff members, and may stay at that level through the rest of this year. As a result our schedule is a little off, but the new issue of Encounters will definitely be released within the month of October. In the next couple of days I will post a list of the stories and writers you will see in issue #4.

Project update

2010-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Work on Encounters #4 is now underway. It's shaping up to be another big issue packed with great genre fiction. Also, some of the contributors for #3 apparently have not received their contributor copies yet because of an oversight on our part. We are taking care of that issue and all should receive their copies soon.

New small press project

2010-08-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

We have created a Web site designed to promote the published works of independent and small publishers. It's called POD Spectrum and is designed to provide a platform to announce new releases on a monthly basis. The focus is on books produced using print-on-demand presses, the only logical choice for most small publishers.

Along with the Web site, we have created a blog for discussing new releases and will be publishing a quarterly print magazine in paper and PDF format. The PDF format edition will be free for download, the paper edition will be full color throughout and sell for about $6.95.

We will not list books from major publishers... this one is for the small press market only.
The Web site is podspectrum.blackmatrixpub.com and the blog is podspectrum.blogspot.com. Hopefully, with enough participation, we can develop this new project into a useful tool for promoting the wide range of fiction available from independent publishers.

Library distribution

2010-08-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

We are now adding additional libraries to our free subscription program. We originally planned on setting up 10 free subscriptions, but we have now expanded that program to 20 libraries. It takes quite some time to build a significant reader base via paid circulation, so we viewed libraries as a good way to make sure authors who found a home in the pages of Encounters Magazine were widely read as we built the magazine base. Literally hundreds (possibly thousands) of people have picked up copies of our publications in the libraries we have placed with so far.

Combined with the addition of a PDF edition to compliment the printed version, and our new low pricing on our Web site, we are making progress. And we know that the authors we feature are being read by a growing audience.

Encounters #3 print edition now available

2010-07-22T20:56:00.001-07:00

Our biggest issue yet... 150 pages and packed with new genre fiction. Encounters #3 is now available via our Web site at www.blackmatrixpub.com/catalog.html for only $5.95 when you use the code supplied.

In other news, we have artists lined up to do the next three issues and work has begun on Encounters #4 so we can release it in the third week of next month. Also, we are getting closer to the release of "Fractured Time" and will follow that novel up with the release of "The Grateful Undead", one of the most entertaining vampire novels we've ever had the privilege to read.

New low prices available on our Web site

2010-07-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, we know everything keeps going up in price, but we like to swim against the current whenever we can. In that spirit we have not only increased the size of future editions of Encounters Magazine, we have lowered the cover price to $5.95 when purchased through our Web site. All editions of our discontinued mags (Night Chills, Outer Reaches and Realms) are still available and are now discounted to only $4.95. Remember, these low prices on the print editions are only good via our Web site: www.blackmatrixpub.com. Just use the codes provided when ordering.

We don't take outside advertising and we don't waste pages on essays, commentary, book or movie reviews - we just bring you the most genre fiction we can, and now for an even lower price. The PDF edition of Encounters #3 is available now for $2.99 and the print edition will be out later this week. 150 pages, over 120,000 words of great fiction at a great price.

Encounters #3 now available in PDF format

2010-07-13T18:59:00.000-07:00

The PDF for issue three can be purchased at our Web site as of now. It's been a long day, but we finally managed to get it ready for sale. Just $2.99 for 152 pages of great new fiction. The print edition will follow in a few days. Even though we have expanded the size considerably, the price for the paper edition remains at $7.95.

A quick peek at Encounters #3

2010-07-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here's a first look at the new issue's cover. The PDF version will be released this coming Tuesday and the print version will follow as soon as we approve the proof copy from the printer.

We will follow with issue #4 in the third week of August in order to settle into the new bi-monthly schedule. Look for a new issue every February, April, June, August, October and December.

We now offer 6 issue print and PDF subscriptions on our Web site.

Encounters #3 update

2010-06-29T14:24:00.000-07:00

Working on the cover today and finishing up the last of the inside page layouts. Interior art should be ready very soon, then it's off to the printer. We will follow this release with Encounters #4 in the third week of August. Issue #5 will be released the first week of October, and we are looking for some Halloween themed stories. We would like to include about four of them in the issue, and the cover illustration will be chosen from one of those four stories.

PDF editions and subscriptions

2010-06-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Even though we have expanded the size of Encounters Magazine and increased the frequency of publication, the price for PDF issues and subs remain the same. $2.99 for a single issue and $8.00 for a 6 issue subscription. It's a great deal for anyone, but particularly for our overseas readers because there is no postage cost for delivery. It can be read on almost any platform and it is an exact replica of the print edition. www.blackmatrixpub.com/subscriptions.html

2010-06-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Encounters #3 update...

Issue #3 will contain 22 stories and over 120,000 words of genre fiction. Even though we have expanded the page count, the original retail price remains the same. Cover and interior art is under development and we should be right on schedule for a release at the end of this month.

For those of you who haven't seen a copy of Encounters yet, let me tell you, it is not your usual magazine. It is essentially a 8x10 inch trade paperback composed of 150 pages (earlier issues were 104 to 112 pages) of book quality interior paper with durable full-color, laminated covers. We accept no outside advertising and you won't find any pages devoted to essays, book or movie reviews, etc. It's all about the fiction.

The price is $7.95 for a print copy (available all over the world via our Web site, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Ingram, to name just a few), and $2.99 for a PDF version available on our site at www.blackmatrixpub.com/pdfcatalog.html. Print editions can also be ordered for you by your local bookseller.

Trade paperback quality for a mass market price, and loaded cover to cover with science fiction, fantasy and horror from talented new writers. We think it's a great buy.

2010-06-12T16:50:00.000-07:00

Library Updates

Our library program seems to be going strong. Reports are our publications are circulating well. Now that we have consolidated all of our efforts into a larger Encounters Magazine, we are boosting our library efforts and it is our goal to have it circulating in a mix of libraries that serve over 20 million patrons a year within the next couple of months.

Big changes coming...

2010-06-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

Encounters Magazine is expanding. After discussions with the publisher it has been decided that Encounters will grow to 150 pages and go to a bi-monthly schedule. In the process, it will absorb the content from our other three magazines, which will cease publication. We are still looking for the same type of fiction, it will just be printed under the Encounters banner, and we are bumping our payment up slightly, to 1/4 cent per word. The retail price for print and PDF versions will not change.

We are also devoting more resources to our book line and plan on releasing a book every couple of months, beginning with a new title this month.

The decision was based on the amount and type of fiction we receive as well as reader input and sales. Encounters has emerged as the most popular destination for writers and readers alike. We will continue to focus on the fiction, accepting no outside advertising so readers get the maximum amount of entertainment we can stuff between the covers.

The first issue of the new, expanded Encounters will be on sale later this month.

Changes in publishing schedules

2010-05-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

We have made a few adjustments to our publishing schedule based on the availability of manuscripts in each genre we publish. The bulk of submissions we receive are for Encounters Magazine and Night Chills, so we are keeping them on their regular schedule and will release issues of Outer Reaches and Realms on a less regular basis. We don't want any issue to be released with less than 80,000 words between the covers, and are planning some containing even more fiction.

Next up is Night Chills #2, which will be available soon with the next issue of Outer Reaches close behind.

We had an unpleasant experience this past week when we found out someone had compromised our card number for our bank account and went on an Internet spending spree. Suffice to say, we are now in the process of resolving the issue with our bank and recovering the lost funds. Based on what the individual or individuals purchased, we believe them to be well dressed criminals.

Realms #2 print edition available

2010-05-20T22:37:00.000-07:00

The print version of Realms #2 is for sale on our Web site and will be available through Amazon.com and other outlets soon. We are still short 2 or 3 stories for the next issue of Outer Reaches, so we may release Night Chills #2 first.

REALMS update

2010-04-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

REALMS #2 is now available on our Web site in PDF format. The print edition will be available in a few days, as soon as we get the proofs back from the printer. Now it's on to OUTER REACHES #2 and NIGHT CHILLS #2 which we are currently working on simultaneously.

2010-04-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

Finally, some progress. All the stories are ready for REALMS #2 and I hope to have it ready for the printer in a few days. Meanwhile, here is a quick peek at the cover.

We are currently deciding which story in OUTER REACHES #2 will get the cover, but we are still a few stories short of the number we would like to include in the issue. Meanwhile, I'm starting preliminary work on NIGHT CHILLS #2 while we wait for some additional scifi to wander in the door.

It's gonna be a busy Spring.

Some quick updates...

2010-04-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have nearly all the stories we need for REALMS #2. We should be able to fill it this week, then we can finish the issue and concentrate on OUTER REACHES #2, which is already in progress.

Also, we've made some changes in our Web site and have added the ability to purchase all of our magazine titles in PDF format. These electronic editions are exact visual replicas of the print edition and provide an inexpensive way to enjoy all the great fiction they contain.

We've also added a new page where you can subscribe to your favorite magazines in print or PDF format.

New royalty rates for novels

2010-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

As of today, 04/01/10, we have changed our royalty payment amount for books to 50% of profit on each unit sold. Industry standard is only 10% to 15%, but we have decided the author should make the same amount as the publisher on each book sold. It is our belief that the author should share equally in any profits.

We are accelerating our efforts to add some novels to our catalog. We have added an additional editor who will work only on novel-length projects, and is currently finishing the initial edit on one book and will have others in the works close behind it.

REALMS #2 will take a few more days to complete as we are short a story or two to reach the full size we want. Work on OUTER REACHES is underway. The vast majority of stories that come in are for ENCOUNTERS and NIGHT
CHILLS. We are always looking for a wide range of fiction, but some more submissions from scifi and fantasy authors right now would be a good thing.

ENCOUNTERS #2 is now available on our Web site

2010-03-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Copies can be ordered now at www.blackmatrixpub.com/catalog and will become available through extended channels (Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, etc.) over the next few days and weeks.

Work on REALMS #2 is going well. We have an artist working on the cover and we should be doing the final layouts in about a week.

ENCOUNTERS #2 heading to the printer

2010-03-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would post a quick update and give you all a sneak peek at the cover of issue #2. It heads off to the printer for a proof tomorrow and should be available a few days later.

ENCOUNTERS #2 nearly complete

2010-03-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

ENCOUNTERS #2 will go to the printer for a proof in a couple of days. We've already begun work on REALMS #2.

Our response time to submissions at the moment can be as far out as 60 days. We are working to clear the backlog and get back to the 30 day framework by the end of this month.

We've also added a new editor who will be in charge of all book projects.

ENCOUNTERS, REALMS, OUTER REACHES and NIGHT CHILLS are now available in the following library systems:
Grants Pass, OR (Josephine County)
Medford, OR (Jackson County)
Eugene, OR (Lane County)
Portland, OR (Multnomah County)
We continue to work on expanding our library distribution so we can connect our writers with as many readers as possible.

ENCOUNTERS #2 progress report

2010-02-25T10:34:00.000-08:00

Work on issue #2 of ENCOUNTERS is a bit behind schedule but is underway now. It should be available within a couple of weeks and will be followed very quickly by issue #2 of REALMS and OUTER REACHES, so March is going to be a busy month for new releases.

Reviews at SFRevu.com

2010-02-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

We believe our publications showcase some of the best fiction from writers in the small press arena, but don't just take our word for it... check out these reviews of the first issue of ENCOUNTERS and REALMS at SFRevu.com.

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=10239

http://www.sfrevu.com/php/Review-id.php?id=10238

Library updates, magazine availability, etc.

2010-02-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

NIGHT CHILLS is now available on our Web site and at Amazon.com. All of our publications are, or will be, available via Ingram's catalog and on Barnes and Noble's site, as well as worldwide at Amazon Canada, Japan, France, Germany and the UK. They are also listed in Abebooks, Biggerbooks, Powells, Alibris, Booksamillion, Buy.com, A1books and others. If you don't want to shop online, you can order a copy through your local bookseller.

Also, the Multnomah County Library system has added multiple copies of all of our quaterly publications to their collection. This will place them in an environment that serves over 4 million patrons a year (5.5 million when you add in the other libraries that now carry them). As I have said before, we are doing everything we can to expose our writers to a large pool of potential readers.

Work is well underway on the second issue of ENCOUNTERS MAGAZINE which is scheduled for release later this month.

NIGHT CHILLS almost ready for release...

2010-01-17T13:16:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would give everyone a quick peek at the cover of the 1st issue of NIGHT CHILLS. It will be available very soon. Also, we are working on a novel which should be released in February (more on that project later) along with issue #2 of ENCOUNTERS.

We've added a third library to our list that carries all four publications. When I get a chance, I will update our Web page with a list of libraries where readers can find a copy.

Library distribution

2010-01-13T21:31:00.000-08:00

We have begun sending free subs of all our publications to select libraries. The first two that have accepted our 1 year gift subscriptions are visited by an average of 1.5 million patrons per year. When you allow for repeat visits by the same patrons and individual tastes in reading material, which reduces the amount of people who would be interested in the genre fiction we publish, it is our hope that at least 1 percent of that total number will actually get their hands on a copy sometime during the year. A tiny percentage, yes, but that would mean 15,000 potential readers at these two libraries -- and we are working on adding eight more libraries to the free sub program.

This is our attempt to give the writers we publish as much exposure as possible to people who love to read.

Web site updates

2010-01-07T19:10:00.001-08:00

Made a few minor changes to our Web site today, and added a few extra functions to the pages where the publication samples are displayed. Visitors can now check for availability of our titles in multiple online stores in the U.S. and Europe and find prices for them in local currency.

Expanded availability of magazines

2010-01-02T15:21:00.000-08:00

All of our publications are now available in more places online. Since we have expanded the distribution, copies are now available on Barnes & Noble's Web site as well as Amazon.com's UK, Japanese and German outlets (that we have seen so far).

As they move deeper into the distribution channels, they should become available for order by booksellers all over the U.S.

Sneak peek at OUTER REACHES #1 cover

2010-01-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

The holidays seemed to have slowed things down a bit, so we're still waiting on a proof of the first issue of OUTER REACHES. However, here is an advance look at the cover. Work is well underway on NIGHT CHILLS, and we are also working on a new book release. Issue #2 of ENCOUNTERS is scheduled for release in February.

We will be posting the schedule of magazine releases for 2010 on our Web site soon. Also, I will have more info on our library program next week. The intent of that effort is to provide as much exposure for our writers as possible per issue. We are giving some subscriptions away to select libraries and offering others subs at cost. We aren't making any money off of this particular program, but we are doing what we intended - making the magazines available to a large group of readers.

New pricing on all magazines...

2009-12-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Some good news for readers. Effective immediately, all magazines will now have a cover price of $7.95. Due to some changes in production, we are able to lower the retail cost. Also, the first issue of REALMS is now available on the Amazon Kindle for $2.99. OUTER REACHES and the other upcoming magazines will also be available on the Kindle for the same price.

Issue #1 of OUTER REACHES is complete

2009-12-28T11:42:00.000-08:00

We have requested a proof of the first OUTER REACHES from our printer. It should be available for purchase in about a week, as soon as we OK the proof. I will post a cover image here, soon.

A quick progress report

2009-12-18T14:39:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of finishing work on the first issue of OUTER REACHES. The cover should be complete next week, and the magazine should be available soon. We have an artist working on the cover for NIGHT CHILLS and we hope to have that premier issue on the market about a couple of weeks behind OUTER REACHES.

Sneak preview of REALMS #1 cover

2009-12-09T20:24:00.001-08:00

REALMS will be available in a few days... in the meantime, here is a preview of the cover for issue #1.

I'm sending several copies of ENCOUNTERS off to libraries tomorrow, and I'm in the process of contacting more to see if we can get each issue of all the mags in front of a lot of people who like to read.

Work on 1st issue of OUTER REACHES underway

2009-12-05T18:41:00.001-08:00

Initial layout has begun on OUTER REACHES and work on the 1st issue of NIGHT CHILLS will begin within the next two weeks.

Monday, we begin distribution of free copies to select libraries on the west coast, offering a free 1 year subscription to their periodical sections for all of our magazines. I have talked to several on the phone already and the idea has been well received. This will effectively create a potential readership of thousands as we expand the program.

As I have stated before, one of our goals has always been to put the work of the writers and the artists in front of as many readers as possible. We are proud of the content of each publication - we think the stories and art represent some of the best in the small press market. Make no mistake, "small press" does not mean low quality.

Work on 1st issue of REALMS complete

2009-12-03T23:52:00.001-08:00

It will take a few days to get a proof from the printer, but I'll post a note as soon as the issue is available.

While I'm at it I will answer some other questions I've been asked by curious minds. No, we have not made any profit yet. We did not expect to at this stage of development. The day we do, I will let everyone know - it'll be no big secret I care to hide. So far, the only people who have made any money at all from this venture are the writers and artists who have contributed.

In the state of Oregon, in order to open a bank account with an assumed name, such as Black Matrix Publishing, you have to register that name as a business with the state. Hence, we are listed as a business. It's the only way we can write checks with that name on them. It doesn't mean we're some big rich, evil empire.

Each of the publications are priced at $9.95 because they contain about the amount of fiction you would find in a 200 plus page trade-paperback, which sell anywhere from $11.95 to $16.95 the last time I wandered around the local bookstore. They are also printed in book format with high-quality interior paper and a heavy stock, laminated cover similar to a trade paperback. The only difference is they are trimmed at 8x10 inches. It costs some money to print, Amazon wants a percentage of any you sell, and bookstores and newsstands want a bit slice of the pie, also. The year is 2009... things just aren't as cheap as they used to be.

As I've said before, our main goal is to connect our writers with readers. In that spirit, I am currently experimenting with an idea that would further that goal. Hopefully, I'll have something to post on that idea by tomorrow evening.

We are trying something different, a bit experimental, and it will succeed or fail on its own merits. Anyway, that's the way things are supposed to work in this country. Some of us still believe that concept to be true.

A quick note to those who seem to have a weird hatred for small publishers: If you don't want to participate, then don't; it's a free country where we can do our thing and you can do yours. I'm certainly not going to attempt to interfere with anyone else's business.

Because some of you have asked...

2009-12-03T09:35:00.001-08:00

Just a quick point to make here for those who have asked.

No, we are not a pro publication, we are just a few fans of short fiction who thought it would be fun to create some nice looking magazines to, hopefully, connect some writers with some new readers. The same as numerous other small press endeavors all over the world. This is a hobby people, and if it somehow pays for its expenses, that is a good thing.

After reading some of the messages on blogs here and there, I still don't understand the logic of some people. It's OK to pay someone with only a contributor's copy of a publication, but if you give them a contributor's copy and a check for $5, $10 or $20, that is somehow insulting them? I have no idea where that kind of thinking comes from.

Once again... we are fans, we do what we do because it is fun, and hopefully something good will come of it for someone. I don't know where some have gotten the idea we are a pro publication, we've never claimed to be one.

If it stops being fun we will simply quit doing it, but as long as writers, artists and some readers who enjoy the magazines we put together keep participating, we'll keep going.

In response to John Scalzi's Whatever blogpost

2009-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Usually I would not take the time to respond to someone's personal rant, but since a particularly obnoxious diatribe from John Scalzi about Black Matrix seems to be bouncing around so many blogs (and has actually generated some hate mail from a few of his readers), I decided to make an exception.

Black Matrix is not a pro-paying market and we have never tried to insinuate that it is in any way, shape or form. We are a small press market working on a tight budget, most of the time spending large sums of money out of pocket to produce our publications. It may sound like a cliché, but it is indeed a labor of love on our part to attempt to provide some platforms for (mostly) new writers to display their work.

It is not our intent to “insult” anyone with a low pay rate – this according to Scalzi. Many small press endeavors pay nothing for content, except contributor copies. We decided that some form of payment, along with a contributor copy was better than no payment at all. It may seem like a pittance to Scalzi, but I could ask when was the last time he spent roughly $4,000 in one year to authors and artists out of his own pocket, plus a few thousand more for production costs, mailing, office expenses, etc., and not to mention countless hours of labor to create publications where writers could hopefully share their work with some new readers.

As far as our pay rate: let's take a zine that pays a fixed amount, ranging from $5 to $25 (a lot of those out there). A 15,000 word story submitted to one of them would receive $25 – from us it would receive $30. Following Scalzi's logic, if we said we paid a fixed rate instead of a per word rate, somehow, that would be less “insulting” to the author, even though the payment is basically the same. It makes no sense that Scalzi and some of his blog readers would seemingly be less upset if we paid writers and artists absolutely nothing for their work. Weird.

It has always been our intent to increase the amount paid to authors if the magazines have some level of success. We would love to be able to offer pay rates comparable to professional publications and will continue to strive toward that goal in the future. Until then, we will pay as much as we can. It may not be up to Scalzi's high standards, but we will damn well pay something.

One last point. What I find insulting is the attitude from Scalzi and his ilk that simply because a small press publication can't pay authors or artists a pro rate, all the material you find in said publications will be garbage from creators with no talent because they couldn't sell it to a high paid market. That is truly “insulting” to every writer and artist who has ever had a story or work of art appear in a small press publication.

Guy Kenyon

Black Matrix Publishing

Issue #1 of REALMS nearing completion

2009-11-26T17:31:00.000-08:00

It looks like REALMS is going to press about a week or two ahead of OUTER REACHES. Interior content and layout will be finished by this coming Monday, and the cover should be complete shortly after that. OUTER REACHES will be a week or two behind REALMS, and right around the 1st of January the first issue of NIGHT CHILLS will be available.

REALMS and OUTER REACHES in the works

2009-11-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

Work is progressing well on both magazines. At the moment, it's a toss up as to which one will go to the printer first. I will post a note here when we receive the proofs, and the finished product should be available a week or so after they arrive.

We have also picked up a new novel for our book line, one we are eager to bring to print... more details on that in the next few weeks.

Encounters Magazine Issue #1 available for purchase

2009-11-04T00:36:00.000-08:00

Encounters #1 is complete and on sale on our Web site. Check out the issue with our browse function that lets you peek inside at the contents and the first story.

Advent Tour is now listed on Amazon.com and can also be ordered directly from our site.

For a preview of both publications, go to www.blackmatrixpub.com/catalog.html

Encounters #1 is complete

2009-10-30T01:14:00.000-07:00

The first issue of Encounters is complete and we are waiting for a proof copy from the printer. We should have it in a few days and as soon as we give it the OK, it will be available for purchase on our Web site and on Amazon.com. If you haven't checked out our browse a book option on our site, drop by and take a look at it in action on Advent Tour.

We encourage you to order through our site. It's safe, secure and you can get international shipping on your book orders. We will post subscription info for the magazines in a few days.

Advent Tour is now available for purchase on our site at www.blackmatrixpub.com.

A few days behind schedule, but catching up...

2009-10-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

We had a couple of vacations that slowed us down a bit, but we are rushing to get back on schedule. Will be putting the finishing touches on Encounters #1 this week. Work on two of the other magazines is well underway and one of them should follow closely behind Encounters.

Meanwhile, you can check out our "browse a book" feature on our catalog page at www.blackmatrixpub.com/catalog.html. It has been implemented for Advent Tour and will soon be set up for Encounters #1. Advent Tour should be ready to purchase in the next few days.

ISSUE #1 OF ENCOUNTERS NEARLY COMPLETE

2009-10-05T23:30:00.000-07:00

We have all the stories to fill the first issue. Preliminary layout is complete and the final edit is underway. We are also working on some individual pages in the issue. If all goes well, it will go on sale in a couple of weeks. Just thought we would give everyone a peek at the cover (which we think is pretty cool).

It's all about the fiction

2009-09-26T00:16:00.000-07:00

I've had a few questions about the layout of the magazines. I've mentioned this before, but I'll do a quick description again... each will be 8x10 inches with 104 pages. Full color covers on heavy-stock, laminated paper (same quality as a trade-paperback). The interior will be loaded with fiction- as much as we can cram between the pages. We hope to bring as many writers together with as many readers as possible with every issue.

We're running ahead of schedule on Advent Tour. It may be available for sale as early as the middle of next month. Possibly, the first issue of Encounters will be out by then, also.

Submissions

2009-09-21T21:23:00.000-07:00

Good flow of short fiction coming in now. We're also taking a look at a few novels (one in particular has my attention at the moment), something we would like to see more of in the near future.

We're finding some talented new authors and good, entertaining fiction almost every day. Our selection process is strict, with all manuscripts read by a minimum of two people, then a discussion with the editor on whether or not the story deserves a spot in any of the magazines. Same holds true with novel-length manuscripts.

It's a time consuming process, but we take the time because we want to put the best possible product we can find on every page we print.

Finding the market

2009-09-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

All of our magazines and books will be available on Amazon.com as well as our store on our Web site. We are working on a unique experience for Internet shoppers to browse our books and magazines on our site, similar to the way you can pick up a book in a brick and mortar store and read the back cover, check out the blurb on the inside pages and maybe scan a couple of chapters. We like what we've seen so far and we should implement the function soon.

We also have been looking into ways to deliver Black Matrix titles to independent bookstores via our own distribution channel. We have already developed ideas for promotional packages and a wholesale catalog for dealers. We are not going to try and directly compete with major publishing houses for space in big box stores... we would simply get lost in the crowd or go bankrupt trying to get noticed (as so many other small publishers have already), so we plan on testing the waters with some of the thousands of independent book dealers who are still out there, competing with the giants.

Books and magazines need readers - we're going to do our best to find some.

Note to fantasy writers

2009-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to point out that not every fantasy story has to be populated by over-sized Conan types who guzzle all the mead and roar with laughter while deflowering serving wenches and lopping off the heads of orcs whenever they have a few moments to spare. Don't get me wrong... if it's well written, I just might go along with the outrageously over-the-top action and melodrama, but there is a much richer world of fantasy to be explored.

Don't forget that characters in the fantasy you create have lives, hopes, fears and plans for their future, even if it's just survival in a savage world. Create some real people, whether their skin covers a goblin skeleton or human warrior. Think of what it would be like if this were the world in which you lived, and how you would shape your life to thrive despite its dangers and adversities.

Epic battles and dashing sword-play is still a good thing - just make it real and personal.

Sneak peek at "Advent Tour"

2009-09-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here's an early look at the cover for the trade paperback edition of "Advent Tour." Release date is set for November and it will be available directly from our store through our site and on Amazon.com.

We are in the process of reading novel submissions for future releases and already have a couple of promising candidates to follow up "Advent Tour."

Science fiction, fantasy (including contemporary and dark fantasy), horror, suspense and paranormal romance are some of the genres we are seeking to publish in the future. Our goal is to bring authors and readers together as often as we can, and that makes for a busy release schedule in the coming months.

www.blackmatrixpub.com

Young adult fantasy novel scheduled for November release

2009-09-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

Advent Tour by P. E. Snyder, a young adult fantasy novel, is scheduled for release in November. A cover image and more information will be posted here soon. We hope to follow up that release with a second novel in the same month.

Short fiction submissions seem to be on the rise, so we hope to begin production on at least a couple of our magazine projects within the month. We still need a lot of fiction in the following genres: science fiction, fantasy (including contemporary and dark fantasy), horror, paranormal and suspense.

We are getting a lot of very short stories, less than 2000 words. We need to see more manuscripts in the 3000 to 15000 word range.

Novel submissions are going well

2009-09-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Short story submissions are still not coming in at a pace we would like to see, yet, but book-length manuscripts are filling the gap. We are nearing completion on one project that should be available in a few weeks, and a couple of other manuscripts we've recently received are looking very promising.

We will have an expanded presence in market lists from a lot of sources soon. This should help a larger pool of authors find us and bring in more short fiction. The first round of checks for short stories were sent out this week, should be some more going out next week.

We need more fiction!

2009-08-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

The pace of submissions has slowed steadily over the last few days. Our tentative schedule over the next 60 days requires close to 100 manuscripts to fill all the pages we intend to print. That's just stories accepted for publication so, as it says on our Web site - we need a lot of fiction!

Good news is that we have some material for 3 of the magazines and I am in the process of editing a young adult fantasy novel we recently acquired. So, there has been some progress, but we need more.

By the way, if any of you see a listing for Black Matrix Publishing in a "Writer's Market" publication or "The Writer," could you let us know? We seem to be having some trouble confirming whether or not they have received our listings. Send a message to editor@blackmatrixpub.com.

Payment rates for magazines

2009-08-20T01:32:00.001-07:00

There seems to have been a little confusion on payment rates for the magazines. This is to clarify that payment is one-fifth of a cent per word for "Encounters", "Realms", "Outer Reaches", "Night Chills" and "Oregon Fiction Quarterly." That's $2.00 for every 1000 words.

Yes, we are working on five magazines at the moment. Which one is printed first depends on which receives enough content to fill the pages. All are scheduled to be published quarterly at this time. All will be around a 104 pages, 8 x 10 inches, perfect bound with laminate coated cover stock.

We are also working on making them available on the Amazon Kindle, and have kicked around the idea of a hard-back version with color casewrap covers for those who want something a bit different. Still an idea in development.

All titles will be available via subscription, select stores, online via our Web site and on Amazon.com. We haven't set the price for any of them yet. As soon as we do, we'll let you know here and on the Web site.

Looks like October is going to be a good month

2009-08-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Submissions of short fiction and novel-length manuscripts have been on the rise for the last couple of weeks. The word finally seems to be getting out that we are actively seeking content.

We have a couple of novel submissions that are generating interest here in the office and checks for the first round of accepted short fiction will be going out in the next week. Progress!

If all goes well, October should see the launch of some, if not all, of our magazines and perhaps a book or two.

Submissions are up a little

2009-08-08T23:33:00.000-07:00

Manuscripts are starting to trickle in a little faster this month. We are still below the level of submissions we need at this time to keep our projected schedule for publication of all four magazines. If we have to, we will push the date back another 30 days to the first of November. Don't want to, but we will see what comes in the door this month.

Starting to get a few book manuscripts for our trade paperback line. Will go into full production on one of those as soon as we find a story we think is marketable.

Special publication for Oregon writers only

2009-07-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

We launched the Web site this evening for Oregon Fiction Quarterly. It's designed as a companion for a magazine meant to showcase the talents of Oregon based writers and artists. Unlike our other publications, which have specific themes, Oregon Fiction Quarterly will be an eclectic mix of stories from several genres.

If you are an Oregon writer or artist and would like to submit some work for consideration, check out the site at http://oregonfiction.blackmatrixpub.com

Horror and Dark Fantasy Submissions

2009-07-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

So far, 80% of the mail we've received from writers is within the horror and dark fantasy genre. Most of it not that well written, unfortunately. We need more science fiction and fantasy to balance out the submissions.

We are still attempting to find more avenues through which we can spread the word that we are an active market seeking fiction. We've moved our tentative publication date for all of the magazines back to the last part of August or early September because of the slow pace of submissions. Help us spread the word - we need fiction.

Magazine cover designs

2009-07-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Artists who are interested in creating images for any of the magazines, please keep in mind that full color will be used on the covers. Also, be aware that the cover will include the publication logo near the top of the page as well as some other information about the interior content scattered over the image. These are important points to consider when positioning elements within the picture.

Interior images will be black and white and artists will be given an entire page on which to display the work they create. We will be looking for detailed, realistic depictions of a scene from the story they are meant to illustrate.

If we receive enough manuscripts to begin preliminary layout of the magazines in the next 3 to 4 weeks, we hope to begin contacting artists about working on cover images within that same time frame.

Revised magazine publishing schedule

2009-07-13T22:18:00.000-07:00

We had hoped to have the first issue of at least one of the magazines available by the end of July, but the slow pace of manuscript submissions has forced us to push that deadline to the end of August.

As things sometimes go on the Web, a site can be hard to find with billions of other pages filling the search engines with links to large companies that have millions to invest in advertising and guaranteed placement at the top of all lists. Also, with so many dead links and sites that haven't been updated or maintained for months, sometimes years, it is understandable that many writers are not sure if a small press market is active.

Rest assured, Black Matrix Publishing is active. Our goal is ambitious - to produce four high quality magazines in a unique format with book style printing. And, later in the fall, to release the first novel in our planned trade paperback book line.

If you're a writer, we would like the chance to read some of your work. Artists, we need you, too.

Progress report for Black Matrix

2009-07-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

The idea behind this blog is to keep anyone who is interested notified of progress and changes in our small press company as we develop and begin distribution of four magazines this summer, and a book line later in the fall.

We have a initial schedule mapped out, but that is dependent on the amount of manuscripts we receive. It's taking longer than we planned to get the word out to writers and artists that we are an active and open market.

Submissions are beginning to come in a little faster now, but we need a lot to fill four magazines, each planned to be 100 pages minimum. Like most publishers we reject far more than we accept for a number of reasons. It's not unusual to read over a hundred manuscripts, out of which we choose the fifteen or so that we need to fill an issue.

Writers and artists who are interested in a chance to be in the premier issues can check out our guidelines and payment details at www.blackmatrixpub.com.