| Author | Message | ||
     Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.155.181 |
A BOOK OF HORRORS INTRODUCTION: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO HORROR? Stephen Jones THE LITTLE GREEN GOD OF AGONY Stephen King CHARCLOTH, FIRESTEEL AND FLINT Caitlín R. Kiernan GHOSTS WITH TEETH Peter Crowther THE COFFIN-MAKER'S DAUGHTER Angela Slatter ROOTS AND ALL Brian Hodge TELL ME I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN Dennis Etchison THE MUSIC OF BENGT KARLSSON, MURDERER John Ajvide Lindqvist GETTING IT WRONG Ramsey Campbell ALICE THROUGH THE PLASTIC SHEET Robert Shearman THE MAN IN THE DITCH Lisa Tuttle A CHILD'S PROBLEM Reggie Oliver SAD, DARK THING Michael Marshall Smith NEAR ZENNOR Elizabeth Hand LAST WORDS Richard Christian Matheson | ||
| Jonathan (Jonathan) Username: Jonathan Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 91.143.178.131 |
Nice line-up. Is this a Stephen Jones antho? Original stories or reprints? | ||
| Jonathan (Jonathan) Username: Jonathan Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 91.143.178.131 |
Interesting that as part of the blurb it says: "For the first time in many years, here is an original anthology of horror and dark fantasy in all its many and magnificent guises" Are they suggesting this is the first mass-market original horror antho in several years? Seems a bit of an odd thing to say... | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 81.153.251.119 |
The HA of HA - the ultimate *Book* of Horrors.  | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.155.181 |
It doesn't even say "mass market", Jon, so it does seem a bit odd, yes. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
On the blurb on Amazon it says: "... but for a decade or more there has been no non-themed anthology of original horror fiction published in the mainstream." So it is talking about the mainstream rather than small presses, and it's also talking about non-themed anthos - but it's still a strange claim to make. But with authors including Ramsey, Pete Crowther, MMS, Rob Shearman and Reggie Oliver, this one'll be a "must" for my bookshelves! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 82.26.155.181 |
Gathering The Bones was non-themed in 2003. | ||
| John Llewellyn Probert (John_l_probert) Username: John_l_probert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.158.78.71 |
The Read by Dawn anthos were non-themed and got widespread distribution in Borders, Waterstones, etc | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
So, who's gonna tell Steve Jones then ...?  | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 99.126.164.88 |
Isn't "original non-themed" a bit of a straw man as it is? I mean, how many "original" AND "non-themed" horror anthologies have there ever really been? Less than the themed, I'd be willing to bet. And okay, sure, the obvious one that can be named: DARK FORCES, and PRIME EVIL, and CUTTING EDGE, and 999 and so on... they did end up being the best, and most influential. But then, as Al Sarrantonio states in his intro to 999, he wanted to give "some of these new Young Turks a shot at [a] market" - indeed, the theme of most "original non-themed" horror anthos is: to sort of dish up a (mixed-metaphor) vista of the field - here's some of the heavyweights who are still alive and kicking, and also some of the most noteworthy (I'm only talking mainstream sales numbers, widespread popularity, etc.) of the "Young Turks." I.e., the theme is: Established writers. Because it's a constant in these supposed "original non-themed" anthologies, but for some reason they don't mention that. Any other considerations you could think of aren't a constant (such as all women writers; British writers only; straight horror [non-genre-bending] only; etc.). So why do they seem to not want to mention that? (Al Sarrantonio's sentence, began above, concludes: "...paying more than three cents a word." Look at the list of authors in 999, a fantastic anthology by the way, and laugh: none of these authors had to worry a damn about $.03/word. Totally disingenuous. Imho.) | ||
| Jonathan (Jonathan) Username: Jonathan Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 2.25.231.25 |
The blurb on the Amazon website does make it a lot clearer, I was reading the one on Jones's website. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
This one's already on my shopping list. | ||
| Rosswarren (Rosswarren) Username: Rosswarren Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 135.196.120.43 |
I wonder if Lingqvist's story is from his forthcoming novel as apparently that is focussed upon a singer | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 81.153.251.119 |
Have I got this right? The signed edition of A BOOK OF HORRORS costs £595? | ||
| Kate (Kathleen) Username: Kathleen Registered: 09-2009 Posted From: 81.158.78.71 |
Don't panic. That's only the special traycased edition, Des. | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 81.153.251.119 |
Thanks. Stopped panicking. But it seems to be the only edition where the customer gets all the authors signing it. That may be fair enough, knowing what the logistics of getting an anthology book signed by all authors may be. | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
That's the PS edition where ALL authors, editor and artist sign the book, Des (ie. priced above the means of us mere "mortals" at £500+). There's also a "bookshop" PS edition (hardback?) signed by Stephen Jones and Les Edwards at £35. I must admit I was tempted by the latter. But then I think I'll just get the mass market paperback and track down as many contributors as I can to sign it for me. I guess it'll be released at FCon with a lauch/signing anyway, so if I make it to Brighton I'll get one signed then! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.25.15.51 |
The decimal place was missing on the advert. It's £5.95. | ||
| John Forth (John) Username: John Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 82.24.1.217 |
I think I'll wait for the paperback and just, you know, read the stories. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
I'm with the ever-sensible Mr. Forth on this one. | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 99.126.164.88 |
What makes Mr. Forth "ever-sensible"? I'm only seeing one instance of it, here. So to me, he's the but-once-only-sensible Mr. Forth.  | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.25.15.51 |
Craig, take that one instance, go Forth and multiply. | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 166.216.226.77 |
 | ||
| Jonathan (Jonathan) Username: Jonathan Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 91.143.178.131 |
£595? Seriously? I know it's a special edition, but.... really? Yeah, the stories are what matters to me. I'm a collector but I don't have many swanky and rare things. I'll always go for the cheaper editions is possible. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 129.11.77.198 |
I reckon the price would go down without a certain contributor's signature . . . | ||
| Des (Des) Username: Des Registered: 09-2010 Posted From: 81.153.251.119 |
I'm pleased I've got Ramsey's signature already. | ||
| John Forth (John) Username: John Registered: 05-2008 Posted From: 217.20.16.180 |
>What makes Mr. Forth "ever-sensible"? I'm only seeing one instance of it, here. So to me, he's the but-once-only-sensible Mr. Forth.< How about "often-sensible"? Or, more accurately, "often-insensible". | ||
| Giancarlo (Giancarlo) Username: Giancarlo Registered: 11-2008 Posted From: 109.52.129.155 |
Isn't this "Book of Horror" published by Jo Fletcher as the new sci-fi/horror logo of Quercus? I'm nonplussed by PS selling it, or is PS selling only special limited editions of the book which, in its general market presentation, can be otherwise obtained by regular local bookshop order? The PS "Bookshop edition" matter is not clear to me. Is this the only way to buy the book? I'm low on finance, so I'd much prefer to buy a regular edition with a real bookshop. The PS newsletter is not clear about this, and it seems the book can be buyed trhough Amazon too as a Jo Fletcher edition. Is there anybody more acquainted than I am about the issue? Thanks, friends! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.180.210.45 |
PS sometimes do collectible editions of mass market stuff, Giancarlo. They did it with Colorado Kid and Horns. I guess some folk just like a nice bookshelf edition. It will be available as a cheap PB, too. | ||
| Ramsey Campbell (Ramsey) Username: Ramsey Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 92.8.27.26 |
"I.e., the theme is: Established writers. Because it's a constant in these supposed "original non-themed" anthologies, but for some reason they don't mention that..." It wasn't entirely so in New Terrors. | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 129.11.76.229 |
Or Gathering The Bones, eh, Ramsey? Cheers for that. | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 99.126.164.88 |
And New Terrors, one of the better horror anthologies! But there's a reason why we run to established writers, of course - we trust in a level of quality, and expectation (i.e., what kind of product we're getting), being present. Can't always with a name that has nothing behind it. That's when we trust in the editor's/s' selection.... | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
But if you never try the "names that have nothing behind them", then (a) how are the new writers going to become established and (b) you may miss out on some fantastic writing? | ||
| Carolinec (Carolinec) Username: Carolinec Registered: 06-2009 Posted From: 92.232.199.129 |
Eeeek! Terrible sentence construction there ... but you know what I mean, I hope. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
Caroline, fantastic writing is missed out on all the time by the editors of mass market anthos - particularly the Best Of collections (and this aint sour grapes, because I've been in several of those books myself). It's just the way the world works. And writers become established by a combination of sheer hard work, luck and talent. It takes ages; there are no short cuts. | ||
| Joel (Joel) Username: Joel Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 2.24.14.26 |
As I believe Rhys commented years ago, to judge a writer's impact within the field you have to discount two things: self-publishing and internet presence. That leaves you with books and stories that have been submitted to editors, accepted and published. No more, no less. But don't trust writers who say over and over online that they don't use the internet and don't believe in it. That's like declaring your principled opposition to whoredom from the upper window of a brothel. | ||
| Hubert (Hubert) Username: Hubert Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 178.116.57.22 |
That's like declaring your principled opposition to whoredom from the upper window of a brothel. Sounds a lot like socialism the Belgian way  | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
Joel speaks the truth. Ahem, brother. | ||
| Paul_finch (Paul_finch) Username: Paul_finch Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 92.5.34.191 |
With regard to this 'established writers' business, I attended a casting meeting the other day, and the discussion pretty well followed the same route that I'd imagine most mass-market editors' thoughts take when they're compiling a new anthology. It basically boiled down to whose presence would sell the film best ... almost to the point where the standard of their ultimate performance was not necessarily a factor, though obviously, ideally they would be good and, because they are professionals, you'd expect (hope!) that they would be. I don't think you can help being cynical about this sort of thing because if the book is a commercial enterprise rather than a labour of love, the more you load it with recognised names, the better your chance of making a profit. There's no rocket science there. That's the only way a mainstream publisher is going to sign off on it. Course, as others have said, to reach this lofty position of trust takes hard work and a bit of luck (never underestimate being in the right place at the right time), but like those actors who seem permanently doomed to work in low budget television and commercials (compared, for instance, to that relative handful who seem to make rounds of all the soaps and precinct dramas), those authors who never get asked to submit to these more prestigious anthologies must get pretty dispirited. Like Gary said, I've been in a few myself, so hopefully this won't sound like sour grapes. | ||
| Paul_finch (Paul_finch) Username: Paul_finch Registered: 11-2009 Posted From: 92.5.34.191 |
Just decided that my last comment sounded a bit disrespectful of those authors appearing in this particular antho. It wasn't intended to be; it was just rather poorly phrased. I suppose I'm just trying to say that this is the inevitable way the world of professional entertainment turns. It can be frustating for those who don't feel like they're part of it, but as Gary and Joel said, hard work, dedication (and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, I think) will ultimately pay some dividends. | ||
| Craig (Craig) Username: Craig Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 99.126.164.88 |
You know, why doesn't someone do for horror what is common in screenwriting? A contest. Like this: Charge a small fee, and open it to everyone with a (here) horror story s/he wants entered. The contest runner has a few readers, and the stories are all submitted sans any authorial information - it's just words on the page - so that only story value is judged. You whittle down to quarter- and then semi-finalists. Then you get a handful of finalists, say 5-10, and those are read by a pre-selected panel of judges with name prestige in the industry (like Ramsey, or Joel, etc.); they pick and rank these final winners. Finally, the chosen winning stories (up to 5) are published in an anthology along with original stories by these same judges - this ensures sales, and also calms the minds of the purchaser/readers, that the best of the best were chosen by the best of the best. It would be quite lucrative affair, advertised correctly. I'm throwing it out to one of you guys with the infrastructure to do this already in place. It's a win-win! For the runner, for the pro writers, for the "newbies," and for the readers! | ||
| Gary Fry (Gary_fry) Username: Gary_fry Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 86.25.15.51 |
Des did something like this with his Nem books. A credit to him. | ||
| Zed (Gary_mc) Username: Gary_mc Registered: 03-2008 Posted From: 81.96.253.77 |
Black Static magazine did something similar last year, too. Twice. |