Instead of looking at markets today, Fiction Factor will be taking a look at two e-zines that provide valuable services to writers: Preditors & Editors and Ralan's Webstravaganza.

Preditors & Editors is often mistakenly considered a site just for science fiction/fantasy writers but this isn't the case. Editor Dave Kuzminski created his site to help writers of all genres.

Quote: Preditors & Editors' sole purpose is to provide writers with information and contacts for the purpose of seeking publication of their work. Because artists, composers, and game designers often face the same challenges, they have been included in our coverage. It's hoped that they won't take offense when we use the term "writer" most of the time.

The site is loaded with valuable information for writers of all skill levels. There are agent listings, book publishers, convention listings, definitions (very helpful to the new writer) editing and software, game publishers, job listings, journalism, magazines, music, organizations, promotional, resources, screenwriters, warnings, workshops and more.

If you are in the process of looking for an agent, I highly recommend consulting P&E's listings. Then double-check the agent in question. Ask for advice on writers' groups and do an Internet search. Look on the agent's website (if they have one). Most of all check and see if the agent has any professional sales to royalty, non-subsidy publishers. When I've double checked P&E's listings, I've found them to be very reliable.

P&E's site is easy to navigate and quick to download. Rather than using an interface with a lot of intensive programming, Mr. Kuzminski has chosen to use a design that is easy to access and read regardless of the user's browser.


Ralan's Webstravaganza is just that, an extravaganza of market listings for science fiction, humor, fantasy and horror. He has extensive listings of novel, anthology, e-zine, and print magazines. These include everything from love of the genre markets (no pay) through semi-pro to pro markets. Return times and editors' names are also listed.

The site is well maintained and broken links are fixed quickly. The font is clear and easy to read and the grey background reduces eyestrain. The menu runs down the right side instead of the left. Remember to click on the topic you want on the right, then use the alphabet menu at the top to take you to the listing you want, or scroll down the list to see all the markets.

Take a look at the Market Notes and it will explain a bit about the site and answer a wide variety of questions you might have.


If you have a question that isn't answered on the site's pages, both Dave Kuzminski and Ralan Conley are open to email questions. They have been very helpful and easy to talk to when I've approached them with questions. However, please use common sense and courtesy when asking questions. Both men are busy maintaining their sites and pursuing their own writing careers.