We have a few stories and a small number of poems left to consider. We received an overwhelming response, with over 150 submissions. We have accepted work from over 40 contributors - making the issue swell to at least 150 pages, likely over 170. We have contributors from all around the world. If I can catch my breath, I'll try to write up a little blurb to further entice you all. There are some incredible pieces going in.
I had to switch to a digest format, and the issue will now be thermal-bound rather than stapled. No additional costs to you, dear readers!
I wanted to get the PDF out by 8/11 (my daughter's birthday, lol). That won't be possible (sorry, Alicia!), so I'm looking at 8/25 for the PDF release. After the PDF is set, we'll go right to printing and get these in the mail as soon as we can. Orders have already been coming in, but you lot will be the first to get copies.
Speaking of thanks! Let me know if and how you would like to be credited in the periodical's backers section. This is all thanks to you; you deserve credit.
Ed, Maya, and I are hard at work finalizing the last batch of content. I'll be starting layout this weekend. For now, here's the latest list of contributors: Featuring: Kevin David Anderson and an interview with John Gregory Betancourt including work by A. J. Sharpe AMS Anna Phillips Ben Lacy Brett McKay Cheryl J. Brown Christine Jackson Darkman E. Arshad E. Doyle-Gillespie The Enigmatic MZ Fernando Quijano III (The Word Pimp) Ghastly Godwin Obaji Hannah Dilday Jack Thackwell Jeffrey L. Shipley Jennifer Weigel John Kojak Jordan Wells June Trop Kamran Connelly Ken Goldman Kenneth Walker Mario Senzale Mia Dalia Michael Rudnick Nasta Martyn Nicky O'Connell Pip Pinkerton Piper Simons R. A. Boyd Roger D. Anderson Sarah Robbins Scott P. Odle Shirley Smothers Senia Hardwick Sydney Claire Thomson Tatiana Samokhina Thomas Folske Timmy Reed Virginia Elizabeth Samuel Wade R. DeYoung Wesley Olson Ziaul Moid Khan
I hope you're excited. The games are about to start!
Things have been moving at Unpopular Publications as we get things ready to release Tales of Blood and Roses issue no. 4.
We received more submissions than we expected (which is a good thing) and we've liked so many of them that the issue has grown. It'll likely end up being somewhere between 170 and 180 pages. In order to make that number of pages possible, we are switching over to a digest format. You can check out the mock up we put together for a test. (See images below.)
I can't wait to get the actual issue put together and mailed out to all the backers who ordered physical copies. You can always reach out if you need to purchase additional copies. Those backers who ordered back issues will get those in the mail along with issue no.4.
And we are still on track for releasing the PDF on our planned Aug 11 release date. All backers will get a link in their email on that day.
The submission window has closed for this issue and the ToBaR team and I are zeroing in on some fantastic stories, art, pictures & poems for issue no. 4. I'm so glad we're here because this is where it really gets fun, and truth be told - a little scary.
One thing I need to discuss with all the backers, if you would like your name listed in the Backers section, and if so, how will you want to be attributed. I'll be sure to email everyone, but feel free to drop me a line.
The Early Bird incentive (which applied to backers who pledge to your project in the first 48 hours) will be a print version of a previously unpublished story by long time ToBaR contributor, R. A. Boyd. And I've decided to include it with every physical order no mater when you backed us. Remember we're currently looking at an August release. Now, digital backers, I won't leave you out. You'll get a digital copy so that you can join us... join us... join us...
If anyone needs digital links, please reach out. I had an issue with WeTransfer and have switched over to SwissTransfer.
Sinisterly yours!
Jeffrey L. Shipley Publisher and Editor-in-Chief [email protected] www.unpopularpublications.com
It seems that the Survey didn't properly send. I'm going to attempt this again. If you do not see it drop soon, please reach out to me to provide your address for any physical copies purchased and I'll be sending download links over to all who purchased digital copies. It's likely that all back issues purchased will be sent out along with issue four upon its completion. Thank you all for backing this project.
Work on four continues. Printing details have been worked out and now I'm focusing on wading through the mass of submissions. Open submissions end Jun 30 so we're getting close. Layout will likely take me through July and into August.
My apologies for the survey problem. I hope that it's resolved today - but if not, please don't hesitate to reach out!
