I just put the last piece of my Serialized novel A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TIME TRAVEL up yesterday. Any chances of having a novel/serial category in the future?
Hey Ben, I've definitely given it some thought. I think it would work differently than a normal award for novel or novella because it would be difficult to have judges read dozens of serials. I would likely make it a "Best Serial First Chapter" award.
The best pilot chapter could be interesting. It would work a bit like with series, if the pilot is promising, the series can be promoted to readers. Having recommendations before committing to a serialized novel would be helpful. Reading a series requires time.
That's a fantastic idea, Claudia! Reviewing serials here could be a great way to give readers a taste of what's to be expected. Thanks for helping generate the idea 😁
You’re welcome! I think that writing and reading serials on Substack is just starting! A robust reviewing system will come in handy once it picks up. How else will readers discover serial fiction here?
I am about halfway through publishing my 11 part sci-fi serial on Gibberish and I would love to be able to submit it for critical review--it is the work I am most proud of, so far. I hope in the future, following the success of the Lunar Awards, they can expand into different categories to allow things like novels and serials.
I’m working on 10 short stories for a planned collection coming out next year. I’ll be sharing all of them for free here on Substack first. This Friday the second one comes out. They are based on Curio Fiction. Your idea might just align with what I’m planning on writing and releasing.
That's awesome, Erica! Happy to have you along for the ride! I think many of the award seasons will align with people's normal posting schedules, which makes for a good pool of candidates.
I am currently writing no less than eleven books, most of which I plan to self-pub, because trad just doesn't click with my soul, with the direction I have for a lot of stories.
Four of them are short story collections (three being themed, one being novel-length).
Three of the books are a trilogy of sci-fi time travel novels.
One of them is a standalone astral projection sci-fi tale with a YA angle at the start.
And the rest? Top secret (but I will reveal them here soon)
But that novel is being serialised here on Substack, and some of the stories are already here. I think when submissions open I'll be sending ahead WHALE, a short story about a fossilised human astronaut that follows the fossil's journey through a distant future trade network.
So I am very glad to see this opportunity today. I have been looking for something like this for a while, briefly considered setting one up myself before realising I much prefer being on the writing side of things (and had those other books to keep working on!).
Really excited for this Brian. Even if I don't get in, the chance for feedback from another Substack entrepreneur is exciting. I hope this goes brilliantly for you!
Thank you so much for sharing, Phillip! The current award season for short stories is in progress and will run until April 18. If you have something yet to be posted to Substack, you can publish and then enter (https://lunarawards.substack.com/p/lunar-awards-season-one-starts-now). That includes a link to the FAQ rules. I look forward to reading more of your work!
I have something that needs a bit more work, but I think I can get it published by the 16th with time left to submit it. Two somethings. I may have to make them fight.
Really inspired by what you're doing here. I run my own small press (with its own Substack) and making submissions within Substack is such a good idea. We're just doing writing advice and workshops now, but when we eventually reopen for subs, I'll have to ask you for tips!
Thank you, Tom! And thank you for the initial feedback. It was critical to have that. As far as support, the best way is probably a cross-post, but any way to get the word out helps. I'm hoping to catch Substack Reads and Office Hours this week to spread the word.
I think I have a post in mind for Fictionistas. I just want to check with Jackie and Geoffrey. It's about the rise of collectives and finding a tighter community... as in the Lunar Awards 😁
Oh yeah, that would be cool ... there are both these organized communities (Fictionistas) and then these "looser," informal communities that form when multiple of the same people read each other's Substacks and have a discussion that spans across various posts and comment sections. I enjoy those as much as I do the more formal groupings.
That's a great point about the looser communities that form around cross-posting, feedback, discussion, etc. Always giving me something good to noodle over!
Very excited for this! You’re doing the community a great service, Brian. Appreciate your hard work in setting this up. Can’t wait for the first award season to start.
My Chapter 10 comes out tomorrow and just might have interstellar overtones despite being placed in terra firma 😀 - first time I’ve written anything like that 😀
It's on my to-read list and I'm excited for the conclusion to our adventure! From a genre standpoint it would definitely qualify! It would just need to be posted during the award season and then be a standalone 😁
Very cool. I'm a rookie writer and at the moment I'm writing short stories to "find my voice" before tackling a novel. I only have a small subscriber base, but it's a great feeling getting positive feedback.
Like the Macho Man said "the cream rises to the top"
Apr 11, 2023·edited Apr 11, 2023Liked by Brian Reindel 👾⚔️
Substack is already a great way of saying goodbye to the masochistic rejection life. But projects like this are great because they increase the feeling that publishing on Substack will get somebody somewhere.
That's speaking for myself anyway. While I was saving them for a physical publication, I think I will publish a couple sci-fi stories on my Substack after all.
You're not alone in that sentiment, Felix. Many of us have grown tired of the old ways and are publishing and building a community here instead. I welcome you!
I speculate I shall share some stories in that vein! Shared one today in fact. Future Now. It's more of a writing prompt that emerged from a conversation I overheard some weeks ago. I still need to get up to speed with all the substacks and setting up mine. 4th week, so still a bit green! I tried "Video post" for the first time yesterday, but not sure I will use it often.
That's awesome, Alexander, welcome to Substack! I've been telling people if it's something posted during the season and it just so happens to meet the rules, then feel free to enter it. I suspect that most folks posting on a regular basis will do that. I look forward to your future entry!
I just put the last piece of my Serialized novel A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TIME TRAVEL up yesterday. Any chances of having a novel/serial category in the future?
Hey Ben, I've definitely given it some thought. I think it would work differently than a normal award for novel or novella because it would be difficult to have judges read dozens of serials. I would likely make it a "Best Serial First Chapter" award.
Thanks for asking and following this journey!
The best pilot chapter could be interesting. It would work a bit like with series, if the pilot is promising, the series can be promoted to readers. Having recommendations before committing to a serialized novel would be helpful. Reading a series requires time.
That's a fantastic idea, Claudia! Reviewing serials here could be a great way to give readers a taste of what's to be expected. Thanks for helping generate the idea 😁
You’re welcome! I think that writing and reading serials on Substack is just starting! A robust reviewing system will come in handy once it picks up. How else will readers discover serial fiction here?
Just popping in here to agree a lot with all of you. :)
You are correct. That would be tough to do. I'll give it some thought also.
Perhaps "Best Excerpt"(with a range for the word count)
I am about halfway through publishing my 11 part sci-fi serial on Gibberish and I would love to be able to submit it for critical review--it is the work I am most proud of, so far. I hope in the future, following the success of the Lunar Awards, they can expand into different categories to allow things like novels and serials.
It's definitely being considered!
Best wishes Brian.
Agreed. I second the nomination. Serialized Novel Category!
Thanks Finlay, and thanks for the feedback!
Another novel serial writer here as well. Though I suppose I could nominate my Christmas short story....
I’m working on 10 short stories for a planned collection coming out next year. I’ll be sharing all of them for free here on Substack first. This Friday the second one comes out. They are based on Curio Fiction. Your idea might just align with what I’m planning on writing and releasing.
That's awesome, Erica! Happy to have you along for the ride! I think many of the award seasons will align with people's normal posting schedules, which makes for a good pool of candidates.
I just subscribed Erica. I'll check it out!
This is such a wonderful idea. I wish you success with it!
Thank you!
Yes- I am so into this. A great excuse for me to publish my spec fic in my newsletter.
That's awesome, David! I can't wait to read your entry when the first award season launches! 🏅🏆
I am currently writing no less than eleven books, most of which I plan to self-pub, because trad just doesn't click with my soul, with the direction I have for a lot of stories.
Four of them are short story collections (three being themed, one being novel-length).
Three of the books are a trilogy of sci-fi time travel novels.
One of them is a standalone astral projection sci-fi tale with a YA angle at the start.
And the rest? Top secret (but I will reveal them here soon)
But that novel is being serialised here on Substack, and some of the stories are already here. I think when submissions open I'll be sending ahead WHALE, a short story about a fossilised human astronaut that follows the fossil's journey through a distant future trade network.
So I am very glad to see this opportunity today. I have been looking for something like this for a while, briefly considered setting one up myself before realising I much prefer being on the writing side of things (and had those other books to keep working on!).
Really excited for this Brian. Even if I don't get in, the chance for feedback from another Substack entrepreneur is exciting. I hope this goes brilliantly for you!
Thank you so much for sharing, Phillip! The current award season for short stories is in progress and will run until April 18. If you have something yet to be posted to Substack, you can publish and then enter (https://lunarawards.substack.com/p/lunar-awards-season-one-starts-now). That includes a link to the FAQ rules. I look forward to reading more of your work!
I have something that needs a bit more work, but I think I can get it published by the 16th with time left to submit it. Two somethings. I may have to make them fight.
Really inspired by what you're doing here. I run my own small press (with its own Substack) and making submissions within Substack is such a good idea. We're just doing writing advice and workshops now, but when we eventually reopen for subs, I'll have to ask you for tips!
You may also find https://storyletter.substack.com/ to be of interest. Winston Malone is doing some great things with publishing writers on Substack.
Will check it out!
Exciting stuff, Brian! Congratulations and best wishes as you roll this out!
Thank you, Justin! I look forward to reading everyone's entries and connecting our community.
I wish you all the best with your Lunar Awards project and I’m looking forward to discovering new authors through your initiative!
Thank you for subscribing!
I’m excited Brian, glad to see you doing this. What are some different ways people can help/support?
Thank you, Tom! And thank you for the initial feedback. It was critical to have that. As far as support, the best way is probably a cross-post, but any way to get the word out helps. I'm hoping to catch Substack Reads and Office Hours this week to spread the word.
And Fictionistas? I’ll follow up with you on a cross-post, as I don’t want to do these too frequently.
I think I have a post in mind for Fictionistas. I just want to check with Jackie and Geoffrey. It's about the rise of collectives and finding a tighter community... as in the Lunar Awards 😁
Oh yeah, that would be cool ... there are both these organized communities (Fictionistas) and then these "looser," informal communities that form when multiple of the same people read each other's Substacks and have a discussion that spans across various posts and comment sections. I enjoy those as much as I do the more formal groupings.
That's a great point about the looser communities that form around cross-posting, feedback, discussion, etc. Always giving me something good to noodle over!
Very excited for this! You’re doing the community a great service, Brian. Appreciate your hard work in setting this up. Can’t wait for the first award season to start.
Thank you, Winston! And thanks for the early feedback on this. It was very helpful.
My Chapter 10 comes out tomorrow and just might have interstellar overtones despite being placed in terra firma 😀 - first time I’ve written anything like that 😀
Hey, we might just turn you into a full time fantasy and science fiction writer! I can't wait to read it 😁
It's here :-) Take a look and tell me if it would even qualify ;-)
It's on my to-read list and I'm excited for the conclusion to our adventure! From a genre standpoint it would definitely qualify! It would just need to be posted during the award season and then be a standalone 😁
Congratulations 🎊 Brian!!!
Very cool. I'm a rookie writer and at the moment I'm writing short stories to "find my voice" before tackling a novel. I only have a small subscriber base, but it's a great feeling getting positive feedback.
Like the Macho Man said "the cream rises to the top"
If you're quoting Macho Man Randy Savage, then you're definitely in the right place. 😁
Happy to have you, Andrew!
Substack is already a great way of saying goodbye to the masochistic rejection life. But projects like this are great because they increase the feeling that publishing on Substack will get somebody somewhere.
That's speaking for myself anyway. While I was saving them for a physical publication, I think I will publish a couple sci-fi stories on my Substack after all.
You're not alone in that sentiment, Felix. Many of us have grown tired of the old ways and are publishing and building a community here instead. I welcome you!
🥳
This sounds exciting. I have a seven-part sci-fi short story I posted in fall 2022. There’s also audio. Hoping to publish more.
The next award season will include a best first chapters category for serialized speculative fiction! We've had a lot of writers ask. 😁
Ooo…. How do I submit an entry?
You will have to wait for the next award season to start. The current award season has some details about how it works: https://lunarawards.substack.com/p/lunar-awards-season-one-starts-now - but there will be additional entry rules specific to serial fiction.
While I primarily post novels in serial form, I do have a couple of short pieces. They're series tie-ins, though....
The next award season will include a best first chapters category for serialized speculative fiction! We've had a lot of writers ask. 😁
Cool! Will this also be a limited publication period? The first episode of my current serial dropped in December.
I speculate I shall share some stories in that vein! Shared one today in fact. Future Now. It's more of a writing prompt that emerged from a conversation I overheard some weeks ago. I still need to get up to speed with all the substacks and setting up mine. 4th week, so still a bit green! I tried "Video post" for the first time yesterday, but not sure I will use it often.
That's awesome, Alexander, welcome to Substack! I've been telling people if it's something posted during the season and it just so happens to meet the rules, then feel free to enter it. I suspect that most folks posting on a regular basis will do that. I look forward to your future entry!
Thank you! I will definitely do that. 👍