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FAQ Page |
"Members Only"
area
"The Best of Times"
anthology by members
(Frequently Asked Questions)
of the SFNovelist Writing Workshop
What is this group?
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This is a online writing group dedicated to novelists who write 'hard science' SF, where the science is believable or at least does not violate currently known science, with a wink toward FTL (faster than light travel).
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The Home Page is at: http://www.sfnovelist.com/index.htm
Do I have to submit a biography?
Yes. This helps us get to know your writing background. You are required to send a short biography (ASCII text). This biography will be posted to the group's Web site, only accessible by members.
What happens if I send in a critique beyond its due date?
We go ahead and give credit, but the author has the option of asking that the credit be withdrawn. Let's face it, as a writer yourself, wouldn't you prefer to have quick response to your submission? Late critiques are often of lesser value to the author.
What happens if I am on vacation or wish a leave of absence but fully intend to return to active status at a later date?
Just send email to the moderator and your membership critiquing requirements will be suspended until you can return. A prolonged absence may result in your membership being dropped. You can always join us again later, when you have more time. Remember, active critiquing separates you from the general 'curious' public.
Will submitting my manuscript to the group be considered 'publishing' by a print editor/publisher?
There are many writing workshops on the Internet. To the knowledge of the moderator, if the group is tightly moderated and membership is limited to those who provide critiques, there should not be a problem. Editor and publishers are more concerned about someone who posts his/her manuscript on a newsgroup or Web page for the public to read.
To quote Professor Andrew Burt at aburt@cs.du.edu, moderator of Critters Workshop, an online workshop for Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror where many short story writers congregate: Should you be concerned?In a word: No. Editors recognize the utility of critique groups and that many authors belong to them. Being seen by a restricted set of other authors is not publication ("publication" means available to anyone). Besides, you'll almost certainly change the story after they see it, so what you submit to an editor is different than the group saw.
I have this great idea for a time travel novel. Some people believe that time travel is against the laws of physics. Would my manuscript fit the definition?
Time travel is no problem. Go ahead.
I write erotic SF. Any problems?
Erotic SF is acceptable. It might be a sensitive issue for some people. Be polite to those who may have strong feelings on this and put a paragraph or so at the top of your Ms advising them it contains erotic material.
