Submission Guidelines
Pine Tree Mysteries is looking for mysteries. Make that good, well-written mysteries! New and unpublished writers will find a warm welcome, if the story meets those two simple requirements.
Ok, a few more details might be warranted here. New and unpublished are probably pretty clear. 'Good', 'well-written' are subjective criteria. And the person whose subjective judgment will decide if any story meets the criteria is me, Morgan Drake. I don't claim to be the absolute best judge of written material in the universe. But since I edit the zine I claim the right to judge what goes in it.
My definition of a well-written story, in addition to one that actually TELLS a story, is good spelling, good grammar, general all-around good and accurate word usage. I detest seeing 'there' when you mean 'they're', or 'want' when you mean 'won't.' I'll know you either weren't paying attention in English class or didn't do a careful proofread. A listener can't see it if you're orally TELLING your story, but it makes a difference in the WRITTEN story. Each time I see an error like that, it's a strike. I won't read past the third one, and it's 'three strikes, yer out'!
If you've written a short mystery story with interesting characters, we'd like to see it. But first, polish it, check spelling, make sure your sentence subjects and predicates agree, in English, sorry I'm not multilingual, and send it to Pine Tree Mysteries. I've been called hard-nosed (and worse) so don't bother writing to call me that if you don't agree with my criteria or choices. I'll give your story every chance I can. But I don't have time to edit, or ask for revisions. I will respond as soon as possible with an acceptance or otherwise.
Genre, we're open to everything from cozy to PI to police procedural, but erotica or profanity beyond the occasional 'damn' or 'hell', if they fit, will not endear your story to us. No cat, or dog, or horse that solves a crime. We love animals, but have a hard time suspending belief in such situations. As for length, we like 2500-4000 words. Nothing longer.
Electronic submissions, only, in text format embedded in an email. No attachments, they will not be opened, under any circumstances. Response will be to the email address from which the sub was received. Pine Tree Mysteries is not a paying market, though hopefully, one day it will be.
Include either at top or bottom of your submission an author bio, 150-200 words, including name, email address, any publishing credits you may have (none are necessary to be considered) and a little bit about yourself.
Good luck.
