Monday, September 27, 2010

Six Questions for Douglas Lance, Editor-in-Chief, eFiciton

eFiction “is dedicated to exploring new methods of fiction.” The editor accepts fiction of all forms and lengths.

(ceased publication)


SQF: Why did you start this magazine?

 DL: eFiction was created to fill the gap between fiction magazines and the technology of today. I noticed that many online fiction outlets weren't receiving the attention they deserved. I use modern marketing methods to distribute eFiction.  Also, authors online crave a platform. I created the magazine to give them that platform. 


SQF: What are the top three things you look for in a story and why?

 DL: For me, a story has to have vision. Details must be visceral. I want to be able to see and feel every detail of a story, to clearly see it in my mind.

It also has to be effective. The bigger the emotional impact it has on me, generally it will have that impact on other readers.

And a story must be original. Be that a new angle, something I've never read before, or unique in some other way.


SQF: What are the top three reasons a story is rejected, other than not fitting into your answers to the above question and why?

 DL: A weak voice. Any encyclopedic-style fiction is rejected immediately. I want to see the writer's unique voice, not a "writerly" voice.

Also, any story that is lewd for lewdness sake is rejected. I can't tell you the number of booger or poop stories I receive every month.

An off-target plot. A story that is targeted to a very specific niche, but doesn't work for my audience must be rejected.


SQF: What is it about the characters in a story that makes them pop off the page and grab hold of you?

 DL: It all comes down to a convincing portrayal of the character. I want to understand their motivations, hear their voice through the word choice in dialog, and see every side of them, flaws and insecurities included.


SQF: Will you publish a story an author posted on a personal blog?

DL: Yeah, why not?


SQF: What one question on this topic do you wish I'd asked that I didn't? And how would you answer it?

DL: How do authors submit their work? By visiting the submission page.

Thank you, Doug. We all appreciate you taking time from your busy schedule to participate in this project.


NEXT POST: 9/29--Six Questions for Michele M. Graf, Poetry Editor, Apollo's Lyre

1 comment:

  1. Doug Lance has taken my money and not delivered on his promise. I bought advertising in his magazine in May 2014 and as of today, I've gotten nothing. Not only that, he's blocked me from Facebook after a message, he's ignored my phone calls, and I've never seen a dime from my short story published in February of 2013. I'd like to warn others to not be swindled by this man.

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