The Editors Speak: Steampunk Submissions
As steampunk and steampunk romance became an “It” genre, editors began putting out calls for stories. For readers, the editors’ enthusiasm meant more books to enjoy!
I contacted a few small press/digital-first publishers whom I know list steampunk/steampunk romance in their submission guidelines. I invited them to describe what kind of stories they wanted to see in their submission inbox, only with more detail than the usual “a great story.”
Editors from Carina Press and Lyrical Press responded. Carina Press has released a number of steampunk and steampunk romances from authors such as Cindy Spencer Pape, Robert Appleton, J.K. Coi, P.G. Forte, Jenny Schwartz, and Stacy Gail.
Lyrical Press’ steampunk authors include Kaitlin R. Branch, Elysabeth Williams, Ella Drake, Regina Riley, and–in the interest of full disclosure–me, Heather Massey.
The editors listed below are looking for all kinds of steampunk stories and elements. Here’s what they had to say:
Carina Press
Bryon Quertermous
Do you want to see action-adventure steampunk romance or stories that are more character-driven?
I want to see both, ideally. Action without character is boring and steampunk doesn’t really lend itself to true character studies.
What about stories mixing steampunk with paranormal elements? Fantasy-steampunk-romance hybrids?
I really like steampunk crossed with paranormal elements like Hellboy and the HYDRA aspects of Captain America. I also like steampunk crossed with noir and mystery elements.
Are you looking for stand-alone titles or a series?
Both.
What type of steampunk technology
excites you? Automatons? Airships? Steampunk cyborgs?
I love the WW2 era steampunk with airships and art deco technology. I don’t much care for robots or cyborgs. I like flying and weapons technology the most.
What kind of settings pique your interest? UK based steampunk? What about the American Old West? Non-Western settings?
I’m kind of over UK steampunk. I want to see more US stuff, particularly NYC or Chicago during prohibition. What about Detroit? Or small town steampunk like The Rocketeer. I also like the old West as well.
Describe the types of heroes and heroines you want to meet (or don’t want!)
I like any and all heroes and heroines if they’re drawn well, but I could do without seeing any more spies unless they’re REALLY unique.
Deborah Nemeth
I’m actively seeking clockpunk (Renaissance-era/pre-Industrial), Victorian/Edwardian steampunk, and interwar period dieselpunk with or without romantic elements. In a steampunk submission, I want to see solid, layered world-building, stories that are rooted in the setting, and characters that are formed by their gear- or steam-driven worlds. I don’t want stories that could just as easily occur at any other time or place, or a paranormal romance with a few airships tossed in.
I prefer steampunk in a historical setting rather than a fantasy world, and I enjoy strong science fiction, historical and/or alternate-history elements. I also love steampunk mystery, suspense and action-adventure.
I’m happy to acquire stand-alone titles although fabulous world-building often deserves to be developed into a series. While any tone from lighthearted to dark might catch my fancy, a submission has to have compelling characters, strong conflict and high stakes to hold my interest.
Lyrical Press
Antonia Tiranth
Do you want to see action-adventure steampunk romance or stories that are more character-driven?
I like a combination of both. I want action but I also want the characters to be real and involved, not just strung along by events.
What about stories mixing steampunk with paranormal elements? Fantasy-steampunk-romance hybrids?
I love the fantasy-steampunk. It adds more depth.
Are you looking for stand-alone titles or a series?
Either.
What type of steampunk technology excites you? Automatons? Airships? Steampunk cyborgs?
I’m partial to the cyborgs.
What kind of settings pique your interest? UK based steampunk? What about the American Old West? Non-Western settings?
It can be based anywhere. Location doesn’t matter as much as a good story and well rounded characters.
Describe the types of heroes and heroines you want to meet (or don’t want!)
I like alpha males and strong females. Please NO damsels in distress! Or fainting flowers.
Tone–dark/angsty, lighthearted, or somewhere in-between?
The tone could be anything. I’m not partial to any particular tone.
Penny Barber
Do you want to see action-adventure steampunk romance or stories that are more character-driven?
Punk begs for strong character arcs, because without them who incites rebellion or defiance? How can a character lead a movement or have a great romance without changing, growing, learning? Steam technology sitting idle without action and adventure? Romance which doesn’t change characters? Rebellion without action? Steampunk Romance needs a blend of both.
What about stories mixing steampunk with paranormal elements? Fantasy-steampunk-romance hybrids?
Either. Both. Shaken, not stirred, please.
Are you looking for stand-alone titles or a series?
Either.
What type of steampunk technology excites you? Automatons? Airships? Steampunk cyborgs?
Any. What excites me is the purpose behind the invention, the statement the inventor wanted to make with it, what happens when it falls into the wrong hands or has horrible side effects.
What kind of settings pique your interest? UK based steampunk? What about the American Old West? Non-Western settings?
I have a soft spot for Victorian.
Describe the types of heroes and heroines you want to meet (or don’t want!)
Characters motivated to incite change, instead of merely react to it. Villains who are equally motivated. Characters who do instead of think.
Tone–dark/angsty, lighthearted, or somewhere in-between?
I like both, but I don’t want to be stuck in an angst-filled head for a dozen pages, not even a whole page. I want to see characters battle the angst, not think about it and wallow in woe.
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And there you have it!
Here are the submission guidelines for the participating publishers:
If any other editors are in the cafe, I invite you to let us know what kind of steampunk/steampunk romances you’d like to consider.
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