Shutterstock / docstockmedia©Hello and welcome to this week’s Fiction Ed’s Blog.
This week we have a round-up of what’s happening on the Fiction Desk.
Holiday Time
It’s August, so lots of our authors are on holiday and submissions tend to naturally drop off at this time of year.
The Team also has annual leave to take this month, so please look out for ‘out of office’ responses if you’re emailing.
Whether you’ll be at home or away this summer – happy holidays!
Christmas Stories
We’re concluding our Christmas reading now, so please check with your assigned editor prior to submitting any further Christmas stories.
What We’re Looking For At The Moment
We’re reading for late autumn, for the weekly.
For the Special, we’re now planning for January 2025 and beyond.
Changes To Our Website
Our website is currently undergoing a ‘refresh’.
You might have already spotted some changes to the website, such as to the font we use.
From the end of August, I’ll no longer post every Thursday – instead, we’ll have posts with specific help, advice and tips for authors.
Watch this space!
Submission Process For Unpublished Authors
Unpublished authors are welcome to submit fiction for consideration via our dedicated email address, which is – friendfiction@dcthomson.co.uk
Our guidelines are available here – https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/2024/01/11/our-new-fiction-guidelines/
Information on what makes a good ‘People’s Friend’ story is available here –
https://www.thepeoplesfriend.co.uk/2024/01/25/what-makes-a-good-peoples-friend-story/
Reader Feedback
We regularly carry out reader focus groups to listen to our readers’ opinions on our fiction.
Our latest feedback suggests that overall, most of our readers are happy with the fiction; with some of the stories being a tiny bit ‘grittier’; with our efforts to be more inclusive while remaining traditional, in outlook; and with the quality of the artwork.
As one reader said, “I’m glad it is still my lovely old friend in a new coat.”
Lucy Crichton Better known as “Fiction Editor Lucy”, I am always on the look-out for the very best short stories, poems and pocket novels. As well as sourcing enjoyable content, I enjoy working with our established contributors, encouraging new talent, and celebrating 155 years of “Friend” fiction!
