Addressing the elephant in the room, I’ve changed the name to XPress Book Box, and the official domain is now www.xpressbookbox.com. The newsletter portion will remain The Storyletter for now.

I divested many aspects of what was once Storyletter XPress Publishing into other newsletters and websites. The contests and prompts we hosted are now the Lunar Awards (created by ), I share my personal short stories, poetry, and blog posts on Creative Wellness, I support indie books via The Library (co-managed with ), and the online store has become a physical location in New Mexico called Enchanted Books!

That left me wondering what my company site, SXP, had to offer that differed from the rest. Sure, it’s home to my small press, and I like sharing information about the publishing industry when I can, but I never wanted to monetize that. I wanted to provide a product that would be worth subscribers’ time and money.

So, I centered paid membership tiers around a book box subscription service. Unfortunately, I felt that the articles/stories clashed with the intended product/service. This comes down to branding, and I’m working to improve my marketing skills. But with this new change, it should be coming together. It only took me four years to get on the right track.

What is the subscription?

It all started in 2024 when I decided to ship courtesy copies of Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel to the 23 featured authors. I wanted to make it as special as I could manage on my limited budget. The resulting packaging became the XPress Book Box.

Earlier this year, I announced that the book box would be an indie service, dedicated to promoting independent authors and small presses. Due to recently moving from Utah to New Mexico, managing the Lunar Awards, opening a bookstore, and editing an anthology, I haven’t been able to truly “launch” it.

Another roadblock in its development has been Substack’s rigid subscription options. Sending out periodic book boxes doesn’t fit a monthly subscription model, while the yearly option is a hard sell for sporadic fiction. Last year, I wrote an article expressing my desire for Substack to offer more payment options, with many writers agreeing that the current model should be tweaked. Maybe that’s coming, maybe not.

Regardless, I’ll be launching a monthly book box soon. With the bookstore, I can source, market, and distribute the number and variety of books needed to maintain the service throughout the year. Each monthly box will contain at least one paperback (likely two) and a bookmark. Premium add-ons will be included for annual and founding members (more details to come).

I’m still adjusting, so keep an eye out for updates. Hopefully, this rebranding makes sense and will become clearer once the boxes start going out with the launch of our upcoming anthology, Take a Breath: A Collection of Claustrophobic Horror.

Thanks for sticking around to support other writers and me in trying to make indie work. It’s a tough road, but well-traveled. And I’m thankful to those who paved the way! ~ WM

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Ripples in Space is scheduled to release on September 2, 2025. Find links to preorder the eBook below. Thanks for supporting independent writing and publishing! I’ve posted an excellent summary of the book below, courtesy of Samak Press.

Humanity has sought evidence of intelligent life beyond Earth since we first peered through a telescope. Space holds the answers to an enduring mystery of whether we are alone in the universe. We want to make first contact with extraterrestrial life.

What if making first contact takes a dangerous or deadly turn?

Samak Press presents a new original science fiction anthology, Ripples in Space, that features compelling first contact tales from fourteen talented science fiction authors. From sinister aliens to rogue artificial intelligence, these first contact stories will take readers to unexpected destinations where they will meet truly strange creatures who fit the definition of alien perfectly.

Here’s a quick glimpse at each story featured within the pages of Ripples in Space:

• Salvaging an orb from a derelict space vessel puts a couple at the mercy of a mysterious alien entity in Out of Silence by Jean Marie Bauhaus.

• Searching for her missing dog leads a woman on a trek into an isolated section of her sprawling ranch where time and reality are a disorienting mess in Tract 16 by Christopher W. McGuiness.

• Two alien merchants dealing in exotic animals find an uncharted solar system that offers access to countless new species in Jah’s Sanctuary by John Coon.

• An astronaut and her AI companion encounter a mysterious explorer on a distant world thought to be lifeless in Once We Peppered the Stars by Darren Todd.

• Faced with a virus that is degenerating their bodies, aliens seek assistance from a human cargo vessel in Bellwether from Sarah Connell.

• Five-sided aliens allow two human explorers to join their migration, an action that creates an unforeseen ripple effect for their entire species in Fear the Human by Mike Morgan.

• Her brother’s abduction by an unseen alien entity upends a young girl’s life in Not James by K.L. Mill.

• An aging exobiologist on a return voyage from Neptune is gifted a crystal infused space rock that is no ordinary rock in Space Amoebas by David Castlewitz.

• A letter recounts the discovery of a planet-wide AI program with addictive properties in Adaptive Algorithm by Charles Chin.

• When a man’s teenage son undergoes a dramatic personality shift, it signals the presence of another being from beyond the stars in Foreign Exchange by Brian Reindel.

• Animals start randomly dropping from the sky, foreshadowing a mysterious apocalyptic event in Raining Cats and Dogs by Katherine Kerestman.

• An aspiring rodeo star retreats into training for a rodeo to help her cope when attacking spaceships appear in the sky in The Silver Buckle by Angelique Fawns.

• Two sisters explore mysterious and dangerous tunnels underneath a future London destroyed by a worldwide apocalyptic event in Gamma Day by Phillip Carter.

• A spaceship is drawn to investigate the cause behind an unusual distortion emanating from a mysterious planet in Ascentia’s Downfall by Winston Malone.

Ripples in Space will be released worldwide on September 2, 2025. Preorder your eBook edition now from major booksellers, including:

• Amazon

• Apple

• Kobo

• Barnes and Noble

• Google Play

Preorders for the paperback and hardcover print editions will be available in the near future (August).

If you’re a podcaster, blogger, or reviewer who’s interested in receiving an advanced reader copy in order to do a review, I’d love to hear from you. Samak Press welcomes reviews of this new anthology posted to bookseller websites, podcasts, and blogs. If you want to be an ARC reader, send an email to samakpress@gmail.com and include “Ripples in Space ARC request” in your email subject line.

I’m opening a bookstore!

It’s a small retail space at The Block, an outdoor/indoor community event and shopping center. I’ll primarily sell books by local and independent authors and presses. I’ve chosen the name Enchanted Books because New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment,” and The Block is located in Enchanted Hills. It also gives off a fun, fantasy vibe.

If you aren’t already, consider subscribing to follow our journey as we set up and open the bookshop. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the community in this way. It’s been a dream of mine for over a decade, and it’s finally happening.

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The Block is going to be the perfect location for the store because it features a shared outdoor event space with a stage, a large screen, and ample covered seating. We’ll be able to host author appearances, book signings, live readings, write-ins, and more. The sky is the limit on how we can benefit from this space, and the food and drinks are excellent.

Current neighbor stores and restaurants:

• Alitas y Papitas

• The Bobal Lounge

• KuKri Hot Chicken Tenders

• Stackers Burger Co.

• Birria Estilo Zacatecs

• El Chamo Arabe

• Bubble Bliss Bath Treats

• Tavern on the Green

• Tuxberry & Whit

• Gravelle's Scoops

• Link Link

• WOW WOW Hawaiian Lemonade

• THICC Pizza Co.

• The Crepe Corner

• Mini Bar

• Top of The Block

• Enchanted Books (coming soon!)

Without the confidence from working with all the incredible writers and readers I’ve met over the last four years, I wouldn’t have taken this step. Thanks for your continued support and motivation. You’ve made this dream possible!

I’m building a list of books and authors to stock. If you have recommendations, please leave a comment or send an email to storyletter@protonmail.com with the ISBN, title, and author's name.

I’m prioritizing science fiction, fantasy, horror, YA, middle grade, and children’s books by indie authors. I can’t guarantee that every book recommendation will be available in the store, but I will provide online recognition as I expand the inventory.

Indies supporting indies is the future of publishing! Stay tuned for updates.

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I'll be selling copies of "Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel" in paperback and hardcover, as well as 10 copies of "Along Harrowed Trails" in paperback, and my first book, "The Weight of the World: A Collection of Short Fiction and Poetry."

I hope to see you there! ~ WM

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I’ve edited 15 of 19 stories in the upcoming anthology. The last four are longer, clocking in between 3600 and 8000 words. This year’s tax season was a doozy, causing me to lose a week’s worth of editing and writing (sigh). Other than that, we’re on schedule to finalize everything in June for a July publication date.

If you’re unfamiliar with the project, I held an open call for writers to submit their most claustrophobic short stories to a horror anthology last year. I selected 18 scary stories that best fit the theme, and will include one of mine as well.

Here is the official synopsis on the back cover:

Dive into the deep end with eighteen tales of claustrophobic horror, where each page turn is an attempt to surface for air. From sinking ships, underwater creatures, and cave exploration gone wrong to the isolation of space travel, these stories explore confinement in all its restricting dread. Discover where the boundaries of reality begin to collapse, trapping protagonists in nightmares both physical and psychological. With contributions from independent authors around the world, this collection promises to make every narrowing inch feel like a mile in the darkest corners of speculative fiction.

Featuring stories by:

Edward Ahern, Warren Benedetto, Rose Biggin, Clark Boyd, Matthew Christian, Sam Crain, Elana Gomel, Rachel Henderson, Juliette Jarabek, Ilan Jones, Hamish Kavanagh, C.R. Langille, Winston Malone, Angus McIntyre, Thomas North, Leigh Parrish, Pip Pinkerton, Nidheesh Samant

The artist, Eoin Ryan, finished and formatted the cover this week. It is striking! I’ve never seen a cover like this before. The overall design is similar to the first anthology, Take Me There, because I envisioned the “Take” series as a trilogy. Because I didn’t want to reveal the art immediately, all you get is this teaser.

All annual paid subscribers get this hardcover book shipped to them in an exclusive book box. Your subscription makes this possible. Thank you!

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“The Kefi” by Thomas Bubb

I coordinated with artist Stephen Stone in March to bring The Kefi to life. I’m impressed with Steve’s work, and the complete hardcover wrap and story map look fantastic. He’s working on five internal illustrations, a bookmark, and the chapter heading emblem.

Alpha readers are providing excellent feedback for the middle-grade fantasy novel by Thomas Bubb. As Tom’s editor, I’m assisting with the big picture stuff first and then coming in for the finer grammatical points. Tom’s a great writer, and I’m confident this next iteration of the manuscript will be even stronger than before.

The Kefi will launch as a limited edition hardcover for annual paid subscribers. There will only be 150 copies signed and numbered by the author. The collector’s edition will feature sprayed edges, a specially designed dust jacket, and embossed lettering. Upgrade today to secure your copy!

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“Storyletter Originals” Shuts Down

Shutting down the fiction section was difficult, but I can no longer take one-off submissions to publish stories here on the Storyletter XPress Publishing website. As much as I’d like to continue the service, my availability prevents me from giving you the time your work deserves. It’s possible that in the future, if funding and time permit, I’ll be able to reopen the doors to publishing short stories online. But with so much fantastic free fiction already available, it doesn’t seem likely. Thank you to the authors who submitted their work. It was an honor to publish it in this format.

Our anthology open calls will continue as normal. Stay tuned for the next project announcement. If you’d like to read more fiction, join us over at the Lunar Awards, where we host contests to highlight indie authors and offer prizes and publication opportunities.

“Take Me There” Author Event at Page 1 Books

Page 1 Books, an independent bookstore in Albuquerque, NM, informed me that they will stock copies of Take Me There. They added my name to their local author/publisher page and listed the book on their digital store. Inside the physical location, they situate the local authors’ books on the front shelf so customers see them first.

I’ve scheduled the author event/book signing at the store on June 7th from 12-5. If you’re local to ABQ and can make it, come on by to chat. I’d love to meet you. There’s no pressure to buy a book; I enjoy connecting with like-minded people. Plus, the rare and collectible section alone is worth the visit.

The Library

Buy Indie

Works are categorized by genre. Within each category, they are alphabetized by author. If applicable, sub-genres are listed beside works. For details about a specific work, refer to product information on a vendor's website. The Library is not responsible for the content contained in links. We earn nothing from your clicks or purchases…

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3 years ago · 33 likes · 5 comments

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

What a busy year it’s been. No matter how little time you have, stopping to reflect on your successes is always beneficial. Here are some of the things SXP accomplished in 2024:

• Published 15 original works of fiction

• Winston was interviewed by

• Signed two authors for publication

• Interviewed 14 authors

• Published an anthology in hardcover and paperback

• Shipped it to paid subscribers in a book box

• Collated and published an ebook of 2021-2022 posts for subscribers

• Received our first Founding member. Thanks, !

• Announced an open call for our next anthology

Headed to the moon

That’s not all! The Lunar Awards, founded by , joins the SXP family. I’m excited to see how this will impact us as we grow and bring more amazing opportunities for indies in the coming months. Remember to subscribe to the Lunar Awards to get updates on when the next seasons will open.

Lunar Awards

A New Starship Captain

I’m excited to share that a new leader is stepping up to the command module! I will be handing over ownership and responsibility of the Lunar Awards to my friend Winston Malone. This is not a decision I take lightly but is one that I feel is right for the community of fantasy and science fiction lovers that subscribe to this newsletter. I’m excited by the change, and…

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a year ago · 57 likes · 31 comments · Brian Reindel 👾⚔️

Anthology submission deadline

The deadline for the Take a Breath anthology is fast approaching. Make sure to submit your claustrophobic horror stories for consideration before midnight on December 31st. I’m reading through submissions and now suffer from fears I never knew I had. This book is going to be terrifying!

Submit Here

Reedsy nomination

I was blown away to see this notification come into my inbox. A community manager from Reedsy informed me that the editors of their Discovery department had chosen Take Me There as one of their favorite books in 2024. Here is what they had to say:

I’m delighted to inform you that your book, Take Me There, has been shortlisted for the first ever Discovery Editors’ Choice Award. Congratulations!

Out of over 2,000 books submitted to Discovery this year, your book joins fifteen others on the shortlist. Our panel was deeply impressed by your work, specifically noting its compelling prose across a multitude of genres.

The winners of the award will be revealed on 30th December 2024.

Congratulations to the 23 authors featured in this book. You should be proud of the work you put into it. I know I am, and I’m grateful that others recognize it, too. Even if we don’t take home the award, I consider this a huge win. 🏆

2025 is going to be a big year

With several books in pre-production, the Lunar Awards on the horizon, and The Library expanding to over 275 books, SXP is poised to make the most of the new year. I’ve been secretly tinkering away on a new website and will launch it soon. I want it to be ready for the anticipated expansion to the indie mission and objectives that come with it, so I’m taking my time. It won’t just be a company website but the future of the SXP family as a whole.

Thanks for being a part of this journey. It’s because of you that we’re able to publish and promote these books. This community-driven small press appreciates your time and attention, and every little bit helps. I can’t wait to witness what the future has in store for us!

Stay tuned for the official SXP anthology open call for short stories this month. In that announcement post, I’ll provide all the details regarding the theme of the book, the updated submission guidelines, and a timeline for publication. If you’re looking to get your work published in print and delivered to subscribers, this anthology will be one to get excited about!

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What I’ve been working on

Following the successful July launch of our first anthology, Take Me There, I packed and shipped the XPress Book Boxes to paid subscribers and the contributing authors. It was a lot of work, and yet so much fun. Now, I’m looking forward to 2025’s edition!

I haven’t posted much lately for several reasons. I found a new job and moved to a new state (New Mexico!) in September. Now, I’m traveling for work but making sure to tend to this newsletter, as well as The Library (big shout out to for her efforts maintaining a ton of submissions). Meanwhile, the two authors who signed with SXP are diligently working on edits and revisions for their novels, which are expected to be released in early 2025.

Since June, some new original stories have been published through SXP, a mix of my own and from several amazing authors on Substack. Paid subscribers get unfettered access to all of it, as well as other perks, depending on how you choose to support our work. Personally, I’ve been experimenting with poetry as a way to maintain my creativity with limited time.

Short Stories

Poetry

More surprises to come

I want to thank everyone reading this, the writers and readers who support and share this publication with others, and a big welcome to all the new subs rolling in. You make this small press possible.

There are big things in the pipeline that I can’t mention just yet, but know that I’m excited and cannot wait to share the news. It will directly impact free and paid subs alike, so everyone aboard the Storyletter XPress will benefit!

Oh, and if you’re looking to chat or meet someone new, come say hello in our latest meet and greet thread! Can’t wait to meet you. ~ WM

Welcome to the Storyletter Meet & Greet! It’s been a while since I held one of these (way back in 2023!). Please introduce yourself and your current work in progress. You don’t have to be a writer to participate.

After your intro, feel free to tell us where you live (generally speaking) and if it inspires you in any way. Respond to another member’s comment to meet someone new and continue the discussion. Write as much as you’d like.

Here’s my intro and answer as an example:

Hey there, I’m Winston. I recently moved from Utah to New Mexico with my miniature schnauzer, Vinnie. I served in the United States Air Force before starting a publishing company to learn the ropes and help others. After 14 years of dabbling in various forms of fiction writing, I published my first short story collection, “The Weight of the World,” on Amazon in 2023. This year, I edited and published an anthology featuring 24 authors called “Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel.” I’m very proud of the work that went into the novel and aim to do it again next year.

Utah inspired me a lot. The region has an expansive literary community, a day of the year designated as “Utah Author’s Day,” and hosts prominent names like Brandon Sanderson, Jack Carr, and Brandon Mull. Something about the mountains invokes a sense of awe and wonder and acts as a constant reminder of the world's grand scale.

Now, I’m eager to explore New Mexico, “the Land of Enchantment.” Santa Fe is home to writers such as Cormac McCarthy (RIP) and George RR Martin, among many others, and I’m sure to be inspired by its culture, arts, festivals, and landscapes. As a small press and indie author, I look forward to networking with the local writing community and meeting the independent bookshop owners supporting them.

I also can’t wait to meet you and learn what makes your region inspirational. Thanks for stopping by. ~ WM

In this post, I explain my steps to publishing an anthology featuring 24 authors—some of whom you may know and follow on Substack—in print and digital formats on almost every major platform. I’ll also cover the costs and results of the endeavor near the end. Feel free to ask me any questions you have in the comments.

The Origins of the Book

The idea for an anthology began as a contest a few years back. Well, a contest and then a series of writing prompts. The prompts ended up having a similar theme running through them. Because soliciting fiction can be difficult without built-up credibility, I figured the best way to get enough stories for a complete book would be to take that theme and create an open call.

Deciding on a theme for the anthology was key. Without a similar thread tying the stories together, it’s generally harder to attract writers and readers. I'm not saying it can’t be done, but establishing a question (a hook) is one of the first steps in constructing a compelling story (in this case, a collection of stories). A hypothetical question presented by a particular theme is, “What happens when a group of authors write about X?”

Take Me There is a book about travel. It’s a broad subject matter, almost limitless in possibilities, which worked in my favor as a new publisher seeking stories. That’s not all. It was a book of travel-themed, speculative fiction; this additional leeway allowed for varied genres and styles. It took me nearly two years to acquire enough stories, most coming in the latter months of the open call here on Substack (which I had to extend).

It wasn’t until I had a solid theme that the ball got rolling.

The Selection Process

After promoting the anthology on Substack and social media, I closed with 35 submissions. Choosing the stories was probably the most difficult part. Not only was it tough to send rejection letters, but many submissions were of great quality yet didn’t fit the theme of the book as well as others. It also came down to personal taste. In the end, I offered the declined writers the option of feedback and, in some cases, published their stories on Substack.

The number of selected stories may seem arbitrary, but I sought a high volume precisely because the word count limit was 6,000, and submissions—in my experience at the time—were coming in far below that, between 2,000 and 4,000. Therefore, I made rough calculations on what I needed to print a decent-sized hardcover book while staying within a reasonable budget (subjective, I know).

Next time, I’ll select fewer stories with higher word counts. This will hasten nearly every aspect of the process because handling more than twenty stories and authors was a lot. Thankfully, everyone involved in this project was wonderful to work with, and it went smoother than expected.

So here’s how we did it.

The XPress Timeline

With such a high number of submissions, the organization to handle them all was essential. I created a spreadsheet for crucial information I’d need quick access to. I had a rough timeline of 6 months for publication. To achieve that, I established several major phases for preparing the book: Initiation, Edits, Revision, Proofreading, and Final.

There’s no hard rule of sticking with one phase, shortening a phase, or bouncing between phases until completion. Publishers should navigate the phases using the most efficient method that works for them. The following information was simply my first implementation of it. I’m open to feedback if you have a more streamlined process. Iteration is key!

Proposed 6-Month XPress Timeline and Phases

• Initiation—Month 1: During the first week after closing submissions, you want to reach out to the authors who made the final cut and make sure they respond to you. If they never respond, then they are ultimately cut from the book. It’s vital to establish which stories are legitimate during this phase.

• Edits—Months 1-2: Once you hear back from the author, you can edit their story. Send your suggested edits back immediately to allow the most time to implement them.

• Revision—Months 3-4: After you provide the authors their edits, depending on the amount, they will need a cushion period for implementing your suggestions. Most indie authors have full-time jobs, so if they are rewriting entire sections of their story, they will need extra time. You will then be required to edit the rewritten portions, which may go back and forth for several iterations.

• Proofreading—Month 5: The revision phase may extend into month five, but at this point, most of the stories should be nearing their final draft. Once all of the edits have been acknowledged, the proofreading phase begins. Let the author know that proofreading has begun so that there are no additional changes to the manuscript on either side.

• Final—Month 6: The final phase is important because you want the authors to know that everything is set and agreed upon for publication. This means agreeing to all of the comments, suggestions, and edits. By doing this, you are both in agreement with the version of the story being published and the final word count for payment purposes.

(I work full-time myself. This timeline was just as much for me as it was for the authors. Life happens. It’s better to have more time than not enough.)

Editing the Book

Editors can be expensive, but they are necessary to create a professional-looking book. However, I decided to edit the book myself since I was purchasing the stories and knew that would be an additional expense. I used Grammarly Premium to assist me, and it was worth the money to laser in on specific types of edits. The authors and I collaborated using Google Docs, utilizing the “suggestion” and “comment” features to identify our changes.

I’ll write a separate post detailing my experience editing the anthology. Every author is different, and I learned to approach each story with respect to the author’s ultimate vision. With multi-author anthologies, in particular, it’s dangerously compelling to edit all of the stories as if you’re editing your own work, which can crowd out the author’s voice entirely. I wanted to ensure that didn’t happen with Take Me There, opting to focus on structural and line edits where needed and allowing the authors to challenge my edits at every step.

The formatting program I used was Atticus. It’s a very useful tool for quickly making sweeping changes to the fonts and margins. You can then export it into Print PDF or digital EPUB formats. If you’re interested in learning more about the formatting process, I wrote about it here. I used IngramSpark to publish the book, but there will be a forthcoming post regarding that fulfillment service.

The XPress Book Box

The author's experience was a priority for me. It might be their first time holding a physical copy of their work, so what better way than to send them a copy of their work as a gift?

Some of you may know that I’m not shy of experimentation. The market is shifting. So I figured why not test the market and adjust on the fly? That’s why I went all-in on the book box concept. It seemed like such a fun way to deliver new releases to authors and paying subscribers. And it was!

Was it expensive? Yes. Did I question my life decisions while doing it? Also, yes. However, I believed in the objective and decided it needed to happen regardless of cost. I wanted to see if I could do it. It became an interesting challenge, one I overcame with the help of advice from and .

I used VistaPrint to design everything in the box, including the box itself. And I ordered the following items:

• 9.5" x 7.75" x 4" Mailer Boxes (Hardcover books are typically 6x9)

• Pens

• 4.2" x 5.5" Post Cards

• 1 Box of Crinkle Paper (for packing the boxes)

• Bookmarks

• Self-Adhesive Packing Tape

For shipping purposes, I went with the Rollo scale and label printer. To buy the shipping labels online at home, I used Pirate Ship. This made it a breeze to deliver them to the local post office or UPS store. There are other at-home shipping label providers, so go with whichever one offers the cheapest discounts.

If you have any questions about making your own book box, please contact me directly at storyletter@protonmail.com, and I’ll try to answer them.

The Costs

I debated whether or not to add this section because, for me, it’s not about the money. Maybe that’s a poor business strategy, but this was a passion project, and the contributing authors’ experience was my priority, as was producing a final product that we could be proud of. Still, there’s value in sharing the numbers and being transparent.

Here’s the breakdown of the direct costs to publish this anthology:

• 3 ISBNs (Hardcover, eBook, Paperback) - $90 ~

• Professional Cover - $792.24

• Grammarly Premium - $144/year

• Author Payouts - $588.72

• Book Box Supplies - $1,284.69

• Shipping for Authors’ Complimentary Book Box - $233.81 ~

• Shipping for Paid Subscribers’ Book Box - $185 ~

• Reedsy Discovery - $50

• IngramSpark iPage Listing - $150

• 100 Hardcovers from IngramSpark - $1,148.93

• Total: $4,667.39

  —

• Minus funds from paid subscribers on Substack - $1170

• Minus an unexpected generous donation from family - $500

• Final Cost - $2,997.39

Also, I’d like to acknowledge the generosity of 4 contributing authors who gifted their stories without expectation of payment:

This act of kindness was worth $163.27. Therefore, I’ve paid forward your donation to Reading Is Fundamental, the leading U.S. nonprofit for children’s literacy. Based on the nonprofit’s estimate, this will help roughly 41 children access books! So, again, thank you for your wonderful donation.

The Result? It Was All Worth It

The Problematic Pen

Take Me There Is Here

I was letting my dog out one rainy afternoon and was greeted by a wonderful surprise on my doorstep. My Take Me There book box from Storyletter XPress Publishing had arrived…

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2 years ago · 18 likes · 5 comments · J. M. Elliott

The Future of SXP

Year 1 of this anthology was a massive success, and I look forward to doing it again. I’m taking a break for the next few months (mostly due to an upcoming house move to a new state, and yes, I’m moving again!). But expect to see an open call for a brand new anthology in October. I’ll announce the theme and the details in that post.

The next 74 subscribers who upgrade to an annual plan will receive the book boxes for this year and next year—basically, it's a two-for-one deal. Annual plan members will receive everything mentioned in the box (shown above), plus the signed/numbered edition of Take Me There. Monthly subscribers will receive our ebooks in their Welcome email.

So, it’s not too late to get your own XPress Book Box. Plus, until September 30, 2024, I’m offering a 25% discount on annual plans. Get ‘em while they're hot and simultaneously support independent writing and publishing!

Access Your Discount

Thanks again to everyone who made this project possible. I cherish your support; I can’t mention it enough. ~ WM

Folks, it’s been three whole years! I can’t believe the time has flown by this fast—uh, who am I kidding? Time flies when we’re having fun. And boys and girls, it’s been a blast.

I wish I could slow it down to cherish it with as much gratitude as it deserves. Unfortunately, that’s not possible. However, the ability to reflect on what matters is possible; in this case, it’s the people I’ve met along the way. Whether you’ve corresponded with me directly over email or in the comments—or a reader who hasn’t interacted but stays up-to-date—I consider you a friend.

Your time is precious currency, and spending it here is truly incredible and appreciated. So, dear reader, thank you first and foremost. And to the paying subscribers listed below, I’m your biggest fan. Massive shout-out for helping fund this indie publishing endeavor:

, , , Kent Bridgeman, , Danny O'Day, , , Peggy Boone, Yvonne, skiddlzninja, , Brylle Gaviola, Sarah Duck-Mayr, Richard Schultz, , , , , Joan Lass, , , Sandra Muzio, Pam Malone, Robert D. Malone Jr., Erica Astle.

Now, let’s reflect on the people and events of the past year. (The order listed is loosely based on the date/timeframe of events)

In July 2023, I was afforded the opportunity to guest judge Season Three of the Lunar Awards after winning the second season’s First Chapter category for The Angel of War. The winner for S3 was for her dark fantasy entry “Riding the Viper.” If you haven’t read it yet, I highly recommend it.

Later, in March 2024, I would join forces with the Lunar Awards again, this time as a sponsor for Season Six. To make it extra special, Brian let me reveal the cover of my anthology, Take Me There. The winner of S6’s Short Story category was for “Illegal.” Go check it out!

Brian has become a great friend and inspiration to me. I’m consistently impressed with his immense talent and professionalism in engaging the fiction community here on Substack. I admire his work, writing, and demeanor and wish the best for him and his ongoing projects. My engagement on this platform would not have been the same without Brian’s presence, and I’m so grateful to have met him and received his support over the past year.

Brian is the creator of the Future Thief Substack, and the author of The Stars Will Fall.

July of 2023 was a big month, apparently. C.R. Langille accepted my short story earlier that year called “Wrath of the Widowed” and published it in the Along Harrowed Trails western horror anthology by Timber Ghost Press. I’d never been published outside of my own self-publishing endeavors online, so this moment was very special to me.

I consider Sylvia a guiding figure in my publishing journey and am thankful to have met her IRL when I did. I wouldn’t be as far along as I am today without her help, and she motivates me to continue pushing the limits of what is possible in the industry. I wish her much more success with her publishing endeavors!

Check out TGP’s website for all things spooky!

I teamed up with J. M. Elliott on a project called The Library, where we accept submissions of completed works on Substack to archive all of the great books by indie authors here on the platform. In August of 2023, we reached 100 books and celebrated with this post. We’ll likely do so again with another major milestone soon to be in the bag. It’s an honor to help curate and host such a rapidly growing space for writers of all types.

But that’s not the sole reason I'm highlighting Jacquie. Since I joined the platform, she’s been one of my closest contacts and friends. Her support has been unwavering, and for that, I’m extremely grateful. Here’s hoping we have many more years of creative collaboration in front of us.

J. M. Elliott writes The Problematic Pen, and I can’t recommend her historical fiction novel Of Wind and Wolves enough.

Christmas Giveaway

This past December, SXP hosted a giveaway for free subscribers. The grand prize was a $150 manuscript formatting software called Atticus, which came with a $50 self-publishing course. The winner of that giveaway was . Please check out Alison’s Historical Fiction Stack.

Interviews

I didn’t get to interview as many creators this year due to juggling the anthology for the first time. But late last year, I learned more about two fellow indies. The first was a two-parter with , the author of the Rock Gods & Messy Monsters. The second interview was with , creator of Battles Beneath the Stars and writer of The Warthog Report.

These two writers are truly imaginative in their writing and world-building. I’ve coincidentally spoken with both of them one-on-one. I met Diane in Santa Fe, NM, at a cool coffee shop, and she gave me some insightful feedback and guidance. I also learned more about William and his writing process during a voice chat in the private SXP Discord. I am so glad to have met both of these fantastic writers.

Original Fiction

As with the interviews, I didn’t publish as much fiction on SXP as I’d wanted to this past year, but accepting and publishing submissions are mostly outside of my control. I did publish two pieces from other Substackers, one poem by behind the paywall, and the other is a short story by , free to read.

My five short fiction works published last year are behind the paywall here.

In January 2024, I spoke with a great writer friend, Daniel, about the future of publishing on Substack. We brainstormed ideas about what this might look like, and he urged me to write a post about it. I followed his advice and proceeded to do so. The subsequent outpouring of support and enthusiasm for the ideas presented in that article was astonishing. It quickly became the most popular post on SXP by a huge margin.

I credit the virality of that post to Daniel and his invaluable direction in writing fiction and nonfiction. He’s been an incredible mentor to me since long before I created a Substack, so I cherish the opportunity to work and collaborate with him in this space.

Daniel writes Lamp Post in the Marsh. Please subscribe to him. You won’t regret it.

Matthew is another writer I’ve been so grateful to have met. We’ve had many insightful discussions, and his honest feedback has been invaluable. In March 2024, he introduced me to , a sci-fi and fantasy writer who interviewed me on his YouTube channel. Both Matts are incredible humans, and I wish them much success in their projects and stories.

M. S. Arthadian is the creator of Reborn in Power and writer of Disciple’s Prayers.

Nonfiction Essays

Nonfiction has been an enjoyable experiment here on SXP over the last year. Essays were never my strong suit, and I didn’t have a ton of interest in writing nonfiction until I began writing in public and experienced the full range of emotions that come with that. So, I’d like to highlight some of those once more since they helped frame the direction of my writing and might provide motivation for your journey.

Indie Publishing Series

I summarized my experience publishing my first book in a five-part series called To Build a Book. Paid subscribers get the revised ebook/PDF version, but the articles are still available for free in their original form here on Substack.

1. Drafting Your Book

2. Formatting Your Book

3. Covering Your Book

4. Formatting Your Book

5. Marketing Your Book

I’m currently writing a new series about Reedsy's functionality as a valuable tool for indie writers.

Big SXP News!

Two major developments occurred more recently this year. First, I curated and published my first anthology, Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel, featuring 24 authors from around the world. Second, I signed two authors to publish their books under the SXP banner.

I’ll be working with to publish his historical horror novel The Werewolf of Mariahilf am Inn, and to publish his middle-grade fantasy adventure novel The Kefi. I'm excited to help bring these works to life for readers everywhere.

I’ve also opened up submissions for publication as long as all guidelines are followed.

Charting the Path Forward

As one chapter ends, another one begins. The exciting story of Storyletter XPress Publishing is only getting started. Where do we go from here? Let’s discuss a few things I’d like to accomplish in the year ahead.

• The main focus will be on perfecting the process of publishing novels under the SXP banner utilizing the XPress 6-month timeline.

• I’ll open the submission window for our second anthology later in the year. The theme will be announced around that time. I have some ideas brewing already!

• I want to attend local events as a vendor to promote and sell physical books.

• Recording short videos on YouTube might be fun, but it will depend on my availability while juggling the other projects.

• A renewed focus on interviews (again). It’s one of my favorite ways to get to know other writers and creators.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for your continued support. It wouldn’t be the same without you. I hope I’ve made it clear that this project isn’t a solo endeavor and that your participation has enabled all of the above accomplishments. It’s a community effort that I’m proud to cultivate and be a part of. Let’s continue this wonderful journey together, one chapter, one story at a time.

All the best,

WM

Pre-order Available

It’s almost here! The book that’s been years in the making—and at least the past seven months straight—is nearly upon us.

Much like a driver picking you up from the airport to take you home after a particularly exhausting but fun vacation, Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel is just around the corner to sweep you off your feet. And again, like the specially-summoned chauffeur that arrives at your direct request, the book is now available for pre-order wherever books are sold (trips to the airport not included).

July 17th is the official release date. Secure your copy today!

Pre-Order

The XPress Book Box

Paid subscribers have already received the early-access ebook in their inboxes. If you’d like to support independent writing and get cool swag, it’s not too late to capitalize on the 15% discount running until July 31st.

Annual and Founding members get one of only 100 exclusive, limited edition XPress Book Boxes, which includes a signed, numbered hardcover of Take Me There, among other goodies. This also helps fund the project and future book boxes. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Subscribe now

Interviews

If you missed our interview tour and want to know more about the authors and stories included in this collection, check these out:

Anniversary

The Storyletter’s anniversary is coming up, and we’re celebrating with a book launch. How exciting! I’ll be posting a special newsletter on the 17th to mark the occasion. Keep an eye out for another email from SXP that’s less promotional and more on the reflective side.

Now it’s time to begin assembling the boxes and writing the thank you postcards for subscribers. I will update you with more pictures soon! Cheers. ~ WM

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It’s a big day! We’ve officially closed on two brand-new book deals. This marks the first time Storyletter XPress Publishing has acquired world publication rights for any book outside our short story anthologies.

Daniel W. Davison

Daniel W. Davison is the writer of Lamp Post in the Marsh. We’ve acquired the world publication rights to The Werewolf of Mariahilf am Inn, a gothic horror novel in the vein of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. We anticipate an early 2025 release. More details are coming soon.

Lamp Post in the Marsh

Speculative fiction by Daniel W. Davison

By Daniel W. Davison

Thomas Bubb

Thomas Bubb is the writer of Necessary Fiction. We’ve acquired the world publication rights to The Kefi, a middle-grade action-adventure fantasy series. We anticipate an early 2025 release. More details are coming soon.

Necessary Fiction

Action-packed, heartfelt stories mixed with encouraging words and hope.

By Thomas Bubb

I'm delighted to welcome Daniel W. Davison and Thomas Bubb to the SXP publishing family. Their first draft manuscripts, initially published serially on Substack, are still available to read online.

The publishing world is rapidly evolving, and we’re adapting to it as best we can. SXP provides a competitive service through our author-centric partnership program, publishing high-quality and innovative books at no cost to the author. We’re incredibly honored that these two authors have entrusted us to share their stories with the world.

Join us in welcoming our latest authors as we each turn a new chapter in our publishing journeys! ~ WM

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We are currently considering short fiction and full manuscripts (response times may vary):

Short Fiction Portal

Manuscript Portal

I’m incredibly proud of the work that went into it, from the 23 other authors featured in the book to the artist who created the cover. I can’t wait to get this body of work out there, as it’s been months and months of dedicated effort. If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the official cover:

As we near publication, I thought of ways to make it special for the featured authors, some of which are being published for the first time. Sending them each a complimentary copy of the hardcover was always the plan, but then I got a little carried away (as is my nature). So, I decided to go all out and prepare a special book box for them.

Here is a sample of what I’ll be mailing the authors containing their books:

Here are pictures if the video isn’t working:

I’ve ordered the crinkle packing paper and the other goodies that will go into the box, but I don’t have them in hand to present yet. I am also finalizing the book's formatting before ordering proof copies from IngramSpark, so I’ll update again when I have those to show.

I’m super excited to see these boxes in action, and I hope the authors featured in Take Me There will be, too. I can’t wait to show more as we get closer to July!

I’m going to run a little experiment by opening this up to paid subscribers. Roughly 100 of these boxes will be available. If you’re already a paid subscriber, you’ll receive one (I’ll follow up for shipping info closer to release).

I’m signing and numbering these editions, so there will only be 120 signed copies. I don’t think I’ll be able to physically or mentally handle more than that. Honestly, I can’t imagine there being 120 paid subscribers. So I’m expecting there to be extras (plus the supplies are expensive!).

To kick off this “XPress Book Box” project, I’m running a limited-time promotion through the end of July. I last did a promotion in 2022, so I don’t know when I’ll run another one like this. If I maintain my business as envisioned, it will probably be yearly, so this is your chance for 2024.

Get 15% off for 1 year

If you’re unsure what you’re signing up for, I’ve made a campaign-style list of the tier rewards below, like what you might see on Kickstarter or IndieGoGo. Shipping times will probably be through August, depending on where you live and when I get your box to the post office. And, of course, if this all falls through for some reason, you will be able to request a refund, and I’ll honor it.

XPress Book Box (Founder):

This annual book box will contain our latest release and will be shipped directly from Storyletter XPress Publishing, valued at $75. The expected delivery date is August/September 2024. If you’re an author featured in this anthology, you will receive this book box automatically.

What’s included:

• Exclusive box

• Hardcover edition of Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel

  • Signed and numbered

• Paperback edition of The Weight of the World: A Collection of Short Fiction and Poetry

  • Signed

• A limited edition Take Me There bookmark

• A limited edition Take Me There postcard

• An original Storyletter bookmark

• Everything included in the Annual, Monthly, and Free tiers

XPress Book Box (Annual):

This will contain a hardcover copy of our latest release. All current Annual subscribers are grandfathered into this tier. Depending on how many paid subscribers join, I could add additional goodies to these boxes.

What’s included:

• Exclusive box

• Hardcover edition of Take Me There: A Speculative Anthology of Travel

  • Signed and numbered

• An original Storyletter bookmark

• Everything included in the Monthly and Free tiers

XPress Member (Monthly):

This will not net you a book box, but subscribers will receive the ebook version of Take Me There upon release, and you will also receive any prior or future published ebooks in your Welcome email.

What’s included:

• Downloadable ebooks from SXP

• Original Fiction published on the SXP Substack

• Private Discord access

• 10% off Gift Shop purchases w/ code

• Shoutout on the Acknowledgements page

Free subscribers:

Periodic newsletters, essays, and blog posts about publishing or creative writing. There will be updates on new releases and open submission calls. The anthology will also be available to pick up in bookstores and online. Purchasing the book directly that way is always appreciated, regardless of your subscription plan.

Subscribe now

Thanks for stopping by. It’s worth mentioning that the more successful this campaign is, the better the experience will be for all current and future authors that I work with. I would love to increase payment rates for future stories. My readership helps fund this endeavor. And for that, I’m grateful. Oh, and please share this with anyone who might be interested in getting a premium book box with awesome stuff in it!

How will you be picking up your copy of Take Me There? What do you think about this type of subscription or project? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.

Leave a comment

Hobbies are enriching activities pursued in one’s free time for myriad reasons. Maybe you like baking, so you test the best method to achieve a perfect cake. You could be a skier and get a thrill by climbing to a 9,000 ft elevation to descend a steep angle through the white, powdery snow at high speed (to each their own). The point is that activities that bring us joy when we are not “working” tend to remain just that throughout our lives. But some hobbies evolve into something greater: a passion.

Passion is pursued despite having no free time. We may enjoy and benefit from our hobbies, but we love our passions and can’t imagine functioning without them. Passion is the inspiration that gets you out of bed early to work on a novel before clocking in on the job. It’s the motivation to improve when no one else is pressuring you to do it. It’s the idea you think about on your daily commute, walking the dog, and while falling asleep.

My father told me, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Although I understand society can’t function if everyone drops their careers to pursue their passions, it highlights the core sentiment illustrated above that writing has never felt like work for me. Running this Substack has changed how I view my writing and the goals I seek to achieve. Most notably, it shouldn’t be about me (an essay for another day).

Storyletter XPress Publishing is, at its core, my passion. It was born out of a drive to promote others. The concept is imperfect, and I have faltered in certain areas while building this endeavor. But where I have come up short, the community has evolved to bring better things to the table, so let’s explore those additions.

If you’re unfamiliar with The Library, it’s a Substack promoting independent authors by showcasing their work on its digital shelves. It was created by , and she graciously welcomed my input and collaboration. I’m thankful for the opportunity to assist in co-running The Library because I feel that at its heart is what The Storyletter was initially designed for.

An award series has emerged, run by called the Lunar Awards. It’s beautifully crafted and well-executed, and I’m a Founding member because I believe in the cause.

An excellent newsletter called Talestack News features fiction updates every first and third Monday of the month. It’s run by , herself a prolific author with myriad stories and projects available to enjoy.

Fictionistas, created by and , remains a strong advocating space for the fiction community here on Substack. They have monthly virtual writer meetups and host recurring activities. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking to connect with like-minded folks seeking to better their craft.

That’s just the tip of the community iceberg. So many others are working diligently to bring each other up, and that’s the only way we succeed as indie writers. We must be our and each other’s best advocates since the wider, traditional industry will not.

Apologies if I didn’t mention you. My bandwidth has diminished as of late, and I haven’t been able to keep my finger on the pulse of the writing community as much as I’d like.

Where does that leave The Storyletter?

This has certainly been a journey of self-discovery, but if I had to describe the current state of SXP, it is being refined for several budding projects that have yet to come to fruition. It will continue to platform indie creators first and foremost by hosting exclusive interviews, publishing original fiction, and sharing industry knowledge where applicable, albeit with some new caveats.

I’m learning how to be a small business owner to professionalize aspects of my writing and marketing skills. Some don’t like embracing the business side of things, and I get it, but writing, editing, and marketing books to an audience is a business whether it’s treated that way or not.

To turn Storyletter XPress Publishing profitable (in the sense that it’s not in the red year after year), I must establish a model for success; in this model, three key nodes should work at scale for an individual still working a full-time job: Platform, Customer, and Product.

Substack is my platform of choice, and I’m happy to be a part of it. Its most substantial aspect is the ability to grow, network, and tap into an active community around whatever topic you’re exploring. I’m not advocating solely for Substack here, as there are so many other avenues to pursue, but for the sake of my publishing business, I’m choosing to go all-in (with some exceptions).

The second node of this non-linear success model is the customer. The model fundamentally crumbles without customers (in our case, readers). A customer must want the product, and knowing the customer can be half the battle. How do we market the product (fiction, our third node) to a customer likely unconvinced of its value? Well, the product has to be clear and concise so that there is no effort on behalf of the customer as to what it is they are buying into.

A lean into crowdfunding on Substack

This post isn’t intended to be a pitch to convert free subs into paid ones, but I need to clarify some things before presenting the alterations to the membership. Ultimately, subscribers' money funnels back into the community through higher payment rates for writers, covering the cost of anthology publication, hiring editors, and purchasing original cover art.

A paid subscription will significantly increase the value of what SXP can provide for its writers and readers. It will also feel extra special knowing that readers fully fund the books published by SXP. And now we’re well on our way to making this a reality.

Paid subs currently get the link to download the eBook of The Weight of the World: A Collection of Short Fiction and Poetry in their Welcome email. If you are a paid subscriber and don’t have this link, let me know, and I’ll send it to you.

Thank you to those already subscribed. Because of you, we’ve broken through the $1,000 Annual Revenue milestone. This money has been saved in its own bank account and will directly fund the first anthology published by SXP. The entire estimated cost of the book will likely be closer to $2,000, but it depends on the length of the featured stories and the artist’s rate for the cover (the ISBNs and the formatting software have already been purchased). It’s inspiring to see this outflowing of support nonetheless! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

This is just the beginning. Big announcements are on the horizon in 2024. I’m incredibly grateful that you’re here, as your presence shapes the future of Storyletter XP. I’ll continue to hone this mission to bring even more awesome indie fiction and knowledge to your inbox!

New changes to our current model

Purchasing original work and publishing it for free is inherently an operating loss. I realized that by paywalling writing tips and publishing information, SXP aimed to make writers the customers. Writers are a target audience for sure, but not one I wish to monetize in my pursuit of supporting them. Therefore, I’m removing the paywall on informative posts and the fee to submit for publication.

Moving forward, only fiction and purchased essays will be behind a paywall. XPress membership will include links to professional ebooks, PDF compilations of top posts, and the entire archive of Originals. Please be patient as I update the website and procedures to reflect these changes.

Revised perks for XPress members

• Access to original fiction and poetry

• Private Discord for members of Storyletter XPress Publishing

• Priority consideration for interviews and publication

• Download eBooks and PDFs published by Storyletter XPress Publishing

• 10% off everything in the SXP online store (storyletter.shop)

• Support independent writing and publishing

Subscribe now

Here are the posts unlocked for all subscribers:

• To Build a Book | Part One - Drafting your book

• To Build a Book | Part Two - Formatting your book

• To Build a Book | Part Three - Covering your book

• To Build a Business

• To Build a Store | Using print on demand to create additional revenue streams

• To Build a Brand | A look into Donald Miller’s Storybrand Framework

Let me know if you would like a refund on your subscription by emailing me at storyletter@protonmail.com. Again, sorry for the growing pains. Thank you for sticking around and showing support for independent writing and publishing.

There is no enjoying the possession of anything valuable unless one has someone to share it with. ~ Seneca

So much has happened, not just in my personal life but here on Substack, from publishing my first short story collection, winning the Lunar Awards, fracturing my ankle, judging a season of the Lunar Awards, volunteering at The Quills conference, getting published in an anthology, to moving to a new house. It’s been a summer to remember! In this newsletter, I explore the purpose of SXP, highlight key objectives, and share exciting things from the community.

What’s this all about?

The Storyletter was created to showcase the work of independent writers. It’s been an interesting 2 years, and I’m still adapting to what works and what doesn’t. I feel like a broken record when I say that iterative development has been the key for me on this platform and in my creative writing journey.

Building a community-focused Substack has brought on its own set of challenges. With my personal Substack, Tales of Havek, I’m comfortable with the trajectory since it’s dedicated to my own fiction, but SXP has perplexed me for months at a time. Some fundamental questions cause me to rethink my objectives on a semi-recurring basis. Questions like:

• What am I choosing to publish and why?

• Is there a model where I pay writers what they deserve and not lose money?

• If everyone has a Substack, does it make sense to publish someone else’s work and not hold the rights for a set amount of time?

• How do I not inadvertently recreate traditional publishing methods?

• Am I capable of maintaining this project over many years?

• Do I know what I’m doing?!

The truth is, I can’t predict what the future holds for SXP. All I can do is strive to make it better than it was yesterday while ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved. Your participation has been the critical component of this wildly fun project. So, thank you for sticking around. And if you’re new here, welcome aboard!

I want this newsletter to be informative, motivating, encouraging, and supportive. I’m proud to say it’s been just that for me, and I hope it is for you, too. To showcase what I mean, here are a few posts from this year that exemplify those ideals:

Latest from Substack

Throughout September, published articles on what makes it a great place for writers and creatives. If you’re looking for a reason to jump on board and create your own Substack, now is the time.

On Substack

Podcasts look different here

The quiet underlying current that powers so much of Substack is intimacy. It’s what writers talk about the most—the direct relationship they are able to create here. No intermediaries or gatekeepers between them and their audience, financial, editorial, or otherwise. It’s what readers come for too: that special access directly into the thought universe …

Read more

3 years ago · 553 likes · 145 comments · Hanne Winarsky

On Substack

How the Substack app helps writers grow

We launched the Substack app last year as a beautiful place for readers and a growth channel for writers. On top of giving readers a better place to read their favorite writers than in their email inboxes, we sought to give writers more ways to reach readers they don’t already have, convert those readers into paying subscribers, and deepen writer-reader…

Read more

3 years ago · 500 likes · 184 comments

On Substack

How to create a consistent writing habit

A blank page and an endless horizon of posts to manage alone can be intimidating. What should you publish and when? How will you stick to your ideal publishing schedule? For independent writers, having an underpinning editorial calendar and strategy can help you publish consistently, with a steady uptick of subscribers. And it means over time that you h…

Read more

3 years ago · 695 likes · 74 comments

Latest from the community

• is launching a game and invites you to download the Beta.

• now has over 100 indie books to read!

• September meetup is available for those who missed it (like me).

• wrote about the power of the ‘Like’ button.

• The Timber Ghost Press Kickstarter “The Big Book of Things That Go Bump in the Night” has launched! ( Middle-Grade Horror)

• started a new podcast called The Kindling Horror Show.

• publishes announcements, prompts, and updates consistently over on Talestack News. I highly recommend subscribing to stay in the loop concerning everything fiction-related on Substack.

• Adrian P. Conway of launched a new novella, The Pelican Crossing.

Latest from Storyletter XPress Publishing

The submission window for The Storyletter Anthology Volume One remains open for paid subscribers through October 11, 2023. We have accepted 10 original short fiction pieces so far, leaving 20 slots to be filled. The book is expected to be published in late 2024.

Stories featuring the following themes will have a greater chance of being accepted:

• Travel (local or abroad)

• Transformation/Transcendence

• Vacation/Holiday

• Escape

• Exploration

• Unexpected Outcomes

We accept speculative short fiction and poetry. We currently pay .01 cents per word for short fiction up to 6500 words (or $65) and a flat rate of $10 for works under 1000 words, including poetry.

In order to submit, you’ll need to be an XPress member (paying subscriber). After upgrading to a paid subscription, you’ll receive a Welcome email with the necessary information to access the portal. You’ll also receive a complimentary link to download The Weight of the World, my first short story collection. For more information, refer to the guidelines in the anthology post.

Subscribe now

Thanks for being a subscriber! Keep an eye out for more posts coming soon. ~ WM

The Old West was a time of lawlessness, violence, and danger. The threat of death could come in the form of bandits, outlaws, and even the very land itself. But what if there was something else? Something that lurked in the shadows waiting to strike when the stars were right?

In this anthology, over 30 authors and poets explore the weird and visceral side of the Wild West with stories of demons, ghosts, and creatures from myth and legend. From haunted towns to mysterious mountaintops, these tales will take you to the heart of darkness.

In the tradition of Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, and Louis L'Amour, this collection of stories and poems brings the Old West to life in all its bloody, gory glory.

So saddle up and hold on tight because you’re in for a wild ride.

Featuring stories and poems by: Keith Anthony Baird, Richard Beauchamp, Hank Belbin, Matt Bliss, Deborah Cardillo, Jeremiah Dylan Cook, Aristo Couvaras, Jennifer Crow, Ben Curl, Alycia Davidson, Robert DeLeskie, Rachel Horak Dempsey, David A. Elsensohn, Maxwell I. Gold, KC Grifant, Levi Hatch, Pedro Iniguez, Samantha Kelly, C. H. Lindsay, LindaAnn LoSchiavo, Winston Malone, Morgan Melhuish, LH Michael, Dermott O'Malley, Cygnus Perry, WR Platt, Daniel Powell, Craig E. Sawyer, Kathryn Tennison, Emily Ruth Verona, Adam Vine, Chris Wilder, and Ann Wuehler.

Buy your copy of Along Harrowed Trails

Includes Winston’s story, “Wrath of the Widowed”

In 2022, I submitted a short story to Timber Ghost Press’ open call for the Along Harrowed Trails anthology. I was thrilled to hear they enjoyed it and wanted to include it. Here we are, roughly a year later, and I get to talk about it for the first time! Here’s a short summary:

Wrath of the Widowed follows the restless spirit of Elia Worthington, who remains linked to the physical realm near the buried remains of everyone she’s ever loved. The last surviving member of her family is her husband, Cole Worthington, who has lived alone on the Worthington Ranch ever since Elia’s murder years earlier. Their lives are intertwined beyond Elia’s comprehension while separated by the spiritual and physical realms. Until one day, a vengeful ghost from their past emerges, forcing Elia to harness everything in her power to protect the last person she holds dear.

Prior to last year, I had never written a Western before. I had participated in The Great Substack Story Challenge (season one) called The Grisly Ghosts of Gruesome Time. My entry, Chapter Ten, heavily featured a Western setting in the second half.

I enjoyed the style, so I immediately jumped into writing WotW. It came to me over several days, and the ideas evolved drastically from the first iteration, which featured a zombie Elia instead. I’m mostly proud of this story for the elements that aren’t Western or Horror, as weird as that sounds. It challenged me to establish a character with a strong sympathetic pull and great personal stakes, something bordering on tragic romance.

I’m eager for you to read Wrath of the Widowed so that you can tell me what you think. Don’t forget to review and share it with others who might like these stories. Your support means so much to me and the other writers in this collection. Shoutout to Timber Ghost Press for believing in my work and making this book a reality!

Read Wrath of the Widowed now!

What people are saying

Kim gave it “5 Stars” on Goodreads:

One of my favorite genres is the weird west genre, it doesn't matter if it's books or movies I love the genre. So I was super excited to read this anthology, it's not but westerns with supernatural elements. Let me tell you it was so well put together, each story worked for me and they only got stronger and stronger. My favorite story was And the Godless Shall Come to Dust and my least favorite, but still good was Behold! The Manifest Age. This was a strong collection and I would read more books from this publisher.

Eric gave it “4 Stars” on Goodreads:

Entertaining collection of weird west stories. The 33 stories and poems cover a wide variety of topics: buffalo soldiers, outlaws, vampires, ancient demons, etc… standouts include Wrath of the Widowed, Forty Miles from Hell, And the Godless Shall Connect to Dust, & Black Blood.

Leah gave it “3 Stars” on Goodreads:

As with many anthologies, Along Harrowed Trails has some hits, and it has some misses. The connecting thread between the blend of short stories, poems, and flash fiction is the thrill and haunt of the weird west. Being among my favorite genres to read and write, I had some expectations for what I was getting into. Some of what ‘Along Harrowed Trails’ had to offer met those expectations, and a few stories exceeded them. But there is also that spattering that fell a little short of the western-flavored fantasy horror I was hoping for.

Among the hits for me were: ‘Forty Miles From Hell’ by Robert DeLeskie, ‘And the Godless Shall Come to Dust’ by Keith Anthony Baird, ‘The Last Train out of Calico’ by Pedro Iniguez, and 'Black Blood' by WR Platt. And as for the misses, while they wouldn’t fix my craving for a bit of weird-western fun, the vast majority were still interesting and enjoyable. There really is a little bit here for everyone, and there is bound to be a good handful of tales that captivate you.

I’d recommend this as a casual read that you pick up, enjoy a story, and then put down to discover another one later, rather than reading straight through from start to finish.

Emily gave it “4 Stars” on Goodreads:

Step into a world of ghosts and demons and myths of the old west. Towns haunted by ghosts to mountain tops with terrifying legends. Saddle up for a wild west adventure.

Believe it or not, this wasn’t included in my summer plans. I didn’t expect to be on crutches for roughly the next two months. I expected to be river rafting, zip lining, and hiking up mountains. But that’s not happening now. There’s a message in this somewhere about life taking its course regardless of how badly you believe it should happen or not. I suppose that’s what this post is about and why I’ve been mostly MIA lately.

I was with close friends and family at Arches National Park the weekend before last. There was an 8-year-old with us, and when we neared any boulder, he would begin climbing. It made me nervous, especially since the surrounding padding was more boulders. His lack of fear was both admirable and unnerving. I told him that if he fell backward, there would be no way to stop himself from falling. He retorted, “Yeah, but I won’t let myself fall.” It’s an interesting concept that doesn’t tend to jive with how accidents happen, but thankfully, he never fell.

Fast-forward to my first visit to a trampoline park circa late June 2023. It was a giant bounce house designed for anyone willing to sign a waiver and pay extra for neon pink grippy socks. I wish these places had existed when I was a kid. They’re incredible. And more of a workout than I’d anticipated, although that’s probably because I’m in my 30’s.

Witnessing children fearlessly pile-drive themselves into foam pits and stretchy fabric convinced me to ignore the risk-averse inner voice consistently instructing me not to jump, that what I was doing was unnatural and dangerous. So as we neared the end of our jumping adventure, the only reasonable next step was to end the night with a front flip off a diving board. Let’s say I stuck the landing, and my neon pink grippy socks did their job well, keeping my feet in place as my body continued to roll forward and to the side. Pop!

That moment has played over and over in my mind. I desperately wish I could go back, not jump, and listen to the inner voice. Intuition is such a powerful tool. It should not be ignored. I intend to lean into my intuition to harness as much of that power as possible.

This sounds cheesy, but that intuition brought me to Substack. Coincidentally, I also ignored it when it told me I needed time to recharge. I don’t regret the time I’ve committed to building my Substacks or the fun I had while jumping at the trampoline park. The weight of things can seem bearable until they aren’t. Mental fortitude grows increasingly fragile when disregarded completely. So it’s time to heal. Time to mend broken bones and creative impulses.

I’m not stepping away, but I will post more haphazardly over the next month or two as I regain my composure. I’ve been less engaged after deleting almost every app from my phone two weeks ago, which has been somewhat therapeutic. I now have a “work” phone with everything business and Substack-related that I check in the evenings.

If I don’t respond immediately, it’s likely because I haven’t seen your comment yet or intend to return to it. I strive to give everyone a genuine response, which means carving out time when I can. The community has been the best part of Substack, which has been completely unexpected. I hope that each of you reading this continues to pave the way forward in whatever you enjoy doing, that success comes your way, and doors open up to things you least expect. And listen to your intuition when it tells you to take a breather.

At the very least, it could prevent a broken ankle.

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Storyletter XPress Publishing seeks non-fiction essays and articles about writing and being an independent author. If you have an exciting idea you’d like to get in front of a new audience, send your pitch to storyletter@protonmail.com.

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It’s finally here

After nearly two years of publishing on Substack, my first short fiction and poetry collection is now in print. I don’t want to bore you with the details of late nights fumbling with formatting software and cover art shenanigans, but I will say that it was far more involved than I had anticipated. For example, I was shooting to have this book out by the end of March.

I’ve learned so much from you all, and I would not have this book out if it weren’t for the community here on Substack and local folks in Utah that have guided me on my publishing journey. The instruction, motivation, inspiration, and daily support have been pivotal for me as an indie writer. And for that, I want to say thank you.

XPress membership now includes books

I am thrilled to announce that readers can get my first book, “The Weight of the World,” by becoming a paid subscriber to Storyletter XPress Publishing. This is an initiative to provide complete books to paying subscribers as they become available.

Last month, I shared an early edition with members. Since then, it’s been further edited and revised with all-new formatting. This latest version is also available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.

Becoming an XPress member gives you additional perks unavailable with the physical or eBook edition. Again, thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support lifts the weight of the world from my shoulders. ~ WM

The 34 stories and poems within vary in genre and style, ranging from medieval comedy to dystopian feel-good to cosmic horror, all revised with never-before-seen prefaces that detail the stories' origins.

The collection includes fan favorites, such as "My Dog Barks at Ghosts in the Park," "Raptor," "Nudging the Apocalypse Just a Tad to the Right," "The Weight of the World," "The Last Laugh," and "If You Only Knew What Lived in Your Shoe."

Exclusive to this edition are three newly-revised short stories: "The Spire," written in 2018; "Conduit," first published online in 2012; and "Mimicry," re-written in 2023 and unpublished. In addition to the unreleased chapter in the Raptorverse poem series, "Raptor 4", a sci-fi horror poem, will conclude the experimental, narrative poetry series that birthed the bio-engineered, artificially-intelligent dinosaur known as Raptor.

Or, if you prefer Amazon or Kindle:

The Weight of the World on Amazon

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