Shroud Goes Quarterly...

I would like to announce that there will be a minor change to Shroud. After our national launch, the Shroud crew quickly realized that managing a professional bimonthly nationally-distributed magazine was a bit more ambitious than we had first thought. Now, I become deeply annoyed when ambition collides with reality, but I also realize that managing a periodical means managing expectations as well.

I recognize that not only do we have a readership to serve, but a community of writers artists and advertisers as well. To that point, we have decided to make Shroud a quarterly magazine instead of a bimonthly. This will have no impact on the amount of issues that go out to existing subscribers, but you will likely see some changes in the very near future to new subscriptions.

Fiction does not have a shelf life. It’s timeless. A quarterly distribution plan will allow Shroud to remain on the shelves longer, which will provide greater opportunities for authors to be read and for advertisers get more bang for their buck. We look forward to being around for a long time, and feel the wew distribution schedule will help us do just that.

Thank you all for your ongoing support.

-Tim

Flash Fiction #7 Finalists and Winner Announced!

After a very difficult process, Shroud Magazine has announced the five finalists and the winner of our Flash Fiction #7 writing contest. Authors were challenged with writing an original piece of flash fiction based on a true news story about a stolen Humpty Dumpty and Cheshire Cat costume in New Hampshire.

The winner of the contest will receive paid publication in Issue 7 of Shroud Magazine. The five runners up will receive the option to have their stories featured in the same issue. There were a record number of entries in this contest--the bulk of which were extremely entertaining and well-crafted. Thank you all for participating!

The Winner:

PEGGY MCFARLAND

Runners Up:

Mary Daley

Brian J. Hatcher

Anthony Klancar

Laura Langford

Justin Pilon

Shroud Flash Fiction Contest #7 Semifinalists Announced

I sincerely apologize for the delay in getting these results out. Among a number of other competing issues, this contest had a record number of entrants, the preponderance of which were thoroughly entertaining. There were a few entries that, although well-written, did not meet the submission guidelines.

I want to thank you all for taking the time to write such imaginative pieces for this contest. The following stories resonated with me a little bit more than the others. This is not to say that those not mentioned here lacked quality. Many submission were very similar and I had weed out some to avoid repetition.

Shroud Flash Fiction Contest #7 Semifinalists, in no particular order:

Sarah Adams

Emily Leverett

Robert Swartwood

Laura Langford

Andrew Wolter

Carrie Harris

Anthony Klancar

Mary Daley

Peggy McFarland

Jamie Eyberg

Juston Pilon

Brian Hatcher

Gay Degani

I hope to have final results by Monday!

Thank you and congratulations.

Can Indie publishers take on the giants?

Can an independent publisher survive in an environment seemingly dominated by massive corporate publishing houses? I believe so. Not only can independent publishers survive, they can thrive. In a research report published by BML data, independent publishers gained overall market share from their larger competitors by five percentage points over the last five years, increasing sales through all channels except the internet, which was essentially flat. The report revealed that Independent publisher market share had grown from 26% in 2004 to 31% in 2008. Furthermore, independent publishers saw purchases through independent booksellers grow from 38% of the total to 49%.

Two-day Pre-Context Specials!

I am going to run this deal for the next 48 hours only as we gear up for Context!

Shroud Charter Special!

Shroud Magazine Charter Membership Now only $89.00 for the next 48 hours!

For only $89.99 (US and Canada) charter subscribers will receive:

A renewing Shroud Magazine subscription for the life of the magazine, and; 2 free shroud publishing book titles, (not including limited editions) and; A half page ad for the non-profit charity of your choice.

Shroud Limited Edition Proof Grab Bags!

Now $10.00 off and upgrade to priority Mail (Must order TODAY for shipment tomorrow!

Over the past few years, I have accumulated a handful of printers' "proofs" on several of Shroud's titles. These are uncorrected and possess some interesting anomalies. Some range from simple spelling errors, others have strange and bizarre layouts, and others look almost perfect. I had planned to keep these close as a record of Shroud's progression over the years, but after getting a few inquiries, I have instead decided to take a few, have them signed, and then sell them. These grab bags will included three different titles, packaged and ready to ship today priority mail. First come first served. Only 4 grab bags available!

Heading to Context!

The Shroud crew is heading to Context in the morning. We will be co-hosting the Saturday night party with our good friends at Stygian and Meadowhawk Press!

Come see us on the Dealer floor!

HORROR #4 HAS BEEN FOUND!!!!

We are very happy to announce our first winner of the "FIND THE HORROR!!!"

#4 has been found. No additional treasure will be awarded for #4 :(

As with all of these treasures, the FIRST to find is the only person eligible.

FIVE MORE TO GO!

Thank you!!