“The World’s Oldest Profession”. Found in every civilization, culture and era known to man. Its practitioners known by dozens of names in every language, at every level of society, from temples to back alleys, from royal courts to hot-sheet motels in the seediest parts of town..

The stories selected for this anthology will build on that varied background to tell well-crafted tales of the women and men – and other sentient beings – who “ply the trade” in a variety of times and settings. I’m looking for original science fiction, fantasy, and related genre short stories that entertain and play to the imagination of the reader. Show me something I haven’t seen, read, or written. (For examples of that last, see “Lady Blaze” in Roby James’ Warrior Wisewoman 2 and the title cut of the filk CD that gives this volume its name.) Humor, characters of all orientations and gender-identities, and new writers all welcome.

Despite the theme, I am *not* looking for porn, erotica, or gore-soaked horror. Absolutely no child abuse, incest, or non-consensual situations. Also not looking for poetry, fanfic or proselytizing either for or against the theme.

STORY LENGTH:: between 3,000 - 10,000 words. Mostly looking for stories in the 5,000 - 6,000 word range, but I’d like to have a few stories on the upper and lower ends in the mix. The upper limit is firm for unsolicited stories.

RIGHTS PURCHASED: First English Language Rights and non-exclusive electronic rights. The anthology will be published by Norilana Books as a trade paperback edition in April 2011, to be followed by an electronic edition to be produced later.

PAYMENT: $0.02 a word on acceptance of completed anthology manuscript by the Publisher, as an advance against pro-rata share of the royalties after earnout, plus one contributor copy.

READING PERIOD: Opens January 5, 2010, closes June 9, 2010. Manuscripts received before or after this period will be discarded unread, unless prior arrangements have been made otherwise.

WILL REPRINTS BE ALLOWED? No. This includes stories that have appeared anywhere on the Web, including online workshops or the writer’s own website.

WILL MULTIPLE SUBMISSIONS BE ALLOWED? No. I will notify writers as soon as possible if a story has been rejected, at which time they are welcome to submit another during the reading period. Writers will be notified if a story is being held for further consideration. Final selections will be made by July 15, 2010, with notifications to the writers shortly thereafter.

WILL SIMULTANEOUS SUBMISSIONS BE ALLOWED? No.

SUBMISSION FORMAT: Disposable hard copy only, sent via USPS 1st Class Mail. No email submissions or mail requiring special handling. Use standard manuscript format, 12 pt. type, and include name, address, phone number, word count, and email address on first page. Also include a cover letter with any credits to paying markets and a short bio. SASE not necessary; rejections and acceptances will be sent via email

Email questions (no submissions) to editor@HarpHaven.net

Send submissions to:

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