"For this collection, I'm looking for 'Alternate History' stories based on the North American continent; tales that incorporate some explanation of what alteration to history caused a divergent reality to form," said Martin T. Ingham, Senior Editor at Martinus Publishing. "A few examples of already accepted stories include one where Vikings have settled along the eastern seaboard, one where the Louisiana Purchase never happened, causing for a radically different arrangement of nations (even as John F. Kennedy is elected President of United New England), and a story where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin crashed and died during Apollo 11, and the subsequent mission to successfully land a man on the moon."
"Stories that will find easy acceptance will be ones with fleshed out characters, an interesting storyline, and some obvious 'Alternate' history that is explained," said Martin. "As much as I like Twilight Zone type stories where weird things happen, that isn't what this collection is about. I mention this because I've seen a lot of really good stories that were reminiscent of that show, but didn't incorporate any historical factor. Think Harry Turtledove over Rod Sterling for this anthology."
When I asked how plausible the stories had to be, Martin responded: "As for the 'alien space bats,' there is some room for that, as well as straightforward historical alteration. One story I recently accepted involved an pseudo-magical addition to 1903, though it was definitely 'Alternate' and 'History.' A lot of the stories I've had to reject didn't really involve alternate history/dimensions at all. For example, one involved a reporter who had some kind of alien contact and subsequently anything he said became reality. This story might have worked if it had been a newscaster in 1960 and he used this power to somehow change history as we know it, but as some generic guy in a small town in an undefined year, it couldn't be considered 'Alternate History' by any stretch."
Although you can find more information about submitting by clicking on the links above, remember that submissions are due December 31st and the word count is between 2000 to 6000 words. All questions and submissions can be sent to mtiediting at inbox dot com.
Good luck! Hopefully I might see a couple of our readers with their names in print.
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Matt Mitrovich is the founder and editor of Alternate History Weekly Update and a blogger on Amazing Stories. His new short story "Road Trip" can be found in Forbidden Future: A Time Travel Anthology. When not writing he works as an attorney, enjoys life with his beautiful wife Alana and prepares for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter.
"Good luck! Hopefully I might see a couple of our readers with their names in print.": Well, the alternate Apollo Moon landing story just happens to my story, so that's already occurred... ;)
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