Well, our poll told us a few things. First, that most authors would prefer a print copy of the publication to a $5 check. 

We've also had questions about other considerations, such as an electronic copy and author's discounts. Gwen and I have both had numerous publications through POD presses, and nearly all of them offer an electronic 'proof' of the product. Most also offer a discount to authors who want to purchase print copies of the books they've contributed to.

We intend to offer those options, too. The poll was simply to find out whether people preferred money over a trade paperback copy. The amount listed was a small sum because Strangely Funny will be the first offering from a brand new press. We have no profits from previous publications to draw from, and we're making a significant outlay of money up front for ISBNs, cover art, specialized software, etc.

What about royalties, you ask? Okay, maybe you didn't, but I've been there as a writer. The problem with royalties for an anthology: unless the antho is very popular, no one is going to make much after the profit has been divided between 15-20 writers and artists. 

Our long-term plan is to offer a monetary payment AND a free trade paperback copy of the finished product to our contributors. We are authors ourselves, and we put ourselves in your stocking feet every day.

The current compensation is: a free trade paperback copy of the anthology you're in, an electronic proof of the antho, and a 40% author discount on trade paperback copies. I hope this helps clarify things further.

An anthology of humorous paranormal stories. All stories must contain paranormal elements (ghosts, psychic abilities, vampires, etc.) and be funny. Think Addams Family, Zombieland, or Love at First Bite. They should not contain gratuitous violence, gratuitous sex, or excessive foul language. We're seeking stories that are 2000 - 5000 words in length (firm). We will also accept cartoons if submitted in electronic format. No reprints. We will accept multiple submissions, but not simultaneous submissions. Open submission period: March 1 - June 10th, 2013.

Please see our 'Submissions' page for the rest of our guidelines.

All contributors will receive a free trade paperback copy of the book. We're seeking first world rights in English to publish in print and electronic format for 12 months, beginning on the date of publication. All rights revert back to the author after one year.

Publisher's note: Mystery and Horror is a market that welcomes LBGTQ, multiethnic,multinational, nontraditional, and unusual fiction. We are concerned with well-written stories involving well-developed characters.