Help fund the third year of Bull Spec, a quarterly print and PDF magazine of speculative fiction published out of Durham, NC.
Who? Bull Spec is a quarterly print and PDF magazine of speculative fiction published out of Durham, NC, with a strong focus on Raleigh-Durham and Carolinas authors. Upon completion of its first year of publication, it was approved as a SFWA market for professional short fiction. Now getting near half-way through its second year, BULL SPEC is looking to keep going.
What? This Kickstarter project is to help fund the 60,000 words or so of original fiction, 20 or so illustrations, the reviews, the poetry, and the serialized graphic short story (and more!) which will comprise the four issues of the third year of BULL SPEC which will run from about Spring/Summer 2012 through Winter/Spring 2013. At $0.05/word for fiction and poetry and $100-$200 per illustration, the year's content budget will come to about $5000. The printing budget adds another $5000, giving a total budget for the year of $10,000. So, why is the "goal" just $1000? No, it wasn't a typo. If we aim for $1000 and make it, we can keep going, all the way! If we aim for $10,000 and don't make it, Kickstarter cancels the whole thing. I wasn't ready for all-or-nothing -- not yet!
Why? Because you think a full-size, illustrated print and PDF magazine of speculative fiction focused around Raleigh-Durham, NC is a good thing. Because you enjoy the stories and art and poems. Because you enjoy learning more about local and regional (and global!) authors through at-length interviews and reviews. Because you think BULL SPEC is a good thing to keep doing, and you want to be a part of it. Because you see what stories new fiction editors Natania Barron and Eric Gregory will publish. Because you want there to be a bigger budget for fiction and art! Because you want to see anthologies, proper e-book versions, and other projects like chapbooks, and maybe even proper regional distribution. Oh, yeah, and because the community of authors and artists have stepped up with awesome rewards to entice you into doing so!
When? Right now! Ending Friday, September 30, at 5 PM EST. That might seem like a while, but don't forget, many of these rewards come in limited quantities (even 1's and 3's!) so don't wait forever... As far as when rewards will ship, most rewards will ship the first weeks of October, after the Kickstarter ends.
FAQ
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Subscribe! And convince your friends to subscribe. The "bread and butter" of this campaign really is the Year 3 print subscriptions. With a growing subscriber base, the printing costs per copy go down, the pitch to advertisers is more attractive, and it creates a security blanket that support won't disappear in issue 3 of the year.
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I'm hopeful it's not too overwhelming, but yes, a long list of artists, authors, and artisans chipped in with their time and work to put together a smorgasbord of rewards. In fact the outpouring of support was too great -- we're going to do a specific holiday gift book sale later in the year. Still, whether it's original artwork, short story critiques, or the Bull Spec goodies, I hope there's (at least!) one reward that catches your eye and makes you want to be a part of Bull Spec: Year 3.
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Absolutely, just not easily via Kickstarter. Just let us know what you have your eye on and we'll let you know what we can do, including combining shipping, etc. If it's picking between a reward and a subscription, of course you can subscribe over at bullspec.com as well!
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We'll mail it, I just have no idea how much it would cost to do it safely and effectively. If you think you know, let us know and we'll definitely work something out!
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Spread the word! Tell your friends about this project and the rewards! Buy a few gift subscriptions on the side for friends, family, or your local library or cafe or hangout! All of this will help Bull Spec succeed and stride boldly into the future.
50
Backers
$2,204
pledged of $1,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding period
Aug 15, 2011 -
Sep 30, 2011
- First created · 80 backed
- Samuel Montgomery-Blinn 718 friends
- Website: bullspec.com
Pledge $10 or more
11 backers
Listing online as an official sponsor of Bull Spec: Year 3, as well as a PDF subscription to Bull Spec: Year 3 (Issues 9 through 12) to be delivered handily via e-mail. All subsequent pledges include this reward.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $25 or more
6 backers
Our soft, comfy, American Apparel black "Bull Spec a magazine of speculative fiction" t-shirt, printed locally by Flytrap Studios, mailed via USPS. For shipping to Canada, add $7.50. For worldwide, add $15. I know, that's egregious. Nothing I can do about it.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $25 or more
7 backers Limited (13 of 20 left)
T-shirts not your style? Local jewelsmith Jen Hilton has come up with some brilliant acid-etched nickel silver "Bull Spec Burning Catalonian Bull" pendants. For Canada, add $7.50. For worldwide, add $15. You must really, really want a pendant...
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $25 or more
6 backers
The bread and butter of this Kickstarter campaign: US print subscription to Bull Spec: Year 3 to be delivered handily via USPS. For Canada or the United Kingdom please add $5. For Europe please add $15. For worldwide please add an atrocious $25. (If your current subscription extends into Year 3 already, yes, we'll just tack on 4 issues!)
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $35 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
A signed set of Hillsborough author James Maxey's "Dragon Age" series from Solaris Books in mass market paperback: Bitterwood, Dragonforge, and Dragonseed. USPS shipping included, for Canada please add $7.50, for Worldwide please add $15. See the "Updates" tab above for more information and a cover art gallery. (Added Wednesday, September 28.)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $35 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
An original sketch on cardstock by local artist Adam Meuse, who illustrated the Cat Rambo story "The Coffeemaker's Passion" in issue #5. Delivered via USPS. For Canada please add $2.50. For worldwide please add an atrocious $7.50.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $45 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
A complete set of the 3 Hammer's Slammers volumes in trade paperback from Baen, signed by Pittsboro author David Drake. Delivery via USPS. For Canada please add $7.50. For worldwide please add an atrocious $15. See the "Updates" tab above for more information and a cover art gallery. (Added Wednesday, September 28.)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $50 or more
2 backers
Both a subscription to Year 3 and a t-shirt, all delivered handily via USPS. For Canada, add $10. For the United Kingdom, add $15. For Europe, add $25. For worldwide, it is an unbelievable $35. You must really want a t-shirt! (Alternatively you can select the Bull Spec nickel silver pendant instead of either the print subscription or the t-shirt. Picking the shirt+pendant bundle would actually dramatically reduce the postage requirement to $7.50 Canada, $15 worldwide as there won't be 5 separate mailings.)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $55 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
Includes the print subscription to Bull Spec Year 3, as well as the entire run of Bull Spec Year 2 (issues 5 through 8). Limited as back-issue copies are limited. Issues 5-7 will mail together in November 2011, and after that issues 8-12 will come quarterly. For Canada, add $10. For the United Kingdom, add $15. For Europe, add $25. For worldwide, it is an unbelievable $35. (That's 6 different mailings...)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $65 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
Shirts and pendants bore you? How about freakin' plasma-cut brass or steel? Local suppoter Igaaks Eyewear (diffraction based "snow goggles") will make you either a Bull Spec set of "specs" or a custom design. For Canada, add $7.50. For Worldwide, add $15. See the "updates" section for some photos!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $75 or more
3 backers Limited (72 of 75 left)
The 75 x $75 challenge! If we can fill this up the year will be pretty much fully funded and ready to go. Your name will be included in a special PATRON section in every print issue in year 3 in a special thanks page. May be used for "in memory of" or "in honor of" purposes, or by company/group name, or anonymously. There isn't a separate "combo" pack for this one, as it really has to be limited to 75 names for space purposes: 3 columns, 25 rows. Don't forget, you can always subscribe at bullspec.com, and we can *definitely* find a way to get you any of the other rewards you might have your eye on here.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $85 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
Includes the print subscription to Bull Spec Year 3, as well as the entire run of Bull Spec both Year 1 (issues 1 through 4) and Year 2 (issues 5 through 8). Limited as back-issue copies are limited. Issues 1-4 will mail together in October 2011, and after that issues 5-7 will mail together in November 2011, and after that issues 8-12 will come quarterly. For Canada, add $10. For the United Kingdom, add $15. For Europe, add $25. For worldwide, it is an unbelievable $35. (That's 7 different mailings...)
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $100 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
A short story critique by James Maxey. Maxey's short stories have been published in Asimov's and the anthologies MASKED and The Solaris Book of New Fantasy. His novels in print include the superhero adventure Nobody Gets the Girl and the Dragon Age Trilogy: Bitterwood, Dragonforge, and Dragonseed (Solaris Books), along with the forthcoming new series which begins with GREATSHADOW in January 2012.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012Pledge $100 or more
1 backer Limited (2 of 3 left)
A short story critique by Kij Johnson. Johnson is a winner of the Nebula, World Fantasy, and Sturgeon Awards and the author of three novels and more than fifty short stories. She lives in Raleigh.
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012Pledge $100 or more
3 backers All gone!
A novel query packet critique by Gray Rinehart. Rinehart is "slushmaster general" for Baen books and reviews fantasy and science fiction novel submissions. Covers query letter plus novel opening plus single-spaced (5 pages max) synopsis, total package not to exceed 30 pages. Per Gray, donor may specify whether they want "brutal honesty" or "supportive encouragement".
Estimated delivery: Jan 2012Pledge $120 or more
2 backers Limited (3 of 5 left)
A complete set, signed, of the 5 hardcover "Afterlife" novels from Durham author and podcaster extraordinaire, Mur Lafferty: Heaven, Hell, Earth, Wasteland, and War. USPS shipping to US included. For Canada, please add $10. For worldwide, please add $20. See the "Updates" tab above for more information and a cover art gallery. (Added Tuesday, September 27).
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $120 or more
1 backer Limited (19 of 20 left)
A complete set, signed, of the 6 "definitive edition" trade paperback versions of Raleigh author Lewis Shiner's first six novels: Frontera, Deserted Cities of the Heart, Slam, Glimpses, Say Goodbye, and Black & White. USPS shipping to US included. For Canada, please add $10. For worldwide, please add $20. See the "Updates" tab above for more information and a cover art gallery. (Added Monday, September 26.)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $125 or more
0 backers Limited (16 of 16 left)
First come, first served, one of the 16 original comic pages (no lettering) from Jeremy Whitley and Jason Strutz's "The Long Lives of Heroes". LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.* Note that so far only 8 of these exist, the remaining 8 will be drawn over the rest of year 2.
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $150 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
Your name will be included in every print issue in Year 3 on the thank you page in a special SPONSOR section in clear, bold, big font: 2 columns, 5 rows. May be used for "in memory of" or "in honor of" purposes, or by company/group name, or anonymously. Again, there isn't a separate "combo" pack for this one, as it really has to be limited to 10 names for space purposes. Don't forget, you can always subscribe at bullspec.com, and we can *definitely* find a way to get you any of the other rewards you might have your eye on here.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $175 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original art for issue #1, "Rise Up" by Mike Gallagher. Framed and matted, behind glass. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $200 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Inclusion of your name as a "Tuckerization" in a future novel or short story by Lewis Shiner. If you choose to wait for the novel, it may be a while, perhaps a decade, so... include patience with your generous donation.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $225 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original art for "Less Than Absent" by Jason Strutz, which illustrated Kenneth Schneyer's story in issue #5. Oil on canvas. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $225 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original art for "Boy with Train Tracks" by Jason Strutz, which illustrated Preston Grassman's story "Cael's Continuum" in issue #4. Oil on canvas. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $235 or more
0 backers Limited (20 of 20 left)
From Carrboro artist Jason Strutz (who has done the covers for issues 3 and 4 and other illustrations): A custom 16x20 painting of whatever you want* (no giant armies, millions of people pictures, pictures of all The Simpsons characters etc, and in Jason's own style, no faking somebody else paintings). Jason gets to display on his website, so nothing you will be embarrassed about. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Nov 2011Pledge $250 or more
0 backers Limited (3 of 3 left)
A half-page BENEFACTOR space in every single issue of Bull Spec Year 3. Black and white in print, color in PDF. You can supply new half-pages each issue or let us do the work and put something together. Advertise your new books, your events, or just let us thank you as best we can.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $275 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original art for "Selling Home" by Jason Strutz, which illustrated Tina Connolly's story in issue #5. Oil on canvas. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $350 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original art for "Robot Boy" by Jason Strutz, which illustrated Andrew Magowan's story "Freedom Acres" in issue #4. Oil on canvas. Huge. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $400 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
A full-page CHAMPION space in every single issue of Bull Spec Year 3. Black and white in print, color in PDF. You can supply new pages each issue or let us do the work and put something together. Advertise your new books, your events, or just let us thank you as best we can.
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $450 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original interior art for issue #5, "Hell's Lottery" by Angi Shearstone to illustrate Tim Pratt's story. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $550 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
A full-page, full-color ad space (inside BACK cover) in every single issue of Bull Spec Year 3. You can supply new pages each issue or let us do the work and put something together. Publishers and authors: Use it to advertise your upcoming books. Bookstores: Use it to advertise your upcoming events. Other ideas? Conventions, workshops, ...
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $555 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original cover art for issue #4, "Jet Packs!" by Jason Strutz to illustrate Nick Mamatas's story "O, Harvard Square!". Oil on canvas. Huge. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $575 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
Original cover art for issue #3, "Listener and Yu-En" by Jason Strutz to illustrate Lavie Tidhar's story. Oil on canvas. Huge. LOCAL PICKUP/DELIVERY ONLY.*
Estimated delivery: Oct 2011Pledge $650 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
A full-page, full-color ad space (inside FRONT cover, opposite the table of contents) in every single issue of Bull Spec Year 3. You can supply new pages each issue or let us do the work and put something together. Publishers and authors: Use it to advertise your upcoming books. Bookstores: Use it to advertise your upcoming events. Other ideas? Conventions, workshops, ...
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012Pledge $950 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
A full-page, full-color ad space (the BACK cover) in every single issue of Bull Spec Year 3. You can supply new pages each issue or let us do the work and put something together. Publishers and authors: Use it to advertise your upcoming books. Bookstores: Use it to advertise your upcoming events. Other ideas? Conventions, workshops, ...
Estimated delivery: Apr 2012
