There is not a single western fiction magazine on the print market, today, to my knowledge. No tales are devoted exclusively to the Old West and its cast of characters, the outlaws, Indians, pioneers, and gunmen who lived in the wild, wild west, exits today. I’ve been asked about starting a western fiction magazine, but to be quite honest, I’ve a lot on my plate these days and the thought of adding “Editor” to my titles isn’t that appealing. However, my love for western fiction and the genre keeps the option open.

I’m going to seriously consider it, but only if I can find enough qualified writers to supplement the magazine with some good stories. While I’ll contribute, I simply cannot be the sole writer. It just would not work. Besides, I have to believe that the readers would want some variety.

The magazine will have to sustain itself financially. I will not go much out-of-pocket on the project, so it will have to be carried by subscriptions and advertisements.

There really isn’t anything out there, today. The last true western fiction magazine, Far West, a California publication where I got my start writing western fiction, folded back in the 70’s, and since then, there hasn’t been anything around to take its place. Part of the problem is that there is a relatively small market for western fiction, and print media is so expensive. However, there are enough western fiction fans out there, that it is a viable operation as an electronic magazine.

I’ve put out some feelers, asking folks who visit the western fiction website what their feelings about a western fiction magazine are, and whether they’d be willing to subscribe, and whether they’d be willing to contribute. Time will tell. Keep looking in here to see the way the wind blows.

If you’ve any comments, give them here, but also consider taking the survey (see below). The more who take the survey, the more of a reality it will be.