SUBMISSIONS CALL FOR ANTHOLOGY FEATURING NEW STORIES OF FIRST HARD BOILED DETECTIVE! “RACE WILLIAMS-SHOOT FIRST, TALK NEVER” OPEN FOR PROPOSALS!

With a licensing agreement with Steeger Properties LLC for anthologies and novels featuring characters Steeger either owns or manages, Pro Se Productions proudly announces that submissions are being accepted for RACE WILLIAMS-SHOOT FIRST, TALK NEVER, an anthology of all-new stories featuring John Carroll Daly’s two-fisted hero, considered to the archetype for the hardboiled detective.

First appearing in BLACK MASK in June 1923, Race Williams fought and shot his way through short stories in various pulp magazines and novels through 1955. Though not quite the gentleman or smart guy later detectives proved to be, and, by some standards, more thug with a license than PI, Race Williams busted down the door and paved the way with bullets and blood for what would become known as hard-boiled in the mystery scene, one of the enduring sub-genres of detective tales since Williams’ first story.

"Pro Se has had the honor for the last twelve years," says Tommy Hancock, partner in and Editor in Chief of Pro Se Productions, "to bring new life to many characters from the past, both those in the public domain and licensed concepts.  None, however, have the historical significance of Race Williams.  The character that established what hard-boiled means from the get-go, revolutionizing detective fiction in a way probably no other has, I mean, for Pro Se to be able to contribute to this canon, to this life in fiction. I really don't have words, except to say we are looking forward to doing right by Race Williams."

Writers interested in proposing a story for RACE WILLIAMS-SHOOT FIRST, TALK NEVER should contact submissions@prose-press.com to request the bible for the anthology, which consists of six of the published stories. Proposals must be 1-3 paragraphs long and must include the entire plot of the story, these are not elevator pitches or back cover blurbs. The stories should be approximately 5-6,000 words. This is a work-for-hire arrangement. 

The image with this release is the cover of the March 1931 issue of BLACK MASK featuring Williams on the cover. 

Following the anthology being filled with accepted proposals, there will be a call for a full-length RACE WILLIAMS novel as well.

For more information on this announcement, email editorinchief@prose-press.com.