This should have come a long while ago. Over the past few weeks, I've looked over stories again and again, and I've picked a number that I enjoy, and I truly wish to promote; however, I've also looked at the sales of the magazine, the cost of printing, and the payments of the authors, and it's just too much. Also, it's a lot of work for one guy with a full-time job and six freelance gigs at the moment. So for now, Sheer Spec will be closing down. Here's the run-down:

1. All checks to authors who haven't received their money (which should be most people) will be sent out this week and next.

2. Anyone who has a paid subscription of either digital or print will get issue 2 and a refund of the amount remaining, or they can wait for us to re-open (your choice).

3. The store will be closed, as will reception of submissions. I'll post something - obviously - when we re-open.

It's a sad day, and I had really hoped to find a few people who could help me along with some of the tasks, but it's hard to find people interested in the industry, as many of you know. I look forward to getting things back on track.

Thanks everyone for your support in the past.

Boone