Writing markets should disclose payment schedules up front

Years ago, SF author James D. MacDonald coined Yog’s Law – Money flows toward the writer. It’s a handy mantra to warn off those who consider paying reading fees or other out-of-pocket expenses thinking it will help get their work noticed. What the rule doesn’t address is exactly when the money will flow. I’m proposing a an implementing rule (because it already has corollaries) for that law.

Yog’s Rule – Money flows toward the author, as soon as possible.

For short fiction authors, who write...