News from Awkward Robots:

Awkward Robots, AKA The cohesive Clarion class of 2012, is at it again. Last year they released The Red Volume and raised $1,500 for the Clarion Foundation. This year–just in time for Halloween—they’re following up with The Orange Volume. The eBook is available for pre-order this week on a pay-what-you-can basis, and goes live on October 31. Readers can snag a copy for free, or donate any amount from 99 cents up. All proceeds benefit the Clarion Foundation.

In the years since they left San Diego, the Awkward Robots have amassed an impressive list of publications, with pieces appearing in Lightspeed, Asimov’s, The New Yorker, Strange Horizons, Granta, Nightmare, and Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy.

The table of contents includes Shirley Jackson Award winner and Nebula nominee Sam J. Miller, whose debut novel The Art of Starving was recently acquired by Harper Collins, and Dell Award winner Lara Elena Donnelly, whose debut novel Amberlough is forthcoming from Tor Books. Widely- acclaimed author Carmen Maria Machado, who faced off against Miller in the the novelette Nebula category, penned The Orange Volume‘s introduction.

AwkBot Sarah Mack says “Clarion was just as valuable, if not more so, than four years of university. I emerged with a newfound purpose, belief in myself, lifelong friends, and tangible skills I’ve applied to my writing career.”

If one anthology isn’t enough, The Red Volume is still available for download on the AwkBot’s Gumroad site. Throw the ‘Bots a few bucks and support the Clarion Foundation. These eBooks are a great opportunity to grab some excellent science fiction for nearly free, while supporting the organization that made it possible.

The Orange Volume is available for pre-order at awkwardrobots.org. Follow @AwkBots2012 for updates. For more information, contact: Lara Elena Donnelly:  lara.3lena@gmail.com