The 25th anniversary of the publication of William Gibson's groundbreaking novel Neuromancer passed quietly last week. It's hard to believe that it's been that long since it was published since it seems so contemporary today, or at least much of it does. Someone used the anniversary as an opportunity to look at the technology of that book and just how much Gibson got right and how much he got wrong.

While we're looking back at influential SF authors, look no further than Philip K. Dick. Hollywood is in love with him and three decades after his death, his profile has never been higher. Here's a fascinating look back at the man during his time in Orange County, California from people who knew him then.

If Dick were alive and writing today, would he be making as much money as someone like Alastair Reynolds? He recently signed a 10-book deal worth £1 million with Gollancz.

Maybe you could be the next Dick, Gibson or Reynolds. A genre website has teamed up with Tor to host a contest to publish some unpublished author's novel. The catch is there is no cash advance. You will only get paid if your book starts netting royalties, something that's pretty hard to do with an unestablished writer.