Mike's Writing Newsletter

The 2009 June issue of Mike's Writing Newsletter is now available. This is a wonderful resource for writers that is filled with interviews, articles, links, and my regular column, "Jeanne's Writing Desk." Best of all, the newsletter is FREE.

Don't miss a single issue. This month's column is called "The Secrets of Agents," a piece that explains everything you need to know about finding an agent.

To receive your personal copy of Mike's Writing Newsletter in your email box, send your request to mgeffy (at) gmail.com (Replace at with @)

Call for Submissions: Miscarriage Anthology

MISCARRIAGE ANTHOLOGY


Catalyst Book Press is seeking literary essays telling personal stories of miscarriage, in particular emotional and spiritual ramifications of miscarriage or the transformations that occurred in people’s lives as a result of undergoing or observing a miscarriage. We are looking for essays that reflect a diversity of experiences and outcomes. Authors of accepted essays will receive $50 for their stories and one copy of the publication.

Submissions can be sent by August 15, 2009 to editor Jay Gibson at jaygibson(at)catalystbookpress.com (replace (at) with @) or:

c/o Catalyst Book Press
709 Masson Ave. Apt. A
San Bruno CA 94066.
If you wish your manuscript returned, please include an SASE.

The editors of this anthology will be selecting submissions that reflect the following:

A literary or creative nonfiction style that allows the reader an empathic experience.

Stories that reflect a variety of miscarriage experiences and outcomes.

Stories should be typed, double-spaced in 12 point Times Roman or Courier font, using traditional manuscript format.

While there is no length requirement for individual stories but writers are requested to keep in mind that the anthology will run about 220 pages and will include a minimum of 12 stories.

At this time, we cannot accept poetry submissions.

Call for Submissions: Fairy Tale Lust

Fairy Tale Lust: Erotic Bedtime Stories for Women
Editor: Kristina Wright
Publisher: Cleis Press
Publication Date: Spring 2010

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2009
Payment: $50 per story, upon publication
E-mail: fairytalelust(at)gmail.com (replace (at) with @)

Once upon a time, an editor sent out a call far and wide in search of deliciously naughty adult fairy tales…

In this collection of erotic fairy tales for women, I am seeking reinvented classic tales as well as new fables that blend fantasy and desire. Writers are encouraged to explore the vast realm of fairy tales and reinterpret those that are familiar or lesser known, but are also invited to craft original stories playing on classic archetypes. Diversity and creativity are key! Keep in mind that Cinderella and Snow White have been retold many times over, so it would take a very special touch to make them fresh.

Contemporary settings are preferred, but historical or fantasy settings will be considered. The collection will be primarily heterosexual, though bisexuality and lesbian encounters are also encouraged. I welcome playful, clever stories as well as darker, more intense scenarios. The primary focus of sexual activity should be on female pleasure. Everyone doesn't have to live "happily ever after" but every story should have a strong plot and a satisfying resolution.

Submission Guidelines: Unpublished stories only, no simultaneous submissions. Stories should be 1,500-4,000 words, double-spaced, 12 point font, in Microsoft Word document format only. Do not put extra spaces between paragraphs. Include full contact information (real name/pseudonym, mailing address and phone number) and a brief bio with your submission.

Payment will be $50 per story and 2 copies of the book upon publication in Spring 2010. Contributors retain the rights to their stories. I will notify contributors of their acceptance in October, but keep in mind that Cleis Press has final approval over the manuscript.

Send your submission as a .doc attachment to fairytalelust(at)gmail.com (replace (at) with @)
The subject line of your email should include:

Submission: Story Title.

Please direct any questions to the same address above.

Autumn House Press: Poetry and Fiction Contests

Autumn House Press

Two prizes of $1,000 each, a $1,500 travel grant to participate in the 2010 Autumn House Master Authors Series in Pittsburgh, and publication by Autumn House Press are given annually for a poetry collection and a book of fiction. Alicia Ostriker will judge in poetry; Sharon Dilworth will judge in fiction. Submit 50 to 80 pages of poetry or 200 to 300 pages of fiction.

Entry fee: $25.00

Deadline: June 30, 2009.

Send an SASE, e-mail, or visit the Web site for complete guidelines.

Attn: Michael Simms, Editor

Autumn House Press

Poetry and Fiction Contests

P.O. Box 60100

Pittsburgh, PA 15211.

Email: msimms (at) autumnhouse.org (Replace "at" with @)