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SUBMISSIONS
Submission Guidelines
Submission Guidelines: Long Stories
"Moments of Light" - The Just Write Club Christmas Anthology
Word Count & Format
- Long stories: 2,500-5,000 words
- Format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or RTF
- Font: 12-point Times New Roman or Arial
- Double-spaced with one-inch margins
- Include page numbers in the footer
- Your name and story title in the header
Content Guidelines
- Stories should connect to the anthology's theme of "Moments of Light" and reflect some aspect of the Christmas season or winter holidays
- Content should be appropriate for a general audience (PG-13 equivalent)
- Both fiction and creative non-fiction are welcome
- Original, previously unpublished work only
Submission Process
- Email submissions to [email address]
- Subject line: "Christmas Anthology - Long Story - [Your Name]"
- Include in your email:
* Your full name
* Contact information (phone and email)
* Brief bio (75 words maximum)
* Story title and word count
Important Dates
- Submission deadline: [Date]
- Notification of acceptance: [Date]
- Publication date: [Date]
Contributor Benefits
What Are Benefits for Contributors
Here are the key benefits for contributors to your Christmas anthology:
1. Publication credit in a curated, themed collection
2. Exposure to a community of readers and fellow writers
3. Opportunity to showcase your unique perspective on the holiday season
4. Participation in a meaningful literary project that counters seasonal commercialism
5. Retention of your copyright while gaining first publication recognition
6. Potential to reach readers seeking deeper connection during the holidays
7. Professional editing and presentation of your work
8. Being part of a collaborative creative community effort
9. The satisfaction of contributing to a publication that celebrates authentic holiday experiences
10. A platform for your voice in a thoughtfully crafted literary space
Logistics, Timeline & Process
"Moments of Light" - The Just Write Club Christmas Anthology
Submission Timeline
- Open Call for Submissions: June 1 - September 15, 2025
- Early Submission Incentive: Submissions received by August 15 will receive feedback within two weeks
- Submission Deadline: September 15, 2025 (11:59 PM local time)
- Notification of Acceptance: October 1, 2025
- Final Edits Due: October 15, 2025
- Publication Date: December 1, 2025
Editorial Process
Selection Phase
1. Initial screening by our editorial team to ensure submissions meet basic guidelines and theme relevance
2. Qualified submissions forwarded to our reading committee for evaluation
3. Reading committee scores submissions based on quality, originality, emotional impact, and thematic connection
4. Final selections made by senior editors based on committee recommendations and anthology balance
Editing Phase
1. Acceptance letters sent with initial editorial feedback
2. One round of content/developmental edits (if needed)
3. Copy editing for grammar, punctuation, and style consistency
4. Final proofreading pass
5. Author review of edited work before publication
6. Signing of contributor agreement
Publication Format
- Print Edition: Perfect-bound Magazine, approximately 200 pages
- Digital Edition: PDF and e-mag formats (Kindle, EPUB) and Flipbook
- Interior**: Black and white text with seasonal design elements in color
- Cover: Full-color with professional design reflecting the "Moments of Light" theme
Distribution Plan
- Local: Partnership with 3-5 independent bookstores in the region
- Online: Available through Amazon and the Just Write Club website
- Community: Featured at the club's annual Christmas reading event
- Contributors: Each contributor receives one complimentary print copy and a digital edition
- Libraries: Donated copies to local library branches
- Special Orders: Bulk order discounts available for organizations and gifts
Promotion Strategy
- Dedicated page on the Just Write Club website
- Social media campaign featuring contributor spotlights
- Press release to local media outlets
- Holiday craft fair and bookstore events
- Reading event with selected contributors
- Email newsletter to club members and previous anthology purchasers
Compensation
- Contributors receive one complimentary print copy and a digital edition
- 10% discount on additional print copies (up to 10)
- Publication credit and bio included in the anthology
- Invitation to participate in the launch reading event
Rights & Agreements
- Contributors retain copyright of their work
- The Just Write Club obtains first publication rights and the right to include the work in this anthology
- After publication, authors may republish elsewhere with acknowledgment of initial publication
- A simple contributor agreement will be provided upon acceptance
Contingency Planning
- Reserve list of submissions in case of last-minute withdrawals
- Extended editing timeline built in for unexpected delays
- Digital-only contingency plan if print production issues arise
Christmas Anthology Submissions
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