Call for Submissions: Undercurrents Anthology

What to Submit
We are looking for short stories of up to 8000 words and poetry up to 30 lines, from Cape Breton writers. Stories and poetry must be in the speculative fiction genre. This includes: science fiction, fantasy, horror, magic realism, and paranormal (for example, ghost stories).

Stories/poetry that combine genres, such as mystery and science fiction, or romance and fantasy, are welcome, but all stories must include some speculative element. If you are not sure whether your story fits these guidelines, please submit it anyway and let us decide.

Submissions should fit the theme of the anthology, which is "Undercurrents." This theme may be broadly interpreted and writers are encouraged to think outside the box. For the purposes of the anthology, "undercurrents" could be literal ones involving water, or emotional undercurrents, societal undercurrents, secrets or mysteries. Anything happening "under the surface." Be creative!

Submissions should be of a professional quality, original, and must not have been previously published in any media. Writers may submit up to two stories at once for consideration (if you submit early and your story is rejected, you are encouraged to submit again before the submission period ends). Poetry submissions may consist of up to five (5) poems at a time. Snail mail submissions will not be returned; please send a disposable copy of your manuscript. Do not send your only copy!

The anthology is open to submissions from writers who live in or have a substantial connection to Cape Breton Island. You may, if you wish, explain your connection in a cover letter.

Submission Period
We will be accepting submissions beginning September 15, 2007. The deadline for submissions is March 15, 2008. Submissions must be postmarked by the submission deadline.

What Not to Submit

• We are not interested in stories or poetry written for children.
• We are not interested in fan fiction, pornography, or excessive/gratuitous vulgarity, violence or gore.
• We are not interested in "slice of life" anecdotes. Stories should be character or plot driven and have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Payment
Each contributor will receive one (1) copy of the anthology and a share of royalties.

Format
Stories should be typed or printed in black ink, double-spaced, on one side of white 8.5 x 11 paper with one-inch margins on all sides. Author's name, address and email address, as well as an approximate word count, should appear on the first page, along with the title of the work. For further guidance and an example of proper manuscript format, please consult William Shunn's excellent articles at http://www.shunn.net/format/story.html.
A brief cover letter may be included but is not necessary.

Where to Submit
Submissions may be emailed as an .rtf or MSWord attachment to thirdpersonpress@gmail.com, or mailed with a business-sized SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope) for our reply to:
Undercurrents Editors
c/o P.O. Box 1897
North Sydney, Nova Scotia
B2A 3S9

Any questions about these guidelines may also be emailed to the above address.

We look forward to reading your stories!