Coming Together
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- Joined
- Nov 27, 2005
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Coming Together : An Erotic Cocktail
- What is it?
A print (publish-on-demand) collection of the works of AH regulars chosen by consensus of the participants. (See www.eroticanthology.com)
UPDATE: All volumes have been picked up by print/electronic publishers! Phaze is publishing the special editions & Charles River Press is contracted to publish volumes 1-2-3.
Volume 4 is full & just waiting for the authors to send me (Imp) their edited/formatted stories.
In addition, Phaze is perpetuating the line with Coming Together: For the Cure to benefit breast cancer research and Coming Together: With Pride to benefit HIV/AIDS research. Submissions for new Phaze volumes are accepted only through Phaze & are independent of our vetting process here.
. - Why?
To have some fun. To raise a little $ for a good cause (free speech). To see your work in print. (Hey, you ambitious writer types: If you think it'd reflect poorly on your seriousness to slum with the POD crowd, you can always claim you just did it for charity!)
. - When?
Volume 1 was published in June 2005; Volume 2 in September 2005; and a Special Hurricane Relief Edition in September 2005. Subsequent volumes will be published (approximately) quarterly. Special (theme) editions are also possible once we get the hang of this. We'll publish as many volumes as we can fill. Might be one. Might be ten.
UPDATE: Phaze re-released the Special Hurricane Relief Edition in October 2006 & plans to re-release Colly's Special Memorial Edition (assuming permission is received from her heir).
Charles River Press plans to re-release volume 1 in mid-March, volume 2 in mid-April, and volume 3 in mid-May (2006).
. - Does it cost anything to participate?
No, not in money. There are ZERO upfront costs. You will, however, be expected to read some of the submitted stories/poems and offer endorsements for those you feel worthy of inclusion. If necessary, folks may be required to give a certain number of endorsements before their own work can be vetted. (So, people, do your parts!)
. - Who will promote the book?
You will -- the participants. Sales will be online via CafePress. As for further marketing/distribution, you're on your own. Once a volume is published, anyone can push it. We will, however, apply for an ISSN to expand distribution options.
. - Is there a theme for each volume?
The only theme is sex. Each volume will feature a variety of situations/kinks. The only other common thread is the Author's Hangout -- which may be mentioned in the Preface if Lit is agreeable.
. - How does it work?
Post in this thread if you want to participate. (It's never too late to hop on board!) Indicate story, poem, or art submissions (with links). For stories, include # words and flavor. Submissions will be added to the tables (see below for links). Participants then read and endorse those submissions they feel would be suitable for inclusion. Once a submission is approved by the other participants (by at least 10 endorsements), it will go into the queue for inclusion in a volume. (Which volume and in what order is impressive's call -- since she is building the manuscripts. Sorry -- too cumbersome to do it any other way. Gotta streamline somewhere.)
. - Errata
Each 5"x8" volume will contain roughly 250 pages of stories/poems/artwork. That size presents a nice one-handed heft and keeps the base price reasonable.
Each participant is responsible for thoroughly proofing own work and utilizing the services of the editor of their choice. Once a story or poem is "vetted" by the other participants (i.e., has at least 10 endorsements), the author/poet should get final copy to ComingTogether@EroticAnthology.com in the proper format as quickly as possible. [Don't worry if you don't have the exact font. It's much more important to have the paragraph spacing done properly.]
Once a volume is pieced together, we will need an author who does not have a story in that particular volume to write a Foreword and/or Introduction (see below for details).
Everyone retains their own copyright, and unless you indicate otherwise, will be published under your Lit ID to preserve whatever anonymity you desire. (I'll include a "Copyright Acknowledgments" section at the end -- listing a reprinted with permission statement for each contribution. That "permission" is implicit when submitting a story/poem/drawing on this thread.)
FORMATTING and MISCELLANY
- Length = 250 pages (approx)
- Base price = $14.50 (for 250 pages)
- Mark up = ~$2.50
- Profits go to a free speech organization (www.eff.org)
- Title = Coming Together: An Erotic Cocktail
- Page size = 5" x 8"
- Font = Century Schoolbook
- Size = 10pt
- Margins, top & bottom = 0.5"
- Margins, sides = 5/8" plus 1/8" in center seam
- Single-spaced, INDENT paragraph 3/8" -- NOT tabs or spaces, use the INDENT feature. (In Word, it's Format > Paragraph, then enter 3/8 in the Left Indentation space.)
- NO SPACE BETWEEN PARAGRAPHS (This will NOT be edited for you -- which means your work will not be copied directly from Lit!)
SUBMISSIONS
Story submissions: Those in need of vetting are posted HERE. READ 'EM! PM Coming Together your endorsements (or post 'em here). PM the author any recommended edits. Be nit picky, please. Everyone wants a quality product. It makes us all look better. To be vetted, a story needs at least 10 endorsements. TIPS: Shorter pieces (<10,000 words) are easier to fit into the anthology puzzle. Third person POV is preferred, although there will be a mix of voices. A list of stories which have been vetted but not yet placed into a volume is posted HERE.
Poetry submissions: Those in need of vetting are posted HERE. READ 'EM! PM Coming Together your endorsements (or post 'em here). PM the poet any recommendations. A list of poems which have been vetted but not yet placed into a volume is posted HERE.
Art submissions: An illustration relating to each story/poem is needed. Keep in mind that CafePress has options for merchandising (t-shirts, mugs, stickers, tote bags, etc.) for images! Illustrations only need the approval of the author/poet.
EDITING
Once your story has been vetted, please get crackin' on a thorough proof/edit.
Make sure (at the very least):
- all homonyms (its/it's, your/you're, to/too, who's/whose, etc.) are correctly used;
- all quotations are properly punctuated and closed;
- unspoken thoughts are italicized (rather than quoted);
- ellipses are appropriately used;
- adverbs are not overused; and
- passive voice (a bug-a-boo of mine) is kept to a minimum.
FRONT and BACK MATTER
In addition to the stories, poems, and illustrations, each volume will need a Foreword, Introduction, and back cover blurb.
The Foreword is written by an author (or poet or illustrator) who is not featured in that volume. It does NOT list specific stories/poems or authors/poets, but is more of an essay on erotic literature & freedom of speech. See examples HERE.
The Introduction, on the other hand, while also written by an author (or poet or illustrator) who is not featured in that volume, DOES list EVERY story/author, poem/poet, and illustrator. See examples HERE.
The back cover blurb is generic promo/review (by a published author/poet) and must meet the following guidelines:
- 140-160 words (including signature)
- Cocktail theme
- Mention that it contains stories, poems, and illustrations
- Mention no stories/poems or authors/poets by name
- Mention that it contains a variety of erotic material
- Mention the fact that it's a philanthropic project
- Mention (in the signature) the author's published work or site
COVER ART and MERCHANDISE
CafePress (our publisher) has guidelines and templates available to ensure our images are of the best quality.
For print books, check out:
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/help/learn_book_covers.aspx
For various merchandize, check out the templates at:
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/help/templates.aspx
At the very least, each volume should have images for: (a) the 5x8 cover files, obviously; (b) the CD label, booklet, and card; (c) tote bag; (d) drinkware, and (e) postcard. Each will require a DIFFERENT file given the size -- and PNG is the preferred file format.
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