Call for Submissions

The Power of Place: A World Unsuspected

Inspired by William Carlos Williams’ poetry, Red Wheelbarrow Writers invites submissions for our fifth anthology. “A world unsuspected” comes from “The Descent,” a poem written by Williams in his later years.

We seek fiction, nonfiction, and poetry that captures the importance of a particular place and its power to surprise, transform and inspire. Williams’ keen observation of everyday scenes reveals how simple, seemingly mundane encounters can have a profound impact. We are looking for pieces that explore how the experience of a place can alter perspective, shift understanding, or spark a revelation. Take us on a journey in your unique voice to a place as small as a room or as big as a country and tell us what happens there!

Submission Guidelines

Genres:

Fiction, Nonfiction (including memoir), and Poetry. Writers may submit work in both prose and poetry. Please include the genre on the top of the first page of your manuscript. Work must be previously unpublished, in print or online.

Length:

Fiction and Nonfiction: Up to 2,500 words
Poetry: Up to 3 poems, to fit on 2 pages total

Format:

Word documents (.doc or .docx)
12-point Times New Roman font
Double-spaced (except poetry)

Deadline: November 1, 2024
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Send submissions as a SEPARATE ATTACHMENT in an email to: submissions@sidekickpress.com (submissions in the body of the email will not be considered.)
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Email Subject Line: The Power of Place: A World Unsuspected – [Your Name]
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Reading fee of $10 for each submission to defray the costs of publication should be paid at the same time as submission. Please use the link or QR code below to submit payment.

Submit Reading Fee

Submissions are BLIND. This means that the selection committee will not know the author and will not send back individual critiques. Do not include your name or any identifying information in the manuscript.
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We expect submissions to be previously edited for content, style, and grammar before submission. We will not accept pieces that require lengthy developmental editing. However, all chosen submissions will be assigned an editor to help you polish your work for publication.
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Authors will be notified by email whether their piece has been chosen by December 25, 2024. You will be asked to submit a fifty-word bio and to sign a contract allowing Sidekick Press to print and distribute your work. Contributing authors retain all rights to their own work included in the anthology.
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One copy of the anthology will be given to each contributing author once it is in print.
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“The Power of Place: A World Unsuspected” will be published in April 2025.

We look forward to reading your submissions and discovering all the places you go!

Red Wheelbarrow Writers

Please consider sponsoring our next anthology

Help us bring our anthology to life! Red Wheelbarrow Writers is once again ready to publish a collection of stories and poems that reflect the diverse experiences and creative talents of our members. Now, we need your help to make this dream a reality.

Why Donate?

Champion New Voices: By supporting our anthology, you’re giving a platform to writers who may not have had the chance to be published before. Your contribution helps bring fresh perspectives to the literary world.
Preserve and Share Stories: Our anthology is a celebration of the art of storytelling. It’s a chance to preserve unique voices and narratives that might otherwise go unheard.
Community Empowerment: This project is more than just a book; it’s a testament to the power of community. Your support helps foster a vibrant writing community where creativity and collaboration thrive.

The Costs of Publishing

Publishing a high-quality anthology is an exciting but costly endeavor. While much of the work is done by volunteers from Red Wheelbarrow Writers, there are still some costs to consider. Here’s a breakdown of some of the expenses we anticipate:

Proofreading
Cover Design and Layout
Interior Design and Layout
Printing and Distribution
Marketing and Promotion

Your Impact

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal. By donating, you’re not just funding a book; you are helping to elevate the voices of our community and share stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us all. Make a secure donation in any amount via PalPal or Venmo by contacting the publisher at lisa@sidekickpress.com. Specific sponsorship opportunities are listed below.