1.) All entries must be written in MS Word or a compatible program that can save in the .doc or .RTF format.

(We will accept .docx files from Word 2007, but prefer .doc files - this won't affect your chances of winning. However, Word 2007 does have the option to allow you to save the file as an older version of Word--2003 is the preferred format.)

2.) Please use the following standards to submit your entry:

A. 12 pt. font

B. Courier New (Absolutely no fancy fonts or font changes.)

C. 1" margins, all sides

D. Double Spacing, set as double spaced, no line breaks

E. Auto-indent, using the auto-indent feature, not tabs - the use of tabs will automatically disqualify you and make Michy fume about people who can't read the submission guidelines and she might post about you on her blog! Auto-indent at .3.

This video will show you how to set auto-indents:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYxdYJdZbao

You can read this blog post for more information on auto-indentation:
http://michysthoughts.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-set-auto-indents-in-ms...




F. Auto-indent left, unjustified right (ragged right)

G. Do NOT double enter after paragraphs. That's why you indent.

H. Use a centered * * * between scene breaks, if necessary, not a double enter. (Be sure to remove the indent on any centered lines but ONLY on centered lines, otherwise, they won't be centered.)

I. Do NOT tell us 'THE END' - when the words run out, we generally stop reading and assume the story is over, though sometimes, understandably, that might be hard to tell. If it's hard to tell, you might want to consider a revision.

3.) All entries must be emailed to:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you would like help with proofreading, editing and developing your story, we have a critique section on our writers forum where other writers can help you prepare your story for submission. There is also a section on the forum specifically for discussing erotic writing and sex scenes.

http://www.accentuatewritersforum.com

You must be a registered member of the forum to access this section. Registration and membership is always free. I put it in the password protected thread so that your stories are not indexed in search engines and can only be viewed by registered members and even though they win or are entered in a contest, they won't eliminate you from selling the story to someone else!

Put:

Accentuate Erotic Submisison

in the subject of the email.

4.) There is no specific deadline. Currently, we plan to do one anthology in 2009, two in 2010 and for in 2011 and forward. If your story arrives in time for our current anthology, and we want to purchase it, we'll put it in that book. If it doesn't, we can queue it for the next book in the line.

5.) There are no entry fees, because this is not a contest. There is no reading fee, no cost to submit, no obligation to buy any of the books published, and if you are selected for publication, you will receive an a payment between $10 - 250, plus two author's copies of the book at no cost, as well as a 50% discount off the retail price of the book (we anticipate the anthologies to cost between $11 - 13.95, depending on length, so you would only pay half of that to order books for yourself or to sell, but you are never under any obligation to buy even one book -- after all, we give you two free copies.)

6.) You can submit with a pen name and email address, but we will need your legal signature on the release and contracts if you are selected for publication. However, we respect yoru confidentiality and will never reveal your personal information, including but not limited to, your email address and legal name.

7.) Submissions should be between 500 - 12,500 words, give or take a few hundred either way, as long the submission tells a full story with an intriguing storyline.

8.) Use proper grammar, spelling and style when writing the story that complements the story - sometimes, grammar does take a backseat to the story, but you'd better know why it does if you're gonna break the rules! (yes, the gonna was intentional)

The most common mistakes are: not checking spelling (can you imagine not using spell check at the very least?), dialogue tags and proper punctuation of dialogue, using all caps or multiple punctuation marks at the end of sentences!!!! ?! I see a lot of ALL CAPS used for emphasis. Good writers can make sure the reader sees emphasis without using all caps. Also, quotes go around spoken words, and it's " not ' - Every contest, someone uses single quotes.

9.) DO NOT use headers or footers, and DO NOT number your pages.

10.) Only ONE space after the periods.

11.) Oh, did I mention to: Give us your best work!

Keep in mind, one of Michy's goals with this forum is to help aspiring writers - if you think our guidelines are strict, they are nothing compared to what a big trade publisher or agent is going to require - so consider this practice with publication! At the same time, there are some professional and published writers submitting to these anthologies too, so while you might be practicing, they might be polished. I repeat, give us your best. If selected, it's going to be in a real trade paperback volume, and it will have your name on it. Make it professional quality writing.

We look forward to reading what you feel compelled to write.