A Cup of Comfort

is a top-selling book series that has been praised by critics, booksellers, and readers alike. Each volume of A Cup of Comfort is filled with creative nonfiction stories about life's most important relationships and experiences.

We are currently compiling (and seeking submissions for) FOUR new anthologies -- and additional volumes are planned.

This is a paid and bylined publishing opportunity with a leading U.S.-based publisher, Adams Media Corporation.

Submission guidelines are gladly provided upon request and are posted online at http://www.cupofcomfort.com . 

Thank you for your consideration.

Colleen Sell
Editor, A Cup of Comfort

wordsinger@aol.com
P.O. Box 863, Eugene, Oregon 97440, USA
541-942-3405 (vox)
800-872-5627 (fax)

THE HEALING POWER OF STORY: CALL FOR INSPIRING TRUE STORIES

The publisher of the acclaimed book series A Cup of Comfort now sponsors several inspiring true-story contests each year. Every contest results in the publication of an anthology consisting of 50 or more creative nonfiction stories about the people and events that bring comfort, joy, and meaning to our lives.

One grand prize of $500 is awarded for each contest/anthology, and a fee of $100 is paid for each published story. Each contributor also receives a complimentary copy of the volume in which their stroy is published.

We are currently compiling and seeking submissions for the following volumes:

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR INSPIRATION
Soul-stirring stories about inspiring people and enlightening experiences. Possible themes include: extraordinary acts of charity, compassion, generosity, kindness; triumph over tragedy; overcoming adversity; making dreams come true (own or others); making a difference in the world, lives of others. Primary focus of book is doing for others.
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2003 (EXTENDED)

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR TEACHERS
Heartwarming stories honoring exceptional teachers and mentors; celebrating the joys and rewards of teaching; and dedicated teachers who've overcome challenges and/or helped difficult students.
Submission Deadline: April 15, 2003

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR COURAGE
Positive and poignant stories about everyday heroes, in their own lives or in the lives of others; facing life's challenges (including disease, disability, death) with courage, dignity, compassion, and grace; taking chances; doing the right and noble thing, against the odds or against the grain.
Submission Deadline: May 15, 2003

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR SISTERS
Inspiring and/or upbeat, humorous and/or heartwarming stories celebrating the magical (and sometimes maddening) bond between sisters, and/or revealing the life-defining experiences and special moments shared by sisters.
Submission Deadline: June 2003

NOTE: Semifinalists are selected throughout the submission period, so early entry is encouraged. Submission deadlines are sometimes extended to secure the acquisition of a sufficient quantity and balanced mix of compelling and relevent stories.

Additional volumes are planned. Potential themes include: compassion, gratitude, bereavement, couples, fathers, sisters, twins, blended families, adoptive families, children of divorce, animal lovers, baby boomers, seniors, new parents, newlyweds, and more.

Story Length: 1000-2000 words

Stories must be original, positive, based on real people and events, and in English.

Preference given to anecdotal and emotionally evocative creative nonfiction stories and narrative essays. Please, no flowerly prose, poetry, journalistic articles, testimonials, profiles, or fiction.

Simultaneous and previously published submissions accepted, with the exception of mass-market anthologies.

Aspiring and published writers welcome.

For guidelines: wordsinger@aol.com; SASE to P. O. Box 863, Eugene, Oregon 97440, USA; or http://www.cupofcomfort.com

Mistletoe Madness:
A Holiday Short Story Collection
Ages 8-12

Your stories should be designed and written for children ages 8-12. All topics will be considered except for horror. All stories should have a beginning, middle and end and should be filled with characters who are real and touching. Remember, if you like the story, chances are they will understand and like it as well.

Guidelines for Mistletoe Madness
1.    Tell an exciting and/or funny story about Christmas. Make sure we are introduced to your character(s). Young Readers will want to identify with them just as you did, so be very descriptive.
2.    Don't be afraid to go back in time to set up your story. Action and expression are a must to keep readers interest. Make sure the setting and time period you are writing about is well described. These stories may be historical or set in modern day. If you'd like to try your hand at a futuristic Christmas tale, we'd love to see that, too!
3.    All submissions should be submitted typed and double spaced on plain white 8-1/2" x 11" paper, in 12-point Times Roman font with 1 inch margins. No email submissions will be considered.
4.    Type all contact information in the upper left-hand corner of the first page of your story. Stories should be fiction, ranging in length between 500-5000 words. Your story should have a title.
5.    Stories should be mailed in a flat, 9" x 12" envelope.
6.    No anonymous or author unknown submissions.
7.    Send only one copy of each submission, but you may submit as many stories as you wish.
8.    If you would like your story returned, please include a SASE, and do not send your only copy in the event it is lost. If you would like to know your submission was received, enclose a SASP with your submission.


Illustrator Guidelines


We will be placing numerous black and white illustrations throughout the book. Illustrations will be presented as 1/4 page to 1/2 page (based on a 8-1/2" X 11" sheet of paper) in the book and should show the holiday season at its best. Please DO NOT send original artwork.

Editorial Comments


If your story passes the first round by our editorial staff, we will notify you by email (please include your email address in the contact information on the first page of your story). Rejections will also be sent by email.

If the story you wrote is published, you will be paid $10.00 and receive a complimentary copy of Mistletoe Madness upon publication of the story. You will also get a 1/4 page bio at the end of your story as well as having your name and information posted in the Featured Author section of the Blooming Tree Press website.

Please be patient with us. It will take many months for the editorial staff to review and carefully consider each submission. It could take up to six months following the deadline for you to receive word that your story has been selected. At that time you will be notified by mail and your permission to print will be requested.

Mail Mistletoe Madness Submissions To:
Blooming Tree Press
Submissions Department
PO Box 140934
Austin, Texas 78714-0934

Best of luck,
The Blooming Tree Press Staff