Speaking Out call for submissions

Bold Strokes Books is pleased to announce the acquisition of a new YA anthology, Speaking Out, edited by Steve Berman. Speaking Out is scheduled for release in 2011 from Bold Strokes Soliloquy Books.

Speaking Out features stories for and about LGBT and Q teens by fresh voices and noted authors in the field of young adult literature. These are inspiring stories of overcoming adversity (against intolerance and homophobia) and experiencing life after "coming out." Queer teens need tales of what might happen next in their lives, and editor Steve Berman showcases a diversity of events, challenges, and, especially, triumphs.

Ideally, we'll have 10-15 stories in the book. I told the publisher the book will run around 75,000 words. So if you could tell your story in 7,500 that would be ideal. I know some folks run short or go over that length.

Deadline for fiction is February 28th.

What I'm looking for: Speaking Out will feature stories involving a queer teens and their heterosexual allies confronting and overcoming homo/bi/transphobia. With the news full of reports of kids committing suicide because of bullying, the need for more resources that will bolster the confidence and self-esteem of queer youth. Stories will focus on the effects of prejudice on the individual, and how the effects ripple outward through family, peer group, school and other institutional levels. It is my hope that the book is part of school libraries and offered and youth centers across the nation.

Compensation is a flat $200.00 fee and complimentary copies, of course. Not a grand sum, I know, but I am hoping the theme of the book, so important these days what with the recent rash of teen suicides, will compell folks to overlook the amount. Some folks have expressed interest in donating their author fees to the Trevor Foundation, btw.

Please do not think this is a "coming out" book. These teens should be already out and proud and their pride is part of the impetus to combat intolerance.

Send ms. as rtf files to sberman8 AT yahoo DOT com.

I've already accepted a M-t-F story and a male bisexual tale. That does not mean I'm no longer interested in either, but I wanted to let you know what's "in."

Feel free to share this call around the world.

Steve