Submission of entries for the debut Noirledge Anthology of Short Fiction is ongoing and will close on October 20, 2020.
An initiative of Noirledge Publishing and her partners, the first edition of the anthology will focus on short fiction by writers of African descent. It will be published in both print and digital formats.
A statement from the publishing firm explained that, “This edition of the Noirledge Anthology Series is intended to chronicle the joys and frustrations of life and living in postcolonial Africa as well as celebrate the resilience of the human spirit,” noted a statement from the firm.
“It is also intended to record the new pan-African solidarity that is consolidating gradually but palpably across multiple locales of the world,” it continued.
It added that submission of refreshing, innovative, engaging, thought-provoking and well-written entries, is open to published or unpublished writers of African descent of any age.
“We construe ‘writers of African descent’ broadly, that is, African and African diaspora writers,” Noirledge further noted.
The firm said entries are free, but contributors can only send a single one of a maximum 3,500 words.
Apart from being written in English and typed using Times New Roman font, at 1.5 spacing and in Microsoft Word format, each entry must be original and previously unpublished.
“Entry should also include the writer’s name and word count. The email in which the entry is to be sent should contain the subject, ‘Entry for Short Fiction Anthology.”
The email, Noirledge added must also include a short bio in Microsoft Word format and a portrait photo of not more than 4MB in Jpeg format. The short bio and portrait photo should be added to the email as separate attachments.
The writer’s short bio and portrait photo must each contain the writer’s name for easy identification.
The publisher also clarified acceptance terms. It said, “contributors whose entries are selected for publication will receive confirmation emails and details of scheduled publication date(s).
“Shortlisted entrants must be willing to work with our editorial team in getting their entries ready for publication and will also be required to sign a non-exclusive publishing agreement.
“We acquire first publishing rights; all other rights revert to the writer(s) after publication. All published works will remain part of the Noirledge Anthology Series and may be reissued as we deem necessary and in consultation with the writer(s). Writer(s) are required to acknowledge the anthology as the original place of publication if the work is published elsewhere.
“Due to limited financial resources at this time, contributors whose entries are shortlisted will not be paid but will be entitled to two copies of the anthology when printed. However, they might have to be responsible for postage costs. Shortlisted contributors may also be invited to participate in readings, festivals and events when necessary. ”
Interested participants should send entries to noirledge@noirledge.com.
