True sex essay anthology deadline extended to January 6th (earlier submissions get priority)
Desperate times call for desperate measures, so though I had so hoped to be done with this anthology by tomorrow, I'm still one third short on my word count. That means I'd love it if you'd spread the word (either en masse or to someone you know who has an amazing sex story they might want to share in writing). I do NOT need any stories about sex work, but I would love an essay by an asexual person and I'd also love an essay by a transgender person (essays don't have to necessarily be "about" those topics). Those are just two potential ideas on my editorial dream wishlist. The truth is, the essay I'm looking for is the one I don't yet know exists but that keeps me riveted, awed, amazed, and sure that my readers will be too. In other words, I'll know it when I see it.
Queries or questions? Email me at truesexantho at gmail.com - earlier submissions get priority and I'll be filling the anthology as I go. I will consider anything that comes in by December 6th, there will just be fewer spots available by then most likely. If you are waiting to hear back from me, I will get back to you as soon as I can, by the end of January at the latest. I have wanted to do this book since I first started hosted True Sex Confessions nights in 2006 at In The Flesh. If you want to know the type of essay I love, read "Silver Baling" by Stacey D'Erasmo in Best Sex Writing 2009 and "It's a Shame About Ray" by Kirk Read in Best Sex Writing 2010 (or any personal essay I've published in Best Sex Writing 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013. I hope it's not just a dream that never sees the light of day, and I have a feeling that this will be a wonderful book. Thanks!
Call for Submissions
True Sex essay anthology
Edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
To be published by Cleis Press
Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for true (nonfiction) essays about your most powerful sexual experiences. The final book will feature a wide range of scenarios, settings, writing styles, ages, races, genders and sexual orientations. These should not be academic in tone or about theory, though there can be a political or serious element; I’m mainly looking for extremely personal, one of a kind essays focused around compelling sexual events in your life. I’m looking for your hottest sex, or the worst sex, or the kinkiest, or the funniest, or the meanest, or the most unexpected. Sex with a celebrity? Sex with someone forbidden? Sex you’ve never told anyone about? Sex on vacation you wouldn't have had at home? Sex on drugs? Group sex? Sex on camera? Sex you paid for or were paid for? Sex that surprised or confused you? Sex that changed your life? I want the story that most speaks to you about your sex life, either as a defining moment or simply one you’ve never been able to forget. No poetry. First or second person POV welcome. See the Best Sex Writing series and videos of true sex confessions from my former In The Flesh Reading Series for an idea of the types of essays I’m looking for. Please keep in mind that the more original and unique your essay, the better its chances. I want the story that only you can write told in a lively, compelling, can't-put-down way. Original essays will get priority, but I will consider reprints as long as you retain the rights; you MUST include the previous publication information with your submission.
Payment: Contributors will receive $100/essay and 2 copies of the anthology on publication. Contract is for one-time rights.
How to submit: Send only the final version of your proofread work along with your bio and mailing address. Include essay title and byline at top of first page. Send double spaced Times or Times New Roman 12 point black font Word document OR RTF of 1,500-3,500 word essay. Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch and double space (regular double spacing, do not add extra lines between paragraphs or do any other irregular spacing). US grammar (double quotation marks around dialogue, etc.) required. Include your legal name (and pseudonym if applicable), mailing address, and 50 word or less bio in the third person to truesexantho@gmail.com. If you are using a pseudonym, please provide your real name and pseudonym and make it clear which one you’d like to be credited as. Cleis Press has final approval over the manuscript so you can expect a final answer by April 2013.
Deadline: January 6, 2012 (earlier submissions get priority)
Great calls. Thanks for sharing!
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