the World of the Broken Moon

ATTN:> FANTASY WRITERS

Bean Leaf Press Writing Contest:

Are you a highly motivated fantasy writer? Do you love to write short stories? Would you be willing to work with an editor and illustrator to polish that story and see it published with the works of other fantasy writers? Bean Leaf Press is looking to publish a collection of short stories, showcasing the artwork of Travis Hanson. The stories will revolve around a common setting and theme, using the characters and settings from the World of the Broken Moon.

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:

In order to qualify, submit a short fantasy story, based upon Bean’s Song. The first round of qualifiers should have their submissions postmarked or emailed by November 1st, 2006.

Initial submissions will not necessarily be published, but will be used to judge your aptitude as a writer. Short stories should be set in the world of Bean’s Song, and you are free to use characters or places found in the World of the Broken Moon. Use your imagination to write about events that might have happened—or shaped the life—of any one of the characters just before the first chapter of the book.

The initial submission will need to be short, no more than three pages long (12 point, NYT single spaced font), so it will only be a glimpse—a day in the life—of a character. Your ability to follow instructions is a factor in whether or not you’re considered for publication. Because the final stories are illustrated, submissions should be minimally descriptive, as the illustrations will show the characters and settings. Don’t spend time describing the character’s hair or facial features, unless it is directly relevant to your story, else you won’t have space for a story. Submissions should demonstrate something noteworthy: set up a conflict, provide a simple resolution, leave us wondering about some hidden intrigue, or show off the cleverness of the characters you've read about. Your ability to create something interesting from such limited guidelines will be your greatest selling point.

Bean Leaf Press holds itself to high standards of quality storytelling and positive artistry. There is to be no sexual content, vulgarity, obscene language, or undue graphic violence. Remember that the rating should be for audiences of PG/PG-13, such as is found in the family-friendly Harry Potter series. I know it’s a novel concept, but we believe strongly in providing fun, uplifting, and inspiring stories that need not pander to the baser elements of the human condition.

We will be choosing several writers to participate in this first project. If you are selected as one of the writers for the story collection, you will receive a writer’s packet filled with details about a new setting tied to the world of Bean's Song, but located in a different area of the world of the Broken Moon. You will also receive a contract to sign, giving the rights to the story to Bean Leaf Press, and a nondisclosure form, requesting that any story materials within the packet remain under your personal scrutiny alone—and that it not be distributed to the general public. If you want your submission returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope.

Eventually this new setting will be the source of a new Series of books coming from Bean Leaf Press, so writers will comply to “continuity issues” that are managed by our continuity editor. The actual short story submission will be slightly longer than your initial submission, probably around five pages. You will get to work with an editor to polish the final draft. You will be expected to write and finish your story on given deadlines, with the goal of publishing the collection before next summer (which is a tight schedule).

Since Bean Leaf Press is still a small outfit, we have limited resources and are still struggling to reach that “impossible dream” of profitability. We are committed to giving back to the community by helping new writers have an outlet for their creativity and become known. Once published, contributors will have their names featured prominently in the story credits. They will also receive 2 copies of the book for their own personal use, as well as 2 limited edition prints as payment for their contributions. Contributors will also receive strong consideration for future projects with the publishing company, with the hope that as the company becomes more profitable, so will your further contributions.

Begin your story today and make the World of the Broken Moon a reality… Adventure is lurking just within the nib of your quill. November will be upon us shortly, so get those stories in NOW!

Send submissions to:

via Email: submissions@BeanLeafPress.com

via Mail:
Submissions
Bean Leaf Press
P.O. Box 6095
Moreno Valley, CA 92554

8.17.2006

Welcome

Welcome
I would like to welcome everyone to our playground. It is here you will find out about the world of the Broken Moon and all it's dark secrets. Just follow the paths you would like to take and come see for yourself, yet a word of a caution, there are some spoilers:).

Things are still being worked on as well so not every place you will try to visit will be open. So please be patient, all good things come in time.

Also this section of the site is completely dedicated to the books of the Broken Moon. You will find updates and surprises as well as when the next book is going to arrive, how many pages and preview art. We hope you enjoy.

the bean

2.6.2006