Short Story Submission Opportunity

Exploring Life and Literature

Dear Friends,

First and foremost, a massive welcome to this community’s new members! We have made 4,000 new friends in the last month or two, which is very exciting. I look forward to everyone’s participation in the discussions as we enter the new year. I do my best to respond to everyone’s comments and notes, but please be patient with me as we continue to grow.

Second, several readers graciously sent me books from my reading wish list, which was a wonderful surprise and blessing. Those books are on my 2025 reading plan, so I will let you know my thoughts as I get to them.

Third, Beyond the Bookshelf will focus on the magic of short stories in February 2025. Part of that will include publishing original works. I am seeking writers interested in submitting an original short story for consideration for publication on Beyond the Bookshelf.

Submission guidelines

• Short fiction submitted to Beyond the Bookshelf must be original work. It is acceptable if you have self-published it, but otherwise should be unpublished.

• Submissions must be typed and double-spaced in a Google Doc, with the author’s name and email address at the top of the first page. If you have an online presence (i.e. a Substack publication, you may list it as well)

• Submissions must be written in English.

• Submissions should be no more than 10,000 words.

• Any genre is acceptable.

• Only one submission per person. Submit your best work.

• Submission deadline is January 15th, 2025.

• If you need further information, email me at matt.m.long@gmail.com. You should also send your Google Doc link to this email address.

Pass this along to all your fiction writing friends or anyone who you think might be interested.

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Housekeeping

Many of you receive this publication via email or the Substack app. However, my archive is also kept on a website. I recently updated the site for easier navigation. Everything has a nice home of its own now, so you don’t have to dig through the entire archive if you are looking for something specific. I would love to hear any feedback you might have about the site, which you can visit at Beyond the Bookshelf.

Beyond the Bookshelf is a reader-supported publication. If you are looking for ways to support Beyond the Bookshelf, please visit my support page and see the ways you can help continue the mission of exploring the connection between life and literature.

Until next time,