Call for Submissions

• Return to the Rez: Life on the Rez, Volume II
  This is the second anthology of speculative fiction inspired by life on America's Indian Reservations. Our view is that life on these reservations embodies two of the major themes of spec-fic, namely exploration of the concept of The Other and grappling with the idea of what it means to Be Human. Many people in the outside world are only barely aware of the existence of such places as reservations or reserves,  and even those who interact with the people here have a limited understanding of what the realities are within these borders. To reference Neil Gaiman, these are the stories that only we can tell, the fictions that are lies that tell the truths about life on the rez. 
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  What we're looking for.
  Short, original speculative fiction-- Fantasy, Science Fiction or Horror-- inspired by your life in or on an American Indian Reservation or Reserve, Indian Colony, Designated Homeland or similar area, region, land or space. If it is a physical area that has been set aside or designated as a specific space for an indigenous people, that fits our theme. You don't have to be Native... you just need to have lived on a Reservation (or a similar area).
  
  The anthology is open to Native and non-Native authors who can write from this perspective. We prefer stories of under 5,000 words, but will consider submissions with word counts of up to 7,500.
  
  But the key term here is INSPIRED. Your story doesn't have to take place on a Reservation. Your setting could be a fairyland at the core of the Earth, or a spaceship in orbit around Neptune, or in a New York office building. Get creative! All we ask is that your story is inspired by your experience on the Rez (and that you be able to articulate that inspiration), and beyond that, not even the sky is the limit.
  
  Points to keep in mind:
  
  - This is genre fiction. If there is no fantastical element to the story, it's not a fit for this anthology.
  
  - The term 'speculative fiction' is not a license to 'speculate' about life on the Rez. If you do not have a personal connection to an American Indian Reservation or some similar geopolitically designated land or area, your story is not a fit for this anthology.
  
  - This anthology is not limited by race or ethnicity. If you are not Native or Indigenous, but have lived on or have a personal connection to an American Indian Reservation or similar geopolitically designated land or area, your story is eligible for consideration.
  
  
  What we're paying.
  Stories published in Return to the Rez will receive flat payment of $15 ($5 upon acceptance/$10 upon publication) and one hard-copy contributor copy. Payment is made via PayPal.
  
  How to submit.
  We're looking for your story to be submitted in standard document format, with a double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font and a title page that includes author contact info and page count (header and page count on subsequent pages are not necessary). However-- don't stress about the formatting. If your submission is legible, we'll read it and judge it on the merits of the story. 
  
  We also ask for the following information, to be included in your document, following the story submission.
  - WHO: A short author biography. Who you are and what you've done. This is strictly to help us get to know you better as an author, so we're not looking for anything cute or whimsical, please. Just some basic info, such as previous writing credits (if any), background, education, and such, in 50 words or so. 
  - WHY: Your life experience that qualifies you for this anthology. For example, whether you are Native or non-Native, whether you grew up on a Reservation or spent time there as an adult, in 50 words or so.
  - WHAT and HOW: An author's statement regarding your story, giving insight as to what life experience on the Rez you had that contributed to the story you are submitting and how you have translated that into a speculative fiction narrative. 50-100 words. 
  
  We accept electronic submissions ONLY. Please save your submission (story and supplemental info) all tog ether as either a PDF or Word document and e-mail as an attachment to TreeLionPress@gmail.com, and please include the words 'Rez Submission' in the Subject line.
  
  In a nutshell: 
• Speculative Fiction (Fantasy, Science Fiction, Supernatural Horror)
• Must be written from personal experience of life on the rez
• Submissions welcomed from Native and non-Native writers
• Short (5k words or less)
• Pays $15 + one hard copy
• Submit PDF or Word file of story + 3 items of supplemental info
• Electronic submissions only... 'Rez Submission' subject line... e-mail to TreeLionPress@gmail.com
• Questions? Feel free to email.
• Complaints? Don't bother, we won't reply. ;)