The gem of Busybird Publishing & Design, [untitled] is an annual short story anthology. It doesn't want to change the world. It's not about literary ennoblement, or enrichment, or any ineffable aspiration. It's just about good stories. That's what we, as readers, love -- stories that take us away, that we can lose ourselves in. If you get more out of it, great, but ultimate we were born to be about stories.
FAQ
What sort of stories is [untitled] looking for?
It doesn't matter. We're not predisposed to a certain genre, or a certain style of writing.
Again, we just want good stories. We know we've said it before, but it bears saying again.
Read a copy of [untitled] to get an idea of the stuff we really like.
Awww, no poetry?
Unfortunately not.
What about non-fiction?
Um, no, not that either.
So ... what's with the name anyway? Is it just a placeholder? Couldn't you think of anything?
Names can predispose you toward certain expectations, suggest genres or themes, and evoke certain emotional responses.
[untitled] wants to do exactly the opposite: no connotations, no preconceptions, no expectations -- nothing but what you want to make it mean for you.
Is there a submission window?
We're always working on an issue of [untitled], and will accept submissions at any time.
How long before you respond?
We will attempt to receipt submissions immediately. But please give us up to three months to respond. If you haven't heard from us by then, feel free to bug us to find out what the hell's going on.
You accepted my piece! What now?
Please be aware that, in all likelihood, you may be required to revise your work. We don't edit lightly, and we have a mandate to respect an author's voice, but if we've made suggestion, there's usually a reason for them.
You didn't accept me -- why not?
Your piece mightn't have been suitable for us, or mightn't have fit a theme we're posing for a certain issue. Just remember, though, writing's a subjective business. Moreover, we're not the be-all and end-all authority, so don't despair over any rejection.
Will I be paid?
You'll be paid a contributor's copy. And, as of issue four -- and thanks to a grant from Arts Victoria -- you'll be paid for your work! Yay! However, keep in mind that writing's not just about remuneration. Consider the exposure of getting your writing out there into the world, and how good being published looks on your CV. The money's nice (obviously), but when you're writing and seeking publication early in your career, always keep in mind that there are other benefits, (at least until you have that best-seller).
Will [untitled] publish me again and and again and again?
We have a policy that if you've been published in an issue, you cannot be published in the next two issues. This is to give other new and emerging writers exposure. You can still submit, and we'll still consider your work for later issues, but just keep that buffer in mind.
What does [untitled] get when they accept my submission?
[untitled] gets First Australian Serial Rights, which means we get to publish your piece first in Australia, and then you're free to re-submit it anywhere else, if that's your desire.
I have some feedback! How do I send it to you?
Just email us at email@untitledonline.com.au. Please be aware that feedback is subject to publication.
