Wizards seek writers
Wizards of the Coast may want to publish your novel
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Dateline: Thursday, October 14, 2004
By: PATRICK SAURIOL
By: News Editor
Source: Wizards of the Coast
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Wizards of the Coast, creators of MAGIC: THE GATHERING and publishers of the official DUNGEONS & DRAGONS role-playing game, have announced an open submission call for prospective authors looking for a place to publish their novel. The company will be launching a new imprint line in 2006 and are seeking potential books from the genres of "science fiction, fantasy, horror, alternate history, magic realism, or anything in-between." It doesn't matter if your novel is a stand-alone concept or the first book in a proposed series, WotC wants to take a look at it.
The company has sent us a list of submission guidelines for candidates, which are as follows:
We are looking for the best, most original idea as well as compelling writing. We'll consider any style and subject matter. Please be aware, though, that what will count most for us is your ability to tell an exciting, original story in prose that makes us want to keep turning the pages.
Please read these guidelines very carefully before submitting. Submissions that do not conform to the guidelines will not be accepted. This is an "open call" and we expect a large number of submissions. Please note that we expect you to have a completed draft of your manuscript by the time the call closes.
To launch this book and the new imprint under which it will be published, we are planning a substantial marketing campaign. This book will be one of the most important that we publish in 2006.
Your submission may be sent through an agent or you may submit without an agent.
What do you need to send us?
A stamped, self-addressed envelope, with the Wizards address in the top left corner.
A one-page cover letter that tells us anything about you that you think we might need to know. The letter should tell us if you've published before, if you have an agent, and if so who your agent is.
An unaltered signed legal agreement, included here. Entrants must be 18 or older to participate.
A one-page, single-spaced story synopsis that tells us the entire story: beginning, middle, and end. Don't write cover or ad copy¾tell us the story, and be specific about locations, character types, monsters, etc.
A chapter-by-chapter outline, indicating what happens in each chapter of the novel. Don't go into exhaustive detail. That's what your story is for! Just tell us in 3-5 sentences what happens in each chapter.
A double-spaced writing sample consisting of the first three chapters of your novel.
How should this be formatted?
Organize your packet in the above order. (envelope, cover letter, legal agreement, story synopsis, chapter outline, writing sample)
Please note that by "page" we mean one side of plain white letter-sized or A4 paper with one-inch margins all around, and set in type no smaller than 10-point. All proposals must be typed.
The cover letter should include all your contact information, including name, mailing address, phone number and, if possible, an e-mail address.
Your name and mailing address should be in the top right corner on all pages (cover letter, synopsis, chapter outline, and writing sample).
Do not bind the pages together (no paperclips, staples, binder clips, etc.).
Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
What will we not accept?
Any proposal longer than a one-page synopsis/three-chapter sample.
Proposals submitted in any form other than a hardcopy. Please do not send your submission via email, or on floppy or CD.
Proposals not accompanied by a signed, unaltered, legible copy of the legal agreement.
Proposals with images, pictures or drawings on the pages.
Proposals received after the deadline.
We're looking to buy at least the following:
All book rights.
An option for game and other entertainment rights.
At the end of the open call we will review all the submissions received. We will then choose our ten favorite submissions and ask you to send us the complete manuscript of the first draft of the novel. You must send us the complete manuscript within ten business days of our request. We will review these manuscripts and pick one as the launch novel for the imprint.
Please be realistic about your ability to do the writing. We're very deadline-driven here, and there's rarely any room for authors to run late. It's not a bad idea to read over our standard submission guidelines.
We will be accepting proposals through the end of the business day on March 1, 2005. Flooding us with submissions will not help --- please send us only your best proposal.
Though only one proposal will be chosen for the first novel under this new imprint, we will be looking at all of these as writing samples with other opportunities in mind. This is your chance to bring your talents to our attention, and we are known as a publisher that works with talented, unpublished authors. We've had the pleasure of launching a number of writing careers, and would like to launch some more.
Please address proposals to:
"Open Call"
Attn: Peter Archer
c/o Book Publishing
Wizards of the Coast
P.O. Box 707
Renton, WA 98057-0707
Good luck and start writing!
