Below are answers to questions for those interested in contribution to the Ohio Migration Anthology in 2020. Please read through and contact OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com with any additional questions and submissions.
What are the goals of the anthology?
What should be my submission be about?
Will every submission be included in the final publication?
Do I have to use my real name?
What is this anthology about?
The Ohio Migration Anthology is about the experiences of migrants and refugees who have made Ohio their home. That does not mean it is about immigration policy only. It is about the passions, fears, experiences, and goals of migrants in any aspect of their lives. The common thread is that the authors/artists are connected to the migration experience and Ohio in an intimate way.
What are the goals of the anthology?
Creating a platform for migrants and refugees to communicate something important to them to the broader community. Demonstrating our shared humanity.
Who should submit something?
We are looking for submissions from immigrants, refugees, children of immigrants and refugees, and select individuals who have a unique insight into the structures and support systems that interact with refugees and migrants.
We are also looking for submissions from African Americans whose families migrated North and settled in Ohio during or after the Great Migration or had some other migration story and Puerto Ricans.
What can I submit?
You can submit poems, songs, short stories (<2500 words), non-fiction (<2500 words), or pieces of art that could fit in a book.
If you have digital/audio content, we may still be able to use your work on the project’s website. Submit it, and we will let you know if we can use it! Submissions should be emailed to OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com.
What should be my submission be about?
Your submission can be about migration or movement, but it does not have to be. We want you to feel able to express yourselves as a fully rounded person, so the sky is (practically) the limit!
When is the deadline?
Submissions are open until filled. We suggest you get your piece in no later than August 31, 2020.
Will every submission be included in the final publication?
We will select items for publication based on a balance of diversity in topics, countries of origin, age, race, gender and gender expression, experiences, and format/genre. Items not selected for the first edition remain eligible for inclusion in future editions.
When will this be published?
We are aiming to publish this anthology in 2020. We have not committed to a publishing process as of yet. We are considering self-publishing and other options.
Will I get paid?
All expenses related to publication will be paid off first. If the anthology can be monetized, profits will be divided among editors, designers/other key collaborators, and authors/artists. We cannot guarantee any income at this stage, but if the book is able to make money, profits will be shared fairly.
Do I have to use my real name?
No, you can publish under a pen name if you wish.
What if I need help?
A team of editors is available to help you in various ways.
- Do you need help brainstorming topics?
- Do you need a ghostwriter (someone to interview you and help get your story down on paper)?
- If you prefer to write your original piece in a language other than English, do you need a translator?
Please contact OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com and one of our editors will get back you.
I’m in! What do I do now?
That’s great! The first step is to register yourself as an author or artist here by emailing OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com. This is how we will maintain in contact with all of our contributors.
Then, get to work on polishing up (or drafting) your piece for submission. Send final pieces to OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com no later than August 31, 2020.
And contact us at OhioMigrationAnthology@gmail.com with any questions!
Sincerely,
Lynn Tramonte (Ohio Immigrant Alliance)
Tania Torres, Project Manager
Kevin Tasker, Editor
Shari Nacson, Editor