Address:      _____________________________________________________

                        _____________________________________________________

Phone (days):          _____________________  Phone (eves): ______________

Email address:       ________________________________________________

All manuscripts that meet Top Drawer submission guidelines (see below) will be bound and added to the Homer Library’s Top Drawer Collection.

Authors may also opt to have their Top Drawer manuscripts submitted to a panel of distinguished local writers and considered for possible selection as this year’s “Top Shelf” book.  The panel will review the manuscripts, and if in their judgment one exhibits exceptional literary merit, the author will receive a $599 publication package from iUniverse.com.  This package contains, among other things, five trade paperbook copies of the book (one of which must be donated to the library), as well as listing for print on demand in various on-line catalogs including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Special requirements may apply  to a manuscript so selected (see below).  Any optional services desired by or additional charges incurred by the winning author will be the sole responsibility of the author.

Please indicate whether you wish your manuscript to be considered for the 2009/2010 Top Shelf award:  Yes _____________  No ___________

I have read and understood the submission guidelines and, if entering the Top Shelf judging, I agree to the terms of the iUniverse publication prize.

Signature:  __________________________________________________

TOP DRAWER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
2009-2010

1. Writers are invited to submit one volume for consideration in the 2009/2010 Top Drawer/Top Shelf program. 
2. Contributors must be residents of the lower Kenai Peninsula.
3.  All submissions must be original work of the author or authors.
4. Libelous, treasonous, threatening, or pornographic materials or other materials that might reasonably be expected to expose Friends of the Homer Library to legal action will not be accepted.
5. Works may be any genre, including novels, non-fiction books, children’s books, plays, and collections of articles, essays, poems, or short stories. Works may be illustrated and may be the work of more than one person. Anthologies of works by more than one person should have a common theme or format.
6. Photographs and other graphics must be clearly reproduced on 8½”x11” manuscript paper and captioned, if necessary.
7. A minimum of 10,000 words for adult fiction and non-fiction; thirty-two (32) pages for children's books; or 20 poems, each on a separate page, is required.
8. Manuscripts must be submitted in hard copy and "publication ready."  Specifically, they must be neatly typewritten, computer printed in a legible 12 or 14 point font as desired, or artfully handwritten or printed on 8½-inch X 11-inch white paper with margins at least 1 inch wide. A larger font is acceptable for children’s books. Pages must be numbered.  Each manuscript must have atitle page with title, author, and a copyright notice that includes the year of submission. A table of contents page is needed for collections of shorter works.
9. Authors are also encouraged to submit their manuscripts electronically (in addition to the hard copy) whenever possible to facilitate editing and publishing.  FHL reserves the right, with the author's permission, to correct typographical or spelling errors prior to publishing.
10. All works must be postmarked or delivered to the Friends of the Homer Public Library, 500 Hazel Avenue, Homer, AK 99603 by February 15, 2010.
11. Entries of exceptional merit may be selected for special treatment, such as professional editing and listing at various retail outlets for print on demand.

All copyrights remain the property of the original authors. The bound copies become the property of the Homer Public Library and will fall under the same guidelines and procedures that apply to other items in the library's collection.
If you have any questions about the program or these guidelines, please call the library at 907-235-3180.