Well, having survived Columbus Day (which I celebrate much as I celebrate the American version of Thanksgiving, by igoring it: who really has the heart to celebrate a genocide?), let's move on to something much more fun: Halloween!

In honor of the holiday, Echelon Press is sponsoring a contest. The deadline for contest submission is October 14th -- that's this coming Saturday, folks -- so get writing now! Specifics are below.

In honor of Halloween (and all the other holidays of fall) Echelon Press would like to publish your "Fast and Freaky" October story. The fast part means you have until October 14, 2006 to submit your story of 3000-6000 words. The winner will be notified by October 17, 2006 and have 5 days to edit/revise the story. Echelon Press will publish your story in its e-book division on October 23, 2006. Simple!

Our only real request is that your story be creepy! Creepy horror, Creepy romance, creepy mystery, you get the point. Stories must adhere to the following guidelines.

Standard Manuscript format:

File saved in Word format (.doc) or (.rtf)
8 ½ x 11 page
Times New Roman 12pt font/black
1-inch margin on all sides/ 1.5 line spacing
Align text left, do not justify (aligning text both left and right)
Header containing title, author name and page number
Capital letters at the beginning of sentences and proper nouns
Show new paragraphs by indenting first line of new paragraph. Do not add blank line between paragraphs.
Show scene breaks with * * * * centered in the appropriate line.

All cover letters must include:

Name (and pseudonym if applicable)
Mailing address
Phone number
Email address (if available)
Web address (if available)

Email your submissions to contest@echelonpress.com. The winner will be contracted and paid royalties.


So... go for it! Your chance to really have some fun with something short and creepy! And then you'll be... beyond the elements of style!


Jeannette Cézanne
Customline Wordware, Inc.