Guidelines

Call for submissions: Best Sex Writing 2011
To be edited by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Publication date: December 2010
Deadline for submissions: May 1, 2010

Editor Rachel Kramer Bussel is looking for personal essays and reportage for inclusion in the 2011 edition of the Cleis Press series Best Sex Writing, which will hit stores in December 2010. Seeking articles from across the sexual spectrum, covering alternative sexuality, reproductive rights and sexuality, sex education, sex and technology, sex work, sex and aging, sex and parenting, sex and religion, sex and race, sex and disability, BDSM, polyamory, gender roles, etc. These topics are just starting points; any writings covering the topic of sex will be considered. Personal essays will also be considered. I like work that looks at sex in new and unusual ways, that challenges us to think about sex and our own sexuality, is thought-provoking and possibly disturbing. I want sex journalism that’s found in the most unexpected places.

Previous editions of the annual series have featured authors such as Violet Blue, Susannah Breslin, Susie Bright, Betty Dodson, Stephen Elliott, Gael Greene, Ariel Levy, Daphne Merkin, Michael Musto, Tristan Taormino, Virginia Vitzhum, and others,. And Best Sex Writing 200 won the IPPY (Independent Publisher) Award for Sexuality/Relationships. See the rest of the series for examples of the types of writing being sought. I’m especially looking for reported pieces that are political, timely, intelligent, surprising, and insightful about sex (and its many subcultures).

Requirements: Unpublished or published articles or essays may be submitted. Nonfiction only. If the piece has been previously published, you must retain reprint rights (or include approval from the originating publication) for consideration. If previously published, story must have been published (or slated to be published) between June 1, 2009 and October 31, 2010, online and/or in print (book, magazine, zine or newspaper). Previous publication credits will be credited in the book.

Instructions: Please send your double-spaced submission (1,500 - 6,000 words) as a Word document (.doc only) or RTF attachment to rachel at bestsexwriting.com – you may submit a maximum of TWO pieces for consideration. You MUST include your full contact information, a bio, and previous publication details as per below.

If for some reason you are unable to send a Word document or RTF, send your submission in the body of an email. Put BSW11 in the subject line. Include your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and exact publication details (title of publication, date of publication, and any other relevant information). ONLY SEND WORK YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REPRINT.

Editors may submit up to three submissions from their publication, following the guidelines above. Please make it clear that you are the editor submitting work for consideration from your publication, and have the author’s contact information available upon request.

Email address (for queries and submissions): rachel at bestsexwriting.com

Payment: $100

Deadline: May 1, 2010

Expect to hear back from me by September 2010 at the latest.