Castlebridge books is accepting submissions for our R.I.F. Savannah Project. We are looking for 30 authors in the greater Savannah area to write children's stories for children aged 0-5. Stories which are accepted will be edited, illustrated, and then included in our collection book to be published in 2010. The collection will be titled Sharing Savannah: A Collection of Children's Stories by Savannah Authors.

For each book sold, another copy of the book will be given to Reading Is Fundamental (R.I.F.) in Georgia. R.I.F. gives books to mostly needy children and parents in an effort to encourage a love of reading and to foster literacy. Please click on the video to the right to learn more about R.I.F.

Because this is a collection of stories, there needs to be some common bonds among them. Please follow these guidelines when writing your story(s):

• Between 400 and 600 words.
• Contain some reference to Savannah, either overt or incidental.
• Be appropriately written for children 4 and under. Simple sentences. No big words.
• Original works. No adaptations of previously published stories.
• Stories must have a plot and characters.

There are no limits to the number of submissions one author may send in. You can send them together or separately. However, only one story per author will make it into the book.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I include my own illustrations?
Absolutely, but there is no guarantee that we will use them.

What if I don't like how my story is edited?
No one likes having their creative energies fiddled with. However, our editors know the standards for literature for our target age group. You will have a chance to opt out of the book if you are not happy with the editing.

Will I be paid royalties?
No. You should expect no income from this project. It is primarily a charitable endeavor and a way to get your foot in the door in the publishing field. Once the books are printed, you may buy additional copies at wholesale pricing.

Can my story rhyme?
If you can rhyme with excellent meter, then go for it. Otherwise, rhyme will work against your story making it into the book. Fixing rhyme and meter can be very labor intensive and we cannot afford to have our editors spending their days on it. If unsure, you might consider sending one version in rhyme and one unrhymed.

Can I mention God?
Yes, you may mention God in a casual sense. Stories that are preachy or contain scripture would not be appropriate for this book.

How many books can I buy?
We ask that each author buy 20 books to start. That will put 600 books in the hands of needy families thorughout Georgia and help cover the costs of the publishing. If you want to buy more than that, simply indicate on your entry form. We will print extra books to accomodate your generosity. You will also be able to buy books at your local bookstore.

Will you have this program again next year?
If we find that we are turning down some great stories then we will consider publishing a sequel to Sharing Savannah perhaps in 2012.

Email other questions to: admin@BigTentBooks.com

 Deadline moved to April 10th!

What is R.I.F.? Watch this video to find out.

Goals for Sharing Savannah:

1. Support R.I.F. in Georgia.
2. Give new Savannah authors their first publishing credit or existing authors their next publishing credit.
3. Give SCAD illustrators their first publishing credit.
4. Sharing the city of Savannah with children and parents across the country.

Details about the book. The Sharing Savannah book will be a hardbound, full color, picture book measuring 9" x 12". It will have a dustjacket. The number of pages is yet to be determined. The book will be distributed nationwide through traditional and online retailers. We plan to print 2000 copies of the books, which means 1000 will end up in consumer hands and 1000 in the hands of a child or parent through Reading Is Fundamental. The book will retail for $19.95. Contributors will be able to buy books at the same price as book stores while supplies last.

How to enter your story(s):

Print out the entry form. If sending multiple entries, print out one form for each entry. Remember, only one story will make it into the book.

Printable Entry Form

Deadline for entries has been moved to April 10th, 2010

Mail your entry form and a copy of your story (typed or handwritten) to:

Sharing Savannah
Castlebridge Books
115 Bluebill Drive
Savannah, GA 31419

• For the fourth consecutive year RIF received a High rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities. Learn more by visiting the Charity Navigator website.
• RIF received an A+ rating from the American Institute of Philanthropy.
• Worth magazine named RIF among the "100 Best Charities."
• Parents magazine listed RIF as a featured charity in its December 2005 "Gifts From the Heart" article.