Downstate Story is published every
fall. Each issue contains 10 original short stories and
original illustrations. We accept a variety of genres so
that every reader who looks at Downstate
Story will find something fascinating.
The deadline is always June 30.
Meanwhile we also promote Downstate Story, as well as
the reading of fiction in general. We hold readings, and
our writers have read and been interviewed on radio and
TV.
As a not-for-profit venture, our goal is to break
even financially through sales, so that Downstate
Story can support itself and need not depend on
subsidies, grants or advertising - though we're flexible,
and not ruling these out entirely. People can help by
mentioning Downstate Story and similar
publications to friends, encouraging libraries to order
copies, or buying copies for themselves or friends. It
costs $8, postpaid in the USA, and makes a good gift. Add
$1 more for non-USA postage. You can reach an order blank
at the end of this page.
We encourage potential contributors to buy a copy to
support the magazine, and to become familiar with
it.
Story guidelines, in general: short fiction or
narrative written to the standards of fiction, under 2000
words, never published before. Shorter is better. We
prefer some connection with Illinois or the Midwest. We
also need illustrators. All contributors are paid $50 on
acceptance for their work. We buy first rights, including
Internet publication. Anyone can submit work.
Please enclose an SASE for a response. In this age of
cheap copies we do NOT return manuscripts, as of 1/1/03.
We do NOT accept e-mail manuscripts, but we REQUIRE
correspondance via e-mail for the speed and cost savings.
If you plan to send us a manuscript, be sure you have
access to e-mail. All manuscripts should have a valid
e-mail address, as well as a valid phone number.
We notify all authors of our decisions in late
fall. Don't call us -- we will notify you!
Send manuscripts to: Downstate Story 1825 Maple Ridge
Peoria, IL 61614
