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Foreign Encounters is our third Anthology. Our first anthology in 2010 celebrated not only short story week in November but also the first anniversary of the launch of Writers Abroad. So we've come a long way since then and boy, have we learnt a lot about the writing process, not only from each other but by reading and editing work of writers around the world.
Within the twelve week submission period we received and read over 225 submissions. All our members are volunteers, they offer their time free over and above the other commitments they have, so it's quite an achievement.
In addition to reading submissions, members are part of the publication process in a number of ways - from editing and proofing, cover design and writing the 'blurb', keeping in touch with authors, creating a final proof for hard copy publication and e-book version, liaising with our preface author and our chosen charity.
So, although we haven't been able to offer individual feedback on the stories, we hope that submitting authors understand that our time is being used to create a professional and entertaining anthology that will raise money for a very worthwhile cause. In fact we've had emails from authors whose submissions have not been selected, thanking us for taking the time to let them know and asking how they can help promote the book once published. Now that's what I call commitment.
Foreign Encounters will be released in October - details of the publication will be announced on the site and we're looking forward to a successful marketing plan (that's another role members are actively involved in I forgot to mention ) that will make a difference to children and their access to reading.
A big thanks to all members of Writers Abroad for their perseverance and loyalty and to all submitting authors for their contributions.
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