Rules and Guidelines

Deadline for submissions: December 31, 2010

General Rules for the Matters Most Extraordinary Project

1. Stories should be based on real history, and should feature historical characters and/or historical events. The outcome of these events cannot be changed. (For example, if you are focusing on a pivotal battle in history, you may alter the details of how the battle is fought, but you may not change the historical outcome of the battle).


2. The reason for the supernatural powers is not to be definitively explained in your story, although characters may form their own opinions as to the source of their powers. (For instance, the abilities of a Greek hoplite cannot be explained by saying that they were given to him by an alien, but a Catholic priest can believe that his powers were a gift from God.)


3. Existing religions cannot be attacked. Religious events that are the foundation of their religion may not be the target of stories, but apocryphal religious events that are not foundational to their religion can be used. (For example, it is not acceptable to say that Jesus performed miraculous acts because he was a human with superpowers, but the Crusaders' vision at Antioch is an acceptable topic).

Submission Guidelines

• Word count: We prefer stories within the range of 1000-15,000 words. Flash fiction (< 1000 words) with be considered, but is not preferable. We do not guarantee that we will read novellas (> 15,000 words).


• Poems and artwork: May be accepted by our discretion, but not preferable. Artwork should be tied to a short story. We are not specifically looking for cover art at the moment, but we may be interested at a later time.


• Format: Please e-mail your stories in a .DOC or .RTF format to mostextraordinary [at] gmail.com. We prefer our submissions to be in manuscript format, with a legible 12pt font. Cover letters are optional.


• Payment: Unfortunately, as we plan to be a free online publication we are unable to offer payment. However, you will be given an author biography section, and you are free to advertise your other work.


• Rights: We will claim first electronic rights, or reprint rights in the case of a reprint.


• Multiple submissions, simultaneous submissions, reprints: All are welcome. However, we do request that you let us know if you are sending us a reprint.


• Response time: We will review your work and respond as quickly as possible. If you do not receive a response within 30 days, you may send us a query regarding the status of your submission.