Hi all!

Well, I've been discussing this on the Lit Den forums, and we're hosting a raffle of sorts, a giveaway. It's very easy, for the fiction writers, journalists, poets, artists and photographers to be in with a shot at winning.

Now, we can't afford to just hand out books like other people (although I do have a few I will probably be giving away at some stage). However, we have three copies of The Literary Den Book of New Fiction 2009 to give away to the public when it's released. As far as I know, this will be in the middle of July, or perhaps a little later.

So here's how to win. Very easy, just submit to our magazine! Every submission, including those already made by members of the public, will be entered into a RANDOM draw to win one of the three books. All the money from the books goes to the Laura Crane Trust (reg. 1058464), based in Huddersfield, Yorkshire.

So what to submit?

We're accepting: articles relevant to the literary world, preferrably not something that will be old news very quickly; short stories in any genre, although if you're aiming for younger readers, please mention that; poems on any topic; comic strips which can be expected to continue through the magazine; artwork and photography that displays a message, or is a demonstration of real talent; writing tips, although it should be pointed out that we will be reading these, and if no one can see the point in what you're saying, it's likely it won't get in (general tips work best; the more experience you have, the better); book reviews of your favourite books, ever - any related to members of the Den are even better!

When to submit?

Right up to the release, and beyond. Although, unless there are huge delays, the competition will close the moment the book hits the proverbial bookshelf. Take it as being mid-July, but keep an eye on our Twitter to get the finalised date.

Where to submit to?

I will be accepting all magazine entries. Send them to literary_mania(at)yahoo(dot)ie with the subject line Magazine Submission on or before the closing date to be entered. All successful entries will be published in the magazine, though not all in the same issue, based on the number of submissions we get.

This is a new magazine people, specifically for the public! Tell your friends!

Note of word limits

Short stories up to 3,000 words will be accepted. We would prefer a minimum of 1,500 words, although less than that may still be published. Articles and reviews must not exceed 1,500 words, unless the subject content is large; contact us in advance if you're not sure. Poems can be of any length, though poems of length greater than 80 lines may not be published. Comic strips may consist of 1-6 panels. If successful, expect further contact to arrange sequel comics.

The Literary Den reserves the right not to publish work (although this doesn't happen a lot after we've said 'yes.') Please send in material in an editted form. The prize of three books may be subject to change, although such changes will be made public the moment they are final. Copyright remains with the author, although by submitting to the Literary Den, we reserve the right to publish your work elsewhere - note that the members of the Literary Den are not making a profit from the magazine or other sales. Any money the Den does acquire that is not related to the Laura Crane Trust will be used to further the promotion and development of the Den, and will not be split among the active parties of the Den.

Also note that successful poets will be contacted to submit to the an Anthology of Poetry, editted by Elizabeth Dyer.

Any further questions can be posted here, or emailed to me @ literary_mania(at)yahoo(dot)ie

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

With the rising work in the Den and the fun we get out of it, we thought it only right to launch The Literary Den Book of New Fiction 2009! The book will be very much like the last - we'll be donating all the money to The Laura Crane Trust, while helping authors get their names out there.

To get involved, you need to get on the forum. All the details will be posted up there as the project goes on, so it's the place to be. See our website for links to go to the forum homepage, or to Sign Up!

http://literaryden.co.uk

People who participate on the forum will be considered, if they're interested, for the 09 book. Don't just arrive and say something along the lines of "I'm John/Jane Doe, and I would like to be in the book!" Be active, talk to others in various threads. Trust me, it can be fun. The idea is that you get to know the people you write with, and your editors (who will be assigned based a rota).

So what are you waiting for?

(Also in 2009 - the launch of the Literary Den magazine - http://www.bebo.com/litdenmagazine - the campaign - see the forum for details - and a potential Poetry Anthology!!)

Hey guys,

Got some exciting news! Darren Shan, the proclaimed No. 1 Master of Horror, has agreed to participate in an e-interview with The Literary Den Magazine. We're very lucky to get this opportunity, and are, of course, going to use it to full advantage!

We're offering you the chance to interview Mr Shan in this once-off interview for the Den. To qualify, all you have to do is submit a short story, under the genre Horror, to the Literary Den by March 11th. The judges are Andy Walker and Rachel Phipps, (our Master of Horror and Literary Editor respectively).

If Andy and Rachel like particular stories enough, they may find their way into the magazine's first issue. Submit to literary_mania@yahoo.ie with the subject Horror-Shan (so I can avoid spam messages!)

Best of Luck,
Paul Carroll.