Switchback Publication Seeks Submissions

Switchback, a publication of the MFA Program at the University of San Francisco, is accepting submissions of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and art for issue #17. The theme is “broken.”

Prizes:  $200.00 for winner, $75 and $50 for first two runners-up.

Entry fee: none

Deadline is February 28, 2013. For more information, please visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.

Indie Authors Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Indie author Catherine Mahoney would like to make everyone aware of two Facebook items organized by indie authors to help Hurricane Sandy survivors.

The “Authors Auction for Hurricane Sandy Victims” started on November 6th, asking for donations from indie authors and others for items to be auctioned off on November 16th to individuals who pay a pledge to the American Red Cross. The donor will need to present a Red Cross receipt for verification before the merchandise can be shipped to the purchaser. This event is organized by Dawn White and Brandy Schaefer Dull.

A new group was formed for indie authors who want to donate copies of their print books to the libraries wiped out by Hurricane Sandy. While most of these libraries are not prepared to receive donations at this time, once their doors are ready to open again, “Indie Authors for Hurricane Sandy Libraries” will serve as a focal point for sharing information about which libraries need what kinds of books. This group was organized by author K. S. Brooks.

These individuals, as well as many others, are dedicating their time and hearts to assist strangers and help them back on their feet. It’s wonderful that a community can come together to help people they’ve never met. Thank you to everyone who is contributing.


Indies Unlimited does not endorse or recommend any specific charity or cause. We recommend due diligence on the part of anyone who chooses to participate in any fundraising event through donation of time, money, services, or material goods. Any such causes or activities featured here on the site are for the purposes of illustrating the involvement of specific members of the indie community and are presented for informational purposes only.

How Not to Run a Contest

loser-graffiti-1024770_960_720I’m a good little indie author. Really, I am. I’m working hard on building my backlist. I have a Facebook fan page and a Twitter account, and I post regularly on both. I’m on Goodreads and Shelfari and I’m even on freaking Pinterest. And I have a blog. I’m even pretty good about posting there on a regular basis – not every day, because that would make me crazy (okay, crazier than I already am, and thanks for pointing that out). But traffic on my blog is kind…of…glacially…slow.

So I thought I’d try to increase it by offering a contest. The prize was a signed copy of my latest book. Lots of people would want one, right? Continue reading “How Not to Run a Contest”

Dick Waters Takes Flash Fiction Honors

Flash fiction heavyweight Dick Waters is the winner of our weekly Flash Fiction competition. Congratulations to Dick, and thanks to everyone who participated – excellent entries!

The winning entry is rewarded with a special feature here today and a place in our collection of winners which will be published as an e-book at year end.

Without further ado, here’s the winning entry: Continue reading “Dick Waters Takes Flash Fiction Honors”