New Anthology Series Seeking Submissions: Small town papers, small businesses and more

As Hippocampus Magazine and Books LLC grows its print division, we’ve created a new line of anthologies. We already have a collection of radio essays called Air in production, and ready for a March 2019 launch. We’re also in the selection process for a second anthology celebrating diner culture, tentatively titled Greasy Spoon.

As we considered topic ideas for our next few anthologies, a theme emerged. Rather than these be individual anthologies, they will now be part of a new, yet-to-be-named series focusing on nostalgia.

This theme means a lot to me. It could be because I’ve just entered by 40s, but I’m feeling a longing for the way things used to be. Of course, the world changes, and we change. But, more than ever, I’m drawn to the past. To the things in my attic, to the jobs I used to have, to the places I used to go, to the stories my long-gone relatives told me. The goal of this series will be to keep memories alive, to preserve places and moments in time.

We’re opening for submissions for our next two anthologies at the same time since they will likely appeal to different people. We’re planning these for a 2020 release.

We first announced this plan at HippoCamp 2018 during our closing remarks, and now I’m happy to make it public!

Thank you for reading,

Donna Talarico, publisher

Anthology Call for Submission Details

Ink

This anthology will celebrate print media—magazines and newspapers—from the pre-digital age. We want to hear stories from all parts of these operations, from the newsroom to production. We want to hear from those who worked for small town papers and big city dailies. We want to hear about how these publications built community, impacted change, celebrated local milestones, or mourned national tragedies. We want to hear how people chased stories, and we’re interested in the stories behind those with the bylines. We want to hear how your printed words made a difference—as well as how your career affected you.

Note: We’re not interested in individual reflection per se, but rather compelling essays with a clear narrative arc.

Main

This anthology will celebrate small town America.  We want to hear about small family-owned businesses, such as the stores and specialty shops that used to rule Main Street America. What did you family sell? Make? Fix? Build? How did these businesses define you or your family members? How did they evolve over time? While we’re open to all time periods, we’re most interested in business that began in the pre-Internet era—and we’re especially interested in places that span generations.

Note: We’re not interested in individual reflection per se, but rather compelling essays with a clear narrative arc. Place and sensory detail will be important in these essays, too. We want these places to come alive through your words.

Other details:

• Deadline for both: March 30, 2019 August 30, 2019
• Word count: Up to 5,000 words
• Details: If your piece is selected, you’ll receive a $25 honorarium and two contributor copies.
• Submit at Submittable.