Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a professional writer to submit?
No! We all experience the loss of a dog and interpret these feelings differently. We are looking for a range of stories from all walks of life anywhere in the world. Plus, if your story is selected, it will be professionally edited so there’s no need to worry about being perfect when you submit. We just hope you do.
Where can I buy it?
Gone Dogs is available as a stunning hardcover coffee table book, and both in color and black and white as softcover books. We also have it available on Kindle. You can check out all the ways to order by clicking here.
Does my dog have to be dead?
Yes. The very essence of our book is to create a collection of tributes celebrating the lives of dogs that we’ve loved and lost. Submit your dog’s tribute now.
If I’ve previously published a story, can I still submit it?
If you previously published your story on your own blog or website, or in a book you own, you may submit it to us. However, if your story was part of another publication, then we can’t take it. Likewise, if you published your story on a website you do not own, and that website has exclusivity to the content, then we can’t take it. See our full IPAA here.
Can I submit a poem?
Yes.
Is this a coffee table book?
Yes. The size of the hardcover book is 8.5 x 8.5 inches, and is filled with beautiful photographs and amazing stories. Definitely something you’ll want to leave out when company comes over. Order now.
Does my story have to be sad?
NOOOOO. In fact, we do not want sad. A dog being gone is sad enough. We want happy, funny, loving tributes to these sweet friends. We want to know the best part of your life around them. We want to know about the funny stories. The little miracles. The way your dog can read your mind. All those kinds of things. looking for just the opposite. As with our original book, all subsequent volumes will contain a range of stories that are funny, moving, and happy. Stories that any dog lover anywhere in the world can identity with.
Can I submit more than one story?
Yes, but we will only publish one story per author. So if you’re torn between two different stories, feel free to submit both.
Will you be editing my submission?
Yes. If your story is selected for inclusion, it will be edited by a professional copy editor and proofreader. We will never alter the story itself, but every story will be edited for consistency and grammar. This is why we have an entry fee for submissions.
Why is there an entry fee?
If you’ve ever submitted creative work for inclusion in an anthology, to be part of an exhibit, you’ve probably paid an entry fee. Market standard on a book like ours is about $25. Our fee is $10. And we do not make a penny from these fees. They are used to help pay for professional vetting, copyediting and proofreading. Gone Dogs is operated by two people – a copywriter and a designer/artist. We have to hire others to help with certain aspects of our endeavor. There’s just no way we could make all these stories sing without professional help. That’s why we charge a $10 entry fee per story.
Can I help fund the project?
Yes! We need to spread the word about the book beyond what we can do via word-of-mouth. The more people we can reach, the more stories we will have. Click here to donate to our campaign. Thank you!
What happens if my story is selected for publication?
If your story is selected for inclusion in Gone Dogs, you’ll be contacted via email. You will receive two (2) copies of the book as payment, and will be cited in the table of contents as an author. We will also feature you here on our site, with links back to whatever channels you like. But first you have to commit to submit!
Can I mail my story and check via the US mail?
No. We can only take digital submissions and payment at this time.
How many stories will be included in Gone Dogs?
We estimate between 40-50 stories. Submit yours today.
Is there a specific story length you’re looking for?
We are looking for stories ranging from 500-2500 words. Obviously, poems do not fall into this range. If your story contains fewer words or is a little longer, we can probably make an exception once it’s selected for inclusion. Submit your story today.
Is there a deadline for story submissions?
The deadline for submissions to be included in Volume One was April 22, 2018. But don’t worry, we will have future Volumes of Gone Dogs. Click here to sign up for notifications.
When will the book be finished?
The dog days of summer, 2019. Order your copy today.
Why do you charge a fee to submit a story?
The fee for entries is to cover the cost of vetting entries and editing stories selected for inclusion in the book.
Do I need to include a photograph with my submission?
Yes. We ask that you include a photograph even if you don’t think it’s very good. Seeing a photo of your dog helps us interpret your story in a personal way. Should your story be selected for inclusion, we will work with you to get the best imagery possible. In the event you simply do not have an image, we’ll work something else out. The main thing is that you submit your story.