Tales from the Bully Box available for 99 cents!

We all love our children, right? We hurt when we discover that they've been bullied -- or if they've bullied other kids. Offering help in dealing with such painful situations is at the root of our latest anthology, Tales from the Bully Box, which was edited by MG and YA writer (and all-star mom) Cat Woods.

For a very limited time, we're making Bully Box available for 99 cents. So pick up a copy and feel free to share it with others who might need it for their kids. The stories depict youth who are being bullied, who are bullies, and who see bullying around them. We don't pretend to have all the answers, but the stories offer a way for children and those who care for and about them to discuss the issues. A portion of the proceeds will go to support of the PACER anti-bullying program.

And if you pick up a copy, please share a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Every little bit helps.

Request for HORROR stories

What are you afraid of? What causes the hair on your neck to stand up? Is there a room in your childhood home that always gave you the creeps, or are there personal demons you’ve never quite exorcised? We may have a way for you to combat your fears – or perhaps you’d prefer to inflict a little horror on someone else.

Elephant’s Bookshelf Press is launching its next anthology, and if you haven’t figured it out yet, we’re looking for horror stories. There are no real restrictions in terms of genre – science fiction is just as welcome as general fiction – and they can include monsters, the occult, paranormal investigators, kids exploring the attic, you name it. Psychological horror, physical, metaphysical. All are welcome. (Except for erotica; we still don’t do erotica.) Our review team will determine whether something goes too far over the line, but we all love a good scare.

We are looking for stories of no more than 5,000 words. We expect to publish it in September. Authors will receive a copy of the printed book but no financial compensation. (For those new to EBP, we do both print and electronic roughly at the same time.) The stories must not be published elsewhere (if it’s something that appeared on your little blog, let me know; we’ll assess that on a case-by-case basis). And the rights to the individual stories will revert to the author.

Submission deadline is 6/8/15.

Limit is one story per author. Send submissions to anthologies@elephantsbookshelfpress.com.

Let me know if you have any questions (publisher@elephantsbookshelfpress.com). 

Battery Brothers Discounted!

With just about a month until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, we decided to discount Battery Brothers by Steven Carman for a couple days. So, if you're looking for a wonderful YA read, please take a look at it on Amazon, where it's in the midst of a countdown deal. Basically for the rest of today and tomorrow, it'll be available at $1.99 (down from its customary $4.99).

It's a wonderful story about two baseball-playing brothers, the elder of whom -- Andy -- was physically scarred by his now estranged mother. Beset by a bully, self-doubt, and a catastrophe for which he blames himself (though no one else does), Andy must find the strength to keep striving toward the goal he and his brother set for themselves.

It is a YA story, but we've received dozens of reviews that speak to how it's a story that works for multiple audiences of almost any age, whether they're baseball fans or not.

I hope you love it as much as I do. Tell a friend!

Welcoming in the new year

Howdy, folks! I thought I'd just touch base and see how everyone's new year is beginning. I'd love to hear what your writing goals are, what you'd like to see on this blog (personally, I'd like to see more posts; I'm open to guest posts, if anyone is interested), and other topics you want to address related to the writing world. I know I intend to offer more book reviews, interviews, and general observations on the publishing world.

Feel free to share in comments, or reach out to me at matt@elephantsbookshelfpress.com