Auction of Promises

​Due for publication in Spring 2027, "Auction of Promises" is the second book in our "Middle Itchenstoke" series. You are welcome to write linked stories or feature recurring characters, or create something completely new.

If you are thinking of writing a story for this book please ensure you download the guidelines here.​

 

The anthology is based on the idea of an Auction of Promises - these are charity auctions where people sell themselves to the highest bidder offering services or favours - maybe the chef from the village pub offers to cook a meal,  someone offers a day of gardening, or to teach the winner how to play a musical instrument - or perhaps - and this is where your imagination comes in - it's something much more interesting. 

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We think that an auction like this could lead to some very interesting stories...

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Background

 

The auction is taking place at the Middle Itchenstoke Spring Fete in a contemporary setting - all stories should be set in the present day without naming a year. The funds raised go towards the"Middle Itchenstoke Trust" - a charity that funds village projects - environmental, social, supportive, entertainment etc. 

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The village of Middle Itchenstoke is close to the villages of Great Itchenstoke and nether Itchenstoke. It sits on the river Itchen, in Hampshire, but is of course entirely fictitious. It's inhabitants are mainly middle class, some have grown up there and some have moved "out of the city". 

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It's a very small village - it has a pub called The Red House, a church - St Raymond's -  named after the patron saint of secrets and gossip,  a small primary school, a village hall and a traditional village shop and post office, a cricket ground and clubhouse, and a few farms on the edges.

If you are thinking of writing a story for this book please ensure you download the guidelines here.​

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There is no cost for you to submit a story and there is no cost if we choose it for publication.  As an author you will be able to buy as many copies as you like at half-price, enabling you to resell and make a profit. ​

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About Your Story

 

• These stories should be light and entertaining.  They should be funny, heartwarming or moving.  

• Each story should contain one instance (no more) of a character saying something about the village residents, or selected residents, being "perfectly respectable people" (this is a feature of this series)

• This book is intended for adult readers

• Each story should be 3000 - 6000 words

• You remain the copyright owner of your story and you are free to publish it elsewhere. More details ​

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Formatting

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• We will provide a Microsoft Word template for you to use, along with style and formatting guidelines. 

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Project Rules

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• No submissions from under 18s for this particular project.

• Your story must be all your own work.

• Your story must not contain anything that is legally questionable or libellous.

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How the book will be sold

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• The book will be sold primarily on Amazon.  

• You will have the option to buy as many copies as you like at half price if you choose, which you can resell or give away.

• We ask authors to spread the word among friends and family - after all, they'll want to read your story!

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Deadline and Publication Date 

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• Submission deadline: 31st December

• Publication date: Spring 2027

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Money

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• We will never ask you to pay to contribute to our books

• We do not pay royalties but you can make money from your story by buying as many copies as you like at a discounted rate and reselling although there is no obligation to do so. 

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