Chimera Projects

Spark: Celebrities, Representation and Decisive Moments (tentative title) seeks creative nonfiction essays that explore how celebrities, public figures and pop culture phenomena inspire us to understand ourselves, our identities, our decisions and pivotal moments in our lives. While we may never really know celebrities, we may feel connections to them based on who or what they represent and how that reflects moments in our own lives. Celebrities may be heroes, villains, sign posts or temporary influences. They may be our crushes, our deities, or who we love to mock. Essays should be first person and bring readers on a journey, encouraging emotional, visual or visceral connection to your experience. Celebrities (etc.) need not be contemporary nor do they have to be mega-stars or household names - the concept of celebrity, public figure or pop culture phenomenon for this call is broad. Essays should be between 2,000-4,000 words, and writers will be paid $.02 per word and a complimentary copy of the book. The anthology will be illustrated original portraits of the celebrities. 

By June 1, 2023, please email your essay and your name, mailing address, phone number, preferred email address, 100-150 word biographical statement to Lee Fearnside at chimeraprojectsart (at) gmail.com. Notification of acceptance will be sent by July 1, 2023. All submitted work must be previously unpublished.

Authors will retain copyright, however authors will grant Chimera Projects first English-language publication rights and continuing, non-exclusive right to reproduce the author's work as part of this anthology.

BOOK SUBMISSIONS ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR 2023.

If you think your work may be a good fit for Chimera Projects, please send us a proposal to chimeraprojectsart (at) gmail.com. Proposals should have the following components.

Author Bio: Briefly describe your background as a writer. List any publication credits, if applicable, or anything you'd like to share about your talents.

A Synopsis: No more than one page to summarize the work.

The Work: Please submit an unpublished manuscript or sample (at least 30 pages for full-length works).

Simultaneous submissions are ok, just let us know if your work is accepted elsewhere. Previously published work is not accepted.

We will respond in 3-6 months - send us a nudge if you don't hear back by then.

Authors will retain copyright, however authors will grant Chimera Projects first English-language publication rights and continuing, non-exclusive right to reproduce the author's work as part of the book or anthology.