How to Become a Zharmae Press Installment Writer

TZPP is looking for brilliant writers who would like to help bring to life what will become a Zharmae signature product. We’re looking to publish a large, ongoing series set in a living, breathing, time progressing world. This project is known as the Installment Series, and we’ve dedicated an entire imprint solely for this endeavor.

A Little Q&A on the Installment Series

What exactly is the Installment Series Project?

The installment series project is a collaborative effort among three to six writers pooling their talents and energies to create an epic story ranging from 12 to 18 volumes. This gives each contributing author the opportunity to pen from 2 to 6 novels in a story of epic proportions. The series will either be Science Fiction or Fantasy based. We would like to expand in the future to alternating between the two genres annually. Assuming the concept takes off like we hope it will.

What is an Installment Writer? How is it different from a regular author?

The main difference between our Installment Writers and our other Authors is the initial investment that TZPP makes in the Installment Writer. Because of the nature of the project, installment writers are contracted for multiple manuscripts at a time, instead of just one.

How much time will I be given to complete each manuscript that I have been assigned?

You will be given 6 months initially to write each manuscript that you have taken on. An additional 90 days may be given to Authors that require more time due to other engagements. To meet our publishing schedule timeline we do have to insist on a 9 month maximum as each title will require 3-4 months for editing and re-writes, as well as a final review and approval from the Publisher. Yes, we do take into account that life happens. All we ask is that you keep an open dialogue with your editor.

What are the payment terms?

Payment is competitive and the terms are generally identical to our regular author payment terms and royalty schedules. An author accepted as a primary Intallment writer can expect per title advances from $1,500-$1,800 on average. We will however, begin with a token advance for the short story you write . This ranges from $200-$400.

What type of author is ideal as a TZPP Installment Writer?

The ideal author is interested in working with other authors in a collaborative manner, eager to create a living breathing world, and a tale on an epic scale. Also, one who is punctual with regards to timelines, has a strong writing ability, and is comfortable working with professionals who demand excellence.

If I apply for and am accepted as an Installment Writer, may I still submit my own original works?

Yes! TZPP will review any work produced by our installment writers. In fact, our installment writers generally have above average access to the editors and publisher.

What are the main things that TZPP looks for when reviewing applications?

Due to the length of the application, we look for how well the writer can clearly, logically, and engagingly string a story together, bring us to a satisfying climax, and close out with a coherent, moving, worthwhile conclusion. Character development, scene development, and story development are crucial aspects that need to be looked at closely.

So, If I’m accepted, what should I expect to be the norm?

Once we have accepted and assembled the small group of writers who will contribute to the project, Anna, the Concept Editor, will the sit down with everyone online, and lay down the base rules, the Publisher’s expectations, her expectations, the projected timeline, and a few other various things.

The group will then be given 30 days with 15 day extensions (up to 90 days) to create a master outline for the entire story. Once the master outline has been created it will go to the Publisher and TZPP Readers for review, recommendations and feedback. Then, once returned, the group will be given another 30 days to make final changes or updates and to divide the outline into 12-18 volumes. Each member will be given a timeline for when each volume is due back to Anna. The usual time allotted will be six months per volume assigned. During this time, Anna will work with each member to create a detailed outline for each volume.

Because each title in the story is put into the TZPP publishing schedule, meeting deadlines for the publishing schedule is crucial. Extensions to complete your assigned manuscripts will be granted up to 90 additional days.

Each volume will average 80,000 to 120,000 words. Please be aware that each volume is a full length manuscript. Once submitted, be prepared for us to ask you to do one or more re-writes based on constructive criticism. Each title has the potential for an edit from very minor to very heavy. Bear in mind that Anna can be tough, but she knows what she’s doing.

Once you’ve completed all of your manuscripts and finished the edits and re-writes you're free to relax!

How do I apply?

Please use the instructions below to apply:

Submit, via e-mail, a short story, it should be 10,000 – 20,000 words in length. Acceptable formats need to be document/text files, double spaced and one inch margins. Please include a short self biography and about 500 words on why you would like to work with Zharmae. Please use your spell check AND your proofreading abilities on your own work. Send us your best effort. We have several people who not only love to read, they are eagle-eyed proofreaders.

E-mail:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     Subject line should read: "Last Name, First Name -- TITLE"

Attachments

1. Self Biography, including contact information (short)

2. Why I Want to Work with Zharmae (500 words)

3. Short Story (50-60 pages, ds, 1" m, text format)