If you tune into the Sistah Sundays and LunchLines teleseminars, you can get even more information, straight from the editor. (That's tip number one. :)
In selecting Sistahfaith stories, there are many considerations, but three are most consistent:
1. PERSONAL-Though we get many stories that are grammatically correct, fit into a chapter and address the books subject matter, many of them read like a thesis or a sermon. We're looking for some emotional connection or insight into your story. It doesn't have to tie up neatly or have a perfect "take away" necessarily, but we do want to feel some closeness and relate in some way. This book is not a light, coffee table treatise on friendship or shame. It's hard in some places, but real in every place. Pray before you write, keep it clean, but keep it real.
2. POWERFUL-This is not something we can really quantify, except to say that we know it when we see it. The story below was read during the first Sistahfaith teleseminar and although everyone had been chatting and laughing minutes before, when Marilynn finished reading, the was a hush. Someone might have even been sniffling. No one had much to say after that, there were no words at the moment. That's power and not just the power of the author's words or writing skill, but the power of God. That kind of power may take some waiting, some praying, some wrestling, but don't give up until it's there.
3. PUBLISHABLE-During the first round of submissions, there were many stories that were almost there or had good parts that could have been focused on for a good story. Unfortunately, there was not time to line edit each submission and give critiques. The book had to be sent out. Now that a publisher has contracted Sistahfaith, the same thing holds. We must turn in stories that concentrate on a specific incident, not a life long testimony. The stories need to flow and be proofread. The author must decide whether she wants to tell her real name (and whether she'll tell the real tale). These stories may require some long nights and lots of encouragement from your friends.
And that's what we are here, friends. Or at least that's what we'd like to be. So, kneel down and ask God to open the book He's written on you and turn to the write page. Get somewhere that feels safe and take off your bra and wiggle your toes, run your fingers through your hair and light a candle. Then, tell us your tale.
We're waiting to read it.
Blessings,
The Sistahfaith Team
