Call for Submissions: UBI-Themed Short Story Anthology

Theme: “UBI Futures: Joy in the Age of AI” #NARP

Explore a near-future world where Universal Basic Income (UBI) sustains society as AI reshapes work and life. How do people find meaning, purpose, and joy when paid for their participation in activities like:

  • Streaming movies and sports
  • Google and Bing searches
  • Using LLMs (ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini)
  • Engaging in social platforms (Reddit, Bluesky, ChatGPT, Fictionary)
  • Shopping online (Amazon, eBay)

Sample UBI short story.

I invite imaginative and boundary-pushing stories from all genres (except erotica) that capture the possibilities and pitfalls of a UBI world driven by AI automation.

Editors who want to offer their skills to the authors will also be awarded recognition in this anthology. See below for more details.

The anthology will be published through my publishing company Not A Real Publisher (NARP). See below for details.

Story Guidelines

  • Word Count: 6,000 – 12,000 words
  • Structure: Must follow the Fictionary framework (3 acts, 5 beats, 38 elements)
  • Genres: Open to all genres (except erotica)
  • Tone: Suspenseful, hopeful, cautionary, satirical – show us your vision of a world where joy pays the bills!

Timeline

  • Queries Open: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025
  • Final Manuscripts Due: May 31, 2025
  • Zoom Meetings: Scheduled sessions (attendance required) for collaboration, feedback, and progress checks. Details to follow.

Why Contribute?

  1. Expand Your Reach:
    • Engage with a dynamic community of fellow writers and readers passionate about near-future fiction.
    • Leverage your existing platforms (Bluesky, Instagram, newsletters) to cross-promote with other contributors.
  2. A Powerful Lead Magnet:
    • Use the completed anthology to attract new subscribers, followers, and fans for three years. It’s your marketing tool to grow your audience.
  3. Collaborate and Network:Interactive Zoom meetings provide opportunities to receive feedback, refine your work, and build lasting connections with other talented writers.
  4. Timely and Relevant Theme:
    • UBI, AI, and the future of work are topics that resonate globally. This anthology positions you as a thought leader tackling cutting-edge societal issues.
  5. Professional Development:
    • Master the Fictionary structure and improve your storytelling craft. This is a chance to showcase your skill and gain exposure in a professionally curated anthology.
  6. Marketing Support:
    • Collective promotion through multiple authors means wider reach and amplified visibility. Strength in numbers!

Requirements for Contributors

  • Active Platform Presence:
    • An email list with 100+ subscribers
    • Daily activity and a strong following on Bluesky, Instagram, or another social platform with engaged interaction
  • Commitment to Deadlines:
    • Timely submissions and attendance at scheduled Zoom meetings

How to Get Started

Contact Mark Bertrand on Bluesky:
 @markbertrand.bsky.social

The submission must include the skeleton blurb and the back of the book blurb. Include the outline of the three-act story grid. Send all the required in an email. No attachments. Subject: Submission UBI FUTURES. info at notarealpublisher.com

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