OUT ON FRATERNITY ROW 2 Brotherhood Revealed       Frequently Asked Questions         Question: What type of stories are you looking for?         Answer: OFR2 allows a whole new chapter of fraternity men to come out and tell all. We don't just want to share the positive side or merely reflect the negative side, we want varied personal accounts relating to different aspects of being gay or bisexual in a college fraternity. These stories can range in experience -from the eyes of a gay rushee, to the secret tales of a closeted brother, to the acceptance of a brother coming out, to even the thrill of dating another fraternity brother. We want all the stories, let the truth be told.         Question: What is the purpose of the book?         Answer: Quite simply, we hope the book will once again tell the story of gay and bisexual male experiences within the college fraternity. More importantly, we hope the book will delve deeper and explore current issues related to fraternity life, brotherhood and sexuality. And, just like the first Out on Fraternity Row, we are creating a whole new se of dynamic educational tools for fraternity professionals on sexual orientation issues.         Question: Do you have to be a gay or bisexual fraternity man to share a story?         Answer: No. If you have a true, non-fiction story to share about being gay or bisexual in a college fraternity, it does not matter who tells the story. For example, you can be a straight brother who talks about his experience having a gay brother in his chapter; you can be a woman who had a fraternity man come out to her; you can be a rushee who was denied a bid to join because he was openly gay; or you could even be a gay man who dated a closeted fraternity man. The importance is not your perspective; rather, that you have a message and a complete story from beginning to end.         Question: What is the deadline for submitting a story?         Answer: All stories are due on/before June 10, 2004. You can view the complete publication timeline by clicking here.         Question: What is the desired length for the story?         Answer: Submissions should not exceed 3000 words (approximately twelve typewritten double-spaced pages). Only double-spaced typewritten manuscripts will be accepted. You can view more details related to writing guidelines by clicking here.         Question: What are the elements of a well-written story?         Answer: Stories should use descriptive scenarios to place the reader in a moment of time, reflecting emotion, giving voice to your story. We believe each story should have the end result in mind -- the purpose and message. The writer should not just use narrative, that is boring. We want to allow the voices of the characters in the story to be alive (using quotes). Writers may submit stories in a variety of styles from poems, to letters, to a more traditional story format. The writer should indicate early-on in the story such descriptors as the era, time of year, location, college/university, and fraternity affiliation to orientate the reader and set the scene. You can find writing tips by clicking here. You can find sample stories by clicking here.         :Question: How do I get started writing my story?         Answer: Perfect... we want everyone to ask this question because it means you are serious about writing your story. You should not let writer's block or inexperience get in your way. As a result, we developed resources, sample stories and a section devoted to writing tips. You can see the writing tips to get you started by clicking here.         Question: Do you have any sample stories to share?         Answer: Yep, We sure do. You can read a copy of the bestseller Out on Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity and the companion piece Secret Sisters: Stories of Being Lesbian and Bisexual in a College Sorority. A couple of the benefits of reading the books is to get you in the mood as well as hear what has been said before. You can purchase either book by clicking here. We have also shared sample stories to read online by clicking here.         Question: How finished should my story be when submitted?         Answer: Writers are expected to proofread and edit the manuscript prior to submission. The story should not be a first draft. Your story may be eliminated based on the quality of the submission, so get your friends, a family member, and, or a professor to take a look prior. The story should be ready to go to print, maybe with minor suggestions. And, of course, we will edit as necessary.         Question: Does the story have to be real, non-fiction?         Answer: Yes. This book will only have non-fiction, true accounts of life within the college fraternity.         Question: How many stories will be included in the book?         Answer: Well, we don't know the certain number. It all depends on the length of each story selected, but we hope to have over 30+ men share personal accounts of fraternity life.         Question: How confidential is my contact information? Can I be anonymous?         Answer: Good question. We want all stories to be told, so any personal contact information shared for the Call for Writers is highly confidential. Your personal information will not be released without your permission. That is why each writer must complete the Lambda 10 Project Publishing/Confidentiality Agreement by clicking here.         A writer may choose to be anonymous and use a pseudonym for his story. Such anonymity is not a problem. However, the writer must share his personal contact information with the Lambda 10 Project. A writer must also have permission to use any names mentioned in the story. If not, the writer needs to use false names and indicate all instances where names have been changed in accordance with the Publishing/Confidentiality Agreement.         Question: Where do I find a copy of the first book, Out on Fraternity Row?         Answer: You can find a copy in your campus library more than likely and, or your fraternity/sorority life office/advisor. You may also purchase a copy at a discounted price by clicking here.         Question: When will I know if my story is chosen for the book?         Answer: Stories are due on/before June 10, 2004. Our hope is to notify writers no later than August 10, 2004. Timelines may change.         Question: Can I submit the story as an electronic document?         Answer: Yes. You may submit your story via email to shane@lambda10.org. However, you must also send by mail three hard copies, the Publishing/Confidentiality Agreement, any photos and signed Photo Permission Form. So either way, your going to need to use snail mail. You can find the step by step checklist on how to submit your story by clicking here.         Question: Why do I have to complete the publishing/confidentiality agreement form, publisher's contract and photo permission forms?         Answer: Hmmmm... We do not do paperwork for paperwork sake. These forms are necessary legal documents to protect the writer, the editor and the publisher. You must complete in order to be considered for the book.         Question: Do I get compensated financially for my story? Answer:  No, I'm sorry. The book is for educational purposes and we do not have resources to pay individual writers.  However, we will give each writer whose story is chosen for final publication two complimentary copies of the book.