Last year, we launched a super exciting contest with Inkshares, an online crowdfunding publisher, to find some of the next great science fiction and fantasy writers. Hundreds of writers submitted novel pitches, chapter samples, and character concept art in order to entice readers to pre-order their book. The winning books were automatically funded by Inkshares, which mean they began work with editors to complete their projects, received production, marketing, and distribution support, AND will see their published works available in places like Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. Two of the winners were selected to join our official Nerdist Inkshares Collection, which were handpicked by our editorial team to receive promotion and support from us, too. The contest was SO fun and such a rousing success that this year we’re teaming up with our pals at Geek & Sundry for six more contests, each with their own unique theme, so we can help even more writers get published!

Every two months, either Nerdist or Geek & Sundry will announce a new theme for submissions, and we’re kicking things off with the first: SPACE OPERA. Inspired by classics like Dune, Stranger in a Strange Land, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and, you know, a little movie franchise called Star Wars, this contest may just find the next great galactic adventure. You can submit a concept for a novel, a chapter, or even the full manuscript—anything that will show readers what your idea is so they pre-order YOUR book. (Not into space stuff? Don’t worry: Geek & Sundry’s up next and they’ll have a whole new theme for you to try.)

The top three books with the most unique pre-orders (you know, so your mom doesn’t just buy 500 copies, bless her heart) will be published by Inkshares, even if they haven’t reached their pre-order goal. Plus, one (or more!) will be selected by us or Geek & Sundry to be in our collection on Inkshares. The contest runs from Monday, February 1, through Tuesday, March 15, so you have six weeks to submit your pitch, spread the word about the contest, and see if your book makes it to the tippity-top of pre-orders. (You’ll join the ranks of Star Wars: Rogue One writer Gary Whitta and the two Nerdist Collection books, Welcome to Deadland and It’s All Fun and Games.)

All the info you need to participate is on the official Inkshares Contest Page, and they also have a handy in-depth FAQ to answer any questions you may have. So what are you waiting for? Get writing!

Stay tuned for highlights from the contest, interviews with the reigning champions throughout the month, and let us know what YOUR idea is on Twitter (@nerdist) using #NerdistInkshares.

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Featured image courtesy of deviantArt // artist: stayinwonderland