This call for manuscripts was published on the web, and posted on the fasola discussion and singing lists, in November 2000.
I plan to publish a collection of new shape-note tunes in the Sacred Harp tradition in 2001, and invite all music writers to submit up to four compositions.
The final book will be 8-1/2 x 11 inches (vertical). I intend to keep the final price super-low for maximum distribution, so production values will be the same as those in my Beginner's Guide to Shape-Note Music -- i.e., cheap. My goal is to present as many new tunes to as broad an audience as possible. Composers will retain copyright; I will copyright only the collection. I plan to sell bulk orders at a substantial discount to local Sacred Harp groups, who can sell the books as modest fund-raisers.
If all goes well, copies will be available at the Midwest Convention in Chicago next April.
Submission guidelines:
1. Submit your music on 8-1/2 x 11 sheets with all notes and words clearly visible. Entries can be handwritten, typeset, or a combination of the two; legibility is key. No composition will be reset, and I won t correct typos. You may include two short songs on one sheet as long as words and music are legible. Neither the number of compositions nor the number of pages may exceed four.
2. Submission deadline: March 15, 2001. [This was extended to March 31. -Ed.]
3. Please do not send tunes that have been published elsewhere, e.g., Northern Harmony, The Sacred Harper's Companion, etc. I do not want this new book to compete with fine existing collections.
4. Only four-shape tunes in the Sacred Harp genre will be considered. Please do not send choral music that happens to be written in shapes.
5. Send compositions to Lisa Grayson (see minute book for address). Sorry, I cannot return manuscripts, so don't send your only original. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish me to acknowledge receipt.
6. If you wish to include copyright contact information, please add it at the bottom of the page.
7. Please include the following information, in the same location as in The Sacred Harp:
8. I will try to include as many tunes as possible. But please realize that the editor's decision is subjective -- and final.
I regret to say that due to sheer indolence I do not intend to carry on a lengthy correspondence with anyone regarding this tunebook, as I wish to conserve my time for the project itself. But I will post news here to keep you informed of progress.
Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from many of you!
(Author, A Beginner's Guide to Shape-Note Singing; Biography of a Hunch: The History of the Old Town School of Folk Music )
