dot dot dash is morse code for you.F.A.Q.

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» The dotdotdash FAQ

› Why ‘dotdotdash’? And what’s with the ducks?
› Where can I buy dotdotdash?
› How did dotdotdash begin?
› How are works selected for the magazine?
› Do you pay for submissions?
› I would like to submit work using a pseudonym. Is this allowed?
› Why did it take you so long to accept electronic submissions in all categories? Tree killers!
› Do I have to fill in a submission form if I send an electronic entry?
› What kind of feedback do you give on submissions?
› I have an art piece that I would like to submit, but I’ve already put my signature on it so it is no longer anonymous.
Does this make my entry invalid?
› How can I join the dotdotdash staff?
› How is dotdotdash funded?
› How often does dotdotdash come out?
› How can I sponsor or advertise in dotdotdash?
› What are the future plans of the magazine?
› What is Duckduckdash? Is it some kind of doppelganger that wants to be your friend?
› What is creative non-fiction?



» Why ‘dotdotdash’? And what’s with the ducks?

We chose ‘dotdotdash’ for a number of reasons: first, it is Morse code for the letter u (i.e. You! Yes, you!). Secondly, we wanted a playful name – ‘dotdotdash’ sounds similar to the children’s game Duck-Duck-Goose. Thirdly, we were overjoyed at the prospect of confusing people with our web address (‘Oh it’s easy, just go to double-u double-u double-u dot dotdotdash dot org’).



» Where can I buy dotdotdash?

Collins Booksellers 23 Napoleon St, Cottesloe WA 6011 (08) 9284 7070
Form 357 Murray Street, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9226 2799
PICA Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Northbridge WA 6003 (08) 9228 6300
Magnation 88 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (03) 9663 6559
William Topp 452 William St, Northbridge WA 6003 (08) 9228 8733
MillPoint Caffe Bookshop 254 Mill Point Rd, South Perth WA 6151 (08) 9367 4567
The Butcher Shop 276 William St, Northbridge WA 6003 (08) 9328 8082
Mixtape Gallery 454 William St, Northbridge WA 6003 04 3984 4910
Oxford St Books 119 Oxford St, Leederville WA 6007 (08) 9443 9844
Readings 309 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053 (03) 9347 6633
Readings 112 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182 (03) 9525 3852
Readings 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC (03) 9819 1917
Readings 185 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC (03) 9509 1952
Readings 253 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC (03) 9681 9255
Planet Books 636-647 Beauford St, Mt Lawley WA 6050 (08) 9328 7464
Love In Tokyo Shop 2/90 King St, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9226 2110
Violet Pilot 261 Queen Victoria St, North Fremantle 6159 WA (08) 9336 2486
78 Records 914 Hay St, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9322 6384
Coastal Shelf 6-8 Pier St, Perth WA 6000 04 2418 8233
Loop Jewellery and Design 30 High St, Fremantle 6160 WA (08) 9335 177
Perth Zine Collective 48 Calley Dr, Leeming WA 04 3185 8765
Fantastic Planet 8 Shafto Lane, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9481 8393
New Edition 82 High Street, Fremantle WA 6160 (08) 9335 2383
State Library Bookshop Alexander Library Building, Perth Cultural Centre
Francis Street, Northbridge WA 6003 		(08) 9427 3211

And don't forget our website, where you can take out an annual or half-yearly subscription.



» How did dotdotdash begin?

dotdotdash was conceived by Steven Finch in 2008. He insistently emailed his creative writing peers during and after the final hours of his course. A group finally met together in January 2009, and decided that it was a strange shame that few people attempt to publish a creative journal, or get involved with the local arts scene. Fuelled by collective talent, enthusiasm and encouragement, the dotdotdash project steamrolled into what it is today, with many people joining our project along the way.



» How are works selected for the magazine?

At the opening of submissions, we appoint a selection panel for each genre (artwork, short stories, poetry, CNF, etc.). Each submission is given a code and entered into a spreadsheet so that the works can be judged anonymously.

Each team has a separate selection process, but it generally goes like this: each member is given the chance to read or view every entry, over a number of weeks, with each editor making their own shortlist of works that stand out. Then, once everybody in the team has read or viewed each work, the team gathers to make their selections. Lastly, all the editing teams get together with the managing editor to make final selections.

Writing and art submissions by dotdotdash staff are also judged anonymously.  



» Do you pay for submissions?

dotdotdash currently does not pay for submissions due to lack of sponsorship. If you would like to sponsor us, please contact Steven Finch at . However, successful submitters are given a free pass to our launch, which includes a free copy of the magazine.



» I would like to submit work using a pseudonym. Is this allowed?

Our submission forms have a space for your real name and your published name. You are indeed allowed to submit under a pseudonym; however, we also need your real name. Also, please note that the limits for each category (e.g. up to three poems per entrant) still apply if you submit under several pseudonyms – please stick to this to be fair to the other entrants.



» Why did it take you so long to accept electronic submissions in all categories? Tree killers!

Ow. We requested hardcopies for written submissions because generally hardcopies are easier and more pleasant to read than squinting at a computer screen. Also, we’re a volunteer organisation and naturally wanted to save on printing costs. We’ve decided to switch to electronic submissions because – yes, it’s more environmentally friendly, and it’s easier to disseminate amongst the judging panel members.



» Do I have to fill in a submission form if I send an electronic entry?

You do not have to fill out a submission form; however, we still require you to provide the same information in the body of the email. Just copy and paste this paragraph into the email and fill in your details:

Name:
Published name (if different to the above):
Email address:
Full postal address, including state and postcode:
Phone number:
Category of submission (short story, poetry, creative non-fiction, artwork or challenge):
Submission title:
Word length or line count (if applicable):

Please remember to fill out the last three items (category, submission title and word length/line count) for each separate entry.



» What kind of feedback do you give on submissions?

We can provide feedback on short stories, poetry and creative non-fiction submissions, but only if you request it. Generally a member of the editing panel will devote about a paragraph to each piece. Please keep in mind, though, that there are numerous reasons why we have to reject certain pieces, some of which may have nothing to do with your skill as a writer –maybe we were out of room, maybe the piece didn’t suit the tone of the magazine, or maybe your entry was one of two-hundred entries – so if you’re hoping that our feedback will be able to tell you specifically why your piece wasn’t chosen, you might not always find your reason. And once again, we’re a volunteer-run organisation – some of us have been published and some of us are still waiting, so our opinion isn’t a judgement emanating from the heavens, but more like a peer opinion.



» I have an art piece that I would like to submit, but I’ve already put my signature on it so it is no longer anonymous. Does this make my entry invalid?

No drama! We will still process your entry electronically, but we will have to black out your signature for the copies of the file handed to the art panel. Alternatively, you could modify the file yourself and cover up your signature however you wish. If your piece is chosen for publication, we will request the original file from you.



» How can I join the dotdotdash staff?

Please contact Steven Finch at if you’ve a kind soul. Generally, we always need volunteers for our DIY art projects, and will gladly accept anyone who wants to help out and contribute.



» How is dotdotdash funded?

We are grateful for the sponsorship and support from YCulture, Express Media and Deborah Hunn for our first issue. We have an ongoing sponsorship with Lamb Print.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of dotdotdash, please contact Steven Finch at . Wink.



» How often does dotdotdash come out?

 dotdotdash comes out four times a year.



» How can I sponsor or advertise in dotdotdash?

Please contact Steven Finch at .



» What is Duckduckdash? Is it some kind of doppelganger that wants to be your friend?

Duckduckdash is our official business name. dotdotdash was taken. We’ll get those Melbourne punks someday.



» What is creative non-fiction?

Creative non-fiction includes forms such as personal essays, memoirs, journalism, travel writing, biographies and autobiographies. Creative non-fiction applies the techniques of fiction to non-fiction stories – it creates a narrative out of real life, rather than relaying events in a strictly factual sense that we are accustomed to reading in newspapers, encyclopaedias and other references texts.