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
PICA Perth Cultural Centre, James St, Northbridge WA 6003 (08) 9228 6300
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
Oxford St Books 119 Oxford St, Leederville WA 6007 (08) 9443 9844
Readings 309 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053 (03) 9347 6633
Planet Books 636-647 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley WA 6050 (08) 9328 7464
78 Records 914 Hay St, Perth WA 6000 (08) 9322 6384
Loop Jewellery and Design 30 High St, Fremantle 6160 WA (08) 9335 177
Perth Zine Collective   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
The Bodhi Tree 8416–418 Oxford St, Mt Hawthorn (08) 9444 9884
Unsunk Funk 7 Parkfield St, Bunbury
Wellington Newsagency 24a Victoria St, Bunbury
Bunbury Regional Art Galleries 64 Wittenoom St, Bunbury
Margaret River Bookshop 1/109 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River

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 Sj 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 Sj Finch at . However, successful submitters are given a free pass to our launch, which includes a free copy of the magazine.



» 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 Sj Finch at if you’ve a kind soul. Generally, we always need volunteers, 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. We also received sponsorship from Lamb Print for our first four issues. We currently receive sponsorship from Curtin University but mostly depend on our sales to print the magazine.

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



» How often does dotdotdash come out?

 dotdotdash comes out three times a year.



» How can I sponsor or advertise in dotdotdash?

Please contact Sj Finch at or check out our sponsorship package here.



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

Duckduckdash was our official business name from 2009 to 2010. We are now known as The dotdotdash Collective.



» 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.