Submissions

Rules

*(Rules updated 07/02/06, please review before submitting a story.)

At Uncharted Waters, we believe in presenting good quality, well written fanfiction. All stories submitted will be reviewed prior to posting. Without exception, these basic House Rules must be followed:

  1. Don't kill the guys (i.e., make them permanently dead).
  2. Don't maim the guys.
  3. Please, no slash (that's m/m sexual relationships).
  4. The story has to involve at least one original recurring VTTBOTS character as a focal point.**
  5. Each story submitted must have good spelling, punctuation, basic grammar, and readability.
  6. The rating of the story must not exceed R-17 (see descriptions below).
  7. Any story posted on Uncharted Waters may not be currently posted on another website, publically open list, or in an active printzine.
  8. All stories must be original.***
**(Additional created characters are not only permissible, they're encouraged... however, they should not 'take over' the story. In other words, put them in supporting roles rather than starring ones.)

***(Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and any offending author will be permanently banned from posting on this site.)

Other than the above, the content of the story is totally left to the author. By submitting your story, you agree to follow all of these rules. Posting a story will ultimately remain at the discretion of the website owner.

Please note: UW respects the rights of all authors; any story posted on the site remains property of the author, and may be removed at any time at his or her request.


How to Submit

  1. Please run your completed story through a spellchecker and have someone beta-read it. We do not offer editing services on this site.
  2. Make sure your story follows the Rules, posted above.
  3. Send your story via the email button below as an attachment, in one of the following formats: .rtf, .doc, .txt, .odt, or .sxw. Any other format will be returned. *NO 'WORD PERFECT' FILES PLEASE!*
  4. An email will be sent to you acknowledging the story's arrival, and an estimated date when it will be looked over and given feedback. The usual timeframe is one week.
  5. Any small changes (such as punctuation or grammar) will be made and you will be notified of impending posting date. This is the last time to make final changes to your story. Then, after you declare it 'finalized', the story will be coded and posted as is.
  6. Every effort will be made to present the story as you wish it: illustrations are welcome (no copyrighted images, please) and background colors can be requested.

Interested in a fantastic, feature-rich, FREE word processing program? There is none better than 'Open Office'; it is compatible with all major office suites (think Microsoft), is very simple to use, and is packed full of useful tools. UW encourages everyone to check it out! (Click logo below.)

Categories/Ratings

Vignettes:

A vignette is defined as a short literary sketch or description; a single, delicately memorable scene. The piece should stand on its own, be less than 50K (that's about 9 pages in typical 11 point font), and evoke a strong emotional or thought-provoking response. All vignettes are individually rated.

General/PG:

These stories are for anyone, a typical Voyage story or 'could have been' episode. Minimal violence, few or no sexual references.

Restricted (R):

These stories are a little more sophisticated, either in content or complexity, with some violence and non-explicit sexual intimacy allowed. (This means most bathingsuit-covered body parts are not named, and/or the sexual situation is implied rather than detailed graphically.)

Adult (R-17):

Definitely adult oriented, with references to sex, rougher or more vivid violence, and more mature themes. However, overly graphic scenes of a sexual or violent nature (descriptive intercourse, rape, torture, etc.) will not be accepted. Before going to the story listings here, the reader will have to click on an "I agree I am of legal age and mature enough to handle the content of the stories beyond this page, and take full responsibility for my actions and choices" statement.

Additional Notes:

For new writers, there is a fanfic writing guide that covers the basics of crafting and polishing a story. It's called The Wading Pool, and it is a 'sister site' to this one. Click the button below to visit.