A Writing Project Every Month in 2012

In order to keep up with my goal of sumbitting a short story every month to publishers and contests, I have been trying to make a list of projects that are available for me this year, one for each month. I will continue to come back and edit this list to add more competitions and publishing submission openings as I find them. I want to be able to choose which ones I write for each month, and I prefer ones that don't cost to enter.

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January

CHOC LIT SHORT STORY COMPETITION
ENTRY FEE £3
Looking for short stories of up to 1,500 words in
which the central theme is chocolate - eating it, drinking
it, cooking with it, or anything else. Your entry must be
a maximum of 1,500 words. Deadline January 31, 2012. 1st
prize £200, publication here and Choc Lit's authors' corner
blog and a box of chocolates from Plush Chocolates. A Runner
Up will receive £50 and a box of chocolates from Plush
Chocolates.

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. has both competition entries available (at a cost of $15 per entry) and standard submissions available (free and up to 3 entries allowed). For the competition entries, for very short stories, the stories are not to exceed 3,000 words. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of the book, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is January 31st. Results will be posted March 31st. For the standard submissions, the payment for being chosen is $700 and 10 free copies of the book. Stories must not exceed 12,000 words (but less than 500 words would be much to short). Closing date is January 31st. Results will be posted by April 30th.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

February

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Short Story Award for New Writers available (at a cost of $15 per entry) to writers whose fiction has not been presented in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000. Most submissions to this category run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but should not exceed 12,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is February 29th. Results will be posted April 30th.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

March

In the Chicken Soup For The Souls series of books, they are looking for short stories on the topic of new friends. Short stories should be around 1,200 words. Heart warming short stories or poems are being looked for and if your story or poem is accepted for publication, you will be paid $200 plus 10 free copies of the book. Closing date is March 31st.

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Fiction Open available (at a cost of $18 per entry. Submissions to this category should run 2,000 to 20,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $1,000 and 3rd place - $600. Closing date is March 31st. Results will be posted May 31st.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

April

MAN ON THE TRAIN WRITING COMPETITION
ENTRY FEE £3
Deadline April 7, 2012. 1st Prize: £150, 2nd Prize: £100, 3rd Prize: £75, 4th Prize: 3 months Creative Competitor Premier1 membership
Using the photo for inspiration, create a story that depicts
a man on a journey by train, but a journey to where? What
happens to him en-route? Who does he meet? What happens when
he reaches his destination? We welcome creative
interpretations of the theme. Limit 2,000 words.

WRITER ADVICE FLASH PROSE CONTEST
$12 ENTRY FEE
WriterAdvice is searching for flash fiction, memoir, and creative non-fiction that grabs, surprises, and mesmerizes readers in 750 words or less. If you have a story or memoir with a strong theme, sharp images, a solid structure, and an unexpected discovery, please submit. Deadline April 18, 2012. First Place earns $200; Second Place earns $100; Third Place earns $50; Honorable Mentions will also be published.

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. has both Family Matters competition available (at a cost of $15 per entry) and standard submissions available (free and up to 3 entries allowed). For the Family Matters competition entries, stories--about family--are specifically invited. Submissions to this category typically run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but can go up to 12,000 words. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of the book, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is April 30th. Results will be posted June 30th. For the standard submissions, the payment for being chosen is $700, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 10 free copies of the book. Stories must not exceed 12,000 words (but less than 500 words would be much to short). Closing date is April 30th. Results will be posted by July 31st.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

May

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Short Story Award for New Writers available (at a cost of $15 per entry) to writers whose fiction has not been presented in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000. Most submissions to this category run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but should not exceed 12,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is May 31st. Results will be posted July 31st.


The Alchemy Press is seeking submissions for THE ALCHEMY PRESS
BOOK OF PULP HEROES, edited by Mike Chinn. Sports stories, spy stories, aircraft & zeppelin stories, sea & pirate stories, Westerns, medieval romance, horror, science fiction and fantasy, movies and car racing; there's no limit. Successful contributors will receive a copy of the book and a £10 advance against royalties on publication. We are after original fiction, but reprints will be considered if they are exceptional. Contributions must be in the range of 2,000-6,000 words firm, with full contact details on the front page. Deadline May 30, 2012.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

June

Kayelle Press is taking submissions for its Tomorrow Anthology. Submissions must be 3,000 to 6,000 words long. “Tomorrow” will be a short fiction post-apocalyptic anthology featuring speculative fiction stories written by established and upcoming writers from around the world. Payment is $20 AUD. Submissions start being accepted as of June 1st. Closing date is September 30th.

In the Chicken Soup For The Souls series of books, they are looking for short stories on the topic of parenthood. Short stories should be around 1,200 words. Heart warming short stories or poems are being looked for and if your story or poem is accepted for publication, you will be paid $200 plus 10 free copies of the book. Closing date is June 30th.

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Fiction Open available (at a cost of $18 per entry. Submissions to this category should run 2,000 to 20,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $1,000 and 3rd place - $600. Closing date is June 30th. Results will be posted August 31st.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

July

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. has Very Short Fiction competition available (at a cost of $15 per entry). For Very Short Fiction, the stories are not to exceed 3,000 words. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of the book, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is July 31st. Results will be posted September 30th.


Big Bad Anthology is taking submissions of short stories (6,000 words max) that feature a bad guy or evil character as the protagonist. It can be fantasy, urban fantasy, superhero, horror, whatever. Just send in your best bad guy story. Will select 20. Email submissions tojohnhartness@gmail.com as a .doc or .txt attachment. Include a brief author's bio. Paying $50 for one year's exclusive electronic and print rights plus two contributor's copies. After that the antholgy retains rights to publish electronically in the anthology only, and in print in this anthology only, but you can take it and sell it somewhere else, or sell it yourself as a standalone. Deadline July 31, 2012.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

SCARE THE DICKENS OUT OF US CONTEST. Entry fee is $20 for an adulkt and $5 for a junior. First prize is $1,000 and a trophy. Second prize is $500 and a ribbon. Third prize is $250 and a ribbon. Junior contest prize is $250 and a trophy. The Scare The Dickens Out of Us ghost story contest and the Junior Scare The Dickens Out of Us ghost story contest share identical rules except the entry fees and the following: Junior contest writers must be age 12-18. Winners will have to provide proof of age. The contest is open to published and unpublished writers alike. All publication rights remain with the author. The ghost story must be 5,000 words or less, in English, and typed double-spaced. Entries accepted beginning July 1, 2012. Deadline October 1, 2012.

August

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Short Story Award for New Writers available (at a cost of $15 per entry) to writers whose fiction has not been presented in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000. Most submissions to this category run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but should not exceed 12,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is August 31st. Results will be posted October 30th.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

September

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Fiction Open available (at a cost of $18 per entry. Submissions to this category should run 2,000 to 20,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $1,000 and 3rd place - $600. Closing date is September 30th. Results will be posted November 30th.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

October

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. has both Family Matters competition available (at a cost of $15 per entry) and standard submissions available (free and up to 3 entries allowed). For the Family Matters competition entries, stories--about family--are specifically invited. Submissions to this category typically run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but can go up to 12,000 words. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of the book, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is October 31st. Results will be posted December 31st. For the standard submissions, the payment for being chosen is $700, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 10 free copies of the book. Stories must not exceed 12,000 words (but less than 500 words would be much to short). Closing date is October 31st. Results will be posted by January 31st.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

November

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Short Story Award for New Writers available (at a cost of $15 per entry) to writers whose fiction has not been presented in a print publication with a circulation over 5,000. Most submissions to this category run 1,500 to 6,000 words, but should not exceed 12,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $1,500, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $500 and 3rd place - $300. Closing date is November 30th. Results will be posted January 31st.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

December

Glimmertrain Press, Inc. is taking submissions for the Fiction Open available (at a cost of $18 per entry. Submissions to this category should run 2,000 to 20,000 words. Enter as many times as you like. Prizes are, for 1st place - $2,000, publication in Glimmer Train Stories and 20 free copies of that issue, 2nd place - $1,000 and 3rd place - $600. Closing date is December 31st. Results will be posted February 28th.

Crossed Genres magazine is currently accepting submissions of short stories, poetry, articles, audio/podcasts and artwork. Submissions are to be in the science fiction and fantasy genres, along with the current genre of choice for the month. Short stories are to be up to 10,000 words. Poetry is to be any style up to 5,000 words. Audio/podcasts can be up to 15 minutes long. Articles can be up to 5,000 words. Artwork should be science fiction or fantasy and photo manipulation is now accepted. Crossed Genres takes Exclusive World Online, ebook and print rights for one year. Fiction, poetry, articles, podcasts and inside art that are accepted for publication will receive a flat payment of $10 USD. Contributors will also receive a free ebook of the quarterly publication in which their contribution appears.

SKIRT!
Submissions read year-round. The submission deadline for each issue is the 1st of the month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on), but we prefer to work two months in advance. Skirt!® magazine publishes 5-6 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view. All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,100 words. Essays must fit one of our monthly 2012 print themes. Does not accept fiction or poetry. Negotiates payment. Estimate $100-$200.

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If you know of any contests, anthologies or magazines that I can include to this list, please e-mail me with the details and I will happily add them to the list.

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