We are currently accepting submissions for the following books:

A Cup of Comfort® for a Better World:
Stories that celebrate generosity, compassion, and volunteerism

To coin a phrase of President Barack Obama, Yes, we can! make a positive difference in the world. And this Cup of Comfort anthology will feature living examples of good Samaritans whose good deeds inspire others to do their part to make the world a better place or to just make life a little bit easier—for loved ones, neighbors, strangers, future generations, or any of God’s creatures, great and small. Potential themes include (but are not limited to) charitable work, random acts of kindness, paying it forward, or lending a helping hand, a port in a storm, or a shoulder to lean on. Stories must be uplifting and personal, preferably narrative essays; we are not interested in journalistic articles or thinly disguised PR pieces for charitable organizations. Story length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2009        
Finalist Notification: September 15, 2009

A Cup of Comfort® for Couples:
Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love

It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true love. Of course, being a “happy couple” involves more than being in love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones—romantic, poignant, humorous—and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2009        
Finalist Notification: October 15, 2009

A Cup of Comfort® for Golfers:
Stories that celebrate the follies, the triumphs, and the joy of the game

This anthology will feature upbeat, insightful, inspiring, and humorous true stories about learning, playing, and enjoying the uniquely challenging and satisfying game of golf. The book will include stories about golfers of every age and of every persuasion—amateur, pro, casual, recreational, hard-core, newbie. Most of the stories will be written by golfers, but the book will likely include stories written by golf “widows” (or widowers) or other loved ones of “golf nuts.” Stories must be about personal experiences. We are not interested in articles on how to play the game, profiles/bios of professional golfers, etc. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.

Submission Deadline: December 15, 2009        
Finalist Notification: December 31, 2009
Before submitting a story, please review the Writers Guidelines

Deadlines are sometimes extended. Any submission-deadline extensions will be posted in the Cup of Comfort News forum.