Best news for writers:  we reduced the up-front cost from $30 to $25, and the "per story" cost drops from $10 to app. $8.33.  We promised a reduction in upfront cost after publication of our 20th anniversary fiction issue - and we've delivered.
	The days of 30-page story submissions are over.  Stories are now strictly limited to 5-15 pages DS - and to 12 point type.
	Cash prize awards:  still offered, but reduced
	Greater competition:  only 4 stories per year will be published.
	Thematic focus:  stories must be set in America in the century requested
	Magazine format change:  from binding strip on side to center-stapled.  Issues will retain their 8-1/2 x 11 size, and two-column format for published stories.
	Longer preparation time:  you'll have the opportunity to write on two themes in 2008, and submit once in 2009
	Consistency across years:  same deadline date, same terms for 2009 and 2010
	Unusual benefit:  Only writers who submit to at least one of the six "American Century" issues will have the opportunity to submit fiction to our general theme 25th anniversary issue, coming 2011

	First Place Award:  $25 plus one free issue (one award/editor)
	Second Place Award:  One free issue (one award/editor)

	Submit up to three stories.  There are two distinct theme issues:  "18th Century America" and "19th Century America."  You may submit all three stories on one of these themes; or two on one theme and one on the other.
	What we're seeking:  each story must be set in America in a clearly defined location and time period.  Genre is open:  mystery/ghost story/western, etc., as long as appropriate to that time period in American history, with rich detail. Editors will be looking for sensational history research, and excellent work in making us feel that we are in the time period being described, and (naturally) excellent craft.  Do not write one story that covers a 200-year time period!  Issue 45 covers the years 1701-1800.  Issue 44 covers the years 1801-1900.
	Additional tip:  Our Fiction Editors love stories that are fully typo-free; use proper punctuation in our publication style (quotation marks for speech, single quotes for thoughts); have interesting, fleshed-out characters and vividly depicted settings; have an interesting plot; and grab and retain their interest from the opening line to the last word.  They also look fondly upon consistency in tense, good research, and historical accuracy.

	Number of copies:  enclose TWO printed copies of each story, name/address OFF each page.  Number each page using just page number, or page number plus part of title - not your name.
	Cover page:  name, address, email, titles of stories and corresponding categories ("18th Century America" or "19th Century America").

	Length per story:  5-15 pages, double-spaced, 1 inch margins all around, 12 point type
	Be professional:  type, spell check, and proofread every page!
	Remember the SASE:  Include a SASE with enough postage for return of one copy of each story submission, plus one additional ounce for feedback forms/cover letter.
	Critiques still included:  all stories will be critiqued with feedback forms by two editors at no extra charge.
	Mail submissions and $25 membership fee (payable to "The Six Centuries Club") to us at P.O. Box 132, Lafayette, NJ 07848-0132.  You will receive a two-issue subscription of Issues 45 and 46 (one copy of each) as part of your annual membership.  These should arrive in June and December of 2009, respectively.
	Please DO NOT simultaneously submit your story entries to other markets during our judging period (January 15 - March 1, 2009)
	Titles of accepted stories will posted under the "Get Publication Status" button of this website (located under the "Update" button).  Critiques and marked-up copies of all stories will be sent via regular mail shortly after decisions are posted on our website.  It is your obligation to check the website to learn whether or not your story is published.
	Decisions of our Fiction Editors are final.  Once final decisions are posted on the "Get Publication Status" button, accepted stories may NOT be retracted from publication.  (No excuses.)
	Issue 43 publication is anticipated by June 30, 2009.  Issue 44 publication is anticipated by December 31, 2009.