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How do I submit manuscripts for publication?
Is there any limit as to what I can submit?
How long will it take for my writings or artwork to be published?
How will I know when my work has been published in Veteran’s Voices?
How do I know if I received a prize for my submission?
How do I sign up to sponsor a writing prize in Veterans’ Voices?
Is the material published in Veterans’ Voices protected by copyright law?
How do I sign up to receive a subscription to Veterans’ Voices?
What makes the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) a unique and worthwhile charitable organization?
What has the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) accomplished?
How does the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) help people in my community?
Why does the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) need my support?
How are the funds utilized?
How can I make a financial donation to the Hospitalized Writing Project?
Can I volunteer? How?
How do I submit manuscripts for publication?
All submissions of prose, poetry and artwork must be mailed by someone on the VA medical center staff. The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) does its very best to publish the works of each and every writer who submits materials correctly and follows the very specific submission guidelines.
Manuscripts should be submitted typed (upper and lower case), double-spaced, with two copies sent to HVWP. No manuscripts are returned. Artwork and cartoons should be submitted in their original format and will not be returned. As an alternative to sending original artwork, a clear photo may be submitted.
It is important that all submissions include the author’s name, VAMC facility and state, the author’s permanent address (street, city, state and zip code), the branch of the service and duties along with the serial or social security number. Manuscripts must be original and unpublished, except in VAMC publications.
Is there any limit as to what I can submit?
Writers can submit up to three typed poems, each no longer than 24 lines with 60 character width. Prose should be no longer than 10 pages, typed using double spacing. Artists can submit up to 10 drawings and photographs. For more information, see submission guidelines.
How long will it take for my writings or artwork to be published?
The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) does its very best to publish the works of each and every writer who submits materials correctly and follows the very specific submission guidelines. HVWP is pleased to receive hundreds upon hundreds of entries, noting that so far our veterans have been represented in 49 of our 50 great states. Because of this, there can be a considerable time lapse between receipt of the veteran’s works and its publication. And it is regrettable that due to limited publication space, not all manuscripts are published.
How will I know when my work has been published in Veteran’s Voices?
The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) does its very best to notify and each and every writer who is published in Veterans’ Voices. Notification is sent to the attention of the writer at the address that HVWP has on file. It is for that reason that writers may want to maintain current contact information with a VA staff member or contact the HVWP office. A complimentary issue of Veterans’ Voices is sent to each published writer.
As volunteers (professional journalists and writers) edit the materials for each issue, some manuscripts receive cash prizes that have been sponsored by various groups and individuals. The HVWP volunteer staff prepares and mails checks to the authors following the publication of each issue.
How do I know if I received a prize for my submission?
Some manuscripts receive cash prizes that have been sponsored by various groups and individuals. See the list of sponsors and prizes available. The HVWP volunteer staff prepares and mails checks to the authors following the publication of each issue.
How do I sign up to sponsor a writing prize in Veterans’ Voices?
Writers and artists qualify for a variety of prizes if their work is published in Veterans’ Voices. You can become a regular sponsor of a writing prize category of your choice by contacting the HVWP office at (913) 432-1214. Within the pages of Veterans’ Voices and on this web site, each writing prize is listed along with the name of the sponsoring individual or organization. See the list of current sponsors and prizes.
What a thrill it will be for you knowing that your small financial gift made it possible for a veteran to see his/her writing in print and receive a small monetary reward for the effort. Once the winners for each category have been selected, the HVWP volunteer staff prepares and mails checks to the winning authors.
Is the material published in Veterans’ Voices protected by copyright law?
Reproduction of material published in Veterans’ Voices, in whole or part, is welcomed! Full credit must be given to the writer and this magazine. Mail two copies of the reprint to the editor at the headquarters address.
How do I sign up to receive a subscription to Veterans’ Voices?
Reduced subscription rates are available to hospitalized veterans or outpatients participating in the writing project, as well as educational institutions and libraries. Veterans, whose work appears in the current issue of the magazine, also receive complimentary copies.
Regular subscriptions are available for a minimum donation of only $15 per year. Donations and subscription orders can be sent to: Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project, 5920 Nall, Room 105, Mission, Kansas 66202.
What makes the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) a unique and worthwhile charitable organization?
HVWP is designed to utilize writing as therapy for the hospitalized veteran. Volunteers and/or Veterans Administration medical center staff encourage veterans to write. In 1952, the magazine, Veterans’ Voices, was created to encourage veterans by publishing their work. Since that time, this 64-page magazine has been published three times per year (Spring, Summer and Fall).
Veterans often experience traumatic and life-changing experiences in the service of their country. Through the coordinated efforts of HVWP volunteers and/or VA medical center staff, veterans in VA facilities across the United States are encouraged to write as therapy. They may submit their manuscripts (prose, poetry and artwork) for publication in Veterans’ Voices, the only publication dedicated solely to veterans’ writings.
It can mean so much to a hospitalized veteran when a story, poem or artwork is published in Veterans' Voices magazine, proving again that love (and writing) is still the best medicine. Hospitalized veterans are looking for a helping hand to bolster their self-esteem, to make them proud to have served our country. These veterans, whatever their disabilities, need to know that while their service is interrupted, they are not forgotten. HVWP has gone to great lengths to instill in the hearts of veterans a pride of accomplishment, a reward for an endeavor well done. As long as men and women dream, Veterans' Voices will be there to fulfill those dreams.
What has the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) accomplished?
Every issue of Veterans’ Voices contains the writing and artwork of hundreds of veterans from nearly every state. Manuscripts and letters from veterans express how thrilling it is for them to see their remembrances and compositions in print. Many are so excited that they do not cash the small checks that they receive as prizes for being published. Some return the checks as a donation to help keep Veterans’ Voices going. For many veterans, seeing their poetry or prose in print is the boost that they need to get over depression. At least one veteran author has gone on to have several books published – and he still regularly contributes to the magazine. To this day, Van Garner is encouraged when he sees his writing in print. Read his testimonial:
As a former mental patient, veteran Van Garner knows the value of a friend..... someone who is there in bad times as well as good times. Van believes, in a way, HVWP saved his life, lifted him up from the bottom when he needed it. "HVWP is that friend that guided me from the darkness of myself into a light of trust for tomorrow,” writes Van.
How does the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) help people in my community?
Veterans are served by Veterans Administration facilities across the country. The VA system has been very supportive of the efforts of HVWP because of the positive effects on the patients in their facilities. We work closely with the volunteer services and recreation therapy directors in all the facilities to promote the health and welfare of their clients. Volunteer writing aides work in VA facilities to assist veterans in getting their life experiences on paper, to type these and to submit them for publication in Veterans’ Voices. Volunteer editors prepare these manuscripts for publication. Small stipends and donated prizes are paid to veterans whose work is published.
Why does the Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) need my support?
HVWP and Veterans’ Voices is supported solely by contributions from individuals and veterans’ organizations. Most donations range in amount from $15 to $100, so indeed it takes many small gifts to provide the support for publication of the 64-page magazine. All donations are utilized in the publication of the magazine – for printing, prizes (as established by various individuals and organizations) and mailing costs. As veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, our project is becoming increasingly important to veteran rehabilitation. Veterans’ Voices is the only publication dedicated solely to veterans’ writings.
How are the funds utilized?
The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project’s only paid employee is a half-time administrative manager. The board and staff are all volunteers who believe strongly in the purpose and contribution this organization makes to hospitalized and outpatient veterans. All donations are reported on a flyer, which is inserted into each issue of the publication. As publication and mailing costs rise, the board continually seeks out new individuals and organizations to provide support for this project – just as they have done since 1952.
How can I make a financial donation to the Hospitalized Writing Project?
On-line credit card donations to the HVWP can be accepted right now at http://www.independentcharities.org
For a complete list of donation options, go to Subscription Information page.
Can I volunteer? How?
The Hospitalized Veterans Writing Project (HVWP) is actively seeking volunteers -- just like you -- from across the nation. Please inquire further about the many rewarding volunteer opportunities that show appreciation and pay tribute to those who served our great nation.
Persons wanting to get involved with the project are urged to contact the HVWP office at 913-432-1214.
You may also contact your nearest Veterans Administration facility and visit with the volunteer services director and/or the recreation therapy director.
Volunteers: If you live anywhere in the United States, HVWP can probably use your unique talents and time in some capacity: either as a HVWP representative, a writing aide, writing assistant, proofreader, or a fundraiser. HVWP operates under the direction of an all-volunteer board with volunteer editors and proofreaders, who help produce the magazine, Veterans’ Voices. Without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers, Veterans’ Voices could not continue to exist as it has since 1952!
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