Ponyfeather Publishing: Call for Submissions CLOSED · 11:32pm May 29th, 2019
Hey folks,
I thought I'd tentatively try out assembling Ponyfeather Publishing's first anthology print. This is a bit of an experiment; I have over 10 books in production now (but only three are public? huh! more on that later), but all of them are single-author titles. I've never done a book working with a bunch of different authors and I'm a little bit leery of it... but I had an idea for an anthology that I think would be pretty neat, especially given that the show is wrapping up, so I figured I'd test the waters and we can see how this goes! Worst case everyone gets some fic recommendations in the comments here; best case, a bunch of ponyfic authors get their names in print.
I want to put together a book that's full of short stories by as many authors as possible, "big names" or small, where the stories are the most heartwarming, honest, wholesome, sincere embodiments of the theme friendship is magic. I want to put together a love letter to the show that brought us all together, that inspired us all to create, that built new friendships and communities and interests and skills.
If you know of a story that makes you feel the way watching the show makes you feel, I want to know about it! Comment below with a link.
The Nitty Gritty
- Must fit the theme! Obviously.
- Author must still be active! As much as I would dearly love to include, say, AbsoluteAnonymous or TheDescendant, I cannot print a story without author approval.
- Strong preference for stories under 10,000 words -- under 5,000 words would be better! I'd like to represent as many authors as possible, and I can fit more shorter stories in a book!
- Strong preference for rated E; willing to consider rated T. Rated M is out! Any red warning tags are also probably a dealbreaker.
- EDIT: Strong preference for MLP:FIM over EqG!
- Self-submissions are accepted! Just be aware that I'm looking for publication-quality stories; please try to show a little self-awareness of the quality of your prose, for the sake of myself and whoever else I rope into helping me sort through submissions.
- Of course, feel free to submit other authors' work as well!
- Comment on this post with links to your submissions. Comments on other posts, DMs/PMs, emails, etc. will not be considered!
I don't know exactly how long I'll be accepting submissions; it's probably going to depend on what kind of response I get here. Please don't dawdle if you have a fic in mind -- let me know about it! I will edit the post title and probably make another blog post to announce when submissions are closed.
Once I've selected the stories to include, I will contact each author to secure their permission and approve any needed copyedits.
Help me out, authors and readers! Let's put a book together that could be a souvenir of our time here, to help us remember that friendship is magic.
NOTE: This title is not going to be available at Aquaman's bookstore at BronyCon. Assuming it comes together, it will be released sometime after the con.
Hmmm, maybe I can submit my best work, Feeling That Way
Oof, okay, nevermind.
I'll look through my favorites and make some suggestions.
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/125/the-circle-of-friends
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/151700/chess
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/195183/in-the-place-the-wild-horses-sleep
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/204622/those-who-we-admire
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/254706/when-the-day-met-the-night
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/333504/the-riddle-of-the-sphinx
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/256754/and-yet
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/148108/first-contact-is-magic
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/229453/all-the-mortal-remains
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/22831/yours-truly
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/284497/the-carousel
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/275962/pinkies-animal-balloons
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/326500/chocolate-talk
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/81091/old-friends
Not sure about this one, since Connor hasn't been online since Late 2017:
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/749/ah-aint-got-no-ack-cent
I submit to you this and this.
NOTE: Rather than make a YAYton of comments, I'm just going to keep editing this one, so check back every so often. I'll make it clear when I'm done searching.
Okay, the first story that immediately came to mind is:
- MLP: FiM
- Drama
The Cutie Mark Crusaders receive their most unusual, and potentially challenging, case yet: Fizzlepop Berrytwist.While clocking in at 15,000 words, it is a masterfully written story that reads exactly like it is an actual episode of the show. Highly recommend.
So, with some search parameters, I whittled my favorites down to 768 stories. I'mma go through this list: https://www.fimfiction.net/bookshelf/91941/favourites?q=-%23mature+words%3A%3C16000+-%23dark++-%23sex++-%23tragedy+status%3Acomplete+wilson%3A%3E70+-%23sad&order=top and pick my favorites which I feel best embody the stated them. Wish me luck!
Alright, Imma do this one page of results at a time!
Page One:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Once upon a time there was a very lazy dragon who did not want to find a town to pillage. So he decided to make one of his own.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Two friends realize their friendship goes back farther than either of them ever realized.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Celestia's Day Off- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
The sun has just gone out. This could be the end of Equestria. Or just a bulb.Page Two:
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Princess Celestia was quite clearly overworked lately. Twilight just had to find a way to help. Unfortunately, the only answer she found was a bit odd.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Twilight tries to figure out how rock farming works.- MLP: FiM
- Romance
- Comedy
- Random
Twilight Sparkle and her bedside table: like two 'ships that pass in the night.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Random
Shining Armor learns the most important tactical lesson of his life.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Dash tells what happened to her and Fluttershy immediately after her first Sonic Rainboom.- MLP: FiM
- Mystery
- Slice of Life
Twilight Sparkle discovers an urn, and a decade's worth of questions, in the ashes of her library.- MLP: FiM
- Drama
On Scootaloo’s worst day ever, Applejack tells her a story to put things in perspective.Friends step up for Scootaloo?
Does have a red [gore] tag for emergency medicine.
I humbly offer one of my stories that I feel is most conforming to a show episode: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/368336/shining-armor-is-best-colt
Oh, neat!
I will be totally narcissistic and suggest two of my own.
First, the story I think is my most "literary" and that I would *adore* seeing published because it deserves so much better than it's gotten, though the best of it is owed to my editor, not to me.
- MLP: FiM
- Sad
A tiny filly stands on an open plain. Somewhere in the distance a fleeting glimpse of white leads her on, her heart yearning towards it. A dark power with her face attempts to stop her. And nothing here is quite what it seems...Second, since that one is not super "friendship" themed, as it is largely Luna alone (though her sisterhood with Celestia runs through the background of all of it, of course!) a more overtly "ponies helping ponies" story that I also feel is good.
- MLP: FiM
- Sad
- Slice of Life
Young Princess Cadance has gained the ability to see ponies' emotions, but sometimes what she sees puzzles and confuses her. Surely Princess Celestia can't actually be depressed?(I've written other things I'd also love to see published, but they're either more sexual or more shipping-focused than you seem to be looking for here.)
Alas, most of what I'd want to suggest as the best-of-the-best from other authors is from people who seem to have moved on from ponydom.
I'd like to submit Keeping Your Hooves On The Ground for consideration.
From my own library, I'd like to suggest Tactics of Snowbound Unicorns and/or The Cycle of Flame.
(The rest of the ones I know are WAYYYYY too long for this!)
I'm gonna try...
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/428422/through-the-stars-bonding-is-magic
Um, I have this one! And I am gonna go look through the stories I reviewed for EFNW and SA!
Secret Keepers
Well, not sure if I'll make it but it can't hurt to give it a shot!
The Last Day of Christmas! is my fic and I think its the only heartwarming one that actually fit within the word limit :P And even if I don't make it, I hope you enjoy it!
I guess this and this? Maybe this but idk.
I know you're a fan of Reading Rainbow. I wouldn't mind you putting that in there. That said, if you do select it, let me know via pm, because I don't believe the re-vamped version is what's live on fimfic.
I'd like to humbly submit my own "A Carrot Christmas Carol" for consideration.
I'd intended to nominate other authors, but most of my favs are unsuitable due to rating, content, or word count. Sorry!
Ok, you want SHORT E-rated stories focused on sincerity to the core of FIM. I can suggest that.
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Twilight Sparkle has learned many lessons about Friendship in Ponyville. On this beautiful spring day, she learns a very special lesson that she never anticipated.- MLP: FiM
- Drama
When the Ponyville library is destroyed by Tirek’s rampage, the last Oakleaf is called to cure the destroyed oak. It is an impossible task. However, this is Ponyville, where the impossible happens every day.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Many years ago, Ponyville was even smaller than it is now. But not too small to experience its first bank robbery. In distinctly Ponyville style.And I'd be so tempted (snerk) to put this one in too, except it includes nudity.
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Pony discuss life, truth, and ear scratches.Throwing my hat into this.
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
By Scootaloo's age, Rainbow Dash had won many competitions. As Ponyville's Annual Bounceball Competition approaches, Scootaloo dreams of following in her hoofsteps. With her drive, she knows nothing will stop her... except, perhaps, herselfThis story was adapted from a spec script I wrote of the series. In essence, it's a "this could be an actual episode of the show" style of story.
I offer up Diamond Eyes as tribute.
Here it be. I'd love to see any of my work put into print.
In terms of my own stuff, I think these two are the best candidates. I'll go looking through my favorites shelves for more.
- MLP: FiM
- Drama
It's the first market day of spring! So what's got Applejack so down?- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
One chance glimpse of a cutie mark makes for Smolder's most memorable (and first) Hearth's WarmingI feel ok mentioning a story of my own first, since pretty much everyone else is doing that too. This is the one from my output that I think best matches the tone and outlook of the show, and is only 4,000 words:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Spitfire just wanted a nice quiet train ride back from Rainbow Falls. Not to end up talking philosophy with a strange mare.Also, if this publication is to be part of FIM's legacy, I think it's very important those two characters are represented.
I also looked through all my favourite bookshelves, and this was the only one that stood out as fitting the brief. It's very, very good.
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Random
- Slice of Life
When a colt named "Bad Dude" storms into Celestia's personal study and declares himself as her latest arch enemy, the Princess can't help but nearly gush from the sight. But is there more to "Bad Dude" than his cute exterior would suggest?This is the part where I recommend all of my qualifying stories.Wait...
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Ahuizotl threatens to sue A. K. Yearling for libel unless she stops writing the Daring Do books. She makes him a counter-offer.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Celestia's Day Off- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
The story of a very ordinary pony's extraordinary day.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
"Dear Santa Hooves. My name is Apple Bloom, and I don't want presents for Hearth's Warming this year. I just want my cutie mark..."These four all seem like great options. Lots of wholesome good lessons all around.
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Applejack's Army battles Rainbow's Rebels for control of PonyvilleThis one is in the same camp as the above, but it's slightly over 10k.
- Equestria Girls
- Drama
- Slice of Life
After her failed takeover, Sunset Shimmer and the Elements of Harmony have a conversation.When you gave the requirement as "the most heartwarming, honest, wholesome, sincere embodiments of the theme friendship is magic," I don't think I can think of a more fitting story. It captures the spirit of the Elements perfectly.
For more questionable entries:
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Two friends realize their friendship goes back farther than either of them ever realized.- MLP: FiM
- Adventure
- Slice of Life
Applejack and Rarity must confront their past in order to save the future of their friendship.These two authors appear to be inactive, but these stories would be great if they could be contacted.
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
Dash tells what happened to her and Fluttershy immediately after her first Sonic Rainboom.Someone already recommended this, and I would second that recommendation. However, it seems IAH is dead. I'm not sure how you want to handle posthumous entries, but this one is certainly as deserving as anything else I've posted here.
I recommend The Trial of Fluttershy Flutters.
Is gud
5066560
Jeez. Prrrobably not at all?
Ugh. I hate submitting my own stuff. Instead I'll second 5066560 with the rec for...
- Equestria Girls
- Drama
- Slice of Life
After her failed takeover, Sunset Shimmer and the Elements of Harmony have a conversation.5066580
Yeah, that was my assumption, but I figured it was worth recommending since it does fit the requirements quite well.
5066581
Do it if you think it fits!
I NOMINATE:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Discord dares Rainbow Dash to go a day without her wings to show her what Scootaloo's life is like.How this was not made into an actual episode, I will never understand.
Upon checking my Slice-of-Life folder, these are the gems I found that meet the requirements and have yet to be submitted, though some are a bit on the long side. Also, I haven't read a few of these in forever, so they may not match the tone you're seeking 100%.
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
While trying to help out in the kitchen at Sweet Apple Acres, Starlight Glimmer accidentally shatters Applejack's old mixing bowl. Complications ensue.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
An uncertain Luna fears confronting visions of herself as Nightmare Moon as she takes up the task again of dispelling nightmares. Is she up to confronting her past as well? Or is there more to a foal's nightmare than meets the eye?- MLP: FiM
- Drama
Sixteen years old and still without a cutie mark, Apple Bloom faces an existential crisis until a new opportunity presents itself, one that might solve her problem—if she can take the first step. ⭐️ EQD Featured- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Cheerilee bids farewell to her friends and students before going back to school in Fillydelphia.5066596 *slides you a fat stack of florins and some baguettes*
5066607
Aww, thanks! Not for the imaginary stuff, but for the knowledge. Thanks to google, I now know what a florin is.
There's an awful lot of good stories recommended here.
I'll plug one of my own:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
My name is Twilight Sprinkle, and I'm not who you think I am. I don’t have friends, I don’t have books, and I sure as the sun don’t have any wings.And I'll recommend one from Zaponator:
- MLP: FiM
- Adventure
Trixie and Starlight Glimmer experiment with time magic.Apparently most of my favourites are either very long, or don't fit the theme.
quietly uses as general reading recommendations instead
Well, I'm sort of stuck on which of my stories I think best fit, so I'll toss three your way and you can decide for yourselves:
- MLP: FiM
- Adventure
- Comedy
- Random
A changeling infiltrator gets a new perspective on Equestria and Princess Celestia. Mostly that of a dead person.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Cheerilee meets a surprising new resident of Ponyville, and is reminded what it means to be a teacher in the process.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Drama
Luna decides to take Dash up on her interest in dreamwalking. Dash decides to be awesome. No one is ready for the consequences.And to avoid tooting my own horn too thoroughly (and thus making life harder for you RBDash), I will also submit, for your consideration, SoloBrony's Librarian Twilight trilogy:
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Random
- Slice of Life
Twilight starts to feel socially isolated by her title and fame, and comes up with a silly plan to deal with it.- Equestria Girls
- Comedy
- Random
- Slice of Life
Twilight tries to come up with a scheme to solve a friendship problem, only for Rainbow Dash to ruin everything with honesty, loyalty, and violence. If Dash can't beat Twilight at being the Princess of Friendship, just use MORE Dash!- Equestria Girls
- Comedy
- Drama
- Random
- Slice of Life
Twilight Sparkle has been on a ROLL solving friendship problems lately, but there are some lines even she won't cross for a friend. At least, that WAS the case, until she became inspired by Rainbow Dash's antics; nice knowing you, Twilight!5066586 Eh, the only one I have for this category strictly is not print-worthy IMO. If you ever do another anthology with a different theme I'l pitch in on that one.
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/238462/records-of-an-academy-disaster
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/41313/mood-wings
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/229453/all-the-mortal-remains
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/151748/voyages-end
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/45842/changelings-dont-get-cutie-marks
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/102166/lost-cities
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/62430/sincerely-your-former-roommate
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/136972/daring-done
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/119832/late-fees
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/14298/petriculture
Yeah, my only good entry doesn't really fit the theme either. At least reading all these suggestions makes for a good reading list.
I'll plug a couple of mine, both short enough to skim and see if you like them for this project.
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
While on a tour of Canterlot Castle, Chipper Blaze gets separated from his tour group and accidentally discovers his "All Access" pass unlocks a lot more doors than it's supposed to.This is technically a QnB universe story, but it's show-canon-friendly, and familiarity with the one QnB-specific character is only a bonus, not required.
- MLP: FiM
- Romance
- Slice of Life
A changeling drone must cope with the feelings he has for his Queen.Maybe on the fringe of what you're looking for, just a little on the darker side of show-friendly, but I think it still qualifies.
Eh why not, I'll throw one in.
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/135176/between-loyalty-and-duty
For the record, it was written before Bulk Biceps had a name, and Snowflake was the common fanon name, so that's something to change if you want to use it.
Depending on when you were planning to deal with design and lay-out, I would be willing to volunteer my professional skills if I could fit the project into my schedule.
5066679
I appreciate the offer! (And it's great to see you -- I had no idea you'd moved over to FIMFiction!) I do have a layout workflow I'm satisfied with, though.
5066515
Don't kill yourself over it...
You're a noble soul.
5066560
Oh shit; I didn't realize he died!
5066587
Ooh, that sounds like an amazing story concept to begin with!
These are some of my favorites:
- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
A look behind the scenes at the entrance exams at Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
The CMC plus a wagon full of fireworks equals cutie marks.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Ahuizotl threatens to sue A. K. Yearling for libel unless she stops writing the Daring Do books. She makes him a counter-offer.- MLP: FiM
- Comedy
- Slice of Life
When Twilight is admitted to the Ponyville hospital, Rainbow Dash is there for her.…and a couple of my own that fit the bill:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Twilight Sparkle’s cute-ceañera is on Friday. Finding some guests is proving harder than Twilight Velvet expected.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Ponies will tell their masseuse all sorts of things, things that not even their closest friends know.5066689
I finally broke down and opened an account about two and a half years ago. The first story I posted?
- MLP: FiM
- Romance
- Slice of Life
Dale was a simple pony of the land, a widower with foals grown and moved away, and it looked like he would be the last of his line to work his ancient farm—but when an unexpected visitor literally drops in, everything changes for both of them.. . . And I would be happy to contribute it to the project at hand.
Three humble suggestions:
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Bon Bon reflects on her companionship with Lyra.- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
For some reason, Twilight never got around to emptying her old Canterlot residence, and the Archives are fed up. She has until sunset to pack and leave. And for the first time in her life, she doesn't seem to be paying attention to the deadline.- MLP: FiM
- Adventure
Nothing shall stay the messengers of Griffonstone's postal service from their sacred duty. Not even when it's the worst winter in a lifetime, when Gabby's the only postal griffon around, and when windigos haunt the skies...Hmm... lots of great stories here, but I think not many of them actually do what is required.
Well, here's one.
cdn-img.fimfiction.net/story/cs67-1432584135-216601-medium
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/216601/chimicherry-or-cherrychanga
Hmm...
I have one:
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/118306/a-simple-morning
If it's not too late I'd like to recommend one of mine:
- MLP: FiM
- Drama
- Slice of Life
A little filly lays terrified in a library through a raging storm with only an Alicorn princess to comfort her.I’ll go ahead and nominate
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
Princess Luna intervenes when a young filly's dream seems impossible.And
- MLP: FiM
- Slice of Life
On what's supposed to be the happiest day of Apple Bloom's young life, a lingering question drives her to seek out a pony she trusts.Well, I'll throw my hat into the ring. But I suppose it's teetering on the edge of your requirements
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/338643/permission-to-land
This is also a possible work that you may be interested in
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/351722/maud-takes-boulder-for-granite