Want to Be Published?
Listen closely, and you may hear more fingers than usual dancing on the keyboards of community college computers across the country.
Phi Theta Kappa members across the country are writing their way to potential fame, fortune and – most importantly – publication.
Nota Bene, the literary honors anthology of Phi Theta Kappa, is the only publication of its kind that is internationally distributed, highly acclaimed, and contains works solely written by two-year college students. There were more than 1,600 entries for Nota Bene 1999, with 27 manuscripts selected for publication. Not only does Nota Bene offer Society members an opportunity to be published, it also rewards the five most outstanding authors with scholarships, including four $500 Reynolds Scholarships and one $1,000 Citation Scholarship.
Taking its name from the Latin expression “note well,” Nota Bene was first published in 1994 to promote the ideal of excellence in writing for Phi Theta Kappa members. The anthology is distributed to more than 1,700 libraries nationwide and abroad, affirming the commitment to academic excellence displayed by the community college arena.
“I had my poem published so many times because of Nota Bene,” said Jody Barnes, 1999 Nota Bene author and Reynolds Scholarship recipient from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. “It was really great! It has been in tons of newspapers and flyers … it really gave my writing some wonderful exposure!”
“I was honored to win the scholarship, and, since I am still in school, I hope to submit some new contributions to Nota Bene 2000!” she continued. “I would really encourage other Phi Theta Kappa members to send in their writing. It’s a great experience!”
Brenda Hunt, Citation Scholarship winner and student at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina, agreed. “Being published and winning a scholarship for my short story in Nota Bene has been one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of my life,” said Hunt. “I was not only honored to have my story selected from so many talented scholars, but I also gained a deeper confidence in my abilities as a writer.
“To be published in the anthology for two-year colleges was just an honor to top all honors,” continued Hunt. “No matter where my writing takes me, I will always consider the Nota Bene Citation Scholarship to be my finest and most cherished achievement.”
Carolyn Simancek, a Phi Theta Kappa member from Baltimore City Community College in Baltimore, Maryland, was a Reynolds Scholarship winner. “Prior to receiving the scholarship, I never considered myself a writer,” said Simancek. “However, having one of my research papers published in Nota Bene made me realize my own self-worth. Crafting a paper, pondering its content and manipulating the English language requires skill and effort. Receiving recognition of this ability was a deeply gratifying and rewarding experience. Nota Bene has established a strong foundation for future endeavors and taught me to always strive for excellence,” said Simancek.
All Nota Bene manuscripts must be written by Phi Theta Kappa members enrolled in an associate degree program at the time of submission. All submissions must have a cover sheet listing the author’s name, college, chapter, advisor, home address, telephone number and email address (if applicable.) Manuscripts cannot be returned, and will be reviewed by a jury for selection. Essays, formal and informal poetry and short stories on any topic may be submitted. No submissions should exceed 2,500 words, and all must be typed or printed and mailed to the address below. Emailed or faxed submissions will not be accepted.
Mail submissions to:
Phi Theta Kappa Headquarters
c/o Nota Bene
1625 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211
For more information, please contact Director of Publications Nell Ewing at 601.984.3516 or visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website.
