Time is of the essence. In response to my call to Frances Clark (434-447-7308) of the Southside Virginia Genealogical Society, I received several copies of the brochure about the upcoming book, "The Heritage of Mecklenburg County, Virginia - 2006." It will be prepared by that Society & Walsworth Publishing Co, Inc. Deadline for family stories, photos & book orders is Feb 1, 2006. The book is targeted for late 2006 delivery. The brochure pictures a lovely hardbound book, and says that the book will be 9" x 12" & exquisitely gold stamped, matching (the cover-style of) other Virginia County Heritage books. The example page of stories shows it will be printed in 3 columns of stories per page. Because it is a limited edition book, only those who order & pay in advance are guaranteed to receive a copy. (This is standard operating procedure for heritage books, for the benefit of those of you who have not participated in one before.) All residents, former residents, & those with roots in Mecklenburg Co are invited to submit, free: (1) a family household history of 500 words + one photo; (2) if your ancestor was in Mecklenburg Co by 1800 (or was there earlier & then gone), you may submit an ADDITIONAL 500-word Pioneer genealogy/history + one photo. (Or Frances Clark clarified on the phone, you can combine this additional 500 words & photo with the above, and make one article of 1,000 words with 2 photos.) And under "topical articles" below, you'll see that if one or more member of the family was in the military, a separate 100-word story + one photo can be submitted on each military person. The example story for that was submitted by Frances re a marine in WW I. For an extra fee, one can also submit extra photos & larger photos than standard: $12.50 for a regular (1-column width) photo; Double-wide or double-deep photos are an additional $12.50. Since several of the example family-stories shown in the brochure are listed as being a few more than 500 words, and the example military-story is listed as being more than 100 words, I called Frances for clarification (since I know some counties' heritage books charge an extra per-word-fee for words over the maximum number stated). She said that if a story is within the ballpark of the required number of words, the whole story will be published. There is no extra fee. However if the story runs substantially longer, it will not all be published. All stories must be flowing, narrative form. NO genealogical charts or tabular material will be accepted. Limit of one family-story submission per household -- She stated there are no doubt many people in your extended family who would be glad to be the official "submitter" of a story, if you have more than one family about which you'd like to do a story. Every word counts as a full word, even the words "a" "and" "it" "for" "by" The only exception to the counting each word rule, is regarding abbreviations: an abbreviation of up to & including 4 letters/numbers = 1 word. An abbreviation of 5 letters/numbers or more = 2 words (punctuation does not affect this) Required format (quoted verbatim here): Double-space type or word processing on bond paper. We cannot accept articles which are typed in ALL CAPS. Upper and lower case must be used. We will also accept text on diskettes, using MS Word or Word Perfect. Please include a printed hard copy. Include at end of article: 1. Word count 2. Sources, if available (Bpn note: I suspect the sources would need to be included in the word-count if extensive. The examples show simply "Sources: obituary and family stories" and "Sources: family records, personal knowledge, and census records") 3. Name, address, & phone number of story submitter. 4. Caption to appear with photo (limited to 10 words or less) 5. Index: Please list first, middle or maiden names (in parentheses), then last, typed on a separate sheet of paper and stapled to your story. Photograph directions: Note: Do not submit original irreplaceable photos. We make every effort to return them, but cannot be responsible for loss/damage. A. Types & size 1. Glossy photos are best. Black & white are preferred, but we accept 35 mm color and studio quality prints. We will accept .jpg or .tif photos on a separate floppy or CD. Please do not send one floppy or CD with multiple photos for multiple articles! Separate CD or floppy for each article! Please also send a glossy print of the photo. 2. The following are not acceptable: laser scans, Xerox copies, negatives or faded Polaroids. 3. Any size up to 8" x 10" 4. All photos will be reduced to one column, 2.5" wide x 1.75" high, with standard cropping as a bust shot. You must pay extra (as mentioned above) for larger sizes. Identification: 1. Place a return address lable with telephone number on the back of each photo. 2. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Captions: 1. Limited to 10 words or less 2. Type at the end of article. Topical articles (to be used at book committee discretion) A. Histories of churches, clubs, & organizations 1. Each allowed 250 words + one photo 2. For additional photos, see extra charge above. B. Communities and major topics (Ask committee for details) C. Military service biographical sketch: 1. Each allowed 100 words + one photo 2. For additional photo or oversize photo, see extra charge above. Restrictions: A. Articles cannot harm or embarrass another individual. B. No genealogical chargs or tabular material can be used. NO EMAIL SUBMISSIONS are accepted. You can also order copies of the book @ $55 if picked up in Mecklenburg County, or @ $62.00 if shipped anywhere in lower 48 states (via UPS). Send: - your check or money order stating how many copies of the book you are ordering, - include any additional photo-fee, if appropriate - your name & your UPS-delivery address (no Post Office Boxes) - your email address - your SASE for return of your photographs TO: Mecklenburg Co Heritage Book c/o Southside Virginia Genealogical Society 984 Camp Road South Hill, VA 23970 If anyone also wants to join the Southside Virginia Genealogical Society, you can also send a $12 check for a one-year membership.