New York, NY (October 8, 2015) – Pocket Books, long-time publisher of Star Trek novels, is bringing back the popular Star Trek: Strange New Worlds fan-fiction writing contest in celebration of Star Trek’s 50^th Anniversary in 2016.  Louise Burke, President of the Gallery Books Group and Publisher of Pocket Books, announced the news today.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was an annual collection of short stories that ran from 1998 to 2007 set in the Star Trek universe, written by amateur writers chosen through an open submissions process. Now, under license from CBS Consumer Products, Pocket Books is reviving the contest in 2016. Ten grand prize winners will have their stories published as part of an all-new official anthology in print and eBook formats.  Additionally, two first prize winners will receive a free self-publishing package from Archway Publishing.

“Star Trek fans were some of the original pioneers of fan fiction, and Strange New Worlds introduced powerful voices to the community—several of whom went on to become bestselling authors,” said Burke. “We are excited to be able to give fans a fresh platform on which to express themselves.”

The deadline for submissions will be January 15, 2016, and winners will be announced on March 31, 2016.  Stories will be selected by a panel to be named shortly.  The 2016 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will be a fully fan-created package, and soon fans will be asked to submit their artwork for cover consideration.  For further details, please visit:  www.StarTrekBooks.com.

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