Written Storytelling Capstone
The Capstone for the Written Storytelling Certificate must be original content between 2,000-4,000 words, to be read at the Storytelling Certificate Celebration. We encourage students to work on their Capstone throughout the duration of the program. Once a student completes the program, they also have the opportunity to include their Capstone in the Story Center anthology, Community Voices.
Oral Storytelling Capstone
The Capstone for the Oral Storytelling Certificate must be a 5-7-minute story to be performed at the Storytelling Certificate Celebration. We encourage students to work on their Capstone throughout the duration of the program. Once a student completes the program, they also have the opportunity to have their performance recorded and included in the listening station.
More information coming soon!
Community Voices
Community Voices… is an annual collection of writings by recent graduates of The Story Center's Storytelling Certificate Program. Offered in partnership with Metropolitan Community College and Mid-Continent Public Library, the Certificate Program helps people tell their stories, whether those stories are contemporary or historical, real or imagined. Free courses taught by practicing professionals help participants grow their stories from a spark of inspiration into a polished marketable product. Currently, a person can earn a certificate in written or oral storytelling. This program is made possible by funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Community Voices: Volume 1 2020
A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduates of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.
Community Voices: Volume 2 2021
A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduates of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.
Community Voices: Volume 3 2022
A collection of short stories, essays, and sample book chapters written by recent graduates of The Story Center’s Storytelling Certificate Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my Capstone?
Once you complete all your requirements of The Story Center Storytelling Certificate Program, Capstones should be submitted to Simaran Singh, at ssingh@mymcpl.org. Submissions are considered final.
Capstones needs to be in standard manuscript format: 12 pt font, double-spaced, Times New Roman. It must be between 2,000-3,000 words.
We also ask for the following:
- 100-200 word introduction of your piece, which includes your genre (nonfiction, fiction, etc.)
- Copyright form (PDF, 84K)
- A brief bio including previous publications, writing experience, and any qualifications that might be applicable. Max 300 words.
Will my submission be edited?
Yes, The Story Center will hire a copy editor to edit your work. Please note, a copy editor focuses on grammar only, and submissions are considered final. If you’re unsure about your content, we encourage you to work on your Capstone throughout the Storytelling Certificate Program.
How can I be featured in Community Voices?
Community Voices accepts submissions from writers who have completed their requirements of The Story Center Storytelling Certificate Program.
Where can I read Community Voices?
Community Voices can be checked out through Mid-Continent Public Library in both eBook format and physical copy.
How can I purchase a copy?
If you are a writer featured in the anthology, you can order copies. Please contact the Publication Manager Kyndall Tiller at ktiller@mymcpl.org or (816)883-4774.
Can previous graduates submit new work for the next anthology?
Each graduate is featured once.
Do I have to submit my Capstone for publication if I don’t feel ready? No, you do not have to publish your piece in Community Voices.
No, you do not have to publish your piece in Community Voices.
Do I retain the rights to my piece?
Yes, you as the author retain sole copyright of your piece as outlined in the retention of copyright statements below. As the sole copyright holder, you are free to submit or publish the same work via other publication avenues.
The Author's Retention of Copyright
The author is the sole copyright owner of the work and retains all rights to the work except for those expressly granted to Woodneath Press in this agreement. The work is defined as the author’s individual contribution and does not refer to the anthology as a whole. The author continues to be the sole owner of his or her own work, even after its publication in this anthology. Woodneath Press does not limit the author’s right to publish this work in any other format.
The Publisher's retention of Collective Copyright
Woodneath Press is the sole copyright owner of the anthology as a collective work and retains all rights to the collective work therein. The collective work is defined as the complete anthology and does not refer to the author’s individual work. The collective work copyright will not limit or prevent the author’s rights to publish or profit from the work separate from the anthology except to the limited extent provided in this agreement.