Aurora Photography Collection/Book FAQ

1. How can I become a Sponsor or Early Supporter?
   Visit the shop at Patreon.com/AuroraAuthor and choose a package that works for you! Thank you for your support of the book project! Deadline to see your name printed on the front pages in Gratitude is October 1, 2026. The deadline to purchase these options is December 31, 2026.
   
2. Will an e-Book be available? Will you sell the book in paperback?
   No, the book will only be sold in a hardcover printed format. Only contributing photographers will receive a PDF of the book in the form of a digital edition.
   
3. What is the lowest price to buy the book?
   The lowest price available is being sold now to Early Supporters of the project. The book is available at more than 33% off the retail price including free shipping, with acknowledgements to your name when you purchase an Early Supporter — Standard Edition by October 1st. The last day this discount will be available is December 31, 2026. Thank you for your early support! For details, visit: Patreon.com/AuroraAuthor
   
4. How were pricing decisions decided? Is there a discount for book orders?
   The reason for the pricing is to ensure an adequate profit margin for publishers, editors, booksellers, resales, clubs, and dark sky organizations, while also donating a portion of the proceeds. Discounts may be available in the Michigan Aurora Chasers and the Shape of the Sky Project Book. The book may have better prices at gift shops and independent bookstores.
   
   Available until December 31, 2026, the best price on the book will be the Early Supporter with Standard Edition, to receive the approximately 200-page, full-color book for $75, including shipping. This offer is available on Patreon.com/AuroraAuthor. Afterward, the book will be available to the Michigan Aurora Chasers at a discount of $85 plus shipping.
   
5. When will the book be published?
   The book is slated to be released by 2027, with a goal of being published during or before January 2027.
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6. Is the book available for wholesale or resale?
   Yes! The book is available for wholesale, and it should be available through major distributors like Ingram and Baker & Taylor. You can also contact the Editor/Author for discounted rates or to set up a wholesale arrangement. The suggested retail price for the book or resale price is at least $89.60 and no more than $112.
   

Contributing Photographers FAQ

1. When is the deadline to submit photography?
   Unfortunately all submission deadlines have passed, and submissions are now closed. To learn about future projects or cast your vote as to whether we should publish a regional or national edition, join the Shape of the Sky Project Facebook Group or join Melissa’s creator community on Patreon.
   
2. As a contributing photographer, when will I know if my photo has been selected?
   You will receive an email confirming we have your submission in the same month you submitted. Acceptance Letters will be sent out corresponding to the three submission deadlines at the end of May, July, and September. If after 60 days, you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folders or contact Melissa.
   
3. Will phone photos be considered?
   Yes, if the images are in focus and high quality, we can consider phone photos. Even if the original photo from your phone is not the recommended size, I encourage you to submit the photos. First, I will try resizing them to fit the dimensions, if it maintains quality. Second, I could try printing photo pages that display 3-4 photographs on one page to optimize for phone photographs.
   
4. Do I have to convert my files from RGB to CMYK color?
   No, Melissa can convert the photo files to the printable CMYK color format for you. Please bear in mind that some color can be lost in translation, so if you are letting Melissa do the conversion, you are also trusting her to color match to the best of her ability.
   
5. When will decisions be made on the Final Deadline submissions?
   Entries submitted in July and August will be considered in September, and decisions on photos for the inside pages will be made by the last day of September 2026. The Cover Artist Competition will be decided by the end of the year, before December 31, 2026.
   
6. If I submitted photos, how will I know which photo you chose?
   You’ll see the selection when you receive your mock-up via email in the fall. I’m leaving this flexibility open so that there is enough of a variation of colors, auroral forms, scenery and appealing variety to our book’s audience. It will be difficult to determine the book’s entire balance, until I see the pages together in sets.
   
7. Who is eligible to submit to be published?
   Any photographer who has a quality photo of Aurora or Sub-Auroral Phenomena that was taken in/of Michigan. Submitted photos must be authentically your own. For more details on eligible submissions, visit the Project Website.