March 17. 2026 Good afternoon Stay Zen writers, This message is for all contributors to the Zen Publishers Anthology regarding your required author bios and photos. To ensure consistency and professionalism in the final publication, please submit the following items no later than March 28, 2026: Photo Requirements: • Clear, high quality image • Only one person in the photo • Good lighting (avoid dark or shadowed backgrounds) • No discoloration, heavy filters, or distorted images • A professional or clean presentation is strongly encouraged Bio Requirements: • Short and condensed (please avoid lengthy biographies) • Focus on who you are as a writer and/or creative • Keep it clear, simple, and professional These materials will represent you as an author as well as the overall quality of the anthology, so please take time to submit your best presentation. If your submission does not meet these guidelines, you may be asked to resubmit. Thank you for your cooperation and for being part of this project. With Appreciation, Angel Kim Co-Owner, Stay Zen Writing Community

Aftertongue™: Language Under Pressure Anthology I · Spring 2026 We’re opening submissions. This anthology is for work written under constraint, consequence, and clarity. Language that handles the strain when comfort drops. What we’re looking for: - Writing that already did the work - Pieces that stand without explanation - Language shaped by pressure, not performance What this is not: - Reaction writing - Spectacle - Prompt-chasing - AI-generated work AI policy: ✔️Use of AI is limited to minor edits only. ✔️Writing created with the help of AI beyond minor edits is not permitted. ✔️If a piece does not qualify for copyright under law, we won’t accept it. ✔️Submissions may be reviewed for compliance by human editors. Rights - Authors retain full copyright - First publication rights only - No AI training - Adaptations are opt-in Timeline: - Submissions open: January 15, 2026 - Submissions close: February 15, 2026 - Publication: late April 2026 How to submit: One piece. No explanation required. Submit via the form linked below. If you’ve been carrying something that’s been waiting for the right conditions… this is the window. — Aftertongue™ https://sites.google.com/view/language-under-pressure/home

March 2, 2026 Good Morning Stay Zen Family, This message is for everyone contributing audio recordings for our anthology, Aftertongue™: Language Under Pressure. To keep our production timeline on track, all audio submissions must be sent in by Saturday, March 7, 2026. Please make sure your recording meets the following guidelines: • No background noise • Clear speaking voice and steady pacing • Good sound quality so your words are easy to understand These recordings will represent not only your voice, but the power and professionalism of our Stay Zen community. We want every poem to sound as strong as it reads. If you need help with recording tips or equipment suggestions, reach out before the deadline so we can support you. Thank you for showing up with intention and helping us make this anthology something truly special. With Appreciation, Angel Kim Co-Owner, Stay Zen Writing Community Curator of Love & Lyrics

I talked with some of you about the ISBNs and just wanted to give you a heads up. We extended the deadline for payment earlier this month, but in order to take advantage of the sale prices — payment must be made in full by December 31, 2025. Otherwise, they will be subject to the 2026 raised prices. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Membership has its privileges. Because of the faith and fire of the first 25, Zen Publishers is offering a private registry window: 25% off all ISBN packages through 11·25·25. Every number is sacred. Each ISBN seals your authorship into the archive. Your debut, your series, your press: marked and made official under the Zen seal. 🜂 Single Seal: 1 ISBN • $39 🜂 Dual Seal: 2 ISBNs • $70 🜂 Triad Record: 3 ISBNs • $101 🜂 Deca Registry: 10 ISBNs • $270 💰 To Secure Your Seal: Send payment via Venmo or Zelle using the note: Zen ISBN Registry + [your email] 🪙 Venmo: @StayZen 💵 Cashapp: $stayzenblends (Do you know how many you need? DM me and I can help you figure it out!) Your number awaits. Cycle closes soon.