Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit more than one piece?

Yes, but you may only submit one piece per category. And, due to the large number of submissions we receive each year, selected writers will only be allowed to read the piece that is selected.

Do I need to attend the entire conference?

While you don't need to attend the entire conference, selected writers are expected to be available throughout the entire conference. The sessions are scheduled pretty close to the date of the conference and it is cumbersome to make last minute changes because of unavailability of a writer.

I have been selected, but I cannot attend the conference. What should I do?

Please email us at nulc@weber.edu and let us know as soon as possible so that we can make adjustments to the schedule.

When will I find out if I have been accepted?

We mail acceptance/rejection letters via "snail mail" no later than March 1. If you have not received any notification by March 10, please email us at nulc@weber.edu.

When will I find out when I will be reading?

A rough draft of the conference schedule should be online by March 15. Errors in names, titles, etc. should be emailed to nulc@weber.edu as soon as possible. The schedule goes to the printer by March 25, and changes cannot be made to the schedule after this date.

What is a sponsoring professor?

This is simply a professor who will vouch for the originality of the work you are submitting. He or she can email a statement of originality to nulc@weber.edu.

Why do I need to pay to attend the conference?

We do not profit from this conference, and the conference fee helps us offset some of the costs (paying the featured speakers, printing expenses, food, etc) in putting on a conference of this magnitude. You may want to talk with your sponsoring professor about locating funds through your school to help you pay your conference fee.

How are the selections put together?

We look at common themes in pieces when we categorize them into sections. That is why you might be reading a non-fiction piece with other students who may be reading a fiction of poetry piece. We think this gives a nice balance to the conference and offers more variety for the audience.

What is expected of me in my conference presentation?

Generally, authors will have 10-15 minutes to read their selection. You might read the entire piece or just a portion (time permitting). After all the authors in your session have read their works, there will be a question and answer session where audience members can ask you questions about your work. If you need any materials to enhance your reading (i.e. a computer for a power point presentation), please email us at nulc@weber.edu no later than March 25, so the arrangements can be made.

What is Metaphor?

Metaphor is Weber State University's undergraduate literary journal. With the exception of NULC accepted students, Metaphor only publishes work by Weber State University students. When a NULC student gives permission to print his or her work in Metaphor (by selecting "yes" on the online form), accepted pieces are then forwarded to the editors of the magazine for publication consideration. Only one piece per category is selected to be published, so it is quite an honor for a NULC student to have their piece published. For more information on Metaphor, go to www.weber.edu/metaphor.

My guest does not want to attend the banquet, but would like to watch me read my piece? Do I still need to pay for my guest?

If your guest is not attending the banquet, he or she is welcome to sit in on any conference sessions free of charge.