Frequently Asked Questions

Nov 19, 2024

How do I register?

Registration for our giveaways and for bonus content purchases was open through December 31. But you can join the program at any time by downloading the grids and subscribing to our Substack so that you don’t miss any updates! You’ll also still be eligible for the grand prize drawing if you submit a grid with at least 7 completed challenges.

How old do I have to be to join? Can my child participate?

Brighter Winter is directed toward an upper teen/adult audience. Because of this, registration is open for ages 14+.

If you are participating and have children under age 14 who are interested, you may print off multiple grids for their use (we suggest adapting the grids to suit their reading level). They may read and fill grids out but are not permitted to formally participate in registration or giveaways until age 14.

I missed the registration deadline. Can I still join Brighter Winter?

Yes! You may join at any time during the program, fulfill challenges, and enter the grand prize drawing. However, due to technical difficulties, participants who join Brighter Winter after Dec. 31 are not eligible for the biweekly giveaways during the program. You can find the grids and program rules here on Substack. Links will be provided after the grids are released on December 21.

Is Brighter Winter still free?

Yes! Brighter Winter Reading Challenge will always be free to join. If you want early grid access, access to interactive digital content, or a fun “snail mail” package of goodies, consider purchasing one of our bonus content packages.

Where can I find the grids?

You can find the grids in our post on December 31st. emailed to you upon registration (November 29-December 31).

If you can’t find your emails from us, here's a list to troubleshoot the problem.

Check folders that Brighter Winter emails could hide such as spam, promotions, or trash.
Search your email for Brighter Winter or brighterwinter@substack.com. We've had trouble with Gmail accounts hiding Brighter Winter emails.
Add our sending address (brighterwinter@substack.com) to your contacts. This eliminates the chance that your email provider is blocking emails from our address.
Sign up again on the website using a different email address or putting in the same one to be certain that there was not a mistake in spelling. (This isn't necessary if you have gotten at least one email from Brighter Winter already.)

If you go through all four of these steps and still have trouble, contact us!

Grid Submissions

I can’t upload my photo to submit my grid.

Make sure that you filled in all required fields (marked with a red asterisk). Then be sure that the photo or scan of your grid is the correct file type (.jpg, .pgn., pdf). You could also try using a different browser or device.

I don’t know if my photo went through when submitting my grid.

If you were able to submit the form and got a confirmation email from Jotform, the photo went through. The link that you got in the confirmation email is not a direct link to the photo that you submitted. Confusing, but, thankfully, not reflective of your true submission status.

I sent my grid when I wasn't supposed to.

We’re sorry, but we cannot process grids sent via email. Submissions can only be entered by using the given link sent in your email. Please check that email for the link and directions for submitting your grid (if you've already deleted the email, check for it in your Trash folder).

What if I miss the deadline?

We cannot accept any grids submitted after the submission deadlines. January grids will be due by midnight on February 3, and February grids will be due by midnight on March 3rd. If you’re concerned you might miss it, consider setting an alarm or jotting down a reminder in your planner.

Bonus Content

What’s included in the digital bonus content?

Digital content includes early access to the January and Februrary grids and, depending on which package you purchase, access to the Brighter Winter Reading Room: a special place for participants to gather on ZOOM for book clubs, speakers, and author interviews. Check out our detailed product descriptions by scrolling down to view the packages on the Brighter Winter Registration page!

How do I access my digital Bonus Content?

Any digital content purchased in our bonus packages will be sent to you via email, so check there first! If you purchased the Pemberley Package, you will also be receiving a physical package in the mail, shipped 1-3 days after purchase.