*****************************************************************
W R I T I N G W O R L D
A World of Writing Information - For Writers Around the World
http://www.writing-world.com
Issue 5:13 15,500 subscribers June 23, 2005
*****************************************************************
SPECIAL NOTICE: Please DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail; any messages
sent to the listbox address are deleted. See the bottom of this
newsletter for information on how to subscribe, unsubscribe, or
contact the editors.
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS
=================================================================
From the Editor's Desk
FALL CLASSES on Writing-World.com
WRITER TO WRITER: Email submissions, by Peggy Tibbetts
News from the World of Writing
FEATURE: Stuck in the Middle? Try Prompts,
by Alina Sandor
The Write Sites -- Online Resources for Writers
WRITING DESK: What is an imprint? by Moira Allen
JUST FOR FUN: Dear Editor, by Jenna Glatzer
WHAT'S NEW at Writing World
MARKET ROUNDUP/Writing Contests
*****************************************************************
WRITTEN A BOOK? GET PUBLISHED TODAY WITH AUTHORHOUSE. Experience
the thrill of having your voice in print. With offices in the
U.S. and the U.K., join over 20,000 authors who have successfully
published with AuthorHouse. To learn more, click here to claim
your free Publishing Guide. http://snipurl.com/b6zh
*****************************************************************
EARN AN MFA IN WRITING through the brief-residency program at
Spalding University in Louisville, KY. Call (800) 896-8941x2105
or e-mail gradadmissions"at"spalding.edu and request brochure FA90.
For more info: http://www.spalding.edu/mfa
*****************************************************************
WRITERSCOLLEGE.COM has 57 online courses. Prices are low.
If you can reach our web site, you can take our courses.
http://www.WritersCollege.com
*****************************************************************
DISCOUNTED SOFTWARE FOR WRITERS -- PowerWriter, DramaticaPro,
StoryCraft, WritePro, MovieMagic, StyleWriter, plus many more.
HUGE SAVINGS! GREAT SELECTION! Save online at:
http://www.MasterFreelancer.com
*****************************************************************
THE WELL-FED WRITER by Peter Bowerman - Learn how you can make
$50-100 an hour as a freelance writer and easily earn $1000 a
week or more working 2-3 good days. Details:
http://www.writingcareer.com/pb001.shtml
*****************************************************************
LOOKING FOR PAYING MARKETS? Absolute Write Can Help! Subscribe
to the Absolute Markets PREMIUM Edition for just $15 a year and
get all the writing markets we can cram into your inbox! We've
got calls for freelance writers, screenwriters, editors, greeting
card writers, translators... http://www.absolutemarkets.com
*****************************************************************
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
=================================================================
Uncluttering To the Extreme...
------------------------------
When I mentioned in the last issue that I wanted to work on
uncluttering my desk (and perhaps, by extension, my life), I
didn't expect things to take quite such an extreme turn. My desk
has, indeed, been getting cleaner; piles of outdated papers have
made their way to the trash. But imagine my surprise when I
tried to check my e-mail last Monday and discovered that my
websites had become extraordinarily clean as well -- as in
nonexistent!
It took another two days to determine that the server that hosts
all my websites had suffered a "catastrophic failure." I run six
sites, including one for my sister, one for my husband, and one
for my church; all had vanished from the face of the ether. At
first we were assured that the server folks would have everything
restored shortly. Then it emerged that not only had the main
server failed, but the backup server had failed (or been
"corrupted") as well. Hence, no backup files.
What this has meant for Writing-World.com is that everything that
lived entirely upon the server is now gone. The contests
database has been completely destroyed. I am still waiting for
the Webdata folks to reinstall the database itself; I will then
try to restore as much of the data as I have. This will not,
unfortunately, include any of the contests listed directly by
their organizers.
The Writers Wanted Classified System was also lost. Hopefully
we'll have that back online by the end of the week, but again,
all the information that it contained is gone forever.
My TimeTravel-Britain.com site experienced similar losses. Our
two major databases -- the events database, which had more than
1000 listings, and the accommodations database were both
destroyed. The databases themselves will be reinstalled, but the
data is gone.
Fortunately, I always have multiple backups of all my HTML files,
so reinstating my sites themselves was a fairly simple process.
It also proved a good opportunity to update my Amazon.com book
links throughout the Writing-World.com site -- more than half of
which were out of date!
Hopefully by next issue we'll be able to report that everything
is back up and running smoothly! From now on, however, I'll be
adding regular data "exports" from my databases to my desktop
"clutter"!
-- Moira Allen, Editor
*****************************************************************
CAN YOU WRITE A SIMPLE LETTER? If yes, you could be in big
demand, earning big money, writing just a few hours a day from
anywhere in the world you choose to be. I personally made more
than $200,000 this way in one year. Please click here NOW for
more details: http://www.thewriterslife.com/ph/wworlda64
*****************************************************************
THE FUEL - THE ENERGY - THE EDGE CHILDREN'S WRITERS NEED FOR
SUCCESS. Over 250 editors, experienced authors, and industry
experts provide shrewd insider tips, insights, and strategies to
improve your success in this growing and ever-changing market.
Free 30-day exam. http://www.thechildrenswriter.com/N1308/
*****************************************************************
FALL CLASSES ON WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
We have two classes for you this fall on Writing-World.com:
ADVANCED EROTICA WORKSHOP
* Instructor: Catherine Lundoff
* Four weeks; $80
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/erotica2.shtml
BREAKING INTO THE MAGAZINE AND PERIODICAL MARKET
* Instructor: Moira Allen
* Eight weeks; $125
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/magazines.shtml
We also recommend the following classes, which are taught
independently by former Writing-World.com instructors.
FREELANCING FOR NEWSPAPERS
* Instructor: Sue Fagalde Lick
* Eight weeks; $100
* Ongoing; enroll and start the course at any time!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/newspapers.shtml
FUNDAMENTALS OF FICTION
* Instructor: Marg Gilks
* Eight weeks; $150
* Ongoing; enroll and start the course at any time!
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/fiction.shtml
*****************************************************************
BOOK PUBLICITY & PROMOTION Smith Publicity -- One of the most
creative publicity and book promotion agencies in the country.
Flexible, affordable publicity packages. Radio and TV
interviews, features and reviews in newspapers and magazines;
book tours, special events. Interviews placed on virtually every
top show; stories and reviews in most major newspapers and
magazines. Check out http://www.smithpublicity.com or call
(215) 547-4778, ext. 111; e-mail: info"at"smithpublicity.com
*****************************************************************
WRITER TO WRITER
=================================================================
by Peggy Tibbetts (peggyt"at"siltnet.net)
Our discussion about email submissions has definitely hit a
nerve! Responses are still flowing in. As I mentioned in the last
issue, this topic will run through the next issue, so I'd still
like to hear from you. New writers, please feel free to join the
discussion! I'm still putting out a special call to editors and
agents to share your feelings about email submissions. You may
remain anonymous, if you wish.
To date, no agents have responded to the survey. However the
fiction editor of a small literary journal shared some insight
on why she accepts only snail mail submissions: "We need a hard
copy to work with and we cannot afford to print out all of those
pages ourselves. Most editors of lit mags carry manuscripts
around with them to read as time allows throughout the day. Very
rarely do I read submissions at my desk -- they're read on
commutes, on lunch breaks, in my back yard, and sometimes in bed
before I go to sleep. I hate reading from a screen -- too hard
on the eyes, neck, and back/shoulders." Conversely, editor and
freelance writer CGS Lim prefers the convenience of email
submissions: "As an editor, email submissions are convenient and
they save paper. I can start editing them immediately without
having to ask the writer to submit a diskette or to email me the
text. And also, email submissions have no chance of getting lost
in the clutter on my desk. As a freelance writer, I do not submit
anything on paper anymore."
For international writers, email submissions have opened up
markets for new writers, as reported by UK writer D. Copeman: "I
am a new writer with less than one year's experience and I prefer
to do most of my submissions via email as it enables me to target
more international publications. Email has enabled me to break
into American markets and to target publications in South Africa,
Canada, and Australia. All of these are highly attractive to
UK-based writers as they tend to pay on acceptance and not on
publication, as is the norm in the UK." For experienced
international writers, email submissions can be their only means
of submission as expressed by R. Hall: "I live on an Outback
property in Western Australia and with only a weekly mail service
and no regular access to a post office to purchase stamps or
register mail, email is the best option for me. It also allows me
to submit to international publications without the huge expense
of overseas postage costs."
Most international writers say it's difficult to obtain US
postage and according to PJ McNamara, International Reply Coupons
(IRCs) aren't the solution either: "I live in Canada and just
cannot get ahold of US stamps, so it's impossible to send US
publications a SASE. I tried using IRCs for a while, but many
publishers would just return them -- often because they had no
idea of how to handle them." However P. Aiken reminds writers:
"It used to be a hassle to get postage for SASEs but not anymore.
International writers can purchase US postage at the US Postal
Service web site." (http://www.usps.com) However A. de Chevigny
pointed out that it might not be a simple matter of proper
postage: "I live in Canada and half the packages and envelopes I
send to the United States either get opened and contents
disappear, or they never reach their destination, and I must
resend. And those odds are worse for packages coming into Canada
from the US. I have spoken with the postal departments of both
countries and have been informed that the problem lies with the
customs department."
New writer E. Hanes feels that the personal and immediate aspect
of email submissions has helped her break in with editors:
"Email, while often considered impersonal, is in fact, much more
personal than a paper letter. With email, you can engage in an
immediate exchange of ideas and information -- and get a sense of
the personality of the person you're conversing with. The biggest
benefit I've found to pitching by email is that I can get into a
back-and-forth with the editor to determine what ideas they're
really looking for." B. Boyd discovered quite by accident how the
immediacy of email contact can lead to a quick sale: "My first
sale was in response to one of my first queries, emailed to a
startup magazine; the editor responded immediately and gave me an
assignment. My second sale was also via email submission to a
national magazine. I then sent requested clips via snail mail,
the address on the publication's web site was wrong so the
envelope came back to me. I called the editor to obtain the
correct address and in that phone conversation was assigned the
article. I think this was a lucky matter of the editor needing a
story and me calling at the right moment."
However new writers also expressed some misgivings about email
submissions, like R. Rushton: "One thing I've found, email
queries occasionally go unanswered, but whenever I send one snail
mail, with SASE, the publisher or agent seems to feel obligated
to reply via my paid-for stamp and envelope." While S. Busch
prefers email submissions, she added: "I wonder about how email
submissions get to the slush pile. Do editors have to print out
each email to create a hard copy to be tossed into the slush? Or
do they simply collect hundreds of submissions sitting online
waiting to be read? E-slush? From that perspective I can see why
most editors might prefer snail mail."
Now eight years into her freelance writing career, J. Airey has
found the best of all possible worlds: "Now the three main
newspapers and two magazines I write for accept all my articles
and photographs via email. Last week heavy rains caused much
flooding in our area, washed out roads and bridges. At 6:00 a.m.,
when I heard the rumble of water in the ravine by my house I
grabbed my camera shot several photographs and sold them before
noon. I spent three days shooting photographs in different areas
of the flooding, selling the photographs to various newspapers. I
couldn't do that 150 miles from our capital city without a
digital camera and computer hooked up to the Internet. I always
say, don't miss that window of opportunity."
This discussion will continue in the next issue. Thanks again to
all who have responded thus far. Please keep those responses
coming in!
For agents and editors: Do you consider email queries or
submissions, and why? If not, why do you prefer submissions
by mail?
For new writers (5 years or less): Do you find that most of your
submissions are by email? In other words, are snail mail
submissions about as rare for you as email used to be for the
rest of us?
For experienced writers (more than 5 years): What percentage of
your submissions are by email these days versus five years ago?
Or are you fed up with snail mail submissions and now submit
exclusively by email?
Please send your responses to: peggyt"at"siltnet.net
Subject: Writer to Writer
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Peggy Tibbetts answers your questions about writing for children
in her monthly column, Advice from a Caterpillar:
http://www.writing-world.com/caterpillar/index.shtml
She is the author of "The Road to Weird" and "Rumors of War".
Visit her web site at: http://www.peggytibbetts.net
Copyright (c) 2005 by Peggy Tibbetts
*****************************************************************
Our staff of experienced editors, including several published
authors, specialize in first-time and novice writers. Free sample
edit/critique. Personalized attention by editors specializing in
your genre. Clients' needs are our first priority. See us at
http://www.alphaediting.com
*****************************************************************
WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW COACHING SERVICES: Allow writer coach Lisa
Collazo to take you on a journey to self-discovery. Her services
include telephone coaching, an e-course and teleclasses. Contact
Lisa for a complimentary coaching session to determine which
services would best meet your needs and sign up for her free
newsletter at http://www.writewhatyouknow.com
*****************************************************************
NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
=================================================================
B&N and Amazon top indies in Zogby poll
---------------------------------------
Online bookseller Amazon.com is more popular with Americans than
local independent bookstores, with 23% of American adults
preferring the online bookseller versus 21% who prefer their
local bookstore. However, both options are dwarfed by bookstore
chain Barnes & Noble, which is the choice of one-in-three adults
(33%), a new poll out from Zogby International reveals. The Zogby
Consumer Profile survey of 15,556 adults nationwide was conducted
April 5 through May 23, 2005, and has a margin of error of +/-0.8
percentage points. The same survey found Borders was the favorite
of just 13%, while Waldenbooks was preferred by 3%. Both
booksellers work in conjunction with Amazon.com -- giving the
various chains tied to Amazon a lead over Barnes & Noble. For
more information: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1003
F&W Publications sale closes
----------------------------
Last week, TheDeal.com reported the closing of the auction for
F&W Publications, with Boston-based private equity firm Abry
Partners emerging as the winner. The deal is expected to close by
the end of July, at which point F&W president Steve Kent will be
succeeded by David Steward, formerly with "TV Guide" and Martha
Stewart. The purchase price is reported to be $500 million --
well below initial estimates among business reporters this past
spring, when speculation put the potential price at between $550
million and $650 million. The company, which also incorporates
Krause Publications and Adams Media, is expected to see sales of
$280 million this year, with more than half of that coming from
magazines and other non-book businesses.
Freedom to Read Amendment passed
--------------------------------
On June 15, the US House of Representatives passed Rep. Bernie
Sanders' (I-VT) Freedom to Read Amendment to the Commerce,
Justice, State (CJS) Appropriations Bill by a vote of 238 to 187.
The amendment cuts Justice Department funds for bookstore and
library searches under Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. The
vote represents a victory for Sanders, free speech groups, and
civil liberties advocates, including the Campaign for Reader
Privacy, who believe that Section 215 erodes constitutional
rights. American Booksellers Association (ABA) COO Oren Teicher
said this does not mean that the fight to amend Section 215 is
over: "The battle will continue as Congress looks to reauthorize
215 and the other sunsetting provisions of the Patriot Act at the
end of this year. We need to redouble our efforts, and we urge
booksellers to continue to collect signatures on reader privacy
petitions and to contact their congressional representatives to
ask them to support an amendment to Section 215 to protect
readers' First Amendment rights." Rep. Sanders also stressed
that, not only are the American Library Association and ABA in
favor of amending Section 215, but that "seven states in America
have gone on record expressing serious concerns" regarding the
provision, plus hundreds of thousands of citizens have informed
their representatives that they are concerned about Section 215,
as well. For more information about the Campaign for Reader
Privacy: http://www.bookweb.org/read/7679
Microsoft censors Chinese blogs
-------------------------------
Microsoft's MSN China, launched in May, is used by bloggers to
post their thoughts. But now specific words are being blocked,
such as: freedom, democracy, demonstration, human rights, and
Taiwan independence. Chinese bloggers already face strict
controls and must register their online journal with Chinese
authorities. The new portal is operated by Shanghai MSN Network
Communications Technology, a joint venture between Microsoft and
Shanghai-government owned Shanghai Alliance Investment (Sail).
Microsoft holds 50% of the business. A spokeswoman for Microsoft
stated: "MSN abides by the laws, regulations and norms of each
country in which it operates. The content posted on member spaces
is the responsibility of individuals who are required to abide by
MSN's Code of Conduct." Microsoft is not alone in co-operating
with the Chinese authorities to police what people can do online.
Yahoo and Google have been criticized for similar activities and
restricting what people can search for and read online. Reporters
Without Borders (RSF) has said in a statement: "The lack of
ethics on the part of these companies is extremely worrying.
Their management frequently justifies collaboration with Chinese
censorship by saying that all they are doing is obeying local
legislation. We believe that this argument does not hold water
and that these multinationals must respect certain basic ethical
principles, in whatever country they are operating."
BISG will offer ISBN-13 Webinars
--------------------------------
On January 1, 2007, the ISBN agency will begin issuing 13-digit
ISBNs; publishers must assign only 13-digit ISBNs to their books;
and retailers' POS systems must accept 13-digit ISBNs. To help
book industry professionals navigate the switch from the 10-digit
to the 13-digit ISBN, the Book Industry Study Group (BISG) will
be holding online seminars, or "webinars," designed to unravel
the complexities of the ISBN transition. The hour-long sessions
will cost $35 and will cover why the change is being implemented
and what actions to take, among other issues. Sessions are being
held on June 28 and 29. BISG has also made a PDF document
available, "ISBN-13 for Dummies," and a FAQ about issues related
to the ISBN-13 transition. For more information:
http://bisg.org/isbn-13/
*****************************************************************
BECOME a CREATIVITY COACH or be certified to Teach Creativity
Workshops with author and creativity expert Jill Badonsky, M.ED.
Contact jillbadonsky"at"hotmail.com, http://www.themuseisin.com
*****************************************************************
INTERESTED IN WRITING FICTION OR NONFICTION? Find inspiration
and ideas for that next project at Profitable Pen's newest
forums! Register for free at http://www.profitable-pen.com.
*****************************************************************
STUCK IN THE MIDDLE? TRY PROMPTS
=================================================================
by Alina Sandor
Many books on the writer's bookshelves feature prompts to bolster
the writer's creativity. In some circles, though, these have
become constrained to question-and-answer type exercises and used
more for journal writing than actual fiction and nonfiction
projects you might have underway. These are terrific if you are
stuck for a new article or story idea, but what if you are in the
middle of a piece of prose, and run out of steam? No fresh ideas
are coming -- and a prompt on remembering the first time you rode
a bike seems way off the subject. What then?
Before you decide prompting can't help, you might want to give it
another look.
Prompting is all about inciting ideas, inspiring new ways of
looking at things. There are several ways prompting can work for
you, no matter what stage your story is in. It can help round out
characters, develop new scenes, and create inspiration when you
feel stymied.
Question Prompts
----------------
Maybe you are writing a really great story that at first you were
excited about. Now, halfway through, you're stuck.
Don't panic. Bogging down might mean you haven't thought your
story through enough. Try creating prompts by asking yourself
questions about what you want to do with your story.
In a notebook or new computer document, make a list of questions
about your story in progress. Is something in your story
bothering you, or is there something that you can't figure out
how to resolve?
Write down every question that comes to mind, whether you plan to
answer them right away or not, or even if the question seems
irrelevant. What you're doing is making a list of prompts
specifically for your story.
Try not to make the prompt start with the words "will" or "can"
or any other query you could answer YES or NO. The point is to
let your mind run wild, brainstorming as many ideas as possible.
Here are some sample prompts that I came up with while writing a
recent story. Notice how each one demands a lengthy answer.
* Why is Michael's mother so overprotective of him?
* What ends do I need to tie up?
* What kind of fame is Charlott looking for, if any?
* Why does Michael tell Charlott his secret?
The answer to those four questions filled dozens of pages and
gave me ample ideas for my story. Once your questions are in
writing, your mind actively tries to help move past your block.
Your prompts may lead to more prompts, and more ideas.
Response Prompts
----------------
Question prompts work well if you have trouble coming up with new
scenes or an ending, but what if you are stuck coming up with the
next sentence? This is where response prompting comes in handy.
Let's go back to the story from before. Here's a passage where I
was particularly bogged down:
"Michael's down at the police station."
"What?" Charlott suddenly became more sober. "Why?"
"Why do you think? They're questioning him." Andrea grabbed
Charlott by the shoulders and hoisted her up. "You're going to go
down to the station and tell them this was all a lie."
Charlott jerked away. "It wasn't a lie."
Okay, now what? This is just a smaller part of a bigger idea, a
bigger thought I wanted to write down. How could the next line
lead into the rest of the story?
In the middle of prose, it's easy to get lost in the overall
picture or the emotion. Response prompting can help you stay
focused on the scene a hand instead of worrying about the larger
story.
Let's start at the end. Take a look at your last line. You didn't
write it for nothing; it was going somewhere. Examine the emotion
you were attempting to convey. Write down the thought process
that went into writing that last line.
Example: I was trying to shock the reader. Michael, one of the
lead characters, is in jail. That alone would shock the reader
because Michael's generally a nice guy. Charlott loves Michael,
yet she is slowly destroying him by revealing his darkest secret.
Now turn your thinking into a question: Is Charlott going to
explain herself to Andrea, her best friend? Or make an excuse?
What would add to the shock factor?
The prompt pushes you to the next line by keeping your thoughts
geared to the emotion that you want to deliver to the reader. If
examining the emotion doesn't work, try to zero in on your
character's motive at that exact moment. You may find that your
character didn't have a clear motive, and that's why you became
stuck.
Prompt Rummaging
----------------
Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can't write. Your
brain won't let you put down one coherent sentence, let alone
come up with a prompt to get things rolling. In this case,
knowing how to prompt-rummage can help. This process helps you
take stale, bogged-down characters and scenes and look at them in
a whole new way.
First, you need several good sources for already preconceived
prompts, such as "365 Writing Prompts for the New Year" from
Writer's Digest Books, "The Pocket Muse" by Monica Wood, "The
Writer's Idea Book", or "The Writer's Idea Workbook", both by
Jack Heffron.
Thumb through these resourses looking for similarities between a
certain prompts and your story. Keep an eye out for interesting
ways to integrate a piece of a ready-made prompt into your story
by directing it, looking at it from all angles.
Suppose I came across this prompt from The Writer's Idea
Workshop: "Spend some time with your junk -- your souvenirs and
trinkets, old gifts and holiday cards, broken toys and
photographs. All the stuff that for one reason or another you
haven't thrown out or given away. Write a short piece ..." An
exploration of my packrat syndrome might not have anything to do
with my story, but I might add that as a trait for one of my
characters. The part about a broken toy could inspire a scene in
which Michael remembers how he had smashed his favorite baseball
through the window when he found out his brother died.
See how it works? One prompt can produce a wealth of ideas, as
long as you are open to the possibilities. This kind of prompting
adds a dose of reality to your prose, because most prompts ask
you to look at yourself instead of at your character.
Character Prompts
-----------------
The characters are the heart of your story. If you lose touch
with your characters, you'll lose sight of your story. How can
you find that familiarity again? Character prompting is like a
personal e-mail to get you back in touch with these people you
created.
To start, put your character's full name at the top of the page.
Underneath it, start a dialog with him. Ask him about the
situation he's in at the moment. Is he furious, happy, confused?
Ask him how he thinks he will solve his current problem.
Don't worry; you're not just talking to yourself. You're creating
prompts by making this person real again. Each question is a
prompt, followed closely by an answer from your character. Go
deep. Ask her about her worst fears, how she feels about her
body, what her favorite memories are. The most pressing questions
you need to ask, though, are about what she thinks might happen
next. What are her goals? Remember, your story isn't just about
the plot; it's also about the person living the plot.
When you try prompting, don't censor yourself. Keep an open mind
and keep practicing. Once you get the hang of manipulating
prompts, you can conquer any writer's block that comes your way.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Alina Sandor is a freelance writer, does manuscript critiques and
reviews, and is author of "The Misadventures of a Carboholic: A
Low Carb Cookbook." Visit her web site at:
http://alinasandor.tripod.com
Copyright (c) 2005 by Alina Sandor
*****************************************************************
SUNPIPER PRESS is dedicated to giving exposure to new, emerging
and established writers. Showcasing poetry, short stories and the
works of self-published writers. Also offers two essay contest
for students. We want you to read AND participate. Join us at
http://www.sunpiperpress.com. Promoting the Voices of Our Future!
*****************************************************************
FREE SPECIAL REPORT! How to Write Your Book in 14 Days or Less!!
Guaranteed!! Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
called this information outstanding!
http://www.writeabooknow.com/writing-world2.html
*****************************************************************
THE WRITE SITES
=================================================================
Lullalee Publications
---------------------
Seeking new and used textbooks to provide to primary and
secondary school children.
http://www.lullaleepublications.org
Lines in the Mud: Exploring Creative Nonfiction
-----------------------------------------------
Confused about exactly what creative nonfiction is? Read this
enlightening article.
http://www.mala.bc.ca/~soules/eng315/textbook/pope.htm
Writers on the Rise
----------------------------------------
This newsletter for writers now has a new website, and the
newsletter itself is packed with info, interspersed with
"inspiration breaks" such as music and poetry.
http://www.writersontherise.com
Legal Guide for Bloggers
------------------------
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has published a free
Legal Guide for Bloggers covering copyright, liability and
defamation, election and labor laws.
http://www.eff.org/bloggers/lg/
Booksigners
-----------
Listserv to help authors maximize their success with signings and
readings. All aspects of signings are discussed.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/booksigners/
EU Writers Group
----------------
Discussion list for EU writers from both from present and
prospective member states, by Hungarian writer Ilona Hegedus.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/euwriters/
*****************************************************************
WRITE IN STYLE AND SELL MORE! We edit and evaluate manuscripts,
proposals, synopses and more. Bobbie Christmas (author of Write
In Style) BZEBRA"at"aol.com. Sign up for our free tips/markets
newsletter! Zebra Communications: http://www.zebraeditor.com.
*****************************************************************
THE WRITING DESK
=================================================================
by Moira Allen
What Is An Imprint?
-------------------
Q: In my reading about publishers, I see the term "imprint" used.
Would you explain, or refer me to an article that will give me
understanding about, what an imprint is?
A: An "imprint" generally refers to the publisher "name" that
goes on a book. It is not necessarily the name of the publishing
company as a whole. A single publishing company may have
different imprints for different types of books. For example,
let's assume there is a publishing company called MegaBooks
Incorporated. That's the "parent publishing company." It
publishes mysteries under the imprint of "Deadly Press," and
publishes science fiction under the imprint of "Futures Books."
Both of these imprints represent units or branches of the parent
company. Neither the mysteries nor the sf books may actually
carry the name "MegaBooks Incorporated" -- or, that name may be
buried somewhere on the copyright page. Some publishers have one
imprint that is their primary name and several other smaller
imprints that represent different, more specialized publishing
sections.
One reason for so many imprints is that many big corporations
and publishers have swallowed up smaller publishers that were
originally independent. Books may be still published under the
name or "imprint" of the smaller publisher, even though that
publisher no longer exists as a separate entity. But since the
publisher has an "identity" in the marketplace -- its name may be
associated with a particular type of book and thus have a
following -- the parent publisher retains the name as an imprint.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Moira Allen has been writing and editing professionally for more
than 20 years. A columnist for The Writer, she is also the author
of "Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer", "The Writer's
Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals" (now available as an
e-book) and "Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to
Advance Your Writing Career". For more details, visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/moira/moira.shtml
Copyright (c) 2005 by Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
JUST FOR FUN: Dear Editor
=================================================================
by Jenna Glatzer
Dear Editor,
It is with regret that I feel
I must decline your publishing deal.
While your interest in my work brings me a thrill
I still have this pesky heating bill.
Two cents a word means my cat will cry
When she sees her food bowl's run dry.
It's really not that I'm trying to trouble you,
But your publisher drives a BMW.
You get health insurance and paid vacations
While I eat Ramen and sleep in train stations.
The collection agency says if I don't pay,
They're sending Biff the Bruiser my way.
I value my knees and don't want them mangled
And would rather not watch my fish get strangled,
So I'm afraid that I am searching for closure
On assignments that pay in "great exposure."
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Jenna Glatzer is the editor-in-chief of Absolute Write.com and
the author of many books, including "Make a Real Living as a
Freelance Writer", which comes with a free editors' cheat sheet.
Her latest book, "Fear is No Longer My Reality", which she
co-wrote with Jamie Blyth of The Bachelorette, is hot off the
press. Visit her web site at: http://www.jennaglatzer.com.
Copyright (c) 2005 by Jenna Glatzer
*****************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
Not much until we get the rest of our systems up and running!
*****************************************************************
FIND 1700 MARKETS FOR YOUR WRITING! Writing-World.com's market
guides offer DETAILED listings of over 1700 markets, with contact
information, pay rates, needs and more. Fourteen themed guides
are available for $2.50 apiece or $25 for the set. For details,
see http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml
*****************************************************************
MARKET ROUNDUP
=================================================================
NUTS & VOLTS MAGAZINE
430 Princeland Court, Corona, CA 92879
EMAIL: editor"at"nutsvolts.com
URL: http://www.nutsvolts.com
Seeking articles about all things electronic: computers (hardware
& software); home automation; microcontrollers; internet
technologies; alternative energy; robotics; security &
surveillance; amateur radio & communications; CNC; cell phones.
See online guidelines for more information.
LENGTH: 1,500-2,500 words (not including sidebars)
PAYMENT: $100/printed page with a $450 maximum payment for
full-length, well-written articles that require little editing
RIGHTS: One time rights
REPRINTS: No
SUBMISSIONS: We accept submissions on PC-format 3.5" floppies,
CDs, or via email.
GUIDELINES: http://www.nutsvolts.com/writers.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
9-1-1 MAGAZINE
Randall D. Larson, Editor
18201 Weston Pl., Tustin, CA 92780
EMAIL: editor"at"9-1-1magazine.com
URL: http://www.9-1-1magazine.com
Serving law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and
disaster management, 9-1-1 Magazine provides valuable information
to readers in all aspects of the public safety communications and
response community. Each issue contains a blending of
product-related, technical, operational, and people-oriented
stories, covering the skills, training, and equipment which these
professions all share in common. We run stories on provocative
issues and cover major incidents from both a responder and a
communications standpoint. Eighty-five percent free-lance. Our
primary need is for articles, accompanied if possible by
appropriate high-quality photography.
LENGTH: 1,000-2,500 words
PAYMENT: Feature articles: 10-20 cents/word; Columns: $50
RIGHTS: FNASR
REPRINTS: No
SUBMISSIONS: We prefer queries, but will look at manuscripts on
speculation by mail or email.
GUIDELINES: http://www.9-1-1magazine.com/information/edGuides.asp
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
ADVENTIST REVIEW
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600
EMAIL: manuscripts"at"adventistreview.org
URL: http://www.adventistreview.org/thisweek/about.htm
We're looking for new writers -- men and women of all ages whom
the Lord has gifted and called to write. We're looking for
people with a passion for God. Please see online guidelines for a
complete outline of departments and issue topics.
LENGTH: 50-1,800 words; see online guidelines for word length
requirements for each department
PAYMENT: Unsolicited articles: $40-$100; Solicited articles:
$80-$300
REPRINTS: Yes
RIGHTS: One time rights
SUBMISSIONS: You may use email, but some of the editors prefer
hard copy through snail mail.
GUIDELINES: http://www.adventistreview.org/thisweek/writers.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Please send Market News to: peggyt"at"siltnet.net
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "GL": guidelines. If you have
questions about rights, please see "Rights: What They Mean and
Why They're Important"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/rights.shtml
*****************************************************************
WRITING CONTESTS
=================================================================
This section lists contests that charge no entry fees. For more
contests, check our online contests section.
http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
1st Annual Descending Darkness Short Story Contest
DEADLINE: July 15, 2005
GENRE: Short story
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 1,500 words or less
THEME: Story must contain some supernatural or horror element.
Descending Darkness is primarily a dark fiction, horror ezine,
and the contest must reflect that. Our parameters for what is
classified as dark fiction is broad, but I don't want stories of
fuzzy happy gnomes playing hopscotch in the noonday sun. If you
must write about gnomes then they better have a dark aspect. No
fan fiction, or copyrighted characters.
PRIZE: $50
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes, attachments only
EMAIL: admin"at"descendingdarkness1.com
URL: http://www.descendingdarkness1.com/Contest.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HSBC/SA PEN Literary Award
DEADLINE: July 31, 2005
GENRES: Short story
OPEN TO: Any citizen of South Africa or of the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) countries, born in 1965 or later
LENGTH: 2,500-5,000 words
THEME: No specific theme. All stories must be unpublished,
original works in English.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $5,000; 2nd Prize: $3,000; 3rd Prize: $2,000
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: New Writing From Southern Africa, New Africa Books, PO
Box 46962, Glosderry, 7702, Cape Town
URL: http://www.newafricabooks.co.za/editorial.asp
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
2nd Annual Dog Story Contest
DEADLINE: August 1, 2005
GENRE: Nonfiction
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 2,000 or less
THEME: Dog Lovers, put your dog out, sit down and write your
favorite dog story! To celebrate dog stories and the human-dog
bond (and because we just love a good dog story), Doghero.com
announces the contest for non-fiction stories of dog heroes,
favorite dogs, and interesting or funny dog stories.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $125; 2nd Prize: $75; 3rd Prize: $50; 4th &
5th Prizes: $25 each
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes
EMAIL: storycontest"at"doghero.com
URL: http://doghero.com/features/2005-contest-rules.htm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Naval Intelligence Essay Contest
DEADLINE: August 1, 2005
GENRE: Essay
OPEN TO: Any military or civilian author
LENGTH: 3,500 words or less
THEME: Any subject pertaining to naval intelligence or
intelligence support to naval or maritime forces.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $1,000; 2nd Prize: $500
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes
ADDRESS: Essay Contest, Naval Intelligence Professionals, PO Box
11579, Burke, VA 22009-1579
EMAIL: navintproessays"at"aol.com
URL: http://www.usni.org/contests/contests.html#intelligence
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
AAAS Science Journalism Awards Competition
DEADLINE: August 1, 2005
GENRE: Science journalism
OPEN TO: Articles published between 7/1/04 and 6/30/05, within
and by a US organization and available by subscription or sold at
newsstands
LENGTH: No word length requirements
THEME: Prizes awarded to reporters for excellence in science
writing in each of the following 6 categories: large newspaper
(over 100,000 daily circulation), small newspaper (under 100,000
circulation), magazine, radio, television, and online. Online
entries can come from a variety of digital sources: newspaper,
radio, television, and online-only sites. Online entry form must
accompany all submissions.
PRIZE: $3,000 in each of 6 categories
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: AAAS, Office of Public Programs, 1200 New York Avenue,
NW, Washington, DC 20005
EMAIL: media"at"aaas.org
URL: http://www.aaas.org/aboutaaas/awards/sja/index.shtml
*****************************************************************
New Listings on THE AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF:
---------------------------------------
Monday's Mysteries, by Larisa Long
Writing Children's Books for Dummies, by Peter Economy
Find these and more great books at
http://www.writing-world.com/books/index.shtml
Advertise your own book on Writing-World.com:
http://www.writing-world.com/books/listyours.shtml
*****************************************************************
ADVERTISE in WRITING WORLD or on WRITING-WORLD.COM! For details
on how to reach 50,000 writers a month with your product, service
or book title, visit
http://www.writing-world.com/admin1/adrates.shtml
*****************************************************************
WRITER'S SUCCESS: 400+ Paying Markets, Freelance Jobs, Classes,
Workshops, Contests, Ebooks, Articles and more! Subscribe at
http://writerssuccess.netfirms.com/ to receive the Writer's
Success weekly newsletter.
*****************************************************************
EXPAND YOUR NETWORK--DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS--NURTURE YOUR CREATIVE
LIFE! Visit the National Association of Women Writers Web site at
http://www.NAWW.org! Weekly Inspirational/How-To E-zine:
http://www.naww.org/homepage.html Membership Information:
http://www.naww.org/generic1.html
*****************************************************************
SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is
launching local networking Chapters. Check with us to find a
Chapter near you. Contact us if you'd like to start one.
Patricia"at"spawn.org. Subscribe to newsletter http://www.spawn.org
*****************************************************************
WRITERS: FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has a NEW
fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing markets from
North America, Europe, Australasia and other places. It's free,
so come and try it out here: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
*****************************************************************
WRITING FOR DOLLARS! - the FREE ezine for writers featuring
tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. FREE ebook,
83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to
subscribe"at"writingfordollars.com http://www.WritingForDollars.com
*****************************************************************
PUBLISH AND PROFIT FROM YOUR BOOK OR EBOOK: Learn how to write
and sell your book idea online. Join others from around the world
who are making a good living selling their book or ebook online.
http://www.zizzoo.com/guides/ebook
****************************************************************
WRITERONLINE is an e-publication dedicated to writers and lovers
of writing. Fiction, poetry, business and technical writing,
how-tos, articles, reviews, freelance markets, jobs for writers
and much more, published biweekly. Completely renovated! Visit
us at http://www.writer-on-line.com
****************************************************************
Writing World is a publication of Writing-World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Editor/Publisher: MOIRA ALLEN (writing-world"at"cox.net)
Managing Editor (Newsletter): PEGGY TIBBETTS (peggyt"at"siltnet.net)
Copyright 2005 Moira Allen
Individual articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues archived at
http://www.writing-world.com/newsletter/index.shtml
Writing World is hosted by Listbox.com - http://v2.listbox.com
*****************************************************************
Subscribers are welcome to recirculate Writing World to
friends, discussion lists, etc., as long as the ENTIRE text
of the newsletter is included and appropriate credit is given.
Writing World may not be circulated for profit purposes.
*****************************************************************
Do not reply to this message to subscribe or unsubscribe! To
subscribe to Writing World, send a blank e-mail to
subscribe-writing-world"at"v2.listbox.com. To unsubscribe, send a
blank e-mail to unsubscribe-writing-world"at"v2.listbox.com.
To change your address, please unsubscribe your old address and
subscribe your new address. You can also use the subscription
box at the top of the page at http://www.writing-world.com
Copyright © 2010 by Moira Allen. All rights reserved.
Copyright to individual articles held by authors.