The Writers Network News March 9, 2004 http://ezezine.com
March 9, 2004
The Writers Network News
“No Rules; Just Write!”
Editor: Bobbie Christmas (Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or bzebra@aol.com)
Next Roswell meeting date: Friday, April 2, 2004
12:00 noon at Wok & Chops Gourmet Restaurant
See bottom of newsletter for directions
In This Issue:
1. Kudos: Bobby Hickman
2. From the editor’s desk: The Revolving Door
3. Q and A: What freelance writers charge
4. Subjects of interest to writers
5. Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
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Quote of the Day:
"If you do not write for publication, there is little point in writing at all." --George Bernard Shaw
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One: Kudos
[Kudos: noun: praise or honor: praise, credit, or glory for an achievement (takes a singular verb) • The president deservedly got the kudos for the success of the negotiations.]
Congrats to Bobby Hickman, who has two new regular clients. Those of us who work freelance understand the value of having steady clients. He reports: “I have two new writing gigs. One is contributing writer for the Atlanta Business Chronicle; my first article appears March 12. The other is for a daily online publication, MergerMarkets. I cover merger and acquisition activity in six Southeastern states.”
Do you have good news? Please send it to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Two: From the editor’s desk: The Revolving Door
Oh, the life of a writer! In this week alone, two of my most appreciated editors have left their positions and gone to other companies. One was the editor of a consumer magazine that assigned me several articles a year on interesting subjects and paid me a fair fee. The other, and I bite my nails as I say this, was the acquisitions editor who went to bat for me with her publisher, to make her company buy my book. She’s gone, and the remaining editors are trying to untangle the mess and stay on track to release my book in June, but she had not finished all her work on it, yet.
The publishing business is filled with revolving doors, and people don’t hold the same jobs as long as they used to. When editors leave, though, they make the life of freelancers pure hell.
I’ll find more freelance work somewhere else, I know, but these incidents prove that freelancers can never relax. Newsletters like this one keep us up to date on publishers looking for writers, and we must contact new markets all the time.
Who knows, though? Perhaps the editor who left my favorite magazine will now use my services at her new magazine. Perhaps I’ll get double the freelance work, with assignments from the new editor at the old magazine and the old editor at the new magazine. Only time (and my diligent efforts) will tell.
Yours in writing,
Bobbie Christmas
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Three: Questions and Answers:
Q: Is there a ballpark figure or idea you could give me of what freelance writers charge?
A: The range is extensive. I've written some articles for only $95, if they were easy and helped expand my portfolio. I've charged up to $1200 for some. I have more than 30 years of experience. You have to base your fee based on experience and also feel your way around in this market. The best way is to let the client quote a range, first, because you may be pleasantly surprised to find the client is willing to pay more than you would have charged. Here's a Web site that will help, although it refers to salaries, but you can break it down to an hourly fee, if you want: www.salary.com. This also comes in from Diane, at CoolStuff4Writers.com: Copywriters will love this! A neat calculator to figure out what your time is worth! http://www.businessknowhow.net/bkh/timeprice.htm
Do you have a question? Send it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Bobby L. Hickman, a Writers' Network member and freelancer, is teaching three continuing-education classes this spring at Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta. On April 12, he'll discuss writing press releases in "Promoting Your Company for Free!" Basic writing techniques for the workplace are the focus of "Better Business Writing Skills" on April 28. On May 12, "Better! Faster! Cheaper" brings Fortune 500 project-management techniques to the small businessperson and entrepreneur. All three classes run from 6-9 p.m. at CTC's new Campus View Conference Center, and each class costs $74. To register, contact CTC Continuing Education at 770-528-4550.
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Under the “Unbelievable but True” Category, read what the New York Times story says:
Treasury Department Is Warning Publishers of the Perils of Criminal Editing of the Enemy
February 28, 2004 By ADAM LIPTAK
Writers often grumble about the criminal things editors do to their prose. The federal government has recently weighed in on the same issue - literally.
It has warned publishers they may face grave legal consequences for editing manuscripts from Iran and other disfavored nations, on the ground that such tinkering amounts to trading with the enemy.
Anyone who publishes material from a country under a trade embargo is forbidden to reorder paragraphs or sentences, correct syntax or grammar, or replace "inappropriate words," according to several advisory letters from the Treasury Department in recent months.
Adding illustrations is prohibited, too. To the baffled dismay of publishers, editors and translators who have been briefed about the policy, only publication of "camera-ready copies of manuscripts" is allowed.
The Treasury letters concerned Iran. But the logic, experts said, would seem to extend to Cuba, Libya, North Korea and other nations with which most trade is banned without a government license.
To read the remainder, see: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/28/national/28PUBL.html?ex=1079079516&ei=1&en=e6a078893f91d013
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You do not have to make a profit writing to claim tax deductions.
Business or Hobby? Visit www.irs.gov and type Hobby or Business in the search field. Read over the descriptions distinguishing a business from a hobby. Generally speaking, if writing activities meet some or all of the descriptions, you can probably claim business deductions. Some tests for business vs. hobby include writing that is profit motivated, conducting writing activities in a businesslike manner, spending major chunks of time and effort on writing. Earning a profit isn't one of the tests. Learn to keep records of your expenditures!
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Raise Your IQ (Imagination Quotient)
Saturday, March 20, 2004, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $39
Especially for writers, artists and performers who want to access their imagination, find, and stay in their creative zone.
· Mine your memories for fresh ideas
· Turn knowledge and imagination into exciting, new projects
· Create with joy and abandon
· Leave with dozens of new methods that open doors to new images and concepts
· Access your imagination any time.
The above seminar will be given at The Knowledge Shop, 180 Cobb Parkway #C24, Marietta, Georgia, 30060. Call 678-766-6666 to register.
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Unbiased Resource for Self Publishers
www.gopublishyourself.com is a helpful site that offers a wealth of resources and information for self publishers.
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Blue Bolt – New e-publisher looking for books
Susan Graham sends the following information, with a warning: “This is a startup e-publisher. E-publishing is an interesting market for smaller, less marketable works that are still worthy of being published. I don't know anything about them. Maybe you could tell the Writer's Network about them, with caveats. I don't like their contract wording, for example.”
Notice that when you read the guidelines that the company does not accept manuscripts that have not been edited by an editor other than the author. Hooray for recognizing the number-one problem with self-published books: They need to be edited by a professional editor. Below is the letter Susan received:
Dear About Words:
I am writing to introduce you to Blue Bolt. We are a soon-to-be-launched ePublisher/seller looking for a wide range of quality ebooks, especially how-to works or works related to writing and writing inspiration.
Please see our guidelines at http://www.blue-bolt.com/writersguidelines.cfm and/or our contract at http://www.blue-bolt.com/legalterms.cfm. You'll note that we offer very competitive royalties, and the author always retains all rights to his or her work.
Please let me know if I can answer any questions. Thank you for your time!
Kristin Tracy
Blue Bolt
Inspiration for Readers and Writers
www.blue-bolt.com
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_Purge Your Prose of Problems_, a book doctor’s desk reference book compiled by Bobbie Christmas, is now available. Save thousands and edit your own book. To order, go to www.zebraeditor.com and click on Bookstore.
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RADIO TIP. On radio, particularly local radio--whether on the road in a studio or over the phone--be conscious of a local angle or make an effort to make a local observation. I have found that this is received very warmly by most local hosts, who feel you have made an effort on their behalf to reach their listeners. In other words, it helps the interview go your way. You don't have to pretend to be a Red Sox fan when in Boston, but at least know how the team is doing--that sort of thing.
--Michael Coffey, Senior Managing Editor, Publishers Weekly.
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Rev Up Your Writing and Win! Seminar Available on Tape
High-quality cassette recorded at the Harriette Austin Writers Conference in Athens, Georgia, and includes all accompanying materials and handouts. Only $14.95 plus $4 shipping (total $18.95) through Bobbie Christmas (bobbie@zebraeditor.com) or call 770/924-0528.
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Men's shopping magazine to launch: Conde Nast is launching a new bimonthly publication for men. Ariel Foxman is editor-in-chief. We don’t know the title, yet, but watch for it.
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Check out this awesome, award-winning Website for writers: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/index2.html
On it you will find detailed information and a searchable database that covers grammar, sentence structure, business writing, and even overcoming writer’s block.
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Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
Lessons Learned, Volume II, looking for submissions from writers in the Southeast
The Knowledge Shop, Chapter 11--The Discount Bookstore, the Georgia Writers Association and The School Box present Lessons Learned, Volume II, an anthology competition for writers in the Southeast.
The second annual volume of Lessons Learned seeks positive nonfiction and fiction stories and poetry depicting lessons learned through classes, seminars, reading, relatives, friends or life.
Lessons Learned, Volume II, welcomes submissions from aspiring writers all over the Southeast. The Knowledge Shop Foundation and Chapter 11 will publish an anthology featuring the top entries. All who enter get a certificate for one free copy of the anthology, and writers whose work is chosen for inclusion will be featured at book signings at Chapter 11 stores in the Atlanta area. Top winners in each category (Adult fiction, nonfiction and poetry and Student fiction, nonfiction and poetry) will also win valuable prizes from The Knowledge Shop, Chapter 11, Georgia Writers, and The School Box.
Entries agree to appear and sign books at a book signing in the Atlanta area and follow other specific guidelines available at The Knowledge Shop, 180 Cobb Parkway #C24, Marietta, Georgia 30060 or www.knowledgeshopatlanta.com; or at Chapter 11 bookstores in the Atlanta area or at Georgia Writers meetings and events.
Deadline for entries is April 30, 2004. Entrants must use official entry form and follow all guidelines listed on the above Web site under Writing Contest.
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BEAUTIFUL WOMEN (inner beauty)
Original essays, poems and short stories are currently being accepted for a high quality book of photographs and writings that will explore inner beauty of women. Submissions about women of all ages,
abilities and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged. Go to www.lapointedp.com/beautifulwomen for guidelines. Deadline: June 30, 2004. --Patty Mayeux, Beautiful Women: Redefining North America's perception.
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MyBusiness Magazine
http://www.mybusinessmag.com
Pays up to $1000 for lead articles on acceptance.
"Small business today is no longer merely a job or a business, but a movement, a cause, an adventure, a lifestyle. MyBusiness is a guide to survival and success in this new small business
economy. We seek to highlight and celebrate the people and ideas making this movement a reality."
See the complete guidelines here: http://www.mybusinessmag.com/about/guide.php
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Primedia
261 Madison Ave, 10th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 716-8400
Fax: (212) 661-1825
http://www.soapdigest.com
No e-mailed queries
Contact: Carolyn Hinsey, Editor
Pays: 10-25 cents per word
This magazine covers news and breaking stories in the world of daytime and primetime soaps. It presents "weekly story lines for all network soap operas, profiles stars' lives, and lifestyles, contains calendars of personal appearances, and offers a look at behind-the-scenes soap opera business news and events." Circulation: 225,000
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IN TOUCH
Bauer Publishing Co LP
270 Sylvan Avenue
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Phone: (201) 569-6699
Contact: Garry Wasko, Production Editor
Reportedly pays more than $1.00 per word
This magazine is a weekly newsmagazine devoted entirely to the world of celebrity. The mission
statement: [The magazine] "is written for the trendsetters of the 'I.T.' Generation who want to stay connected with what's hot in the world of entertainment. With the inside track, In Touch covers it all from celebrities to home to health...and much, much more. It's fun, juicy and relatable! Our fast-paced editorial is designed for people on the go. Jam-packed with timely news and views, this weekly entertainment magazine is the authority on all that glitters in Hollywood and beyond." Circulation: 500,000
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Ticonderoga Online
PO Box 1065
Narrogin WA 6312
Australia
http://ticonderogaonline.org/
Editor: Russell B. Farr
Email: editor@ticonderogaonline.org
Accepts e-mail queries
Ticonderoga Online is an Australian speculative fiction web zine established in 1999. After a brief publishing hiatus in 2000, Ticonderoga Publications has brought back the magazine, and three issues are planned for 2004, in March, May and July. Writers' guidelines at http://ticonderogaonline.org/guidelines.html Payment: $25 per story upon publication
Rights: First electronic rights; all rights revert to author after story is cleared from the magazine's archive (six months after publication)
Notes: No nonfiction, poetry, reprints, multiple submissions or simultaneous submissions will be considered.
Red Line Editorial
Freelance Hockey Writers
Established web sports content provider looking for freelance writers to create feature stories on grassroots topics, including youth hockey players, youth coaches and referees, adult amateur hockey, and the like. Payment is on a per-story basis. Interested writers should send a resume and writing samples pasted into the body of an email to btemple@reditorial.com.
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Startup Magazine Needs Freelancers: Homeland Security Today
New monthly homeland security magazine launching this spring seeks experienced freelancers to cover all aspects of homeland security, with an emphasis on policy, strategy and planning. Ideal candidates will have experience covering homeland security and/or government at the federal, state and/or local levels, especially policy, procurement and acquisition. Coverage will include homeland security-related policy, legislation, technology, people, and events. Other topics include law enforcement, emergency response, defense, special operations, information security, biological defense, security-related topics, counter-terrorism and anti-terrorism. We’re especially interested in articles on cutting-edge technologies that haven’t yet been commercialized from academia and laboratories. Most articles will be magazine-type features of value to professionals but also accessible to laymen. We're looking for excellent writing, insight, analysis and style as well as meticulous accuracy and comprehensiveness. Creative suggestions for coverage are welcome. Most topics will be assigned by editors.
We are particularly looking for freelancers to serve as homeland security correspondents in the following cities and their surrounding regions: Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, San Diego, Seattle, Washington, DC
To apply see: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=377965
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New Times, the nation's largest publisher of alternative newsweeklies, has immediate openings for experienced staff writers at its award-winning papers in Dallas, Houston and St. Louis. We're looking for journalists who understand the difference between magazine-style reporting and the hurried fact-finding of daily papers. Applicants must have the ability to create in-depth and compelling stories that explore the issues, events and personalities of their community. Solid investigative reporting experience is required for all three positions.
New Times publishes magazine-style weekly newspapers covering local news, politics, arts and music in Phoenix, Denver, Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Ft. Lauderdale, Cleveland, St. Louis, Kansas City and Oakland. We offer competitive salaries and benefits. Qualified applicants should send cover letter, résumé and clips to: Andy Van De Voorde, Executive Associate Editor, P.O. Box 5970, Denver, CO 80217. http://www.newtimes.com
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Global Travel International
US-FL-Maitland
Full-Time Employee
800-715-4440 48835
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Companies/BBPlusDetails.asp?hhname=GlobalTravelInternational
WANTED, highly talented and motivated freelance writers and designers (print & web) for travel marketing projects! If you think your qualifications match our needs, send us your best writing and design samples for consideration. If you have what we are looking for, you will hear from us! HURRY, send only 5 of your best samples to our creative team
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Freelancers Wanted for Children's History Magazine
We are looking for freelance writers for Learning Through History magazine. We are a bi-monthly publication that provides families with children ages 7-13 with a magazine full of interesting articles, arts and crafts projects and literature guides for related historical fiction. Payment for first time authors ranges from $50 to $75 for about 1000 words - pay increases if you've written for us before. Our next issue is on the Renaissance, and we are looking for submissions by February 29. Potential article topics would include: Art, Music, Food, Life in the Renaissance (women, children, education), Copernicus, Gutenberg's Printing Press, Leonardo Da Vinci , Michelangelo, Nicolaus Copernicus , Nostradamus , Protestant Reformation - Martin Luther, Medici family, The Inquisition, War of the Roses, Galileo, Dante, Shakespeare For more details, please see our writer's guidelines at: http://www.homeschoolingcompanion.com/freelance_writers.php
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Urban female-focus e-zine needs writers
A new online urban magazine with a female focus is seeking writers. This online mag is new and growing. Writers need for music reviews, trend reviews and a new book review section that will launch this summer. We are also looking for lifestyle features on "regular people doing wonderful things" All content is from a sophisticated urban focus.
The pay for reviews is $25 and $55 for features. Assignments vary from once or twice a month to once every other month, depending on workflow. May also use you to cover special events ($50 per day rate) and assignments for March.
If you are interested please submit TWO samples or your work from the related feature (i.e Music or Lifestyles) to Lady_Scarface04@yahoo.com
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New Magazine Seeking Experienced International Fashion editor/writer/rewporter/critic. Send sample of your world fashion critic to 12115 MAGNOLIA #108 VALLEY VILLAGE, CA 91607.
SANTAYANA9@HOTMAIL.COM
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Marketing company looking for articles on nutritional supplements
Established direct response marketing company looking for articles on nutritional supplements, weight loss, general fitness. We publish on our websites and printed newsletters. Perfect for new writers looking to build a clip file or for seasoned writers looking to make extra cash. Quality work will lead to additional assignments. Please send writing samples and a summary of your experience or resume. E-mail: job-24142479@craigslist.org
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Freelance writer for senior newspaper
We are looking for a professional freelance writer who can turn a 1000 word feature article around in about two weeks. The article is for a newspaper focusing on senior citizens. Please be reliable and have prior news writing experience. The pay is $50.00 per article. We know the pay is very low but unfortunately that is the budget we have so this is best for someone who is looking for clips. Send resume and three sample clips. E-mail: job-24501587@craigslist.org
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Looking for Internet Dating Stories
If you have become involved in a relationship over the Internet, whether good or bad, and are interested in filling out our questionnaire, please email me at soulmatemystique@yahoo.com. All stories are held in strict confidence.
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Writer Online: The Non-polysyllabic Short-Story Contest.
Words of one syllable are hard to come by. Or not. Heck, I count just one in these three lines- -"syllable." So what gives? Welcome to our first "Non-polysyllabic Short Story Writing Contest." Grabs ya, huh? If you can give us a 200-word (or thereabouts) short story based on something memorable from your childhood, you just might win enough to buy a truckoad of those really hot polysyllabic words. http://www.writeronline.us/contests/contest-2-23-04.htm
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From WritersMarket.Com:
Book Publishers Looking For Short Story Collections
For some fiction writers, putting together a collection of shorter pieces comes more naturally than crafting one large masterpiece. For instance, writers such as Rick Moody, David Foster Wallace, and Lorrie Moore are perhaps better known for their short story collections than for their novels. Here are three book publishers accepting story collections.
Frederic C. Beil, Publisher, Inc., of Savannah, Georgia, publishes 13 titles a year. Established in 1982, Beil pays more than 7% royalty on retail. A recent published short story collection is The Dry Well, by Marlin Barton. A great place to break in, 80% of its books are by first-time writers. See www.beil.com
Crescent Moon Publishing publishes 25 titles a year in the United Kingdom. The editors say, "Our mission is to publish the best contemporary work, in poetry, fiction, and critical studies,
and selections from the great writers." Crescent Moon offers a negotiable advance. Writers should submit a query with a self-addressed stamped envelope. If editors are interested, be prepared to submit an outline, synopsis, and 2 sample chapters. See: www.crescentmoon.org.uk
The Lyons Press based in Guilford, Connecticut, publishes 300 titles a year, half from first-time writers. Established in 1984 (as Lyons & Burford), this publisher pays 5-10% royalty on wholesale, and offers a $2,000-7,000 advance. Story collections include Sister Coyote, by Mary Clearman Blew, and Blood Knot, by Pete Fromm. See: www.lyonspress.com
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Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest (due March
31, 2004; monetary prizes and publication; entry fee $10):
http://www.winningwriters.com/tomstory.htm?am
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The Power of Purpose Awards
Sponsored by the prestigious John Templeton Foundation, The Power of Purpose essay contest will award the total prize money of $500,000, including one grand prize of $100,000. There will be 19 winners. There is no entry fee.
The judges include:
Nancy Brinker, Founder of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Paul Davies, Professor of Natural Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
Hugh Delehanty, Editor in Chief, AARP Publications
Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President, Children’s Defense Fund
Rick Warren, Pastor and Author of The Purpose Driven Life
To learn more about the Power of Purpose Awards visit www.powerofpurpose.org.
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Directions to monthly meetings at Wok & Chops Gourmet Restaurant, Roswell, Georgia:
The restaurant is in King’s Market on Holcomb Bridge, Roswell, Georgia, one block from Hwy. 400. If on 400, take Exit 7 toward Norcross (7A if going north, exit 7 and turn left, if going south). If on Holcomb Bridge already, turn into King’s Market onto Market Boulevard beside SouthTrust Bank, turn left behind the bank, and you’ll see the restaurant in the hollow on the right. Restaurant phone: 770-552-8981.
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Do YOU have news for The Writers Network News? Please send it in the body copy, not an attachment, to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Newsletter Sponsor:
Zebra Communications: We Rev Up Your Writing, To Rev Up Your Sales.
We write, edit, and evaluate manuscripts, query letters, synopses, and articles. We even handle the submission process for you. Call to ask about our services or visit www.zebraeditor.com.
Zebra Communications, 230 Deerchase Drive, Suite B, Woodstock, GA 30188 770/924-0528
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The Writers Network--a free network for writers everywhere. "No Rules; Just Write!"