The Writers Network News, November 7, 2004 http://ezezine.com
November 7, 2004
The Writers Network News
“No Rules; Just Write!”
Editor: Bobbie Christmas (Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or bzebra@aol.com)
Bobbie Christmas Blog for Writers: http://journals.aol.com/bzebra/BobbieChristmasBlogforWriters/
Next Roswell meeting date is Friday, December 3, 2004
12:00 noon at Wok & Chops Chinese Restaurant
You don’t have to attend meetings to enjoy the benefits of this e-zine—most of our subscribers are in other states and even other countries, anyway. If you happen to be in Atlanta on the first Friday of the month, though, take your membership a step further by networking at our meeting. Bring your questions and your business cards and network with the best of us. See driving directions at the end of the e-zine.
In This Issue:
One: Kudos: Sandy Speer, Colleen Sydor, and Bobbie Christmas!
Two: From the editor’s desk: Good-bye and Locks of Love
Three: Q and A: Facts in fiction, galleys, distribution to book stores
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Five: Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
Six: Writing Assignment:
Seven: New Feature! Looking for Critique Circles
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quote of the Day:
“There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” –W. Somerset Maugham
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One: Kudos
[Kudos: noun: praise or honor: praise, credit, or glory for an achievement]
I have had a story accepted for publication in a collection. The book is under contract with Penguin, but I do not have specifics at the moment as to when it goes to print. At least I am getting started! –Sandy Speer
I just signed two new contracts with Kids Can Press for two new picture books that will be coming out next fall and spring. I'm almost sheepish about bragging, but how can you not share good news like that?—Colleen Sydor
I'm pleased and proud to announce that I just received notification that my book, "Write in Style: Using your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing" won first place in the category of Education in the Royal Palm Book Awards sponsored by the Florida Writers Association. I hope this honor also gets the book some good publicity, but no matter what, I am surprised and overjoyed. –your editor, Bobbie Christmas
Do you have good news? Others benefit from hearing your success stories, so please share them. Send them to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Two: From the editor’s desk: Good-bye and Locks of Love
Dear Fellow Writers:
Load up with all the information you can. I’ll be gone for much of November, so the next issue of The Writers Network News will not arrive until early December. My sister Jean emigrated to Australia decades ago and later gave birth to and reared a full Aussie son who is now getting married in Sydney. Any excuse to go to Australia is a good one. I get to see my sister only once every few years and see my grown nephew even less. As long as I’m going that far, I may as well have fun, too, so my significant other and I will be touring the country for a few weeks after the wedding. It’ll be his first trip to that enchanting continent but my third trip there.
As any true writer would, I have queried several magazines on articles I’d like to write about my trip. Even if I don’t sell any articles based on the trip, my accountant usually allows me to deduct a portion of the cost of any trips from which I truly try to sell articles. I don’t push the privilege. Not all trips apply. I sold three articles based on my trip to Ireland a couple of years ago, though. Not a bad deal.
I don’t expect to spend time searching out Internet cafes while traveling this time. Bear with me. I’ll answer your questions and respond to your e-mails when I return.
On an even more personal note, I did something recently that made me feel more ecstatic than when I sold my book. No, it wasn’t a religious experience or even sex! If you want to learn more and perhaps experience similar elation, see the Locks of Love entry at: http://journals.aol.com/bzebra/BobbieChristmasBlogforWriters/
Enjoy this newsletter and be sure to send your kudos, questions, comments, and leads to share with members of your network.
--Bobbie Christmas
Author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing, an imprint of Cardoza Publishing) and leader of The Writers Network
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Three: Questions and Answers
Q: I’ve written a children’s book set in America during the Depression and I feel the need to give some of the history of the Depression and make sure all my facts are accurate. Is that necessary?
A: I saw the story, and additional explanation would interrupt the flow. Although the facts should always be accurate, adding an asterisk, parentheses, and other methods of inserting narrative information detracts from fiction. Consider setting the story in an unspecified time; that is, simply a time and place when people were poor, without explaining in detail. In that way the story moves forward without exposition or detailed explanation.
Q: My book is headed to the printer next week, and I'm going to have some bound galleys made. Do you know if it's considered acceptable to have an illustration on the cover of a galley? The only galleys I've seen are text only, but my cover illustration is so utterly cool that I'd like it on the galley as well.
A: Yes, I have often seen illustrations and photos on the cover of galleys. When you think of the purpose of galleys--not only to give you a final proof before going to press, but also to get publicity and book reviews--you can see why publishers would want them to look interesting.
Next we have a two-part Q & A from one writer:
Q1: I just got my book published and it is on sale on the Internet at booksamillion.com, barnesandnoble.com, and authorhouse.com, which is my publisher. I was wondering how do I get my book out to the public. It is not refundable to the stores. A Barnes and Noble representative called me and she loves the book. She asked to send her a signed copy, but the store won't take it because it is not returnable. My friends and publisher love the book, but I need to get it out there.
A1: Hmm, non-returnable books: You just hit on one of the major reasons why brick-and-mortar bookstores will not accept self-published books. In my opinion, self-publishing makes sense only if you write nonfiction and plan to sell the books at your own speaking engagements—in other words, if you have your own distribution system—because if you self-publish, it’s highly unlikely your book will ever appear in a bookstore unless you are willing to carry them around and put them on consignment in stores yourself.
When books are not returnable, bookstores will not handle them, because stores work on a consignment-style system. If the stores do not sell the books, they must be able to return them, or they will be stuck with hundreds of thousands of books they can’t sell. Stores would fold if they bought books and could not return unsold books for a refund. That’s how the system works.
You can try to find a distributor such as Ingram to handle the sales of your books to bookstores, but distributors know they cannot sell books to stores unless they are returnable, so to resolve the issue, you must be willing to set up a system that allows stores to return books. A few print-on-demand companies are studying ways to resolve this issue and allow books to be returned for refunds. When the system is worked out, perhaps things will improve for self-published books.
Q2: Thank you for your input. The book is not self published. It is published by AuthorHouse Books, and they are not returnable. Are you saying I would have to purchase about 100 books and then go to a book signing? Is that how it works? How many books would I have to have, to get them into bookstores?
A2: It is first important to understand the terminology. A book is considered self published if the author participates in the cost of the production or uses a printer that is not a traditional publishing house but one that "helps authors achieve their book publishing goals." Traditional publishers pay the author for rights to use the material, and they pay for all associated costs of design, printing, and distribution. If you sold no rights or if you footed any portion of the cost of publishing, you self-published.
The AuthorHouse Web site even makes that distinction on its home page, when it says, "Choosing a reputable book publisher … is a very critical step towards the self-publishing process."
As for how many books you would have to buy, I cannot answer. First of all, bookstores do not want to return books to you; they cannot track thousands of authors. Instead they usually work with one or two distributors. For clarification, speak directly with distributors such as Ingram or Baker & Taylor, to see if they will accept a book produced by AuthorHouse, and if so, what their requirements would be. Even better, because AuthorHouse promises assistance to its clients, ask your representative at AuthorHouse how to get your books in stores. I’m sure your representative will know much more about that end of the process than I do. As an editor, I am more familiar with the pre-publishing end.
Do you have a question? Send it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
The Christian Authors Guild, formerly known as Cherokee Christian Writers Group, is hosting a one-day writers workshop/seminar November 13 at Prayer and Praise Christian Fellowship in Woodstock with well-known author, teacher, and speaker, Cecil (Cec) Murphey. Cec has written more than 90 books and has a world of information to share with writers. Read about and register at www.christianauthorsguild.org. Read all about Cec at www.CecilMurphey.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bobbie’s Ask the Book Doctor Column is now on Writing-World.com. See http://www.writing-world.com/columns/book/current.shtml
~~~~~~~
Torstar earnings tank as popularity of Harlequin romances sags
Canadian newspaper and book publisher Torstar Corp. reported a 62 percent drop in third-quarter profit on Oct. 27, blaming readers' waning passion for its Harlequin line of romance novels.
~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Write In Style and You Write to Win!
Free Two-Hour Seminar: $65 value--absolutely free
11:00 to 1:00
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Fayetteville Square
1415 Hwy. 85 North, Suite 200
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770-716-7640
Learn how to power up your prose and add marketability to your manuscripts. Bobbie Christmas, author of Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing (Union Square Publishing, ISBN 1-58042-134-2) explains her trademarked Find and Refine Method™ that makes revisions easier and better. This seminar is not about grammar! It's about what Bobbie Christmas calls "missed opportunities for improvement," the tendencies of all writers to fall into weak, unstylish writing. Her methods focus on what to eliminate from your writing to make it tight, persuasive and marketable. Bring your questions and come prepared for an information-packed two hours. Call 770-716-7640 before December 5 to reserve your seat and help us be sure we have enough handout materials for all.
~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, January 9, 2005
Write In Style and You Write to Win!
10:15 to 12:15
$65 value, only $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers
Dunwoody Library
www.georgiawriters.org
Learn how to power up your prose and add marketability to your manuscripts. Bobbie Christmas, author of Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing (Union Square Publishing, ISBN 1-58042-134-2) explains her trademarked Find and Refine Method™ that makes revisions easier and better. This seminar is not about grammar! It's about what Bobbie Christmas calls "missed opportunities for improvement," the tendencies of all writers to fall into weak, unstylish writing. Her methods focus on what to eliminate from your writing to make it tight, persuasive and marketable. Bring your questions and come prepared for an information-packed two hours. Call 770-716-7640 before January 5 to reserve your seat and help us be sure we have enough handout materials for all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, January 29 2005
Literary Festival in Fayetteville, Georgia, Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Contact the Fayetteville Barnes & Noble for details as they are finalized.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Marion Street Press partners with Student Press Law Center
For three decades, the Student Press Law Center has been an advocate for and friend to student journalists and their advisers. Whether educating a high school student about the specifics of copyright law or helping a college editor get access to public records, the SPLC gives young reporters, editors and photographers the tools they need to produce high quality journalism.
Marion Street Press, Inc., a publisher of books for student and professional journalists, is helping SPLC raise funds by donating $1 for every journalism book sold through bookstores, direct mail, Amazon.com, and its own Website, http://www.marionstreetpress.coml from November 1 to December 15.
"SPLC's work is vital to young journalists, and we believe supporting that effort is a worthwhile goal for us," says Ed Avis, publisher at Marion Street Press, Inc.
Marion Street Press titles include Math Tools for Journalists, Understanding Financial Statements: A Journalist's Guide, The Concise Guide to Copy Editing, and others.
The SPLC provides free legal advice and information as well as low-cost educational materials for student journalists and the educators who work with them on a wide variety of legal topics. More than 2,000 students, teachers and others from all 50 states and the District of Columbia contact the center each year for help or information. For more information, visit www.splc.org. –Ed Avis, edavis@marionstreetpress.com
~~~~~~~~~
Shel Silverstein's "Runny Babbit" to be published posthumously
"Runny Babbit; A Billy Sook: Poems and Drawings by Shel Silverstein" will be published by HarperCollins Children's Books in March 2005. Completed before the author's death in 1999, the collection of poems and drawings was a work in progress for over 20 years.
Silverstein's children's books have sold more than 20 million copies in hardcover and have been translated into more than 30 languages.
"Runny Babbit" is based on Spoonerisms. Named for the Rev. W. A. Spooner, of New College, Oxford, who was inordinately guilty of transposing letters in words, a spoonerism is a form of malapropism in which there is an accidental transposition of the parts of two or more words. For example, "Runny Babbit" for "Bunny Rabbit," or "Toe Jurtle" for "Joe Turtle." Silverstein extended the concept to create a magical new language rich with layers of humor, meaning and playfulness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Martha Stewart said negotiating $5 million deal for prison memoir
"New York" magazine reported on its Web site in mid-October that lawyers working on behalf of Martha Stewart have been quietly approaching book publishing executives about some sort of memoir. The magazine said the book deal could be worth more than $5 million.
~~~~~~~~~~
Secrets from “Write In Style” Revealed
The Find and Refine Method™ assists writers in being objective about their work. To learn much more about Bobbie Christmas’s trademarked method, see http://tinyurl.com/5vabr
~~~~~~~~~
Single book makes religious book market fastest-growing.
In the United States, religion book sales grew by 50 percent in 2003 over 2002, far outpacing other categories, to account for about 17 percent of consumer book spending. Much of the growth is attributable to Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life," which argues that every life has a divine purpose and offers a 40-day path for Christian devotion to God. It has sold 20 million copies in English, one million in Spanish and is published in more than 40 languages.
~~~~~~
Purge Your Prose of Problems, a book doctor’s desk reference book compiled by Bobbie Christmas, is now available by charge card. Save thousands and edit your own book. To order, go to www.zebraeditor.com and click on Bookstore.
~~~~~~
Kirkus introducing paid reviews.
Beginning this fall, Kirkus is starting two new online publications where would-be authors can get their works associated with the Kirkus name for a fee. For $350, "Kirkus Discoveries" will review a new book from any publisher. For $95, "Kirkus Reports" will recommend a selected lifestyle title in a listing. Kirkus executives say the reviews for pay are intended to increase revenues and visibility for Kirkus, which a small circulation compared to Publishers Weekly and a reputation for writing unfavorable reviews that pan titles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rev Up Your Writing and Win! Seminar Available on Tape
Rev Up Your Writing and Win is a high-quality cassette recorded at the Harriette Austin Writers Conference in Athens, Georgia. The package includes all accompanying materials and handouts. Only $14.95 plus $4 shipping (total $18.95). To order, call Bobbie Christmas (770/924-0528) or write to bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
~~~~~~~~~
Seventh Sanctum
Inspiration by Randomization
Generate names, titles, characters, almost anything on this site for writers: http://www.seventhsanctum.com/index-name.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing teaches the Find and Refine Method ™ to locate specific letters, words and phrases you can delete, upgrade or rewrite to give power to your prose. Bobbie Christmas, professional book editor, reveals secrets only a book doctor could know. Union Square Publishing, publisher; Simon and Schuster, distributor. Available in bookstores as well as from most major Internet retailers, including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, SimonSays.com, Walmart.com and Forbes.com. Can also be ordered at http://zebraeditor.com/bookstore.shtml
Thank you, member Jim Gillaspy for posting the following review of Write In Style on Amazon.com: “Unless you are still writing on a typewriter or with paper and pencil, this book will improve your work. First it tells you the kind of mistakes you should be looking for, then tells you how to find and correct them using your word processor. You won't find lessons on characterization or plot. You will find ways to make your writing tighter and more presentable to both the reader and the agent or publisher you are trying to impress with your work. The book is more than worth the $13 being asked for it.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
November is National Novel Writing Month
The idea is that starting Nov 1 at midnight you begin writing, and end at midnight Nov 30, you have written a 50,000-word novel--no edits--and have a first draft in one month. If you register with the Website (free), you get support and are asked to check in with your word count. If you get to 50,000 words and choose to, you send it to them for word count. They check it, but don't read it, delete it, and send you a certificate and an icon for your Website saying you wrote a novel in one month! See: www.nanowrimo.org (National Novel Writing Month)
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
Kate Harper Greeting Card Designs
Looking for slogans and original quotations for its greeting card line. Pay $25 a slogan. For details see http://hometown.aol.com/kateharp/myhomepage/personal.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dog & Kennel, Cats & Kittens
Seeks Submissions
http://www.petpublishing.com/catkit/guidelines.shtml
“Articles are written to educate and entertain the readers. In addition to articles on popular species, we include human-interest stories. The magazines contain columns dealing with training, questions and answers, grief, horoscopes, snips of information from the Internet, art and collectibles and special reports.” Pays $.10/word.
~~~~~~~~~~
Health Writers
Body1 is seeking a part-time freelance writer to write news feature articles and conduct physician interviews for our string of health sites. Freelancers should have experience in pitching and writing news articles, as well as be able to fact-check and research. The ideal candidate possesses experience in journalism (ideally healthcare-related), reporting, writing, and/or editing, has excellent writing skills and knowledge of AP Style.
To apply, send brief cover letter, resume and writing sample (preferably health-related) to Jobs@Body1.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Skope Magazine
mfriedman@skopemagazine.com
Skope Magazine is recruiting new writers to take on our paid assignments. We are looking for articles in our print and web edition. Skope Magazine reaches an audience of music enthusiasts and the music we cover is trend setting and newly discovered. We fulfill a national mailing and are sold at all Newbury Comics, Tower Records locations in New England. Our website is at www.skopemagazine.com.
You will be interviewing a broad range of artists like Busta Ryhmes, Dresden Dolls, Cake, Lloyd Banks, D-12, The Zutons, Kittie, and much more. These positions are available for anyone in the USA. Pay scale ranges from $10-40 per article.
Please include a writing sample when applying. We need to get a taste for your writing. Articles on music are preferred but not mandatory. Writing sample more important than resumes here.
~~~~~~~~~~
Memory Makers
“Editorial content for Memory Makers features is driven by scrapbook page ideas submitted by our readers as well as ideas from freelance writers, artists, and product manufacturers. We consider article queries covering scrapbook-related topics. Editorial is finalized six months in advance of newsstand date, so plan appropriately for timely or seasonal article topics. Our ‘voice’ is conversational and friendly. We look for detail-oriented writing that captures people's personalities and experiences.
“In addition to regular issues of the magazine, we publish special interest publications on topics such as heritage, fast and easy scrapbooking, travel scrapbooks, and creative sticker techniques. We also need freelance writers for these issues.” http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com/writers_guidelines.asp
~~~~~~~~~~
Business Publication
anon-45966054@craigslist.org
Our magazine is unlike any other business publication with in-depth corporate profiles, analysis of executive decisions, etc. Our readers are chairmen, CEO’s, presidents and other senior-level executives who make decisions on strategies, technology, marketing, finance, and commercial real estate. As part of our editorial team, you'll cover the evolution of business practices in an ever-changing world by analyzing the innovative tactics, critical information technology and proven techniques needed to build a more effective organization. We'll focus on real-life situations and practical solutions, not hypothetical conjecture. What was behind the decision-making process? What were the results and consequences of such choices? Who were the players involved? Stories ranging in length from 500 to 3000 words will be compensated at competitive rates. Business writing experience preferred. Please send resume and one sample.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Light technical writing
“We are putting together a manual on vehicle registration and drivers licensing laws/tips/information in all 50 states. We need writers/researches to assist us in putting together the content for this book.” Pays $15-$25/hour http://sandiego.craigslist.org/wri/46845872.html
~~~~~~~~~~~
American Media, Inc. wants freelance reporters for celebrity and pop culture
A leading national magazine publishing company is seeking seasoned freelance reporters to cover news in various cities/regions across the country such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, Denver, Boston, etc.
Qualified candidates must have a minimum of three to five years reporting experience, preferably with experience reporting on celebrity and/or pop culture. Freelance reporters will be engaged on as as-needed basis.
To apply for this excellent opportunity please send resume with day-rate requirement to myresume@amilink.com or fax to 561 989-1298.
~~~~~~~~~
Short Stories Sought for Paranormal Erotica Collection
Looking for erotic short stories of sexual encounters with "otherworldly" beings; ghosts, aliens, magical/mystical, paranormal, etc. for an anthology (to be named). This will be electronically published first and may progress to a print edition.
Stories must be erotic - explicit is fine, but not pornographic, meaning stories must have some substance and plot/storyline aside from the obvious sex. Also, this is not a collection of horror stories, meant to terrify, but exciting, erotic sex with the 'unknown'. Use your imagination!
Unpublished work is preferred.
Submission deadline - November 15, 2004. Writers will be notified of the status of their stories by November 30, 2004. One-time payment, whether this remains and e-book or goes to print, of $20 US, as well as author bio promoting novels, Website, etc. Payment will be made on publication.
Preferred length 2,000 to 5,000 words. Work that is poorly edited or with numerous spelling, punctuation and/or grammatical mistakes will be rejected.
Send bio of 50 - 70 words. Don't forget to mention work/website, etc., that you want to promote.
This anthology is compiled by Christine Calnin, author of "Addicted to Sex" www.ChristineCalnin.com. E-mail submissions to: boo@christinecalnin.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fortean Bureau
editors@forteanbureau.com
http://www.forteanbureau.com/guidelines.html
Fortean Bureau publishes stories in line with the writing of Charles Fort. To familiarize oneself with his writing, visit http://www.forteantimes.com/ or http://www.forteana.org/
All stories deal with unexplained phenomena and/or extremely bizarre happenings. Manuscripts average 4,000 words. Specific information is required along with all queries or submissions. Submit query or manuscript via e-mail only. Pays on publication, three cents a word/up to $60.
~~~~~~~~~~
Child Magazine
Miriam Arond, Editor-in-Chief
www.child.com
Submissions
Child Editorial Department
375 Lexington Avenue
9th floor
New York, NY 10017
Submit query letters, not articles, and only by mail. Looking for articles on children's health, parenting and marital relationship issues, and child behavior and development, plus personal essays pertaining to family life. Length varies, depending on article. Pays $1/word for up to 2,000 words on personal experiences in parenting. See guidelines at www.child.com/child_magazine/index.jsp#writers_guidelines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Black Gate
815 Oak Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
submissions@blackgate.com
http://www.blackgate.com/bg/guide.htm
Black Gate publishes very specific forms of fantasy. Read the complete guidelines. Manuscript lengths run from novel-length features to short stories and articles with a maximum of 14,000 words. Query or submit by e-mail or standard mail. Pays four to six cents a word for fiction up to 7,000 words, $300-$450 for works of up to 14,000 words.
~~~~~~~~~
Writing on the Run Contest wants your ideas
Writing on the Run
Attn: Writing on the Run Contest
PO Box 26354
Minneapolis, MN 55426
No entry fee. Grand Prize: $250; five second-place prizes: $25 each. “We at Writing on the Run are dedicated to sharing easy, practical, inspiring ideas and tips for making time and space to write during your busy life. The Writing on the Run Website is sponsoring a nationwide contest to collect tips and ideas that will help others find time and space for writing.”
Submissions must be 100 words or less in English. They should be typed or legibly handwritten. Each submission must be accompanied with a Writing on the Run official entry form completed and signed by the contestant submitting the tip or idea. To be eligible, contest entries must be received after May 1, 2004 and postmarked, faxed, or e-mailed no later than December 15, 2004. For entry form see: http://www.writingontherun.com/contestentrypt.html
~~~~~~~~~~~
Ellora's Cave Publishing, Inc., publishes 208 steamy romance titles a year--95% from unagented writers. This publisher of trade paperback and electronic originals and reprints pays 8-40% royalty on net receipts. Horror novels must have erotic
content. Recent titles include Forever Midnight, by Elizabeth Jewell, and Vampire Mythe, by Shiloh Walker. http://www.ellorascave.com/index.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Needs your perils and pitfalls of special events
These include everything from a fundraiser at your child's school to a hot air balloon festival or a rodeo. Send me your experiences - good, bad or indifferent. What did you learn? What would you change? --Joy Jackson, Cunnart Associates, 519-451-7603, http://www.cunnart.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amber Heat Wave Contest
"After the success of our first 'Amber Heat Wave Contest,' Amber Quill Press has decided to repeat the process, welcoming you to send us the hottest, steamiest, most sizzling fiction you can create. Think you have what it takes to win a publishing contract with us? Then submit your short erotica story. "Published and unpublished authors may submit.
"Genre: Erotic Romance-- all sub-genres are eligible...Contemporary, Paranormal, Dark Fantasy, Historical, Science Fiction/Futuristic, Suspense, etc.
"Sexual Content: Any story with at least a ‘Hard-R’ rating (based on the standards of the motion picture industry) is eligible. Please note: Amber Quill Press publishes stories where strong plotlines are more vital than the overall sexual content. In other words, we are looking for submissions where the stories can actually stand on their own, even without the sexual content. Therefore, a story containing a flimsy plot wrapped around an endless string of sexual encounters will not impress us. Moreover, we are not looking to publish pure erotica, hard-core BDSM, pedophilia, incest, gay/lesbian, etc. Each story must focus around a M/F romance. For a clearer understanding of the types of stories we publish, we suggest you sample several of our erotica titles.
"Word Count: Stories should be between 5,000 and 12,000 words. Authors of winning stories will be offered our standard one-year publishing contract).for our popular Amber Kisses imprint (short erotica fiction) and be published in June 2005.
Deadline: January 15, 2005. See http://amberquill.com/.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bring on the 20s, bring on the funk
Short stories and other creative narratives (journal entry, song, dialogue) needed to complete the book, Bring on the 20s...Bring on the Funk. Topics include but are not limited to: jobs/career, relationships, family, post-undergrad life, friends, travel, dreams/goals, marriage, children, independence, exploration, society, embarrassing moments, gay/lesbian issues, money issues, living with parents, graduate school, adventures. See http://www.generation20something.com/ for complete details. All submissions must be received by December 1, 2004.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Banking Strategies magazine
Bank Administration Institute (BAI)
kcline@bai.org
www.bai.org/bankingstrategies
Banking Strategies is 70% freelance written and covers banking from a strategic and managerial perspective for its senior financial executive audience. Each issue includes in-depth trend articles and interviews with influential executives. Pays $1.25 a word for feature articles. The editor says, "I'm looking for freelancers who can write according to our standards, which are quite high." Recent features include "Growth Formula: Mergers and Retail Strength" and "Prioritizing Operational Risk." "Magazine." Needs how-to articles that help institutions be more effective and competitive in the marketplace and executive interviews/profiles. Query by e-mail.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Request for Submissions for Radio Show
E-mail submissions only: thewritersshow@yahoo.com
The Writers' Show is looking for submissions of original short poems, stories, or radio drama by regional writers that reflect the true meaning of Christmas. Please email all submissions to thewritersshow@yahoo.com in the body of the email (no attachments please) by November 15. The Writers Show airs the second Saturday of each month on WUTC 88.1FM and on www.wutc.org at 1 pm. The Christmas show will air on December 11.
The Writers' Show
c/o WUTC 88.1FM
Dept. 1151
615 McCallie Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37403
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wisteria Prize for Poetry
The Scuppernong Press is seeking submissions for a collection of poetry to be published in Spring 2005. Poets are encouraged to submit poems with a gardening and/or nature theme. Deadline for entries is December 1, 2004. Winners will be announced February 1, 2005. Submission fee: $25 for up to 10 (ten) poems. 79 poems will be chosen for this collection. Grand Prize. In addition, one poet from among entrants will receive a publishing contract from the Scuppernong Press. Go to: www.thescupperongpress.com for more details
~~~~~~~~~~
Silent Voices Short Story Contest
"Silent Voices is an annual literary journal whose purpose is to publish fiction of a variety of styles and genres. By taking stories of a diverse nature and placing them in a specific order, we produce a creative mosaic that tells a larger story. We collect different 'voices' and present a unifying harmony in one book. This is what Silent Voices is all about.
"Word count: Up to 10,000 words (although we will publish 1-2 longer pieces up to 15,000 words)." Prize: $300. Entry fee, $10. Deadline, December 31, 2004. See http://www.exmachinapress.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
New and upcoming markets
For Me
Hachette Filipacchi Media US debuts a young women's lifestyle magazine, For Me, this month. The magazine targets women ages 25 to 35 with bold beauty and homemaking tips.
Sync
The new bimonthly Ziff Davis Media publication targets young men who are potential buyers of consumer electronics.
Sly
It had to happen: In January Sylvester Stallone launches a magazine called "Rocky." It’s a monthly men's fitness magazine targeting men ages 35 to 54.
Ghost!
This magazine is based on the Website, www.ghostmag.com, Ghost! is a quarterly print publication for paranormal enthusiasts.
~~~~~~~~~~~
WD Self-Published Books Contest
Writer's Digest is searching for the best self-published books of the past few years. Whether you're a professional writer, a part-time freelancer or a self-starting student, here's your chance to enter the only competition for self-published books. Enter now at http://www.writersdigest.com/specialoffers.asp?DE04. Entry deadline December 15. The grand prize winner will receive $3,000 in cash, promotion in Writer's Digest and Publishers Weekly, and marketing advice from self-publishing guru Dan Poynter. And, we'll endorse and submit 10 copies of the grand prize-winning book to major reviewers, including The New York Times and The Washington Post! First-place winners in each of nine categories will receive $500 in cash and promotion in Writer's Digest plus distribution to bookstores and libraries through Baker & Taylor, and a review in Midwest Book Review. For a complete list of prizes, rules and the entry form, visit http://www.writersdigest.com/specialoffers.asp?DE04
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Six: Writing Assignment: First sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter
The first sentence of a novel, short story, or article is the most important in the entire piece. The first paragraph is the most important paragraph. The first page is the most significant page, and the first chapter must be the best, too, so that readers are carried forth and always want to read more.
Quite often we begin with weak openings because we simply want to begin, and we know we will get into the meat of the story later. Once the piece is written, though, you have the opportunity to revisit the opening and revise it. Sometimes such revisions call for deleting the first paragraph or more and beginning with what had been our second paragraph or third or fourth. Sometimes we need to rewrite.
We must always reflect on what we’ve written and revise it, or we are not writers, we are merely typists.
For this assignment look over something you have already written and rewrite the first sentence, paragraph, page, and chapter to make it stronger. Look for uses of the verb “to be” and change as many as possible to powerful active verbs. Change abstract adjectives (such as pretty, wonderful, beautiful, or handsome) into concrete descriptions that show, rather than tell. Take out unnecessary words. Enjoy the process while you write more stylish prose.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Seven: Looking for Critique Circles
Do you want to join or form a critique circle in your area or online? In the body of an e-mail send me your name, general location, contact information, and your preferences (fiction, nonfiction, short stories, books, poetry, etc.). I’ll list your information here, to help you find or form a group that allows you to get feedback.
Remember to ask me for Free Report #101 on forming and maintaining a successful critique circle. Send your request to me at Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Directions to meetings:
Directions to monthly meetings held the first Friday of each month at Wok & Chops Chinese 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 by turning 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Do YOU have news for The Writers Network News? Please send it in the body copy, not an attachment, to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
…………………………………………………………………………….
Send a copy of this F-R-E-E newsletter to all your writing friends. Tell them to join The Writers Network F-R-E-E by visiting www.zebraeditor.com and clicking on “Free Writers Newsletter.” …………………………………………………………………………….
Newsletter Sponsor:
Zebra Communications: We help you write in style, so you write to win.
We write, edit, and evaluate manuscripts, book proposals, query letters, synopses, and articles. Call to ask about our services or visit www.zebraeditor.com.
Zebra Communications
230 Deerchase Drive, Suite B
Woodstock, GA 30188
770/924-0528
…………………………………………………………………………….
The Writers Network--a free network for writers everywhere. "No Rules; Just Write!"