The Writers Network News; December 31, 2004 http://ezezine.com
December 31, 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: Friday, January 7, 2005
12:00 noon at Wok & Chops Chinese Restaurant
If you happen to be in Atlanta on the first Friday of the month, bring questions and business cards and network with the best of us. See directions at the end of the e-zine.
In This Issue:
One: Kudos: Curt Schaeffer
Two: From the editor’s desk: The Best Way to Use this Newsletter
Three: Q and A: Agents for a self-published book, using trademarks
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Five: Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
Six: Writing Assignment: Let’s Play Post Office
Seven: Looking for Critique Circles
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Writer’s quote of the day:
"When asked about publishing, I describe the scene when you're walking in the moonlight in a beautiful garden, there's the scent of flowers and everything's lovely. But in the dark, you step on the head of a rake and the handle comes up and hits you in the head. That's publishing."
--John G. McClelland, Canadian Publisher
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One: Kudos
[Kudos: noun: praise or honor: praise, credit, or glory for an achievement]
Our members are everywhere! Look at this message from one member: “Happy holidays to you from La Paz, Bolivia. My nonfiction account of a 727 plane crash I survived in 1989 in Honduras and the subsequent healing process is with an agent in the States. I have just completed the Spanish translation and expect to publish in that language in South America in 2005. Felices fiestas!” --Curt Schaeffer
Be sure to share your achievements with other members. E-mail me your good news today!
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Two: From the editor’s desk: The Best Way to Use this Newsletter
Dear Fellow Writers:
One of the joys of producing a newsletter of this kind is spreading helpful advice and information to writers everywhere. Each week more people sign up, and this week I’m thrilled to welcome a new subscriber from as far away as Kenya (welcome, Ramadhan Rajab!) and as close as my very own niece in South Carolina (Hi, Cathi!).
To get the best use out of this newsletter, copy and paste each issue into one continuing word-processing file. That way, if you want to search for that market or agent you saw three months back, you can use the Find function in your word-processing program to find it. If you copy and keep all these issues in one file, at the end of the year you will have hundreds of pages of information at hand for instant use.
Happy New Year and happy writing!
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 award-winning Write In Style (Union Square Publishing, an imprint of Cardoza Publishing) and leader of The Writers Network
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Three: Questions and Answers
Q: Please give me some thoughts as to presenting my first novel to an agent. Perhaps it could be republished along acceptable channels, even if it required a re-write. What about re-writing the book and presenting it as a new novel? I own the copyright.
A: Never stop dreaming, please, but most agents do not handle books that have been self-published, because they are nearly impossible to sell. Only a few books--those that have sold thousands of copies on their own--have been sold to traditional publishers after self publishing. We hear stories about books such as The Celestine Prophesy that went from self published to traditionally published, but only a handful of books can boast such a move, and again, they are books that have a good sales record on their own, first.
Completely rewriting the book is the best solution. You've learned much from writing the second novel and having me edit it. You can apply that knowledge to the first in your rewrite.
Q: I wrote a short essay in which I use Avon, the company, throughout. In fact, the name is in the title. I have a disclaimer at the bottom of the page as follows:
"All trademarks, brands and names used here belong to Avon Corporation and/or its subsidiaries, representatives or associates."
I realize you're not a lawyer, but do you think this is enough to avert possible legal trouble if published? Have you heard of similar situations?
A: Yes, I’m not a lawyer and am not the person to resolve legal issues. My recommendation: Look for ways to avoid legal confrontations. Any company, especially those with deep pockets, can sue if it wants, and only a judge can decide if the suit has merit. You would have to defend yourself, no matter what, and that defense could be costly. To avoid the issue, let me ask this question: Is the Avon name essential to the essay? Would the essay have the same impact, for example, if you referred to the corporate entity simply as a well-known cosmetics company?
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Editor’s Note: George Weinstein, president of The Atlanta Writers Club, adds this to my answer to a question about an agent in the last issue:
“In response to the search for agent information (Question #3 of the 12/17/04 issue): In addition to Google, writers might also try going to Amazon.com and inserting the agent in question in the Search line of the Books webpage. Because Amazon has a Search Inside feature, if an author has thanked the agent on the Acknowledgments page (a good sign), one will find the agent's name this way. This is also an excellent way to find an agent who has represented books that are similar to one's own, which is useful to cite in a query letter. Alas, Michele Glance Rooney didn't appear in the Amazon search, and neither did Michele Rooney or Michele Glance or any permutation with Michelle. I wouldn't write her off based on the lack of mention, but it's one more strike against her.”
Do you have a question? Send it today to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
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Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Here’s a tip from the CoolStuff4Writers newsletter: Doing research? Try this cool encyclopedia site: www.wikipedia.org
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Author Linda Oatman High (www.lindaoatmanhigh.com) will teach an instructional and inspirational writing workshop in Tuscany on July 2-9, 2005, in Cortona, Italy. Package prices include meals, accommodations, and tours. See the following for more info: http://hometown.aol.com/upcoevents/differentdrummerhomepage.html
Or call 717-445-8246
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The Omnificent English Dictionary In Limerick Form
Yes, Don Hauptman (donhauptman@nyc.rr.com) is writing a dictionary in limerick form, and you can help by sending yours. What fun it is to read the entries! See http://www.oedilf.com>www.oedilf.com/
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More than 1,000 literary magazines currently publishing
According to NYtimes.com, more literary magazines are in print now at any other time in history. “Most of the magazines are geared toward specific audiences, with average readerships of 2,000 and annual budgets under $10,000."
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Ken Foskett, bestselling author of _Judging Thomas: The Life and Times of Clarence Thomas_, will speak to The Atlanta Writers Club on Jan. 20, 7-9 pm, Rock Spring Presbyterian Church, 1824 Piedmont Rd. 678-393-9324. www.atlantawritersclub.org
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As Sales Flag, Publisher Eyes Retailers' Turf
by Edward Wyatt from The New York Times
Possible rift between book industry giants Random House and Barnes & Noble Inc. over Random House's tentative plan to sell books directly to consumers on own Web site comes as industry suffers through second consecutive year of almost-flat sales; average age of book consumers continues to climb; few areas of business other than children's and religious books seem to be picking up new readers; most big publishers weigh new ways to spur sales or reach new consumers; complain about Barnes & Noble's aggressive effort to expand own publishing business.
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Saturday, January 9, 2005
Write In Style and You Write to Win!
10:15 to 12:15
Only $10 for members, $20 for nonmembers
Dunwoody Library
http://www.georgiawriters.org/MonthlyWkshps.htm
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.
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Women’s Sports Business: sporting goods trade publication launches
Press.xtvworld.com has an article about the women's sports industry magazine, Dandelion. The article also mentions that in 2005, Teal Mountain Media Group (TMMG) plans to launch a companion trade publication, Women’s Sports Business. "The premise is quite simple. Women make over 80% of all sports apparel purchases and over 60% of all athletic shoe buys. They hold the keys to a good year for retailers and sports manufacturers. The industry needed a vehicle to speak to retailers about great ways to market and merchandise to active women."
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Hot Psychology Magazine launches
The new print publication is designed to tackle a wide range of psychological issues from a host of diverse angles and is set to launch January 5. Hot Psychology Magazine is designed "to address the issues that 'make humans human' and is intended for the 18-35ish set from all walks of life." Source: i-newswire.com
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Saturday, February 19, 2005
Write In Style – 9:00 – 12:00
Bobbie Christmas teaches her Find and Refine Method and many other tips to make your writing more powerful. Sponsored by The Knowledge Shop, Cobb Parkway, Marietta, Georgia. $39. Call 678-766-6666 for information or to register.
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World Pulse: women's news magazine launches
After a successful test run of the pilot issue, Women's Pulse's first official launch issue will hit newsstands this month. Founder and executive editor Jensine Larsen says, "I want cutting-edge solutions, oriented international news and analysis, but the voices I want to hear, from powerful women leaders and writers, are too often missing in our media."
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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.
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Sole magazine: women's lifestyle magazine launches
Launching in January 2005, the magazine targets the urban woman and focuses on lifestyle topics. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, entertainment, love/romance, fashion, and money.
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Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to Improve Your Writing
This playful yet educational book teaches the Find and Refine Method ™ to locate specific 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. First Place winner of the Royal Palm Award for education! 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. Australians can buy it from www.writersbookcase.com.au. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
Write Newsletter Articles for Veterinarians
Anne Thomas writes, “One of the writing projects I have is writing a newsletter for a discount provider program for pets. I interview veterinarians and other people who deal with animals and write articles.
”I'm moving to Mississippi in 2005 and I'm trying to find someone in metro Atlanta who can write articles for the newsletter. It would be a great way for someone to build up their writing resume. It would also be a lot more interesting for a writer who loves animals.
”I'm not at liberty to talk about pay, but I've found it to be comparable to
writing articles for local publications. If you’re interested, please send an
email to me at annemaddenthomas@prodigy.net or call me at 770-998-3764.
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Alaska Quarterly Review
ESB 208
University of Alaska-Anchorage
3211 Providence Dr.
Anchorage AK 99508
Phone: (907)786-6916
E-Mail: ayaqr@uaa.alaska.edu
Website: www.uaa.alaska.edu/aqr
Ronald Spatz, executive editor
Alaska Quarterly reports it is always looking for freelance material and new writers. It publishes fiction, poetry, essays, memoirs, and short plays in traditional and experimental styles. Although called a quarterly, it publishes semiannually. AQR "publishes fiction, poetry, literary nonfiction and short plays in traditional and experimental styles."
The editor says, "If the works in Alaska Quarterly Review have certain characteristics, they are these: freshness, honesty, and a compelling subject."
Experimental and traditional literary forms. No romance, children's, or inspirational/religious. Publishes novel excerpts. Buys 20-26 mss/year. Also publishes drama: experimental and traditional one-act plays. Buys 0-2 mss/year. Honorariums on publication when funding permits. Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
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The Georgia Review
The University of Georgia
012 Gilbert Hall
University of Georgia
Athens GA 30602-9009
Phone: (706)542-3481
Fax: (706)542-0047
E-Mail: garev@uga.edu
Website: www.uga.edu/garev
T.R. Hummer, editor
This literary quarterly is one of the most highly regarded and established literary journals available. "Our readers are educated, inquisitive people who read a lot of work in the areas we feature, so they expect only the best in our pages. All work submitted should show evidence that the writer is at least as well-educated and well-read as our readers. Essays should be authoritative but accessible to a range of readers."
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Christian Marriage Stories Wanted
NancyCAnderson@msn.com
www.NancyCAnderson.com
Has your marriage ever had a makeover? Perhaps you just remodeled your relationship with a splash of color, or you might have called in a bulldozer and completely rebuilt it. If your marriage has survived a major or minor crisis, I’d love to buy your story.
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Parenting Book Wants Stories
JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com
www.ArtichokePress.com
I am writing a parenting book, Raise a Confident Child, which includes interviews with children. I would like to hear from adults on what your parents did or didn't do to make you feel confident.
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Ploughshares
Emerson College
Department M, 120 Boylston St.
Boston MA 02116
www.pshares.org
Don Lee, editor
This literary magazine is for "readers of serious contemporary literature.
Our mission is to present dynamic, contrasting views on what is valid and important in contemporary literature, and to discover and advance significant literary talent. Each issue is guest-edited by a different writer. We no longer structure issues around preconceived themes."
A competitive and highly prestigious market. Rotating and guest editors make cracking the line-up even tougher, since it's difficult to know what is appropriate to send. The reading period is August 1-March 31, so January is a good time to start polishing your work for submission in August.
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Window Treatment Questions
nikastew@comcast.net
http://www.nikastewart.com/_wsn/page9.html
I am writing a book on window treatments that will answer "everything you could ever wanted to know about covering your naked windows." I'm looking for questions to answer. If anyone has any question about window coverings, send them to me and I will answer them personally. The best ones will be added to the book.
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Tin House
McCormack Communications
Box 10500
Portland OR 97210
Phone: (503)274-4393
Fax: (503)222-1154
Website: www.tinhouse.com
Editor-in-Chief: Win McCormack
Managing Editor: Holly Macarthur
Editor: Rob Spillman
Senior Editor: Lee Montgomery
Poetry Editor: Brenda Shaunessy
This new literary magazine is 90% freelance written. "We are a general interest literary quarterly. Our watchword is quality. Our audience is people interested in literature in all its aspects, from the mundane to the exalted."
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Surviving Spouses
brianbartes@aol.com.
Did you have an estate plan or instructions about the location of key information? I would like to use your testimony to help others prepare for this situation. It could end up in my book.
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New!
Biennial Promising Playwright
Colonial Players, Inc.
Box 2167
Annapolis MD 21404
Send SASE for guidelines, or visit cplayers.com
Offered every 2 years for unpublished full-length plays and adaptations. Open to any aspiring playwright residing in West Virginia, Washington DC, or any of the states descendant from the original 13 colonies (Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia). Next contest runs September 1-December 1.
$1,000 cash award, weekend workshop with playwright participation, and rehearsed reading. Entry Fee: None
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Were you home schooled?
wendybilliot@charter.net
wetlandbooks.com
I’m looking for adults who were schooled at home to interview for a book on
home schooling. --Wendy Wilson Billiot
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Mid-List Press First Series Awards
Mid-List Press
4324 12th Ave. S.
Minneapolis MN 55407-3218
Phone: (612)822-3733
Fax: (612)823-8387
E-Mail: cihlar@midlist.org
Website: www.midlist.org
James Cihlar, executive director
Offered annually for authors who have yet to publish books in any of 4 categories: creative nonfiction, short fiction, poetry, and novels. Guidelines for SASE or online at website. Prize: An advance against royalties and publication. Open to any writer who has not published a book-length work in the category for which he or she is submitting. Entry Fee: $30 fee (US dollars)
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E.F.S. Annual Writing Competition—New!
E.F.S. Online Publishing
2844 Eighth Ave.
Suite 6E
New York NY 10039-2171
www.efs-enterprises.com
Contact: Rita Baxter
Offered annually for unpublished work in the following categories: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, scripts. First prize winners get $50 cash prize or special publishing contract option. E.F.S. reserves the right to extend special contract options to any first-, second- and third-place winners it desires based on the quality, marketability and salability of those entries. Should E.F.S. extend a special publishing contract option to any first-prize winners, the first prize winner would have the option of choosing the $50 cash award or the publishing contract option.
Deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Open to any writer
Guidelines for SASE.
Entry Fee: $25/ms
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New shopping magazine needs regular contributors
Shop Etc.
Hearst Corporation
1790 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10019
212/ 649-3000
www.shopetc.com
Andrea Rosengarten, Managing Editor
arosengarten@hearst.com
This new shopping magazine features fashion, home and beauty. This magazine is planning ten issues in 2005. If interested send a portfolio of work to the editor for assignments. Hearst pays well.
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Six: Writing Assignment: Let’s Play Post Office
Have you ever pored over the “Most Wanted” sheets in the post office? You will find them in three-ring binders, now, whereas they used to be posted on the walls, so some people still call them posters. Anyway, the “Remarks” sections on these sheets offer unique details that could assist you in building unusual characters. Not all Wanted posters have remarks, but some do. For example, one sheet says the suspect chain smokes, but always tears off the filters first. Another says the person chews gum most of the time, but only cinnamon gum. One poor fellow has a tattoo that reads, “Born to loose.” Apparently he is; not only is he wanted by the FBI, but he also cannot even spell “lose” correctly.
This assignment involves a field trip to your local post office. Stand and read those sheets. Take notes. When you get back to your computer, combine the traits from two or more suspects and give them to your own fictional characters. See how your characters come to life on your pages.
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Seven: Looking for Critique Circles
I'm looking to join or form a critique group. I prefer writers of novels--mystery, suspense, and thrillers.
Dawn Hunt
Enfield, CT
ddmhunt@msn.com
(860) 833-1534
(The above member did not state whether she would be amenable to an e-mail critique group, so if you are interested in a local group or e-mail group, contact her and ask.)
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.
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Directions to meetings of the Georgia chapter of The Writers Network:
Meetings are held the first Friday of each month at Wok & Chops Chinese Restaurant, Roswell, Georgia. No fees, but be sure to pay for any food that you order.
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.
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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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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
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The Writers Network--a free network for writers everywhere. "No Rules; Just Write!"