The Writers Network News, June 20, 2006 http://ezezine.com
June 20, 2006
The Writers Network News
No Rules; Just Write!
Editor: Bobbie Christmas
Note new meeting location below!
Newsletter Sponsor
Zebra Communications: We help you write in style, so you increase your
chances of success. We write, edit, and evaluate fiction and nonfiction
manuscripts, book proposals, query letters, synopses, and articles.
Zebra Communications
230 Deerchase Drive, Suite B
Woodstock, GA 30188
770/924-0528
http://zebraeditor.com/
----------------------------------------------
Look! Next Roswell meeting date: Friday, July 7, 2006
See you at 12:00 noon at King Buffet.
If you happen to be in Atlanta on the first Friday of the month, bring
questions and business cards and network with us for an hour or so.
We meet at King Buffet, 11060 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, GA 30076.
The restaurant not only gives us a private meeting room, but it also
offers a buffet with a wide variety of food, primarily Asian. See more
detailed directions at the end of the e-zine. You are under no
obligation to eat if you attend the meeting.
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Welcome to this issue of The Writers Network News. I hope you love it,
forward it to your friends, and tell them to sign up, too. If you do
not love it, follow the simple instructions at the bottom to remove
your address from the mailing list.
In This Issue:
One: Kudos to Barbara Florio Graham, Bill Kopp, Vicki Kestranek
Two: From the editor’s desk— Seize the Day
Three: Ask the Book Doctor—Scam or Legitimate Agency?
Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Five: Jobs, contests, grants, agents and markets
Six: Writing Assignment—Wake Up Writing
Seven: Looking for Critique Circles
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To view past issues of The Writers Network News, go to:
http://home.ezezine.com/886_2/
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Writer’s quote of the day:
“If you plan to write books, you should read books.” —Jan Nathan,
Executive Director, Publishers Marketing Association
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
One: Kudos to Barbara Florio Graham, Bill Kopp, Vicki Kestranek
Barbara Florio Graham was the only Canadian winner in the 2006 CNW/FFWR
writing contest. Bobbi's poem, just seven lines long, received First
Honorable Mention.
Bill Kopp writes, "About a year and a half ago your newsletter listed
an opportunity for music writers with Skope Magazine, a then-regional
publication out of Boston. At the time they sought writers for their
online magazine. I contacted them and got the job. In short order they
offered me the opportunity to write for their print version. Then I got
my own column. Then I got a few cover stories, and several high-profile
interviews. With the Sep/Oct issue, Skope goes national. Today I
accepted the post of Editor, beginning with the Nov/Dec issue. It's all
in line with my master plan to "grow my street cred" as I work on my
book proposal. None of it would have happened if not for you, Bobbie!
Thank you."
Vicki Kestranek won first place in May in the Fiction/Essay Category
of the Georgia Writers monthly competition for her story, "Heather's
Tale."
Congratulations to these folks. Your successes encourage others, so
please send in your accomplishments for our kudos section.
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Two: From the editor’s desk—Seize the Day
Dear Fellow Writers:
Last week a close friend of mine flew up to Alberta, Canada, on a
business/pleasure trip. When he got off the plane, the high altitude
made him feel odd, so he walked around awhile, trying to adjust. I
don't know the remaining details, but he finally figured out he was
having a heart attack. Although he was rushed to Calgary, which has an
excellent trauma center, my good friend Bruce Brown passed away at the
unbelievable age of only 53.
I have lost far too many friends, family members, and even a child of
my own, and no loss is easy. Each one, though, reminds me of the value
and capriciousness of life.
If you have been waiting to write your book or hesitating to submit
your writing, please take a second to ponder what would happen if this
were your last day on earth. If writing means anything at all to you,
use this day—and every day—to further your skills and promote your
work. Begin by reading this newsletter and following up on some of the
opportunities and markets for your work. Have something ready to mail
tomorrow morning. Seize the day while you may; revel in life and pursue
your dreams with diligence.
Thank you for subscribing to this newsletter, and let me hear from you
when you have questions, kudos, markets or any other information to
share with your writers network.
If someone forwarded this newsletter to you, please sign up to get your
own copy. Simply go to my Website, www.zebraeditor.com, and click on
“Free Newsletter.” I never share your address or send out spam.
--Bobbie Christmas (Bobbie@zebraeditor.com or bzebra@aol.com)
Author of triple-award-winning Write In Style (Union Square Publishing,
an imprint of Cardoza Publishing), owner of Zebra Communications, and
director of The Writers Network
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Three: Ask the Book Doctor—Scam or Legitimate Agency?
Below is some correspondence with fellow writers regarding their
questions about the legitimacy of offers they received from agents.
Q: Do you know anything about The [name deleted] Agency? I saw lots of
correspondence on the Internet accusing them of being a scam agency,
but nothing specific. Do you know of any writer that had a manuscript
published or a self-published book sold to stores through their
efforts?
A: I've probably seen the same negative comments you read on the
Internet, and I've never heard anyone defending the agency or read
anything good about it. I had a slightly personal interplay with the
agency when my company handled the submissions of a client's
manuscript. We sent out queries and submissions to about 30 agencies,
none of which were the [name deleted] Agency, but somehow the agency
got our client's name and the fact that he was trying to find an agent.
The client e-mailed me full of excitement because the agency had
contacted him and wanted to represent him.
Whenever an agency contacts YOU before you contact the agency, a red
flag should go up. Legitimate agencies do not solicit clients; they get
enough clients through referrals and submissions and do not go out
looking for more. As a general rule, agencies that contact writers or
place ads in magazines make their money from reading fees, kickbacks
and other fees, not from selling manuscripts to publishers.
Q: I found an agent! The [name deleted] Agency made me an offer. They
want me to pay them for a critique first, though. Do you know anything
about them?
A: I know nothing specific on this agency, but never pay an agent for
anything except, perhaps, a small reimbursement for copying and stamps.
Agents should get paid by the publishers; that is, they get the check
from the publisher after they sell your manuscript. They deposit the
check, take out their percentage, and send you the rest. Do your
research on any agency before signing with it.
Response from writer:
I did some in-depth research and found some disheartening news. First
of all, an author should never pay an agent for a critique or for
illustrations accompanying their work. Illustrations should always be
paid by the publisher.
While at first I thought that the offer from [name deleted] was a
blessing, I now know that it is not. Through extensive research set off
by your first alarm warning, I have found this agency to be fraudulent.
Many Web sites show the same form letter I received. Many potential
authors tell of the same experience and quote the same pricing for a
critique letter by one of their recommended editors. The contract that
they sent gave me only 14 days to sign and return, a lot of pressure
for something so important. I will admit that I have had my resistance,
that pit-of-the-stomach feeling that the offer from the agency seemed
too good to be true. The feeling was right.
According to Web sites (I researched) [name deleted] is a known con
artist who operates out of Florida. He uses a mailing service in New
York to give the agency legitimacy. I am glad you gave me a heads up.
Saved me much pain and suffering. While I was hesitating on spending
any money, believing that the time I had toiled over the book was sweat
equity, I am willing to make the investment in reputable people to get
my book published. You have helped me realize that while most people in
the industry are genuine, there are those who will and do take
advantage of the new writer.
Response from Bobbie:
Thank you for your note and for being a careful person not taken in by
potential fraud. It's a sad note that scam artists know how desperate
some writers are to get published, and instead of helping, they feed
off them and hurt them further by giving them false hope and taking
their money.
Even though I am a legitimate editing service with an excellent track
record, and even though I am completely open about my clients and my
personal and publishing history, and even though I have a personal
mission to help writers, I have had people question my intent, because
of the fraudulent practices taking place in this industry.
No one can disprove a negative, so I instead point to the positive, to
the fact that in my years in business since 1992 no one has ever lodged
a complaint against me or my company. I have a perfect record with the
Metro Atlanta Better Business Bureau and have never had an unsatisfied
customer. Many of the books I edited have gone on to be published by
traditional publishers, and even more have been self published with
success.
I rest well at night knowing I may not be making money hand over fist,
but I do what I love, I have a roof over my head, I am helping others,
and I have hundreds and hundreds of happy clients. That's all I need to
feel that I am doing some good in this world.
To read more "Ask the Book Doctor" questions and answers, go to:
http://www.spawn.org/editing/askthebookdoctor16.htm
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Four: Subjects of interest to writers
Write in Style and Snag an Agent
Last chance for a long time, to benefit from a one-two punch!
Saturday, June 24, 2006
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The Knowledge Shop
$149.00
A literary agent tells you the secrets of how to get published, and an
independent editor shows you how to add power to your prose. Working
together, Susan Graham, literary agent, and Bobbie Christmas,
independent editor, reveal the inside secrets you need to know to get
your book published. You’ll get a two-hour seminar with Q & A, one hour
of casual conversation at lunch, and two hours to workshop your
manuscript with the help of the dynamic duo of a literary agent and an
editor.
Bring the first five pages of your fiction manuscript and a full
synopsis that includes the ending, or bring your book proposal and
first five pages for nonfiction.
Register early to ensure your seat! Class size is limited, so you’ll
get personal attention.
Event Number 2405
The Knowledge Shop
Marietta, Georgia
678-766-6666
For more information see:
http://www.knowledgeshopatlanta.com/class.cfm?classID=713
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ask an Agent!
Sign up for the newest Google Group and get your questions answered by
an agent and an editor. Susan Graham and Bobbie Christmas host Write In
Style and Snag and Agent. To sign up or to read the Q&A, go to:
http://groups.google.com/group/Write-In-Style-Snag-An-Agent
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save Thousands of Dollars - Learn How to Design and Index Your Own Book
Using Microsoft Word
Do you plan to self publish? Don't pay a designer $6 a page and an
indexer even more for processes you can perform yourself. An
educational two-day boot camp is set in Atlanta for August 11-12, 2006.
Learn how to design and index your book using the powerful desktop
publishing features already in Microsoft Word. Learn from an expert who
has self-published six books. Peggy Duncan, author of "Just Show Me
Which Button to Click! in Word for Authors" [PSC Press], is the skilled
trainer who will teach you how to save money by designing and indexing
your own book. Learn the right way to use Microsoft Word and reap the
rewards! Early bird registration is available at a discount, so
register today! If you cannot make this class, go to the Website and
join the email list to find out about future dates.
http://www.PeggyDuncan.com/TimeCatchersSeries/wordforauthors.htm.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fun—and answers—from the Chicago Manual of Style Website
Q. When a plural possessive ends a sentence, where does CMS recommend
that the apostrophe fall—before or after the period? For example:
Because UAVs fly relatively close to the ground, their surveillance
“footprints” are smaller than the satellites’. Is there a rule in CMS
15 that covers this?
A. Yes. Please see section 6.8: “An apostrophe at the end of a word
should never be confused with a closing single quotation mark;
punctuation always follows the apostrophe.”
Q. I am editing a first-edition ecology textbook, which uses both
footnotes in tables and variables in equations. In the first chapter,
the author italicized the variables, and I added italic to the footnote
superscripts. However, a subsequent chapter (written by a different
author) does not use italics in equation variables set in text or their
subscripts. In situations such as this, is it my responsibility to set
a style, or should I follow the author’s style? I find that these
contradictory situations occur with regard to hyphenations and such as
well. Please help me put an end to this type of confusion!
A. This is exactly what style manuals were invented for: so that
editors can impose consistency as they read without stopping to ponder
each issue as it arises. Style manuals also tend to be based on
long-term observation of style trends, so that consulting a manual can
save an editor from an embarrassing departure from convention. Rather
than let whichever author comes first in the book dictate the style (do
I hear a collective gasp?), check a manual like CMS and find that
footnote superscripts are normally set in roman type and mathematical
variables are set in italics.
To read more questions and answers, go to the Chicago Manual of Style
Web site, at http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
May 31, 2006, excerpt from "The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor"
Explains Copyright Law
It was on this day in 1790 that Congress enacted the United States
copyright law. The law gave authors exclusive rights to publish and
sell maps, charts and books for a period of fourteen years, with a
chance to renew the copyright for another fourteen years. There have
been many changes to the U.S. copyright law since 1790. In the
nineteenth century, copyrights became available for photographs,
paintings, drawings and models. In 1909, musical rolls for player
pianos became covered by the law. In the last thirty years, copyright
law has expanded to include cable TV, computer software, tapes, CDs,
DVDs, and, most recently, MP3s.
Copyright terms have also gradually gotten longer. Up until 1998,
copyrights lasted for the life of the author plus an additional fifty
years before they went into the public domain. But in that year, the
Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act extended the duration of
copyrights by twenty years. The act was supported by a group of large
corporations, led by Disney. Most of Disney's famous characters were
scheduled to enter the public domain between 2000 and 2004, but now
other artists and companies won't be able to use them in their books
and movies and songs until at least 2019—which means that Disney has
another thirteen years of making money off Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck,
Goofy and all the rest.
(The Writer's Almanac is produced by Prairie Home Productions and
presented by American Public Media.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright laws further explained:
http://www.writersdigest.com/articles/zaharoff_fair_copyright_law.asp
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stumped Writing Your Synopsis?
For detailed information on the best way to write a synopsis, go to
http://writers.aboutwords.org/tipssynopsis.html.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Interesting site for children's writers: http://www.smartwriters.com/,
includes an offer for an inexpensive e-book that outlines writer's
grants available in each state.
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Web Sites of Interest to Writers
Member Vicki Kestranek shares the following: "I found a wonderful site
for an academic essay.
http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/writers/index.htm. I wish I’d had this
in college." The American University in Cairo site helps anyone who
wants to write persuasive essays.
Word for Word, a Web site that lists the interesting origins for words
and phrases.
http://plateaupress.com.au/wfw/archive.htm
The link for this interesting site comes from member Ellis Vidler in
Taylors, S.C. Do you know of a site that would be of interest to
writers and editors around the globe? Send it to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com
today.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ask the Book Doctor: How to Beat the Competition and Sell Your Writing
e-book answers hundreds of writers’ questions
Ask the Book Doctor: How to Beat the Competition and Sell Your Writing
is a 122-page e-book that answers all the questions you wish you could
ask an editing expert. Electronic bookmarks allow you to go directly to
your preferred subject, and clickable links take you to Internet
resources for additional information. Whether you write books, short
stories, articles, reports, or anything else, learn more about how to
write, edit, and sell your work, To order go to
http://www.booklocker.com/books/1906.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Free Tools for Writers from Bobbie Christmas and Zebra Communications
Order e-mailed reports on correct manuscript format, how to form and
run a critique circle, how to identify weak writing and repair it,
self-publishing vs. traditional publishing, and much more. Fifteen
reports are available, and the list keeps growing. Go to
www.zebraeditor.com and click on “Tools for Writers.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BookSurge and Amazon.com being sued for exploiting aspiring authors
By Rocco LaDuca
Observer-Dispatch
rladuca@utica.gannett.com
State Senate candidate Leon Koziol is suing a book publisher and
Amazon.com, claiming the book he self-published last year was marred by
misspellings, slanted text and other errors.
Koziol, a Utica lawyer who has previously gone up against entities such
as the Oneida Indian Nation and Utica city government, said he has no
choice but to hold these "Goliath" corporations accountable for
focusing on "quantity instead of quality" and exploiting aspiring
authors.
"It's created a disparagement upon the author more than the publishing
company because it's my name on the product that the people are
reading," Koziol said. "A publisher could easily destroy a writing
career."
According to the federal lawsuit pending in U.S. District Court in
Albany, Koziol, 48, is suing South Carolina-based publisher BookSurge
and its parent company, Amazon.com, for $11 million in damages. For
more, see: http://tinyurl.com/zz47v
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How We Live is a new quarterly publication featuring the homes,
careers, and successes of minorities. Dana Tucker, who founded the
magazine, says the public often hears only negative stories about
African-Americans and other minorities. Through her magazine, Tucker
hopes to change that. The magazine's premiere issue is available at
Capital City and Saint Andrew's News Stands and at Books-A-Million,
Wal-Mart, and Bi-Lo stores across the Southeast. Source: WLTX.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Purge Your Prose of Problems: A Book Doctor’s Desk Reference, Third
Edition, available as e-book at last! Easiest way to research all your
editing questions!
Save thousands of dollars by editing your own book. This one reference
book covers all you need to know to plow through the maze of the
editing phase. Find information on grammar, punctuation, word choices,
creative writing, plot, pace, characterization, dialogue, Chicago
Style, formatting a manuscript, and much more. Available in printed
form for $29.95 plus $4.99 shipping at www.zebraeditor.com (click on
Tools for Writers and scroll down) or save almost $5.00 in shipping
PLUS get the book instantly as an e-book—a downloadable PDF File with
clickable links and bookmarks that zip you directly to any subject you
choose. To order the e-book, go to
http://www.booklocker.com/books/2225.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book sales up, though forecast is pessimistic
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2006—The publishing industry enjoyed a strong year
in 2005, with increases in both revenues and the number of books sold.
But projections for long-term growth remains limited because people
increasingly don’t read, according to a study released Friday.
Over the past few years, the number of books published has soared even
as sales fell. That changed in 2005. A recent report by statisticians
R.R. Bowker projected that the number of books released actually
dropped last year, to 172,000.
For more, see: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12870994/
(Source: Associated Press)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Write In Style: Using Your Word Processor and Other Techniques to
Improve Your Writing" by Bobbie Christmas teaches the Find and Refine
Method ™ to locate words and phrases you can delete, upgrade or rewrite
to power up your prose. Bobbie Christmas reveals secrets only a book
doctor could know. First Place winner of the Royal Palm Award for
education, Best in Division (Georgia Author of the Year Awards), and
Finalist in USABookNews Best Books 2005. Union Square Publishing,
publisher; Simon and Schuster, distributor. Available in bookstores and
Internet retailers. To order at Amazon.com DISCOUNT prices, see
http://zebraeditor.com/bookstore.shtml
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BE A GUEST ON “CALLING ALL AUTHORS” a popular, cutting-edge Internet
talk show hosted by Valerie Connelly, Publisher at Nightengale Press.
Low cost, high quality promotion for your book. Currently booking the
rest of 2006.
CALLING ALL AUTHORS focuses on independently published books. Authors
talk about their books, promote events, reveal lessons learned in
writing and publishing, and explain marketing hurdles they overcame.
Listen to archives at www.globaltalkradio.com/shows/callingallauthors
to hear how other authors have put our program to use for their books.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
20 Worst Literary Agencies: Writers Beware!
http://writeafterdarkblogs.blogspot.com/2006/06/20-worst-literary-agenciesbeware.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Get A Free Issue OF Writer's Digest Magazine
http://www.writersdigest.com/specialoffers.asp?NLwd5
No risk or obligation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Five: Jobs, Contests, Grants, Agents and Markets
KUNATI INC.
2600 Skymark Ave.
Building 12, Suite 103
Mississauga ON L4W 5B2
Canada
Alternate Address: 6901 Bryan Dairy Rd., Suite 150, Largo FL 33777.
Fax: (905)625-8987
E-Mail: info@kunati.com
Submissions E-Mail: query@kunati.com
Website: www.kunati.com
Acquisitions:
James McKinnon, editor-in-chief (all commercial categories, edgy
fiction, literary fiction, memoir, humor); Derek Armstrong, publisher
(thrillers, mystery, suspense, non-slasher horror, historical epic,
fantasy epic, science fiction, true crime).
Kunati Book Publishers is a traditional boutique book publisher founded
by authors for authors. It is hunting for original, new voices, untold
adventures, memorable characters, stimulating ideas, and entertaining
reads.
Kunati is all about creativity and fun. We are especially focused on
contradictions:
• Stories that entertain in their purity, yet are so complex they're
hard to explain
• Concepts so pure they can be uniquely described in one sentence — but
shouldn't be
• Emotions so real they make us want to cry and laugh — all in the same
read
• Characters who are memorable enough to haunt us
• Any peculiar sense of credibility mixed with fantasy
• Self-help that can be characterized as entirely unique
• Memoirs that tear us apart emotionally
• Fictionalized true crime that reads like a blockbuster novel.
We cannot be characterized by genre, just by our pursuit of the unique
and new.
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Three New Cup of Comfort Books Looking for your Stories!
A Cup of Comfort Call for Submissions
A Cup of Comfort is a best-selling anthology (book) series featuring
inspiring true stories about the extraordinary experiences of
“ordinary” people. We're now actively seeking submissions for the
following new volumes:
A Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers
Possible themes include but are not limited to a dog’s:
Devotion and loyalty
Courage
Amazing feats
Role as a member of a family or community
Companionship
Therapeutic effect on a human
Unique relationship with a person
Unique relationship with another pet or animal
Inspirational effect on one or more people
Amusing, endearing, exceptional ways
We do NOT want sad stories about a pet’s suffering or death. However,
stories can be about the life of a dog that is now deceased and can
include a fond farewell to a lost pet—provided the story isn’t solely
about the pet’s death.
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2006*
A Cup of Comfort for Writers
Possible themes include but are not limited to:
Mentors or teachers
Overcoming challenges in becoming a writer, in your life as a writer,
or in your writing process
Milestone(s) in your journey to become a writer or as a writer
Discovering and/or heeding the call to become a writer
Writers groups / the camaraderie of other writers
Why you write
Transcending self-doubt and fear
What writing has taught you about life
What life has taught you about writing
Your muse: what inspires your writing
Best or worst writing experience and what you learned/gained from it
Why you write
Submission Deadline: August 31, 2006*
A Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers
Possible themes include but are not limited to:
Juggling the myriad responsibilities of single motherhood
Raising sons or daughters without fathers
The support of family, friends, other mothers
Hard lessons learned
Busting myths about single mothering
Defying stereotypes about single moms and/or children of single moms
Overcoming adversity
Self-acceptance and self-respect in a society that sometimes disparages
single mothers
Unconventional wisdoms gained
Blessings, joys, and rewards of being a single mother or the child of a
single mother
The unique bond between a single mother and her child(ren)
The courage, resilience, ingenuity, devotion, accomplishments, and/or
integrity of a single mom
Why you chose single motherhood (if applicable) and how you’ve made it
work
The unexpected and/or under-recognized advantages, joys, and/or rewards
of being a single mother or having a single mother
Please see writers’ and submission guidelines, below.
Submission Deadline: December 31, 2006*
*Because stories are reviewed and semifinalists are selected throughout
the submission period, early submission is strongly encouraged.
Writers’ and Submission Guidelines
How to Create a Savory Cup of Comfort Story
A Cup of Comfort stories weave powerful life lessons into vividly told
tales. They are nonfiction stories that read like fiction but always
ring true. They are slice-of-life tales that reveal the positive
aspects of humanity; that inspire, entertain, and enlighten the
readers; and that bring tears of compassion and joy to our eyes, hope
to our hearts, and comfort to our souls. Cup of Comfort stories are
honest, original, and creative depictions of the most important and
influential experiences and relationships in our lives.
Payment: $500 Grand Prize awarded to one story per volume; $100 (each)
all other stories published in book. Plus complimentary copy of book.
On publication.
Story Length: 1,000–2,000 words
Stories must be uplifting and positive, and can be poignant,
heartwarming, and/or humorous.
Stories must be original, true, positive, and in English.
Entrants pay no entry or reading fees.
Electronic (emailed) submissions are preferred; mailed and faxed
submissions are acceptable.
Typed submissions are preferred; neatly handwritten submissions are
acceptable.
Each submission must include the following:
Your full and legal name
Your mailing address
Your phone number
Your email address, if applicable
Story title
Story word-count (approximate)
Choose ONE of these easy submission methods:
Email: In the subject line, cite the Cup of Comfort volume (i.e.,
Grandparents) or theme (i.e., Bereavement). If the story is being
submitted for more than one theme, list all themes in the subject line
and submit the story once. Copy and paste (or type) the story into the
body of the email. No attachments. One story per email. Send to:
cupofcomfort@adamsmedia.com
-- or --
wordsinger@aol.com
Mail: You can send more than one story per envelope. Include one
self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for each submission. Send only
the paper copy of the story; do not send computer disks or CDs. Mail
to:
Cup of Comfort
Adams Media
57 Littlefield St.
Avon, Massachusetts 02322, USA
Fax: On a cover sheet or at the top of the story’s first page, indicate
the volume(s)/theme(s) for which you are submitting the story and the
number of pages being submitted. If the story is being submitted for
more than one volume/theme, send only one copy of the story. Fax to:
1-508-427-6790
Direct questions and suggestions to: cupofcomfort@adamsmedia.com or
wordsinger@aol.com. We cannot accept phone calls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE JOURNAL
The Ohio State University
164 W. 17th Ave.
Columbus OH 43210
Phone: (614)292-4076
Fax: (614)292-7816
E-Mail: thejournal@osu.edu
Website: english.osu.edu/journals/the_journal/
This semiannual literary magazine is open to all forms. "We tend to
favor work that gives evidence of a mature and sophisticated sense of
the language."
Needs:
Essays
Interview/Profile
Buys 2 manuscripts/year.
Query first
Length: 2,000–4,000 words.
Pays $20 maximum.
Columns open to freelancers:
Reviews of contemporary poetry, 1,500 words maximum
Buys 2 columns/year.
Query first
Pays: $20 minimum for columns.
Needs:
Novel Excerpts
literary short stories
Length: Open
Pays: $20 for fiction.
Poetry:
Buys 100 poems/year.
Submit maximum 5 poems.
Pays: $20.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SHENANDOAH
The Washington and Lee University Review
Washington and Lee University
Mattingly House
2 Lee Ave.
Lexington VA 24450-2116
Phone: (540)458-8765
Fax: (540)458-8461
E-Mail: shenandoah@wlu.edu
Website: shenandoah.wlu.edu
Lynn Leech, editor
Sample copy for $10.
See Web site for submission guidelines
Buys Book excerpts, Essays
Buys 6 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Send complete manuscript
Pays $25/page ($250 max).
Buys 70 poems a year but does Not Want inspirational, confessional
poetry.
Submit maximum 6 poems.
Length: Open
Pays $2.50/line ($200 max).
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La Belle Lettre Mystery Contest. Maximum length 10,000 words. Awards:
$100, $50, $25; top six winners receive critiques. Entry fee: $6.
Deadline: August 1, 2006. Info: La Belle Lettre, PO Box 2009, Longview,
WA 98632; www.labellelettre.com (download entry form).
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SOFA INK QUARTERLY
Gray Sunshine
P.O. Box 65849
Vancouver WA 98665
E-Mail: acquisitions@sofaink.com
Website: www.sofaink.com
Linda M. Meyer, editor
David Cowsert, editor-in-chief
"The magazine is distributed primarily to waiting rooms and lobbies of
medical facilities. All of our stories and poetry have positive
endings. We like to publish a variety of genres with a focus on good
storytelling and word-mastery that does not include swearing, profaning
deity, gore, excessive violence or gratuitous sex."
Accepts queries by mail or e-mail.
Sample copy for $6.
Writer's guidelines available at Web site.
Buys Essays, General Interest, Historical, Humor, Inspirational,
Interview/Profile, Personal Experience. Send complete manuscript
Length: 7,500 words.
Pays $5, plus 3 contributor copies.
Buys many types of fiction except for erotic or religious. Buys 12-20
manuscripts/year. Send complete manuscript. Length: 7,500 words. Pays:
$5 for fiction.
Buys many types of poetry. Submit a maximum of five poems at a time.
"Follow the content guidelines. Electronic submissions should be in a
Word attachment rather than in the body of the message."
Buys most types of fiction except for erotic or religious
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Subtropics
PO Box 112075
4008 Turlington Hall
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32611-2075
Editor: David Leavitt
Managing Editor: Mark Mitchell
Poetry Editor: Sidney Wade
The new literary magazine from the University of Florida is issued
three times a year.
Subtropics seeks to publish the best literary fiction, essays, and
poetry being written today, both by established and emerging authors.
We will consider works of fiction of any length, from short shorts to
novellas and self-contained novel excerpts. We give the same latitude
to essays. We appreciate work in translation and, from time to time,
republish important and compelling stories, essays, and poems that have
lapsed out of print.
For stories and essays, Subtropics pays a flat fee of $1,000 ($500 for
a short short) for North American first serial rights. Poets are paid
$100 per poem. Subtropics pays upon acceptance.
Direct fiction submissions to David Leavitt, essays to David Leavitt or
Mark Mitchell, and poetry to Sidney Wade.
Submit in hard copy by mail. Include a short cover letter with your
contact information. Please include your contact information on the
submission as well. E-mail addresses are preferred. If you do not have
an e-mail address, please enclose a self-addressed stamped letter-sized
envelope with your submission. Manuscripts cannot be returned under any
circumstances.
Submissions are accepted from August 15th to May 15th. Please allow six
weeks to two months for a response.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Creation Illustrated: the Leading Bible-based Nature Journal
Writer and Photographer Guidelines:
http://www.creationillustrated.com/article.php?id=8&PHPSESSID=786eaff66fb8de94fb71214df3d41c9e
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
miller's pond
Poetry magazine seeks poetry an interviews with poets. Low pay, but at
least there is a little. See guidelines at
http://millerspondpoetry.com/index.php?page=Guidelines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How has colorblindness affected your life? Stories wanted from the
colorblind only, please. —Arlene Evans, info@cvdbook.com,
www.CVDbooks.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Worth Remembering Publishing needs good nonfiction writers! Write two-
to four-page tributes to deceased people and earn $50 (maybe more) and
insertion in a high-quality book. If interested, go to
www.worthrememberingpublishing.com, click on Writers Workshop, and
follow instructions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BareStage Theatre Playwrighting Contest, no more than five to fifteen
pages in length. Entry fee: $10. Each entry receives written critiques
if SASE enclosed. Winning plays will be fully staged for audiences.
Deadline: June 30, 2006. Info: The BareStage Theatre, New Play
Submissions, PO Box 9004, Red Bluff CA 96080; barestage@mac.com;
www.barestage.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have you traveled overseas for health care? I am writing a book on this
and would like to include your experience, opinions, thoughts, etc.
Credit will be given, or anonymous if you prefer. —Paul Gahlinger, M.D.
paulg@aros.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Science Fiction Poetry Association first poetry contest. No entry fees;
poets can enter up to five poems. Awards: $15, $10, $5 plus publication
on the SFPA website. You do not have to be a member of the SFPA to
enter the contest. The contest challenge is to write a speculative poem
of 14 lines or less on the theme of "mirror(s)." All forms welcome—
haiku, cinquains, tanka, sonnets, free verse, etc., but poems must
contain one or more of the following elements: science fiction,
fantasy, horror, surrealism or straight science. Send previously
unpublished poems only. No reprints. Poets retain rights to their poem.
Send a maximum of 5 poems per author. Paste each poem into the body of
an e-mail, one poem per e-mail. No attachments. Please include the word
"Contest" in the subject heading, followed by the title of the poem.
Include your full name and address with each poem. Send submissions to:
contest2006@sfpoetry.com. Deadline for receiving submissions is 11:59
EDT on June 30, 2006. Winners will be announced by August 1, 2006.
Info: www.sfpoetry.com/poetrycontest.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Kalliope Short Fiction Contest, must be unpublished. Entry fee:
$15. Deadline: postmark of November 1, 2006. Info: Kalliope Short
Fiction Contest, FCCJ-South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville FL
32246; (904) 646-2081; ljones@fccj.edu; www.fccj.org/kalliope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Talebones
This quarterly magazine seeks science fiction and dark fantasy in
fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and photography. Some payment. See
http://www.talebones.com/ for guidelines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Attention Short Story Writers: Do you have a tale about women living in
a different time period, on a different world or in a different reality
all together? We'd love to read it! DLSIJ Press is now accepting
submissions for a short story anthology written by women about women
living in alternative realities. So whether your genre is science
fiction, mystery, historical fiction, romance, spiritual, experimental
or (fill in the blank!) grab your pen or pull out your laptop and start
creating! The crucial details: Theme: Alternative Realities — Women in
other times, places, and roles. Length: Maximum of 12,000 words.
Deadline: July 1, 2006. To submit, please send a query with submission
file attached to anthology@dlsijpress.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ABC and Walt Disney Studios Writing Fellowship Program
We are looking for up to fifteen writers to work full-time developing
their craft at The Walt Disney Studios and ABC Entertainment. The Walt
Disney Studios and ABC Entertainment are equal opportunity employers,
and it is our policy not to discriminate on the basis of age, color,
handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status,
race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, political
affiliation, or on any other unlawful basis in its employment programs.
We will be offering fellowships in the feature film and television
areas through The Walt Disney Studios and ABC Entertainment,
respectively. No previous experience is necessary; however, writing
samples are required. Fellows will each be provided a salary of $50,000
for a one-year period tentatively scheduled to begin in February 2007.
This program is open to all writers. Members with Writers Guild of
America (WGA) credits are also eligible for this program.
Visit
http://www.abctalentdevelopment.com/html/writing_fellowship_mainpage.htm
for application forms, instructions, and more information.
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Six: Writing Assignment: Wake Up Writing
Poet Robert Bly wrote a poem a day every day before he got out of bed
in the morning. Other writers who try this method find they not only
become prolific writers, but they also start their days with enthusiasm
and joy.
For this assignment, put a pad of paper and a pen by your bed and leave
it there. Each morning when you awake write something—a poem, a journal
entry, a recollection of your dreams—before you get out of bed. Do this
exercise for thirty days, then take time to look over all you have
written and see if anything jogs your thoughts for a polished poem,
essay, article, short story, or even a novel.
Continue this exercise for a lifetime, and you will never run out of
ideas for writing projects.
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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 will list your information here, to help you
find or form a group that allows you to get feedback.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Remember to ask me for Report #101 on forming and maintaining a
successful critique circle. Send your request to me at
Bobbie@zebraeditor.com.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Do YOU have news for The Writers Network News? Please send it in the
body copy, not an attachment, to Bobbie@zebraeditor.com. Deadline: The
15th of each month.
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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 “Newsletter.”
…………………………………………………………………………….
The Writers Network News--a newsletter for writers everywhere.
"No Rules; Just Write!"
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The Writers Network – No dues. No officers. “No Rules; Just Write!"
Directions to meetings:
Our monthly meetings are held at noon on the first Friday of each month
at King Buffet, 11060 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell, Georgia. 30076. The
restaurant is on the left after you enter the Roswell Shopping Center,
on the same side of the strip mall as Patterson Furniture. Roswell
Shopping Center is on the left if going north toward Alpharetta, a few
blocks past the Mansell Road intersection and across the street from
Mattress King, about a block past Andretti's. Once you are inside, the
meeting room is through an archway on the left past the cashier.
Restaurant phone: 678-352-1606.
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