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W R I T I N G W O R L D
A World of Writing Information - For Writers Around the World
http://www.writing-world.com
Issue 4:08 13,300 subscribers April 15, 2004
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SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS AT END OF NEWSLETTER
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SPECIAL NOTICE: Please DO NOT REPLY to this e-mail; any messages
sent to the listbox address are deleted. If you wish to contact
the editor, please e-mail moirakallen"at"writing-world.com.
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CONTENTS
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From the Editor's Desk
CLASSES on Writing-World.com
News from the World of Writing
FEATURE: Don't Reach For Just Any Old Quote
by John Rains
The Write Sites -- Online Resources for Writers
WRITING DESK: Using a co-author, by Moira Allen
JUST FOR FUN: Tax Time, by Susan Miles
WHAT'S NEW at Writing World
MARKET ROUNDUP/Writing Contests
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1ST BOOKS IS NOW AUTHORHOUSE!
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EARN AN MFA IN WRITING through the brief-residency program at
Spalding University in Louisville, KY. Call (800) 896-8941x2105
or e-mail gradadmissions"at"spalding.edu and request brochure FA90.
For more info: http://www.spalding.edu/graduate/MFAinWriting
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WRITERSCOLLEGE.COM has 57 online courses. Prices are low.
If you can reach our web site, you can take our courses.
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DISCOUNTED SOFTWARE FOR WRITERS -- PowerWriter, DramaticaPro,
StoryCraft, WritePro, MovieMagic, StyleWriter, plus many more.
HUGE SAVINGS! GREAT SELECTION! Save online at:
http://www.MasterFreelancer.com
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THE WELL-FED WRITER by Peter Bowerman - Learn how you can make
$50-100 an hour as a freelance writer and easily earn $1000 a
week or more working 2-3 good days. Details:
http://www.writingcareer.com/pb001.shtml
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SELL YOUR WRITING TO 1700 MARKETS! Writing-World.com's themed
market guides are fresh off the press. Each e-book offers from
100 to 200 markets; pay only for the markets in YOUR topic area,
or buy the entire set for just $25. Not just a list of URLs -
each listing offers detailed market info. It's one of the best
market deals around! For details or to order, visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
=================================================================
An addition to the Writing-World.com Family
-------------------------------------------
Writing-World.com welcomes a new staff member: Darcy Lewis, who
has come on board as Associate Editor for the site. Darcy will
be handling submissions, queries, and all things e-mail
(including orders, class enrollments, advertising and any other
general business matters for the site). All e-mail to
Writing-World.com will now automatically go to Darcy; personal
matters, questions, etc., will be forwarded to me.
Darcy is the author of A Parent's Guide to Chicago, 2nd edition,
to be published in Spring 2004 by Parent's Guide Press, and has
written portions of four other books. She was Chicago Parent's
health columnist for two years and has won national and local
writing awards. Among the many trade magazines she has written
for are PIMA, Safety + Health, Today's Supervisor, Every Second
Counts, Healthcare Supervisor, Traffic Safety, Safedriver,
Managed Care and Writer's Digest. Darcy is also the co-editor of
several of Writing-World.com's Market Guides
(http://www.writing-world.com/bookstore/index.shtml).
So the next time you write to Writing-World.com, say hello to
Darcy!
A Loss to My Own Family...
--------------------------
On Easter Sunday, April 11, my father-in-law passed away in
Olympia, Washington, due to complications from the treatment of
lymphoma. He was 82 years old. He died peacefully in his sleep.
Fortunately my husband had been able to schedule a trip to visit
him that weekend; Pat left for home Sunday evening, and his
father died later in the night.
We will be going out to Washington to spend some time with the
family, which means I'll be "out of the office" for one to two
weeks, depending on how much time is needed. However, I will
have e-mail access through my home account, so Darcy will forward
anything that needs my immediate attention.
-- Moira Allen (moirakallen"at"writing-world.com)
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JUNE CLASSES
=================================================================
All classes begin on June 1, 2004. Please note that some of our
April classes have been postponed to the June session, so if you
missed them, you have another chance! (For details on our August
courses, visit http://www.writing-world.com/classes/index.shtml)
COLUMN-WRITING WORKSHOP
Instructor: Mary Emma Allen (4 weeks, $75)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/columns.shtml
Writing columns for newspapers, magazines, and online
publications can be some of the most rewarding work of your
writing career. Learn from a writer with more than 30 years of
experience in this field. She'll give you information and
assignments to get you ready to query editors and use column
writing as a springboard for other writing ventures.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
FUNDAMENTALS OF WRITING HORROR
Instructor: Elizabeth Peake (6 weeks, $120)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/horror.shtml
It takes a special breed of writer to deliver a finished product
so horrific it stays with the reader long after the story has
been read. The horror writer must learn to go deep within and
grasp those inner most fears and bring them to light. This course
is intended for writers who already have the basic writing skills
but need to learn the fundamentals of writing horror. By the end
of this course, the student will have written their horror story
and possess confidence to submit to a paying market.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HOW TO WRITE A SUCCESSFUL BOOK PROPOSAL
Instructor: Patricia Fry (8 weeks, $100)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/fry.shtml
Here's your opportunity to learn how to write a successful book
proposal now and in the future. Fry will teach you a formula that
you can use for nearly any book you plan. While our focus will be
on the more detailed nonfiction book proposal, students with
novels and other fiction materials will also learn how to prepare
a book proposal for their projects.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
PLOTTING THE ROMANCE NOVEL (WORKSHOP)
Instructor: Tracy Cooper-Posey (5/6 weeks, $80, includes chat)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/plot.shtml
This course is intended to give the student an in-depth study of
plotting a novel as it applies to the romance genre. The course
is designed to cater to both beginning writers and the more
experienced writer who is considering writing romance for the
first time. Assignments will be given each week for feedback.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
SELLING PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
Instructor: Kathryn Lay (4 weeks, $75)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/lay.shtml
What is a Personal Experience? What types of magazines publish
them and how can you turn your personal experiences into writing
sales? This class will answer these questions and more, sharing
the writer's years of experience writing AND selling personal
experience articles and essays.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
TRAVEL WRITING FOR FUN AND PROFIT
Instructor: Kathleen Walls (4 weeks, $60)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/travel.shtml
If you enjoy seeing new places and can write a letter home to
tell your friends, you could be a travel writer. This class
offers all the tips I wish someone had told me when I first
started travel writing. You will learn how to research markets,
how to approach the editors, how to maximize your income and how
to take advantage of all the available comps when you travel.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING AND SELLING EROTIC FICTION
Instructor: Catherine Lundoff (6 weeks, $90)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/erotica.shtml
For centuries, writers have portrayed sensuality and sexuality in
words to captivate, titillate and amuse their readers. Learn to
write convincingly about erotic activity and to incorporate the
erotic into the everyday to capture what is perhaps the greatest
intimacy their characters will experience. This course is
intended for both new and experienced writers who want to explore
this genre. NOTE: This class has a maximum enrollment of 10 and
is already half-full, so please enroll soon to reserve a place.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING FOR THE CONFESSION MARKET
(Postponed from previous session)
Instructor: Bea Sheftel (8 weeks, $60 - REDUCED!)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/confessions.shtml
Learn all the elements of what it takes to write and sell a
successful confession story and then do it again, and again.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
(Postponed from previous session)
Instructor: Chris Gavaler (6 weeks, $100)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/suspense.shtml
Keep your readers on the edge of their seats as danger stalks
your characters -- and romance finds them! Learn how to weave
together the elements of romance, mystery and suspense; create
dynamic heroines and villains; and use the elements of dialogue,
background, plot and description to the best (chilling) effect.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WRITING SHORT STORIES: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE
Instructor: Sally Zigmond (6 weeks, $80)
http://www.writing-world.com/classes/shorts.shtml
Have you always wanted to try a short story but didn't know how
to start? Are you confused by all the jargon, such as viewpoint
and narrative structure? Then sign up for this user-friendly
course. Sally will show you how to get going, how to develop your
ideas, how to create memorable characters, how to construct a
piece of short fiction. By the end of the course you will not
only have the confidence to write your own short stories but to
send them out to magazines and competitions.
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NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF WRITING
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New software detects plagiarism
-------------------------------
A growing number of newspapers, law firms, and other businesses
are using data-sifting tools that can efficiently cross-check
billions of digital documents and recognize patterns. Advanced
plagiarism detection services, such as iParadigms, make a digital
fingerprint of an entire document and compare it against material
on the Internet and other sources, including academic and media
databases, such as Lexis Nexis. Since 1996, the University of
California, Berkeley has used the technology to inspect
undergraduates' papers. Last year, one publisher used iParadigms
to affirm suspicions that one of their textbook authors had
plagiarized other sources. In a survey of 30,000 undergraduates
at 34 colleges, 37% admitted copying and pasting from the
Internet, up from 10% in 1999. Only 20% of their professors use
plagiarism detection tools, according to the survey by Rutgers
University professor Don McCabe, founder of the Center for
Academic Integrity. However many businesses and even educators
are reluctant to use them, fearing lawsuits should they accuse
someone of cheating. And deciding what amounts to actual
plagiarism remains a judgment call that humans must make,
creators of the software say.
New bestseller database at USA Today
------------------------------------
You don't have to wonder anymore exactly how much Harry Potter
has dominated the bestseller charts. You can find out at USA
Today's bestsellers database. The data is limited; the database
goes back to 1993. But they list 150 books at a time, instead of
the usual ten or twenty. The database is searchable by author or
title. The results are presented as a list, with a brief summary,
weeks on chart, current position (if any), the date it entered,
the peak position, and the date it left. Access the database at:
http://asp.usatoday.com/life/books/booksdatabase/default.aspx
Free online reading groups at Barnes & Noble.com
------------------------------------------------
Book Clubs at Barnes & Noble.com is offering free online reading
groups hosted by bestselling authors. The first session begins
May 3, and will feature Margaret Atwood leading a conversation
about her latest novel, "Oryx and Crake." Authors scheduled
include Chang-Rae Lee, Elizabeth Buchanan, and Julia Glass. For
more information: http://snipurl.com/5ow6
Prisoner's writing award triggers judicial flap
-----------------------------------------------
On April 9, Barbara Parsons Lane won the $25,000 prize in the
12th PEN/Newman's Own First Amendment Award. Convicted of
manslaughter in 1996, Lane is an inmate at York Correctional
Institution in Connecticut, where she participated in a writing
course taught by best-selling author Wally Lamb. The female
inmates' works were published last year in the book, "Couldn't
Keep It To Myself: Testimonies from our Imprisoned Sisters." Each
of the women is entitled to $5,600 from publisher Harper Collins
following release from prison. The state went to court last year
to seize the royalties at a rate of $117/day under a regulation
that permits authorities to go after inmates' assets. Lane
received a bill for $339,505. Connecticut Attorney General
Richard Blumenthal pursued a change in a state law that permits
state officials to recover incarceration costs from inmates.
According to PEN American Center director Larry Siems, the women
did not write about their crimes. As of April 14, the creative
writing program, which was suspended on March 29, will be
reinstated and inmates will be allowed to keep royalties from the
book in an agreement reached with Blumenthal, who said he won't
go after the prize money from the 2003 book because it is the
result of skills learned from a rehabilitative program. For more
information: http://snipurl.com/5q0n
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Tell Book Buyers Why They Need Your Book! Putting It On Paper:
The Ground Rules for Creating Promotional Pieces that Sell Books
shows you how to create a book press kit that gets results.
http://www.cameopublications.com or
http://www.booklocker.com/books/1307.html
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and ideas for that next project at Profitable Pen's newest
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DON'T REACH FOR JUST ANY OLD QUOTE
=================================================================
by John Rains (johnrains"at"hotmail.com)
Here's a passage from Paula LaRocque's book "Championship
Writing": "The right quotes, carefully selected and presented,
enliven and humanize a story and help make it clear, credible,
immediate and dramatic. Yet many quotations in journalism are
dull, repetitive, ill-phrased, ungrammatical, nonsensical,
self-serving or just plain dumb."
Ah, yes. The right quotes help make a story sing. The dull ones
need to go into the trash, and we writers and editors need the
confidence to put them there.
This is the kind of quote that ought not see the light of print:
"Our goal has always been to improve and expand technology-based
learning in our schools," Taylor said. "Through partnering with
ExplorNet we have encouraged our schools to coordinate resources
from government, business and individuals for maximum
effectiveness and minimum public expenditures."
Is there any life in that paragraph of verbiage? Can you even
understand what is being said without having to read it again?
No?
Why then would a writer inflict it on readers who are paying for
the story?
At least two things happen when dull quotes clutter a story, and
both are bad. First, the dull quotes tend to tarnish the good
ones, assuming the story has some. Second, a succession of dull
quotes turns the story itself into so much sludge. Readers --
those who try to struggle through -- get lost.
Here's what to do with quotes that are dull or "just plain dumb":
Trim. Use only the portion that makes some sense. Just be careful
that the trimming is done in a way that leaves the speaker's
meaning intact.
Paraphrase. You're the writer. You can say it clearly and
succinctly.
Dump. Be honest. Does the quote add anything to the story?
More tips
---------
Here are more tips on using quotes well:
Keep them short. Quotes that run longer than two or three
sentences tend to sound like sermons or lectures.
Keep them in context. Make sure you are using quotes in a way
that conveys the meaning the speaker intended.
Never change words in a quote. Instead of "fixing" the quote,
paraphrase it. Or drop it.
It's OK to delete "ums" and "ahs" and to spell out slurred
phrases: "would have" instead of "would've," "it had" instead of
"it'd."
Avoid parenthetical insertions. They are clunky and hard to read.
They may make it appear that we are pointing a derisory finger at
the speaker.
If you must insert, do it properly. Use ellipses to show deletion
instead of just substituting a word in parentheses. Like this: "I
guess ... (Jones) couldn't stand to be alone." Or simply leave in
the original word and clarify in parentheses: "I guess he (Jones)
couldn't stand to be alone."
Avoid ellipses in most quotes (except for the example we just
mentioned), unless you are quoting from documents. In quoting
conversation, leave off those dots at the beginning and end of a
sentence.
Avoid the "said of" formula. Weak: "I can't stand this," he said
of his new job. A quote should be clear to the reader as it is
being read.
Avoid quoting fragments of only one or two words. Quotation marks
are useful only if the fragment is an unusual word or is a word
used in an odd way. If you put an ordinary word in quotes,
readers may take it as a sly way of showing doubt.
Don't rush quotes in prematurely. No rule requires you to put a
quote in second or third paragraph of your story, although it is
all right to put one there if it works well.
Introduce the speaker early. Give attribution as quickly as
possible, not at the end of a fat paragraph. Good places are
within the first sentence, if you can take advantage of a natural
pause, or at the end of the first sentence.
Signal a change to a new speaker. Don't just close one quote and
start a new one from a new speaker without giving the reader a
heads-up.
Supply grammatical punctuation for spoken quotes. Don't run
sentences together even if the speaker did.
Avoid getting in the way of the quote. Don't use clumsy setups
such as "When asked why ..." or "Asked why ..."
The best verb for attribution is usually "said." It is neutral
and unobtrusive. Other verbs may be loaded, depending on the
context.
People don't sniff, smile, or laugh sentences or paragraphs.
Use attribution to anchor a quote directly to the source. Don't
leave it to the reader to do the work of making the connection.
Avoid double attribution unless you're quoting from a document.
Doubling up on the attribution gives a jarring effect of people
speaking in unison.
Avoid trying to quote in dialect and substandard forms. Often,
readers will misinterpret your motives. They may suspect you of
patronizing or making fun of the speaker.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
John Rains is a newspaper writing coach in North Carolina and has
self-published three books: "Shooting Straight in the Media/ A
Firearms Guide for Writers", "Writing Beyond the Routine/For More
Readable Newspapers", and "Write Your Way into the Papers." Visit
his weblog: http://www.smalltownpress.net/blogger.html
Copyright (c) 2004 by John Rains
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*****************************************************************
THE WRITE SITES
=================================================================
In honor of National Poetry Month, this week's links are all
poetry-related.
The Academy of American Poets
-----------------------------
Newsletter, links, contests, find a poet, and find a poem
features.
http://www.poets.org
Canadian Poetry
---------------
Links to Canadian poets, journals, magazines, peotry, events,
awards, grants, contests, courses, books, small presses and more.
http://www.library.utoronto.ca/canpoetry
Time-Line of English Poetry
--------------------------
An index of poets and poetry from the years 658 to 2001.
http://eir.library.utoronto.ca/rpo/display_rpo/timeline.cfm
Poetry Daily
------------
Anthology of contemporary poetry that each day brings readers a
new poem from books, magazines and journals currently in print,
along with information about featured poets and publishers, news
from the poetry world, and occasional special features.
http://www.poems.com
Poetry Archives
---------------
An educational resource to aid students, educators, and the
curious. A searchable database by first-line, author, and poem
title.
http://www.emule.com/poetry/
Giggle Poetry
-------------
Lots of funny poems, poetry contests, and more. Ideas for
educators on teaching poetry in fun and interesting ways.
http://www.gigglepoetry.com
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THE EASY WAY TO WRITE: Online communities, ebooks, and courses.
From inspiration, self motivation and fast writing - all the way
to getting published and successfully marketing your work. Free
writing lessons always running. http://www.easywaytowrite.com
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CREATIVE SELF-PUBLISHING IN THE WORLD MARKETPLACE, by Marshall
Chamberlain. "An indispensable companion to the Self-Publishing
Manual," says Dan Poynter. Visit http://www.gracepublishing.org
or http://www.atlasbooks.com/marketplc/01123.htm / 800-247-6553
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THE WRITING DESK
=================================================================
by Moira Allen (moirakallen"at"writing-world.com)
Using a Co-Author
-----------------
Q: I submitted a nonfiction manuscript to a well-respected
publisher. After nine months I received a letter from the
publisher asking me if I would consider using a co-author on my
manuscript then resubmitting it. The publisher states good
reasons for this as my subject matter would be more credible and
marketable if someone with a Ph.D. had their name on the cover
along with mine. My concern is how this process works and should
I even consider it?
A: Before you jump into such a relationship, I would suggest
thinking carefully about whether you feel it would enhance your
manuscript. Are you happy with your book as it stands? Do you
feel that another publisher might be willing to consider it "as
is," without rewriting or reworking it or adding another name to
it?
How much "involvement" would you want a co-author to have? Would
you want that person to have the right to either rewrite your
material, or contribute a substantial amount of additional
material that you didn't originally plan for the book? Or, would
you prefer to find a co-author who isn't necessarily going to
CONTRIBUTE much to the book -- except the value of a respected
name? If so, are you willing to share the proceeds of the book
with someone who hasn't really had much hand in writing it?
Do you feel, as a reader, that seeing a Ph.D. on the cover of on
a book such as the one you plan would profoundly influence your
decision to buy it? Or, do you feel that, if you were dealing
with a similar problem, you'd buy the book even without such
credentials?
You might consider sending the book to recognized experts in the
field for REVIEWS, and then include those reviews (assuming
they're positive!) with your manuscript submission to another
publisher. If experts consider that your book is worthwhile on
its own merits, that should help a publisher make a positive
decision. Those reviews can also be used in marketing the book --
providing the Ph.D. recognition factor without actually adding a
co-author.
I'm not saying that you shouldn't consider using a co-author;
however, this would involve some considerable changes to your
project and your approach to publication. Thus, it's a decision
that needs to be reviewed carefully.
For more information, see "Questions to Ask Before Collaborating"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/collaboration.shtml
You will also find a sample collaboration contract at:
http://www.adlerbooks.com/collab.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Moira Allen has been writing and editing professionally for
more than 20 years. A columnist for The Writer, she is also
the author of "Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer"
(just released!), "The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and
Proposals," and "Writing.com". For more details, visit:
http://www.writing-world.com/moira/index.shtml
Copyright (c) 2004 by Moira Allen
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JUST FOR FUN: Tax Time
=================================================================
by Susan Miles (MilesSV"at"bigpond.com)
Setting: The offices of the Accounting firm Ellis, Neil, Roberts,
O'Malley and Nickleby.
"Ms. Miles, thank you for coming in today."
"Not a problem. Oh by the way, I like the new sign out front. I
always think full names look more impressive than just an
acronym."
"Yes, well, under the circumstances ... Anyway, the reason I
asked you to come in was to clarify a few of the claims on your
tax return this year."
"OK."
"I see you have listed your occupation as freelance writer."
"Yes."
"You see, Ms. Miles, to claim any expense as a deduction, we need
to show the IRS that it is directly related to the generation of
taxable income."
"Sounds reasonable."
"Yes, we in the accounting profession have always thought it a
sound principle. However, I am unsure about the reasonableness of
some of your deductions. For example, this expense you have
listed as compensation: co-writer."
"Yes, that was payment for an article that I developed in
partnership with a fellow writer."
"But the receipt you have provided as proof for this claim is for
$12.95?"
"That's right."
"From ToysRUs?"
"Yes?"
"For one Barbie doll outfit?"
"Yes, you see, this particular article was from an idea my 7 year
old niece gave me. Cash or checks don't interest her, she prefers
to be compensated in Barbie merchandise."
"Really!"
"Yes, it's either Barbie clothes or a byline, but what am I,
crazy?"
"Let's leave that point for the time being and move onto the next
item, office space: cost $1,076.75."
"Well of course. As a writer it's imperative that I have a space
to work."
"I don't dispute that. But to support your claim you have
attached 365 receipts for tall non-fat cappuccinos from
Starbucks."
"It's actually very economical. For the cost of a coffee I get a
comfortable and quiet corner to write, I just have to remember to
sip slowly."
"Um, let's move on, shall we? You have two regular meetings that
you have claimed expenditure for. One you have listed as a daily
planning meeting, the other a weekly think tank session."
"Unfortunately even we writers can't escape meetings in our
working life."
"No, I quite appreciate this. But again, it's the actual receipts
for these that I am having trouble with. For the planning
meetings, you have claimed the cost of 3 pairs of New Balance
running shoes."
"I can explain. I plan my articles and essays in my head while
I'm running. On a good run -- sorry -- planning session, I can
write an entire article in my head."
"That's very impressive. It also helps explain the other meeting
you have listed. I am assuming that your think tank sessions are
to come up with new ideas for your writing."
"Absolutely."
"So the fact that you have claimed under this category 20% of
your gas and water bills, a range of products from The Body Shop,
and one duck -- description: rubber, yellow -- I am guessing
these sessions take place in the bath!"
"I can't help it. It's where I get my best ideas."
"Let's move on to a more serious item. You have listed an expense
as danger money: South Korea."
"I'm afraid it was an unavoidable expense in getting my story on
the DMZ."
"I'm intrigued. What was it? Bribes? Kickbacks? Protection
money?"
"Not exactly, it was for international phone calls to my
parents."
"How does this equate to danger money, Ms. Miles?"
"Simple, without those daily calls I was in serious danger of
being disowned by my parents. I was in Korea over the holiday
period, so I missed my parent's annual New Year's Day BBQ."
"A BBQ!"
"Ha, we're Australians, we take our BBQs very seriously!"
"Let's look at your last claim. You haven't noted an amount or
attached a receipt."
"It was hard to put a price on it."
"I doubt whether the IRS has a formula either to value one broken
heart."
"But this is the most legitimate claim I have! Didn't you say
yourself that for any expense to be an allowable deduction it
must be directly related to your taxable income?"
"Yes, but I don't see how ...?"
"But this of all things has inspired some of my best and most
profitable writing."
"Well, when you put it like that. But you'll need to estimate a
value."
"$1.50?"
"Done. One last question Ms. Miles. What exactly do you write?"
"Nonfiction, essays, travel, that sort of thing."
"I'm surprised, from your tax return I had you pegged as a
fantasy writer."
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Susan Miles is a communication specialist and freelance writer
based in Melbourne, Australia. Susan's travel articles have
appeared in publications in the US, Canada, Australia and New
Zealand, including the Toronto Star, The St. Petersburg Times,
and the Dominion Post.
Copyright (c) 2004 by Susan Miles
*****************************************************************
WHAT'S NEW AT WRITING-WORLD.COM
=================================================================
NEW ARTICLES:
-------------
Creating an Online Portfolio, by Moira Allen
http://www.writing-world.com/promotion/portfolio.shtml
An End To Euphemisms: Is Erotica Right for You?
by Tracy Cooper-Posey
http://www.writing-world.com/romance/romantica.shtml
Selling Your Writing (and Anything Else) Online, by Moira Allen
http://www.writing-world.com/selfpub/selling.shtml
Writing Erotic Mysteries, by Michael Bracken
http://www.writing-world.com/mystery/eroticmyst.shtml
*****************************************************************
MARKET ROUNDUP
=================================================================
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: STORIES FROM THE ATTIC
Helen Kay Polaski, Editor
Rocking Chair Reader, Adams Media, 57 Littlefield Street,
Avon, MA 02322
EMAIL: rockingchairreader"at"adamsmedia.com
URL: http://www.adamsmedia.com
Stories from the Attic will feature 60-70 delightful stories that
revolve around unexpected treasures found in America's small
towns and small town homes. From Grandma's recipes to long lost
town time capsules to the wonders in the crawl spaces of newly
purchased old houses, Stories from the Attic tells of the
artifacts of the past and the precious memories, intriguing
mysteries, and heartfelt stories they invoke.
What we're searching for is vivid word-weaving and great
storytelling. We want stories that travel full circle, tell a
complete story, and depict inspiration, good times, and homespun
humor with the delightful flavor of the elusive small town
atmosphere we all long to recapture. If your story is written
about a small town, revolves around a long lost item, and brings
a precious memory with it, we're interested! Please see our
online guidelines for more information.
DEADLINE: April 20, 2004
LENGTH: 500-1,000 words
PAYMENT: $50 for each accepted story; $250 for the story selected
as the lead story
REPRINTS: We do not seek stories previously published in
anthologies (with the occasional exception of small regional
publications).
RIGHTS: Anthology, archival (data storage/retrieval), promotional
use, and serial rights
SUBMISSIONS: Email is preferred; no attachments please. Copy and
paste your submission into the body of an email.
GUIDELINES: http://www.adamsmedia.com/rocking.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
WOMAN THIS MONTH
Paul Balles, Managing Editor; Safa Al Ahmad, Editorial Director
Redhouse Marketing, PO Box 20461, Manama, Bahrain
EMAIL: paulballes"at"bahrainthismonth.com
URL: http://woman.alnadeem.com/index/index.asp
Woman This Month invites queries from freelance writers about
articles based on the following: women in the news, an
up-and-coming woman and an interview with a notable current woman
in business, medicine, education, art, science, or social work.
We also welcome queries from freelance writers who can write
short stories of interest to women. The focus should be on women
rather than their appearances -- their accomplishments, their
passions, fears and hopes as women, their struggles and triumphs.
LENGTH: Articles: 800-2,400 words; Fiction: 1,600-2,400 words
PAYMENT: Articles: $50-$100; Fiction: $75-$100
RIGHTS: Non-exclusive reprint rights
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: We accept queries by email only. Subject line:
query. Include text in body of email, no attachments.
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
HOME INSPIRATIONS.COM
Tiffany M. Windsor, Director of Consumer Inspiration
Delta Technical Coatings, 2550 Pellissier Place,
Whittier, CA 90601
EMAIL: submissions"at"inspiredathome.com
URL: http://www.homespirations.com
All submissions must focus on home decor or crafting and may be
humorous, anecdotal or instructional. Thoughtful, touching,
moving, motivational, creative, a-ha! or humorous first-person
essays. Informational, motivational or humorous articles that
offer information to women who are seeking to improve their lives
through creative expression, self-motivation, self-improvement
and in general, enriching their home lives.
LENGTH: Essays: 700 words; Features: 1,800-2,000 words
PAYMENT: Essays: $30; Features: $75
RIGHTS: One-time rights
REPRINTS: Yes
SUBMISSIONS: By email only, please include your full name,
address, phone number and email address along with a brief bio.
GUIDELINES:
http://www.inspiredathome.com/Writers%20Guidelines.htm [Ed. note:
These guidelines and email address are for Inspired at Home,
however the editor assures us that they also apply to Home
Inspirations.]
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Please send Market News to: peggyt"at"siltnet.net
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "GL": guidelines. If you have
questions about rights, please see "Rights: What They Mean and
Why They're Important"
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/rights.shtml
*****************************************************************
WRITING CONTESTS
=================================================================
This section lists contests that charge no entry fees. For more
contests, check our online contests section.
http://www.writing-world.com/contests/index.shtml
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Writers Contest
DEADLINE: April 30, 2004
GENRE: Financial article
OPEN TO: 18 and older
LENGTH: 400-800 words
THEME: We are holding our writers contest to uncover aspiring
authors and true stories about how any financial product has hurt
or helped them. It is our intention to hold these contests
regularly and to pick topics and subjects which are relevant to
our daily lives. All entrants will receive a free American Will
Kit or a Canadian Will Kit. Articles must follow our guidelines
found on http://www.writerscontest.ca/topicandthemes2.html
PRIZE: $1,000
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes, use online entry form:
http://www.writerscontest.ca/form1.html
EMAIL: trustco"at"writerscontest.ca
URL: http://www.writerscontest.ca/index2.html
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Still Moments Short Story Contest
DEADLINE: April 30, 2004
GENRE: Short story
OPEN TO: Unpublished romance writers
LENGTH: 24K-30K words
THEME: Still Moments is hosting their first writing contest to
assist unpublished romance writers in their path to publication.
Contemporary romance stories to include one or more of the
following genres: humorous, soft and tender, mystery and
intrigue, sexy and seductive. Stories must not contain any
violence or inappropriate language. Stories must have a
compelling plot line that ends in happily-ever-after. Entries
must be the author's original work. Point of view should be
primarily the heroine, but may also include the hero's. Proposals
must include a query letter, complete story synopsis, and first
chapter.
PRIZE: $50, publication in the Still Moments 2005 quarterly
issues
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes
EMAIL: stillmoments"at"hfx.eastlink.ca
URL: http://www.stillmoments.ezhoster.com/
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Bookjobber.com Science Fiction Short Story Writing Contest
DEADLINE: May 15, 2004
GENRE: Science fiction short story
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: 7,500-15K words
THEME: 10 finalists will have their complete manuscript read by a
panel of Science Fiction writers and readers. All stories
submitted must be original story lines (no fan fiction) and all
rights must be owned by the author. All works must be previously
unpublished.
PRIZES: 1st Prize: $100; 2nd Prize: $50; 3rd Prize: $25
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: Yes, see online guidelines for details
EMAIL: alanhood"at"bookjobber.com
URL: http://www.bookjobber.com/writingcontest.asp
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
James Laughlin Award
DEADLINE: May 15, 2004
GENRE: Poetry
OPEN TO: Poet's second book published between May 1, 2003, and
April 30, 2004
LENGTH: 40-75 pages
THEME: The James Laughlin Award is given to recognize and support
a poet's second book. It is the only second-book award for poetry
in the United States. Offered since 1954, the award was endowed
in 1995 by a gift to the Academy from the Drue Heinz Trust. It is
named for the poet and publisher James Laughlin (1914-1997), who
founded New Directions in 1936. Only manuscripts already under
contract with publishers are considered. Please see web site for
detailed guidelines and entry form.
PRIZE: $5000
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No, entry from must accompany submission
ADDRESS: The James Laughlin Award, The Academy of American Poets,
588 Broadway, Suite 604, New York, NY 10012-3210
EMAIL: rmurphy"at"poets.org
URL: http://www.poets.org/awards/laughlin.cfm
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
Cave Canum Poetry Prize
DEADLINE: May 15, 2004
GENRE: Poetry
OPEN TO: African American poets who have not had a book
professionally published
LENGTH: 50-75 manuscript pages
THEME: Established in 1999, the Cave Canem Poetry Prize supports
the work of African American poets with excellent manuscripts who
have not yet found a publisher for their first book. Please see
online guidelines for more information.
PRIZES: $500, publication of manuscript by a national press, and
50 copies of the book
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Poetry Prize, Cave Canem Foundation, Inc., PO Box 4286,
Charlottesville, VA 22905-4286
EMAIL: cavecanempoets"at"aol.com
URL: http://www.cavecanempoets.org/pages/prize.html#guidelines
>>-----------------------------------------------------<<
The Poets on Parnassus Prize
DEADLINE: May 15, 2004
GENRE: Poetry
OPEN TO: All
LENGTH: Up to 5 pages
THEME: The contest is for the best poem on a medical subject.
Entries should be accompanied by a 3 X 5 card, with the titles of
the poems and the name and contact information of the poet. The
poems should be unpublished and should not have the name of the
poet on them.
PRIZE: $500, publication in The Pharos magazine
ELECTRONIC ENTRY: No
ADDRESS: Poets on Parnassus Prize, PO Box 1142, Mill Valley, CA
94941
EMAIL: info"at"poetry-and-jazz.com
URL: http://www.poetry-and-jazz.com/poets-parnassus.htm
*****************************************************************
New Listings on THE AUTHOR'S BOOKSHELF:
---------------------------------------
Intruders on Battleship Island, by Jerrye Sumrall
The 10% Solution, by Ken Rand
The Cave Woman Diet Plan, by Coty Fowler
Healing with Homemade Bread, by Kathy Summers
Writing for Professional Medical Publications, by Laura Gater
You Can Write Greeting Cards, by Karen Moore
Find these and more great books at
http://www.writing-world.com/books/index.shtml
Advertise your own book on Writing-World.com:
http://www.writing-world.com/books/listyours.shtml
*****************************************************************
ADVERTISE in WRITING WORLD or on WRITING-WORLD.COM! For details
on how to reach 80,000 writers a month with your product, service
or book title, visit
http://www.writing-world.com/admin1/adrates.shtml
*****************************************************************
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN WRITERS (NAWW) Get the new FREE
eBooklet, RESOURCES FOR WRITERS by subscribing to NAWW WEEKLY,
the FREE inspirational/how-to emagazine for women writers. Send
blank e-mail to: naww"at"onebox.com or visit http://www.naww.org
*****************************************************************
SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) is
launching local networking Chapters. Check with us to find a
Chapter near you. Contact us if you'd like to start one.
Patricia"at"spawn.org. Subscribe to newsletter http://www.spawn.org
*****************************************************************
WRITERS: FIND MARKETS EASILY - Worldwide Freelance has a NEW
fully-searchable Markets Database. Discover writing markets from
North America, Europe, Australasia and other places. It's free,
so come and try it out here: http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
*****************************************************************
WRITING FOR DOLLARS! - the FREE ezine for writers featuring
tips, tricks and ideas for selling what you write. FREE ebook,
83 WAYS TO MAKE MONEY WRITING when you subscribe. Email to
subscribe"at"writingfordollars.com http://www.WritingForDollars.com
*****************************************************************
Writing World is a publication of Writing-World.com
http://www.writing-world.com
Editor/Publisher: MOIRA ALLEN (moirakallen"at"writing-world.com)
Managing Editor (Newsletter): PEGGY TIBBETTS (peggyt"at"siltnet.net)
Associate Editor (Site): DARCY LEWIS (darcylewis"at"sbcglobal.net)
Copyright 2004 Moira Allen
Individual articles copyrighted by their authors.
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