Monday, December 30, 2013

especially for writers born 1980-1995: IDK Mag

I don’t know anything about this magazine [beyond what’s below] but it may interest some of you as a possible market.

 

New online journal IDK Magazine is open to e-mail submissions of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, photography, and art through February 1st! MFA students and emerging writers, this is the journal for you—we’re currently looking especially for submissions of creative nonfiction.



IDK Magazine flirts with the unknown. We love Millennials and the people who write about them. We believe in writing our way out of the cultural wasteland; disobeying social norms; satirizing pop culture; sugar-coating the past through the practice of nostalgia; embracing, celebrating, and rejecting Internet culture; placing a bullhorn in front of the mouth of tomorrow; and empowering the collective body of future humanity. (Eat your vegetables, kids.)



We love electric prose and poems that make the hairs on our arms stand pin-straight. Nothing’s better, in our book, than a sentence that can crack our skull open like an egg or a line that forces us to remember its internal rhyme weeks later. We hope you’ll fiddle with form. We hope you’ll hug your strangeness. Play with dissonance; play with assonance. Interrogate dead leaders. Become notorious.



Since IDK’s mission revolves around the Millennial generation, we primarily seek to publish emerging writers born between the years of 1980 and 1995. We don’t want to be ageists, though, so if you fall outside those brackets but are writing about the life and times of Generation Y, send us your work.



For more information, visit IDK’s website at IDKmagazine.com or email the editors at IDKmagazineATgmailDOTcom

IDKmagazine@gmail.com.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Sunday, December 29, 2013

3 interesting publishers

Ripple Grove Press is a brand new children's picture book publisher looking for writers and illustrators. Prospective authors should submit a cover letter with the story summary, age range for audience, brief bio, contact info, and manuscript (saved as PDF).    


The Career Press publishes books for adult readers seeking practical information to improve themselves in their careers, businesses, and other related topics. Prospective writers can submit a book proposal with sample chapters, though complete manuscript is preferred.


Gryphon House, Inc. publishes teacher and parent resource texts. The acquisition editors prefer a query with proposal that includes the proposed title, purpose of the book, table of contents, introductory material, and 20-40 sample pages.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

wanted: writers to move to Detroit

A Detroit non-profit organization offers a free house to any qualified writer willing to relocate to that city. A novel approach and could be a nice opportunity for someone. Info at: http://www.examiner.com/article/free-houses-for-detroit-writers-new-non-profit-opens-doors

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Horse Illustrated opportunity

Horse Illustrated is a monthly magazine covering all aspects of horse ownership. The magazine pays between $200-475 for nonfiction features of 1,000-2,000 words. Potential writers can query or submit the full manuscript on spec.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

3 agents open to submissions

John Weber of Serendipity Literary

Middle grade and young adult stories with universal themes told in unique settings, which show developing and changing relationships between characters. Because of his science/math/computer science background, he is interested in realistic historical fiction using current technology and projecting technology into the future. He is also wants well-researched science fiction, with no fantasy elements where science forms the foundation of progressive societies in the future.

 

Katie Reed of Andrea Hurst & Associates

All areas of YA fiction, particularly: commercial - with a compelling hook and a protagonist who battles real life teen issues, science fiction (soft), and fantasy. Commercial and Literary Adult Fiction in the following genres: Book Club Women's Fiction, Science Fiction (soft), Fantasy, Suspense/Thriller, Contemporary Romance. Nonfiction in the following genres: Memoir/Biography with a strong platform, Self-help, Crafts/How-to, Inspirational, Parenting.

Jordy Albert of The Booker Albert Literary Agency

Middle Grade - contemporary, fantasy, action/adventure, or historical. Young adult - open to pretty much any genre; however, she's looking especially for YA that has a very strong romantic element). New Adult romance and adult romance.

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more,

elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Saturday, December 14, 2013

adding line spaces between paragraphs in a document

Do you want to quickly add line spaces between paragraphs in a document? Here’s a quick way that works for me.

1.     Click on FIND AND REPLACE.

2.     Where it says FIND WHAT, type ^p.

3.     Where it says REPLACE WITH, type ^p^p.

4.     Make sure your cursor is at the top of your document. Then click REPLACE ALL.

5.     Later you can get rid of extra line spaces if desired by using the same procedure to replace ^p^p with ^p.

 

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

writing contest: Deep River Books

Deep River Books is excited to announce the opening of their 2013-2014 Writing Contest. The contest runs from November 1, 2013 - January 15, 2014, and the winner will earn a free, full-service, royalty-based book contract from Carmichael Publishing. Authors can submit either a fiction or non-fiction manuscript for consideration at www.deepriverbooks.com. Winner will be announced March 15, 2014

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

new prize for non-fiction: Charles Taylor Foundation

One of Canada’s biggest nonfiction prizes, The Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction, has been renamed the RBC Taylor Prize and is adding a new prize for an emerging writer.

The name change signals an integrated approach between [Canadian bank] RBC and the Charles Taylor Foundation, enabling the prize to expand its recognition of excellence to emerging literary non-fiction writers.”

The new C$10,000 Emerging Writer’s Award will be awarded annually to a literary nonfiction writer between the ages of 18 to 35. According to the announcement from prize organizers, the recipient will be chosen by each year’s RBC Taylor Prize winner and will reflect that author’s wish to champion their chosen writer.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Friday, December 6, 2013

dialogue tags

Good article here on using dialogue tags when writing conversation: http://theeditorsblog.net/2013/12/04/another-take-on-dialogue-tags

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

opportunity: poetry, fiction, non-fiction: Crazyhorse

Crazyhorse considers submissions of poetry and of fiction and non-fiction: length about 2500 to 8000 words. Guidelines here: http://crazyhorse.cofc.edu/submit/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

2 literary agents open to submissions

1.    Chelsea Lindman of Sanford J. Greenberger Associates Interested in playful literary fiction, upmarket crime fiction, and forward thinking or boundary-pushing nonfiction. Chelsea also represents a select list of children's book authors. 2. Clelia Gore of Martin Literary Management Clelia is interested in the emerging New Adult genre. She is also interested in young adult and middle grade books. Clelia never wants to let go of her favorite characters, so she particularly loves trilogies and series that can be adapted to the screen. Clelia also has a special spot in her heart for picture books. She especially loves ones that are funny or quirky, ones that feature minority and multicultural characters, and ones parents won't mind reading over and over again to their children.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

facing fear as a writer: Kamilah Aisha Moon

Good article here on facing fear as a writer and as a person. If clicking the link doesn’t work, copy it and paste it into your browser.

http://www.pw.org/content/kamilah_aisha_moon_on_touching_the_masks

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Friday, November 29, 2013

opportunities: non-fiction, gift books, humor, calendars

Andrews McMeel Publishing is open to submissions. They publish non-fiction, gift books, humor, and calendars. For more info: http://www.andrewsmcmeel.com/our-company/submissions

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, November 28, 2013

5 things not to do when writing a book

Good article here by Brian Klems. If clicking the link doesn’t work, copy it and paste it into your browser. http://danasitar.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/writing-a-book/

 

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

queries & elevator pitches: Molli Nickell`s advice

 

 

One sure fire way to perfect your query letter is to practice speaking it. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll be able to synthesize the focus of your book as you figure out a way to "tell" it. 

Then, when you attend a writers' conference, you'll be prepared to pitch your story idea to every agent you meet. The concept of "elevator pitches" has been around the writing community for years. The purpose of learning to do this is to help you break the ice when accidentally (or on purpose) meeting an agent while on the elevator or standing in line at a buffet table.

(An added benefit is that your spoken pitch can be translated into the opening paragraph--sales pitch--of your query letter.)
 

Here's a possible scenario:

You're waiting in line at the buffet, directly behind an agent you want to meet. You begin your pitch.  

 

"Lovely spread isn't it? Reminds me the story I've just completed where potato salad becomes the prime suspect in a murder case."  

 

Now, you have their attention. You're both looking at potato salad which is one of the items on the buffet.   

 

"I have a story about four baby-boomer women who are reunited at their 40- year college reunion. Three are trapped in abusive marriages. Over lunch and pitchers of Sangria, the fourth member, a happy widow, shares her recipe for a special mix of potato salad that helped her child-molesting spouse meet his maker. Potato salad becomes the "widow maker" as the women bump off their husbands, one by one. And they almost get away with it." 

 

This breaks the ice and opens the door for further conversation about your story and gives you the opportunity to ask, "May I send it to you?" The agent will respond accordingly, and "voila," you have a personal contact with someone interested in reading your work.

When you submit your material, use the same dialogue in your query letter first  paragraph. And be sure to identify yourself and state where you met (at the buffet at the Southwest Writers' Conference . . . or wherever). This gives you the advantage of being someone the agent knows. Your work flies to the top of their "read this" list.

Here's a thought: CLICK ON OVER to my "winning query" page, then practice speaking some of the opening paragraphs. You'll be amazed at how quickly you'll become more at ease with making a verbal pitch. 

 

How about a virtual workshop or consultation to help you become pitch perfect? 

Thanks to Skype internet/visual technology, I can help you learn to pitch. Location doesn't matter. What do you need the most? Pitching? Writing the query or synopsis? First page? Manuscript structure? Writing Mechanics? To discuss possibilities of how I can assist you and/or your group in expanding writing and/or marketing skills, CONTACT ME 

     

Help is at hand~

If you want my assistance with any aspect of your writing project, let me know. The Book Doctor is available 24/7 to help with big issues or little ones: whatever you need to complete, evaluate, or polish your manuscript or beef up your marketing materials (query, synopsis, first page). 

 

Give yourself an early holiday gift! Take advantage of a budget-friendly $29 fee for a 30-minute phone consultation. I'll help you identify what you need and how to best achieve your writing goals. CLICK HERE to contact me.

 

Write on!  

Molli

 

www.getpublishednow.biz

  

 

  

 

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, November 21, 2013

publisher opportunities: BlazeVOX & Filbert

BlazeVOX [books] focuses on contemporary poetry, innovative fiction, select nonfiction, and literary criticism. They have a year-round open submission period.

Filbert Publishing specializes in how-to and self-help nonfiction, but they also consider exceptional fiction and other varieties of nonfiction. Potential authors should send an e-mail with a query, synopsis, and manuscript information.

If interested, you should be able to find them on the Internet.

 

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Friday, November 15, 2013

stories about kids' books being made

Interesting article here: 20 children’s book editors share stories about how some memorable books were made. Clicking the link probably won’t work but if interested you could copy it and paste it into your browser:

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/59994-inside-stories-about-memorable-books.html?utm_source=Publishers+Weekly&utm_campaign=2589b3371a-UA-15906914-1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0bb2959cbb-2589b3371a-304650109

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

mom memoir opportunity: Good Housekeeping and Shebooks

Do you have a memoir about your mom, your life as a mom, or a mom you've known tucked in a drawer? Time to pull it out: Good Housekeeping and Shebooks, a new e-book publisher of great stories by and for women, are sponsoring a non-fiction writing contest. Winner receives $2,000 and possible publication in Good Housekeeping and Shebooks. Entry fee $15. Contest runs from October 15 - December 15, 2013. For more info, see http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/blogs-books/memoir-contest

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

travel writing: Erin Byrne

Good stuff here on being a travel writer: http://writeononline.com/2013/11/05/author-qa-erin-byrne-on-travel-writing/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

using Word to format a novel; Yael Politis

Good clear info here on using Word to format your novel for publication: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/11/12/formatting-again-its-a-breeze/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

turning a book into a screenplay: Robert Bacon

Interesting advice here about books & screenplays from editor/author Robert Bacon of The Perfect Write. Also see his offers of free sample editing at the end of this post.

 

Turning a Book Into a Screenplay--The Truth About Options

 

With a certain degree of frequency, I'll be approached by a client about having his or her work turned into a screenplay, as there is confidence from some quarter, if not directly from the author, that it will make a great movie, TV show, miniseries, etc.  And I've been asked, since I've worked with this client's material, if I'd be willing to write the screenplay.  Invariably, it also comes up if I'd consider becoming a "partner" and write the screenplay without payment but with the prospect of a split of the profits when the work is purchased.  This is when I split, and what follows explains why.

 

Screenwriting Is an Art Form All Its Own

 

Above all else, I do not take any work on consignment related to a project's being signed by any medium.  If I did this, I would have a library full of unpublished manuscripts sitting next to my cardboard house abutting a Dumpster.

 

Ignoring the necessity of shelter and food, the next reason is because I have never felt qualified to write a screenplay, as it is a separate discipline from crafting a novel.  Screenplays have their own set of requirements related to layout and structure, and I'm not versed in any of them.

 

But of greatest importance, spending the funds to turn a manuscript into a screenplay in my opinion is a colossal waste of money.

 

It's Important to Understand the Process

 

Once a producer likes a storyline, the normal modus operandi is for that studio executive to commission a respected screenwriter to design the screenplay.  Any screenplay submitted by a layman would be revised substantially, and it would be just as easy to work from the manuscript.  For example, an experienced screenwriter's knowledge of what can or can't be converted to film based on budget is no minor detail and something the average individual would not know much if anything about.

 

How an Option Plays Into This

 

An option to purchase a work is not a contract for the material but essentially buys time for the studio to consider the project.  This sort of "wait and see" agreement generally ranges from 12 to 18 months, and an unknown writer can earn on average from $500 to $5,000 for granting this right, which is aptly referred to as "the option payment."  The lower range is more common, and any previously unpublished writer getting $5,000 should run around the town square naked at noon.

 

The Purchase Option

 

If the option is executed, this means the writer would be entitled to "the purchase price" established by the original options agreement, and is why an experienced agent or lawyer (or both) is mandatory.  Fees for the exercising of the option are often tied to a project's budget, and as it increases so does the writer's stipend.  But this is all over the place, ranging from the low five figures to breaking seven.

 

One Definite Author Advantage Provided by Options

 

The nice thing about a properly structured option agreement, if the work is not "greenlighted," is that the rights are returned to the author and the writer is allowed to keep the original option fee.  And at this point the work can be shopped around without any fear of legal repercussions.

 

Author Realities

 

How many times have you heard of a writer's work being re-optioned?  And how often have you learned of a writer, whom you know, whose material has been turned into a movie, TV series, or miniseries?  I have one associate during the past 20 years who had a short run with a cable TV show, and I know a lot of people who write.

 

To put this in perspective, some insiders say having an option exercised is 10,000 times more difficult than getting a book published by a Big 6 imprint, and how hard is that in today's sardine-crowded market?  This, as much as anything, is why I never wanted to learn to write screenplays. 

 

I won't accept work to edit unless I believe in my heart of hearts the story has a shot at finding an audience in some milieu.  And even at 1,000 to 1, I'm okay with this, as my clients at least have a chance at success at some level. 

 

The Cold, Hard Facts

 

But when the odds become 10,000,000 to 1, I have to bow out, as I can't take a person's money when the possibility of success is right up there with getting bitten by a mountain lion in Manhattan, killed by lightning in Death Valley, or hitting 10 of 10 numbers on a keno card.  This last example is around 9,000,000 to 1, but who's counting at this point, right?  And it's what I'm really getting at in all of this. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

 

Robert L. (Rob) Bacon, Founder

The Perfect Write®

http://theperfectwrite.com

http://theperfectwrite.com/home/

http://robertlbacon.blogspot.com/

 

Please contact me with any questions or comments, and let me
know if there is anything in the field of professional writing you
would like addressed in a future Newsletter.

For authors, The Perfect Write® is now providing
a FREE OPENING CHAPTER CRITIQUE and up to a

FREE 3-PAGE LINE-EDIT (if applicable).  Paste your material
(up to 5,000 words) to theperfectwrite@aol.com (no attachments).

For Authors, The Perfect Write® is continuing to offer

FREE QUERY LETTER REVIEW AND ANALYSIS.
Paste your query to theperfectwrite@aol.com (no attachments).
and visit the Sample Letters Page for examples of successful queries.

The Perfect Write® offers comprehensive editing services, from
manuscript critiques to complete revisions, including line-editing,
along with query design and composition.  For pricing, send your
project requirements to theperfectwrite@aol.com.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

opportunities for queries & submission

The following literary agents are currently open to queries: Monica Odom of Liza Dawson Associates, Beth Phelan of Bent Literary, Maria Vincente of P.S. Literary, Mollie Glick of Foundry Literary Media. Ripple Grove Press is interested in picture-driven stories for ages 2-6. No religious or holiday-themed stories. If interested in any of these, you should be able to find more info by searching on their names.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

real people & events: how much to reveal in a book

It’s tricky for book authors to know how much information they can reveal about real people and events without stepping over privacy boundaries and getting into trouble. As the following case suggests, it's probably best to consider possible results and err on the side of caution.

The Associated Press | Nov 05, 2013

A judge in Puerto Rico has ordered a private detective to pay $575,000 in damages to a family after publishing a book about a high-profile killing of an 8-year-old boy. The ruling accused Milton Rodriguez Rivera of violating the privacy clause of an $8,500 deal he had made with Ana Cacho and her family to investigate the March 2010 killing of Cacho's son. The book contained excerpts of interviews that Rodriguez had with Cacho, her relatives, police officials and others. Cacho said in court documents that people thought she was involved in the killing as a result of the book.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

new youth mag: love in action

The first issue of Love in Action magazine (LIA) will become available next week as a supplement to the Nov/Dec 2013 digital versions of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada magazine Faith Today. LIA is a free, interactive 16-page online magazine for youth, empowering them to live out their faith through a deeper understanding of love, Bible-style. More at http://lovemovement.org/

 

Monday, October 28, 2013

mag about the economics of writing: Scratch

Digital publishing expert Jane Friedman and freelance writer Manjula Martin have started a magazine called Scratch.

It focuses on the intersection between writing and money; i.e., the economics of the writing business. Scratch is aimed at writers of all genres and trades—and anyone interested in the publishing and journalism industries. Free preview issue available here: http://scratchmag.net/free-preview-issue/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Friday, October 25, 2013

self-publishing: Gary A. Scott

Thanks to Colleen Carbol for drawing Gary A. Scott to my attention. He has interesting things to say about writing and self-publishing: http://www.garyascott.com/tag/self-publishing

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

seeking issue-oriented real-life accounts: New Horizon Press

New Horizon Press seeks non-fiction about life-altering events. Issue-oriented and real-life accounts—NO memoirs, NO fiction (novels). Some categories they’re interested in:

True Crime Stories
Issue-oriented, crime-focused accounts are welcome, as long as there is a hero advancing justice, but no child abuse or incest stories.
Exploring New Frontiers Stories
People who break or dismantle social or personal barriers.
Survivor Stories
Victims who fight back and refuse to be victimized and then fight for the rights of others or a good cause.
Hard-hitting Issues with news impact and publicity value.
Targeted Self-help Topics for general and specialty audiences written by or with mental health and other professionals.
Children's Self-Help titles for our Small Horizons imprint, such as those which teach crisis, coping and service skills, and which are written by mental health professionals or educators.

For more info, visit http://www.newhorizonpressbooks.com/submit.php3


    

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

open to submissions: Pulp Literature

Pulp Literature, a new magazine, is open to submissions of “Any genre or between-genre work of literature or visual art (black and white) up to 75 pages in length. Novellas, short stories, poetry, graphic novels, illustrations — bring it on. We want anything entertaining and well written.” More info at http://pulpliterature.com/submission-guidelines/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

children's writing opportunity: Jennifer Manuel

Message from Jennifer below:

 

 

From: jenniferlynnmanuel@gmail.com [mailto:jenniferlynnmanuel@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Jennifer Manuel
Sent: October-08-13 11:45 AM
To: elmams@shaw.ca
Subject: Information for Interior Writers Group

 

My mother, Lynn Manuel, was a children's author in British Columbia. She published over two dozen books and she was a mentor to many young writers in our province until she passed away from cancer three years ago. In collaboration with a network of children's librarians, other Canadian authors, and publishing professionals, we have organized the first annual Lynn Manuel Children's Fiction Contest. I am passing along this information in case there are writers in your group that have an interest in writing for children, or they may know of other writers who aspire in this genre. 

 

Our Contest Judge is Governor-General's Award-winning children's author Arthur Slade. Prize is $500 plus publication with a $1000 advance on royalties. All the contest specifics may be read at www.grasmerepublishing.com. The deadline is March 1, 2014. Writers must be unpublished in children's fiction as we wish to discover and support new children's writers.

 

We are sending posters out to BC libraries, but I wanted to connect personally with writing groups in British Columbia. I am very appreciative if you are able to let your members know. In addition to the website, I am available at this email or the numbers below if anybody has any questions.

 

Kindest Regards,

 

Jennifer Manuel  

 

 

--

Jennifer Manuel

Publisher

Grasmere Publishing

 

Office:  250.732.3388

Mobile: 250.732.2225

Twitter: @grasmerepublish

 

Sunday, October 6, 2013

categorizing your book: Yael Politis

Good post here on selecting a category for your book, especially with a view to selling it on Amazon:  http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/categories/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Friday, October 4, 2013

pricing your book & new UBC fiction prize

Good thoughts here on pricing your self-published book: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/tag/pricing/

Also here’s a new annual writing prize: The Harper Collins Canada/UBC Prize for Best New Fiction. The Cooke Agency and the University of British Columbia are partners in the prize, which is open to current and previous students of the UBC Creative Writing Program. The winner will be offered literary representation by The Cooke Agency, and an advance and publishing contract with Harper Canada.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, October 3, 2013

new non-fiction publisher: Page Two Strategies

Douglas & McIntrye’s former publisher Trena White and former ceo Jesse Finkelstein have started a new company. Their Page Two Strategies is "a full-service publishing agency" that "will help non-fiction authors navigate their full range of publishing options, including self-publishing, and also provide consulting services to companies looking to develop or expand their own publishing strategies." Page Two also has an alliance with the Translatlantic Agency, in which White and Finkelstein will represent some nonfiction in a traditional fashion, as associate agents.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Sunday, September 29, 2013

historical nonfiction & historical biography: Chronos

A publisher called Chronos is open to queries and submissions regarding historical nonfiction and historical biography: http://www.writing.ie/resources/writing-history-chronos-books-want-to-see-it/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

conference for writers ages 9-21: Richmond, BC, Oct. 19, 2013

Are you a writer age 9-21, or do you know one?  This looks like a good conference especially for that group: http://laurathomascommunications.com/conference/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Kamloops tourism & the proposed Ajax mine

Date: September 29, 2013

Time: 2:00 pm  to  3:30 pm

The City of Kamloops has invested heavily in recreation and sport infrastructure in the name of the City’s Tournament Capital Program.

The question of the day is whether the proposed AJAX mine is compatible – or in conflict with – a vision established years ago for what Kamloops may become, and if the proposed mine will ‘undermine’ what many who live in Kamloops view as an ideal place to live.  The purpose of the presentation is to add to the current debate about Kamloops’ future.  Join Dr. Rob Hood and Dr. John Hull, Faculty Members in Tourism Management at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), as they address this question.  Presentation takes place in TRU’s Alumni Theatre (Clocktower).

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

agents seeking clients

These agents are currently looking for clients.

1. Andy Ross of The Andy Ross Agency


Narrative nonfiction, science, journalism, history, current events, and fiction. “I like stories about real people in the real world. No vampires and trolls.”

2. Claire Anderson-Wheeler of Regal Literary [new agent]

YA with a strong voice (realistic or high-concept), works of narrative non-fiction and pop culture/pop psychology, literary fiction, and contemporary commercial women's fiction.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

choosing names for fictional characters: Elizabeth Sims

Good post here on picking names for your fictional people: http://thompsonkelly.wordpress.com/tag/elizabeth-sims/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

telling the world about your forthcoming book: Yael Politis

Wondering how to tell the world about your forthcoming book, self-published or published through traditional channels? My online novelist friend Yael Politis gives great info on her blog. She’s so thorough and explains things so well. Here’s her post on book review blogs: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/book-review-blogs/ and here’s the one on pre-publications reviews in magazines and the like: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/24/pre-publication-reviews/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, September 19, 2013

2 publishers open to submissions

Willow Creek Press publishes 25 titles per year. This press specializes in nature, outdoor, and sporting books--high-quality nonfiction titles. Prospective authors should submit a chapter-by-chapter outline and sample chapters via mail. BlazeVOX [Books] publishes poetry, fiction, and literary criticism, with an emphasis on poetry. Prospective authors can submit via e-mail or an online contact form. I don’t have the links handy, but your search engine can probably find them for you if you’re interested.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

book cover design

Good post here  on cover design for self-published [and other] books: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/19/cover-design/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

finishing & revising your novel, etc.

Good info here on finishing your novel, revising it, handling the various elements within it like copyright page, etc. http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/my-blog/

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

McIntyre joins Figure 1 Publishing

Scott McIntyre, founder and former CEO of Douglas & McIntyre, has joined Figure 1 Publishing. Figure 1 was formed in February by three D&M executives after the Canadian independent filed for bankruptcy. At Figure 1, McIntyre will work on business strategy and business development, as well as title acquisition.

“This is a huge boon for us,” said Chris Labonté, publisher of Figure 1 and one of the three Figure 1 cofounders. “Scott has a brilliant brain for publishing.” Figure 1 publishes illustrated books—art & architecture, food & wine, lifestyle, illustrated history, children’s—as well as business books and corporate history. It will launch its inaugural list of nine titles this fall.

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

'New Adult' fiction opportunity: Wattpad, Harlequin

Wattpad, Harlequin Sponsor ‘New Adult’ Writing Contest

Sep 17, 2013

Wattpad, an online writing community, is teaming up with Harlequin to represent the New Adult category as a cosponsor of Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write Contest. Writers from around the world can upload a first chapter of their book to the Wattpad site and a team of judges will pick four submissions and each one will get a publishing deal with Harlequin.

Wattpad is soliciting material in the New Adult category for Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write Contest. New Adult is a newly popular category aimed at readers 18-25 years old and generally adds more mature themes (from sexuality to broader life decisions) to the Young Adult category. The contest opens September 23 and the deadline for submissions is October 28. Contestants should submit their first chapter (maximum 5,000 words) and a 100-word description that details the book’s concept, plot, characters, conflict, and setting. For more info, go to http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

distributing self-published books: Yael Politis

Novelist Yael Politis has good stuff here on distributing self-published books, along with pros and cons of self-publishing: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/15/distributors-aggregators/. If clicking the link doesn’t work, copy it and paste it into your search engine.

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Saturday, September 14, 2013

agents, what & who: courtesy of Molly Nickell

Good stuff here on literary agents and what they do. Also info on several agents currently open to submissions: http://www.getpublishednow.biz/agents.html

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

self-publishing & budgeting: Yael Politis

Here’s a good post on self-publishing & budgeting by one of my online novelist friends, Yael Politis: http://yaelpolitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/12/make-a-budget/

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

opportunity for reviewers: CatholicFiction.net

Here's an interesting message from Arthur Powers, editor of CatholicFiction.net:

 

Posted by: "Arthur Powers" arthur_g_powers@yahoo.com

    Date: Wed Sep 11, 2013 5:25 am ((PDT))

 

CatholicFiction.net is badly in need of additional contemporary book reviewers.  All of our regular reviewers are fully "booked" and we have about fifteen books that need to be reviewed.

 

If you - or anyone you know - would be interested in reviewing, please let me know. 

 

Here's how it works.  A potential reviewer can contact me directly and/or go onto our site - www.CatholicFiction.net - go to the tab "Our Reviewers," click on the box "Become A Reviewer," and follow the instructions. 

 

If you contact me directly (which is probably the easier path), tell me what kinds of books you like to review and whether you prefer print copies or Kindle. 

 

Note that I handle contemporary reviews - books written since about 2000 - if you want to review classics, it is best to go through the site. 

 

Based on your interest, I will invite you to review a book.  If you agree, a copy of the book will be sent to you.  There is usually no time line for reviewing - i.e., if you take two or three months (or even longer) to finish the review, that's not a problem.  

 

We are all volunteers - the site can't afford to pay reviewers - but it is a fun way to read some books, think about them, express one's opinion, and get into print.  As a reviewer, your name, picture, bio, and website (if you so choose) are posted and linked on the CatholicFiction.net site. 

 

Please think about it and pass the word along to others who may be interested.  Thanks!  Arthur 

 

Editor of http://www.catholicfiction.net/

 

 

 

Elma Schemenauer, author of 75 books published in Canada and the USA, editor of many more, elmams@shaw.ca, http://elmasalmanac.blogspot.ca/, http://www.elma03.com.