Christian kids' books

Christian kids’ books are selling more widely. Good article here: http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bea/article/62597-bea-2014-christian-children-s-books-sell-more-widely-publishers-say.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.

 

short story & poetry opportunity

The following message is from Canadian publisher Polar Expressions.

 

Do you love to write?
Want the chance to be published?
We are a small Canadian publisher, pleased to announce our
7^th annual writing contests suitable for Canadians of all ages.
(Separate division for young writers - see website for details.)

2014 POETRY CONTEST
and
2014 SHORT-STORY CONTEST
(FICTION ONLY – no essays or fan fiction please)

NO ENTRY FEE!
CASH PRIZES TO BE WON!

NEW this year: SUBMIT ONLINE

Deadline:
Entries must be postmarked on or before July 31^st, 2014
or emailed/faxed on or before August 10^th, 2014

Prizes for each contest:
$500 – First Prize
$250 – Second Prize
$100 – Third Prize

In addition to the opportunity to win cash prizes, there will be ten honourable mentions for each contest
and all top-selected entries will be published in a beautiful soft-cover collection
(less than 33% of all entries received).

All work must be original and should not have been previously published
(online postings should be removed before submission).
Please do not send work you've submitted elsewhere for consideration at the same time
(no simultaneous submissions).
Poems: 48-line maximum
Short stories: 750-word maximum

NEW this year: SUBMIT ONLINE,

or if you prefer you may download an entry form from our website
(or click on the following and we’ll e-mail you one: Entry Form Request)
and send it along with one original poem and/or one original short story
postmarked by July 31^st, 2014 or emailed/faxed on or before August 10^th, 2014 to:

Regular Mail
Polar Expressions Publishing
PO Box 500 Stn Main
Maple Ridge BC  V2X 3P2

Fax
(604) 465-0756

E-mail
polarexpressions@shaw.ca
or submissions@polarexpressions.ca

(attach entries in .doc, .txt, or .pdf formats please)

Please visit our website at www.polarexpressions.ca for further information.

 

2 publishers open to being approached by authors

Academy Chicago Publishers publishes literary fiction and nonfiction. Submit a query with 3 sample chapters and outline.

Lee & Low Books currently emphasizes fiction and nonfiction for 5- to 12-year-olds. Prospective authors should submit a complete manuscript by postal mail.

 

 

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 literary agents

Andy Kifer of The Gernert Company: looking for literary fiction, smart genre fiction (in particular, high-concept thrillers or sci-fi), and nonfiction with a strong narrative bent. Likes love stories. Jessica Watterson of Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency: interested in all subgenres of adult and new adult romance, and 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.

 

grant for full-time journalist to take religion courses

Full-time journalists working in the general circulation news media-including reporters, editors, designers, copy editors, editorial writers, news directors, researchers and producers-are eligible to apply to the Lilly Scholarships in Religion Program. The scholarships give full-time journalists up to $5,000 to take any college religion courses at any accredited institution at any time.

 

Full-time print and broadcast journalists in the U.S. and Canada working at general circulation (or audience), non-religious media outlets are eligible to apply. Courses may be taken at any U.S. or Canadian accredited university, college or seminary.

 

Details: http://www.rna.org/news/137874/Scholarships-Available-for-Working-Journalists.htm

 

 

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 children's book agency

Children’s book agent Sophie Hicks has left the Ed Victor Agency to set up her own company. Hicks’ clients, including Eoin Colfer, author of titles including the Artemis Fowl series, and Emerald Fennell, author of Shiverton Hall (Bloomsbury), will move with her to the eponymous Sophie Hicks Agency.
Hicks can be contacted at sophie@sophiehicksagency.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.

 

book promo

Good article here on book promotion: http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/buzz_publicity.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.

 

longtime Kamloops resident Ted Joslin tells his story

Ted Joslin's latest book, an autobiography titled MY STORY, is a good read for anyone interested in Britain in the 1920s through 1950s, the challenges of family life, the emigrant experience, and the beautiful city of Kamloops.

Ted, 93, has lived in Kamloops for more than 50 years. He worked as a city assessor and in real estate, is active in politics, founded the Thompson Valley Orchestral Society, and is a past president of the Interior Authors Group. He loves his city. When he and his young family arrived here from England, he described it like this:

"Kamloops is special in many ways....Surrounded by rolling hills and small friendly mountains, the City of 8,000 bodies in 1957...offered not only good employment opportunity, but almost every kind of recreation one can imagine. Climatic conditions were excellent, providing warm summers, cool winters and an inspiring new creation every springtime."

Central to Ted's story is his personal growth over the years, described with an amazing frankness. He tells his story as it is, not making excuses for faults and foibles, and showing a deep understanding of human nature.

He makes astute observations on the historical events of his time, including World War II and his experiences in the military. His story is shot through with humour, and appeals to all the senses. Like many of us, he hasn't found existence on this planet easy, but in recent years has found new solace and meaning in Christian faith. He ends the book with these telling words: "For all its vicissitudes, I am grateful for the Gift of Life and the opportunity to be a part of the human experience."

Ted's autobiography, MY STORY, sells for $15. It's available at Coles Books in the Aberdeen Mall, Kamloops. It can also be purchased directly by e-mailing him at tedjoslin@telus.net

call for freelancers

Message from Robert Lee Brewer of Writer’s Digest:

 

I'm currently looking for freelancers who specialize in editing, proofing, and book design. Heck, I'm looking for independent publicists too! I want new listings for our Guide to Self-Publishing, which is going into its second edition this year.

The listings are free and will hopefully lead to more business for you. All you need to do is send me an e-mail at robert.brewer@fwmedia.com with the subject line: GTSP Listing. Then, I'll send you a brief questionnaire to complete and return. Easy as that!

 

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.

 

free ebook on self-publishing

Apparently a free ebook on self-publishing is currently available here:

http://www.amazon.ca/Self-Publishing-Books-101-Step---Step-ebook/dp/B007IIC816/

 

 

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.

 

Surrey International Writers' Conference 2014

Surrey International Writers' Conference Newsletter

From conference coordinator Kathy:

Hello!

This is our first 2014 newsletter, and I'm excited to have lots of news to share.

This year's Surrey International Writers' Conference will run October 24-26, 2014, with master classes on October 23rd, at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey, BC.

Registration will open on Wednesday, June 4. Our 2014 registration rates are up on our website Registration information page. You organized people are in for some great savings. This year, we're offering you the chance to get last year's early bird prices if you register for SiWC 2014 in June. We're thrilled to be able to offer these savings to you, and hope lots of you will take advantage of them.

Our annual writing contest is now open to submissions. You can check out the details on our Writing Contest page. We offer $4600 in prizes in four categories, and the contest is open to adults anywhere in the world. Please pass along the link to anyone you know who might be interested in entering.

We now have a mobile version of our website up and running for use on your smart phone so you can keep tabs on our updates from anywhere.

Our group rate is already available at the hotel. Check out the information on our Room Booking information page. Please use our group rate when you book; it's important for us and the hotel to know how many people are staying for the conference, and it helps keep our prices down when you do. Book early! Our group rates are available until mid-September or until the hotel sells out, which is often much earlier than that.

We'll begin posting our presenter roster on the website in the coming days, and the workshop and master class schedule after that, too. We've got a great group of presenters coming this year, including many new faces and some old friends, too. As always, we'll offer workshops on a huge variety of topics for writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, memoir, online content and more. Whether you're a brand new aspiring writer, a multi-published bestseller, or any kind of writer in between, SiWC has something for you. Offering stellar professional development for writers at all stages of their careers is always our goal. And of course, every year you can take advantage of our blue pencil and pitch appointments, which are always included in the cost of your registration.

If you're interested in buying ad space in our conference brochure this year for your book or your day job business, please contact kc dyer at kcdyer at siwc dot ca for information and rate sheets.

Looking for more SiWC info? Apart from our very occasional newsletters like this one, you can follow us on Twitter @siwctweets and check out our website and blog at www.siwc.ca.

If you're on Twitter and would like a little writing support and encouragement, join the conversation using #thisdaywewrite. For conference-related tweets, we're using #SiWC14 this year. Stay tuned on Twitter in coming weeks for hints about this year's conference theme.

Questions? Check out our website for answers, including our FAQ, but if you can't find what you need, you can contact us through our contact form or email me at kathychung at siwc dot ca.

Know writers who don't know us? We so appreciate your referrals. Thank you to everyone who's introduced SiWC to a friend so far. We hope to see many new faces and lots of old friends again this year.

See you in October!

Kathy Chung
SiWC Conference Coordinator
www.siwc.ca
@siwctweets

The Surrey International Writers' Conference, held every October in British Columbia, is the most comprehensive conference of its kind in Canada. SiWC offers writers in all genres -- from beginners to experts -- the opportunity both to hone their craft and to expose their work to the international literary marketplace. For more information please visit http://www.siwc.ca

 

short story techniques

Good ideas on short-story writing here: http://writersrelief.com/blog/2014/05/short-story-techniques-big-impact-few-words/

 

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

I don’t usually send ads for services writers need to pay for, but am making an exception this time since new adult fiction is an emergent category some of you may be interested in exploring.

 

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.

 

From: Writer's Digest University [mailto:writersdigestuniversity@writers-community.com]
Sent: May-03-14 5:06 AM
To: elmams@shaw.ca
Subject: Write New Adult Fiction and Receive Personalized Agent Feedback

 

Hurry- Starts Soon! How to Write and Sell New Adult Fiction Boot Camp

Open this email in your browser »

 

WRITER'S DIGEST WRITE BETTER, GET PUBLISHED

 

For elmams@shaw.ca May 3, 2014

Join New Adult Agents from Foreward Literary for How To Write and Sell New Adult Fiction Boot Camp May 8, 2014 - Seating is Limited - Less Than One Week Away!    Receive Agent Feedback on Your First 1,200 Words and Synopsis!

Start Date: Thursday May 8, 2014. Tuition: $199 Receive One-on-One Time With An Agent Hurry - Less than 20 Seats Left! Register Now New Adult fiction (novels featuring protagonists ages 18-25) has swiftly become the hottest thing in both self-publishing and traditional publishing. New authors are making astonishing strides in this category and making great deals with the big traditional houses. Recent success stories include Molly McAdams, whose new adult book Taking Chances has sold more than 200,000 copies so far. And then there's Jamie McGuire's Beautiful Disaster, a new adult novel that caught the attention of Warner Brothers and had its film rights optioned. Other bestselling NA novelists include Coleen Hoover, Cora Carmack and Tamara Webber. The agents at Foreword Literary will help you understand New Adult fully from all aspects of the business. Whether you need to know the rules of the category, how to pitch it to agents, or how authors are hitting the bestselling lists with modern marketing techniques, Foreword has the answers for you. The rise of New Adult has introduced questions about the new and growing genre. New Adult manuscripts have been selling remarkably well, no matter how it is published. The readers want it, it is here to stay, and Foreword is among many agencies actively looking for it.    Here's how it works:  On Thursday, May 8, you'll gain access to a special one-hour presentation by agents Gordon Warnock, Laurie McLean, and Pam van Hylckama Vlieg. Together, they'll explore the New Adult category and teach you how to reach key readers and bloggers, and how to market your title. You'll also receive an email detailing your assigned agent for the boot camp. On Friday May 9, from 2-4 PM Eastern time (11-1 PM Pacific), your assigned agent will be available to answer questions in an exclusive discussion session for boot camp participants. By 10 a.m., Sunday, May 11,   you will submit the first 1,200 words and synopsis of your book for review. The presenters will carefully read your materials and will return their feedback no later than end of day, May 21. *Please note that all attendees should have the first 1,200 words and synopsis of their piece finished and ready to submit to the agent by May 11th. If attendees have a preferred agent, they want to work with, please notify us. Though not guaranteed, we will try to link attendees with a preferred agent if they have one. Only registered students can access the Blackboard. You'll also be able to ask questions of your fellow students. Feel free to share your work and gain support from your peers. In addition to feedback from from agents, attendees will also receive: 1-year subscription to the WritersMarket.com literary agent database About the Agents Laurie McLean spent 20 years as the CEO of a publicity agency and 8 years as an agent then senior agent at Larsen Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco, plus completed three manuscripts, before forming Foreword Literary with Gordon and Pam. At Foreword, Laurie specializes in adult genre fiction (romance, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, thrillers, suspense, horror, etc.) plus middle-grade, young adult and new adult fiction. She does not handle non-fiction, or commercial, literary or women's fiction, nor does she handle children's picture books or graphic novels. Gordon Warnock brings years of experience as a senior literary agent, marketing director and editor for independent publishers, freelance publishing consultant, and college-level writing tutor to Foreword Literary. He frequently teaches workshops and gives keynote speeches at conferences and MFA programs nationwide. He is an honors graduate of CSUS with a B.A. in Creative and Professional Writing. With a zest for fresh, new voices and a deep love of the classics, Gordon actively seeks out both the timely and the timeless. In that spirit, he establishes involved, long-term working relationships with talented and dedicated authors of many genres. While he does seek out a small amount of quality fiction, Gordon primarily seeks non-fiction in the following areas: Memoir (Adult, New Adult, YA, Graphic), Cookbooks and Food Studies, Political and Current Events, Pop-Science, Pop-Culture, Self-Help, How-To, Humor, Pets, and Business. Pam van Hylckama Vlieg started her literary career as assistant to Laurie McLean in early 2012. Within three months Pam was promoted to Associate Agent at Larsen Pomada. After selling twenty-one books in her first year of agenting, Pam was promoted to Agent. When Laurie mentioned creating Foreword, Pam jumped at the chance to follow her mentor and create a new agency together. Pam blogs at Bookalicio.us, Bookalicious.org, and Brazen Reads. She partners her blogs with her local bookseller Hicklebee's where magic happens daily. Pam grew up on a sleepy little Podunk town in Virginia. She's lived in the UK, several US states, and now resides in the Bay Area of California. She has two kids, three dogs, two hedgehogs, but only one husband. You can find her mostly on Twitter where she wastes copious amounts of time. Pam seeks both fiction and non-fiction (specific genres are listed at the Foreword Literary website).   Register Now

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correctly spelled, wrongly used

Spell check catches lots of mistakes, but not correctly spelled, wrongly used words. Good article here on this:  http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/30-incorrectly-used-words-that-can-make-us-look-stupid.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.