Windshift for Writers:
A resource of markets, tips and courses for writers of fiction and nonfiction
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January Newsletter
This is a season for resolutions and new beginnings. Even writers are not immune to these moments. I have promised myself that I will publish one of my novels this autumn. I am the first one to tell you that writing lying in your 'bottom drawer' or the technological equivalent is not finding its readers. So, what are you waiting for?
The other core change planned for Windshift this year is a significant revamping of our website to reflect the publishing programme of Windshift Press and the authors whom we represent. If you would like to join the Windshift Press family of authors, check out our submission guidelines.
Whatever route you chose to get your writing in the hands of your reader I wish you much good luck in 2003. Do share your successes with us.
Writing Tip: - Submissions - Perhaps now is the time for a reminder about submission packages. Whether you are sending a poem to a poetry contest, submitting a short story to a short story competition or submitting your book or novel to the publisher of your choice take time to review all the components of your package. It is amazing how many cover letters include spelling errors and poor grammar. I always think of a cover letter as your 30-second handshake. Busy editors may sum up your submission in the same amount of time. Will you pass muster? Are you sending to an appropriate market? Have you read material either written by the competition judges or published by your chosen editor? What may seem like a perfect match from reading the three-sentence blurb on the publisher's or agent's website may in fact not reflect your writing style even though you have correctly chosen your 'subject' area.
Markets
Coast to Coast
- 2575 Vista Del Mar Drive, Ventura, CA 93001 - http://www.rv.net
- is focused on travel and outdoor recreation. Pays on acceptance - $300
- $600 US for articles and essays between 1,200 - 3,500 words. Accepts
e-queries and unsolicited manuscripts.
True Story Online - 233 Park Avenue South, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003
- http://www.truestorymail.com publishes
true life stories about romance, parenthood, relationships, career and
family. Pays on publication 5 cents per word for stories between 2,000
- 10,000 words. Only considers stories sent by mail.
IMAGINE - a quarterly Irish magazine that welcomes e-mail submissions of poetry, writing, drama, fiction, articles from anywhere in the world. All e-mail submissions should go to tallowwriter@eircom.net No attachments please. Although I can't find a website, they do appear on http://www.poetryireland.ie/news/news.asp submissions.
Lifeboat: A Journal of Memoir - is seeking autobiographical writing, prose and poetry. Theme for spring 2003 issue is seduction. Deadline for submissions is February 1, 2003. For submission guidelines visit www.lifeboatjournal.com
Angel Fire Press - P O Box 2018, Angel Fire New Mexico, NM 87710 is looking for high quality manuscripts in suspense, mystery and action adventure. Check guidelines on website. http://www.angelfirepress.com/
Another Realm - Are you thinking of approaching a literary agent with your novel or book? This is a terrific website for checking out your choice and making sure that you are using the correct submission process. [Watch out for hidden charges]. http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm
*NEW*
Cue Time - We have added a new section to the Windshift Newsletter. Every month we will include a couple of writing ideas to help you kick start
your writing sessions.
1. Rent a classic movie like Casablanca, The African Queen, or Gone With The Wind. Watch it and write an alternative ending. Be sure to include dialogue.
2. Tired of the same old thing on TV? Come up with a new and original idea for a TV sitcom or drama. It could turn into something. Producers are always looking.
Industry News: There are many bestseller lists produced each year so here is one for consideration. One of the best ways to know if your writing can make it in the commercial publishing marketplace is to read the current bestsellers. In 2002, we voted as follows: [1] The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold, [2] The Bachelor - Carly Phillips, [3] The Emperor of Ocean Park - Stephen L. Carter, [4] The Dive from Clausen's Pier - Ann Packer, [5] A Girl Named Zippy - Haven Kimmel, [6] If Looks Could Kill - Kate White, [7] The Lobster Chronicles - Linda Greenlaw, [8] Everything is Illuminated - Jonathan Saffran Foer, [9] For Better, for Worse - Carole Matthews, [10] Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber - Adele Lang.
The answers offered in this column are the personal opinions of the staff at Windshift for Writers. They are in no way meant to take the place of the professional advice you may need to seek for your specific query.
Questions and Answers
Q. Is there any formula for winning short story writing contests? Any tricks of the trade? - Anna G. -
A. There is no formula but it is essential to read the rules and follow them. Many contest judges rule out entries that have not precisely followed the rules. It might be helpful to look at what the judges have written to see what they value.
Don't use too many voices in your story and keep the action in a narrow time frame. Flashback stories are not popular but first person voice is good. Be sure to grab the reader with your first sentence.
Q. I recently had a book on organic gardening published. I phoned up several magazine editors explaining that I had published a book in their area and asking for some free-lance work. None of them seemed very interested. I am well qualified to do this work. Where did I go wrong? - George P. -
A. Congratulations on publishing your book. The magazines that you contacted may have little free-lance work to offer. Did you check this out? It would be a better idea to send a copy of your book, a copy of your writing resume, and three article ideas to the magazine. If you cannot afford to send a copy of your book, include a copy of the synopsis together with copies of reviews that the book has received.
Win a FREE place at one of our Workshops - Writers who wish to
host a workshop can do so by inviting interested friends and acquaintances
to a venue (It could be your dining-room table.) and providing the coffee.
If you host a workshop, your participation is free. Check the Workshops
page for further details.
Home News: Look for new Windshift Press author pages soon. We are
excited by the range of books we are publishing in 2003. There are still
several publishing places available in our 2003 publishing programme.
Submit your manuscript for consideration soon.
We are in the
process of setting up an Internet presence for our book distribution service,
BookWinds Distribution. Look for details soon.
Newsletter written by Sandra Janssen
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