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October 2, 2007
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WriteSuccess
Dedicated
to the Success of Aspiring, Stalled and Struggling Writers October
2, 2007 ISSN 1543-8090
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WriteSuccess Quote
“Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be
original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will,
nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” --C. S. Lewis (1898 - 1963)
***
WriteSuccess is
sent by voluntary subscription only. Ads in WriteSuccess allow me to keep the e-zine fr.ee for subscribers. By subscribing
to WriteSuccess and remaining on the list, you are giving your consent to receive these adver.tisements along with the rest
of the newsletter's content.
***
IN THIS ISSUE…
1. From My Desk to Yours: Originality and Writing
2. Article: Why You -- Yes, You Who Aced English -- Need an
Editor
by Carolyn Howard-Johnson
3. Setting Your Sites
4. Fre.e Resources for Writers
5. WriteSuccess Product Review
6. WriteSuccess Stories
7. Calls for Writers
8. E-zine Ad Swaps
***
This issue of WriteSuccess
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***
FROM MY DESK TO YOURS: Originality and Writing
Hello:
I was delighted
to come across the C. S. Lewis quote that I included above. I believe that many aspiring writers fear that our ideas
aren’t original enough to commit to paper, much less submit to editors. Of all the fears that writers can potentially
struggle with, this just might be our craziest fear of all.
How often has love been written about over the centuries, or heartbreak, or relationships? Countless times, of course—and
still counting! How many magazines rely on the same staple topics year after year, from how to lose those last twenty
pounds to how to have a clutter-free home, from how to cope with difficult people to how to get published?
Thousands of romance novels follow similar plot lines, but that certainly doesn’t stop
devoted readers from figuratively gobbling them up. Non-fiction best seller lists continue to include titles on how to improve
our finances, marriages, parenting skills, and abilities to cope with everything from divorce to death.
Looking at publications aimed at niche markets, and we find an even greater range of
appropriate topics. Running magazines carry articles about proper footwear, how to warm up before a run, and great places
to go running. Pregnancy publications focus on nutrition, exercise, necessities you’ll need during those early
months immediately after childbirth, and how being pregnant might impact your relationships with your spouse, friends and
relatives. Whether a magazine targets brides-to-be, anglers, car buffs, arthritis sufferers or wine aficionados, certain
topics appear again and again.
Even as I put together
each issue of WriteSuccess, I know full well that there many other online publications geared towards writers and writing.
There are definitely other sites that specialize in reaching out to aspiring or struggling writers. But that doesn’t
stop me from wanting to do what I can to help would be writers get published, find writing jobs, start writing businesses
or win writing contests. I simply love to write about writing. And my growing subscriber base shows there is an
interest in and need for what I do.
You don’t need
to have original concepts. Quite the contrary—you simply need to write about familiar topics with your own writer’s
voice, telling your truth the way you perceive it, and from your own experience and perspective. In fiction, you can
tell similar stories but use characters with a unique combination of traits, viewpoints, upbringing and challenges.
The hero and heroine will still ultimately fall in love, the butler still may have done it and the world may get saved once
again from evil forces, but it’s how you reach those ends conclusions that will make your stories memorable and, ultimately,
original.
So dust off an old idea, put your own spin on
it and, as C. S. Lewis said, “You will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”
Here’s to your writing success.
Mary Anne
***
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***
ARTICLE: Why You -- Yes, You Who Aced English -- Need an Editor
Excerpted from the Frugal Editor:
Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (http://tinyurl.com/2qafxc )
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the HowToDoItFrugally series
(www.HowToDoItFrugally.com)
"Publishers -- even traditional publishers -- do
not want to edit anymore; they want to print a 99.9 percent finished product directly from the author. It's a cost-cutting
thing. Many publishers can't afford to give your book that attention they once did." ~ Leora Krygier, twice-published
literary author reviewed in the likes of Newsweek and featured on Connie Martinson Talks Books.
Just as I was finishing the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success (http://tinyurl.com/2qafxc ), Poets & Writers published Peter Selfin's "Confessions of a Cranky
Lit-Mag Editor." It was a kind of mini-rant on how authors influence editors negatively with minor (and not-so-minor)
errors. He tells of one author who informs him in her cover letter that she has published three stories in the New Yorker
and then "blunders into her essay with 'Growing up, there were two types of food in my family.'" He says
it "reads like very sloppy editing" and goes on to reject the piece. (By the way, one of my readers with a master's
degree could not identify the error here. If you can't, you will be able to by the time you've finished the section
in the Frugal Editor where I talk about dangling participles. If you can't wait, use the index to find dangling participles
to research this serious grammatical error now.)
The lesson here for all of us is that attention to detail
and craft counts, and that even experienced writers can flub an opportunity if they don't pay attention to that last great
step toward publishing, a good edit. Any author who had recently refreshed her understanding of participles by reading the
Frugal Editor would not have dangled hers. At least, not that conspicuously.
Perfection is not possible.
Even Editor Selfin admits he overlooks a mistake or two if the writer's voice captures his interest. With better editing
we can guard against humiliation and in the process increase our chances for publication.
Leading a horse
to water and other all-wet ideas about editing
In the Frugal Book Promoter I talk about branding. In that
book, I felt a need to convince authors that sales, marketing and promotion are not dirty words, that we are participating
in these disciplines every day when we brush our teeth and choose the proper clothing for whatever occasions loom on that
day's calendar.
I don't need to convince most authors to be cautious about errors. There are so many
writers who are so uptight about a typo creeping into their copy that their fear contributes to nightmares or writer's
block. Thus, the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success is an easy sell.
Where my job becomes difficult is in convincing writers that they need an editor--a real editor, an editor with credentials--before
they begin to submit. Because I am also frugal, I recognize that my tendency to avoid spending money for something that will
probably be done by someone else anyway may well exist in other writers.
I know that many writers will nod
their heads and then attempt the publishing process without an editor, even though they may have had the best intentions when
they were agreeing with me.
I am also aware (because I hang out with writers of all kinds) that authors fear
the sharp pencil point of an editor. These are usually new writers who are convinced that an editor will make their work into
something other than what it is or will change it beyond recognition. I want to assure these writers that a good editor won't
do that. A good editor will help a writer find her voice, remain true to it and still move the manuscript from a rough rock
to a polished gemstone.
I agree that it is no fun to encounter unexpected flaws in one's book. If I hadn't,
I wouldn't have written a book on editing. However, mistakes in a writer's query letters, cover letters and book proposals
can be more deadly than those in a manuscript. It is in these documents that editing failures can doom your entire book to
failure. You and the quality of your book idea will be judged on these first contacts with agents, publishers, editors, and
producers as surely as you would be judged at a board meeting if you left rats' nests in your hair that morning.
In the Frugal Editor I approach the editing process of every document as if it were a manuscript. It is easier to edit the
much shorter introductions (queries, cover letters and proposals) that are being sent to the people who have the power to
accept or reject your work, but the processes used are approximately the same. You, and only you, know where your strengths
and weaknesses lie. You will know where to abbreviate or eliminate steps for these shorties, and for more intricate efforts
(say an academic thesis) you may want to expand on the processes I suggest. In order to get the best possible results from
your initial contact with gatekeepers, you may also want to read Terry Whalin's book, Book Proposals That Sell (http://tinyurl.com/2phfeo ), on writing proposals.
You probably already know that gremlins--very
clever guys bent on your destruction--are at work during the entire publishing process. You fight them with a vengeance, with
every ounce of writing craft and publishing knowledge that exists in your body. If, however, a typo or grammar error slips
through the careful net you cast for them, please don't lose any sleep. It will happen to every writer somewhere along
his or her career path. Instead, be patient with yourself. And while you're at it, if you see an error in someone else's
work, give the writer (and the publisher!) the benefit of the doubt. It's all about Karma. We're all fighting the
same gremlins here.
Many mistakenly use the word editing synonymously with finding typos. I worry that the
Frugal Editor may contribute to that notion because it does not address essential elements of the writing craft like character
development, setting or structure. Those are topics of their own. Reworking these aspects of writing really constitutes revision,
not editing. Many complete books cover each of them thoroughly. For me to attempt to stipulate everything a polished manuscript
needs would be impossible in one book. To cover revision topics briefly and then abandon the writer to struggle with incomplete
understanding would not be in her or his best interest. Therefore, I merely mention that your final draft should take these
writing fundamentals into consideration because I can't assume that all authors will have undertaken revision before they
move into editing. So, please, before you begin your editing process, review the larger elements of your craft. Experienced
writers can approach this with the expectation that they may need only to fine-tune one or two elements of their books, but
even minor learning curves are journeys worth taking. Suggested reading for things like the niceties of dialogue (Writing
Dialogue by Tom Chiarella), are included in the appendixes.
I include some grammar guidelines. You can tell
these are not meant to be complete. I chose them because they are mistakes that many experienced writers (and editors) miss.
I threw in a few of the ones that most writers understand but inadvertently make because when a writer does let them creep
into her work, they are more noxious to my editing sensibility than the average error. I expect that when I mention some you
already know, it will remind you not to backslide. It may even prompt you to check your references for more advanced information
on those subjects.
I want you to learn from the Frugal Editor just as I learned from writing it, but I'd
also like you to enjoy the editing challenge, the process itself. Pretend the task before you is a puzzle. It's work.
It's detail-oriented work. But it can be fun. When you're done, please still hire an editor, especially if you
are self- or subsidy-publishing. The Frugal Editor will tell you how to find a great editor, one that will work for the betterment
of your book.
-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson is an instructor
for UCLA Extension's world-renowned Writers' Program and was awarded Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment by
members of the California Legislature. The Frugal Editor is second in the HowToDoItFrugally series (http://tinyurl.com/2qafxc ) after The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't (http://tinyurl.com/2nyscv ), USA Book News' Best Professional Book and winner of the Irwin Award. Learn
more at www.HowToDoItFrugally.com
***
BUILD A PROFESSIONAL-LOOKING WEB SITE IN MINUTES
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SETTING
YOUR SITES: Useful Web Sites for Writers
SPAWN
SPAWN stands for Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network. Although it is
a membership organization, the site contains enough fr.ee resources to earn it a listing in Writer’s Digest 101 Best
Web sites for Writers last year. You’ll find contests and awards, book reviews, articles about writing and a host
of other areas to explore. Visit http://spawn.org .
DEALDOTCOM
I just discovered this cool site, and if you do any sort of business
online, I urge you to check it out. What it does is offer one different product every day that you can use to market,
improve, promote or earn additional money from your Web site at a substantial discount. For example, the product I just
viewed called Atomic Blogging retails for $37 on its sales letter site, but is being offered for one day only on this site
for $26.88. You can be sure I’ll be checking this site often. http://www.dealdotcom.com/invite/12000/
***
FREE
RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
The Pedestal Magazine is a wonderful world where poets and fiction
writers share their work, artists display paintings for sale, authors share their thoughts in exclusive interviews, and reading
“e-vents” take place. Although a not-for-profit organization that relies on donations and advertising, the
Pedestal Magazine pays modest rates for poetry and fiction on their site, as well as give the authors generous space to promote
their books and Web sites.
Romance Writing Doesn't Have to Be a Solitary Experience -- RWC
is Here!
RWC is a friendly, helpful group for romance writers at any
point in their careers; from those who are just starting out, to those who have sold manuscripts. This list offers them a
great chance to stay in touch with other writers, share market news, how-to info, ask questions, and much more.
Named among the 101 Best Web Sites for Writers by Writer's Digest,
as well as a Top 10 Finalist in three categories of the 2005 Preditors and Editors Readers Poll, this group offers all types
of writers a place to post work, ask questions, and discuss ways to improve at the art, craft, and business of writing.
***
* Get Paid to Write Book Reviews
* Short and Sweet—Markets for Your Fillers
* Cooking Up Recipes—Markets for Your Recipes and Food Tips
* Quick as a Flash—Markets for flash fiction
100-500 words
* Just Hit Send—Markets that You Can Query via E-mail
These ebooks provide you with specific markets for these kinds of pieces, saving you hundreds of hours of research.
You can download them within minutes by going here: http://tinyurl.com/2gep2r .
***
WRITESUCCESS PRODUCT REVIEW: Resources4Writers
Author Cheryl Wright has developed a membership site just for writers—and at
$60 a year ($5.00 a month, 16 cents a day), it’s one of the best deals you’ll find on the Internet.
The site is jam-packed with features that you can use to establish, develop and grow
your writing career—from fr.ee instructional e-books and reports on a number of writing topics, to low or no cost Web
site, newsletter template and e-book creation tools. Moreover, Cheryl continues to steadily add new resources
for members to explore and use, notifying her members as she does so.
The five free writing courses she currently offers to members are worth the price of the membership in themselves.
They are:
Outside the Square Fiction Workshop
Ebook Marketing
Secrets Course
Short Story Writing Workshop
6 Steps to Create and Sell Your Own Products Online
5 Part Copywriting
Course
Not sure yet that you want to join? Then
you can try it seven days at no charge. I guarantee that Cheryl will make your membership extremely worthwhile. You
have nothing to lose and tons to gain. For your fr.ee trial, go to http://tinyurl.com/2c6u69 .
***
WRITESUCCESS
STORIES
In this section, we’ll share the successes
of WriteSuccess subscribers. Have you won a writing contest? Sold a story, article or essay? Landed a freelance
writing gig? Whatever the success, drop me a line at MaryAnneHahn1@aol.com and tell us about it!---
Dear Mary Anne:
My short
story, "The Legend of 'Cool Hand' Stan", was published recently by Literary Liftoff, a Florida USA print
publication (www.scwg.org/magazine.asp) My short story, "The Price" was published by The Kids' Ark in their
recent "Wisdom" issue. This print publication is a Christian-themed magazine in Texas USA (www.thekidsark.com) And my longest ever poem submitted to a publication, called "The Leaves That
Fall", is being published in the Summer 2007 issue of Poesia, an Arkansas USA print publication (www.indianbaypress.com)
Thanks,
Roy
A. Barnes
***
CALLS FOR WRITERS
In this section,
you'll normally find announcements I receive for contests, anthology submissions, sites looking for content writers, information
on writers' conferences, etc.
Also, if you are looking to interview
or work with certain types of writers, you can post your request here by emailing me at MaryAnneHahn1@aol.com . ---
SheKnows.com
Freelancers
wanted
We’re looking for some other freelancers to write short pieces/fillers for our existing blogs. (See
site for the list of blogs.) This would be a great way to make use of reprints, spectacular personal blog entries, unsold
spec pieces and other unpublished material — like that great stuff you had to cut from an article because there was
just too much to cover!
Length: 100-200 words on average
(longer is fine)
Payment: Flat fee of $5 each, plus byline
---
ANTHOLOGY,
Things I’d Never Tell My Mother. Seeking essays exploring mother/daughter tensions-from humorous to heartbreaking. Deadline:
November 30. Max: 5,000 words. Include cover letter with bio and SASE. To submit work, or for more information, send to P.O.
Box 7231, Norfolk, VA 23509.
---
Multiple Sclerosis. Autism. Breast Cancer. Parkinson’s. Alcoholism...and more.
Diseases and disorders that challenge individuals and families to the core of their being. LaChance Publishing wants to hear
how these and other diseases and chronic illnesses have inspired change in your life, or the life of someone you know, for
our internationally distributed “Voices of” series. “Voices of” features true stories of literary
merit and real emotional impact: stories that courageously confront the reality of disease and affirm the enduring strength
of the human spirit. If you or someone you know is a victim, caregiver, friend, or family member who has been touched by a
major illness and have a story to inspire and inform, visit www.lachancepublishing.com/submissions.php for a list of the illnesses and for submission guidelines. We pay up to $200 for accepted
stories. Net profits from “Voices of” will be donated to The Healing Project, a nonprofit organization. To see
what we’re about and how you can impact the community with your writing, please visit www.thehealingproject.com.
***
*** E-ZINE AD SWAPS
Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine
"Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business
on his Web
Page? Subscribe at: http://adv-marketing.com/business/subscribe2.htm
Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday
Instructions to place
your ad are in the Newsletter.
FundsforWriters
The grant specialist for writers. Thousands of readers have followed
FundsforWriters
for over seven years. There's a reason that Writer's
Digest has chosen FFW for its 101 Best Web Sites for Writers
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seven years in a row. Come sign up. Our special is good through
December 31, 2007. Register for a newsletter
and receive an ebook
and half off the paid subscription, TOTAL FundsforWriters.
www.fundsforwriters.com
Want to generate income from your passion of writing? If you’ve
been struggling to sell your work, this site is for you. Writer2Writer is owned and maintained by a working writer making
regular income from her writing. Sign up for our FREE courses (many exclusive to the site) and learn how to turn your skills
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WANTED: ALL WRITERS WHO WANT *SUCCESSFUL* WRITING CAREERS
Do you enjoy WriteSuccess and find it useful? Then I hope you will feel free to forward this issue to your writing
friends and/or online discussion groups. "WriteSuccess" for everyone! 'Til next issue-write
*every possible moment*...
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