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Inklings Issue 2.06
================================================================
i n k l i n g s
Newsletter for Writers on the Net
Issue 2.6 April 16, 1996
================================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0206.html>
THREE STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL QUERY LETTERS - by Michael
Banks
FRESH INK - resources for writers on the net
MARKET INFORMATION
COLUMN TOPICS:
Getting started in children's books - by Lee Wardlaw
Do I have the wrong agent? - by Susan Graham
Are book doctors crooks? - by Carol Henson
The last issue was especially long and as an experiment, I sent
it as three
parts instead of one long text file. I don't think I'll try this
again...some subscribers wrote to complain about missing parts
and the
number of bounced messages tripled.
As a result, however, I'm revising the newsletter format a little
to avoid
having to send future issues in more than one part. Not all
advice columns
will appear each issue, for example. Emphasis will be on market
information
and resources rather than feature articles (though Inklings will
still
publish articles and interviews of interest to writers on a
regular basis).
I welcome feedback and suggestions: please e-mail me at
ohi@inkspot.com
with "inklings feedback" as the subject header.
For all you webspinners out there, I've collected some public
domain
clipart related to books and writing, as well as adding some of
my own
creation. You can view and download it for free from:
<http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot/wwwclipart.html>
Thanks to USA TODAY for giving Inkspot a "Hot Site Award". Thanks
also to
Radio One, Canuck Site of the Day, Cyberschool Magazine, Too Cool
Site
of the Day, and Learning In Motion for cyber-honours during the
past
few weeks.
=================================================================
=========
WRITER'S QUOTE FOR THIS ISSUE:
"Write. Valuable time and energy are often spent on talking about
writing,
studying writing, attending writers' meetings, at the expense of
actual
WRITING. Discussion groups and classes can be enormously
beneficial. They
can provide support, instruction and direction to novices. But
they can
also be contrivances one uses, perhaps unconsciously, to avoid
the lonely
labor of putting words on paper. A new writer should guard
against becoming
so busy being a 'writer' that she or he doesn't have time to
write."
-
Sandra Brown
=================================================================
=========
This issue sponsored in part by:
* Samurai Consulting *
http://www.samurai.com/
Services include internet consulting, WWW page design, electronic
newsletters (like INKLINGS!), mailing lists, FTP sites, system
maintenance,
and training. Contact Bryan Fullerton at bryanf@samurai.com for
more info.
=================================================================
=========
Copyright 1996 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end of issue for more
copyright
details, and info on how to subscribe and unsubscribe. Send
questions
and comments to ohi@inkspot.com. Put "inklings" in the subject
header.
=================================================================
=========
FRESH INK
=========
Writing How-To and Advice
-------------------------
An archive of articles by Michael Banks which have appeared in
various
writer's publications like Writer's Digest. Also contains
useful
writing links and other info.
<http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Mikebanks/writing.ht
m>
Freelance Online
----------------
Resource center and directory of freelancers in advertising
and
publishing. Writers, artists, editors, illustrators,
designers,
multimedia producers, proofreaders, indexers, and production
services
welcome to place free listings. Also carries job listings and
an open
forum area.
<http://haven.ios.com/~freelans/>
International Women's Writing Guild
-----------------------------------
Established 1976. Non-profit organization which serves as a
network for
women writers.
<http://www.iwwg.com/>
Books For Children and More: An Editor's Site
---------------------------------------------
Harold Underdown is a children's book editor and has recently
revamped
his site. Many useful articles, resources, and links.
<http://www.users.interport.net/~hdu/>
Writers On The Net: May classes
-------------------------------
Introduction to Poetry, Scriptwriting for Stage and Screen,
The
Short-Short Story: Episodes and Voices, Writing Dark Fiction
And
Horror, Writing and Publishing Magazine Articles.
<http://www.writers.com>
The Canadian Teacher-Librarians' Resource Page
----------------------------------------------
Excellent resource for educators, librarians, students.
Organized into
categories such as associations, authors & illustrators,
journals and
magazines, the book trade, public libraries, and so on. Nicely
designed.
<http://www.inforamp.net/~abrown/>
Writing contest for schoolchildren
----------------------------------
Deadline: May 20th. Cash prizes. "Stories created by
elementary
classrooms in group situations that promote reading and/or
writing.
Pictures must be created in a computer graphics program." Max
2 1/2
single-spaced typewritten pages. For full guidelines see
webpage below:
Email contact: sillbill@one.net
<http://www.sillybilly.com/prize.html>
Literary Calendar
-----------------
Find out what literary events took place on a particular day.
<http://www.yasuda-u.ac.jp/LitCalendar.html>
PageSpinner
-----------
Very nice HTML editor for Mac platform. I'm now using this
program to
maintain all my sites. Up to now I've maintained them manually
(typing
in every angle bracket, etc.) because I hadn't found an editor
that
did what I wanted. Free 1 month trial, then pay US$25 to
register. Has a
few quirks that hopefully will be ironed out in future
versions, but I'm
generally very happy with this program.
<http://www.dsv.su.se/~jerry-am/pagespinner.html>
The Eclectic Writer
-------------------
Lots of useful links, a writers' message board, fiction
writers'
character chart.
<http://www.ids.net/~rebecca/writing.html>
The Writer's Web
----------------
Very nice site. Categories include Best Bets, index to genres,
writing
ezines, "cool links", showcase of one writer's works (changes
monthly),
organizations, etc. Definitely worth checking out.
<http://members.aol.com/jinglefish/incoming/home1.htm>
Writer Resources for SF/Fantasy writers
---------------------------------------
Focus on sf/fantasy writing resources. Includes market links,
message
board, chat room, groups, conventions, other resources. Uses
frames.
<http://www.seanet.com/Users/warlock/writers.html>
=================================================================
=========
MARKET INFORMATION
==================
Please note: Inklings does its best to print only accurate market
info.
However, it cannot be held responsible for lost postage, time,
etc.
that you may incur due to inaccuracies. Do not send submissions
by
email before inquiring first.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING MARKET SOURCE:
Scavengers's Newsletter
-----------------------
Excellent monthly market info letter for
sf/fantasy/horror/mystery writers
and artists with an interest in the small press. Sample copy $2.
SUBSCRIPTION INFO -- Bulk: $15.50/yr, First Class: $19.50/yr,
Canada:
$18.50/yr, Overseas: $24.50/yr air mail, $15.50 surface. All
orders in U.S.
funds, MO, or mint US stamps. Contact: Janet Fox, 519 Ellinwood,
Osage
City, KS USA 66523-1329.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Crescent Books: subscriber warning
----------------------------------
According to an Inklings subscriber, this publisher responded to
his
submission with a referral to a specific book doctor, saying they
would
be happy to reconsider the manuscript after it had been sent to
the
book doctor.
Night Terrors
-------------
D.E. Davidson, Editor/Publisher, 1202 W Market St., Orrville, OH
44667-1710. "I want stories with dark atmosphere. Make the reader
identify with the characters. Bore into the reader's head and
haunt
him/her during the night." Standard mss format, include SASE.
Indicate
the rights you are offering and word count in upper left hand
corner of
the title page. Payment rates: 1/8-3 cents per word with a
minumum of
$5 and max of $100. Contributor's copy provided. Will consider
reprints
from well-known professional horror writers if the piece has not
been
published for 2 or more years. "I am not looking for watered-down
horror. Graphic violence is okay if needed." No email submissions
without
prior approval, no multiple submissions.
<http://user.aol.com/ntmagazine> (Source: Scavenger's
Newsletter)
Pulp: A Fiction Magazine
------------------------
PULP: A FICTION MAGAZINE seeks detective fiction, crime and
"old-fashioned pulp hero stories." Responds in 6 weeks and
promises to
comment on rejected stories. Pays .01 cent per word on
acceptance for
NASR on stories up to 5,000 words. Sample copy $5.00. Send
complete
manuscript to: 2023 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.
310/376-5959.
(Source: ARTNET magazine,
http://www.teleport.com/~cedarbay/artnet.html)
Tumbleweed Press
----------------
Children's book publisher seeks manuscripts and illustrations for
upcoming projects send inquiries to: Tumbleweed Press. 401
Magnetic
Drive, Unit 11, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3J 3H9 Tumbleweed
Press
<102101.457@compuserve.com> (Source: Writers' Classifieds
http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot/msgboard.html)
Seeking Canadian Writers and Photographers
------------------------------------------
Canadian Writers/photographers New Canadian magazine geared to
in-line
skating will be requiring freelance writers and photographers for
upcoming events across Canada including BC, Alberta, Toronto,
Manitoba,
Nova Scotia. Payment ranges from $50.00 to $150.00 depending on
length
and photography. Please email wendy@pathway1.pathcom.com for more
info.
(Source: Writers' Classifieds
http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot/msgboard.html)
Mind's Eye Fiction
------------------
Intriguing way of selling/buying fiction on the web. Consumers
read
beginnings of stories, pay a small fee to read the endings.
Authors
paid monthly. Reprints and simultaneous submissions okay. See
website
for detailed guidelines and more info.
<http://www.ghgcorp.com/mindseye/>
Tale Spinner
------------
Quarterly literary magazine now reading new material in all
genres.
Sample copy is strongly suggested. Sample is $5.00 postpaid. They
purchase one-time or FNA serial rights. Payment is up to three
cents
per word upon publication. Poetry/stories of less than 800 words
are
paid in contributor copies. Poems should be twenty lines or less.
Stories should range from 500 to 4,000 words. Write: Glasgow
Publishing, Joe Glasgow, editor, PO Box 336, Bedford, IN 47421.
(Source: New Writer's Magazine. Contact Newriters@aol.com for
more info)
Databoat
--------
Interested in receiving articles on all aspects of boating:
business,
how-to articles, book reviews, voyaging stories, adventure,
technical
articles, racing, design, construction etc. "We are interested in
first
time international rights. Articles will be published on our
interactive CD-ROM e-magazine and on our website." Articles will
be
paid for at a rate of $.30 Cdn per word. Send the following for
evaluation: 1) Resume, 2) References, 3) Samples of previous
articles,
4) Outline, or first few paragraphs of proposed article, and
proposed
photos, etc. Articles should be as visually interesting as
possible,
including photos, video, audio, illustrations, etc. wherever
possible.
We are also interested in repeating articles in languages other
than
English. Submissions will not be returned.
Guidelines: <http://www.databoat.com/articles.htp>
<http://www.databoat.com/> Email contact:
databoat@whistler.net
Almus Editions
--------------
"Searching for those fresh, new voices who have interesting,
entertaining things to say, and we know you're out there
somewhere,
wondering where to send your manuscript or query letter. Our
preferred
fiction and non-fiction topics are Americana, biography, travel,
true
life adventure, theater, art/architecture, music, culture,
history,
Latin-American interest, religious interest, language/literature,
short
story collections, and Western America. Query letters sent along
with a
sample chapter produce the quickest, most efficient results. Send
them
to the attention of Wayne Raabe, Almus Editions, P.O. Box 3400,
Central
Point, OR 97502. We promise that you'll receive one of the most
author-friendly replies in the publishing business!"
<http://www.cdsnet.net/Business/Almus/>
Hermit's 1996 Short Story Writing Contest
-----------------------------------------
Max. 4 entries, 4,000 wd limit. $5 entry fee/entry. Cash prizes
and
possible publication in anthology (proceeds from anthology sales
go to
authors). Deadline: July 1/96. See website for contest details.
<http://www.ph.qnet.com/~mojave/contest.htm> Email:
mojave@qnet.com
Black Moon Publishing
---------------------
Black Moon Publishing 1385 Route 35, Ste #169, Middletown NJ
07748.
E-mail loublackmoon@delphi.com. Seeks stories from 10,000 to
20,000 for
upcoming anthology. Pays $25.00 per story plus two copies. Ask
for
guidelines. (Source: DARK FICTION/HORROR WRITERS WORKSHOP
NEWSLETTER.
Contact DarkEcho@aol.com for more info.)
=================================================================
=========
THREE STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL QUERY LETTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Michael
A. Banks
Want to increase your success rate with article queries? Keep
your
query letters brief (no more than one single-spaced page), and
follow
this three-step template:
1. Sell your topic.
2. Sell your approach.
3. Sell yourself.
Each step should take up only one paragraph.
Selling the topic is the most important part of a query. You
must
grab the editor's interest in the first few lines, or he may not
read
the rest of your letter. So, craft the first paragraph (the
first
sentence, even) of your query as carefully as you would the
article
lead. In fact, you may want to use the article lead, or a
paraphrasing thereof, as the first paragraph in the letter.
After you've interested the editor, it's time to show him how
you'll cover the topic, and perhaps why you're the ideal writer
for
this piece. The second paragraph will take care of that, by
describing the proposed article's length, the illustrations
you'll use
(if any), whether you plan to quote experts or people involved
with
the topic, and your general slant.
With the editor sold on your idea and your approach, close
your
letter by mentioning your writing credits. Also include any
expertise, contacts or experience you have relevant to the topic.
(Editors often pay for your expertise as much as for your writing
ability.) If you have no publishing credits or no expertise with
the
topic, don't worry--just omit this step. It's better to say
nothing
at all than to apologize for not having been published.
=------------------------------------------------=
Michael A. Banks has been a full-time freelancer since 1983, and
frequent contributor to Writer's Digest magazine. He is the
author of
more than 2,500 magzine articles and short stories, and 36 books
(most
recently, One-Stop CompuServe for Windows, from MIS:Press). His
Writing How-To and Advice page can be seen at:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Mikebanks/writing.htm
Copyright (c) 1996 Michael A. Banks
=================================================================
=========
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
ASK THE AGENT: Susan Graham at slgraham@atl.mindspring.com
ASK THE BOOK DOCTOR: Carol Henson at UBKX12C@Prodigy.com
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR: Lee Wardlaw at Katknip2@aol.com
ASK THE SF/FANTASY AUTHOR: Michelle Sagara at
mms@turing.toronto.edu
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message, but
will
answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
=================================================================
=========
ASK THE AGENT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Susan Graham of Graham Literary Agency
<slgraham@atl.mindspring.com>
Unhappy with agent
------------------
Q:
I have a question about my agent, who shall remain nameless. I am
an
unpublished author (except for a few short stories). Last year I
landed an
agent for a suspense book I wrote. He was quite excited about it
and said he
would get right onto finding a publisher. Well, almost a year has
gone by and
I have not had so much as a single rejection letter. He tells me
he's sent it
out to seven publishers but he hasn't sent anything new out since
last
september ('95). Although he always calls me back when I call and
has glowing
things to say about my writing, he doesn't seem to be sending the
book out to
anyone new. He assures me I will be published someday but I'm
beginning to
wonder if he's the wrong agent for my work. He's quite well
respected and we
seem to get on fairly well. What's a decent amount of time before
I look for
another agent? (It took me close to a year to get this one.)
Also, as I have
a new book ready to go, is it acceptable to ask my agent if I can
send this
(the new one) out to new agents while he represents the old one?
A:
This is one of those difficult questions to answer, as I am not
in your
agent's shoes and don't have all of the information he does. It
can often
take a long time to get an answer from an editor, although a year
is
definitely on the high side.
I do have a couple of suggestions for you. As I always
recommend, talk to
your agent in a frank and open manner. Tell him you are
concerned that you
haven't seen any rejection letters, or heard of any and that you
would like
a list of the editors and publishers he has sent the manuscript
to, and
copies of rejection letters he has received.
As an alternative, he could quote you what each editor has said.
(I find
that's easier than remembering to bring the letters to the copy
place each
time, and gets the idea across just as well.) If he cannot
produce these,
ask him to withdraw the manuscripts from submission to these
editors and
move on to some other ones. In any case, he should provide you
with names
of editors and publishing houses.
As to representing another work, although this is done
occasionally, it's
usually done because one agent doesn't represent that type of
work and vice
versa so that there is no overlap in interests. If you are that
uncomfortable with your agent, it is either time to get it
straight with
him, or move on to another agent. Being agentless temporarily is
not
necessarily a bad thing.
Another option is to look for another agent while giving this
agent a set
amount of time to clear things up and get a well-defined number
of things
done. I think if you can't clear it up with him satisfactorily
and quickly,
you certainly should look around. A year is enough time to
figure out
whether your styles are compatible.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Susan L. Graham owns Graham Literary Agency, Inc. She represents
genre
fiction as well as commercial fiction and nonfiction. Her unique
Website (http://www.mindspring.com/~slgraham/) helps to promote
her
authors and the agency.
Copyright (c) 1996, Graham Literary Agency, Inc. All rights
reserved.
=================================================================
=========
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Lee Wardlaw
<Katknip2@aol.com>
Getting started
---------------
Q: I'm interested in getting involved with writing and
illustrating
children's books, but I don't know where to start. Can you
help? There
seems to be no easy way to get into this field.
A: You're right. There are no secrets or shortcuts to breaking
into the
children's book market. Like anything worth doing, writing
and
illustrating books for kids takes a lot of hard work and
perseverance.
However, if you're willing to spend the time and energy
needed, you
*can* succeed. Here are a five tips to get you started in
the right
direction.
1. Research your audience. Before you can write for kids, you
have to
*know* kids: what they act like, dress like, talk like, etc.
You must
also know what they think about, dream about, worry about.
HarperCollins children's books receives more than 15,000
unsolicited
manuscripts a year. Out of those 15,000, they might find
*three* that
are salable. Why? Because the writers don't know their
audience, and
therefore can't speak effectively or authentically to
children in their
books. So you need to get out there and spend time with the
age group
you want to write for: sit in on library story hours,
observe kids
playing in the park, volunteer to work in a classroom a
couple of hours
each week. The opportunities - - and advantages - - are
endless.
2. Read children's books. Lots of them. Olga Litowinsky, an
editor at
Viking children's books for over 30 years, says: "80% of
kid's book
submissions come from people who have obviously not read a
kid's book
since they were kids themselves." So even if you're only 21,
this
means you could be ten or more years out of date! Reading
children's
books is going to help in several ways. It will help you
learn the
types of children's books available on the market today, and
what
topics and/or writing styles are appropriate for the varying
age
levels. It will also help you to become a better writer.
Pick out your
favorite books and analyze them. Ask yourself: "Why did I
enjoy this
book so much? How did the author keep the pace moving so
fast, or make
the dialogue sound so authentic? What is it about this book
that makes
me want to read it again and again?" Then try to apply what
you've
discovered to your own writing.
3. Join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
(address:
22736 Vanowen Street, Suite 106, West Hills, CA 91307.
Phone:
818-888-8760. Dues are $50 a year. Published and
unpublished writers
welcome.) The SCBWI offers a wealth of material for
beginners about
writing, illustrating, editors, agents, contracts, the
submission
process, etc. Plus, they provide conferences and workshops,
manuscript
exchange services, a bimonthly newsletter, writing grants - -
and
more.
4. Pick up a copy of the 1996 CHILDREN'S WRITER'S &
ILLUSTRATOR'S MARKET,
published by Writer's Digest Books. This book lists all the
publishers
actively seeking manuscripts, and provides the basic
"how-to's" and
"no-no's" of getting started in this field.
5. Write, write, write! The more you write, the more you'll
improve your
stories *and* your chances of getting published in this
market. Good
luck!
-L.W.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Lee Wardlaw is the author of 16 books for young readers, ranging
from
picture books to young adult novels. Titles include THE TALES OF
GRANDPA
CAT (illustrated by Ronald Searle) and SEVENTH-GRADE WEIRDO. 101
WAYS TO
BUG YOUR PARENTS (middle grade novel), THE GHOUL BROTHERS (first
chapter
book). Web page: http://www.interlog.com/~ohi/inkspot/a-lee.html
Copyright (c) 1996 Lee Wardlaw. All rights reserved.
=================================================================
=========
ASK THE BOOK DOCTOR
-----------------------------------------------------------------
--------
by Carol Henson
<UBKX12C@Prodigy.com>
Are book doctors crooks?
------------------------
Q:
I've heard that all book doctors are crooks and you can't trust
anyone
on the internet. How would you respond to that?
A:
Well, I'm not a crook. But how would you know that? One way
would be
to check my references. Ask for some. Another good thing would
be to
take advantage of a free sample edit and price quote. And never
send
cash. No, really. If you like my work, or any other editor's
work,
then discuss the project and price. If the editing stinks, look
elsewhere. And please. Be careful out there on the information
superhighway. But most of all, trust yourself.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Carol Henson is a Book Doctor/editor/author and is happy to
respond to
your questions about Book Doctors, editing, writing, etc. Her
web page is
located at: http://pages.prodigy.com/MI/ubkx12c/bookdoc.html.
Copyright (c) 1996 Carol Henson. All rights reserved.
=================================================================
=========
TABLE OF CONTENTS INDEX
=======================
POETS AND WRITER MAGAZINE - Mar/Apr 1996
The Best Prizes Are Blue Ribbons, Standing Room Only: The 10th
Annual
Night of New Works, Micro-Press: A New Breed Of Publisher,
Decades Of
Books: The Curtis Brown Agency, The Writing Class Revisited, or
Can Fiction Writing Still Be Taught?, An Interview With Robert
Michael
Pyle, An Interview With Cris Mazza. Also: Letters, News, Grants &
Awards,
Deadlines, State Grants. Subscription inquiries: PWSubs@aol.com
=================================================================
=========
WRITER'S POLL
=============
What's the best single piece of advice about writing you've ever
read/heard?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
-----------
Send your answers to ohi@inkspot.com with "writer's poll #5" in
the
subject header. Results of the "writing habits" poll in the next
issue!
For those who missed the previous writer's polls, you can still
see the
results at http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/ink/pastpolls.html. Past
questions
were:
How do you overcome writer's block?
What are your most useful writer's reference
books?
What are your best sources of market information?
What are your writing habits?
Feel free to suggest questions for future writer's polls!
=================================================================
=========
A FEW LAST WORDS:
I'm still seeking short paragraphs from writers about how they
made their
first sale. Was it luck? Careful research? Please share your
experience
to help encourage others! Put "first sale" in the subject header.
-----------------------------------------------
If you've recently had a book published or will have one out
soon, please
let me know and I'll announce it in Inklings. Send me the title
of the
book, publisher, VERY brief description (max 5 words, e.g.
"children's
picture book") and publication date, with "inklings announcement"
in
the subject header. Sorry, but for now I have to limit this to
books
only (space reasons), and to subscribers only.
=================================================================
=========
EDITOR: Debbie Ridpath Ohi (ohi@inkspot.com)
COPY EDITOR: Cathy Rutland (cathyr@rom.on.ca)
Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint Inklings for
nonprofit
use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE
text of
the newsletter is included (including credits and information at
the end
of each issue). Others should contact me at ohi@inkspot.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Inklings is a free newsletter for writers on the net and is
published every
2-3 weeks. More info at
<http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/ink/inklings.html>
Inklings is part of my writers' website:
INKSPOT: Resources for Writers
<http://www.inkspot.com/~ohi/inkspot>
To subscribe & unsubscribe: Send e-mail to majordomo@samurai.com
with
"subscribe inklings" in the message body. To unsubscribe, use
"unsubscribe inklings". Find out more information with "info
inklings". EMAIL: ohi@inkspot.com. SNAILMAIL: Inklings, 55 McCaul
St.,
Box 123, Toronto, ON Canada M5T 2W7 (for packages, contact me
first)
================================================================
