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Inklings Issue 3.19
================================================================
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
Issue 3.19 2nd Year Anniversary! Sept.17, 1997
================================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0319.html>
* Over 20,000 subscribers! *
This issue features an interview with John Cantrell, deputy
editor at Town & Country magazine, tips on defining magic in
fantasy stories by Michelle Sagara and advice on breaking into
the children's board book market by Lee Wardlaw.
This issue sponsored in part by:
================================================================
THE WRITER'S SOFTWARE COMPANION: multimedia software by Writer's
Digest's Nancy Kress. Uses advanced learning tech. and total
immersion to bypass years of trial-and-error, dramatically
accelerating a writer's progress. http://www.novalearn.com
================================================================
THE INTERNET WRITING JOURNAL(TM). "How to" articles, interviews,
product reviews, features and more. New from WRITERS WRITE(TM)
at http://writerswrite.com. http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/
NEW: Omni's Ellen Datlow, mystery author Joyce Christmas.
================================================================
FREELANCE SUCCESS newsletter gives nonfiction writers the tools
they need to earn a fulltime living. Detailed market information
for pros and those who aspire to be. SASE to 801 NE 70th St.,
Box IK, Miami, FL 33138. E-mail: freelance-success@usa.net
================================================================
* Samurai Consulting * http://www.samurai.com
Services include internet consulting, WWW page design, electro-
nic newsletters, mailing lists, FTP sites, system maintenance,
training. Email: Bryan Fullerton <bryanf@samurai.com>
================================================================
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1997 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. Contact,
copyright, advertising rates and other info at end of issue.
================================================================
| CONTENTS THIS ISSUE: |
| From The Editor's Desk |
| Fresh Ink and Market Information |
| Book Highlight |
| Ask The SF/Fantasy Author |
| Ask The Children's Book Author |
| Interview with John Cantrell, Town & Country Editor |
| Writers' Classifieds |
================================================================
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
=======================
Inklings is over the 20,000 subscriber mark! The 20,000th
subscriber was Andrew Haber
<andrew_haber@muccmail.missouri.edu>.
Andrew wins a copy of THE WRITER'S HOME COMPANION: An Anthology
Of The World's Best Writing Advice, From Keats To Kunitz (ed.
Joan Bolker, Owl Books, 1997). Andrew is a 28-year-old medical
student at the University of Missouri. "Unfortunately, I've had
to push writing to the back burner for a few years while trying
to catch up on medical science but I've promised myself that I
will find a way to make writing a part of my life again in the
near-to-mid future."
This issue also marks the second anniversary of Inklings. The
very first issue was published on Sept.11, 1995 and was basically
one long Fresh Ink section that highlighted writing-related web
resources from Inkspot. Since then Inklings has expanded to
include market listings, feature articles, and advice columns.
I've only met two of my fourteen columnists (Michelle Sagara and
Lee Wardlaw), but I hope to eventually meet all of them. :-)
Please do drop by the online "Inklings Anniversary Party" and
leave a greeting! You can sign the party guestbook at:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/guestbook.html
I thought it about time I introduce some of the people who have
been immensely helpful to Inklings:
TINA KENNEDY <tina@inkspot.com>
I hope to someday meet Tina, my wonderful new assistant. Tina is
a full-time freelance writer who lives in Labrador. She helps
keep Inkspot up-to-date and also helps me with online
writing-related research. She'll be starting a new column for
freelance writers in Inkspot...more details soon. You can see her
web resource for freelance writers at:
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/3031
CATHY RUTLAND <copyeditor@inkspot.com>
Many thanks also to Cathy Rutland, my patient copy editor and
longtime friend (we've known each other since Grade 2). Cathy has
been helping out at Inklings since November, 1995. She works at
the Royal Ontario Museum and is available for copy editing work.
RAND BELLAVIA <rand@inkspot.com>
Rand Bellavia (his last name is pronounced "Bella Via") is the
library technician at the McGrath Library at Hilbert College in
Hamburg, NY. Rand helps me with administrative/research tasks
as well as contributing to the newsletter (his interview with
screenwriter Michael Druxman will appear in an upcoming issue).
Rand writes and edits poetry, and also performs with a Buffalo
area band called Ookla The Mok. You can find out more his band
and their new CD at:
http://www.infinet.com/~scoteder/otmfan/.
BRYAN FULLERTON <bryanf@samurai.com>
Bryan is my "technohero". :-) He does a wonderful job in managing
the technical end of the Inklings mailing list. Bryan works as a
network administrator for a new media company during the day, and
when he's not there he runs Samurai Consulting. If you need
somewhere to host mailing lists or small web pages, or just
general UNIX consulting or contract work, please drop him an
e-mail.
http://www.samurai.com/
JEFF RIDPATH <jwr@interlog.com>
And finally, a huge thank-you has to go to my husband and
business partner, Jeff Ridpath <jwr@interlog.com>. Inklings
and
Inkspot would not be possible without his support.
http://www.interlog.com/~jwr/
FRESH INK
=========
Winner of The Writer's Tax Guide
--------------------------------
Congrats to Mike Hayward
<MHAYWARD@KCBS.MHS.compuserve.com>,
whose name was randomly picked to win a copy of _The Writer's Tax
Guide_ (by Michael Arthur Jones, Veritas Publishing Company,
1997). Mike is a published author and produced screenwriter
living in the Los Angeles area who works for CBS. He is the
founder and President (redux) of the Alameda Writers Group, a
100-member writing group now in its seventh year and meeting
monthly at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank.
Next giveaway: Onramp To The Internet
-------------------------------------
By Mary Bowman-Kruhm & Claudine Wirths (Children's Book Insider,
1996). _Onramp To The Internet_ is an introduction to the
internet and online writing-related resources for writers.
Includes sections on bulletin boards, using email, contacting
editors online, researching and networking, security issues,
other topics. 72 pages, staple-bound. To enter, send an email
message with your name and email address to giveaway@inkspot.com.
By entering this contest, you agree to let your name and email
address be published in Inkspot/Inklings if you win. Deadline:
Friday, September 26, 1997. More info available at:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
Scribe and Quill
----------------
New writers' newsletter: articles, mkt info, reviews, tips.
Subscriptions: $15/yr. Published by Bev Walton-Porter
<Scrybr8@prodigy.net>.
New humor writing list
----------------------
Email discussion list for humor writers. Erik Deckers writes:
"The list is open to beginning and experienced, amateur and
professional humorists. We discuss possible markets, pitfalls to
avoid, relate our successes and setbacks, and provide feedback.
To join, send email to bothofus@we-intl.com.
Legitimate Home and Contract Work Page
--------------------------------------
Includes telecommuting jobs.
http://members.aol.com/UltFinder/homework.html
Copy Editing mailing list
-------------------------
To subscribe, send e-mail to listproc@cornell.edu. Leave the
subject line blank. In the body of the message, on the first
line, type SUBSCRIBE COPYEDITING-L [your name]. More info at
website:
http://www.copyeditor.com/
New Writers Magazine
--------------------
Bimonthly publication for writers. Market news, articles,
resources, publishing news.
http://www.newriters.com
Care and Feeding of the Press
-----------------------------
A guide for press relations staff. Useful for anyone writing
a press release.
http://www.netpress.org/careandfeeding.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. You should get
current, detailed guidelines before submitting. Include SASE for
snailmail replies. More market info at:
http://www.inkspot.com/market/.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING MARKET SOURCES:
SCAVENGER'S NEWSLETTER
Monthly market info letter for sf/f/h/m writers & artists.
More info at: http://users.aol.com/Lemarchand/scavenger.html
THE GILA QUEEN'S GUIDE TO MARKETS
POB 97, Newton, NJ 07860-0097 Email:GilaQueen@aol.com
http://www.pacifier.com/~alecwest/gila/index.html
THE WRITE MARKETS REPORT
Markets magazine for writers. Email: dvrg19d@prodigy.com.
http://members.tripod.com/~deepsouth/index-writemkt.html
CHILDREN'S WRITERS MARKET LIST (magazines only)
Available by e-mail or snailmail. Email shauers@inkspot.com.
For free sample, send any email to childmkt@inkspot.com
==-----------------------------------------------------==
"FNASR" = First North American Serial Rights, "SASE" =
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs" = simultaneous
submissions, "mss" = manuscript, "RT" = response time, "GL" =
guidelines, "wds" = words, "cc" = contributor's copy.
***If you are a *paying* market and would like your guidelines
included in a future issue of Inklings, please fill out the form
at: http://www.inkspot.com/market/mktpayform.html
Natural Living Today - seeks nonfiction
---------------------------------------
Natural Living Today, 175 Varick St., 9th Fl., New York, NY
10011. Emily Nussbaum, Senior Editor. A national women's magazine
focused on alternative health, vegetarianism, natural beauty,
herbalism, meditation, yoga, massage, aromatherapy,
environmentalism, and related topics. Targeted to women 18-35.
Pays on publication. PAYMENT: $150-200. "We seek lively, accurate
freelance writers who can write in a style that is equally
entertaining and informative. It is crucial that you be able to
do research and that you can be respectful of vegetarian/natural
lifestyle perspectives. Representative features: Is Your
Supplement Vegetarian?; Labors of Love: A Guide To The Midwife
Option; 101 All-Natural Hair Care Tips; Under My Skin (a first
person success story about deep tissue massage); Alternative
Fitness; Oxygen Bars; Good Fats/Bad Fats; When Harry Met Salad
(mixed veggie/non veggie couples); The Nutrients You Need at 20,
30, 40; Eating Disorders and Vegetarianism; Great Natural Holiday
Gifts; Intro To Herbalism. Our mix includes lots of service
pieces (i.e. intro to acupuncture, how to workout without going
to the gym, how to start meditating), as well as first-person
alternative health success stories. (We also do celebrity cover
features -- Jennie Garth, Joely Fisher -- but mostly in-house.)
A very small bit of spiritual/new age stuff, as well, but this is
NOT our major focus. Features are 1200-2000 words. We work
frequently with both new writers and with more experienced
writers who have a special interest in our subject matter.
Occasionally accept already written submissions, but only if they
are very appropriate for our style and subject matter. Submit
queries and clips via email or snailmail, though snailmail is
better for initial clips." Info rec'd Sept.11/97.
Email: Emilynuss@aol.com
Magazines Incorporated - seeks Asian-relevant articles
------------------------------------------------------
Magazines Incorporated, 15-B, Temple Street, Singapore 058562.
Tel. 65.323.1119, Fax. 65.323.7776. Editor: Kim Lee. Producers of
four quarterly magazines covering travel, business, lifestyle,
culture, art, health, and other Asian-relevant topics. Titles
include: Aspiration, Elite, Gold and Priority. Features run
1200-1,600 words and are illustrated with quality color slides.
Payment for articles range: S$0.25 to S$.50 per word. Images
bring S$50 each. Lee says she is "looking for lively, engaging
material for this series of lifestyle magazines. Most material is
targeted for male-dominated readerships of professional status,
with family and business concerns." First person accounts are
accepted for travel and experience articles only. "Please use
subheads to break text," explains Lee. "Sidebars and boxes are
desirable. Contact numbers and addresses also desirable where
applicable, e.g. information agencies for travel stories."
(Source: Markets Abroad, email pp10013@cybernet.it for
subscription info)
Email: mag_inc@pacific.net.sg
Altair Speculative Fiction Magazine - seeks sf stories
------------------------------------------------------
Snailmail: PO Box 475 Blackwood, South Australia 5051,
Australia. Submissions: Robert N Stephenson or Jason Bleckly.
Biannual international publication. "Mainly SF &F; magazine but
with leaning towards blended and literary works. Subscription
only purchase of the publication as each issue is crafted to be a
collectors item and a welcome edition to anyone's book case."
Buys first English world rights, rights return to author on
publication with a three month/6month stay on re-sale. NO E-MAIL
SUBMISSIONS. PAYMENT: 3c/wd, min. $25. SEEKING: "SF&F; writing
with a bent toward literary. Any speculative writing will be read
as Altair is after quality writing as well as good story telling.
We are partial to SF and Fantasy but do not let that stop you
sending your speculative story. 2000-6500 words. TIPS: "We are
not looking for just good ideas. The idea is better if it is
contained within a well written story with well written
characters and a believable or convincing plot. We don't what
erotica, blood bath viloence or headcase madness." Longer with
queries first." (Info rec'd Sep.5/97)
Email: altair@senet.com.au (queries only)
URL: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~robsteph/altair.htm
GL: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~robsteph/guide.htm
G.I.R.L. - seeks non-fiction
----------------------------
G.I.R.L., 555 Broadway, New York NY 10012-3999; Trisha Levy,
Editor. This is a joint publication from Scholastic, Inc. and
Girls Scouts of America. For girls 8-15. They want nonfiction to
500-2000 words about girls doing interesting things and girls as
role models. They buy 1st rights for stories of 800 to 1300
words. Pay is $150 to $800 for assigned articles. (Source:
Children's Writers Market List)
Magazine of Speculative Poetry - seeks poetry
---------------------------------------------
POB 564, Beloit, WI 53512. Roger Dutcher, editor. "Seeks best in
speculative poetry, SF, fantasy, horror and science poetry.
Prefer speculative/SF and science poetry. No epics, we are a
small magazine, but otherwise open as to length, style and form."
Pays 3c/wd with $3 minimum. Buys FNASR. "Only poetry, no prose,
no art, no plays. Query on reviews/articles, have people "on
staff" who do this, but will consider. No need for cover letters,
but I like 'em. Be clear if your mss are disposable or if you
want them returned." MSP V4#1 just out, $4. MSP V4#2 due Autumn
1997, about 1/3 full. (Source: Scavenger's Newsletter)
Radiance: The Magazine for Large Women
--------------------------------------
POB 30246, Oakland, CA 94604. P(510) 482-0680. Alice Ansfield,
Publisher/Editor. Catherine Taylor, Senior Editor. 95% freelance.
"Radiance magazine is an upbeat, positive, colorful, glossy, 56+
page magazine for women all sizes of large. Encourages and
supports its readers in living proud, full, active lives now,
with self-love and self-respect. Documents and celebrates womens'
growing body acceptance in the '90s. Each edition profiles
dynamic large women (and soon to include essays from and
information for plus-sized, chubby, or fat girls and boys) from
all walks of life, all sizes of large, and from all lifestyles
and ethnicities. We've grown to become a leading source of
support, information, and inspiration in the worldwide Size
Acceptance Movement." Works with new writers. Circ 50K.
Quarterly. Pays on publication. Publishes ms 6-24 months after
acceptance. Buys one-time rights. Accepts reprints. Responds 2-3
months. Sample $3.50 (send name, address, and a request for a
writer's copy). Subscription $20; $26 in Canada; $34 other.
Guidelines at website, or by mail with SASE. NEEDS: "Always
looking for profiles of dynamic large women from all walks of
life. Pays $50-100 for 2,000-4,000 wds, $35+ for 1,000-2,000 wd
"shorty" articles; $10+ for poetry; $35+ for book reviews over
800 wds. Submit query or complete ms with cover letter by mail
with SASE. PHOTOS/ART: Would like to know if photos, art, etc.
are available. Usually pays $15 per photo. HINTS: "Please read
our magazine before writing for us (or take a look through the
information and called-out pages at our website). We want you to
know our focus and philosophy so you can add to our efforts and
be aligned with our purpose!" (Source: The Write Markets Report)
Email: Radmag2@aol.com
URL: http://www.radiancemagazine.com
================================================================
Book Highlight:
THE INTERNET HANDBOOK FOR WRITERS, RESEARCHERS & JOURNALISTS
----------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORS:
Mary McGuire, Linda Stilborne, Melinda McAdams, and Laurel Hyatt
PUBLISHER:
Trifolium Books, 1997. $29.95, 254 pp., paper.ISBN 1-895579-17-1.
The Internet Handbook For Writers, Researchers, and Journalists
covers the basics (getting online, comparing browsers and email
software, basics of creating your own webpage), gives tips on
search strategies and techniques, covers different research
methods and sources on the net. Special appendices at the end of
the book cover special topics like copyright issues and citing
online sources, as well as web resources. This book is geared
more towards journalists and researchers rather than fiction
writers, with the focus being on getting on the net and how to
find information once you're there. A useful resource for
freelance writers interested in doing research on the Internet.
================================================================
Inklings celebrates its 2nd anniversary and 20,000+ subscribers!
Please do drop by and sign the "party guestbook" at:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/guestbook.html
================================================================
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) jbowen@max-net.com
David Breeden (POET) drpoetry@ktc.com
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) cdeemer@teleport.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Susan Graham (AGENT) slgraham@mindspring.com
Paula Guran (HORROR WRITER) DarkEcho@aol.com
Carol Henson (BOOK DOCTOR) bookdoc@Prodigy.net
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
David Leit (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com
Bob Sablatura (JOURNALIST) bob.sablatura@reporters.net
Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) Katknip2@aol.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) send to yudkin@inkspot.com
Sharon Zukowski (MYSTERY/SPY WRITER) 76372.2252@CompuServe.COM
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
================================================================
ASK THE SF/FANTASY AUTHOR
----------------------------------------------------------------
by Michelle Sagara
<Michelle.Sagara@sff.net>
The rules of magic
------------------
Q: I'm writing a YA fantasy novel but I'm stuck over the concept
of magic - I don't know how it works. What are some questions I
can ask myself to help understand/create the magic and the rules
and limitations for the world in which my characters live?
A: Good question.
Magic as a concept has evolved for me over the course of six
novels, but in my particular worlds it is inextricably linked
with creation, the mythos upon which the fantastic elements are
founded. This is not, however, particularly helpful, so I've
been chewing over your question for a couple of days. Keep in
mind that if you ask this question to sixty different writers,
you will in all likelihood get 50 different answers (there'll be
some overlap <g>).
The fantastic elements in a novel shouldn't be just window
dressing; they should be integral to the plot, the story, and the
characters. Not only should they be these three things but they
also can't be deus ex machina-like in conception; you should
ideally have a clear idea of what the limits of the magic are
before you start.
More important, the use of magic must somehow be anchored to the
character herself, if she's the protagonist; magic, like anything
else in the known universe, is not something that should just
happen for free. It's got to have roots in what and who you are,
because it's got to be more than skin deep, more than an accident
of fate.
If you will, it's sort of like intelligence: it's not that you
have it, it's how you choose to use it, that counts.
So, oddly enough, the questions I have to ask, or ask myself,
would be:
1) How is magic necessary to the story you're telling?
2) How does magic affect the life of the character that the
story is about? In what way does magic reflect her
personality & her desires?
3) What does it cost her, personally, to use the magic
she's somehow been granted?
Very often, it's the answer to these questions that help you
define what you need from magic, and once you've defined that
more clearly, you can then make decisions about what type of
magic you need or want.
A clumsy, and over-stated example (and any example, given at this
length, is going to be both by necessity): Music. If you have
music as a magical form, let musicality be a defining
characteristic of the person involved. Concerts take on a new
meaning, and a new form, if those who are gifted join in, and
silence can become a weapon.
I hope this is helpful, and if you can answer the questions above
and you still have questions, write again.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Michelle Sagara is the author of The Sundered novel series (Del
Rey) the Hunter Series (DAW, under her married name Michelle
West), as well as many short stories. Her third West novel,
_Broken Crown_ was recently released from DAW.
Copyright (c) 1997 Michelle Sagara. All rights reserved.
================================================================
ASK THE CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR
----------------------------------------------------------------
by Lee Wardlaw
<Katknip2@aol.com>
Breaking into the board book market
-----------------------------------
Q: I have been trying to break into the board book market.
Although I've done my homework in that genre - - I've taken care
of infants in my home for over 20 years and have read hundreds of
board books - - the market seems to be closed tight to new
authors. Any suggestions?
A: You're right: the door to the board book market doesn't open
easily for new writers. Most board books -- books for babies and
children up to age two or three - - are created in-house, which
means they are prepared by editors, early childhood specialists
or child psychologists who work for the publishing company. The
best of these books are published by educational houses with a
staff who truly understands the needs of babies and young
children. A number of trade publishers produce wonderful board
books too, but often they are more appropriate for older toddlers
or pre-schoolers. (I've noticed this lately when trying to read
board books to my one-year-old. I get a kick out of them, but
they usually aren't on target for a child at his physical,
emotional or psychological level.)
You're also up against the fact that board books are primarily
visual, so most of them are created by professional photographers
(such as Tana Hoban's books) and illustrators (Sandra Boynton or
the delightful _Max and Ruby_ series by Rosemary Wells).
I suggest that you try to establish yourself as an author of
young picture books (for ages 3-6), or perhaps try to make a few
sales to Baby Bug magazine, which specializes in stories and
poems for the very young (ages 6 months to 2 years). Once you
have a few credits and/or a good relationship with an editor, you
may be able to pitch ideas for that all-important board book
market that you so dearly love.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
Lee Wardlaw is the award-winning author of about 20 books for
children, ranging from picture books to young adult novels. Her
newest titles include _Punia and the King of Sharks_
(Dial/Penguin USA, ages 4-8), a Junior Library Guild selection,
and _Bubblemania: The Chewy History of Bubble Gum_ (Simon &
Schuster, ages 8-13). Lee's web page is at
http://www.inkspot.com/author/lee/
Copyright (c) 1997 Lee Wardlaw.
================================================================
INTERVIEW WITH JOHN CANTRELL, TOWN & COUNTRY EDITOR
----------------------------------------------------------------
by Olivia Miller
<omiller@mem.net>
Adding a clip from Town & Country to your portfolio might not be
as difficult as you think. While this Hearst Corporation monthly
lifestyle magazine is an appropriate market for the freelancer
with national clips, a less experienced writer who snags timely
information should try. Deputy Editor John Cantrell was downright
encouraging in a recent telephone interview. Here's the scoop:
Do you want freelance submissions?
----------------------------------
"First, of course, a letter of introduction with national clips.
We rely on eyes and ears in different parts of the country, so
don't think that because you are not in New York we don't want to
hear from you. We are a national general interest magazine that's
been around since 1846, and all along, about 30% of our material
has been freelance. So, we know a lot of writers. We read and
hear from people around the country but we don't want a
manuscript! Pitches only, please."
What's the best bet for breaking in?
-------------------------------------
"The front of our book is item-intensive. These sections use 100
to 400 word pieces, and also an 800 to 1,500 word opener. We run
10 to 75 news items per issue in On The Town, In The Country,
Connoisseur's World, and Traveler's Notebook. These are no-frill
bits on the arts, travel, cities, and country. Pitch an idea for
one of these. This is your best bet. Of course, you need to read
these from a few issues to get a feel for what we're running. We
don't offer writer guidelines or sample copies."
Connoisseur's World focuses on the arts and uses facts about
upcoming auctions, exhibitions, new books and a few longer pieces
like the July issue feature on Georgia O'Keeffe connected to a
museum opening. The Traveler's Notebook might tell where the
wallabies roam in Syndey, Australia, about a Caribbean romantic
spot, or about custom-designed safaris and the woman who leads
them.
"We aim for new news, the new shops, new restaurants, new travel
services. We want the freshest information elegantly written. In
The Country offers snippets and old pleasures of the pastoral
life, like where to sail or how to create a gift from your
garden. On The Town celebrates the spirit of city living with
updates on zoos or shopping or what's seen on noteworthy
streets."
What's a long shot for a freelancer?
------------------------------------
"Features, obviously. We assign them to writers who have written
other pieces for us and are known to us. We address public
service concerns as well as architecture, design, fashion and
beauty issues that are of interest to our readers who are
affluent. But if you can address an issue and have the
professional contacts to support your work, well, pitch and see
what happens. Really, we are more and more in-house for story
ideas, but since we are always looking for them, there's a chance
that a freelancer might suggest one we can use".
Do you take E-mail queries?
---------------------------
"Yes. Our address system is to use the first initial and the last
name in front of @hearst.com. But don't use e-mail to introduce
yourself. Use it for the second time you contact an editor.
Regular mail is better for first contact so that we can see your
clips, and you have some control over what your cover letter
looks like."
What rights do you purchase?
----------------------------
"We buy First North Ameican and anthology rights. We do pay for
electronic rights if we plan to use your work in that medium. But
we don't buy electronic rights on everything."
Are there any land mines to avoid, as in things that a writer
might not realize will blow the pitch?
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Send to the appropriate editor. Check the masthead, or call the
front desk and ask who is the right person; don't just send it.
Otherwise, well, how can you be sure it made it to the right
desk? And don't just send clips but put them with pitches for
newsy pieces that are just right for one of the front sections."
Do you have a WEB site?
-----------------------
"Town & Country doesn't have one per say, but we do create
material for a bridal site we share with other Hearst
publications at http://tncweddings.com. We are engaging young
readers we hope will turn to our print publication down the road.
So the Web site is not a rehash of our magazine. But we might
take a travel piece and rewrite it to be a honeymoon piece."
Submission information: Pays $3,500 and up for features. Address:
30th Floor, 1700 Broadway, New York, NewYork 10019-5905,
telephone 212/903-5000, fax 212/767-8308. E-mail
jcantrell@hearst.com.
==---------------------------------------------==
Freelancer Olivia Miller conducts marketing research for Writer's
Digest Magazine and teaches magazine article writing at the
University of Memphis.
Copyright (c) 1997 Olivia Miller.
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W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
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GOLDENROD XV WRITERS CONFERENCE: Oct 17-19, 1997. Morgantown,
West Virginia. Workshops, mss critiques, presentations, literary
and book exhibits. Email: George Lies <glies@wvu.edu>.
URL: http://www.inkspot.com/network/goldenrod.html
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* October 3, 4, 5, 1997 *
SOUTH FLORIDA WRITERS' CONFERENCE - 10/3-5/97 University of Miami
(Coral Gables, FL) S. Fl. Chapter, National Writers' Association
GERRODETTE@aol.com http://www.awm3.com/sflorida_writers
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Submissions Wanted: New direct marketing publisher seeking non-
fiction submissions. Not a vanity press or subsidy publisher.
E-mail for guidelines and information: mailbox1@swbell.net.
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* CHILDREN'S WRITERS - YOUR ULTIMATE WEB RESOURCE IS HERE! *
Free info, market tips, research links, message board, chatroom &
more, just for children's writers! * http://www.write4kids.com *
** Free children's writing catalog, e-mail: children@mailback.com
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Advertise here for as little as $10/issue. Send any email to
ratecard@inkspot.com for advertising rates.
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Ken Jenks, David Leit, Bob Sablatura,
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Marcia Yudkin, Sharon Zukowski
COPY EDITOR: Cathy Rutland
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