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Inklings Issue 4.24
================================================================
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
Issue 4.24 * Over 43,000 subscribers! * Nov.25, 1998
================================================================
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0424.html>
This issue features an article by Jayne Hitchcock about online
queries that work, the second part of Sue Caskey's article on
creative places to sell one's writing, and the Writer's Wish List
(a compilation of gift suggestions from Inklings subscribers).
This issue sponsored by:
================================================================
THE WRITER'S SOFTWARE COMPANION by Writer's Digest's Nancy Kress.
Total immersion technology dramatically accelerates a writer's
progress. http://www.novalearn.com. And Writer On Line
membership contest. Cash and other prizes. All entrants receive
free software download. http://www.novalearn.com/writers/contest
================================================================
XLIBRIS BRINGS YOU PUBLISHING ON DEMAND: Discouraged by the odds
of corporate publishing? New electronic publishing alternative
allows you to publish as many or as few copies as you want (even
one!) in only weeks. Ask for a free sample of a finished volume.
Call 1-888-7XLIBRIS and mention this ad. http://www.xlibris.com
================================================================
FREE QUOTE SOFTWARE Helps Make Your Writing More Effective and
Powerful! Picture yourself enjoying the sincere praises from your
readers when they read your book, article, or essay. More than
13,000 great quotes online for you to choose from. Download Your
FREE program at http://www.cybernation.com/qlibrary/qlsp1.html
================================================================
STORY IDEAS GALORE: *Free* weekly e-mailing of TRUE stories.
Great for writers, sermons, or just entertainment -- forget the
stupid urban legends that everyone's already seen! As featured
in INKLINGS (12/96). To subscribe: join-this-is-true@lyris.net
Book collections of 500+ stories EACH: http://www.thisistrue.com
=================================================================
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1998 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
================================================================
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From The Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Creative Places To Sell Your Work (Part 2)
Writers' Wish List
Online Queries That Work
Writers' Classifieds
================================================================
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK:
=======================
Thanks to Sue Bowness for featuring Inkspot in her column for
the December issue of WORD (Toronto's Literary Calendar),
and to Karen Janigan for the mention in the premier issue of
the Canadian Screenwriter.
INKSPOT STAFF HIGHLIGHT: Chris Donner, Assistant Editor. Chris
helps me with article submissions as well as some web
administration. He works as a magazine editor and freelance
writer in New Haven, Connecticut, and is an avid chess player and
musician in his spare time. You can find out more (and see what
he looks like!) at:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/masthead/chris.html.
FLYERS: Apologies to those who have requested Inkspot flyers
but haven't received them yet. I've been receiving more requests
than I can handle (it takes time to bundle up flyers, package and
mail them) but I'll try to get to them as soon as I can. Thanks
so much for the response!
"I NEED STORIES" CONTEST (mentioned in Oct.28 issue of Inklings):
*WARNING* - Please read the entry form carefully before signing.
A subscriber reports the promoter is (perhaps inadvertently)
asking for more rights than is reasonable.
INKSPOT WRITERS' COMMUNITY CENTER (IWCC) UPDATE: The IWCC is
pleased to present its first free online workshop:
BOOK PROPOSALS WORKSHOP with Loretta Kemsley
TIME: December 9th, 9 pm EST
PLACE: IWCC (see http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/)
ADVANCE QUESTIONS can be sent to loretta@inkspot.com
Loretta Kemsley is an award-winning journalist, writer, editor
(see http://www.moondance.org), and a coach in the art of
writing. You can find out more about Loretta and the IWCC at:
http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/. The IWCC is generously supported
by the kind folks at MOOkti (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca:9996/).
For more info, contact Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com.
Congratulations to Ian Walker, winner of FIND IT FAST.
=================================================================
FRESH INK
=========
BOOK PRIZE GIVEAWAY:
-------------------
SCREEN WRITING FROM THE SOUL by Richard Krevolin
Covers basics and advanced in unique, entertaining format.
THE WRITE FOCUS: writing tips by Don Vasicek
Booklet outlining eight keys to successful writing.
MONEY FOR WRITERS: edited by Diane Billot
Hundreds of opportunities for writers of all genres.
Deadline: Dec.6, 1998. To enter, see URL below for details:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html
The Mother Of All Today In History Sites
----------------------------------------
Meta-index of "Today In History" websites.
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/4656/06lnksn3.htm
Writing For Money
-----------------
Site contains columns and market reports from the newsletter.
http://www.writingformoney.com/
ScreenwritersUtopia.com
-----------------------
Interviews, articles, resource pointers, chat, message boards.
http://www.screenwritersutopia.com/
Computer Related Repetitive Stress Injury
----------------------------------------
Info and resources.
http://www.engr.unl.edu/ee/eeshop/rsi.html
Typing Injury FAQ
-----------------
Excellent resource. Free newsletter.
http://www.tifaq.com/
e-writers.net
-------------
Resource links, discussion forum, tips, free screensaver.
http://www.e-writers.net/
Writing-related advertising sites
---------------------------------
If you accept ads in your writing-related site or online
publication, please let me know (include URL) and I'll add it to
the list below. Please indicate whether your ads are free or not.
http://www.inkspot.com/classifieds/otherclass.html
Author World
------------
Articles, author shareware, plans for online database.
http://www.authorworld.com/
Word Central
------------
New site by Merriam-Webster. Supposedly for young people,
but I had fun checking it out, too. :-)
http://www.wordcentral.com/
http://www.m-w.com/ (the adult equivalent)
A Writer's Place
----------------
Fiction writer's resource. Links, books, chat, etc.
http://www.writersplace.com/
The Quill
---------
Resources, links, monthly contest.
http://www.thequill.com/Pages/frame1.htm
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
================================================================
Try FREELANCE SUCCESS, the marketing newsletter for serious
nonfiction writers, for just $25. Special offer ends Dec. 31!
Professional online writing courses start Jan. 18. Details,
www.freelancesuccess.com or e-mail freelance-success@usa.net.
================================================================
Novation ANNOUNCES a new CD, SOFTWARE DREAMPACK FOR WRITERS,
an amazing 57 separate writer's programs for $19.95. The CD
includes virtually every writers' program on the Net in 10
categories--a perfect gift. http://www.novalearn.com/dp/dpi.htm
================================================================
MARKET INFORMATION
==================
Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to
publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless
specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies.
More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/bt/market/.
==-----------------------------------------------------==
"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,
"IWGL" = Inkspot Writer's Guideline Library.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST).
DARK MATTER
-----------
DARK MATTER: An Anthology of Science Fiction, Fantasy, &
Speculative Fiction by Black Writers (Warner Aspect, 2000).
Editors: Sheree R. Thomas and Martin Simmons. ADDR: Sheree Thomas
Attn: DARK MATTER. 765 Amsterdam Avenue #3C, New York, NY 10025.
The first collection dedicated to science fiction, fantasy, and
speculative fiction by black writers: established, emerging, and
new. Looking for: Short fiction. 1500-7000 wds. "Science fiction,
fantasy and speculative: humorous, erotic, nightmarish,
political, or whatever you imagine. We are seeking original
short stories, bold voices unafraid to imagine themselves and the
many forms of blackness across the boundaries of time and space."
Submit (snail mail only) or query (e-mail OK). DON'T: Send us
poetry or previously published work. RT: 4-6 weeks, "although we
will not make a final decision regarding acceptance until our
Spring deadline." FORMAT: Two copies, double-spaced on white
paper with standard 1" margins. Include a bio and a photo of
yourself. Please include an SASE if you wish your work returned.
"Please do not send us your only copy, as we cannot be
responsible for lost work." PAY: Flat fee. Varies. Pay scale not
yet finalized. TIPS: "We are very open to new and emerging
writers and encourage multiple submissions." (ST)
GL: SASE to address listed
E-mail: (queries only) esmarth@banet.net
NATIONAL ENQUIRER ONLINE
------------------------
"Here's your chance to get things off your chest. Tell us YOUR
gripes -- or praise -- about people and events in the news. Email
us at: yoursay@nationalenquirer.com. Please include your mailing
address. We'll pay $25 for each letter published." (ST)
URL: http://www.nationalenquirer.com/index-fst.html
[frames: "Have Your Say"]
E-mail: yoursay@nationalenquirer.com
WEB BOUND MAGAZINE
------------------
Web Bound Magazine. ADDR: Attention: Anne Marie Baugh 941
Fishburn Drive Brigham City, UT 84302. Senior Editor: Anne Marie
Baugh. Quarterly. Primarily a directory of Internet sites with
about 1/3 of the magazine devoted to articles about the Web.
Circ: 200K. Sold through major bookstores in U.S.A. NEEDS: Human
interest web stories as well as articles that teach. 750-1400 wds
with two to three graphics. Query first. E-mail. PAY: On
publication. $50/pg for First American. SAMPLE: Available under
special circumstance, otherwise not generally mailed upon
request...no time, sorry. Try major bookstores (Barnes and Noble
& al.) TIPS: "I am willing to work with new writers who take an
initiative. If we reject your item, be spunky an keep coming back
with ideas...I tend to like that in a writer. I look for writers
deeply familiar with the Internet and its trends. Not necessarily
a cyber-geek but also those netcitizens who spend a great deal
online. Give me article ideas that will cause a person to buy our
magazine! We do warm fuzzy Internet articles to How-to Internet
articles. Be creative. I am looking to establish a long term
relationship with writers who prove themselves to be resilent,
hardworking and creative. There will be more opportunities and
monetary rewards in the future for those who make their mark with
us." (ST)
URL: http://www.webbound.com/
GL: available through e-mail
E-mail: internet@mail.vii.com
YOUR HOME & FAMILY
------------------
Your Home & Family. Editor: Ed Heaton. Local (Mid-Ohio) free
monthly publication. Circ: 25K 8.5x11" ~20pp. NEEDS: Anything
related to home and family. This includes everything from home
repairs to child health and safety, buying, selling, family,
cooking, pets. LENGTH: MUST be under 600-650 wds. Most articles
are ~300 wds. PAY: On publication. $0.05/wd. FNASR. RT: Varies.
TIP: "We are REALLY in need of home repair and remodeling
material." (ST)
E-mail: themaxer@infinet.com
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
=================================================================
ASK THE EXPERTS will return next issue.
=================================================================
A WRITER'S WISH LIST
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Compiled by Debbie Ridpath Ohi <editor@inkspot.com&>
In the last issue of Inklings, I invited subscribers to send in
their suggestions for writing-related gifts. Here are a few ideas
for those of you who will be doing Christmas shopping for writer
friends and acquaintances (or for yourself :)).
Office supplies
---------------
Office supplies were high on the list: reams of paper, postage
stamps, boxes of manila envelopes, printer cartridges, packages
of pens and notepads, journal binders, light-up pen (available
from Brookstone's).
Gift coupons
------------
Some suggested gift coupons for bookstores and office-supply
stores. Other gift coupon ideas included proofreading, child
care, light housekeeping, writers' retreats, subscription to a
writers' magazine, memberships to writers' organizations, and
Internet time.
Books for writers
-----------------
Not surprisingly, many suggested the _1999 Writer's Market_.
Other books included: _The Woman Who Spilled Words All Over
Herself_ by Rosemary Daniell ("She is an excellent writing
teacher and her book reads like a bestselling novel"), _The
American Horticultural Society' A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden
Plants_ ("for garden writers"); a comprehensive one-volume
science encyclopedia ("for science fiction writers"), _The
Writer's Little Instruction Book: 385 Secrets for Writing Well &
Getting Published_, _The 10% Solution_ by Ken Rand ("A no
nonsense look at the final edit on a story or article before
sending to a market. He's gathered all the common sense advice
he's learned about writing 'tight,' and presented it in a funny,
useful way").
Miscellaneous
-------------
Other useful gift ideas include a calendar with lots of writing
space, DO NOT DISTURB SIGN, new coffee cup, anti-glare computer
screen shield, "a really comfortable writing chair", rubber stamp
with one's return address on it, sheepskin slippers "for those
cold winter evenings at the typewriter", a small plug-in mug
warmer, computer upgrades, computer software for writers (see
http://www.inkspot.com/other/software.html for suggestions),
anything from the Levenger catalog (http://www.levenger.com).
From Lynne D. McCloskey:
"Once I received a gift from my son that really hit the spot. He
took a large jar (pickles, peppers, etc.) about 12 inches high
and 8 inches across, and filled it with small or miniature
'stuff' he found at garage sales, thrift shops, in his and his
friends' desk drawers, and discount 'junk' stores. He labeled
the jar: IN CASE OF WRITER'S BLOCK, BREAK GLASS. Items inside
the jar included a playing card, a tiny screwdriver, a marble, a
toy car, a Barbie doll head, a Christmas decoration, a school
photo, a pair of dice, exotic book of matches (you get the
picture). The jar is full to the top. Whenever I can't think of
something to write about, I get out the jar and either look
through the glass or open the lid and take out the contents.
They are sure to spark an interest of some kind. The jar, label
and lid can be decorated to make them more festive. This is a
fun, inexpensive gift, but one that comes in handy at those
non-creative times."
Wishful thinking...
-------------------
From Staci Coblentz: "...a phoneless cord, and a mute answering
machine!"
From Thomas James: "What I wish for is a Rosetta Stone
dictionary. There are certain maxims/proverbs/cliches of western
culture that we use or see very often in the original language,
which in the U.S. means we can't read them! How about a
dictionary that roughly translates them into & from Latin,
German, French, Italian, Spanish, English?"
From Fred Bortz: "Here's a good gag gift for a writer, but you'll
have to create your own clever gift tag: A magnifying glass for
reading between the lines of rejection slips."
Good luck with the holiday shopping, everyone! :-)
Copyright (c) 1998 Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
=================================================================
CREATIVE PLACES TO SELL YOUR WORK (Part 2)
----------------------------------------------------------------
by Sue Caskey <scaskey@fast.net&>
[Ed. note: Part 1 of this article appeared in May, Issue 4.11,
see http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0411.html]
In the first part of this article, I included some quick ideas
for finding different paying outlets for selling your writing.
Part 2 expands on some of those ideas, and includes ideas from
Inklings readers and other writers.
Before diving into specific markets and ideas, however, you
should remember that in order to make money writing, you should
treat your writing as any other successful business person does.
You can learn the sales and marketing skills you need to find
markets, learn to identify a niche and find prospects and
clients. Read business books written for small business on sales
and marketing topics. A few excellent examples are listed at the
end of this article.
Inklings reader Louise Bradford, for example, uses a marketing
kit for generating writing business. "Branching out into new
markets has helped me tremendously as a creative writer," says
Louise. "One tip: put together a stylish marketing kit. I don't
use a resume. Instead, I've created a package that includes a
cover letter with letterhead, my business card, and my business
profile." Using successful business marketing techniques like
these make you appear professional, which leads to more business.
Creative outlets for your work can take a variety of forms. If
you've been trying to sell your article, book, or short story to
traditional publishing outlets, try "repackaging" your piece for
another different format which can be sold directly to the
intended reader or to groups or organizations that might
distribute your work. Some writers have been enormously
successful by repackaging how-to articles and having them printed
into booklets at their local print shop. Sell the booklets
through classified ads or direct mail, or use online contacts,
press releases and other "free" marketing techniques to get
attention for your piece. Writer and consultant Marcia Yudkin is
one of the best examples of writers who used a booklet to
springboard into sales. Her booklet "Six Steps To Free Publicity"
received thousands of requests after her press release was
printed in the newsletter Bottom Line Personal. After getting
over 3,000 responses, she was able to demonstrate a significant
market for a book. She easily sold much more of her writing and
received more publicity for her consulting business than she
would have accomplished through a single magazine article.
You can sell your own "reprints" of articles that have worked for
you through magazine sales. Either typeset the article yourself
using a desktop publishing program or have it typeset for you
and printed on glossy enamel paper. Much like reprints from
magazines, these can be sold in bulk to associations and
organizations for their members. Self-publishing your book is
another alternative to traditional markets. With the growth of
electronic publishing, there will be more ways to inexpensively
publish your own books, for fiction and nonfiction. Repackaging
your work into electronic books can be an inexpensive way to get
into print, and get your work read and bought. Some electronic
book publisher links are included at the end of this article.
Depending on your topics and potential audience, you might find
other formats work well. Information on financial topics has been
sold in newsletter format for decades, for example. A pamphlet on
shorter topics can be sold to or distributed through a trade
organization to its members, or can be used as a "teaser" for
buyers who may be interested in buying a lengthier booklet on
a related subject. These sales could lead to publishing a
book on the topic, as in Marcia Yudkin's case.
While the most lucrative places to sell your writing are
non-fiction publications and business clients, there are creative
places to sell your fiction if you put your imagination to it.
For example, Natalie Goldberg, author of Writing Down The Bones,
sold "spontaneous poetry" from a booth at fairs and summer
festivals. Customers provided a spur-of-the-moment topic and for
$1.00 she would write a poem on the spot. All writers, fiction
and non-fiction alike, have to be creative for a living; try
applying some of that imagination to ways you can find outlets
for your work.
You can self-publish short stories too (NOT the same as vanity
publishing!) While it is much harder to make money by
self-publishing your fiction, if you use some creative ideas, and
write fiction pieces for a particular, narrow purpose or "niche",
you might find sales waiting for you. Try re-writing some of your
short stories in an easy-to-read format for sale to publishers of
books for literacy programs (see Writer's Market or call your
local literacy program agency). You might offer an inexpensive
"preview" edition of your work to local book groups in your area,
in exchange for their feedback (you can begin to build name
recognition this way).
Another possibility is to publish an anthology of your own
design. For example, like junior league cookbooks, you might
collaborate with writer friends to put together a collection to
be sold as a fundraiser, with a portion of the profits going to a
particular charity. Some of the readers of Part 1 of this article
sent in several good ideas and experiences.
Kim Palios from Hamilton Ontario, had many suggestions for
business writing sales. She recommends contacting ad agencies for
advertorial writers who may be looking for freelancers to handle
smaller clients' work, and small businesses who can use the help.
"I didn't get 'big bucks', but it got my name and integrity
around to get the attention of larger companies," writes Kim.
Short pieces can also pay, according to Kim. On her list are
funding requests for non-profit organizations, staff memos for
companies, newsletters, resumes and cover letters, advertorials
for newspapers, writing course materials/units etc. for private
schools, business plans, and flyers. Other writers find paying
freelance assignments by contacting companies looking for
full-time writers. Mary Mihaly looks for companies who needs
writers, but who may not have considered using freelancers. "I've
landed a few assignments by looking into non-freelance jobs,
letting them know I wasn't interested in a staff position but
would like to help out if they had interim or freelance needs,"
says Mary. "I got a call yesterday from the wife of a local
official I profiled about 7 years ago in a regional magazine. She
needs a couple of annual reports written, and she didn't know who
else to call. You never know."
Reslanting and submitting to multiple publications are the best
ways non-fiction freelance writers can make money with their
articles. Writer Fred Baldwin has a great example of how even a
seemingly narrow topic can find multiple homes. "I've written
several articles about an Asian strategy game called Go (somewhat
resembling chess)," says Fred. "It's a hard sell because editors
have rarely heard of it. But I've sold pieces to the
Carnegie-Mellon Alumni Magazine (about a student programming a
computer to play the game), to a medical magazine (about doctors
who play), and to the Journal for Asian Martial Arts (on the
relation of Go to martial arts concepts)." Fred's examples of
reslanting to appeal to widely divergent markets should help you
cook up some ideas for your own articles.
On the subject of submitting, writer Andy Byers suggests
submitting and resubmitting will eventually lead to sales. "In
1990, I drafted a short story, 'The Big Bang,' which was based on
an experience I had while at Texas A & M in the 1950's. I thought
it was a pretty good story, and I started sending it to every
publisher, editor and contest that I could come up with. Imagine
my surprise last week when I got a letter from 'Writer's Journal'
telling me that my story had won third place in their fiction
contest and will be published in the Nov/Dec issue of that
magazine. I had forgotten I that I had sent the story to their
contest! Checking my records, I discovered that the story had
been submitted 51 times since it was first written! This confirms
the mantra spouted by all the writing gurus, who say repeatedly,
"Submit, submit, submit, and then keep submitting until your
story finds an editor who likes it!" Take advantage of the many
web sites, books and other resources available to help you expand
your marketing techniques. Tap into business as well as writing
sources; links too; many business marketing ideas can translate
to successful writing strategies.
Here are a few resources to get started. "Getting Business To
Come To You," Paul and Sarah Edwards and Laura Clampitt Douglas
(Putnam, 2nd ed. 1998, $18.95). A classic small business
marketing book from the home-based business gurus.
OTHER RESOURCES:
"Small Business Toolkit: Marketing For The Self-Employed," Martin
Edic (Prima Publishing, 1997, $15.00). Very clearly written,
full of information and no fluff. Edic focuses on easy and
effective ways to market a business - lots here for writers to
borrow.
Electronic Publishers: visit these sites and search for author's
guidelines: Xlibris, http://www.xlibris.com Buy Books On The Web,
http://www.buybooksontheweb.com
Writer's Digest On The Web: http://www.writersdigest.com.
Writer's Digest now has a web site, with guidelines, market
ideas, and a catalog of its books. WD has many effective books
to help you market and sell your writing. And don't forget the
magazine!
Small and Home-Based Business Links http://www.bizoffice.com. See
the Marketing section for links.
Smart Business Supersite http://www.smartbiz.com. Lots of
marketing and sales info.
Herman Holtz's Tips For Marketing
http://www.bellicose.com/freelance. How to make more money
writing and info on becoming a consultant - a natural extension
for many niche writers.
==---------------------------------------------==
Sue Caskey is a freelance writer of non-fiction and corporate
communications (proposals, ghostwriting, and direct mail copy).
She lives in Media, PA. Visit her Web site at
http://www.users.fast.net/~scaskey.
=================================================================
ONLINE QUERIES THAT WORK
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by J.A. Hitchcock <anotherwriter@hotmail.com&>
How Can This Be Done?
---------------------
First you need to read the submission guidelines for publications
you're interested in. Many have guidelines online or available
via email. If there are no guidelines on their site, but there
is a contact email, do what I do: Send a polite message asking if
submission guidelines are available.
Nine times out of ten I receive the guidelines, a request to send
a SASE to a snail mail address or asking what my pitch was.
Sending A Query
---------------
Whether you email or snail mail your query, make sure you know
the publication - what kind of articles they publish and what
subjects have already been covered - before sending it.
Publications that have web sites often have article archives -
check these out!
Then Ask Yourself:
------------------
IS MY ARTICLE ORIGINAL?
The more original the idea, the more likely your query is to be
considered. If you're contemplating a topic that's already been
covered but have a unique angle, go for it.
ARE INTERVIEWS NEEDED?
If yes, do you have them lined up? If not, contact potential
interviewees before querying the article.
It's Time To Write The Query
----------------------------
Keep it short, less than a letter-sized double-spaced page is
best. Editors are busy people - if they can read a query that
covers all the bases quickly, they're more likely to consider it.
I'll use my first email query as an example. I'm a Raymond E.
Feist fan (he's an award-winning fantasy author). He helped
develop a computer role-playing game (RPG), Betrayal At Krondor,
and I knew he was working on the sequel, Return to Krondor. I
also knew the sequel had been bounced around and ended up with
Sierra Studios, delaying production. This meant fans were antsy
about whether the sequel was ever going to be made.
I went online and found the newsgroup alt.books.raymond-feist. I
then went to the Deja News (http://www.dejanews.com) web site and
discovered Feist posted on the newsgroup once in a while. I
emailed him about possibly writing an article about Return to
Krondor and would he be willing to be interviewed? He replied
immediately with a yes. He also gave me contact email addresses
for the game development company, Pyrotechnix, and Sierra
Studios. I contacted them and they also agreed to interviews.
My next step was selecting a publication to query. I subscribe
to Computer Gaming World, PC Gamer and PC Games, so I went to
their web sites first. I sent each an email requesting
submission guidelines. I got a reply from the editor of Computer
Gaming World within a few minutes, which took me by surprise:
"Hi what's your query? We can send you guidelines if you write
for us, but what's your pitch?"
Luckily, I had already written my query. Here's a sample from
it:
"Most authors find the world of writing has changed quite a bit
in the last few years, with the Internet and World Wide Web fast
becoming a new publishing medium. Fantasy author Raymond E.
Feist has embraced this world of change in an unusual way. Where
popular sci-fi or fantasy books are developed into a computer
game, Feist did it "backwards" - he helped develop a computer
game and is publishing a book based on it after the fact. I'd
like to propose an exclusive in-depth interview with Feist, a
master of fantasy writing and now a master of fantasy in the
online world. I have received a go-ahead from Sierra to interview
the folks at Pyrotechnix. I have not sent this query to any other
editors and look forward to your reaction to this exclusive
submission."
The next day I received a phone call from the RPG editor. He said
they didn't usually work with freelancers, but they couldn't say
no to my query. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Ohio to
spend the day at Pyrotechnix. All expenses were paid by the
magazine. I wrote two articles - one about the game and one about
Feist. After a couple of months of deciding where they were going
to place the articles, my article was one of the main feature
stories in the October 1998 issue!
Some Advice:
------------
* Once your query is accepted, send the article in by the
deadline and with the exact word count requested.
* Don't get too friendly with editors. They don't want to hear
about your private life or personal problems.
* If changes are made to your article, grin and accept it.
However, if you feel strongly about it, *calmly* contact the
editor with alternatives. This makes you look like the
professional writer you're supposed to be!
I now do 99% of my queries via email - the speed of it means I
can begin writing immediately, email the article to the editor
and get published sooner. And you can, too.
RELATED LINKS:
The Market List
http://www.marketlist.com/
Guide to Online Guidelines
http://www.snafu.de/~gadfly/
Writer's Guidelines Database
http://mav.net/guidelines/
Paying Markets List
http://www.writerswrite.com/paying/
==------------------------------------------------==
J.A. Hitchcock is the author of six books and freelances for
several online and print publications including Computer Gaming
World, Computer News and Link-UP. Hitchcock is currently writing
a book titled _The Wild, Wild Web: Danger In Your Computer_ and
can be reached at anotherwriter@hotmail.com or visit
http://www.geocities.com/~hitchcockc/jayne.html
Copyright (c) 1998 J.A. Hitchcock.
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