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Inklings Issue 6.12
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i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.12 June 21, 2000
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<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0612.html>
In this issue: Chloe Osborne discusses how to get great
interviews, and Marcia Yudkin talks about syndication.
This issue sponsored by:
*****************************************************************
XLIBRIS exists to help authors publish. Promptly, permanently.
You retain control. We make it happen: your book in beautiful
hard cover and trade paperback editions, available on-demand,
forever. Call for a free information pack: 1-888-7XLIBRIS, email
info@xlibris.com or visit us online: http://www.xlibris.com/
*****************************************************************
ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright (c) 2000 Inkspot Company Of Canada.
See end of issue for full copyright and contact information.
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From the Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask the Magazine Writer
Beating the Anxiety of Interviews, by Chloe Osborne
Writers' Classifieds
*****************************************************************
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S DESK
-------------------------------
My face is red! I omitted one vital line from my impassioned
editorial on copyright issues in the last issue -- a line that
was meant to state that readers are welcome, nay, ENCOURAGED to
snip and share that particular editorial. So, for those of you
who have written to inquire (and those who haven't) -- yes, you
are welcome to share my June 7 editorial with your newsgroups,
listservs, etc. Please include the line, "Reprinted by
permission of Inklings/Inkspot and Moira Allen". Spread the word!
(see http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0611.html)
Angela Giles Klocke wrote to ask what I meant about the "format"
of the Kazoodles newsletter, listed in last issue's "Fresh Ink."
My comment was based on the strings of funny/funky characters
that divide each section of the newsletter. Turns out, these
may not have been intended; Angela is checking to see why the
format may not be working properly. Let me reiterate: It's a
very informative newsletter!
Error: The URL for Xrefer was incorrect in last issue's "Fresh
Ink." The correct URL is http://w2.xrefer.com.
Finally, a warm thank you to all who wrote to congratulate me
about my move. It's lovely to feel so welcomed! For those who
asked, the move is due to a within-company job transfer for my
husband.
-- Moira Allen
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
Prize Giveaway: HOW NOT TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY
---------------------------------------------
By Denny Martin Flinn (Lone Eagle Publishing Company).
Do you yearn to write a blockbuster screenplay, but aren't
sure how to avoid common mistakes in formatting and overuse of
screenplay devices? With Denny Martin Flinn's book, you'll
discover how to successfully avoid the 101 most common mistakes
screenwriters make.
To find out how to enter Inkspot's Writers' Challenge and win
this book, please see INKPRINTS, Bev Walton-Porter's
bi-weekly book review column, at:
http://www.inkspot.com/books/inkprints.html (BW)
Congratulations to the following Survey winners:
Amazon Gift Certificates ($20 each):
Jenna Terry, Dick Brady, Sabin Densmore, John Poindexter, Dolores
von Philip Wood, phil good, Cynthia Clark, Mary Jane Edwards, D.
Stein, Shannon Hawk Thompson.
Inkspot pen winners:
Shauna Laughna, Ed Lynch, Angela Giles Klocke, Karen Shibuya,
Mary Browne, Eva Cahen, Malcolm E.Taylor, Patrick Brown, Brandi
Townsend, Christi S. Upson.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
E-Pub FAQ Update
----------------
Moira Allen has written an update to Inkspot's popular
E-Publishing FAQ. Learn the state of the current e-publishing
climate and more: (MA)
http://www.inkspot.com/epublish/articles/epublishfaqupdate.html
Brian A. Hopkins Interview & Chat
---------------------------------
Exclusive Inkspot interview with Stoker Winning Horror / Dark
Fantasy Author and Editor:
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/hopkins.html.
*Related Note*: Don't forget about this Friday's chat with
Brian, including giveaways! (Details in the Inkspot Community
Update at end of this issue) (SS)
ResearchBuzz
------------
Though not strictly for writers, this newsletter on the latest
research and search engine news offers a great deal of useful
information for the writer/researcher. To subscribe, send a
blank message to join-researchbuzz@lists.lyris.net. (MA)
http://www.researchbuzz.com
Inside.com
----------
Great source of book industry news. (DRO)
http://www.inside.com/books/index.html
SharpWriter.com
---------------
Links to dictionaries, grammar sources, punctuation information,
thesauri, encyclopedias, genre resources, general writing
resources, e-book information, and lots more. (MA)
http://www.sharpwriter.com
Children's Writing Discussion List
----------------------------------
Established by the Children' Book Insider magazine, this e-mail
discussion list is for children's writers and illustrators. To
subscribe, send e-mail to majordomo@lists.mindspring.com with
"subscribe childrens-writing" in the body of the message. (DRO)
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/writlist.html
Standard Freelance Publication Agreement
----------------------------------------
A handy sample of a contract from the Periodical Writers
Association of Canada; downloadable in PDF format. (MA)
http://www.web.net/~pwac
Internet News Clipping Services
-------------------------------
Comparison of different services available. (DRO)
http://www.acm.org/networker/issue/9903/incs.html
The Word Pool
-------------
Resource for children's writers, UK focus. Includes a FAQ
and tips on writing picture books. (DRO)
http://www.wordpool.co.uk/wfc/wfc.htm
Step-by-Step Guide to Oral History
----------------------------------
A site that explores in detail how to gather oral histories,
research history from primary source documents such as diaries,
and more. Go "up" to the top levels of the site to see a "case
study" of a historical analysis based on a diary and contemporary
documents. (MA)
http://www.dohistory.org/on_your_own/toolkit/oralHistory.html
For Young Writers
------------------
Inkspot's special section for young writers. Lots of tips,
articles, interviews, advice, critique section, links,
message boards. Editor: Shane Stacks. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/young/
MA: Moira Allen. DRO: Debbie Ridpath Ohi.
BW: Bev Walton-Porter. SS: Shane Stacks.
** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
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/market/.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
"FNASR": First North American Serial Rights, "SASE":
self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs": simultaneous
submissions, "mss": manuscript, "RT": response time, "GL":
guidelines.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks
(SS), Margaret Shauers (MS), Jan Edwards (JE), Jerri Ledford
(JL).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
CONSTRUCTION JOB HOTSHEET
Editor: Sean Underwood
116 Bryan Road
Wilmington, NC, 28412.
(910) 793-0580. FAX: (910) 793-0582
CONSTRUCTION JOB HOTSHEET is a focused hardcopy and electronic
publication that "caters to the industrial construction worker
and is designed to keep the industrial construction worker
apprised of emerging issues in the industry, including health and
safety concerns, practical financial advice, new tools and
technology, jobsite coverage and other issues along these
concerns." FREQ: Monthly. CIRC: 3K. NEEDS: Articles on
"INDUSTRIAL Construction interests (absolutely no residential or
commercial submissions accepted); seasonal men's interest, e.g.
hunting tips, fishing, stock car racing, sports, etc.; industrial
worker profiles, tips of the trades; various other men's
interests." All articles must be of direct interest to the
industrial construction worker. LENGTH: 800-1K wds. GL: Proposals
("query letter with a brief outline of article ideas") preferred
to actual submissions. Published writers should include 2-5
clips. In the event your article idea is accepted (on spec),
submissions are accepted via email and postal mail. For postal,
submit ms in standard ms format and include SASE. For email,
include as an attachment in MS Word format only. Simsubs,
multisubs and previously published material are not accepted.
RIGHTS: Print and electronic first publication rights. NOTE: this
market is both hardcopy and electronic, and pays once for
publication in both simultaneously. PAYS: $150-$200/story within
30 days of publication. RT: 4-6 weeks. TIP(S): "We actually
prefer proposals prior to submissions, it reduces the chance of a
writer wasting time on a piece that covers a topic that we may
not be interested in." AND: "The writing style should be concise,
yet lively and entertaining, while constantly keeping the mindset
and interests of the industrial construction worker priority."
FINALLY: "Photography and artwork purchased separately. Rates
vary depending on subject. Great opportunity for new writers to
break into the market." (SS)
URL: http://www.craftsvc.com/hotsheet.htm
GL: available via email
E-Mail: craftsvc@craftsvc.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
MYRIA
Editor: Nancy Price
Myria Media, Inc.
P. O. Box 29
Kingston, OH 45644
Phone: 925.947.MOMS (6667)
MYRIA is an online magazine that exists to support, inform and
encourage women who are mothers. Site also includes links to
ePregnancy, Interactive Parent, and EverythingSmart.com, other
online publications owned and operated by Myria Media Network.
FREQ: Updated weekly. AUDIENCE: Mothers/women and parents. NEEDS:
Features on health, lifestyle, business, pleasure, food, art,
parenting written by journalists; and information from experts.
Articles should be based on research and interviews, have a
friendly accessible approach, and written for MYRIA's audience.
LENGTH: Minimum 700 wds for feature articles. RIGHTS: First
online rights. Exclusive electronic rights for 90 days. After 90
days, rights revert back to author. Retains archive rights. PAY:
On publication. $25 to $50 per feature article and $10 for first
person pieces and reprints. RT: Within 1 month - usually faster.
Follow-ups welcome. SUBMISSION: If you are interested in writing
for MYRIA, please send an e-mail to feedback@myria.com. Please
query for article assignments with a list of links to published
clips. If writing as an expert, please detail relevant
experience. Spec work may be sent for review, but the work must
be pasted into the body of an e-mail. Do not send attachments.
Please include a brief bio with submissions. Refer to detailed
style guidelines at: http://myriamedia.com/style.htm. Become
familiar with the Website prior to submitting queries. ADDITIONAL
TIPS FROM EDITOR: "We are interested in working with both new and
published writers." COMMENTS: "We're a small company (owned and
operated by two at-home moms) and do not have outside funding. We
are committed to intelligent reporting and quality in all aspects
of our work." (JE)
URL: http://www.myriamedia.com
GL: http://myriamedia.com/guidelines.htm
E-mail: feedback@myria.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
EARWIG FLESH FACTORY
Editor: Carlton Mellick III.
Eraserhead Press
16664 E. Trevino Drive
Fountain Hills, Arizona, 85268
EARWIG FLESH FACTORY is a quarterly print magazine of dark
surrealism and bizarre horror. "Combine the works of Clive
Barker, David Lynch, and Salvador Dali into 40 pages and you'll
have THE EARWIG FLESH FACTORY." NEEDS: Fiction, flash fiction,
and prose poems. "Genres accepted are: dark bizarre, neo and
traditional surrealism, dark absurdism, urban fantasy (something
I want more of), dark fantasy, dark magic realism, and dark
surreal science fiction (I really want this if it exists
anywhere). Anything dark and surreal is fine ... heck, I'd even
take a western or murder mystery if it had those elements within
it." LENGTH: Fiction- 1k-4k wds; Flash Fiction and Prose Poems-
100-300 wds. GL: Postal and email submissions accepted, email
preferred (paste text into body of email, no attachments
accepted). No simsubs. Multiple submissions okay, previously
published material accepted occasionally. RIGHTS: FNASR. PAYS: On
publication. Fiction: $3/story plus cc. Flash Fiction and Prose
Poetry pay cc only. RT: 2-6 weeks. TIP(S): "Please do not send
work unless you feel it is both dark and bizarre. Stories taking
place within a surreal world are always a plus, but I take
anything that strikes me as unusual ... eccentric characters are
also a plus. I believe that the best fiction is published in the
small press, so don't send anything 'mainstream'." ALSO: "Flash
Fiction (100-300 words) are the easiest sales." (SS)
URL: http://eraserheadpress.cjb.net
GL:
http://www.angelfire.com/az2/eraserheadpress/earwigfleshfactory.html
E-Mail: ehpress@aol.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
RIPRAP WRITER'S PLAYHOUSE
Editor: Sandy Marie Alexander
P. O. Box 55221
Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
818.569.3088
RIPRAP WRITER'S PLAYHOUSE is primarily a website devoted to
screenplays. Riprap's goal is to read and select screenplays,
teleplays, film shorts, plays and short stories for production on
cable access television. Potpourri, poems and articles are now a
paying market. FREQ: Site is updated continually. CIRC: Between
330-500 hits/day. AUDIENCE: Writers, actors, producers,
filmmakers. NEEDS: Articles, poems and tips relating to acting,
writing, filmmaking and digital video for website publication.
LENGTH: Potpourri - 100 wds maximum; Poems - maximum of three
poems or Potpourris per submission. Nonfiction and Fiction 1,000
wds maximum. RIGHTS: Non-exclusive rights for online archives.
Accepts simultaneous submissions and previously published
submissions. PAY: On acceptance. Potpourri and Poems - $5 each
for selected items. $25 maximum for Fiction and Nonfiction items.
Byline given. RT: One month on poems and potpourri. Reports on
queries in one month. Reports within two months on submissions.
SUBMISSION: Read the previous posts written by editor. Potpourri
and Poems - Draft a question and provide the answer. Submit a
stand-alone writing, acting, film or video tip, anecdote or fact
congruent to Potpourri's theme. Nonfiction includes educational,
inspirational, opinion, humor - personal experiences relating to
the writing, acting, film, video, production and/or publishing
scene. Queries accepted by E-mail, but plain text must be pasted
in the body of the E-mail. Does not accept attachments or fax
transmissions. Queries may be sent via snail mail. COMMENTS:
Separate guidelines and agreement are available on website for
submitting work for possible digital television broadcast.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM EDITOR: Sandy Marie Alexander has developed
Riprap Writer's Playhouse as a vehicle to expose the works of new
and veteran writers to the entertainment industry as well as the
general population. If selected, the writer will receive a free
VHS copy of that broadcast. Established in January 1999, we have
recently added a paying market for poems, Potpourri and articles
to create a resourceful, entertaining environment congruent with
the television show. (JE)
URL: http://www.riprapentertain.com
GL: http://www.riprapentertain.com/guide.html
E-mail: sandy@riprapentertain.com
Also: http://www.riprapentertain.com/rules.html (This link
contains the specific "Rules and Regulations" including a
critical required release for the submissions for the actual
broadcast).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Sorry for the last minute notice, I just found out about...
WARNER BOOKS ANNOUNCES FIRST NOVEL CONTEST: Deadline June 30th.
(straight from their web site) Warner Books has a contest for new
and unpublished science fiction and fantasy authors. The winning
manuscript will be published by Warner Aspect, the SF and fantasy
line, as part of the "New Aspects" program featuring first
novelists of outstanding talent and potential. An advance and
royalties against copies sold will be paid.
Contest is open to authors who have not previously published a
novel. Only one submission per entrant.
Entries must be received between December 15, 1999 and June 30,
2000.
All submissions must include a disposable copy of a synopsis of
the complete story plus the first several chapters of the
manuscript (up to 60 pages maximum), typed double-spaced on
white, 8 1/2" X 11" paper. Enclose a business-sized SASE for
response.
Finalists from round one will be invited to submit their complete
manuscripts. The winner will be notified in writing by December
1, 2000.
Mail Entries to:
Warner Aspect First Novel Contest
Editorial Department
1271 Ave. of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
Be sure to include name, address, and daytime telephone
number.
More details are on site:
http://www.twbookmark.com/sciencefiction/contest.html (ST)
**-----------------------------------------------------**
and an evergreen (since 1983!) with quarterly deadlines: next
deadline June 30th
L. Ron Hubbard's WRITERS OF THE FUTURE ®
L. Ron Hubbard's WRITERS OF THE FUTURE ® contest is an
international search for new and amateur writers of new short
stories --all types of "science fiction, fantasy and horror with
fantastic elements." No entry fee. Entrants retain all
publication rights. Prizes every three months: $1000, $750, $500.
Annual grand prize: $4000 additional! Work must be under 17K
words in length and previously unpublished. "The Contest is open
only to those who have not had professionally published (more
than 5,000 copies) a novel or short novel, or more than three
short stories, or more than one novelette in any medium." Prizes
are awarded quarterly. Submissions for the April 1- June 30th
period are due by midnight June 30th. If you miss that deadline,
your next deadline is September 30th. One manuscript per entrant
per quarter. For more details see the web site:
<http://www.writersofthefuture.com/contest/writers/rules.htm>
(ST)
**-----------------------------------------------------**
MARKET UPDATES: Emily Hancock at Moxie Magazine dropped us an
e-mail: "We pay authors of articles we publish on the web zine
only $10. Many who have seen our listing on various writer sites
have been very disappointed because they expected $25." She also
added that they are all out of t-shirts (I have one!) so the
t-shirt in lieu of payment swap is also history.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com.
*****************************************************************
Ask The Experts
---------------
*** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. ***
Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) judith@judithbowen.com
David Breeden (POET) dbreeden@schreiner.edu
Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) charlesd@inkspot.com
Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelaywer@inkspot.com
Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com
Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com
Michelle West (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net
Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com
Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) yudkin@inkspot.com
Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message,
but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings.
Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist.
*****************************************************************
ASK THE FREELANCE WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Marcia Yudkin <yudkin@inkspot.com>
How Can I Syndicate My Column?
------------------------------
Q: I have written a number of 700+ word op-ed columns in the past
2 1/2 years. I have been published in a number of newspapers
nationwide. How should I go about trying to get syndicated? I
don't want to self-syndicate (at least not yet). Should I go
through an agent with appropriate experience in this field, or
should I try to pitch to the syndicates directly? Also, where
can I access a list of syndicates in this country?
A: Let's start with the easy parts: Agents sell book projects to
book publishers and do not handle syndication sales. You can get
a complete list of newspaper syndicates through an annual
directory published by Editor & Publisher magazine. It costs
$8.50 and can be purchased at http://www.editorandpublisher.com.
Or look for it at any library that subscribes to that magazine.
On your bigger question, however, it does not sound to me like
you are ready to be syndicated. Almost every syndicate will want
to see evidence that you have built up a loyal audience in at
least one newspaper outlet, and that you can maintain consistent
quality and meet deadlines over time. Even then it's difficult to
get syndicated. I suggest that you first work on obtaining a
regular column slot in your local paper and get evidence of
reader loyalty.
Can I Use Previously Published Quotes?
--------------------------------------
Q: If I am doing research on an article (let's say the topic is
nutrition), and I find some valuable information in another
article I saw in a magazine with quotes from experts, can I use
those quotes without permission in my article, or would I have to
get permission? And if so, who would I contact for permission?
Would it be the publisher of the magazine or must I try and get
hold of the expert him/herself?
A: In almost every case, your magazine article should use quotes
that you have gathered yourself, by speaking to experts. This
ensures that your work is original and up-to-date. One way to
find experts is by reading magazine articles on your topic. But
you should always then contact the expert and get fresh quotes.
The only exceptions I can think of might be if the expert has
died or if the previous quotes were considered newsworthy in
their own right. I cannot recall a single instance in my 19
years of freelancing where it was necessary to quote something
that had previously appeared in some other magazine. You must do
your own interviewing, so that the issue of permission becomes
moot.
Should I Submit to a Syndication Service?
-----------------------------------------
Q: Could you discuss the pros and cons of submitting work to an
organization like PowerProse.com? They give rates of payment and
assign articles, but it isn't clear whether they actually buy the
work up front or take it pending sale to one of their clients. I
read their contract but it wasn't very clear. They advertise in
writers-wanted job sites.
A: Powerprose.com appears to be a syndication service that
commissions original material and also distributes some
previously published material. It looks to me from their Web site
that all assigned works get paid for, regardless of whether or not
they have customers lined up. However, it also appears that at
present you receive just one payment ($.25 to $.50 a word for
magazine articles) regardless of how many times the syndicate sells
that article to its clients in that distribution channel (i.e.,
print or Web). This is not fair. It also appears that
Powerprose.com obtains exclusivity on articles you sell them for
one year. Considering that the same work might interest 20 or
100 clients, this is not in your best interest.
In general, my advice is that you not get involved with any company
unless you understand the terms and feel you can live with them.
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Marcia Yudkin is a syndicated columnist as well as the author of
Writing Articles about the World Around You, Freelance Writing
for Magazines & Newspapers and seven other books. You can read
more articles of hers about successful freelancing at
http://www.yudkin.com/publish.htm.
Copyright (c) 2000 Marcia Yudkin
*****************************************************************
BEATING THE ANXIETY OF INTERVIEWS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Chloe Osborne <angelchloe@gbis.com>
You've accepted the challenge of writing an article on a topic
you know barely anything about. Suddenly the anxiety hits: How
do you make the article sound convincing? Who can you talk to
who can provide reliable information, and perhaps a few quotes?
I faced this problem a few months back, when I sent in a query on
the America's Cup. My query was accepted, and I suddenly felt I
had gotten myself stuck in something I couldn't handle. Feeling
slightly discouraged, yet under pressure to get these quotes, I
visited numerous sites belonging to these individuals' America's
Cup teams. Finally, I found an e-mail address for Dennis Conner.
I e-mailed a request for an interview, then did the same for Dawn
Riley. I was surprised by quick responses asking for more
information, and then speedy acquiescences to complete online
interviews. I was able to acquire a wealth of information from
these two individuals, and my stories became front-page lead
exclusives.
Making Contact
--------------
People enjoy being interviewed. It tells them that their advice
and experiences are of interest to a wide range of people. While
not everyone will do an interview with you, there are always many
experts who are more than happy to answer your questions.
Today, most professionals have e-mail addresses, which can often
be found at their web sites. If they don't have a web site, you
can easily look them up in an online white pages (or yellow pages
if they are a business), and call or write to them. Word-of-mouth
also works when it comes to contacting professionals. If you
mention the article you are writing to friends and colleagues, it
is likely that someone will say, "Well, I have a friend who is an
expert in..." This makes finding experts far less daunting than
trying to contact the most famous person you can think of.
Many people feel anxious about interviewing someone. For me, the
more famous my subject is, the more nervous I become. However,
there is no need to be riddled with anxiety. Take a deep breath,
pick up the phone and dial the number. Politely introduce yourself
and explain who you are, what publication you are writing for, and
that you would like to interview them for your article. Explain
the subject matter in as much detail as possible. Try to speak
slowly to avoid overwhelming your interviewee, and be informal
but respectful.
Conducting the Interview
------------------------
There are three basic ways to conduct an interview these days.
The first is the traditional in-person interview. This is great
for obtaining descriptions of the interviewee's reactions to your
questions, and definitely adds color to an interview. However, if
you are located in California and your subject lives in Texas,
flying out for a personal interview is likely to cost you a
bundle. This is when the telephone comes in handy.
Telephone interviews are a wonderful way to cover geographical
distance, and are helpful for interviewees who are always on the
go. Interviewing people over the phone is also effective for
getting a mental picture of the personality of your subject, as
voice can tell a lot about a person. They also enable you to slip
in extra questions as you think of them. The only downsides are
the cost of long-distance calls, and the problem of connecting
across different time-zones.
A final option is the e-mail interview. The most contemporary
form of interview, these have advantages and disadvantages.
Obviously, they are extremely quick to complete, although many
subjects will procrastinate on replying to your questions, which
can be a problem on tight deadlines. Also, it is difficult to
ascertain the personality of your subject through e-mail, as text
doesn't have the animation of a real-life or telephone interview.
E-mail interviews are great if your subject works irregular hours,
lives far away, or is extremely busy and prefers to answer your
questions in their few spare minutes of the day. They are also
useful for interviewees who prefer to take their time to think
about your questions, rather than having to feel "on the spot"
as with a telephone interview.
Building Rapport
----------------
Many people are nervous during interviews because they know that
their words will appear in a magazine or online, and many people
will be reading about them. If your interviewees are stiff and
short with you, try to bring them out of their shell and make
them more animated. Ask them questions about something they are
thoroughly interested in, whether it relates to the interview
topic or not. Make these questions easy, and interviewees will
pour out information about themselves. This will enable you to
ask questions on your topic, and receive a more animated response.
You don't need to know everything about the subject about which
you are writing. Just a basic knowledge and an interest in the
topic, will suffice. There is an abundance of experts in nearly
every field, and if your particular topic is an area in which
expertise is less common, chances are that the few experts
present will be willing to interview with you in order to
publicize their field.
Locating Contacts
-----------------
While your dream interviews may include Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnold
Schwarzenegger and Demi Moore, you probably won't get these
interviews unless you are writing for a high-profile magazine
such as Cosmopolitan or GQ. However, if you are writing an
article on say, the movie Titanic, you don't need to interview
the lead movie stars. How about contacting a member of the stage
crew -- a person who is often left out of interviews in favor of
the bigger names? You'll probably end up with more interesting
information than the big names would ever give you, and provide a
unique insight into the filming of the movie.
There are many places to find experts or at least knowledgeable
people to help with your article. The Internet is definitely the
most comprehensive information resource: Simply type appropriate
keywords into a search engine, and visit the web sites that come
up. You are likely to find several e-mail addresses and telephone
numbers belonging to experts in the field. If that fails, try
ProfNet, a database created by over 11,000 public relations
professionals to provide journalists with links to expert sources.
Next time you worry that you've taken on more than you can handle,
sit back, relax, and hunt down some experts. Chances are that with
expert quotes and commentary, you'll wow the editors of the
publication, and you'll have a better chance of getting your next
story idea accepted!
Resources:
----------
Profnet: http://www.profnet.com
Interview Etiquette:
http://www.inkspot.com/moira/archives/May00.html
**----------------------------------------------**
Chloe Osborne is the editor-in-chief of The O_zon
(http://www.theozone.com) and was nonfiction editor of Deeply
Shallow. Her most recent e-book is How to Become a Good Public
Speaker, now available at Booklocker.com
(http://www.booklocker.com/bookpages/cosborne.html).
Copyright (c) 2000 Chloe Osborne
*****************************************************************
INKSPOT COMMUNITY UPDATE - by Shane Stacks
-----------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING CHAT: Brian A. Hopkins
Date/Time: Friday, June 23 @ 8PM Eastern / 7 PM Central
Place: Inkspot Java Chat
Inkspot is pleased to welcome back dark fantasy/horror writer
Brian A. Hopkins as a valued guest speaker. BAH has recently
published a new book, won a coveted Stoker, been named Pulp
Eternity's Author of the Year, and nominated for both a Nebula
and the Ted Sturgeon Memorial Award! On top of that, he's also
editing and releasing revolutionary electronic CD anthologies
under Lone Wolf Publications that are packed with
excellent stories from superb authors.
How does he do it all, continually come out on top, and *still*
have time to chat with us? Join us and find out!
UPDATE: Brian will be giving away a copy of his new book,
THE LICKING VALLEY COON HUNTERS CLUB, and a copy of
EXTREMES, his new horror CD anthology, as door prizes!
ALSO: Don't forget to read the exclusive new Inkspot interview
with Brian at http://www.inkspot.com/feature/hopkins.html
More Info: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
Brian's Bio: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/speakerinfo.html
INKSPOT CHAT MAILING LIST: Send blank e-mail to
icc-subscribe@topica.com
DISCUSSION FORUMS: Join this growing community of writers!
Wide variety of topics and events, everyone welcome.
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Inkspot Java Chat: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
(open 24/7, chat anytime!)
Inkspot Community Events Newsletter:
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/forumevents.html
Or send e-mail to Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com
NOTE: Interested in being an Inkspot guest speaker? Contact Shane
Stacks with your name, publishing history, and possible focus of
the chat.
*****************************************************************
W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
----------------------------------------------------------------
Ready to improve your skills? Writers University can help. We
have classes covering many topics including screenplays, novels,
marketing, developing characters, and more. All classes are
offered online and are affordably priced. Visit our website for
more information: http://writersbbs.com/wu/
*****************************************************************
INKLINGS NEWSLETTER STAFF
(for full Inkspot staff list, please see
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/staff.html)
Editor-in-Chief: DEBBIE RIDPATH OHI <ohi@inkspot.com>
Managing Editor: MOIRA ALLEN <moira@inkspot.com>
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Inklings columnists: See "Ask The Experts" section
Market researchers: See Markets section
Circulation Manager: FOX <fox@inkspot.com>
Assistant Editor: SHANE STACKS <staxx@inkspot.com>
Editorial Assistant: TRACY COOPER-POSEY <tracy@inkspot.com>
Copy Editor/Proofreader: GAIL HEINSOHN<intrepidrider@taconic.net>
Systems Administrator: BRYAN FULLERTON <bryanf@samurai.com>
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Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing
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as long as the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included and
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Back issues/info available at: http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/
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------
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Editor-in-chief, Inkspot
http://www.inkspot.com
INKSPOT: resource for writers. Email subscribe@inkspot.com for
free subscription to INKLINGS (circ. 45,000+). Author of THE
WRITER'S ONLINE MARKETPLACE (Writer's Digest Books, Oct/2000)
