Copy Link
Add to Bookmark
Report
Inklings Issue 6.09
*****************************************************************
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.9 Over 45,000 subscribers May 10, 2000
*****************************************************************
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0609.html>
In this issue: Romance writer Judith Bowen discusses how to
handle that pesky question, "Are you published yet?" and Mary
Emma Allen describes ways to turn your collection of columns or
articles into a book.
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 1995-2000 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end
of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
CONTENTS THIS ISSUE:
From the Managing Editor's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask The Romance Writer
Producing a Book from Your Columns or Articles
Writers' Classifieds
*****************************************************************
FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR'S DESK
-------------------------------
I'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome I've received as
Managing Editor of Inklings. Rest assured, however, that this
does not mean that Debbie will be any less involved with Inklings
or Inkspot; it is an opportunity, rather, for the Creative
Mastermind to plot and plan and do what she does best... (Imagine
a burst of maniacal laughter from behind the scenes...)
I confess, this is an honor I never expected when I sold my first
article to Inklings in August 1997. I can't recall the exact
circulation figures then, but I believe it was under 20,000. Now
Inklings has more than 45,000 readers -- and no fewer than 8,000
websites around the world have links to Inkspot.
Nor did I expect the effect Debbie would have on my own writing
career. After my first couple of submissions, Debbie casually
mentioned that she'd like to see more information on "writing and
the Internet." OK, I thought, I could do that. I began to look
into electronic issues that affected writers: electronic rights,
using e-mail to query editors, electronic submissions, that sort
of thing. One thing led to another, one article led to another
-- and when Allworth Press invited me to pitch some ideas for
writing books, it suddenly hit me: Hey, I could write a book
about how the Internet has affected the business of writing! Thus
Writing.com was born -- making Debbie the literary equivalent of
a godparent.
Through Inklings and Inkspot, I suspect Debbie has "godparented"
a great many careers. It's a tradition we intend to continue,
and I am proud to have been asked to be a part of it.
- Moira Allen
Coming next week in Global Writers' Ink
---------------------------------------
A special issue on international financial issues: taxes,
getting paid in foreign currencies, cutting costs. For
more info, see http://www.inkspot.com/global/
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
Prize Giveaway: THE QUOTABLE WRITER
-----------------------------------
By William A. Gordon (McGraw-Hill, 2000). Looking for just the
right quote from a fellow or sister scribe to urge you on to
greatness with your writing? For info on how to enter Inkspot's
Writers' Challenge, please see INKPRINTS, Bev Walton-Porter's
bi-weekly book review column, at:
http://www.inkspot.com/books/inkprints.html
Winner of THE WRITER'S LEGAL GUIDE was Traci Avet.
** The prize giveaway section will soon be managed by Bev
Walton-Porter, Inkspot Bookstop Editor (writing-related book
reviews). If you have a writing-related book you would like to
be considered for review and/or giveaway, please contact Bev at
bev@inkspot.com. The BookStop: http://www.inkspot.com/books/
New Articles on Inkspot
-----------------------
Finding the Best E-Publisher for Your Novel
By Tracy Cooper-Posey
E-publishers are proliferating across the web. Some succeed,
some vanish overnight. How can you find the right publisher for
your book -- and your dreams?
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/posey.html
Finding Your Voice as a Children's Writer
By Laura Backes
What is voice? How do you capture this oh-so-elusive quality in
your writing? Laura Backes, editor of Children's Book Insider,
offers tips on discovering and cultivating your personal voice.
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/voice.html
Through Judge-Coloured Spectacles
By Sue Emms
Why do so many contest entries fail? A contest judge describes
the most common mistakes she's seen -- and what you can do to
improve your chances of winning. (From Inklings 6:8.)
http://www.inkspot.com/feature/contests.html
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Article: Online Writing Opportunities
-------------------------------------
This 3-part article by Steve Outing is part of the Content-
Exchange.com website. (DRO)
http://www.content-exchange.com/cx/html/newsletter/1-27/tt1-27.htm
Cassell Network of Writers
--------------------------
List yourself in the Writer's databank, or join the network to
find market information. The site also has some handy tips. (MA)
http://www.writers-editors.com/
Rejection Collection
--------------------
"Has a rejection letter or experience ever changed the course of
your life, caused you to commit a felony, or induced you to
rapidly ingest a gallon of high-fat premium ice cream?" (DRO)
http://www.rejectioncollection.com/
YouCanWrite.com
---------------
Billed as "The Online Reality Check For Aspiring Nonfiction
Writers," this site contains information on all aspects of
writing and publishing nonfiction. Sections cover working with
agents, developing ideas, preparing queries and proposals, and
"reality" checklists to gauge the readiness of your work. (JE)
http://www.YouCanWrite.com
The Ink Blotter
---------------
Also known as "The Writer's Sanity Break". This weekly column in
Inkspot features poems, personal essays and stories about the
craft and business of writing. Editor: Christopher Donner. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/inkblot
Inkspot Writer's Poll: Overcoming Obstacles
-------------------------------------------
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to face in your writing,
and how have you overcome it? (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/poll/
Inkspot Annual Survey 2000: Please Support Inkspot!
---------------------------------------------------
*Please* do take a few minutes to answer a few questions; we
value your input. Amazon gift certificates and Inkspot pens for
giveaway. Your participation is much appreciated. (DRO)
http://www.inkspot.com/survey/survey2000.html
DRO: Debbie Ridpath Ohi, JE: Jan Edwards, MA: Moira Allen.
** 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, "cc":
contributors' copies.
Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks
(SS), Margaret Shauers (MS), Jan Edwards (JE), Jerri Ledford (JL).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN & NORTH CAROLINA SPORTSMAN
Editor: Todd Masson
P.O. Box 1199, Boutte, LA 70039; (800) 538-4355
LOUISIANA SPORTSMAN and NORTH CAROLINA SPORTSMAN are monthly
magazines covering hunting and fishing in Louisiana and North
Carolina, respectively. CIRC: Louisiana Sportsman - 45K; North
Carolina Sportsman - 30K. NEEDS: State-specific feature articles
and news briefs covering fishing (saltwater and freshwater) and
hunting. LENGTH: Feature Articles - 2,000 wds; News Briefs - 200-
1,000 wds. GL: Send via postal mail or e-mail. For postal
submissions, send only disposable ms (no need for SASE). For
e-mail submissions, send text in body of e-mail only (no
attachments please). RTS: FNASR. PAYS: On publication. Feature
Articles: $250-$350; News Briefs: $20-$200. RT: 6 weeks. TIPS:
"Be as specific as possible. For example, I want a piece on how
fish are biting on the western tip of Grand Isle more than I'd be
interested on Red Drum fishing tips in general." NOTE: Editor
will contact author if interested in purchasing ms. Please do not
send SASE or extra postage for replies. Inquire with editor for
writers' guidelines.(SS)
URLs: LA Sportsman: http://www.louisianasportsman.com
NC Sportsman: http://www.northcarolinasportsman.com
E-Mail: toddm@louisianapublishing.com
**----------------------------------------------**
FITNESSLINK
Publisher and Editor: Shannon Entin
Fax: 609-397-7347
FITNESSLINK is a comprehensive website covering all aspects of
fitness for all walks of life. FREQ: Updated daily. CIRC: 200K
unique visitors per month. NEEDS: Feature articles on "sports,
fitness, bodybuilding, outdoor activities and sports nutrition."
FitnessLink has the following departments: Mind/Body Fitness
(yoga, martial arts, meditation, motivation, etc.); Nutrition
(eating properly, diets, sports nutrition, vitamin and mineral
information, etc.); Exercise (fitness activities, training
programs/exercise techniques, etc.); Weight Loss (sensible
weight loss tips -- no fad diets); Sports Fitness (sport-specific
training); Bodybuilding (training programs, nutrition,
supplements); Outdoor Adventures (extreme sports and outdoor
fitness activities); Men's Locker Room (fitness/health for men);
Women's Locker Room (fitness/health for women); Home Gym (working
out at home); Virtual Gym (working out at a health club). LENGTH:
1,200 wds max. GL: Query via e-mail or fax. Multiple submissions
okay, simultaneous submissions and previously published material
not accepted. RTS: First Serial Rights. PAYS: Within 30 days of
submission. $100-$400/article. TIPS: "Articles should have a
narrow subject focus. We are always interested in unique ways of
looking at old topics. Publishing on a World Wide Web site
requires quality, attention-grabbing information presented in a
format that is easily read on a computer screen... At this time,
we are particularly interested in articles on sports-specific
training, exercise science and sports medicine, sports nutrition,
women's bodybuilding, and content for our Men's Locker Room, Home
Gym, and Outdoor Adventures features." (SS)
URL: http://www.fitnesslink.com
GL: http://fitnesslink.com/info/guide.shtml
E-mail: shannon@fitnesslink.com
**----------------------------------------------**
SHYFLOWER'S GARDEN
Editor: Linda Paquette
Shyflower's Enterprises, Ltd., 1307 NW 1st. St., Faribault, MN
55021; (507)334-7469
SHYFLOWER'S GARDEN is a community where artists, writers, and
those who appreciate their work can interact, relax, renew old
friendships and make new ones. FREQ: Monthly. CIRC: 100 and
growing; "We're not big, but we're blooming." NEEDS: Articles,
fiction and poetry. "We try to keep the Garden topical and
seasonal, but please do not send work for a specific month or
topic without querying to see if there is space available for
that purpose. All material must coincide with the first portion
of our mission statement, that premise being that we are all a
part of the problem or a part of the solution. If the piece
presents a problem, it must also offer a solution to that
problem." LENGTH: Articles, essays and fiction should be under
2,500 wds. GL: Query first by e-mail (only) to the appropriate
editor. Send URL and the name of each of your personal web sites
in the body of the e-mail. Also include a short bio of yourself
if you desire. All contributors to SHYFLOWER'S GARDEN are
considered to be subscribers/members. If you do not want to
receive our newsletter, please include that information in your
submission. RTS: "We don't actually purchase any rights other
than the right to print an item and run it for the duration of
the issue as agreed upon between ourselves and the submitting
author." RT: Usually responds in 2 to 30 days. PAYS: "$1/per line
for poetry ($25 max.); 4c/wd for fiction and essays ($50 max);
5c/wd for articles ($75 max.). TIPS: Read our Mission Statement
and guidelines thoroughly before you submit. If a piece is topical,
please query before submitting. Also see the article entitled: "
How We Decide What to Print" at
http://pub8.ezboard.com/fshyflowersforumsquestionsanswers.showMessage?
topicID=6.topic,
our easy board forum called questions and answers. We also have
our publication schedule with our needs posted
at http://pub8.ezboard.com/fshyflowersforumscomingsoon, our
Shyflower's Calendar Forum. (JL)
URL: http://www.shyflowersgarden.homestead.com/
GL: http://shyflowersgarden.homestead.com/files/WriterGuidelines.htm
E-Mail: shyflower@means.net
**----------------------------------------------**
THE GEORGIA REVIEW
Acting Editor: Stephen Corey
The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-90009; (706) 542-3481
THE GEORGIA REVIEW is a literary journal published by The
University of Georgia. FREQ: Published quarterly in March, June,
September, December. CIRC: 6,000. AUDIENCE: General, literary.
NEEDS: Informed, thesis-oriented essays and creative personal
essays that view their subjects against a broad perspective --
work that can engage both the inquisitive general reader and the
specialist. Fiction and Poetry -- the very best work. Book reviews
-- query first or prepare proposal concerning assignment for book
review. Artwork: Query first about submitting reproductions (color
and black and white) or paintings, photography, woodcuts, ink
drawings, sculpture. LENGTH: No maximum length requirements. RTS:
FNASR. PAY: $35 per printed page for prose; $3/line for poetry.
Prose is about to be raised to $40 per page, effective July 2000.
RT: 2 to 3 months average. SAMPLE COPIES: Available for $7 each
(current Issue) or $6 each (our choice of back issues.) COMMENTS:
"We seek the very best work, whether by Nobel laureates and
Pulitzer Prize winners or by little-known (or even previously
unpublished) writers... In recent years we have been able to
accept less than one-half percent of the poetry and fiction
manuscripts received." SUBMISSION: Send typed, double-spaced
mss. Include SASE with adequate postage for return of mss or
reply, indicating which is desired. No submissions by fax or
e-mail. Unsolicited mss will not be considered during June,
July, and August. Submissions should be limited to one story
or one essay or three to five poems. Submissions of artwork
should include 15 to 20 original slides or sharp, glossy, black
and white 5" x 7" photographs. Editorial preference is for
groupings that display variety, while being unified. ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION: Does not consider book manuscripts, scholarly
articles, previously published work or simsubs.(JE)
URL: http://www.uga.edu/~garev/home.html
GL: http://www.uga.edu/~garev/geninfo/submit.html
**----------------------------------------------**
VISIONS & VOICES
P.O. Box 6848, New Albany, IN 47151-6848
VISIONS & VOICES is an electronic magazine published every three
months. The premiere issue is scheduled to be published June 1,
2000. Submissions for this issue must be received by May 15, 2000.
Each issue includes feature Articles, Myra's Muse, Inspirations,
Short Stories, and Poetry of a speculative romance nature, as
well as a Publisher Profile, Market Updates and Member News. Each
issue is available for three months. Please, no work containing
excessive sex or violence. Articles -- 2,000 wds or less preferred;
however, we will consider longer works. Needs: Writing Fantasy,
Futuristic, Paranormal and Time Travel Romance. Articles about the
writing life. Hints, tips and other information of interest to
writers. Inspirations -- 2,000 wds or less preferred; however, we
will consider longer works. Needs: Inspirational articles for
writers and readers. True tales of personal experiences dealing
with the unusual. Short Speculative Romance Fiction -- 5,000 wds
or less preferred; however, we will consider longer works. Needs:
We are interested in speculative works that cross genres with
romance; however, we will consider works of pure fantasy, science
fiction/futuristic, and paranormal and time travel: Fantasy
Romance, Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance, Paranormal Romance,
Time Travel Romance. Speculative Romance Poetry -- 500 wds or
less preferred. A collection of poetry including elements of
fantasy, futuristic/science fiction, paranormal and time travel
romance. Also looking for Publisher Profiles: If you are a
publisher of speculative romance and would like to be featured
on our webzine, please contact the editor. We also need Market
Updates. If you know of any hot market news, please contact the
editor. For manuscript submission guidelines, please see
guidelines on Web site. We will accept previously published works
as long as our use does not interfere with another publisher's
rights. Visions & Voices does not accept pornography or offensive
material. PAY: $5 per article, inspirations and short fiction.
Pays $2 - $4 for poetry. No payment for Publisher Profile and
Market Updates. Prefer one-time electronic rights and non-
exclusive rights to retain work in the archive. Will have the
rights for the period of 3 months (90 days) until they are
archived. Then the rights revert back to the author and can be
resold. We will remove your article from our archive upon your
request. CONTACT: All submissions and questions or comments are
handled through e-mail. Please send submissions or queries to
editor@mysticvisions.com or mail them to the address given above.
RT: Up to two weeks for properly submitted work. (ST)
URL: http://www.mysticvisions.com/visions&voices;/home.htm
GL: http://www.mysticvisions.com/visions&voices;/gl.htm
E-Mail: editor@mysticvisions.com
**----------------------------------------------**
MARKET NEWS: Bob Miller, the publisher of Blaze, the "Temple of
HipHop" lifestyle magazine, is shutting it down.
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 ROMANCE WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Judith Bowen <judith@judithbowen.com>
What do I tell people who ask, "Are you published yet?"
-------------------------------------------------------
Q: I am so discouraged. I've just had a rejection from a romance
house on my first book and I wouldn't mind that so much, but I am
constantly being asked by everyone I know if I am published yet.
When I say it's a long-term process, they change the subject. What
can I tell them? I find it so frustrating to be constantly asked,
"Are you published yet?"
A. This is an excellent question. We are all deluged with those
questions and they can be downright depressing!
The first thing, I would say, is to ask yourself: why am I
writing? If you are writing because you love to write, because
you long to write, because you can't imagine yourself doing
anything else, well, that is great. At least you are comfortable
with your personal aims and goals. You just need an "adjustment"
of your own attitude to deal with the naysayers. You could say
something like "Publishing is still down the road. It's a
wonderful challenge. I love my work!" Do think of your writing as
"work", as that can help you with people who wonder why you aren't
out selling magazines and gas at a 7-11 for a weekly paycheck.
However, do not think of writing as a "job." It is not a job,
unless you are writing for hire or working for an employer who
pays you to write. It is the "work" of your lifetime, a career
you can combine with domestic goals such as raising your children
at home and with part- or even full-time work outside of writing.
Then there's the strong focus on publishing that is so much a
part of the genre fiction world. I wonder sometimes if "literary
genre" writers get as much pressure to publish. If they do, we
don't hear about it.
With your family and good friends, you can tell them sincerely
and gently that you don't wish to be constantly asked, that you
find it discouraging, and assure them that they will be among the
first to know when you do get that acceptance letter.
Don't forget -- colleagues and others who inquire if you are
published yet are probably genuinely curious. In our world today,
money -- or publication -- tends to be equated with "success" in
the eyes of many people, and this is where the problem might lie.
Some people don't know what else to ask. They are unfamiliar with
the world of writing, and naturally assume publishing is the sole
aim and goal. Deep down, they are secretly amazed that you are able
to work magic with words and, in the end, get paid for it! They are
deeply impressed with your talent and dedication. When you say you
are not published yet, they don't know what to say next, so change
the subject.
Then there are the toughies -- the ones who genuinely don't have
your best interests at heart. Perhaps a light-hearted "But look
what I'm saving in panty-hose!" or something like that will deal
with them. A mysterious smile, a "Hmm" is always good, too, or
"What do _you_ feed your dog for breakfast?" Something confusing!
There's another important point to be addressed and you hint at
it in your question. You mention you've had a rejection on your
first book. Is that a first rejection ever or another rejection?
The road to publication is paved with rejections. My point is,
first books almost never sell. In the romance world, most authors
who have persisted and improved their craft with each and every
manuscript have usually written four or five or six complete
manuscripts before they ever make that first sale. Very often, it
takes many, many more manuscripts before the big breath-through.
John Grisham sent out "A Time to Kill" to oodles of publishers --
and never was able to do much with that book until after The Firm
found a publisher. The thirteenth agent he queried took him on
and I'll bet there are twelve agents who will be kicking
themselves forever over that one. Even if none of us ever achieve
the publishing "success" achieved by Grisham, this kind of story
is much more the norm than a sale with a first or second
manuscript. Unfortunately, romance genre has been labeled
"easy" and many of the disappointments writers suffer are
directly related to that wrong perception. Yes, hundreds are
published a year -- but very few new authors are taken on. It's
as tough to break into as any genre.
And let's remember this: Anything important or valuable is not
done the first time out. Elvis Stojko didn't strap on a pair of
skates and wobble out to do a double Axel first try -- never
mind a quad! At the other end of the spectrum, Mark Messier
didn't strap on a pair of skates and wobble out and score 50
goals in the NHL his first year either! Yet they were all using
the same size ice surface, the same tools -- skates -- and had
the same dedication to practice and to their goals.
Don't give up. That is the worst thing you can do. If you believe
in yourself -- and I know you do -- you must persevere. Perhaps
you can find some comfort in the knowledge that just as the
unpublished author is pestered with the same question over and
over, so is the published author: Where do you get your ideas?
Some people just don't get it! Ever!
**----------------------------------------------**
Judith Bowen is an award-winning romance author who currently
teaches classes on writing popular fiction in Vancouver, Canada,
and on-line with Writers on the Net (http://www.writers.com).
HIS BROTHER'S BRIDE is an Oct/Nov 1999 release from Harlequin
Superromance, the fifth in her "Men of Glory" books.
http://www.judithbowen.com
Copyright (c) 2000 Judith Bowen.
*****************************************************************
PRODUCING A BOOK FROM YOUR COLUMNS OR ARTICLES
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Mary Emma Allen <me.allen@juno.com>
Your columns and articles don't have to be the end result of your
work. Instead, they could be the beginning -- of a book. I've
published two such books: "When We Become the Parent to Our
Parents," a collection of articles on Alzheimer's disease that
appeared in newspapers and Christian magazines, and "Tales of
Adventure and Discovery," an anthology of previously published
children's stories and poems. I also write or have written columns
on cooking, gardening, and writing for online publications.
These, too, are possibilities for future books.
You can do the same, with poetry, essays, short stories, and
nonfiction. By starting out with previously published work, you
lend credibility to your book. Also, you save time, as you don't
have to develop completely new material.
A Writer's Checklist
--------------------
Look through your current and past writing, and ask yourself:
* Does it lend itself to a book on a particular topic, or are
your writings about too many different topics?
* Is there a market for your articles/columns in book form? Do
you have a readership who would be interested in your book? Can
you interest readers of special-interest groups on the Internet?
* Do you speak to groups whose members would be interested in
your book? Is there a niche market for the book?
* Can you schedule book-signings? Do you have contact with book
store CRCs who will be interested in having you give a talk and
do a signing? If not, start getting acquainted with them now and
setting the stage for future signings.
* If the book lends itself to self-publishing, can you afford it?
If not, perhaps the publisher of the newspaper in which the
columns appeared would be willing to help finance or promote it.
(Be sure, however, that the copyright stays in your name.) Or,
perhaps you should consider e-publishing, which is much less
expensive than print publishing.
Organizing Your Book
--------------------
When organizing your book or deciding how to structure the
columns, essays, poems, or recipes, you have various choices.
It's more than a hit and miss situation. You want to plan your
book so that there's some sense of order or flow.
* Chronological - This might be in the order that you've written
the columns/articles. Or it might mean in the sequence that the
events happened, even though you may not have written them in
that order.
When organizing "When We Become the Parent to Our Parents", I
placed the essays in the book pretty much in the order that they
happened in our lives. I started with the recognition of my
mother's Alzheimer's, accepting it, coping with it, and then
placing Mother in a nursing home and adjusting to this situation.
* Seasonal - If your material has a seasonal aspect to it (poems
that take place throughout the year), you may want to organize
them monthly or seasonally. A book I'm compiling consists of
essays and columns I've written about raising my daughter. I'm
planning to begin this one with January, because that was her
birth month, and continue it throughout the year.
* Regional - When I compile a book of my history columns about
New Hampshire, I think it will be logical to have them organized
so that they reflect the different regions of the state. Or, I
could organize them chronologically. This will be a decision to
make when I have all the material in front of me.
* Subject Area - If your material concerns different topics that
are held together by a specific theme, you may want to arrange
them according to subject.
* Rounding Out - As you compile your book, you may find you don't
have quite enough to items. With my Alzheimer's book, I decided
I needed two articles to make it flow smoothly and complete the
transition from the first stages to nursing home stage.
Traditional Publishing, Self-Publishing, or E-Publishing?
---------------------------------------------------------
* Traditional Publishing - Sometimes your work will attract a
traditional publisher. In other cases, your topic may be too
narrow in scope, or too regional, for larger publishers to
consider.
Besides looking at well-known publishers, research smaller
regional and literary publishers. Check out the types of books
these smaller publishers produce and see if yours fits their
categories.
* Self-Publishing - Another alternative is to self-publish the
material. If you teach workshops, give talks, or are involved
with groups, these can be excellent outlets for your books.
* E-Publishing - You may also decide to e-publish, either by
publishing the book electronically yourself, or finding an
e-publisher who handles your type of book. Many self-publishers
print or electronic) go on to become small publishers themselves.
Format
------
* Do you need illustrations? Can you do them yourself or do you
need to find an illustrator? Most larger publishers will use
their own illustrators, but if you are using a smaller press, or
doing it yourself, you may need to find your own. If you are
self-publishing, you may be able to find public-domain clip art
(including electronic clip art).
* Will you have an Introduction, Preface, or Acknowledgements?
How about an index? Do you plan to index the book yourself, or
do you need to hire an indexer?
* Appendix - Do you need additional information for the reader?
I found two appendices would help make "When We Become the Parent
to Our Parents" more credible and give readers places to go for
further information.
The Rewards
-----------
Producing a book of your writings can be exciting. It can also
contribute to your credibility as a writer, and open still more
doors in your writing career.
**----------------------------------------------**
Mary Emma Allen lives in New Hampshire. She is a children's
author, journalist, columnist, book author, and writing teacher
at conferences and schools. For more information, check out her
web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea.
Copyright (c) 2000 Mary Emma Allen
*****************************************************************
INKSPOT WRITERS' CHAT CENTER UPDATE - by Shane Stacks
-----------------------------------------------------
INKSPOT JAVA CHAT CENTER: Hassle-free chat environment loaded
with cool, user-friendly features. No special software, no
password registration... just type in your name and press
"connect"! Open 24/7... drop by anytime.
INKSPOT JAVA 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Inkspot Writers' Java Chat Center: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
Inkspot Discussion Forums:
Topics: http://www.inkspot.com/forums/topics.html
Community Events Newsletter:
http://www.inkspot.com/forums/forumevents.html
Or send e-mail to Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com
*****************************************************************
W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S
----------------------------------------------------------------
CHARACTER NAMING MADE EASIER: Mac/Win95 software, search over
12,500 first/16,000 last names. Intro $29.95. For more info,
see http://www.dfcreations.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
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/
*****************************************************************
** How to advertise in Inkspot or Inklings **
*****************************************************************
For details, e-mail autoresponder ratecard@inkspot.com or see:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/ratecard.html
*****************************************************************
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 <editor@inkspot.com>
Markets Editor: SAL TOWSE <towse@inkspot.com>
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>
*****************************************************************
Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing
list. More info: http://www.samurai.com or bryanf@samurai.com
*****************************************************************
Subscribers are welcome to recirculate Inklings for nonprofit use
as long as the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included and
appropriate credit is given. For reprint information, contact
moira@inkspot.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues/info available at: http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/
Autoresponder info
------------------
info@inkspot.com - Info about Inkspot and Inklings
adminfaq@inkspot.com - How to subscribe, unsubscribe, etc.
guidelines@inkspot.com - Writers' guidelines, payment info.
Inkspot, 67 Mowat Ave., Suite 239, Toronto, ON Canada M6K 3E3
*****************************************************************
To unsubscribe from Inklings, e-mail majordomo@samurai.com with
"unsubscribe inklings <your email address>" in the message body.
