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Inklings Issue 6.13
*****************************************************************
i n k l i n g s
Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net
http://www.inkspot.com
Issue 6.13 July 5, 2000
*****************************************************************
<http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/issues/ink0613.html>
In this issue: Amy Chavez offers tips on getting your column
syndicated, and Michelle West discusses the value (or lack
thereof) of outlines.
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, e-mail
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-in-Chief's Desk
Fresh Ink and Market Information
Ask the SF/Fantasy Writer
How to Get Syndicated, by Amy Chavez
Writers' Classifieds
*****************************************************************
FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF'S DESK
-------------------------------
Dear Inklings subscribers,
I am pleased to announce that Inkspot has joined forces with
Xlibris. Xlibris is a provider of publishing and community
services for writers as well as a strategic partner of Random
House Ventures; they've been a major supporter of Inkspot for
several years now. Inkspot will become part of the Xlibris Web
site, but will remain a separate section.
I've been gradually accumulating an "Inkspot Wish List" based on
user suggestions and feedback I've received over the years as
well as the Annual Survey but up to now, have lacked the
resources for implementation. Support from Xlibris will enable
Inkspot to offer more resources, content, and services for
writers than I could ever afford to provide on my own.
Inkspot has grown tremendously since I began it in early 1995. It
started out as a hobby for me, but eventually turned into a
fulltime career. Ironically, however, Inkspot's increasing
success started to pull me away from what I enjoyed doing the
most. I've always had far more interest in providing useful tools
and resources for writers than I did in the actual running of the
business. :-) Partnering with Xlibris will free me from much of
the day-to-day administration and allow me to focus entirely on
my main passions: content and community.
You can find a copy of the FAQ I've prepared about the
partnership at:
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/partnershipfaq.html
The FAQ answers questions such as:
* Why did you sell Inkspot, anyway?
* Who is Xlibris? Why did you pick them as a partner?
* Do you still have editorial control?
* Do you still own Inkspot?
* Is Inkspot going to be completely absorbed by Xlibris?
* Will I still be able to access Inkspot through
"www.inkspot.com"?
* One of my articles appears in Inkspot or Inklings. Does this
mean that Xlibris now owns it?
* Are Inkspot staff going to be replaced by Xlibris staff?
* What's going to happen to Inklings?
* I'm on the Inklings subscriber list. Does this mean I'm
going to start getting unsolicited mailings from Xlibris?
* I understand that Inkspot gets access to extra resources
for writers because of the partnership. But Xlibris has
to get -something-...if not the mailing list and if no
"hard sell", then what?
* Does your partnership with Xlibris mean that you'll be
focussing on self-publishing rather than traditional
publishing resources from now on?
* How much is Inkspot going to change?
For more information:
---------------------
Inkspot/Xlibris Acquisition FAQ
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/partnershipfaq.html
Press release
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/release.html
Letter from John Feldcamp, Xlibris CEO
http://www.inkspot.com/admin/releaseletter.html
I'm excited about this partnership and what it means for the
online writing community. If you have any questions or concerns
(or suggestions for the Inkspot Wish List! :-)), please let me
know.
-- Debbie Ridpath Ohi
*****************************************************************
FRESH INK
---------
Prize Giveaway: Writing Great Characters
----------------------------------------
By Michael Halperin, Ph.D. (Lone Eagle Publishing Company).
How can you develop living, breathing characters who come alive on
the page for your readers? Michael Halperin, Ph.D., unlocks the
secret psychology of character development in this book that has
been recommended for new writers by experts in the field.
Winner of A WRITER'S GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED IN MAGAZINES,
by J.J. DeSpain, was Donna Doyle.
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
** If you have a writing-related book you would like to
have considered for review and/or giveaway, please contact Bev at
bev@inkspot.com. The BookStop: http://www.inkspot.com/books/
**-----------------------------------------------------**
Correction
----------
The Periodical Writers' Association of Canada's website, listed
in the previous issue under "Standard Freelance Publication
Agreement," has changed. The PWAC site can now be found at
http://www.pwac.ca and a list of members can be found at
http://www.writers.ca.
About.com: Freelance Writers
----------------------------
An excellent selection of business-related freelance writing
columns; check the archives for back issues. (MA)
http://freelancewrite.about.com/business/freelancewrite/
Setting Hourly Fees
-------------------
Links to various resources that will help you calculate how much
to charge for your work. (MA)
http://freelancewrite.about.com/business/freelancewrite/library/
weekly/aa042999.htm
Spelling Test
-------------
Test your spelling knowledge on this challenging word list.
(Your intrepid Managing Editor missed four!) (MA)
http://www.sentex.net/~mmcadams/spelling.html
Travel Writing
--------------
An excellent selection of articles, resources and tips on travel
writing. (MA)
http://www.suite101.com/welcome.cfm/travel_writing
What to Pay a Writer
--------------------
A good overview of freelance fees and rates for such jobs as
advertising, business writing, editing, ghostwriting, magazine
writing, technical writing, translation, and more. Though the
rates are listed in Canadian dollars (this page is from the
Periodical Writers Association of Canada), the same numbers are
applicable to U.S. writers. (MA)
http://www.writers.ca/whattopay.htm
When Copying is OK: The "Fair Use" Rule
---------------------------------------
What is "fair use?" What can you copy, when, and how much? (MA)
http://www.nolo.com/encyclopedia/articles/pct/nn75.html
Writer's Net
------------
Browse for authors by category, or alphabetically under
"published writers." (MA)
http://www.writers.net/categories.html
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).
**-----------------------------------------------------**
FIVE STAR
Editor: Hazel Rumney
P.O. Box 159, Thorndike, ME 04986
FIVE STAR, Romance and Women's Fiction publisher, publishes 15-20
novels a year. NEEDS: Romance and Women's Fiction novels. LENGTH:
50K-75K wds on average. GL: "Don't send the entire manuscript.
Use standard format, i.e. name, title, page numbers in upper
right hand of page. Submit first three chapters, a synopsis, and
a brief bio in your cover letter. Always enclosed SASE. We
sometimes do free editing for promising writers." Simsubs and
multisubs okay if editor notified; previously published material
not accepted. RIGHTS: All rights belong to the author. PAYS: On
signing of contracts, before publication. $1000 advance, plus
royalties depending on individual contract. RT: 2-3 months. NOTE:
Novels published approximately 6 months after acceptance. TIPS:
"We are looking for the exceptional, the original, the
intelligent and believable in the romance genre, including all
romance subgenres. We are also open to accepting women's fiction,
meaning fiction written by women primarily about women. Good
writing, an individual style, unforgettable characters are
paramount. 100,000-worders have to be worth our time. We prefer
fewer words, higher quality." NOTE: FIVE STAR will soon accept
submissions via e-mail, and is also working on a website. (SS)
E-mail: zoe@mint.net
**-----------------------------------------------------**
EDNOLAND
EDNOLAND is an informative web site geared toward Kindergarten
teachers and parents. NEEDS: "Articles that contain specific,
practical information on parenting, child psychology and
development, the (kindergarten) teaching professional, IT in the
classroom, etc." in instructive/how-to language. LENGTH: 500-800
wds. GL: E-mail submissions preferred; send as text in body of
e-mail plus 60-wd author bio (or current C.V.) and attach author
image. Simsubs, multisubs, and previously published material
okay. RIGHTS: Exclusive electronic rights. PAYS: On acceptance.
$50/original article original; $40/reprints. RT: Four wks. TIPS:
EDNOLAND is looking for pieces that are "based on recent,
relevant research but delivered in a tone that caters to busy
parents and teachers." (SS)
URL: http://www.ednoland.com.sg/
GL: available via e-mail
E-mail: MoniqueAllen@ednovation.com.sg
**-----------------------------------------------------**
WINDOWBOX.COM
Editor: Ann Cherin
817 San Julian Street, Ste. 406, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Phone: (213) 622-1999
WINDOWBOX.COM's focus is on container gardening, with an emphasis
on urban, low-maintenance, small-space gardening for
non-gardeners. The site has articles on plants, an experts section
database, a newsletter, as well as a shop offering plants and
kits for small space gardens. FREQ: New articles are continually
added to the experts section database, which is more of a
reference library than a "what's new" feature. The homepage is
updated every day from articles in the database. A newsletter
with other feature articles will be sent out every few weeks.
CIRC: 273K impressions or 23K unique visitors in May. Varies
depending on the season. AUDIENCE: People interested in container
or urban gardening. NEEDS: Articles that are short, simple and
witty. Information should be understandable and interesting to
someone not familiar with garden jargon. Large topics are broken
up into several smaller pieces to make them more accessible to
web users who tend to "scan" rather than read online. LENGTH: 200
to 400 words. RTS: Windowbox.com has non-exclusive ownership
rights, including copyrights, in all material created by its
contractors. Windowbox.com reserves the right to use material
elsewhere on its network and to archive articles indefinitely.
PAY: $10 per article. "We are a tiny company with a big heart,
and can make up what we lack in current financial compensation
with discounts on all the gardening stuff we sell at the Balcony
Store... and a bio featured on our credits page." Writers will
be asked to sign an "Online Article Agreement" and must bill
Windowbox.com monthly for services rendered. Single articles are
accepted from writers. There is no requirement to do a series of
articles. RT: Usually within a week. SUBMISSIONS: Query editor via
e-mail, or send completed articles within the body of an e-mail.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM EDITOR: "Anyone interested in writing
for Windowbox.com should spend some time reading through the
existing content on the site to get a feel for our voice/style/
approach. E-mail me any ideas for articles, or to get on our
e-mail list to get notified whenever we are looking for articles
on specific topics." (JE)
URL: http://www.windowbox.com
GL: E-mail Editor
E-mail: Ann@windowbox.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
THE POET'S CANVAS
Editor: L. A. Schuler
THE POET'S CANVAS is an electronic journal of poetry and writing.
FREQ: Published bimonthly. New editions go online January 1,
March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, and November 1. Sometimes
publishes supplements to a current issue. CIRC: 800 hits a month
and growing. AUDIENCE: Readers, writers, poets. NEEDS: Prose and
poetry of any style and theme. LENGTH: "No maximum length,
although we will review with an eye for concisely worded
writing." RTS: If a work or a group of works is accepted for
publication, The Poet's Canvas is granted an exclusive right to
publish each work or group of works in one issue, and a non-
exclusive right to retain work in electronic back issues available
to the public for a period of time not to exceed one year from the
date of first electronic publication. All other rights and
subsequent electronic rights are retained by the author. PAY:
On publication. There are five ways to be included in a Poet's
Canvas issue: 1) Featured Artist - $20 per poem or $100 for an
exclusive feature of one artist's work. Previously published or
unpublished work. 2) Regular Contributor - $20 for six poems to
be inserted over three issues. Unpublished work only. 3) New Voice
Award - $20 for six poems to be inserted over three issues.
Unpublished work only. 4) Caboose Award - $20 cash award for an
outstanding post at Caboose Thoughts Forum and publication in an
upcoming issue of Poet's Canvas. Unpublished work only. 5) Editor's
Choice - Honorary, but includes publication in an upcoming issue of
Poet's Canvas. Previously published or unpublished work. RT: "Our
goal is to respond within four weeks of receipt of your submission.
If you have not received a reply after four weeks, please inquire,
but do not resubmit." SUBMISSION: New Guidelines effective July 1:
Verse of any style and theme will be considered. New, as well as
established, artists are encouraged to share their best work.
Previously published work considered, but The Poet's Canvas asks
that they be informed of its publishing history from the date of
first publication. Unsolicited submissions are welcomed at any
time and are read in the date order received. Simultaneous
submissions are okay, but author must advise such when the work
is first submitted. If such work is accepted for first
publication elsewhere, you must notify The Poet's Canvas
immediately. They may elect to postpone or withdraw consideration
of the work(s). An occurrence as described here won't ruin your
welcome at the Canvas. Submit no more than six poems per month.
Submit via e-mail with the words "poetry submission" in the
subject line. Include in the body of the e-mail: legal name and
surface address (required for payment); all poems for submission
and valid e-mail address; a short paragraph describing your
writing influences and interests, or your bio (80 words or less);
and website URL ("If you have a website, and its content is
consistent with our link policy, we will link to your site from
the biography section). Unless you tell us 'not to' in writing,
your e-mail address will also be linked in the biography section.
We may offer editing suggestions before your work is accepted,
but will publish work only as accepted." E-mail attachments will
not be accepted unless asked for by editor. ADDITIONAL TIPS FROM
EDITOR: "Use of an alias, pseudonym, pen name, or handle without
reference to your legal name is strongly discouraged. We reserve
the right to refuse use of an informal alias. Legally registered
aliases or assumed names are acceptable when proper documentation
is supplied to the editor." (JE)
URL: http://grape.vine.cc/poetscanvas/
GL: http://grape.vine.cc/poetscanvas/submit.htm
E-mail: poetscanvas@hotmail.com
**-----------------------------------------------------**
BLACK ROSE PUBLICATIONS
-----------------------
Editor: David P. Dunning
10 Saint Malachy's Drive, Greenhills, Dublin 12, Ireland.
BLACK ROSE publishes two magazines: Black Rose [BR] (horror and
supernatural fiction) and Beyond the Rose [BTR] (fantasy/
futuristic fiction). FREQ: BR - biannually; BTR - 3 times/yr.
LENGTH: BR - no specific length; BTR - 3,000-10,000 wds. GL:
Submit via e-mail, either as an MS Word attachment or pasted
directly into body of e-mail. Multiple subs and previously
published material okay (unpublished material preferred). "All
writers/artists are asked to send a biography of themselves
of 50 words." RIGHTS: First Irish Serial or First International
Serial. Pays: BR - Minimum $5 to £5/story, depending on length.
BTR - £1.50/$2 per 1,000 wds. Pays on publication. RT: One
month. TIPS: BLACK ROSE: "We welcome short stories of no
specific length. Traditional ghost stories/ supernatural tales/
dark fantasy/ horror fiction stories are wanted. No blood/gore,
monsters from space with chainsaws going mad stories please.
We especially welcome fiction from new writers. We do accept
vampire/werewolf stories, but please, stories of originality
only." BEYOND THE ROSE: "We are looking for Sword & Sorcery, High
Fantasy, Quests, Alternative Worlds, Writing from the future,
Fantasy in the present day, Trolls, Elves, Dwarves, the lot.
Science fiction accepted, but please, no hardcore sci/fi.
Looking for some stories where reality gate-crashes fantasy.
Sexual content accepted only if necessary to the story plot. Send
stories with loads of adventure and action, struggles of emotion
and inner belief. Think also of Elves with firearms, Dwarves in
the seventeen century, Trolls in the trenches in World War 1. I
think you get the picture. Please, no humorous/good nature
stories." (SS)
GL: available via e-mail
E-mail: dunningd@gofree.indigo.ie
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 SF/FANTASY WRITER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Michelle West <Michelle.Sagara@sff.net>
How does one plan a series?
---------------------------
Q: What is some good general advice you could give to someone who
is in the planning stages of writing a sci-fi/adventure novel
trilogy? I generally know where I want the story to go, but I'm
trying to figure out a good way get the outline down.
Q: Logistically, how do you lay out an outline and plot so it is
useful while you write the first draft? I can make notes on
index cards, a yellow note pad, in Word, or in a flowchart-type
program, but I can't seem to get the pieces out of my head and
into a format that I'll be able to refer to when I begin the
first draft.
A: First, let me start this column with a very strong reminder
that EVERY writer works in a unique way. Sometimes the difference
is subtle; sometimes it is so strong that if one writer tries to
follow another's method, they stall, or worse.
Second, and perhaps more germane: I am not a writer who does
extensive outlines -- that she sticks to. There are writers who
write 40-page outlines; for them, writing the novel is largely
about filling in the details. If this is what you're looking for,
you might throw the question open somewhat because it is not a
difficulty confined to the SF genre.
Okay, having laid out caveats, this is what works for ME. I am
terrible at coming up with names on the spot; I am also
congenitally incapable of using a "placeholder" name, since a name
is so vitally important to a character. I am also terrible at
remembering -- in real life -- significant details like eye
colour or height; this carries through to my writing world as well.
I "see" a character by their internal emotions and their essential
behaviour -- but to ME the eye colour is not usually critical to
that. Because of these two flaws, I do prep work before I start
each novel. That work consists of building the families and
organizations that I think will come into play throughout the
course of the book. From there, I will often do rough maps. A
million ideas of interest will come out of both of these
exercises.
When all of this is finished, I put it aside, and I write -- yes
-- an outline. I never start a novel without a clear idea of
where it's going. The resonance of the end of the story -- or the
arc within a larger story -- is what drives all of my work. My
outlines can be specific, if the part of the story I'm addressing
is a "muddy" spot; they can be incredibly vague if the emotional
moment of the story is very, very clear. I use an outline as a
way of firming up story, of answering the difficult questions.
Armed with these two documents, I start the novel. I can write
the first chapter of any given book eight times, varying in false-
start length from eight to 40 pages. After that the novel is
anchored and it seldom -- but not never -- requires as much
rewriting and revision as the first chapter or two. I will refer
to the outline and the world-building notes as I write IF I need
them, but if the way is clear and the characters have come to
life in that insistent, messy way that drives my work, I often
find that the outline is next to useless.
If the outline is next to useless, I ignore it, because what
works intellectually at first outing does not work as well when
you've gotten to know the characters in the novel; my
subconscious, while writing the first draft, is often much more
devious and intuitive than it is when I'm struggling with an
outline.
An outline is just that: A guide. It can make the process easier,
but it is not a roadmap with specific signs, numbers and
distances that can take the unknown or unforeseen turns out of
the way and get you to your destination smoothly; all novels are
a bit of a struggle.
Almost none of the authors I know who outline end up with a book
that resembles the outline by more than about fifty percent. The
heart of the story is the same -- but the timing of events, the
actions of characters to get to events, the details of their
interactions -- these are thrown away in the heat of writing when
something much better comes up. I was both surprised and relieved
when I was told this (by my then editor, who was trying to get me
over my fear of committing a whole novel to an outline I was
pretty sure I wasn't going to follow).
**----------------------------------------------**
Michelle West is the author of The SACRED HUNT and THE SUN SWORD
series, both published by DAW books, as well as many short
stories; she published the four-novel THE BOOK OF THE SUNDERED
under the name Michelle Sagara. She also writes a quarterly book
review column for The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction.
At the moment she is hard at work on SEA OF SORROWS, which is the
next volume in THE SUN SWORD.
Copyright (c) 2000 Michelle West
*****************************************************************
HOW TO GET SYNDICATED
-----------------------------------------------------------------
by Amy Chavez <amychavez@excite.com>
Almost all column writers dream of becoming syndicated.
Syndicates distribute your articles to newspapers and magazines
with the profits being split between you and the syndicate.
Representation by a major syndicate guarantees a wide readership
for your work.
Getting syndicated is tough, though. Jay Kennedy, Editor in Chief
of King Features, cautions, "Newspapers in general don't have
enough space to cover all the news they would like to. They make
hard decisions about what to print and what not to print." That
means that your column idea really has to stand out.
How to Make Your Column Idea Stand Out
--------------------------------------
Ideas that are appropriate for syndication are those that lend
themselves to weekly or twice-weekly news, or updates, such as a
column about technology or stocks. Columns that provide a voice
for a certain population of people are appropriate: Ted Rall
(Universal Press) represents the voice of Generation X; Leonard
Pitts (Tribune Media Services) speaks for African Americans. These
opinion columns draw from the news, a never-ending resource for
material. Advice columns on subjects such as personal finance,
parenting and relationships are appropriate. Horoscopes and
crossword puzzles are staples in syndication.
Unfortunately, all these topics have been taken. What you'll need
to do is uncover a new idea that doesn't compete with anything
already out there, yet isn't too narrow in scope.
Since syndication slots are limited, competition for them is
stiff. "There are a lot of good columnists out there, so to
replace an existing columnist, your column idea has to be
dramatically better," says Sidney Goldberg, Senior Vice President/
Editorial director at United Media. That means your idea has to be
fresh and new, offering something the syndicate doesn't already
have.
Usually this is not as easy as it sounds. An appropriate idea is
one that is new but not too risky. Your idea has to appeal to the
conservative tastes of newspaper editors who will be buying your
column.
You should also show that there is a need for your column.
"Start trying to sell your column idea on your own," says Lee
Salem, Syndication Vice President for Universal Press. The more
papers you can sign up on your own, the better your chances are
of convincing a syndicate there is a need for your column.
Keep up with the Trends
-----------------------
In order to know what syndicates are looking for, keep up with
the trends. "Syndicates and newspapers don't seem as interested
in humor columns as they used to be," notes David Astor, who
writes 'Syndicate World,' a weekly column about the syndicate
industry for Editor and Publisher Online. That doesn't mean there
isn't a lot of humor being syndicated, however. It's just been
repackaged. "Click and Clack Talk Cars" (King Features), for
example, is humor repackaged as car advice.
Another trend is syndication is "packages." Syndicates are
offering whole broadsheets containing several articles that
newspapers can simply add as a section to their paper.
Syndication packages can cover topics such as food, health,
technology, parenting and dozens of other areas. Knight Ridder/
Tribune Information Services (KRT) offers a home, garden, and
hobby package. Have you noticed the increase in popularity of
car racing in the past few years? In response, some syndicates
now offer weekly packages of NASCAR information.
International distribution is another trend among print
syndicates. Think of how a global audience might affect your
syndication idea.
Web syndication through syndicates such as isyndicate! has
opened up new opportunities for writers to self-syndicate their
columns.
One more hint. Columns and comic strips are closely related, and
most syndicates carry both. To easily spot new trends, look at
the new cartoons. For example, Universal Press Syndicate has a
new comic strip called "Baldo," which features Latino characters
and is available in both Spanish and English. How can these
ideas help you develop your column idea?
How to Approach a Syndicate
---------------------------
Before you send out your submission, do your homework. Get a copy
of the "Editor & Publisher Syndicate Directory," updated annually,
which lists all the syndicates in the United States as well as
all the names of syndicated columns and columnists (including
self-syndicated). Contact names and addresses are listed
for all syndicates as well as their websites. By visiting
syndicate websites, you can quickly find out what kind of columns
they already carry. Also check the listings of self-syndicated
columns to make sure someone else isn't already syndicating an
idea similar to yours.
Read David Astor's 'Syndicate World' at E&P; Online for industry
gossip, current acquisitions and editorial changes. This is also
a great place to spot trends and opportunities.
Once you decide which syndicate to approach, be sure to read the
submission guidelines (usually posted on their website). Most
syndicates want to see about six sample columns.
If your work has already been published in other places and you
have received feedback from readers, include some copies of their
letters in your package, suggests Salem. "Even negative letters
are okay. Controversy and the ability to stir up people's emotions
can be a good thing. Also, get a supportive letter of
recommendation from the editor who runs your column."
Other things to include in your package are articles about you or
your work that have appeared in publications, your publishing
history and a bio. Don't forget the SASE. Note: If your package
weighs more than 16 ounces, the post office will not permit the
syndicate to return your material in a prepaid envelope. Therefore,
you might consider just sending a letter-size envelope for the
reply letter only. Overseas submissions cannot be returned in
prepaid envelopes under any circumstances.
It takes time and effort to put together an attractive package to
send to a syndicate. But remember, the most important part of your
package is your column idea. Sidney Goldberg sums it poignantly:
"If you have a good idea, don't send it. Only send absolutely
phenomenal ideas!"
RESOURCES:
----------
Editor & Publisher Online - http://www.mediainfo.com
David Astor's 'Syndicate World' - http://www.mediainfo.com
isyndicate! - http://www.isyndicate.com (self-syndication)
Major Syndicates
----------------
Copley News Service - http://www.copleynews.com
Creators Syndicate - http://www.creators.com
King Features - http://www.kingfeatures.com
Los Angeles Times Syndicate - http://www.lats.com
Tribune Media Services - http://www.tms.tribune.com
United Media - http://unitedfeatures.com
Universal Press Syndicate - http://www.uexpress.com
Washington Post Writers Group - http://www.postwritersgroup.com
Some new syndicates that might be easier to break into:
-------------------------------------------------------
DBR Media - http://www.dbrmedia.com
Paradigm, TSA - http://www.paradigm-tsa.com
Books: "You Can Write a Column," Writer's Digest Books
**----------------------------------------------**
Amy Chavez writes a column about cultural differences for The
Japan Times. Visit her website at http://www.amychavez.com.
Copyright (c) 2000 Amy Chavez
*****************************************************************
INKSPOT WRITERS' CHAT CENTER UPDATE - by Shane Stacks
-----------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING CHAT: Douglas Clegg
Date/Time: Thursday, July 20th @ 8PM Eastern / 7 PM Central
Place: Inkspot Java Chat
Join DOUGLAS CLEGG (NAOMI, GOAT DANCE, THE HALLOWEEN MAN)
and Inkspot for a night of fantastic chat! Douglas is well
known for his aggressive promotional activities in
both the traditional publishing and e-print worlds, and will
also be promoting his new e-serial THE NIGHTMARE HOUSE
(Available July 30th). Join this bestselling and pioneering
author for a night of fun, information, and community.
More Info: http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc
DOUG's website: http://www.douglasclegg.com
GUEST SPEAKERS NEEDED
Are you a published author, an experienced editor, an excellent
agent, or experienced individual with a strong writing-related
history and background that the average reader might recognize?
If so, Inkspot would love to have you as a guest speaker! If
interested, please e-mail Shane Stacks at staxx@inkspot.com with
"Guest Speaker" in the subject line. Include your publishing
history, and why you feel Inkspot chatters could benefit from a
chat with you.
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
----------------------------------------------------------------
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12,500 first/16,000 last names. Intro $29.95. For more info,
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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 **
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INKLINGS NEWSLETTER STAFF
(for full Inkspot staff list, please see
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Managing Editor: MOIRA ALLEN <moira@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>
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