Writers Unbound

I’d say that pieces of my young life were craptastic enough for a memoir, but probably not craptastic enough for a bestselling memoir. Recently, though, all you need to do to fix that is” embellish” a little. “Embellishing” your published works are all over the news.

• A couple weeks ago I posted about a mother and child who embellished an essay to win Hanna Montana tickets.
• Of course, we all know about the James Frey mess that happened a couple years ago.
• Turns out that Misha Defonseca’s memoir  ”Misha: A Memoire of the Holocaust Years” was totally fabricated. You can read about it here, in an article that the Boston Globe appropriately entitled “Den of Lies.”
• …And today’s news of the fake: Penguin-published author Margaret P. Jones admitted that “Love and Consequences” was pretty much made up.

So, what’s with all the fakery?

First of all, the James Frey debacle should have raised some red flags for other memoir-fabricators. Obviously, that’s not the case.

So why all the fake memoirs? Possible reasons, simply off the top of my head here…

• Memoirs are “in,” fiction is much harder to crack.
• Fiction is not as respectable. ?
• Naive new authors don’t know any better.
• This version is much cooler than what really happened.
•  Mo’ money, mo’ money, mo’ money.

 Sidenote: Parts of the book “A Long Way Gone, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier” have been called into question, however the publisher and author stick by this book and no claim has been made that it is totally fabricated.

Such issues are nothing new. In the 90s, Mayan Rigoberta Menchu was accused of falsifying portions of her autobiography.

So, what’s the deal here?

Hello Allena, thanks for the link and the frequent updates. I’m entering a contest and it asked if my piece had already been published. Parts of it have appeared on my blog. What do you think? There’s no additional clarification.

This is a great question, and I’m going to answer it for all the readers! I myself ran across this very thing recently when I entered the Erma Bombeck Humor Essayscontest on a whim. (Side-note: I found out about this contest through the fine writer’s community at WOW: Women on Writing.)

The Bombeck contest clearly defines what they consider published and unpublished. But, in a circumstance like yours, where no hints are given, we had to take our question to the experts at Writer’s Digest. The verdict ? “It’s considered unpublished if it’s appeared on your blog or someone else’s, though the rules are changing…”

A similar question comes along when freelance writers want to include samples on there site- a good practice- but worry that publishing samples on their site constitutes giving up “first rights” and therefore hesitate to publish the sample. At the same time, posting previously published materials on your sample site may be stepping on your editor’s toes- not to mention your contract. The solution to this last dilemma is simple: ask permission. Most editors will either allow your article to be re-posted , or will provide you a link to an internet version. 

As for the original question, I would go ahead and enter the contest with your piece. If you are very worried, an email to the sponsor may be in order.

In the interest of fairness to all my readers (yes, I am a freelancer, but yes I will try to diversify more!) I’d like to impart some advice to emerging/wannabe poets.

In college I read for a literary journal, and although I judged in Long Fiction, I often did backup for Poetry, so please keep in mind the following is based on solely that (with a smattering of backgroud from an undergrad degree in English).

1. Read the journal first. You’d never guess how many inappropriate, too edgy, too ….whatever….. submissions we received. I know it can get expensive, but I’d recommend reading more than one copy. Perhaps you could put a day aside to set up camp in the library, instead of purchasing your own copies.
2. Make the first poem the best. Although we were instructed to read all the submissions, it was difficult to give the 2nd, 3rd, 4th poems a fair read if the first one left a bad taste.
3. Let it sit. And then let it sit again. Get some distance from your poems. I have 3 or 4 pieces that I’ve been working on for months. They get filed away, and then I drown myself in “good” poetry before I reread them. After filling my head with decent poetry, I can then go back and read my own pieces, and more readily notice glaring differences. 
4. Follow the directions! I know, you see this specific piece of advice on every “How To Get Published” column, but seriously, it needs to be said.
5. Don’t.Stop.Submitting. Whatever you do, keep going. It’s ambition that’s going to get you published.

Best of luck!

poetry, getting published

WELCOME BACK and Happy New Year! I am well rested and ready to offer you the best blogging year I’ve got in me. Let’s get to work! Ok, I’ll admit that the “top 5 genres” is subjective, but whether you’re a freelancer, biz-tech writer, blogger, novelist, or poet I’ve got something for you today!

Freelancers: Now is the time to find out the editorial schedule of your targeted magazine for the following year! Editorial calendars basically tell you what topics the magazine has planned for the year. Many will also indicate the amount of lead time needed for each issue. You can then tailor your pitch to fit their needs. So, how exactly do you find the editorial calendar? 

The easiest way is to subscribe to a service such as CyberAlert or MediaCalendars. Designed and aimed at PR professionals, these subscription-based services offer a searchable database of thousands of publication’s editorial calendars. Of course, I said it’s the easiestway- it’s not necessarily the cheapest. For example, a subscription for CyberAlert costs $499.

Don’t want to invest $500? I don’t blame you. Another way to find editorial calendars is the old fashioned way- search their website. If you can’t find the info on the writers page, be sure to check the advertising page.

Biztech Writers: Tired of trolling the same old places for jobs? Yes, it sure is convenient, but how about creating your own list of weekly job board bookmarks to check? Advantages include:

• Job searching on your own schedule
• That whole “early bird gets the worm” adage means that your resume and email are in front of the hiring manager’s eyes before he is buried under an avalanche of queries.
• Keeping your bookmarks up to date means that you’ll build a series of multiple leads that are tailored to your preferred job boards. 

Ready to go? Start building your list by checking out my list of 20 Links to Find Your Next Job. (Full disclosure: this link is to my guide site at About.com.)

Continue building your list by bookmarking every job board you happen upon. Soon you’ll have a huge list (like me! 85 and counting!) 

Poets: Do I ever have a great resource for you! Check out this listing of over 25 poetry contests with deadlines coming up soon. (Hurry, some require submission as soon as January 15- how’s that for motivation?)

Novelists: I’d never wish writer’s block on anyone- the frustration level is outright horrific. However, if you suffer from this infliction, there’s a multitude of resources out there. Here’s one of my faves.

Bloggers: How do you get great blogging jobs? Have a great blog! Aren’t bloggers lucky in that we don’t have the chicken and the egg issue that freelancers have? (How do I get clips, no one will hire me without clips!) Just about any literate individual with an internet connection can start a blog.

Now, that doesn’t mean it will be great, or that it will get traffic. Luckily, I can help you with one of those. Submitting your blog to directories is one way to increase the flow. Here’s a couple to try out:

• RSSFeedSubmission.com keeps a huge list of directories.
• Search Engine Watch offers these step by step tips on blog submission.
• Give Best Web Directories a try.

Thanks for reading!

writing tips, writing resources, freelance, poets, poetry, blogs, novels, business writer

I hate the stereotype of the frustrated newbie author: book sitting half finished on the computer while he slaves away at writing that pays the bills (or the cube farm job that pays the bills, or raising the children while the other parent pays the bills…you get the idea). I think I hate the stereotype because sometimes it’s me…well, except I’m a female.

I have written my book in fits and starts. The chapters are all out of order and discombobulated. The majority of it was written longhand in the mountains of Mexico, or on the plane on the way home, because 1) I was inspired and 2) I was on vacation.

But as soon as I got home, the book sat. And sat. And still it sits.

I’m not even particularly worried about selling or publishing my book. I will be happy just to get the damn thing out of my head (and off my hard drive, and out of my notebooks, and off the ‘memo’ screen of my Blackberry…you see where this is going?)

I am going to finish this book in 2008, dammit. If you’re in this boat with me, here’s some resources and inspiration:

• Walter Mosley (whom I looove) on NPR.
• Advice from Peace Corps Writers (two of my favorite people: peace corps workers and writers combined into one!)
• Do you get the Worldwide Freelance Writer newsletter? They had this link about a young girl who has already written two published books. (I would just like to point out that this girl doesn’t have a job or children to support….I’m KIDDING! )

As always, I wish us all success!

novel, walter mosley, author

Thank you kindly to those who followed our markets series that wrapped up yesterday. 

Moving on, I am currently reviewing “The Anti 9-5″ for my freelance writing site at About.com. It’s about leaving behind the cubicle farm for the “freedom” of freelancing.” Haha. While I adore the book, I do have a shot of reality I’d like to share!

For all those considering freelancing as a career, hoping for some of that “freedom,” I’ve decided to share with you a rundown of a day in the life of a full time freelancer:

• 7:30 Up and out the door. Since we’re down to one car for the next couple days, I have become the official chauffeur. Drop off child #1, drop off husband, drop off child #2.
• 9:00 Stop at Office Max and pick up ink for the printer that decided to suddenly die with no warning at 11:30 last night.
• 9:30 Back home. Let dog out, feed cats, print grad school applications and etc to get into the mail by 10a. Yeah, um, the deadline is Friday.
• 10 Time to “start work,” although I’m not sure what that means I’ve been doing since 7:30.
• 10 to 12 Work on editorial management of regional magazine. I have a meeting today at 4:30 with the magazine’s publisher. I showed up at the last meeting with not enough done, and the guy’s flying to Guatemala for a month on Thursday! Needless to say, he’s a bit antsy about the issue’s MLK print date.

So, this two hours of work consists of: managing his magazine, managing my email and other projects who are poking me for attention, researching for a subject interview for this afternoon, and researching for a client call also coming up this afternoon. In addition, I haven’t done any subject interview for over a year, so I have to cough up my recording equipment and digital camera.

• 12:30 Shower and prep for the interview
• 1:40 Leave
• 2:00 Realize I forgot my laptop, which I need for my 4:30 meeting with my publisher. Crap.
• 2:10 Arrive at interview. Early. Hoping he will be ready. Early.
• 2:40 Subject arrives…late.
• 3:10 I should leave the interview right now. We arranged a half hour, which should be enough for a half a page with the research already done and a stock bio covering the first paragraph.
• 3:15 Ok, I really should leave now.
• 3:30 Finally leave. Call my daughter’s school and let them know I am on my way to pick her up.
• 3:45 Pick kid up, 15 minutes late.
• 3:50 Coach kid not to make a peep during 4 pm phone interview.
• 4:00 Potential client calls. Did I mention I’m still in the car?
• 4:10 Arrive home, gather laptop, get back in car to head to next appointment. Yup, still on the phone interview with client.
• 4:30 Pick up hubby. Still on the phone interview. Yes, we still only have one car. But at least now he can drive while I talk.
• 4:34 Phone interview over.
• 4:35 Dropped off at meeting with publisher at local internet cafe.
• 5:15 Publisher has family emergency. Is called away. I eat dinner alone while waiting for my family to pick me up. They are finishing up their dinner down the street.
•  5:30-8 Family time.
• 8: Children to bed, back to work.
• 9: Conference call with About.com’s fellow channel guides.
• 10-11: Back to work (typing this post, among other things.)

A time breakdown:

1. 4 hours family time
2.  7.5 hours work time
3. 3 hours ”other”- shower, travel time, pets

;-} So that’s my life…not that I’m complaining! Hope I’ve infused some reality into your view. Best of luck!

Greetings readers and writers. Last week we began this 5-part series on finding markets for your magazine articles. I hope some of the resources I gave were new and useful to you.

My challenge today: to gift unto you a good variety of personal bookmarks of “potential markets” that I have earmarked while browsing the net/applying for jobs/chatting and networking.

All of these “potential markets” had a call out for new material or a blog post, or were the subject of freelancers discussion within the last 6 months.

Most of these links are directly to their “writers guidelines,” which is, of course, your best jumping off point.

Now, onto the list, in no particular order!

• From Brave New traveler, a list of over 50 travel magazines that want to publish you!
• Babble.com Writer’s Submissions page.
• Chicken Soups Calls. Ok, not particularly magazines, but a good place to sell short, personal essays.
• Skirt Magazine writer’s guidelines.
• Faith, Hope and Joy: The Unexpected Side Effects of Cancer is accepting short personal essay submissions until December 31.
• So you want to contribute to Grandparents.com?
• Highlights Magazine seems to release new calls every couple months.
• National Parks Conservation Association has writer’s guidlines available.
• Wow. Poets and Writers has a large, varied listing.
• Back 2 College is a magazine aimed at adults reentering college to start or finish a degree.

Well, I have many, many more. If you’re not seeing a particular genre in which you’re interested, leave a comment and I will be happy to see what I can come up with!

markets, writers, submissions

A couple days ago we began a series on finding markets, specifically targeting magazines/trade journals.

My second most trusted resource for finding markets, after the Writers Market, is Places for Writers. Places for Writers regularly posts calls for content from journals, magazines and other print outlets nationwide (perhaps even worldwide!)

Places for Writers is at the top of my bookmarks for several reasons. For one, it is updated often. However, past calls are easily accessed through their archives.

Secondly, Places for Writers doesn’t just post a magazine and some bare bones info. Instead, they regularly give details and hints about the print outlet, what they are looking for, and how to approach them.

Third, the remainder of their site is also a great resource. They’ve got links to writing contests, and even a section specifically devoted to young readers.

Be sure to check them out when shopping around your next piece! 

writers markets, places for writers, getting published

Last Friday, we began a series on finding markets for your writing, and are focusing first on articles/magazines and perhaps some non-fiction essay markets, which can be found in similar ways.

We started at the beginning, sort of conquering “the chicken or the egg” riddle and found a decent mix of writers here and throughout the net who tend to oscillate between beginning with the targeted market or beginning with the piece.

Today, we’re going to begin finding a market for that (hypothetical) piece that you’ve got burning a hole in your hot little hand…er…hard drive….

Enter: The Resource of All Resources. The Writers Market.

For those new to the writing and publishing world, the Writers Market is a huge print resource listing a downright feast of magazines and trade publications. Each entry also provides hints and tips for each entry regarding how to approach with an idea, who to direct pitches to, what to avoid, and how to get the editor’s attention. Honestly, as a resource, it’s one of the best out there.

Writers Market is also made of an online component- a subscription-based service that basically provides the same thing, but also adds in newer listings, updates, and software that helps you track your submissions. 

Veterans, don’t fret! I know your Writer’s Market is thumbed through and flagged up! Tomorrow, we’ll continue our series on finding markets, and perhaps you can jump in pass along some of your favorite little gems!  

writers market

In a past post, one reader said they’d like to see more information on finding markets for your writing.

Today, I’m starting a blog series on selling to the consumer and trade magazine markets.

I was fortunate to intern under a magazine with a decent circulation in college, and found my editor/supervisor to be a wealth of knowledge. I also write and edit for a local magazine, and although the publisher himself actively seeks out our writers, I have a sense of what he likes to see from them.

However, unfortunately (or fortunately I guess), I haven’t needed to go through the process of querying very much, as I’ve found these contacts to be enough- for now ;) So I did some digging for you, dear readers, so that you can benefit from those actually in the trenches of querying. I think that viewpoint is equally as important as the editor’s viewpoint for those just beginning the query process.

The Beginning 

My first and foremost question was the very beginning of the process. Do you begin with the idea, or begin with the audience?

 Of the few times that I did query, waaay back, I was..ahem…pushed to it by a professor who particularly liked an article. So, I had an article in hand, and had to match it to a publication.

However, I figured this may not always be the case, and did some research and poking. Sure enough, there are writers who are inspired by a particular magazine or type of magazine, and may write a wholly targeted article to/at that magazine.

Honestly, I think that either approach has the potential to work, as long as the end product is a polished article and a polished query.

So, let’s begin at the beginning. What approach do you take in marketing to magazines? Do you have an article in hand? Or do you simply have a targeted publication? Or, perhaps you’re somewhere in between, as one of the community members I polled said- having more of a rough idea of an article that is then pushed, pulled and mashed to the magazine’s specifications?

magazine writing, magazine markets, getting published