Archive for May, 2009
A Procrastinator’s Delight: Deadline to Enter WritingRoom’s Novel Writing Contest Is Extended
So you thought you missed the date to enter the 2009 WritingRoom.com Author Choice Contest. Yeah, yeah … you kept remembering, and then forgetting, and then you’d remember again, but you just ran out of time.
Well, you are one lucky procrastinator, because the deadline to enter has been extended until July 13, 2009. If you haven’t entered, you should seriously consider it for a few reasons:
1. It’s free. There’s no cost to enter the contest. WritingRoom.com, the contest sponsor, adjusted the entry rules ever-so-slightly to eliminate all cost associated with sending printed copies of your submission. Now, you can simply submit the files electronically. It is truly a free writing contest — no obligations or weird trickery.
2. You could win. Hey, someone has to win, why not you? Actually, there will be multiple winners: 10 writers will be selected as finalists, and three top winners will be selected from that group. And the prizes are quite impressive, from up to $500 in cash to more than $1,000 in publishing services, not to mention receiving advice from bestselling author Jon Land, and getting your book in front of top New York literary agent Loretta Barrett and editor at Tor/Forge Books, Eric Rabb. Now, doesn’t that sound nice?
3. There’s nothing to lose. When you add “it’s free” plus “you could win” you arrive here at “there’s nothing to lose.” Seriously, think about it: you have a chance to win prizes and be discovered as an author. Even if you don’t win, you always retain the rights to your material in association with this contest, so you be able to move on to your next venture in your literary career without worry.
Take that novel that you’ve written, even if you’re still putting the finishing touches on it, and enter it in the 2009 WritingRoom.com Author Choice Contest. Don’t forget the new deadline to enter: July 13, 2009.
- Learn how to enter the contest on WritingRoom.com
- See details about the prizes featured on PublishingRoom.com, WritingRoom’s self-publishing brand
-Angie
Nashua Telegraph Author’s Forum: Wordclay Author Michael Philion Celebrates Native Americans in Baggattaway
Sunday, May 24, 2009, author Michael Philion and his Wordclay publication Baggattaway were featured in the local Nashua Telegraph Author’s Forum, where he discussed his motivation for writing the book and the audience he is trying to reach with his new novel.
From the Nashua Telegraph Author’s Forum:
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK? HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON IT?
I heard an account of a battle during Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763) in which Indian tribes violently retook a Michigan fort using their game of baggattaway as a ruse against the English. I developed a novel around this historical core idea. Active writing and rewriting took two and a half years.
IS THE BOOK GEARED TO A PARTICULAR TYPE OF READER? WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE FROM THE BOOK? Baggattaway is geared to the literary fiction reader, especially those interested in Native America and sport. My hope is that readers will register the shocking loss of cultural identity for the Native American tribes and celebrate its temporary resurrection.
READ THE FULL INTERVIEW AT NASHUATELEGRAPH.COM>>
ORDER YOUR COPY FROM THE WORDCLAY BOOKSTORE>>
Final Note: Let author Philion stand as an example to all those emerging writers who are self-publishing their first book. Start marketing locally, and reach the readers around you first; then you’ll have a much easier time reaching millions of interested readers around the world through Internet coverage like this…
On Demand: No, Really, It’s the Future
This just in: Traditional publishing declined by 3 percent and On-Demand publishing grew 132 percent. Guess who is in the lead now …
Okay, so that sounds a little bit arrogant, but it’s refreshing to see the prediction that has driven many of us forward is correct. The structure of the traditional publishing business model is rickety and teetering. They have built their reputations and empires on being unbelievably exclusive.
Self-Publishing is remarkably inclusive.
Self Publishing is not the only group to access the Print-On-Demand technology, but it is what makes self-publishing and distribution possible. There is no need to print and pump out title after title in massive marketing waves.
Many of you who have published your books with the POD model have found this process to be accessible and reliable enough to build your business plan around. Professional speakers can maintain their own catalog of titles and have shipments waiting for them at their hotels as they travel and drive their business forward. Teachers can create their own materials to accompany (or even in some cases replace) the mainstream texts that support their curricula. Churches can document their growth and their history and expand their base through affordable means. Companies can create professional training materials that are branded for their needs and their needs alone.
Congratulations to the success of all involved, and congratulations to the traditional companies who decide to leverage this approach in the future!
Apostrophes and Possession: Understanding Modern Grammar Rules for English
Though the English language is considered a Germanic language, ironically many of the words and grammar rules ascribed to English are not of Germanic origin. English is an incredibly organic language, and knowing more about the origins of its grammar rules will ultimately lead writers to a better understanding of writing, so you can present your best materials when publishing your books.
One such grammar rule that writers often neglect concerns the proper use of apostrophes, especially when it comes to the possessive. Historically speaking, the apostrophe was originally designed to flag instances when letters were missing in words; and of course, we can still see this practiced today, most apparent when apostrophes are used in contractions (e.g. don’t, can’t, wouldn’t, among many others).
In the case of contractions, the apostrophe denotes a missing letter or letters when the two words are combined; however, strictly speaking, the English grammar rules no longer acknowledge that the letter is in fact mising when we use apostrophes with possession.
Obviously, another use of the apostrophe is to single possession or ownership, but this wasn’t always the case in the English language. In Old English, possession was spelled out using an “-es” ending (e.g. The shipes captain called for all hands on deck). In an attempt to avoid confusion, the way possession was written in the early 17th century as slightly altered. To more accurately denote gender in possession, writers began using the pronouns his, her and their to show possession (e.g. The captain his crew ran to their posts). Fortunately, this form of the possessive didn’t survive very long, and by the end of the century, this possessive style was rarely found among written works.
Then, with the advent of the printing press, the rules of English became more standardized to accommodate print standards. It was as this point in time that the apostrophe took its permanent place as a symbol marking possession. Nowadays, most have long forgotten the original purpose of an apostrophe which is to mark the place of a missing letter or letters, but still trace remain. For example, when speaking, you will still pronounce the “-es” for possession in most nouns ending with an “s” or “sh” sound (e.g. Josh’s quick thinking kept the ship out of danger), as though we were reading the Old English version.
While knowing this little tidbit about the history of English does not seem of huge consequence to your writing, you may now reflect on the apostrophe’s origins when using them in your manuscripts; and each time you genuine think about the constructs of your writing, you become a more thoughtful writer as a result.
THE POINT: Just like the apostrophe, each symbol and word in your manuscript has a purpose. Make sure that purpose survives the test of time!
Jane Schulte’s Book Inspiration for Success, Says Cincy Chic CEO and Publisher
I don’t want to brag … but our very own Wordclay author, Jane Schulte, received high praise for her book, Work Smart, Not Hard, from the CEO and Publisher of Cincy Chic, an online publication for women in Greater Cincinnati.
The article, “Seven Heavenly Secrets for Your Career,” asks the question “what motivates [you] to succeed in the business world” to Cincy Chic staffers. Here’s a section plucked straight from the article, providing a little insight on climbing the corporate ladder:
Amy Storer-Scalia, CEO and Publisher of Cincy Chic, lives by the mode of “work smart, not hard,” a mantra she recently learned from local author Jane Schulte who wrote the book entitled Work Smart, Not Hard.
“I have instilled much of her insight into my work life. It’s only been a week or two since I’ve been following the plan outlined in her book, but I’ve already noticed a difference in my drive, focus, discipline and, thus, my effectiveness, lowered stress levels and work life satisfaction,” Storer-Scalia says. “I definitely suggest this book to anyone out there wishing they could clone themselves because they can’t get all their work done. Schulte’s book is a great alternative to cloning – trust me.”
I totally agree that human cloning is never the way to go. Believe me — it starts with a fight over the wardrobe which always ends in tears …
But seriously, if you’re looking for some inspiration to get organized and motivated, pick up a copy of Jane Schulte’s Work Smart, Not Hard, and you’ll be on your way to self-realization and success.
-Angie
Submit to Poetry and Writing Contests: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest & The Writers of the Future Contest Now Open for Submission
One of the best drives and the most memorable payoffs in writing is entering (and sometimes winning) a literary contest. That’s why writers should always look for the writing contest that best suit their styles and formats, whether poetry (in the case of the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest for traditional verse form) or speculative fiction (in the case of The Writers of the Future Contest)
What is the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest?
The sixth annual writing contest sponsored by Tom Howard Books, the Margaret Reid Poetry Contest is now calling for submission of original, traditional verse forms. Simultaneous submissions are welcome, and you can also submit poems that have been published or won prizes elsewhere, as long as you own the online publication rights.
Prizes include: $2,000 (first prize), $1,000 (second prize), $500 (third prize), and $250 (fourth prize). There will also be five High Distinction Awards of $200 each and six Most Highly Commended Awards of $100 each. Fifteen top entries will be published on the Winning Writers Web site and announced in Tom Howard Contest News and the Winning Writers Newsletter, a combined audience of over 25,000 readers.
Though you have time – entries will be accepted as long as postmarked by June 30, 2009 – set aside the reading fee ($7.00 for every 25 lines submitted) and start revising your best poetry to win the biggest prize and publication.
The contest will be judged by John H. Reid, a former journalist and magazine editor who has judged literary contests for more than 15 years. He has published several novels, a collection of poetry, as well as many books on film criticism and movie history. The other judge of the Margaret Reid Contest is Dee C. Konrad, a leading educator and published author. Ms. Konrad was Associate Professor in the English faculty of Barat College of DePaul University, and served as Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences for the year 2000-2001.
Read the complete contest guidelines here>>
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What is The Writers of the Future Contest?
Established in 1983 and sponsored by L. Ron Hubbard, The Writers of the Future Contest is now calling for submissions from the best aspiring writers in the field of speculative fiction and fantasy. Luckily, no entry fee is required, and all rights in the story remain the property of the author. All types of science fiction, fantasy and dark fantasy are welcome, just so long as the submission is original, written in English and under 17,000 words in length.
To cull only be best amateur writers, the contest is open only to those who have not published a novel or short novel (or more than one novelette or more than three short stories) in any medium or genre. For complete guidelines on format and submissions click here>>
Additionally, judges will award three cash prizes in each quarter: $1,000 (for first place), $750 (for second place), and $500 (for third place). Plus, the four first place winners of each year will have their entries re-judged, and a grand prize winner shall be determined then, receiving an additional $5,000.
So if you have the next breakthrough best seller in science fiction or fantasy, definitely consider The Writers of the Future Contest. Who knows – you could get the exposure you deserve as well as a bucket full of cash to fund your next novel.
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
Wordclay and Smashwords: E-book Formatting Service in May
That’s right — Wordclay is offering fifty percent off their new Smashwords e-book formatting service, which not only helps authors market their books online, but sell additional copies to all types of gadget lovers who are investing in Kindle devices and Sony Readers.
- Reach new kinds of readers and different audiences.
- Join the growing digital market with your e-book.
- Offer your book in a variety of file formats for everyone.
- Promote your e-book, and earn royalties per download.
Wordclay will take your completed manuscript and format it per the recommended guidelines in the Smashwords Style Guide. Visit Wordclay’s site to view details about the service and frequently asked questions about how valuable e-book formatting can truly be.
Check out the Smashwords blog for more updates>>
Kindle DX: Big Man on Campus
The new Kindle DX is set to hit the market. Beyond newspapers and books, Amazon has envisioned that this new device will be adopted heavily by students on college campuses. Ideally, they would be able to prevent injuries and inconvenience by unloading the weight their entire load of traditional textbooks in exchange for this one, simple, lightweight device.
Essentially, Kindle DX’s limitations are outweighed by its sheer convenience. Just consider some of the practical applications in certain areas of study. I am certain that some subjects will need full color images, but the system might work (or eventually work) in a way that allows the students to receive the printed text to have at home—and they’ll just have to purchase the digital download to supplant their experience.
We should consider, however, that many of the individuals in this targeted market already own high-end electronic devices and laptop computers that might prevent them from needing the hardware, so it might take time for the Kindle DX to seep into our culture at large.
Additionally, the new features of the Kindle DX include: auto-rotation for the image displayed and enhanced pdf support. Of course, the price tag has been increases in comparison to the Kindle 2. That said, the DX device will retail for $489.00 this summer. But who knows what other technological reading marvels await us in the future.
Former iUniverse Author Lisa Genova Signed by Simon & Schuster for Still Alice
It’s no secret – one of the major goals for self-published authors is to achieve some literary success and then get picked up by a major traditional publisher. Recently, former iUniverse author Lisa Genova did just that, and her story has invigorated the publishing headlines with new life.
But why would an author want to self-publish and then republish with a traditional publisher? For starters, some desire the recognition and established respect of a traditional publishing imprint. Traditional publisher will also help you promote your book with trusted media contacts, since their profits are staked on book sales primarily. Not to mention how convincing a hefty financial advance when signing over the copyright can be.
Rejection after rejection by traditional publisher for her novel Still Alice, but undaunted, Genova decided to show the industry that her work would sell in the book market by self-publishing with iUniverse. Of course, soon after the book was published, copies sold like hotcakes, and the infamous publishing house Simon & Schuster approached her for a book deal soon after her initial publication.
Now, after more than twelve weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers List, Genova can definitely call herself a self-publishing success story, having already appeared on CNN.com to speak about her book and the advantages of print-on-demand companies nowadays.
Long story short, like Genova, you can also approach traditional publishers with the same strategy and mentality. If you want to demonstrate your marketability and financial value in the publishing industry, there’s no better way than giving the publishers tangible evidence in the form of a great design and sales figures.
Read more about Genova’s experience and book here>>
This is Justin, blogcasting from Wordclay, signing off.
