Musings from Margaret

PAUSED

2009-12-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

I haven't decided if I will continue this blog. I'll leave it up for now, and I do check email. Enjoy.

Gather Survey Results

2009-10-13T12:53:00.000-06:00

I'm a nominal member of Gather, an online writing group. These results were sent via email. I found them rather sad. What do you think?

Over 1,300 Gather Moms took our survey in August and this week Gather and Mom Central Consulting released the Why Moms Socialize Online report. A special thanks to all of the Gather Moms who shared the ups and downs of their offline worlds and the role social networking plays in their lives.

Results from the study include:

4 out of 5 Moms feel that they don’t have enough friends in their lives

40% of Moms report they do not have a “best friend” or someone with whom they can share everything

60% of Moms say they have had feelings of loneliness in the past month and report feeling most lonely when their children are under the age of five and again when parenting teens (14-18yrs)

Over 60% of Moms reported making a new friend online in the past year

More than a third - 34% - have turned an online friendship into a lasting offline one

Over 50% of Moms feel they do not get enough support from their spouse

Less than 50% of Moms surveyed live near any family

Moms who’ve made friends online have connected most around their shared passions and interests (71%), personal stories (42%), and parenting issues (29%)

Your friends,

The Gather Team

6 PUBLISHERS/AGENTS LOOKING FOR AUTHORS

2009-10-09T10:45:00.000-06:00

Have you written a novel? Here are some agents and publishers that are looking for work. Good luck!
HEARTSONG PRESENTS

http://www.barbourbooks.com/pages/downloads/bpi_heartsongpresents_guidelines.pdf

The main element of a Heartsong Presents inspirational romance is the sweet love story. A very close second is the inspirational theme and content. All manuscripts in the Heartsong Presents inspirational line should present a conservative, evangelical Christian worldview. Manuscripts that do not reflect this position will be returned to the author(s). Considers manuscripts between 45,000 and 50,000 words. Must have a strong inspirational theme. Historical manuscripts--prior to and during World War II. Contemporary manuscripts--present time, but not specifically dated. Does not accept any futuristic, fantasy, time travel, or paranormal stories.

BARRY GOLDBLATT LITERARY AGENCY

http://www.bgliterary.com/index.html

A literary agency that handles YA, picture books, chapter books for middle grades.

WENDY WEIL LITERARY AGENCY

http://www.wendyweil.com/

The Wendy Weil Agency, Inc. represents fiction and non-fiction for the trade market. Works with literary and commercial fiction, mystery/thriller, memoir, narrative non-fiction, journalism, history, current affairs, books on health, science, popular culture, lifestyle, and art history. Does not handle screenplays or textbooks.

QUICKSILVER BOOKS LITERARY AGENCY

http://artsnet.net/qb/queries.htm

QB On-Line welcomes fiction and non-fiction book queries via email. Keep them short and sweet. Note to novelists: We are actively seeking adult mainstream trade and/or mass market fiction. Only full-length finished works will be considered. Our preference is for literate suspense thrillers and contemporary novels with bestseller potential.

LANGTONS INTERNATIONAL AGENCY

http://www.langtonsinternational.com/

Langtons International Agency is a literary agency specializing in non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction, YA and middle grade books.

FLETCHER AND COMPANY

http://www.fletcherandco.com/fletcher_about.html

Fletcher & Company is a full-service literary management and production company dedicated to the careers of writers of upmarket non-fiction, as well as commercial and literary fiction.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

19 Lower Paying Writing Markets

2009-10-07T08:50:00.000-06:00

These markets pay anything from publishing credits to $125. You just might find the place for you to break into print!

Sasee Magazine - Guidelines: http://sasee.com/submissions/

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: women's lifestyle.

Brick - Guidelines: http://www.brickmag.com/submissions.html

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Essays, historical, interviews, opinion, travel. No email submissions. Literary publication.

Kasma Magazine - Guidelines: http://www.kasmamagazine.com/submission-guidelines.php

Token payment-$7-$10 on publication. Seeks fiction. Subjects: Fiction, science fiction.

Travelers' Tales - Guidelines: http://www.travelerstales.com/guidelines/

Pays $100 on publication in anthology. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Anthology, travel stories personal, nonfiction stories, anecdotes-funny, illuminating, adventurous.

Contemporary Poetry Review - Guidelines: http://www.cprw.com/callforcritics.htm

Pays on publication. Seeks fillers. Subjects: Poetry.

Descant - Guidelines: http://www.descant.ca/submit.html

Pays $100 on publication. No email submissions. Descant considers submissions of poetry (submit about six poems), short stories, novel excerpts, plays, essays, interviews, musical scores and visual presentations.

Ploughshares - Guidelines: http://www.pshares.org/submissions/page.cfm?intContentID=28

Pays on publication. Seeks fiction, fillers. Subjects: Short story, poetry, novel exerpts. Maximum pay is $250 per author. Published 3x per year.

SOURCE: http://www.writingfordollars.com/

WEBSTAR CONTENT http://jobs.problogger.net/view/2617

WebStar Content is a company that helps corporations blog. We provide unique content for corporations or anyone interested in blogging. Seeks a blogger that can blog about a variety of topics. Currently needs a writer to blog about Farm and Ranches. Also has new accounts coming in targeted towards Real Estate and Stock Investments. Prefers writers have a background in SEO and wordpress. If not we can teach you. Most importantly we need our writer to write well.

WEEKEND NOTES http://tinyurl.com/m7gn9z

Weekend Notes is an email newsletter that gives readers ideas for fun and interesting things to do in their city. Looking for entertaining writers to review fun things to do in New York. Writers will be paid between $10 and $20 per accepted article, submitting between 1 and 10 articles each per month. Word count is 100-400 words.

ADJUNCT ADVOCATE MAGAZINE http://www.adjunctnation.com/page/contactingus

AdjunctNation.com hosts temporary faculty from around the world because we've got all the resources temporary faculty (all college faculty, really) need in one place. Previous higher education reporting experience preferred. Features are 1,300 to 1,800 words. Send query letter and two clips. Pays up to $250. Prefers snail mail.

ANALOG http://www.analogsf.com/information/submissions.shtml

Basically, we publish science fiction stories. That is, stories in which some aspect of future science or technology is so integral to the plot that, if that aspect were removed, the story would collapse. The science can be physical, sociological, psychological. The technology can be anything from electronic engineering to biogenetic engineering. But the stories must be strong and realistic, with believable people (who needn't be human) doing believable things-no matter how fantastic the background might be. Should be about 4,000 words. Analog pays 6-8 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, $450-600 for stories between 7,500 and 10,000 words, and 5-6 cents per word for longer material. We prefer lengths between 2,000 and 7,000 words for shorts, 10,000-20,000 words for novelettes, and 40,000-80,000 for serials. Fact articles are paid for at the rate of 6 cents per word.

PAGE FORTY SEVEN ANTHOLOGY http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/short-story-submission.html

Short story submissions up to 10,000 characters (approx. 8.5 pages). Pays $50. Page Forty-Seven online anthology has been created for the new or not-yet-published writer. The purpose of this anthology is to help establish you as a writer by providing an early publication credit, possibly a first.

MIDNIGHT DINER ANTHOLOGY http://www.reliefjournal.com/

NO ENTRY FEE The Midnight Diner is a hardboiled genre anthology with a Christian slant. Accepting unpublished short fiction up to 10,000 words. Categories: horror, UFO/Aliens, Conspiracy Millenium, Hardboiled, That One That Happensin Diner, Jesus v. Cthulhu, Paranormal, Weird Western Weird War, Monster Stories, Adventure, Shatner on a Plane. Note: Combinations of Genres are encouraged. Submissions will tentatively close December 1, 2009. Submissions are only accepted via the Online Submission System at the Relief Writers Network. Three Editor's Choice awards will be selected. Prize money for Editor's Choice is $100. All categories are eligible. Everybody else gets their names up on Amazon, a contributor's copy, bragging rights, and the possibility of being on the Diner staff for the next edition. Approximately 21 stories will be selected for publication.

THEATRE ROYAL HYDE SHORT STORY AND POETRY COMPETITION http://www.theatreroyalhyde.org/id7.html

£3 ENTRY FEE Entries must not exceed 1,200 words or 40 lines for poetry. The competition is open to anyone aged 16 years and above 3rd = £20. Further prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the judge. This entry form can be photocopied if required. Deadline January 31, 2010.

SOUTHPORT WRITERS' CIRCLE ANNUAL OPEN SHORT STORY COMPETITION http://www.swconline.co.uk/

£3 ENTRY FEE First prize £150: Second prize £75: Third prize £25.Deadline October 31, 2009. Should be an unpublished, original story on any theme of up to 2,000 words. Optional "green" entries - single spacing welcome!

ABILENE WRITERS GUILD CONTEST http://abilenewritersguild.org/contest.html

VARIOUS ENTRY FEES Abilene Writers Guild has an annual contest open to the public with small entry fees and significant cash prizes. For the 2009 contest, the fees are $5 for seven of the categories and $10 for three novel categories. Each of the ten categories has a first prize of $100, second of $65, and third of $35. Judging is done by qualified professionals, many of whom include comments and suggestions on each entry. Open October and November. Many categories.

QUARTERLY WEST http://www.quarterlywest.utah.edu/

Submit fiction up to 7,000 words. Does not read May 1 hrough August 31. Pays up to $100.

UNDERWIRED http://uwmag.com/submission-guidelines-mainmenu-39.html

Underwired publishes personal essays (800-1,200 words) every month and is always looking for new contributors. Essays should somehow relate to the chosen theme for the month and be on topics of interest to women. Underwired buys one-time rights, and payment is $100. All essays are considered on spec.

SOURCE:

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

13 Higher Paying Writing Markets

2009-10-05T11:24:00.000-06:00

Earn $125 to more than $500 writing for these markets. As always, check the guidelines. Many want clips of previously published work.

The Kenyon Review

http://www.kenyonreview.org/

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Poetry, short fiction, essays, plays, proposals for book reviews.

CKI Magazine

http://slp.kiwanis.org/CircleK/magazine.aspx

Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Collegiate service organization.

Wisconsin Trails - Guidelines:

http://www.wisconsintrails.com/content/64.php

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Wisconsin people, history, nature, adventure, lifestyle, arts, theater, crafts, sports, recreation.

Online - Guidelines:

http://www.infotoday.com/online/authors.shtml

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Practical, how-to advice on the efficient and effective use of electronic information.

Caribbean Travel & Life - Guidelines

http://www.caribbeantravelmag.com/article.jsp?ID=36466

Pays on publication. Submit query for idea. New writers are better off starting in a department. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Vacation, travel, recreational, cultural opportunities of the Caribbean, Bahamas,and Bermuda Islands.

Glimmer Train Stories - Guidelines:

http://www.glimmertrain.com/writguid1.html

Pays on acceptance. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks fiction. Subjects: Short stories.

The Threepenny Review - Guidelines:

http://www.threepennyreview.com/

Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: General interest, politics, the visual arts, the performing arts, poetry.

Source: http://www.writingfordollars.com/

GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE

http://peacecenter.berkeley.edu/greatergood/about_us/submission_guidelines.html

Greater Good's articles mix science reporting with storytelling, often highlighting groundbreaking academic research, but in a manner that's engaging and accessible to a popular audience.If you are interested in writing an article for the magazine, please first submit a 250-word article proposal. The second half of every issue of Greater Good features journalistic profiles of programs or research projects that help promote peace and well-being. The magazine is especially interested in stories of hope and transformation. Ideally, features for Greater Good not only report on inspiring stories or provocative research results, but also discuss the underlying factors behind these stories or results, suggesting lessons readers can apply to their own lives. Features are between 1,000 and 2,500 words in length. Payment for feature articles is 25 cents/word. Book reviews pay $75. Interviews are between 1,500 and 2,000 words and pay $350.

SKYLIGHTS

http://www.skylightsmagazine.com/guidelines.aspx

Our stories offer quick and practical information on where travelers are going, what's happening once they get there, where they can eat, sleep, play, buy, relax. We present who and what they're talking about---names, faces, music, movies, books, gadgets, fashion -- in chatty, culture-current language. Our voice reflects a youthful, sassy edge that informs, amuses and delights our wide-ranging readership. Pays 25 to 40 cents/word for fillers, departments and features. Inflight magazineof Spirit Airlines.

HERIZONS

http://www.herizons.ca/contribute

Herizons aims to reflect a feminist philosophy that is diverse and relevant to women's daily lives. Readers are interested in health issues, social and political issues, environmental issues, equality issues, justice issues, spiritual issues; parenting issues and all issues informed by diverse racial and cultural 1,000 to 3,000 words pay up to $750. News items of 500-700 words receive $175. Book, music and film reviews pay $55. Payment is in Canadian funds.

REDBOOK

http://www.redbookmag.com/contact/writersguidelines

REDBOOK is targeted to women between the ages of 25 and 45 who define themselves as smart, capable, and happy with their lives. Covers news stories on contemporary issues, first-person essays about dramatic pivotal moments in a woman's life, marriage articles, short parenting features, and other exciting trends in women's lives. Pays up to $1.50/word.

ANIMAL WELLNESS

http://animalwellnessmagazine.com/p/awsubmit.htm

Publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of animals. Welcomes unsolicited articles and story outlines. Length from 500 to 1,500 words. If you submit an outline for a story, please also send samples of your work.

EXPERIENCE LIFE

http://www.experiencelifemag.com/about-us/experience-life-writers-guidelines.html

Experience Life is a progressive health/fitness/quality-of-life magazine (we call it "a healthy-way-of-life magazine"). It's also the membership magazine of Life Time Fitness -- a large and rapidly growing health and fitness organization with dozens of industry-leading facilities located throughout the country. The magazine is written for a general audience of active, educated, discerning people who are interested in good health and passionate about self-improvement, well-being and living a good, satisfying life.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Contests For Writers

2009-10-02T13:16:00.000-06:00

Hey, at least when you submit to contests you know your work is read. Go for it!

GLIMMERTRAIN FAMILY MATTERS

http://www.glimmertrain.com/familymatters.html

$15 ENTRY FEE1st place wins $1,200, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 20 copies of that issue. 2nd-place: $500. 3rd-place:$300.Stories--about family--not to exceed 12,000 words.(No minimum, though it's rare for a piece under 500 words to read as a full story.) Deadline October 31, 2009. We are interested in reading your original, unpublished short stories about family!

GLIMMERTRAIN STANDARD STORY COMPETITION

http://glimmertrain.com/test.html

NO ENTRY FEE

We are interested in reading your original, unpublished short stories! Deadline October 31, 2009. $700, publication in Glimmer Train Stories, and 10 copies of that issue. Open to all writers. Stories not to exceed 12,000 words. (No minimum, though it's rare for a piece under 500 words to read as a full story.)

A RIVER AND SOUND REVIEW POETRY CONTEST

http://www.riverandsoundreview.org/contests/contests.htm

First place prize will be $500, plus a featured spot on a future RSR Live Production and publication in an upcoming issue of our journal. Submit up to three poems per entry. Deadline October 31, 2009.

WRITER'S DIGEST POP FICTION AWARDS

http://www.writersdigest.com/competitions

$15 ENTRY FEE

$2,500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and a copy of Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. Mystery/Crime Fiction, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Thriller/Suspense, Horror. Deadline November 2, 2009. The First Place-Winner in each of the five categories receives $500 cash, $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books and the Novel & Short Story Writer's Market. Limited to 4,000 words.

ARTHUR EDELSTEIN PRIZE FOR SHORT FICTION

http://writingsite.com/

$10 ENTRY FEE

Contest seeks short stories, 6,000 words maximum. Open toall writers, published or unpublished, writing in English. One prize of $1,000 will be awarded to the winner. Deserving stories will receive Honorable Mention. The winner will be announced on-site on March 31, 2010. Manuscripts will be accepted only during the month of October 2009 by USPS.

WORDS FOR DOLLARS WRITING CONTEST

http://www.wordsfordollars.com/

$5 entry fee

Prizes: 1st, $100; 2nd: $50; 3rd: $30. Submissions up to 2,000 words for short stories, 1,000 words for essays/poetry. This is loosely enforced. wordsfordollars.com is a biweekly writing contest that combines a small entrance fee, cash prizes, and thoughtful commentary, both by the editor and other members of the community. Its goals are to create a financial opportunity for writers and to simply support writing. The latter is achieved through a very supportive atmosphere and a true attempt to build community. Winners are announced no more than one week after the submission deadline, and prizes awarded promptly either by mail or through PayPal. All winning pieces are also published online.

KANSAS WRITERS ASSOCIATION CONTEST

http://www.kwawriters.org/competitions.htm

Entry fees

Adult Member - $10 per entry

Adult Nonmember - $15 per entry

Youth fees - $1.50 per entry (prose or poetry)

The winning entries will be published in KWA's 2009 anthology and a copy will be presented to each winner. The playwriting winner will not be in the anthology due to length of the entry. The anthology will include the three winning entries from each category. Writers who place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd will need to provide a print-ready copy of their entry on a disc. The anthology book is meant for all ages -- therefore, no obscene or X-rated material, etc., will be judged. Deadline November 1, 2009. Categories:

Adult Division - Prose

2,500-word limit all categories, except playwriting.

==Creative Non-Fiction - article, essay or other non-fiction

==Memoirs - 1st person non-fiction

==1st Chapter of a Novel

==1st Chapter of a Novel - Romance

==Short Fiction - any subject

==Juvenile Short Stories - for ages under 10

==Juvenile Short Stories - for ages 10 to 16

==Playwriting - full-length play. 90-130 pages.

Adult Division - Poetry

==Free Verse. Any subject or style, unrhymed, 40-line limit.

==Rhymed Verse - same requirements as free verse.

Youth Division

18 years & under - prose & poetry

==Prose - fiction/non-fiction, any subject - 2,500-word limit

==Poetry, rhymed or free verse - 40 lines

Prizes

1st Place: $100

2nd Place: $50

3rd Place and beyond: $25

THE JOSH PRIZES - POETRY AND FICTION

http://www.laverne.edu/academics/arts-sciences/prism-review/contests

Poetry Prize: $250 plus publication; $10 contest fee.

Fiction Prize: $250 plus publication; $10 contest fee.

Deadline December 15, 2009. All entrants' works will be considered for publication.

DAVID BURLAND POETRY PRIZE

http://www.davidburlandpoetryprize.com/

NO ENTRY FEE

Entries will be accepted from writers of any nationality and from any country provided that they are written in the English or French language. Limit 40 lines. Limit three poems. Anysubject or style welcome. 1st prize: £150, 2nd prize: £50, 3rd prize: £30. Deadline March 31, 2010.

RENAISSANCE CITY SHORT FICTION CONTEST

http://www.rencity.net/

ENTRY FEE $10 FOR ONE AND $12 FOR TWO ENTRIES.

Renaissance City is a new arts e-zine edited by local Detroit writers John Jeffire and Rhoda Stamell. We are looking for stories, poems, songs, and visual artwork for future issues. We are also seeking submissions for a Winter Short Fiction Contest. All submissions must be postmarked or received by January 1, 2010. Prize money will be offered to $25 for third). Stories should be in the range of 4,000 words and submitted to the editors by e-mail or snail mail.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Writers under 21

2009-10-01T11:46:00.000-06:00

Are you a writer under 21? Check out the below opportunities to publish your work. The pay ranges from copies of the publication to a $5000 scholarship. Publishing credits might be worth the small payment.

FIRST ANNUAL POET'S TONGUE AWARD

http://aliceshapiro.com/poets-tongue/

Poet's Tongue is pleased to announce it's first annual award for poetry. Winner will receive the Poet's Tongue learning program for students and have their poem posted on our blog. High school and college students are eligible to submit one poem each of 50 lines or less, any topic. Send submissions to info@aliceshapiro.com with POET'S TONGUE AWARD in the subject line. Deadline: October 15, 2009.

THE BIG BREAK YOUNG SCRIPTWRITING COMPETITION

http://www.spinebreakers.co.uk/Competitions/Pages/thebigbreak2009.aspx

Win a master class in scriptwriting with top writers, directors and actors at London's National Theatre PLUS tickets for the brand new production of Nation, adaptedfrom Terry Pratchett's novel by Mark Ravenhill (opening at theNational Theatre, November 11, 2009). You must be aged 13-18 to enter. There are two age categories: 13-15 and 16-18. To enter this competition, we are asking you to adapt Meg Rosoff's novel How I Live Now into a script for the stage. Submit a 150-word treatment and one scene of dialogue by uploading it in the online form at the website and you could be working with top writers, actors and directors to take your words off the page and onto the stage. Deadline October 30, 2009.

THE BLUE PENCIL

http://www.thebluepencil.net/bp-submissions/tbpo-writers-guidelines/

The Blue Pencil Online publishes the work of writers ages 12 to 18 from around the world, with the intention of showcasing the best and full scope of teen writing. The Blue Pencil seeks:

==Narrative fiction of up to 5,000 words

==Both free and measured verse of any length (limit = 3)

==Monologues, scenes, and one-act plays

==Essays (humorous, personal, miscellaneous) and interviews of up to 2,500 words

==Translations into English (with original foreign-language text)

==Audio recordings of interviews and of readings of literary texts (up to 30 minutes) for Out Loud!

DIVERSE VOICES QUARTERLY

http://www.diversevoicesquarterly.com/submission-guidelines/

Diverse Voices Quarterly is an online literary magazine. Accepts poetry. Submit 3-5 poems, 40 lines maximum. Submit short stories up to 3,000 words. Short-short stories accepted up to 1,000 words. Alsoseeks personal essays/creative nonfiction of up to 3,000 words. Must be written in English. Publishes quarterly. The deadline for the next issue is October 31, 2009.

CLAREMONT REVIEW

http://www.theclaremontreview.ca/submit.htm

The editors of The Claremont Review are looking to publish first class poetry, short stories and short plays by young adult writers (aged 13-19) anywhere in the English speaking world. Submissions from outside Canada (including the USA!) must include either International Reply Coupons or Canadian stamps. American postage is not valid in Canada.

CROW TOES QUARTERLY

http://www.crowtoesquarterly.com/home.htm

Seeks "playfully dark, intelligent, descriptive literature for children ages nine and up. Stories can range in length, but must not exceed 3,000 words. Those writers selected receive two copies of the publication.

YA LITERATURE REVIEW

http://www.yaliteraturereview.com/

YA Literature Review is a podcast/audio cast publication. Accepts all genres of short fiction and poetry as long as it's for ages 5-18. Offers a token payment of $5-$10. Stories should be 5,000 words or less. Currently looking for good holiday stories, specifically Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukuh, Valentine's Day, etc. Also looking for poetry to read in each episode. Also accepts writing from adults, but are especially partial to writing from children and teens. Also has a contest for teens. The payment is a signed copy of a book. No entry fee.

FIRE'S FREEDOM IN ACADEMIA ESSAY CONTEST

https://www.thefire.org/takeaction/students/essaycontest

One first place winner awarded a $5,000 college scholarship.Two second place winners each receive a $2,500 scholarship.Five runners-up each receive a $1,000 college scholarship. The final day to submit an entry is November 6, 2009. The winners will be announced by December 11, 2009.

Go to FIRE's website at www.thefire.org and familiarize yourself with FIRE and FIRE's issues. Go to the "multimedia" tab at the top of the page and click on "videos." Watch twoshort videos about real students who were censored and punished for speech that is protected by the U.S. Constitution. In 700-1,200 words, discuss the videos you have seen and explain how these universities betrayed the purpose of a university and violated the constitutional guarantees of free expression. Focus on why such codes and practices are incompatible with higher education and why free speech is important in our nation's colleges and universities. Submit your essay through the online form. Only high school seniors graduating in 2010 may apply.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Celebrate Book Bloggers This Week!

2009-09-16T18:07:00.000-06:00

Book Blogger Appreciation Week

Book Blogger Appreciation Week occurs once a year in September. This is the week! Check out an article with links to book bloggers at http://bookbloggerappreciationweek.com/.

Are you a Wyoming Writer? Apply for these writing awards!

2009-09-15T20:40:00.000-06:00

Apply now for the 2009 Blanchan/Doubleday writing awards. Through the generosity of private donor Neltje, the Literature Program of the Wyoming Arts Council gives the Neltje Blanchan and Frank Nelson Doubleday Memorial Awards for excellence in creative writing.

These awards are designed to bring attention to writers who have not yet received wide recognition for their
work, and to support emerging writers at crucial times in their careers. Poets, fiction writers, essayists, and script writers who have published no more than one book in each genre and who are not students or faculty members are invited to apply by submitting manuscripts and an entry form by the October 31, 2008 postmark deadline.

Since 1989, these 35 talented writers have received Blanchan/Doubleday writing awards:

Geoffrey O’Gara, Betsy Orient Bernfeld, Hannah Hinchman, David Mouat, Sheila Roberts, Scott Hagel,
Holly Skinner, C.L. Rawlins, Marcia Saum, Dainis Hazners, Barbara Gilbert, William Hoagland, Diane LeBlanc, Tina Willis, Maija Rhee Devine, Mary Beth Baptiste, Julene Bair, Chavawn Kelley, Geneen Marie
Haugen, Janell Hanson, Mark Spragg, Karol Griffin, Stefani Farris, Laura Bell, Darcy Acord, Jack Clinton,
Tina Welling, Susan Marsh, Myra L. Peak, Marcia Hensley, Jeffe Kennedy, Barbara Smith and Alisan Peters.

The Neltje Blanchan Award, $1,000, is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script which is informed by a relationship with the natural world.

The Frank Nelson Doubleday Award, $1,000, is given for the best poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, or script written by a woman author.

POSTMARK DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31, 2008

Are You An Aspiring Science Fiction Writer?

2009-09-13T17:43:00.000-06:00

The Launch Pad workshop at the University of Wyoming (my alma mater) accepts a dozen writers annually to learn about astronomy. The week-long program is nearly free and participants attend from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe. According to Mike Brotherton, associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Wyoming the goal of Lauch Pad is to "teach writers of all types about modern science, specifically astronomy, and in turn reach their audiences."

Check out this link, or click on the blog title to watch a LaunchPad 2009 YouTube video. There are additional Launch Pad presentations on YouTube.

Science Fiction and Fantasy writers attend, as well as writers involved in the internet, education, poetry and screen writing. The audience is selected based in part on their audience size, writers who reach an audience of millions. For the rest of us, watch the videos. They're free and you can see and hear UW facutly members teach a variety of topics such as "Everything you wanted to know about stars"; or "Seven ways a black hole can kill you."

How to Get Perspective

2009-09-10T09:28:00.000-06:00

DID YOUR HOUSE BURN DOWN?

I heard from a longtime friend last Wednesday. Her house burned on August 13th. The strong winds blew down a branch, which hit the power line and then the attic. The combination of the attic fire and the water damage from putting out the fire ended up with ceiling falling.

She stayed with friends for a week and took a week off from work. The interior of the house is now gutted and she is living in the contractors RV for the duration of the rebuilding with her dogs, cats and birds.

She saved what was important to her. She rescued her pets, her purse and her laptop. Family photos were left unscathed, as were her grandmother’s quilts, saved in space saver bags and protected from the water and smoke. She had insurance to rebuild. She’s alive. She’s taking an EMT course and we’re getting together tonight. She is moving on.

When you are feeling sorry for yourself, twisting in the wind, unsure of where to go next, remind yourself that it could be worse. Did your house burn down? Did you lose a lifetime collection of possessions? No? Then get over yourself and be thankful for what you do have.

16 Lower Paying Writing Markets

2009-09-07T13:31:00.000-06:00

These markets may be the place for you to break into publication!

The Strand - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks fiction, fillers. Subjects: Mysteries, detective stories, supernatural, terror, short stories, poetry.

Motherwords - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Irreverent, realistic look at motherhood, where mothers can share experiences and connect.

Vestal Review - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks fiction. Subjects: Flash (short-shorts) fiction.

Parabola - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Myths, symbols, religious traditions, wisdom, life.

SkyWest Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Travel .

Verge Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Ways to get out and see the world by volunteering, working and studying overseas.

Vibrant Life - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual balance from a practical, Christian perspective.

Adults Back to College - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Adult education, distant learning

Weird Tales - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Fantastic and weird fiction, poetry, stories.

SOURCE: http://www.writingfordollars.com/

GEORGIA FAMILY MAGAZINE

http://www.georgiafamilymagazine.com/writers.aspx

Features require careful research, independent reporting, and well-developed story lines. Prefers articles which can be localized to parenting in Central Georgia. However, considers general articles which relate to the family.Georgia Family pays $20 to $90 for first publication rights to feature stories. Writers are paid $10 to $30 for reprints of articles that are published elsewhere.

CONTRARY
http://www.contrarymagazine.com/Contrary/Submissions.html

Pays $20 for each byline in the categories of commentary, fiction and poetry. Pays $60 for a feature which consists of a package of several works with supplementary materials such as an interview or profile. A journal of unpopular discontent.

POETRY MAGAZINE

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/submissions.html

Payment is made on publication at the rate of $10 per line (with a minimum payment of $300), and $150 per page of prose, for first serial rights

LIFEBYTES, REAL STORIES

http://www.lifebytesbook.com/

An anthology of stories about ON LINE DATING. We are looking for non-fiction stories (300-2,000 words) that encompass the full range of internet dating experiences. How did you start dating online? Have you had short (two or three date) relationships? Was your experience happy or joyful, sad, scary, sexy or just unbelievable? Did you find the love of your life? In essence, we are interested in hearing about everything from one date to a full dating experience. Submit stories to bookeditors@lifebytesbook.com Deadline October 1, 2009. Chosen stories will be paid $50-$100 (based on word count).

SNIPLITS

http://www.sniplits.com/authorsroom.jsp

Specifically, we're about wonderful literary and genre audio fiction for iPods, iPhones, BlackBerries, Nokia, Motorola, Palm and other smartphones, and virtually any other device capable of playing MP3 digital music files. We are particularly committed to introducing and supporting today's short story writers. Depending on word count, pays $10 to $100 plus 50% royalties.

GOOD OLD DAYS
http://www.drgnetwork.com/pdfs/GDg08.pdf

Good Old Days tells the real stories of the people who lived and grew up in "the good old days" (about 1935-1965).These regular departments are in each issue: Good Old Days on Wheels (transportation: auto, plane, horse-drawn, train, bicycle, trolley, etc.), Good Old Days in the Kitchen(favorite foods, appliances, ways of cooking, recipes), Home Remedies (herbs and poultices, hometown doctors, harrowing kitchen table operations). Prefers 500-1,500 words. Payment generally ranges from $20-100.

ANIMAL WELLNESS

http://animalwellnessmagazine.com/p/awsubmit.htm

Provides readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of animals. Articles may range in length from 500 to 1,500 words. Prefers submission online.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

10 Freelance Writing Markets Above $350

2009-09-05T08:09:00.003-06:00

There are a number of places online to pick up writing jobs. Guru.com and elance.com are worth checking out. Helium.com also has a writers marketplace. Bidding for work versus submitting query letters to various markets may or may not be for you.

Below are writing markets to check. Always check the guidelines, look at the publication's editorial calendar, and read past publications to get a sense of what readers (and editor's) want.

Sign up at their websites for free to have writing markets sent to you weekly from Writing For Dollars and Funds For Writers (http://www.fundsforwriters.com/). I list markets from them that my writing friends or I might be interested in, categorized monthly. The rest of the time my blog is commentary.

Keep writing, and enjoy the Labor Day weekend.

Markets:

Texas Monthly - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Texas, general interest, travel, business, technology.

360 Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: All topics related to the wheelchair community.

Quill & Scroll - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Scholastic journalism-related topics.

Youth Today - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Businesses that provide services to youth, evaluation of programs for youth.

Harper's - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Current and significant issues.

Harper's Magazine, Monthly magazine for well-educated, socially concerned, widely read men and women who value ideas and good writing. harpers.org, 666 Broadway, 11th Floor, New York NY 10012, Phone: (212)420-5720, Fax: (212)228-5889. Terms: Rights purchased vary with author and material. Accepts previously published submissions. Query. Responds in 6 weeks to queries. Publishes manuscript 3 months after acceptance. Sample copy available for $5.95. Needs: Humor. "For writers working with agents or who will query first only, our requirements are: public affairs, literary, international and local reporting, and humor." Publishes 1 major report/issue. Length: 4,000-6,000 words. Publishes 1 major essay/issue. Length: 4,000-6,000 words. "These should be construed as topical essays on all manner of subjects (politics, the arts, crime, business, etc.) to which the author can bring the force of passionate and informed statement." Doesn't want: Interviews, profiles. Tips: "Some readers expect their magazines to clothe them with opinions in the way that Bloomingdale's dresses them for the opera. The readers of Harper's Magazine belong to a different crowd. They strike me as the kind of people who would rather think in their own voices and come to their own conclusions." (SOURCE: Writers Digest.com)

Writer's Chronicle - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Best essays on the craft and art of writing poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.

SOURCE: Writing For Dollars

GREATER GOOD

http://peacecenter.berkeley.edu/greatergood/about_us/submission_guidelines.html

Writers for Greater Good range from behavioral and social scientists to grade school teachers and journalists. Greater Good's articles mix science reporting with storytelling, often highlighting groundbreaking academic research, but in a manner that's engaging and accessible to a popular audience.Query with 250-word article proposal. Features are 1,000 and 2,500 words and pay 25 cents/word. Research briefs pay $75.Interview of 1,500 to 2,000 words pay $350.

ACTION

http://www.unitedspinal.org/publications/action/

Query first - online only. Looking for articles written in plain, nontechnical language, as jargon-free as possible. The bimonthly news magazine of the United Spinal Association is a benefit to members of the organization: people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction, as well as caregivers, parents and some spinal cord injury/dysfunction professionals. All articles should reflect this common interest of the audience. Assume that your audience is better educated in the subject of spinal cord medicine than average, but be careful not to be too technical. Aim for a feature word count between 750 and 1,200 words--1,500 words maximum. Target a column word count of 350 to 500 words--750 words maximum. Pays up to $400.

DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT

http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/about/authors/

Diabetes Self-Management magazine is written for the growing number of people with diabetes who want to know more about controlling and managing their diabetes. Readers need up-to-date and authoritative information on nutrition, pharmacology, exercise, medical advances, self-help, and a host of other how-to subjects. Most articles range between 2,000 and 3,000 words. Twenty percent kill fee. Query with a one-page rationale and outline, and include writing samples. Pays up to $700.

WILD BLUE YONDER

http://tinyurl.com/lborjt

Feature articles should be 1,500-2,000 words and fit within the editorial focus of day trips and 3-day weekends in a specific city or region. Service articles are 200- to 700-word pieces on anything that will help readers travel better, travel smarter, or find a better value. Dining articles are 1,000-1,200 words and should cover a compelling food-related subject with a travel focus. True Traveler city guides are approximately 1,200 words and must be focused on one of the cities posted.

SOURCE: FUNDS FOR WRITERS http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT OR EXPLORING THE FILLER MARKET

2009-09-04T09:55:00.001-06:00

I played beauty school dropout the other day. (Actually, I’ve never been to beauty school.) I highlighted my hair with lemon juice, stuck a big zip lock plastic bag over my head instead of sitting in the sun to deepen the highlights, then rinsed it and deep conditioned it with olive oil.

Next I steamed my face over a pot of boiling water that I had added a few drops of antiseptic smelling rosemary essential oil to. I scrubbed my face with a mixture of baking soda and water, rinsed it and put on a mud face mask made with bentonite.

When the steaming water cooled, I soaked my feet then used a pumice stone to wear away summer’s calluses. It was a fun way to spend two hours, and free.

Why am I telling you this? The tip market, or filler market, doesn’t pay much, but you can make up for that in volume.

Beauty tips, health tips, money-saving tips, cooking tips, time-saving tips, parenting tips, travel tips, organizing tips-the possibilities abound. If you have a collection of hints or tips that you use consider writing them down, and sending them off as fillers.

Proofreading and the High School Yearbook

2009-09-03T07:00:00.002-06:00

My son brought home his high school yearbook yesterday. We all poured through it.

Album was spelled alumb, which is the only typo I noticed. Other readers found another. One of the pictures on one student was misspelled. Devil instead of Devon. I heard the student found it amusing. I imagine his parents were apoplectic.

The yearbook staff of, I believe, six students proofread the yearbook. The yearbook advisor proofread it. To triple check for errors, they also had the school librarian proofread. They did their due diligence prior to sending it off for publication.

I’ve read six issues of the 92 editions of the Warrior Chronicles and this year’s is my favorite in terms of layout, design and theme. The other five may also have had minor errors; if so I didn’t register them.

I look at yearbooks for content, pictures, a record of the years my sons are in High School. I read them now, because neither my husband nor I have touched yearbooks from our High School years since we graduated. They sit unread in a cupboard. High School was not the be all or end all of our lives. It was something to get through in order to go to move away and graduate from college, a step toward becoming fully fledged independent adults.

High School was just four years of the journey through life. (Three, actually, for me.) It wasn’t bad, in fact it had fun moments and we both have good memories of those years. I suspect my kids’ view of High School will be similar, and their yearbooks will also sit unopened in a box or on a shelf unless they need to crack them open for some reunion to figure out who somebody is. I’ll probably store their yearbooks until they buy their own homes. The point is, in the grand scheme of life, the yearbook mistakes are small potatoes.

As writers, we do our best to proofread, have other eyes read our work, and yet mistakes happen. Get over it and move forward.

You’ve moved on since High School, haven’t you?

World Hustler Literary Storm Novel Contest

2009-09-02T20:20:00.004-06:00

World Hustler saves me a lot of time when submitting queries to agents, or articles to editors or publications. It has market listings and is inexpensive and easy to use. Check out this contest!

WordHustler Literary Storm Novel Contest. Enter the first 50 pages of your novel (any kind, any genre) and our esteemed Judge, Literary Agent Danielle Chiotti of Upstart Crow Literary, will pick the three best. The Grand Prize Winner receives a FREE manuscript critique from editorial maven Joyce Sweeney, who has helped 27 people get published. Are you next?
Entries are due by November 20th, 2009. Entry fee is $10 and you can also have your 50 pages critiqued for an extra $20. Go to WordHustler's Literary Storm listing to submit your masterpiece today!

PUBLISHER and AGENT MARKET INFORMATION

2009-09-02T13:09:00.004-06:00

Looking for a publisher or agent for your novel manuscript? Check out the markets below. I wish you luck.

** I have queries out to two agents for two of the books I've written. My critique group advised that a short story they just commented on be the synopsis for a novel. The truth is, I have no intention of writing another novel unless or until I get one I've already completed published. I'm having fun with hint fiction, poems, articles and short stories. What are you writing?

QUARTET PRESS
http://quartetpress.com/
Quartet Press is currently accepting queries for all genres of romance fiction, including erotic romance. We will also consider other genre fiction, provided the story contains a strong romantic plot thread. These books are digital format only.
GAUTHIER PUBLICATIONS
http://www.gauthierpublications.com/Submissions.html
Gauthier Publications is always looking for new talent. Now considering the following areas: YA, mystery/thriller/suspense, romance, short stories and story collections, horror/thriller stories for a new collection.
UPSTART CROW LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.upstartcrowliterary.com/
Represents adult and children's books, fiction and nonfiction. The agency prides itself at showing the individual needs and desires of each of the three literary agents.
TRANSATLANTIC LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.tla1.com/submissions.php
Accepting adult and children's books, fiction and nonfiction. Please note each agent and what she is seeking at present.
INTREPID TRAVELER
http://www.intrepidtraveler.com/writers-guidelines.html
The Intrepid Traveler is actively looking for new books and new authors. We like offbeat, well-written, in-depth guidebooks on topics that haven't been done to death. We welcome books about the travel industry, what it is, how it works, its history, how to break into it, and so forth. If you are a seasoned travel industry professional (anything from a flight attendant to a CEO) with a story to tell, we'd like to see your manuscript. This is an amorphous category with which we have had some success. Past titles we have published in this category include "Home-Based Travel Agent," "Take Your RV to Europe," "Air Courier Bargains" and "Fly Cheap." We'd be interested in seeing others.
WHEREABOUTS PRESS
http://www.whereaboutspress.com/
Unlike guidebooks written by professional travel writers, our books feature stories written by literary writers -- all of whom who have lived in the places they write about. Most were born there, or grew up there, or lived there for many years. And they didn't write specifically for travelers. They wrote because they had a good story to tell.
SUNPENNY PUBLISHINGhttp://www.sunpenny.com/submissions.html---We are interested in book-length manuscript submissions. We do accept most genres, fiction and non-fiction, and Christian inspirational works. Remember that although we produce secular books as well as Christian works, our standards for secular works will still be guided by our Christian leanings. DO NOT send us magic, demons, witches, aliens, and the like. We have a soft spot for travel, sailing, adventure, historical novels, romance, inspirational romance, women's fiction, mainstream and literary fiction, courage and overcoming, gift books and coffee-table books. We enjoy wit and humour, entertainment, upliftment. Sunpenny promotes beauty and excellence in publishing. Books do not have to be Christian in either topic or nature, but they do have to keep to acceptable value standards.

SOURCE:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Are You A Creative Cook? Enter Your Recipes and Win Money!

2009-08-31T08:22:00.007-06:00

I made a blueberry pie and a batch of lemon cookies using new recipes Saturday afternoon.
I needed a confidence boost, so I baked. I’m a clever cook at throwing together skillet meals, but I follow recipes when baking. (My 17 year-old asked “Why do YOU need a confidence boost,” as if only teenagers ever do.) Baking always turns out well, relaxes me, and is much appreciated by my family.

What do you do when you are at loose ends? Comment and share with the rest of us!

If you love to create new recipes, cooking magazines have contests every month. Enter your original recipes, or your meal plans and win trips, products, and/or money!

13 COOKING CONTEST LINKS

Taste of Home publications alone have eight current contests you can enter. Click on the link for contest rules.

From the Herb Garden
Sponsored by Healthy Cooking, enter by September 15th.
Tempting Tenderloin
Sponsored by Country Woman, enter by October 1.
Chicken Champs
Sponsored by Taste of Home, enter by October 16
5-Ingredient Favorites
Sponsored by Simple and Delicious, enter by October 1.
Make It Meatless
Sponsored by Healthy Cooking, enter by November 15
Apples Aplenty
Sponsored by Country Woman, enter by December 1
Super Stovetop Entrees
Sponsored by Simple and Delicious, enter by December 1
Calling All Casseroles
Sponsored by Healthy Cooking, enter by January 15

A Quick Google Search turned up these contests from About.com

Mezzetta - Make That Sandwich Contest 2009
Create America's best sandwich for your chance to win $25,000 cash and a trip to Napa Valley in Mezzetta's Make That Sandwich Contest. Entry Frequency: 100 x daily per person End Date: September 07, 2009 at 12:00 a.m. PT Eligibility: US residents who are not professional chefs, 18+

Red Robin - Kids' Cook-Off Contest 2009
Kids, submit your best gourmet burger recipes into Red Robin's Kids' Cook-Off Contest 2009 for your chance to win gift certificates, trips, and more. Entry Frequency: One time per person End Date: September 13, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET Eligibility: USA, aged 6 - 12

AllRecipes - Newman's Own Summer Lovin' Recipe Contest and Sweepstakes
Submit your recipe that uses Newman's Own salad dressing and you could win cash prizes of up to $1,000 in AllRecipes' Newman's Own Summer Lovin' Recipe Contest. One entrant will also be drawn at random to receive a $500 sweepstakes prize. Entry Frequency: One time per person/email End Date: September 24, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET Eligibility: USA, 18+

Smucker's - Traditions Recipe and Essay Contest
If your family has a much-loved recipe that has been passed down through the generations and which includes Smucker's products, enter the Traditions Recipe and Essay Contest for your chance to win a family trip to Walt Disney World worth nearly $11,000 or runners-up prizes of Smucker's gift baskets. Entry Frequency: One time per person/email End Date: October 14, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET Eligibility: USA, 18+

French's - Cookoff 2009 Recipe Contest
Enter French's Cookoff 2009 Recipe Contest by submitting your favorite easy-to-make recipe featuring French's products that brings a smile to your family's faces, and you could win $25,000 cash and other prizes. Entry Frequency: Unlimited entry per person End Date: October 31, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. ET Eligibility: US residents who are not food professionals, chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, or recipe developers, 18+
Enter your recipes and win money!

Print Newspapers Decline

2009-08-29T07:40:00.003-06:00

It's farewell to Woman to Woman, a weekly point-counterpoint column. Click on the blog title for their last commentary. I enjoyed reading the liberal/conservative debate. The columnists discuss the decrease in print newspapers and the rise of online journalism. Are you promoting your work (and yourself) online?

Some clergy turn to Internet for sermon inspiration

2009-08-29T07:21:00.002-06:00

Some clergy turn to Internet for sermon inspiration Plagerism! Is this an example of reduce, reuse and recycle? Hmm, how about "Thou shall not steal." Click on the blog title to see the Billings Gazette article.

I found it interesting that ministers spend around 15 hours a week writing, polishing and practicing their sermons. How many writers spend 15 hours a week on one piece? Were the 17 years of sermons on the stolen computer backed up on a thumb drive? Let it be a lesson to all of us.

Wolves devastate ranchers’ sheep

2009-08-29T07:13:00.004-06:00

The World Digest section reported that a Scottish ram sold for a record $347,000. Why are Montana bucks worth $350? Whether you are for or against wolf reintroduction it happened. Western ranchers have livestock losses. Click on the blog title to go to the link in the Billings Gazette.

Writing Contests

2009-08-28T19:46:00.004-06:00

Enter writing contests for the chance to win money, recognition, and publishing credits! Contests can also be a great ego boost (if you win). Contests also provide variation. Try micro fiction, poetry, an essay or a short story and see if that is your niche. I've been on a poetry kick lately. Short, sweet, and emotional. Whatever. I typically don't post contests with entry fees, but the two with fees included looked interesting.

MATCH THAT ARTWORK CONTEST

http://www.anthologybuilder.com/match-that-artwork.php

NO ENTRY FEE
Choose one cover art piece on the website and write about it. Contest Entries must be unpublished, between 1,000 and 50,000 words in length, and submitted on or before September 20, 2009. Stories will be judged in two categories: General Submissions (open to all authors) and Rising Stars (open to authors who are 18 years old or younger at the time of submission.) Rising Star authors may choose to submit in both categories. Finalists will receive a $30 gift certificate for AnthologyBuilder and a detailed critique of their story by Nancy Fulda, assistant editor at Jim Baen's Universe. The winner in the General Submissions category will receive $200 and publication on AnthologyBuilder.The winner in the Rising Star category will receive $100 and publication on AnthologyBuilder.

HARLEQUIN PRESENTS NOVEL CONTEST - UK

http://www.iheartpresents.com/2009/07/the-harlequin-presents-writing-competition-2009-is-now-open/

The competition entry must consist of either the first chapter and synopsis of a Harlequin Presents or Modern Heat novel.Email your entry to writingcompetition@hmb.co.uk. The WINNER receives an editor for a year. TWO RUNNERS-UP will be given critiques of their first chapter entries and an editorial consultation. The competition will close on November 2, 2009 and the winner will be announced in December 2009.

EIGHTH ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST

Theme: Invisible Writing
Compose 750 words or less addressing this theme in essay form. Deadline October 31, 2009. Pay $5 or don't pay anything. You have a choice with FFW. First, second and third prizes in each category, ranging from $10 to $200.

NEW: FundsforWriters is featuring Tweetebooks. Yes, you read right. In this day of social networking in spurts, FFW has created abbreviated ebooks with abbreviated prices. Enter the $5 entry fee category of the contest and receive one free. Or buy one. They are only $1.99.

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

MEMOIRS INK ELEMENT (Earth, Wind, and Fire) WRITING CONTEST

http://www.memoirsink.com/contests

$10 ENTRY FEE
Submit a short personal essay, creative non-fiction, poemoir or vignette that has to do with one of these elements--fire, earth, or air/wind/space. It can be about anything, but the element must be an important part of the story. You may submit as many as you like. 750 words max. Prizes: $500, $250, $125 + publication. Each element has a different deadline: fire - October 15, 2009; earth - January 15, 2009; air/wind/space - April 15, 2010.

READING WRITERS CONTEST

http://www.readingwriters.com/contest.htm

(I posted this one on my blog earlier, with links on lyric sources from ’77.)
NO ENTRY FEE

Go back... back to 1977. Choose a song from that year. Listen to the song. Create a 1977 story inspired by the song without using the actual lyrics in either the narrative or the dialogue. Grand prize $100, storypublished in The VERB, judge's opinion. Length may be up to 1,000 words. Deadline October 15, 2009.

SEVENTH ANNUAL FICTION COMPETITION
http://www.lilith.org/writers.htm

NO ENTRY FEE

LILITH Magazine is looking for unpublished original stories with heart, soul and chutzpah illuminating issues in the lives of Jewish women. FIRST PRIZE: $250 and publication of story in LILITH Magazine. Manuscripts should not exceed 3,000 words. Manuscripts should be mailed in. NO electronic submissions. Deadline: November 1, 2009.

WRITELINES CONTEST

https://writelines.net/uploads/Contest_Rules.doc

Submissions may be essay, fiction, memoir, or creative nonfiction. Word count maximum is 2,000 words. Contest entries must be received between the dates August 1 - 31, 2009.All submissions must be sent as Word attachments to ontest@writelines.net . Winning prize is free tuition to the Marco Island Writing Retreat October 9 - 11, 2009, 7:00 PM Friday through 9:00 PM Sunday which includes three meals on Saturday and three meals on Sunday. Transportation to and from the airport is included. Lodging is not included. Transportation other than to and from the airport is not included. Location Florida.

MICRO-FICTION COMPETITION

http://lyricalpassionpoetry.yolasite.com/2009-micro-fiction---contest.php

$ 3 ENTRY FEE
Seeking high quality micro-fiction of 300 words or less. No restriction on genre. Stories with the best chances of winning our micro-fiction contest will contain characters, a setting, conflict and resolution with a touch of poetic prose. Deadline November 1, 2009. 1st Place Prize - $200 (US) & Certificate2nd Place Prize - $ 703rd Place Prize - $ 30

SAINTS AND SINNERS SHORT FICTION CONTEST

http://www.sasfest.org/

$10 ENTRY FEE
The Saints and Sinners GLBT Literary Festival's First Annual Short Fiction Contest is soliciting original, unpublished short stories between 5,000 and 7,000 words with GLBT content on the broad theme of "Saints and Sinners." The contest is open to authors at all stages of their careers and to stories in all genres. One grand prize of $250 and two second place prizes of $50 will be awarded. In addition, the top stories will be published in an anthology. Deadline January 2, 2010.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

WRITING RESIDENCIES

2009-08-27T06:57:00.003-06:00

A month dedicated to writing. Long walks outside. Bantering with fellow writers. Sound ideal?Then take a pause from your job, your family, and finish your writing project in the company of other writers. Apply for a writing residency today!

JENTEL ARTIST RESIDENCY
Location Banner, WY
http://www.jentelarts.org/
Residencies average one month for visual artists and writers, including playwrights and screenwriters, who are 25 and older and live in the U.S. (citizenship not required). Organization provides housing, studio facilities, and a $400 stipend toward the cost of food and travel. Artists are responsible for travel, materials, and deposit ($100). Deadline: September 15, 2009.

CULINARY WRITING FELLOWSHIP
http://www.writerscolony.org/fellowships/
The Duncan Eat-Write Fellowship Fellowship will be awarded to an author writing a cookbook or work of fiction or nonfiction that involves a love of food or healthful eating. This Fellowship provides a residency in the Writers' Colony Culinary Suite equipped with full test kitchen. This Fellowship will be awarded on a rolling entry basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply early. Final application date for entry to be postmarked is September 10, 2009. Fellowship applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable $35 application fee.

CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT WRITING FELLOWSHIP
http://www.writerscolony.org/fellowships/
The Kid Lit! Fellowship will be awarded to an author writing a work of fiction or non-fiction for children or young adults. It provides a two-week fellowship entitling the recipient to free residency at the Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow in the historic arts village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Fellowship applications and a non-refundable $35 application fee are due January 20, 2010, with winners announced February 20, 2010, for fellowships to be scheduled March 10 - December 10, 2010.

SOURCE:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

WRITERS UNDER 21

2009-08-25T08:51:00.004-06:00

Are you a high school or college student? You write papers for school, why not write for pay? Check out the below opportunities to earn experience, writing clips and money!

PYRAMID
Pyramid - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Role playing games, boardgames, card games, strategy games, miniatures, wargames.

All of you gamers should jump on this one. It doesn't pay much, but it would be fun!

HOLLYWOOD SCRIPTWRITER MAGAZINE INTERN
Location Virtual
http://www.hollywoodscriptwriter.com/
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Ad_Intern.cfm?JobID=825471
Hollywood Scriptwriter magazine is looking for interns who can really write about people and the entertainment/film industry. We want journalists, not screenwriters. We are looking for 10 people who can interview, research, and write, with good grammar skills. You can work from your location, your city, and your state. Some of our interviews can be done via telephone. If you`re looking for an exciting internship, want to be published in an international, well-known industry publication, and want to interview those who write, produce and direct movies, give us a call immediately. We have lots of great stories ready to be told. Call the publisher at 310-283-1630 or email your resume to Angela at
intern@hollywoodscriptwriter.com.

ONLINE MEDIA INTERN
Location Virtual
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Ad_Intern.cfm?JobID=1074863
NYCheapskate.com, New York City's premier online resource for steals & deals in and around America's largest city, seeks a fall editorial intern to assist with the writing, posting and editing of listings and articles. We are looking for a full-time student at an accredited four-year college who is interested in learning more about the world of online media. Internship is 10-15 hours per week; start date and end date are flexible.

MATCH THAT ARTWORK CONTEST
http://www.anthologybuilder.com/match-that-artwork.php
NO ENTRY FEE
Choose one cover art piece on the website and write about it. Contest Entries must be unpublished, between 1,000 and 50,000 words in length, and submitted on or before September 20, 2009. Stories will be judged in two categories: General Submissions (open to all authors) and Rising Stars (open to authors who are 18 years old or younger at the time of submission.) Rising Star authors may choose to submit in both categories. Finalists will receive a $30 gift certificate for Anthology Builder and a detailed critique of their story by Nancy Fulda, assistant editor at Jim Baen's Universe. The winner in the General Submissions category will receive $200 and publication on Anthology Builder.The winner in the Rising Star category will receive $100 and publication on AnthologyBuilder.

EPIC NEW VOICES COMPETITION
http://www.epicauthors.com/newvoices.html
This contest is an opportunity to educate young writers on the e-publishing world, as well as the variety and versatility of e-books. Any student educated in a public, private, or home school environment, in a grade equivalent to the grade levels for U.S. junior high/middle school or high school, is eligible. Each entrant may enter no more than one (1) entry from each category, equaling a maximum of three (3) entries per person. Deadline October 20, 2009.
High School writers - Grades 9th through 12th/13th
Short Story (Fiction)- All genres are accepted, no more than 1,000 words in length.
Poetry - All themes and forms are accepted, no more than 30 lines in length.
Essay (Non-fiction) - Any non-fiction form is eligible (including articles), no more than 1,000 words in length.
Our prizes vary from year to year, ranging from an e-book reader or PDA, gift certificates, and check/money order.

DEVOZINE
http://www.upperroom.org/devozine/2009/julaug/writers.asp?week=6&issue=644656
Writers' Corner is the place for you if you're a teen writer, an adult writer, or a wannabe writer! You can find out everything you need to know about writing for devozine. You can also find upcoming themes and expanded theme questions, view writing guidelines, get a tip or two on good writing, or get a recommendation for a good book on writing. You can even send your meditation. Meditations are 250 words or less and have a theme. Sign up for the email list for writers.

HANGING LOOSE PRESS
http://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html
Hanging Loose magazine welcomes high school submissions. As with other writers, we reply within three months, and high school authors whose work we publish receive the same small fee and two copies of the issue in which their work appears. We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked. This is a literary magazine.

THE HISTORY TREE
http://www.thehistorytreeonline.com/submissions.html

We hope to include articles of original work from adults knowledgeable about history and genealogy, as well as articles from children. Sample topics available at the web site. New magazine. First issue distributed in September

GILDER LEHRMAN HISTORY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/teachers/student2.html
The Gilder Lehrman History Scholars Program, inaugurated in 2003, is a competitive summer scholarship program in American history for outstanding college sophomores and juniors. The program, based in New York City, has been designed to both reward undergraduates who have demonstrated superb research and writing skills in the field of American history and provide an opportunity for the next generation of historians to engage in discussions with eminent scholars and in primary-source research. The Gilder Lehrman History Scholars Program has two components: 15 History Scholarships that include a five-week scholarly research program; and up to 50 awards for One-Week Scholars [Finalists], who will be invited to a one-week program.

CLARICODE INC. MEDICAL SOFTWARE ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP
http://www.claricode.com/scholarship/
Deadline : October 31, 2009. Claricode Inc., a medical software development company located in Waltham, MA., is rolling out a $5,000 scholarship program to the college student who can best answer "How will medical software improve the future?" in 500-1,000 words. First prize : $2,500; Second prize : $1,500, Third prize : $1,000. Must be a full time student at a U.S. accredited college or university and 18+ years old at time of entry. All majors/concentrations are welcome to apply.

SOURCE:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Mystery Pain

2009-08-21T21:12:00.005-06:00

It feels like a searing hot knife tip plunged between the ribs under my left breast. Red ants are biting a circle on my middle back to the left of my spinal cord.

I thought I'd either overdid playing power woman lifting weights at the health club or dislocated a rib moving the vacuum up and down the stairs last Friday.

The massage helped relax my shoulders last Saturday. Monday I thought I had a bad reaction to food. I could have had a colonoscopy on Tuesday, not that I plan to in the near future. At least I weighed less. The chiropractor used heat, electrical stimulation, and cracked my back and neck on Tuesday.

The pain kept returning. Standing hurt less than sitting or lying. Heat waves passed over me. Was it hot flashes? If so, estrogen therapy is definately in my future. Aleve is my friend. Midol didn't really help. Cortaid helped with the itching. The heating pad made the pain and itching worse. Ice packs helped, but the location makes using ice packs VERY uncomfortable after a short period of time.

Thursday was spent researching online. I'm good at research. My youngest son has lipomylomeningeocele tethered cord syndrome, occult spina bifida and has had nine operations. I spent years of my life facilitating his medical care. NHI and Mayo Clinic provided the pictures-and the answer.

Shingles. Ouch. Went to the Doctor today. Hopefully the anti-viral medication and prednisone will help.

Writing About Anniversaries

2009-08-17T08:44:00.004-06:00

No, I'm not talking about your wedding or years on the job. Write about quirky little known anniversaries, or big national or world events. For example, August 9th was the 40th anniversary of the Manson Family killings. August 15-18th is the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Friday is the 50th anniversary of Hawaii becoming the 50th state.

Research anniversaries and submit a query letter to your favorite magazine editor on the topic. Give yourself (and the editor) plenty of lead time. Keep a file of anniversaries to write about. Remember to accurately document your sources. Write with an original voice, don’t just regurgitate facts. Maybe you know someone who lived through the event and can provide a personal viewpoint, or an inside story. Talk to your friends and relatives and pick their brains.

Remember to document your research. Accurate research is non-negotiable when writing on-fiction articles. Here are some tips to organize your research.

Print out the Internet sources you used and highlight the quotes and facts you used.
Copy the book pages you used (if any), highlight the facts, make sure you have the name of the book and the author, year published, etc.
Print your your article, number the facts and correspond the numbers to the previous printouts.
Stick it all in a manila folder, label the folder accurately, and file it.

When and editor asks for sources, you are prepared!

Obama visits Yellowstone Park Today

2009-08-15T10:14:00.006-06:00

The visit is expected to encourage people to visit national parks. Yellowstone is huge! The First Family won’t see much of the park in just a few hours. Maybe Old Faithful, maybe geyser basin. The crowds in the park will probably be larger than usual, and the traffic much slower. And it is cold today. Rain and possibly snow are anticipated. Air Force One will leave West Yellowstone Airport mid afternoon to fly to Colorado.

Sounds like a good weekend to skip the park and attend the Wyoming State Championship BBQ and Bluegrass festival at the Washakie County Fairgrounds instead. It’s free, open Friday from 4-11 pm and Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm.

The Festival will feature four bands, Desert Flyers, Jeff Troxel, Cambria and Drivetrain Band. There are 25+ BBQ Cookers and a Car Show Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. A quilting Display, a Climbing Wall and Free Carriage Rides as well as a Horseshoe Competition are planned.

Last weekend was Nowoodstock, the previous weekend the Gift of the Waters pageant. Local events to enjoy the last days of summer abound. What local events can you attend, and write about?

Chocolate

2009-08-13T06:28:00.010-06:00

I love dark chocolate. I read an innovative, informative premier travel publication, AFAR. It had an article that included chocolate statistics. Did you know that the Ivory Coast provides 61% of the beans that the United States imports? People in the U.S. eat an average of 11.4 pounds of chocolate per year. One pound is roughly 10.5 standard Hershey's bars. I ate a pound of chocolate last week!

My dh and I went to the craft show at the Gift of the Waters pagent two weekends ago. I bought fudge from Deb's Fudge Kitchen. The intent was to sample the six different flavors and consider purchasing the product to give as Christmas gifts. We bought a pound and a half. A nibble here, a sliver there, and within a week I had eaten it. The product is available online at allthroughthehouse@rtconnect.net.

Are you thinking Christmas yet? Editors are. Download the editorial calendar for publications. Some publications plan six months out, so Christmas themes were due in July. Others paln three months out, so you have time to write about holiday traditions, holiday decorating tips, party plans, recipes....

SHORT STORY MARKETS AUGUST 2009

2009-08-12T06:22:00.001-06:00

BOUND OFF
http://boundoff.com/submit.html
A monthly literary audio magazine. Bound Off wants to read your best short stories out loud! We are seeking original literary fiction for our upcoming podcasts. Please send stories that are between 250 and 2,500 words long. Although we are an audio publication, we will evaluate manuscripts the old-fashioned way. We are not considering the following types of writing: non-fiction or personal essays, poetry, stories for children. We compensate writers $20 per contracted story.

NEW LOVE STORIES MAGAZINE
http://grassrootsmag.com/submissions.html
The overall theme should involve short stories of Male/Female love and romance. These stories may be contemporary, historic, inspirational, paranormal, or any other theme as long as love and romance are the main thrust of the story. Story length should range from 3,000 to 5,000 Words. Pays $300.

SPEAK ONLY TO ME
http://www.speakonlytome.com/writeforus.html#
Our vision is to ignite passion, romance and fun in women's lives. Our stories are designed to cultivate an environment of intimacy, fun and humour, but let's not leave out the darker side. We know how partial some readers and writers are to the more disturbingly erotic, and would love to read quality submissions of this nature. The length of our short stories needs to be between 1,500-4,000 words. Keep dialogue to a minimum or use none at all. Because our stories are to be produced for the spoken word medium, please consider reading it aloud. This will test whether the text is natural and flows well. Our Serialisations can ideally contain 5 or 6 short stories of 1,500 to 2,500 words each. Our Meditations are between 1,500 and 2,000 words and are designed to guide the listener into a state of perfect relaxation away from distractions and stresses. The focus is on inner beauty and sensuality and the eroticism needs to be subtle but profoundly enjoyable. Knowledge of guided meditations, body relaxation methods, yogic breathing or tantric techniques.Pays ten cents/word.

SOURCE:FUNDS FOR WRITERS

ANTHOLOGIES AUGUST 2009

2009-08-11T15:08:00.002-06:00

PILL HILL PRESS ANTHOLOGY
http://www.pillhillpress.com/writers-guidelines.html
Open to all mainstream genres (including action/adventure, cross genre, slipstream, experimental, fantasy, historical, horror, literary, mystery, romance, science fiction, suspense/crime, western) as long as it fits within the theme of the anthology. Fiction Length: 500 word minimum, 7,500 word maximum. Pays 1 cent/word plus 1 contributor's copy upon publication. Looking for horror/suspense/mystery/supernatural stories that take place in rural America.
Especially interested in stories that take place in Nebraska or surrounding states, though any rural location is acceptable and will be considered.

MOONLIGHT TUBER ANTHOLOGY
http://moonlighttuber.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/submissions-open-for-moonlight-tubers-first-e-anthology/
A Handsome Laundrette, a Box of Lovers and Two Dozen Happy Seacows is looking for stories of an experimental, odd, or surreal nature. Stories up to 5,000 words. Pays$50 Australian. Open to writers of all varied nations, but is particularly interested in publishing Australian writers.

SOURCE:
FUNDS FOR WRITERS

woman's world guidelines - Google Search

2009-08-10T21:10:00.000-06:00

woman's world guidelines - Google Search: "womagwriter.blogspot.com/"

Interested in writing short romantic fiction? Check out this link-and this blog for UK markets.

Higher Paying Writing Markets August 2009

2009-08-10T20:31:00.001-06:00

ANALOG SCIENCE FICTION
http://www.analogsf.com/
The science can be physical, sociological, psychological. The technology can be anything from electronic engineering to biogenetic engineering. But the stories must be strong and realistic, with believable people (who needn't be human) doing believable things-no matter how fantastic the background might be. Pays 6-8 cents per word for short stories up to 7,500 words, $450-600 for stories between 7,500 and 10,000 words, and 5-6 cents per word for longer material. We prefer lengths between 2,000 and 7,000 words for shorts, 10,000-20,000 words for novelettes, and 40,000-80,000 for serials. Fact articles are paid for at the rate of 6 cents per word.

ENTREPRENEUR
http://www.entrepreneur.com/entmagwg.html
Entrepreneur reports on innovative methods and strategies to help readers improve their business operations. Features are 1,700 words, including sidebars, charts and/or boxes. Entrepreneur's upfront section, "Edge," features brief, punchy articles on news and trends affecting small-business owners. Purchases short (250-400 words) articles for $1/word.

Family Circle - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Women's everyday concerns about social, family, and health issues.

FIELDSTONE ALLIANCE
http://www.fieldstonealliance.org/client/main_contact_info.cfm
Fieldstone Alliance has a twenty-six year history of providing consulting, publishing, training, and research and demonstration projects that help nonprofits, funders, networks, and communities achieve greater impact. Actively seeking authors.

HEALTH
http://www.health.com/health/service/about
http://www.health.com/health/service/contact-us
Health.com is produced by editors and journalists dedicated to delivering accurate, trusted, up-to-date health and medical information, for consumers. We focus on problem-solving content to help you make decisions during complicated, stressful times. Pays up to $2/word.

ORION
http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/mag/guidelines_for_article_submissions/
Orion is published bimonthly. Feature articles range from 1,500 to 5,000 words, departments from 350 to 1,200 words. Lead time is typically six to nine months. Pays $400 to $1,000 for feature pieces, $50 to $450 for shorter texts. Orion only accepts electronic submissions made during a designated submission period. The next submission period is January 15-30, 2010. Orion explores an alternative worldview through essays, literary journalism, shorts, interviews and reviews, photo essays and art. Covers nature and culture.

PI Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Trade publication for private investigators and law enforcement detectives.

Poets & Writers Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Creative writing, news and trends, essays, interviews.

Southwest Airlines Spirit - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: people, places, products, business, travel, technology, sports, lifestyle, food, fitness, culture.

Working Mother Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Service, humor, child development, material pertinent to the working mother's predicament.

WRITER'S MARKET
Robert Lee Brewer, Editor, Poet's Market
Email: robert.brewer@fwmedia.com
Accepting article pitches for 2011 Poet's Market until September 1, 2009. In body of e-mail, please outline your article idea and include a short bio. Send an e-mail with the subject line: 2011 Poet's Market Query: torobert.brewer@fwmedia.com . Please reference the 2010 Poet's Market to get an idea of what articles have been accepted in the past. I'm mostly interested in business/marketing-related pieces, but craft-related articles are fine, too. NOT interested in poet interviews, profiles.

SOURCES: Writing for Dollars and Funds For Writers http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

How to Spend Five Hours (or not)

2009-08-09T20:22:00.005-06:00

Friday I spent five hours writing. I edited a fiction submission query for a magazine, entered another fiction piece for an audio site, wrote down ideas for articles (with research completed), and researched markets. Time flew. I spent an additional hour lunching with a writing pal, and 20 minutes doing cardio at the health club. I baked a batch of cookies because my oldest son is coming home Tuesday. Friday was a very good day although my back ached on Saturday from being a desk jockey.

I had a massage a couple months ago and the masseuse spent an inordinate amount of time for a full body massage on my upper back. She asked if I spent a lot of time on the computer. When I replied in the affirmative, she gave me a simple stretch to do. Basically bring your chin down to your chest and hold for thirty seconds, then do the same left and right. I asked her how she knew, and she said I had a knot on my left rib cage which was common among long term computer users. Who knew?

Saturday I spent five hours working outside. The yard is weed eated, I used a bag of dirt filling in various holes (thanks, Champ, the diggingest dog), my flower beds are weeded and watered and everything looks very spiffy. I clipped a few branches, cleaned off the porch swing and the hammock so they aren't covered with cat hair and are actually usable. I got lots of vitamin D, which doesn't really work well with retin A, but the sunshine makes me feel mellow. It was a productive day, and I did enjoy it. I was actually trying to work out my back ache. I ended up taking three Aleve throughout the day and a Calgon take me away bath (thanks Shane, for the Calgon), sleeping with the heating pad.

Sunday I spent five hours cleaning. My house isn't that big. I cleaned the kitchen light fixture, the bathroom ceiling, and repaired a window shade. I did five loads of laundry, ran to the store, and replaced a toilet seat cover in that five hours, too. It's done, the only home project I have left is to add some photo's to my photo album. I decided years ago to put photo's in scrapbooks or albums when I get them rather than let them pile up. It is a system that has worked very well for me. I have one book for every year that I've been married, labeled with the year. I have some separate vacation scrapbooks, too. The question is, who will ever look at all these pictures? Maybe someday I will have daughters-in-law, or grandchildren who will be interested. Contrary to popular belief, cleaning isn't my favorite activity. We have allergies and asthma and a clean house helps keep us healthy.

Tomorrow I take the car to the shop, have writers group, and plan to do some writing. We all have twenty-four hours in a day. How do you spend your time?

Lower Paying Writing Markets August 2009

2009-08-08T06:03:00.000-06:00

Absolute Write - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Writing.
Animal Fair - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Lifestyle magazine for animal lovers in support of animal rescue.
Animal Wellness - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals
Artful Dodge - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Prose, poetry.
BEE CULTURE
http://www.beeculture.com/content/WritersGuidelines.pdf
Bee Culture is the magazine of American Beekeeping. Covers beekeeping - its history, how-to, equipment used, and even the humorous side of this craft. Articles average800-2,000 words. Unsolicited regular or feature articles, between 1,500-2,000 words pays roughly $150-$200, including photos.
Calliope - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: World history for grades 4 and above.
CATHOLIC DIGEST
http://www.catholicdigest.com/article/catholic-digest-publications-guidelines
Needs non-fiction, full-length articles (1,000-2,000 words) on almost any topic. The average length of a Catholic Digest feature article is 1,200-1,700 words. Readers have a wide range of interests -- religion, family, health, human relationships, nostalgia, good works, and more. Short, filler articles (less than 1,000 words). On average, Catholic Digest pays $100 for reprints or $200-300, for originals, upon publication.
CUP OF COMFORT
http://www.cupofcomfort.com/WritersGuidelines
A Cup of Comfort for Couples - Deadline October 1, 2009.
A Cup of Comfort for Golfers - Deadline December 15, 2009.
A Cup of Comfort stories weave powerful life lessons into vividly told tales. They are nonfiction stories that read like fiction but always ring true. Story Length: 1,000-2,000 words. Point of View: First-person (preferred) or third-person; no second person. A one-time payment of $500 is paid to the Author of the lead story in each book (the "grand prize" winner). A one-time payment of $100 is paid for each of the other stories published in the book. Each contributor receives one complimentary copy of the book per story.
Dig - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Archaeology for ages 9-14.
ElectricSpec - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks fiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Speculative fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and the macabre.
Ephemera - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks fillers. Subjects: Gags for Novelty Buttons, Magnets, Stickers.
FAMILY HANDYMAN
http://tinyurl.com/mgvm2o
The editors of The Family Handyman magazine define a Handy Hint® as an idea that solves a problem--quickly, cheaply and cleverly. Handy Hints® make you think, "Hey, that's cool. Why didn't I think of that?" If you have a genuine, original hint you'd like to share with us, we'll give you $100 if we use it! You can send your hint to fheditor@readersdigest.com. Please identify your submission as a Handy Hint®.
FIELD: Contemporary Poetry and Poetics - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks fillers. Subjects: Poetry.
flashquake - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Flash fiction, flash nonfiction (memoirs, essays, creative nonfiction, humor) and short poetry.
Literary Traveler - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Literary artists, composers, travel.
Metro Parent - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Modern Parenting issues.
MOMSENSE
http://www.christianitytoday.com/momsense/content/info.html
MomSense is a theme-based bimonthly magazine serving as the official publication of MOPS International. MomSense nurtures mothers of preschoolers from a Christian perspective with articles that both inform and inspire on issues relating to motherhood and womanhood.Our audience consists of approximately 100,000 mothers of preschoolers (infants through kindergarten). Stories and articles should be between 600-1,200 words.
Perceptive Travel - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Quality writing aimed at independent travelers by published book authors or anthology editors only .
Pockets - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, columns/departments, fillers. Subjects: Christian children 6-12, puzzles, games, stories, poems, recipes, pictures, scripture reading.
Poetry Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fillers. Subjects: Poetry, reviews
Shades Of Romance Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Multi-cultural literature: interviews, book reviews, short stories, craft about writing.
Skirt!® - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Topics relating to women and women's interests.
Spider - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: 6 - 9 year-olds, adventure, geography, history, science, sports, technology, travel.
The Toastmaster magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Speaking techniques, leadership development, language, club management principles, profiles.
T-Zero Quarterly - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Original fiction, poetry, craft articles and writer-related essays.

SOURCES:

WRITING FOR DOLLARS AND FUNDS FOR WRITERS

PUBLISHERS/AGENTS August 2009

2009-08-07T10:45:00.002-06:00

THE MCVEIGH AGENCY
http://www.themcveighagency.com/
A boutique literary agency handling writers, illustrators, photographers, and graphic novelists for both the adult and children's markets.

MANUS & ASSOCIATES LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.manuslit.com/
Member of AAR, thus no fees. Does NOT accept sci-fi, fantasy, romance, poetry, children's books, screenplays, academic work, magazine articles. All else is a consideration – nonfiction and fiction.
*Their website also has instructional information on contracts, making the perfect pitch and more. Check it out!

3 SEAS LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.threeseaslit.com/
We specialize in romance, women's fiction and children's books. Currently, we are looking for fantastic authors with a voice of their own. More specifically, we love any type of romance (historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal, chick lit, inspirations and fantasy) and young adult and middle-grade fiction as well as mysteries, thrillers and select nonfiction titles.

ROD HALL AGENCY
http://www.rodhallagency.com/
The Rod Hall Agency is a London-based specialist literary agency for film, television and theatre. Represents writers, writer-directors and directors with highly distinctive and original voices.

THE GREENHOUSE LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.greenhouseliterary.com/index.php/site/how_to_submit
We specialize in children's fiction - from high-concept/character-led series aimed at the 5+ age group through middle grade to young-adult/crossover novels. We are NOT looking for picture book texts or illustrators, non-fiction, educational or religious/inspirational work, poetry, or writing aimed at adults.

FOX LITERARY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/fox/
Represents commercial fiction, some literary fiction and nonfiction with broad commercial appeal. Actively seeks: young adult fiction (all genres), science fiction/fantasy, romance, historical fiction, thrillers, and graphic novels. Always interested in books that cross genres and reinvent popular concepts with an engaging new twist (especially when there's a historical and/or speculative element involved). On the nonfiction side, interested in memoirs, biography, and smart narrative nonfiction. Also memoirs and other nonfiction about sex work, addiction and recovery, and pop culture.

WORDSERVE LITERARY AGENCY
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/02/submission-guidelines-updated.html
Looking for books that don't contradict a Christian worldview. In fiction, concentrating on books that can be placed in the Christian marketplace (i.e. CBA publishers). This year will be slowly moving into more general market fiction. In nonfiction, represents books that would fit in the general market or the Christian market (or both).

ROB WEISBACH CREATIVE MANAGEMENT
http://www.robweisbach.com/about.html
Rob Weisbach Creative Management re-conceives the traditional literary agency as a comprehensive cross-training development company, one that provides development, representation, and strategic career management for writers, visual artists, designers, and editors.

TURNER PUBLISHING
http://www.turnerpublishing.com/
Looking for a wide variety of genres. We love southern fiction. But really, we accept all kinds because the element that we look for - is that it is good. We'll produce a romance novel if it is stellar, a mystery, a YA novel. But we aren't doing children's books right now, nor horror, or graphic novels. But we accept: mysteries, fantasy, sci fi, cook books, non-fiction of all sorts, travel guides, literary fiction, mass market fiction, etc.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

Writing Residencies

2009-08-06T16:36:00.002-06:00

ARTISTAY
http://www.artistay.com/
Artistay is a service for artists, writers, architects, academics, art teachers, curators...looking for a residency program in France in order to realize a personal artistic project. We work with several art places offering professional support to artists from all over the world and in various disciplines. Applicants are responsible for the funding of the residency participation fees. They can do an application with Artistay even if they haven't secured the funding yet. We can provide necessary documentation and contacts for funding advice. Artistay service is free of charge for the applicant.

DENALI NATIONAL PARK RESIDENCY
http://www.alaskageographic.org/static/165/artist-in-residence
Applications for the 2010 Denali National Park Artist-in-Residence Program are now being accepted. The Artist-in-Residence program at Denali National Park offers artists the opportunity to pursue their work amidst the natural splendors of Denali Park. The park currently provides the use of the historic East Fork Cabin for ten-day periods from June through August. Deadline: October 31, 2009.Location Alaska.

SOAPSTONE RESIDENCIES - FOR WOMEN WRITERS
http://www.soapstone.org/
Accepting applications in the month of July. Deadline August 1, 2009 for residencies starting November 2009 to November 2010. **Archive this and apply next year.

Located in Oregon's Coast Range, nine miles from the ocean, the retreat stands on twenty-two acres of densely forested land along the banks of Soapstone Creek and is home to much wildlife. Soapstone is set up for two writers at a time, each with her own writing studio. From an applicant pool of 400 to 500, approximately thirty-five writers each year are awarded residencies of one to four weeks.

BLUE MOUNTAIN CENTER
PO Box 109, Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812
http://www.bluemountaincenter.org/
Provides a peaceful environment in which guests are able to work. Grant Amount: Cost of 2 or 4-week residency.

CONTESTS AUGUST 2009

2009-08-05T21:28:00.001-06:00

SPINETINGLERS SHORT STORY COMPETITION
http://www.spinetinglerspublishing.com/index.php?page=cdetail&id=6
NO ENTRY FEE
The closing date is the 15th of every month. As soon as one competition closes the next one opens. Prizes are £100 for first place, £50 for second place and £25 for third, fourth and fifth place. The competition is open worldwide and entries can be made online. Genre is dark fiction. Five winners each month will be compiled in the annual anthology.

JERRY JAZZ MUSICIAN SHORT FICTION CONTEST
http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/mainHTML.cfm?page=fictioncontest.html
NO ENTRY FEE
Three times a year, Jerry Jazz Musician awards a writer who submits the best original, previously unpublished work of approximately one - five thousand words. The Jerry Jazz Musician reader has interests in music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theatre, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America. Your writing should appeal to a reader with these characteristics. A prize of $100 will be awarded for the winning story. In addition to the story being published on Jerry Jazz Musician, the author's acceptance of the prize money gives Jerry Jazz Musician the right to include the story in an anthology that will appear in book or magazine form. Deadline September 30, 2009.

BOOMER WOMEN SPEAK CONTEST
http://www.boomerwomenspeak.com
NO ENTRY FEE
The winner will receive $100 in cash, publication in the OUR VOICES section at www.boomerwomenspeak.com, plus annual membership to the National Association of Baby Boomer Women. In 500 words or less, write one scene, a mini-memoir, depicting your life-changing event. Be sure to include sensory details. Deadline August 31, 2009.

HOLIDAYS CAN BE MURDER! SHORT STORY CONTEST
http://deadlyink.com/short.html
NO ENTRY FEE
Prizes: First Place: $100, Second Place: $50, Third Place:$25. Profits from the sale of the anthology will be donated to: Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. Deadline August 15, 2009. Limited to 5,000 words. Must have a holiday theme and contain a "deadly incident."

SCIENCE FICTION - WHAT IF?
http://www.readme.us.com/contest.html
NO ENTRY FEE
Imagine what if? and so you ask yourself, what if... what? Well you tell us! We want science fiction short fiction (micro, flash or short stories) that tell us a science fiction story around the idea what if. Wherever you take it, make it interesting! The word limit is 5,000 words. Deadline August 31, 2009. Winning stories will be paid $50, Second place $25, Third Place $10. The top stories will be published in a science fiction collection to be published in October of 2009. All accepted entries will receive an ebook version of the final collection.

THE POSITIVE WAY RELATIONSHIP AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT CONTEST
http://www.positive-way.com/Contest.htm
NO ENTRY FEE
We are looking for original stories and essays that teach aspects of self-development and relationship development in an entertaining and engaging manner. Non-fiction (true life stories with verifiable facts) and fiction (as allegory or other forms of instructional stories) will be accepted. You may win one of five cash prizes ($100, $50, $25, $15, or $10 US) plus a copy of the e-book Talk to Me: How to Create Positive Loving Communication or Priceless Life Lessons. Winning entries from sixth through tenth place will be recognized and have a choice of either e-book as a prize. 250 word minimum to 1,200 word maximum.
Deadline November 30, 2009.

HELIUM CONTEST
http://theskinnyon.com/Rand-Helium-Release.aspx
Helium, the world's largest writing community, announces a partnership with RAND Publishing, publisher of The Skinny On(TM) series of illustrated non-fiction books. Under the partnership,
RAND Publishing will leverage Helium's social publishing platform to identify the most appropriate authors for up to twenty-five new titles, such as The Skinny On Finance for Young Adults and The Skinny on Social Networking. Selected writers will be chosen by Helium and paid between $3,500 and $5,000 per title.

Source: C. Hope Clark, www.fundsforwriters.com

Stiletto Spy School unleashes inner Bond girls

2009-08-04T19:41:00.000-06:00

Stiletto Spy School unleashes inner Bond girls

Check this out!

'77 Contest

2009-08-03T21:11:00.001-06:00

This sounds like a fun contest to write a story for!

‘77

http://www.readingwriters.com/contest.htm

Deadline: October 15, 2009(Midnight, PT) Grand Prize: $100 & published in The Verb.
NO Entry Fee

Length may be up to 1,000 words. But not a word more. (Your contact information and your title are not included in the word count.)

The year is 1977. Music is alive and memorable and flowing from vinyl records and 8-track tapes. It’s a time of CBs, not CDs. Portable cassette players, not MP3s. The Midnight Special, not the Internet. How did those primitive souls survive? You tell us. Go back… back to '77. Choose a song from that year. (Here are a few.) Listen to the song. Create a '77 story inspired by the song without using the actual lyrics in either the narrative or the dialogue.

Writers Under 21 August 2009

2009-08-02T20:56:00.005-06:00

* My current writer under 18 will be writing college scholarship essays and college applications and have no time for fiction this fall.

INVENTOR'S DIGEST ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.inventorsdigest.com/
Inventors Digest magazine is hosting a national youth essay contest for National Inventors Month in August. Your assignment:
What will the world look like in 2059?
In 1959, the internal pacemaker, the microchip, the Barbie doll and pantyhose were invented. Each was significant in its own right. But that was so 50 years ago. Show us in 500 words or less what technology, tool or product will shape our lives in 2059 and why. The Grand Prize includes:
-A laptop computer
-Your essay published in Inventors Digest
-A year's subscription to the magazine
-Possible appearance on the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Everyday Edisons
-A killer T-shirt
-Brain-teaser games
Eligibility: All middle school and high school students ages 12-17 in the United States. Grand prizes and two runners up will be awarded for best middle school and high school entries.
Download official entry and all permission forms online. All essays must be original work of the student. Only 1 (ONE) entry per student. Submit essays and forms to Inventors Digest, info@inventorsdigest.com with Essay Contest in the subject line or mail to Inventors Digest, Essay Contest, P.O. Box 36761 Charlotte, N.C., 28236 or fax to 704.333.5115. Include your birth date, school, address and phone number. Submit essays Aug. 1-31, 2009.

WIRETAP MAGAZINE
http://www.wiretapmag.org/about/write/
Wiretap is an independent news and culture web magazine that generates and amplifies daily content by young people from diverse backgrounds. We mentor and train young journalists, citizen reporters, bloggers and provide a daily platform for young activists, social entrepreneurs, and artists from across the country.

TINY GIANT MAGAZINE
http://www.tgmag.ca/index_e.htm
Tiny Giant's mission is to create journalism, opinion, art, new media, fiction and design that is made by youth, for youth. Our articles should be funny, smart, serious, thoughtful, non-conformist and current-as should our writers and our staff. Originated in Canada, but accepts material from everyone.

CADAVERINE MAGAZINE
http://web.mac.com/thecadaverine/Site/Cadaverine.html
CADAVERINE publishes the best new poetry and prose by emerging authors under the age of 25. From urban gothic to high modernism, cyberpunk to scathing satire, science fiction to fictitious cookery, Cadaverine is a comprehensive and uncompromising introduction to the new voices of British literature.

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.essaylady.com/scholarship_essay_contest.shtml
One first-prize winner will receive a $500 college scholarship and a free premium essay review package (valued at $200) by the EssayLady. One first runner-up will win a free premium essay review package (valued at $200) by the EssayLady. Topic: Which cliché (common or not so well-known) best describes you, or a turning point in your life? Essays should be 500 words or less and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST on August 28, 2009. Only rising high school seniors may apply.

SOURCE: C. Hope Clark
Hope@FundsforWriters.com
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

NON PAYING MARKETS

2009-07-31T11:24:00.004-06:00

Is it worth gaining exposure to write for non-paying markets? Hmmm. You'll have to make that decision yourself. Here are some markets if that is what you want to do.

I'm off to writers group, then getting a haircut. I submitted one short piece today, and plan to submit some fiction short stories over the weekend. I did find a very cool site to get an opinion and/or proofreading for my novel. I'm discussing the cost value of it with my writers group members, who have read it, critiqued it, reread it, along with some first readers who read the complete finished manuscript. Are manuscripts ever finished? I could tweak forever, or try (again) to get an agent for it and finish the next book, which is what I would rather do. Decisions, decisions!

Travel Post Monthly

http://www.travelpostmonthly.com/

Each issue of this online zine goes to a list of travel editors who buy content for their own publications. In the words of the editor: “When they see an article or photo they want, they contact the contributor directly to negotiate fees and rights. Travel Post Monthly is looking for sound travel advice that saves readers time, money, and trouble when they travel. The issues also include short, engaging stories about destinations theworld over -- those, too, with a practical bent. In other words, the feature articles don't just tell a reader what makes a place unique,they also include the how-to information he or she needs to follow in a writer's footsteps.The magazine is divided into departments, including How To,Destinations, Humor, Dining, Overnight, and others. Most articles run100-600 words.”

You'll find specific details about each department in the Writer's Guidelines, here: http://www.travelpostmonthly.com/writers_guidelines/
Don't query. Simply follow the Guidelines closely and submit a complete article that's well-targeted for a specific department.Photos are welcome as well -- both to illustrate your article and as stand-alone images. Submit each photo with a caption of no more than75 words.

You'll find detailed Photographer's Guidelines here:
http://www.travelpostmonthly.com/photographers_guidelines/
Travel Post Monthly is produced by the International Travel Writers &Photographers Alliance (ITWPA) and gives priority to submissions fromits members. That said, the staff is happy to consider contributionsfrom non-members as well.Currently, Travel Post Monthly does not pay writers or photographers.

Editors Pet Peeves
1.) A destination article should be about a place... not about you. Soif you're writing in first person, limit (severely) your use of theword "I."
2.) Make sure your descriptions are as rich in specifics as they canbe. Little bothers me more than a sentence that reads: "X is full ofdelightful shops and upscale restaurants where the food is lovely."That doesn't tell me anything at all about what makes a place unique.Generalities like those are guaranteed to kill your article.

TravelLady
http://www.travellady.com/

TravelLady.com is an online travel magazine that offers a searchable database of over 10,000 travel articles. The most recent stories fill up the first page, and the rest are categorized by special interest (film, fishing, beaches, beauty, inns, luxury...) and destinations.
The stories here are varied, and don’t seem to follow any particular theme, though they’re generally light, chatty, and useful. Most also include a paragraph or two of further information and links at the end.

If you get at least five articles published here, you’ll be eligible for an assignment letter from the editors -- a powerful tool you can use to get free press trips.
TravelLady editor, Madelyn Miller, said: “Send first person stories. We are mostinterested in stories from warm destinations, particularly Mexico. We want evergreen stories -- do not submit stories on a hotel package or performance that ends in two weeks.”

Madelyn also mentioned her pet peeve: when writers don’t read theWriter’s Guidelines and don’t follow directions. Guidelines:
http://www.travellady.com/guidelines/guidelines.htm

** TIP: TravelLady only accepts articles that include photographs.

SOURCES:
http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com/
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/

What's Up?

2009-07-30T17:55:00.003-06:00

My flowers gardens are weeded, ant powder spread. The lawn is mowed, thanks to my youngest son. We looked at his Senior Picture proofs on Tuesday. He starts a job at the library next Tuesday. Last weekend was his last college tour for the summer. We're glad he went; he probably won't apply there. I stayed home and painted the kitchen-inside the cupboards and out. Whew!

It's Fair week. My DH and I took in a concert last night that ended abruptly with an electrical outage. We actually have a carnival this year. We perused the rides, and are giving it a miss. I wouldn't mind going for the cotten candy, caramel corn and snow cones, though!

My DH returns to work Monday. He took the dog for a hike on the mountain today. He is driving my Mom in the parade tomorrow night. I took Mom to the audiologist out of town Wednesday. We saw three golden eagles, numerous deer and antelope, a steer and a pony being halter led in town.

I did submit four pieces last week, and am perusing markets to submit more. I'm a quarter of the way through the writing course I'm taking. So far, not real helpful. I live in hope. Writing each day is a compulsion, although not a profitable one at this point.

RESIDENCY OPPORTUNITIES

2009-07-30T17:41:00.002-06:00

GRAND CANYON RESIDENCIES

http://www.nps.gov/GRCA/supportyourpark/air.htm

Grand Canyon National Park announces a new year-round artist-in-residence program at the South Rim in conjunction with the well-established seasonal artist-in-residency program at the North Rim. Artists must submit their applications for the South Rim postmarked by July 31, 2009. Selected participants will be notified by mid-August. For more information please contact Rene Westbrook at 928-638-7090 or Rene_Westbrook@nps.gov.

STAR RESIDENCY AT THE CULTURAL CENTER AT EAGLE HILL

http://centerateaglehill.org/index.php?catId=4

STAR residents are accomplished artists, and also educators-at-heart who want to work with young people while expanding the definition of what being an educator means. We provide STAR artists with an apartment and studio facilities; a monthly stipend; dedicated, distraction-free time to make art; and opportunities to develop teaching skills through professional development relationships with mentor teachers.

NEW ZEALAND BOOK COUNCIL

http://www.bookcouncil.org.nz/Book_Council/About_Us/Programmes.htm

Writers in Schools takes writers and illustrators into schools all over New Zealand, with the support of Creative New Zealand, Learning Media and the New Zealand Community Trust.

SOURCE: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=6PRO4&m=1f.ZruW_d1BbK5&b=MF.eoHUf3BPycnzEiEsDpQ,

MORE WRITING MARKETS JULY 2009

2009-07-21T11:45:00.002-06:00

PAYS WELL- OVER $500

· MyBusiness Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Small Business.
· Outside - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Outdoor sports, expeditions, skiing, biking.
· Elks Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Youth programs, veterans service, drug awareness, Elks National Foundation activities, fund-raisers.
· National Geographic Traveler - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Travel.
· Woman's Day - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers. Subjects: Women's interests, family life, childrearing, education, homemaking, money , careers, family, etc.
PAYS $125-500
· High Country News - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Environmental, cultural, and social issues in the Western United States.
· JAKES Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Educating and involving youth in wildlife conservation and stewardship of our natural resources.
· Pack-O-Fun - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Crafts, arts, kids, children, cross stitch, how-to.
· The Old Schoohouse Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Exploring all facets of home-based education.
· Women in the Outdoors - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Informs and entertains outdoorswomen of all skill levels.

PAY IS UNDER $125

River Styx - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Literary, Poetry.
International Living - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: International retirement, real estate, investment, business opportunities, employment, travel.
The Dollar Stretcher - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Frugal living. (pay is…frugal)

A variety of markets to check

Wigleaf – Flash fiction. Find guidelines at http://www.wigleaf.com/
Glimmertrain Contests – Themed contests every month, fiction and nonfiction. See guidelines at http://www.glimmertrain.org/
New Love Stories Magazine – Try a poem here. http://www.newlovestories.com/
Oatmeal Studios – Your humorous greeting card is wanted at http://www.oatmealstudios.com/
Mind Wings Audio – Sell that short fiction at http://www.miwishorts.com/

MORE Paying Markets

Greenprints http://www.greenprints.com/wguidelines.html Gardening magazine looking for true stories.
The Family Handyman http://www.rd.com/familyhandyman/category/546/ Pays $100 for “goofs”
Smithsonian http://www.smithsonianmag.com/contact-us/humour-guidelines.html Pays $1,000 to $1,500 for 550 to 700 words in The Last Page.
Saturday Evening Post http://saturdayeveningpost.com/submission-guidelines.html Regularly publishes one-page humorous stories. Pays $25 for "Post Scripts."
Southern Living http://www.southernliving.com/ "Southern Journal" page has a memory or reflection about the south.
Good Housekeeping http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/good-housekeeping-contributors-guidelines
Granta, a literary publication from Cambridge university. Senior editor Rosalind Proter insists all writing is read. Does not publish genre fiction such as romance, Western or children’s writing. Accepts essays, fiction, memoir, poetry, reported pieces. Hard copy submissions, response in 3-4 months. Contact: Alex Clark, Granta magazine, 12 Addison Ave. London, Wii 4Qr, U.K. http://www.granta.com/

Sources: http://www.writingfordollars.com/
&
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/

GOING OUT FOR FREE IN DC

2009-07-16T06:24:00.002-06:00

Two days in the city, not much money to spend? There are always the monuments, museums, the parks, the sculptures, and the zoo, but how about something new?

A perusal of the Washington Post ( http://www.goiningoutguide.com/.) –and guides are also available on facebook, twitter and iphone-leaves you with a lot of choices.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

I’ll probably check out the Farragut Square concert from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Farragut Square Park, 17th and K streets NW for FREE. The Road Soda quartet will perform.

The Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers perform at the Library of Congress, Jefferson Building, Cooldige Autitorium, 10 First Street SE. FREE at NOON.

African Drums and Dancing, Discovery Theater at S. Dioon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW. for $6. Times are 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. today, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. tomorrow.

Check out the Farmers Market at Penn Quarter Freshfarm Market, 8th Street NW between D and E Streets from 3-7 P.M. A cooking demonstration by chef Joe Raffa takes places from 4-5 p.m. FREE

The Bay Jazz Project performs from 5-8 p.m. at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard, Eight and F Streets NW for FREE.

The Marine Dixieland Band will perform at 8 p.m. at the Sylvan Theater on the Washington Monument grounds near 15th Street and Independence Avenue SW for FREE.

The Topaz Bar has a FREE comedian from 8-10, no charge. Once would have to buy a drink, but for under $10 you can have two hours of laughs. I just might go to that, too.

Want to watch the Tour de France? Watch on a dozen large flat screens. Drink special include $10 pitchers of Miller Lite and $12 pitchers of Sierra Nevada and there is stuff to win at the Rhodeside Grill, 1836 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington from 5-7 p.m. There is a $5 cover charge.

Join the International Club of D.C. for happy hour at the Hilton Washington Embassy Row from 6:30-8:30 p.m., 2015 Massachusetts Avenue NW for drink specials like $7 frozen margaritas. Admission is $7. Check out the http://www.internationalclubdc.com/

Friday, July 16, 2009

Are you a fan of country music? Attend the tribute to Patsy Cline and Emmylou Harris in a show put on by the Washington Area Music Association by nine local acts. Seating is first come first serve and it is FREE. 7:30 p.m. Carter Barron Amphitheatre, 16th Street and Colorado Avenue NW.

Listen to the U.K. band Lovvers for $8 at 9 p.m. Friday. The Comet Ping Pong, 5037 Connecticut Avenue, NW.

TRAVEL WRITING

2009-07-10T19:39:00.003-06:00

If you are looking to get your photographs published, the July 2009 edition of National Geographic had a box stating that they wanted photos of state fair attractions for a special section of My Shot at www.ngm.com/statefair

The back of the issue advertised their collector’s edition of Your Shot and said that readers have submitted more than 100,000 photos since March 2006 and they usually run only two per month. So your odds of getting a state fair picture published in National Geographic seem fairly slim.

I don’t go to the state fair. I don’t have kids in 4H. I’m not going to Cheyenne Frontier Days this year, either. I probably will go to our county fair. They are having a carnival this year. I agree with Garrison Keillor that the best thing about fairs is extreme centrifugal force. Roller Coasters are my favorite ride.

The same National Geographic issue had an advertisement for a biodiversity photo contest sponsored by Airbus. “Submit photos, learn more about biodiveristy, and see full contest rules at” http://www.seethebiggerpicture.org/ I haven’t checked the rules. Biodiversity is more up my son’s alley.

Travel writing sounds great. Get paid to travel! We’ll see if the copywriting advertisements live up to their billing. So far I have spent $200 and a lot of time learning about it. I hope the investment is worth it. I get very frustrated with myself because I spend all of my time researching and/or marketing, and none of my time writing.

I listened to a depressing webcast (that I paid for) about travel writing for large newspapers. The speaker stated that the paper she represented does not take queries. They do want articles with photos. They only accept about one unsolicited article a month, however. The rest of their travel section is written by staff or picked up off the sydicate, even for their web edition. Some syndicates mentioned were Travel Art, King Features and Lonely Planet. Syndicates want you to have clips before they will take you on.

What else…All writers know to show, don’t tell (I hope) and to look for new angles. Describe the place you are writing about, capture settings and details, consider writing about things that went wrong, or writing a humorous piece. Make sure to include the insiders guide, or sidebar information, with places to stay, eat, and things to do, and contact information for those places. Self edit the word I. Remember that you are a salesman for the places you write about. Your “hook” is the first thing you would tell your best friend about your trip.

*I am actually getting paid to travel. I’ll be in Washington, D.C., next week doing a grant review. This is my third grant review for 2009. Check the blog archives on grant writing for more information. So the blog won’t be updated until at least the 18th. Have a great week!

PAYING TWITTER MARKETS

2009-07-10T08:07:00.000-06:00

Micromarkets are a new source of revenue for writers. Twitterzines look for 140 character nanofiction, also known as “twiction” or “picofiction”, and poetry. 140 characters is anywhere from one to four sentences. Paying twitterzines pay one to five dollars per tweet. If you are a fan of short prose, this may be your niche.

Robert Swartwood recently closed a deal with W.W. Norton to publish an anthology of "hint fiction," which he defines "a story of 25 words or less that suggests a larger, more complex story." http://www.robertswartwood.com/

Visit his website later this summer for details on how to contribute to this anthology; contributors will be "paid $25 and given a contributor's copy for World and Audio rights."

(Note: @anything means www.twitter.com/anything)
Outshine (@Outshine)
http://shineanthology.wordpress.com/outshine-submission-guidelines
$5 per prose poem; submissions re-open July 6th
Nanoism (@nanoism)
http://nanoism.net/submit
$1.50 for unpublished literary fiction; $1 for reprints; $5 for serials
Thaumatrope (@thaumatrope)
http://thaumatrope.greententacles.com/submissions
$1.20 per science fiction/fantasy/horror entry and currently needs serials
Tweet the Meat (@tweetthemeat)
http://tweetthemeat.blogspot.com/2009/04/submission-guidelines.html
Horror/weird/speculative, pays $1 per tweet

FREEWARE COURSES

2009-07-09T11:01:00.001-06:00

Want to take a writing or photography course? Check out these free classes and improve your skills. Learn screenwriting, brush up on your grammar…have fun!

Free-ed.net
The U.S. Small Business Administration
World Lecture Hall
About U at About.com
Suite 101
MIT Open Courseware
· 50+ Open Courseware Writing Classes from the World's Leading Universities
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=6PRO4&m=1f52GmdCl1BbK5&b=4fUk.acSoPfISMTiXNwFVA
· 10 Universities Offering Free Writing Courses Online
http://educationportal.com/articles/10_Universities_Offering_Free_Writing_Courses_Online.html

SITES WITH FREE OR DRASTICALLY REDUCED PRICES

2009-07-08T21:09:00.003-06:00

BookRix allows registered authors to upoad their novels, short stories and poems as PDF’s or Word documents to create Web Books. These digital flip books can be read by those visiting the site and embedded on you home page, blog or profile for promotional purposes. Caution- if it’s on the web, it is PUBLISHED and you may not find a paying publisher for your work.

Wovel is a web novel. Check out Underland Press, Quillpill and Textnovel to post serialized novels on cell phones or the web. The point is to gain an audience with the hope of attracting a publisher. See Caution above.

Elance.com posts opportunities for writers to bid on. Pay is around $500.

Associated Content.com is a site where you post what you want, and if the editors like it they’ll pay you and give you bonus payments per click. Pay is $2 to $12 per article with a 400 -word minimum.

Send ecards from HipsterCards.com

Download and print 28,000 free eBooks from Gutenberg.org/catalog

For free ringtones, apps or games check out Phonezoo.com or Myxer.com.

Sell your cell at CellForCash.com or Flipswap.com. Be sure to remove the auxiliary memory card, reset the password to 0000 and delete all of your information from the phone or remove its SIM card.

Before you buy college textbooks, check textbooks.studentmarket.com or google.com/products to compare prices. Rent or buy used college texts and return them at semester’s end at Chegg.com.

Get cash for books at Cash4Books.net

Gazaro.com tracks sales flyers and websites like Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Amazon.com and alerts you when prices have gone up or down.

Calculate the number of calories you need to cut to lose weight at caloriecontrol.org/calcales.html.

FreewareHome.Com lists more than 5,500 programs that really are free. Check it out.

Music sites with free downloads : ClassicCat.net, Rhapsody.com, CountryWeekly.com (click on Free Music Downloads under Music) Amazon.com (click on Digital Downloads, then MP3Downloads, under Browse MP3s go to Most Popular and find the Free Songs and Special Deals option. I listen to music on my computer on Pandora.com.

Sell unwanted items at Half.com, a non-auction site. Put up your item and name your price. You can see prices of similar itmes and you’re notified when someone buys.

Print out a grocery list at grocerlists.org/ultimatest

MARKETS JULY 2009

2009-07-07T08:35:00.002-06:00

Education.com - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Stories of interest to parents of preschool-grade 12 .

Neopets the Official Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Collecting, games, neopets.

SUBTROPICS

http://www.english.ufl.edu/subtropics/submit.html

Subtropics seeks to publish the best literary fiction, essays, and poetry being written today, both by established and emerging authors. We will consider works of fiction of any length, from short shorts to novellas and self-contained novel excerpts. We give the same latitude to essays. For stories and essays, Subtropics pays a flat fee of $1,000 ($500 for a short short) for North American first serial rights. Poets are paid $100 per poem.

BENEATH CEASELESS SKIES

http://beneath-ceaseless-skies.com/page.php?p=submissions

Beneath Ceaseless Skies publishes "literary adventure fantasy": stories with a secondary-world setting and some traditional or classic fantasy feel, but written with a literary flair. We prefer stories under 10,000 words. Pays five cents/word.

NEVADA MAGAZINE

http://www.nevadamagazine.com/index.php/info/contact/

For more than 70 years, Nevada Magazine has been telling the Silver State's story -- in Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and beyond. In print and online, we highlight urban and rural travel, dining, people, history, gaming, events, shows, and more. On our Web site, you'll find content from our bimonthly publication as well as online-only material, such as "Web Extras" and online bonuses. Stories are accepted on speculation. Most stories range from 500 to 1,000 words. Payment -- 40 to 50 cents per word -- is on publication and varies with article length and quality.

At FanStory.com you will get:
Helpful feedback. Get helpful feedback for everything you write. Detailed feedback for poetry, short stories and book chapters.
Motivation. Improve your writing by participating in an online writing community. You will be ranked. Online statistics will show you how you are doing.
Contests. Participate for free in contests with cash prizes. 50 new contests are available every month.

Children’s markets:

YES Mag, a children's science magazine, the homepage is www.yesmag.ca.

http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/magazineinfo.html

http://www.storiesthatlift.com/STL-routines/submitstories.htm

http://boyslife.org/home/383/resources-for-contributors/

http://www.gemsgc.org/main/what_is.html

http://funforkidzmagazines.com/bq_guidelines

http://funforkidzmagazines.com/hs_guidelines

Parenting Publications

http://www.mediaforliving.org/contact/

http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=553&srctype=linklist&src=657

Mothering - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Parenting, mothering, child care

YA Markets

www.six78th.com

http://www.relatemag.com/about/

Writing-Themed Publications To Check….
The Busy Freelancer, FellowScript, Writers Weekly, Writer2Writer

Sources: writingfordollars.com &
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

WRITING RESIDENCY OPPORTUNITIES

2009-07-06T08:01:00.001-06:00

ART FARM RESIDENCY

http://www.artfarmnebraska.org/residency.html

Art Farm's artist residency program for professionals, in all areas of the arts, offers them accommodation and studio space to pursue their art and we ask, in exchange, for 12 hours per week from artists, to help renovate and maintain Art Farm's buildings and grounds as well as other projects.All who apply need to be self-motivated and resourceful and appreciate a quiet working environment. Art Farm's location is semi-isolated and rural and because of this condition, cooperation and an ability to share tasks are required.Art Farm's artist residencies are available between June 1 and November 1 for a maximum of four artists at one time. We usually recommend residencies of 8 to 12 weeks. Applications for 2010 open in November 2009.

BYRDCLIFFE RESIDENCIES

http://woodstockguild.org/byrdclifferesidencies.htm

The Byrdcliffe Arts Colony is located in the Catskill Mountains, one-and-a-half miles from the center of Woodstock, New York. Offers writers, visual artists and composers one-month residencies from June through September. Our goal is to provide solitude in community and undisturbed time in which to concentrate on independent, creative work in company of follow artists. Each four-week session is limited to 10 individuals. Please note: 2-week or partial week stays are not permitted! The cost per session is $300 USD. Candidates may apply for additional weeks if space becomes available. (Writers under age 35, who need financial assistance, may apply for a $100 USD scholarship from The Patterson Fund).

Source: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PSEO4&m=1d34x_E0AxYbK5&b=O4j2TlyVOfN5UiK5YGW4RA

Check this out-the best job in the world

2009-07-05T21:48:00.000-06:00

Wish I'd known about this job opportunity!

PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS JULY 2009

2009-07-05T18:26:00.001-06:00

SUNPENNY PUBLISHING

http://www.sunpenny.com/submissions.html

We are interested in book-length manuscript submissions. We accept most genres: fiction and non-fiction, and Christian inspirational works. Remember that although we produce secular books as well as Christian works, our standards for secular works will still be guided by our Christian leanings. DO NOT send us magic, demons, witches, aliens, and the like. We have a soft spot for travel, sailing, adventure, historical novels, romance, inspirational romance, women's fiction, mainstream and literary fiction, crime/detective, courage and overcoming, gift books and coffee-table books. We enjoy wit and humour, entertainment, upliftment. Sunpenny promotes beauty and excellence in publishing. Books do not have to be Christian in either topic or nature, but they do have to keep to acceptable value standards.

BLACK INC. - Location Australia

http://www.blackincbooks.com/blinc/contact/index.php

Black Inc. is happy to accept unsolicited manuscripts for general non-fiction, biography and memoir. Black Inc. does not accept manuscripts for fiction or children's books. Please send a synopsis and 3 sample chapters marked to the attention of the Senior Editor.

BRANDEN BOOKS

http://brandenbooks.com/contact_us.php

Fiction, nonfiction, crime, Italian American, children, YA,health and medical, reference, military, music, sports. Likesbiographies, Americana, and African American topics as well.

KIRSTEN NEUHAUS LITERARY AGENCY

http://www.kirstenneuhausliterary.com/

Kirsten Neuhaus Literary is a full-service boutique agency specializing in non-fiction, particularly current events, international affairs, pop cultural studies, and narratives with strong female voices, as well as up-market, commercial fiction.

BARRY GOLDBLATT LITERARY AGENCY

http://www.bgliterary.com/

While we do not require exclusivity, exclusive submissions will receive priority review. Seeking children's, YA, genrefiction, graphic novels, picture books, some adult nonfiction.

BEAUTIFUL BOOKS

http://beautiful-books.co.uk/submissions.html
Beautiful Books consists of three imprints - Beautiful Books, Burning House or Bloody Books. We are no longer accepting submissions of books for children and do not accept submissions of the following categories: Science Fiction; Fantasy; Poetry; Short Stories. Please send all of (but only) the following: a cover letter, including a brief biography; a one or two-page synopsis; 30 - 50 pages of your manuscript, which must include the first chapter (or 10 pages) but, if you wish, can be a selection of excerpts.

PARADIGM AGENCY

http://www.paradigmagency.com/about

Paradigm's select yet diverse client list allows it to effectively compete with other large agencies while guaranteeing personalized attention to every client. With offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Monterey, California and Nashville, Tennessee, Paradigm provides representation to clients across its motion picture, television, music, comedy and personal appearances, theater, books, new media, commercial and physical production departments.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

CONTESTS JULY 2009

2009-07-03T10:01:00.002-06:00

Dream Quest One Writing Contest
Submit an unpublished short-story, up to five pages, any theme. Prizes: $500/$250/$100 and publication on the Dream Quest One Web site. Deadline: July 31.

POETRY INSTITUTE OF CANADA CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST

http://www.poetryinstitute.shawbiz.ca/htdocs/contests.htm

NO ENTRY FEE
This creative writing contest is open to writers aged eighteen and over, whether they have been previously published or not. Each writer may submit one entry only. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each contest. Prizes are as follows:
First prize for the best short story is $250 cash; 4 second prizes of $50 each; 8 third prizes of $25 each; and Awards of Excellence for runners-up.
Any form of writing acceptable, but limited to 850 words. Prizewinners notified after the book is published.
Deadline July 31, 2009.

WRITE REAL GOOD POETRY CHAPBOOK CONTEST

http://unlikelystories.org/writerealgood1.shtml

Unlikely Books, the print arm of the 11-year-old electronic magazine at UnlikelyStories.org, is holding a contest to find one chapbook of superior poetry to add to their 2009 catalog. The contest's winner will receive $250, publication and 20 free copies, additional copies cheap, and a unique marketing campaign including audiovisual "movie trailers," review copies, and promotion at one of the Web's longest-running 'zines. All entrants will receive their choice of 2009 Unlikely Books: I Can Sing Fire by Anne Lombardo Ardolino, Blue Rooms, Black Holes, White Lights by Belinda Subraman, or the winning chapbook.
Deadline September 15, 2009.

DYNAMIC DIALOGUE CONTEST

http://www.readingwriters.com/contest.htm

NO ENTRY FEE
Share your characters' gift of gab. Write a complete story--not a scene--that consists of pure dialogue. No narrative whatsoever, not even a he said or she replied. If it isn't spoken, and within quotation marks, it can't be on the page. Grand prize $100. Length may be up to 1,000 words. But not a word more. (Your contact information and your title are not included in the word count.)Entries must be original and unpublished.

GEMINI MAGAZINE SHORT SHORT STORY CONTEST

http://www.gemini-magazine.com/contest

NO ENTRY FEE
GRAND PRIZE: $100 and publication in the October Issue of Gemini. 1,000 words or less (excluding title & byline).Any style, any theme. Open to anyone. Deadline: August 31, 2009.

WAR IS ALL WE KNOW SHORT STORY CONTEST

http://www.diversionpress.com/war_is_all_we_know_short-story_contest

NO ENTRY FEE
This anthology is designed to collect the best fiction on war. We don't want war as a backdrop to another story, but the war or conflict must be the major part of the story. Each story must include as a quote or somewhere else in the text the phrase "War is all we know." Deadline July 15, 2009. 1st: $30 and free copy.2nd: $20 and free copy. 3rd: $10 and free copy. Page length: Between 20-40 pages, but we would consider longer or slightly shorter pieces. For all short story anthologies (excluding the poetry anthology), authors residing in the United States will receive one free copy of the work.

THE NEW ESQUIRE FICTION CONTEST

http://www.esquire.com/fiction/fiction-contest

NO ENTRY FEE
The story must be based on one of three titles.
1. "Twenty-Ten"
2. "An Insurrection"
3. "Never, Ever Bring This Up Again"

A date, a thing, and a statement. No exceptions. Make of them what you will, do with them something great. But no taking an old story and slapping one of our new titles on it. We'll know, and we won't be happy. Your story cannot exceed 4,000 words. We are serious about that, too. You may submit only one story. All entries are due by midnight of August 1, 2009 and must be submitted electronically at http://esquiresubmissions.com. First prize: publication in Esquire and $2,500.

LIFE LESSONS CONTEST

http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/life-strategies/inspiration-motivation/second-annual-life-lessons-essay-contest-00000000013682/

NO ENTRY FEE
Enter Real Simple's second-annual Life Lessons essay contest and you could have your essay published in Real Simple; win round-trip tickets for two to New York City, hotel accommodations for two nights, tickets to a Broadway play, and a lunch with Real Simple editors; and receive a prize of $3,000. Deadline September 7, 2009. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, age 19 or older at time of entry. Limit one entry per person or e-mail account. Essays should be submitted in English at a maximum of 1,500 words and typed and double-spaced on 8Ŋ-by-11-inch paper.

AMERICA'S NEXT BEST CELLER

http://www.dorchesterpub.com/Dorch/SpecialFeatures.cfm?ID=2684

Dorchester Publishing and Textnovel announce their partnership in an innovative writing competition for aspiring novelists. Authors ages 18 and older are invited to participate in America's Next Best Celler, a literary challenge that pairs the emergent cellular generation with the traditional publishing model. The contest will award a guaranteed publishing contract with Dorchester Publishing. The site encourages readers to subscribe to developing works of fiction which are disseminated in chapter-length installments via cell phones and email over a period of time. Subscribers offer direct feedback to authors and vote for their favorite serials, fostering an intimacy between artist and fan similar to reality television.Dorchester is seeking contest entries in any of the following romantic sub-genres: historical, paranormal, urban fantasy, high fantasy, futuristic, romantic suspense or humorous contemporary.

SUBTROPICS

http://www.english.ufl.edu/subtropics/submit.html

Subtropics seeks to publish the best literary fiction, essays, and poetry being written today, both by established and emerging authors. We will consider works of fiction of any length, from short shorts to novellas and self-contained novel excerpts. We give the same latitude to essays. We appreciate work in translation and, from time to time, republish important and compelling stories, essays, and poems that have lapsed out of print. For stories and essays, Subtropics pays a flat fee of $1,000 ($500 for a short short) for North American first serial rights. Poets are paid $100 per poem.

Source: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

WRITERS UNDER 21 JULY 2009

2009-07-02T07:18:00.000-06:00

BE-MONDO
http://www.be-mondo.com/aboutus.html

All young people can contribute to the site or ask for assignment.
Write about Your World: describe the place you live in to someone
who has never been there, or the community and traditions that
are important to you. Write about Your Life: talk about who you
are... your family life, your school life, your hobbies and
special interests, your travel adventures, even your painful
experiences. Write about Your Beliefs: explain the politics or
faith that you believe in. Write about Your Issue or Cause:
share what you think can be done to make the world better and
why it's important... perhaps you are passionate about education,
the environment, human rights, world peace, civil liberties, drug
abuse, health, poverty...In general, share your unique perspective
and find out what you have in common with others, and help people
become aware of lives they might never encounter in their own
neighborhood.

If you are under the age of 25 and want to connect at
a real level with young people who have unique perspectives
to share, write to mikki@be-mondo.com to talk about an
assignment. But all young people can contribute to the site.
Be-Mondo is an online media channel where socially active
teens talk, listen, and react to important global issues.

BREATH & SHADOW
http://www.abilitymaine.org/breath/write.html

Breath & Shadow accepts work only from people with disabilities.
Use the term "disability" broadly to encompass anyone with a
physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, or sensory impairment
that significantly affects one or more major life functions.
Payment is upon publication. The pay scale is $5 - $15 for
poetry, $15 - $25 for fiction, and $15 - $25 for nonfiction.
Accepts writing from people of all ages, from children to
seniors. Especially encourages youth to submit their work to
Breath & Shadow. Young writers (21 and under) should include
their age on their submission so they can judge their
contribution appropriately. In some cases, mentoring and/or
writing and editing assistance may be available to young
writers. Poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and
nonfiction accepted.

BRASS MAGAZINE
http://www.brassmagazine.com/legal/contributor-submission-guide

Brass Magazine is a lifestyle money magazine written for young
people, by young people about the money side of life(TM). With a
mission to make money interesting, simple and relevant, brass
features up-and-coming young adults making a difference, along
with fundamental money tips that apply to young adults. The
audience is made up of 16- to 25-year-olds around the country.
They're smart; they're techno-savvy; they like to listen to
their peers; they are tuned-in; and they don't like being
talked down to. We're interested in seeing original, well-
written articles, tips, and hints that will help our audience
understand how young adult lifestyles and money interact.
Send short snippets of information (100 to 300 words) or
standard-length articles (400 to 700 words).

NRA CIVIL RIGHTS ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.nradefensefund.org/writingcontest.aspx

The NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund(NRACRDF) is once again
sponsoring an essay contest celebrating the Second Amendment
as an integral part of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The theme for the essay is "The Second Amendment to the
Constitution: Why it is important to our nation."
Essays will be judged in two categories: Senior (grades
10-12) and Junior (grades 9 and below), with separate prizes
awarded to the winners in each category. First prizes are
$1,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds; second prizes, $600 in Savings
Bonds; third prizes, $200 in Savings Bonds; and honorable
mention, $100 in Savings Bonds. Deadline December 1, 2009.

SKIPPING STONES
http://www.skippingstones.org/submissions.htm

Skipping Stones readers hail from north, south, east, and
west. From villages to inner cities, youth have something
to say, about their culture, school, religion, environment,
neighborhood... and Skipping Stones provides a forum for
sharing it. Any way you choose to express your dreams and
opinions, Skipping Stones provides a place for writers and
artists of all ages and backgrounds to communicate creatively
and openly.

YOUNG WRITERS SOCIETY
http://www.youngwriterssociety.com/submissions.php

An online forum for young writers and lots of information
on improving your writing. Post your work, too. Specifically
designed for writers ages 13-25. Registration is free.

YOUTHFUL WISDOM PRESS
http://youthfulwisdompress.com/

If you are...
~ an aspiring teen writer between the ages of 13 and 18
~ an aspiring teen writer who's dreamed of seeing your
work in print
~ an aspiring teen writer who feels slighted by the lackluster
outlets in which to feed your creative soul
Then you've come to the right place. Here at Youthful Wisdom
Press, our focus is teen spirit. Your creative spirit, that is.
We will publish your blog stories, poetry collections, short
story collections, and full-length novels. This is your place.
Your chance. Write now.

NANOWRIMO YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAM
http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/

National Novel Writing Month happens every November!
It is a fun, seat-of-your-pants novel writing event where
the challenge is to write an entire novel in just 30 days.
That means participants begin writing November 1 and must
finish by midnight, November 30. The word-count goal for
our adult program is 50,000 words, but our Young Writers
Program allows participants who are 17 years old and younger
to set reasonable, yet challenging, word-count goals.
As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from
the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel
Writing Month participants of all ages are going through
the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic
Novel. You can sign up whenever you'd like to add your
name to the roster of budding young authors and to
participate in the forums.

The above sources are from:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Summertime and the Living is Easy

2009-06-23T19:37:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I haven't posted market links. I haven't submitted any articles, or fiction. I have, however, put the convertible top down, driven 45 miles (each way) for a fabulous dinner with my DH, texted my sons, and managed to be somewhat productive at work. Tonight I'm going out with a friend to get some fresh air and sunshine. Otherwise known as a walk.

We have so very few lovely summer days. Our monsoon season has come to an end just in time since the canals and river are high to the point of spilling over. It isn't yet too hot. I think the high has been 92. We went for a hike in the mountains on Sunday. I wished that I had my digital camera with me to take photos of wild flowers. I'm signed up for a newsletter called The Right Way To Travel, which is all about photo journalism. Something new to attempt.

Summertime in the high desert makes 6 weeks of 20 below in the winter worth living here.

Writing again

2009-06-20T21:45:00.003-06:00

It's time I start writing again. Between Mother's Day and our recent college tour in California, I just haven't been in the mood. It has been a very rainy month here at Rattlesnake Ridge. Boysen is higher than it has been in a decade. The 9 year drought has ended! The gullies are washed out and the dirt roads are muddy. The bentonite makes them very slick. The rattlers come out to soak up the sun on the sandstone formations, then slither back under to strike at unsuspecting mammals.

California was fun. It was very dry. We drove through the Sierra Madre's and saw signs of wildfire. I want to go to Cal Poly! However, it is not my turn. It hasn't been my turn for something like 23 years. Oh well. We saw the surfers, put our feet in the Pacific, drank fresh squeezed orange juice...

The other two schools were in suburbs of LA. My DH drove with the assistance of his Father's Day gift, a Garmin GPS. Seven lanes of traffic on each side of the freeway. I think my son will apply to one of the colleges anyway, although if he goes there he may never set foot off campus. If he went to Cal Poly I could see him zipping all around the Central Coast region. He is getting the soft sell at UW for a week-Engineering summer progam. Spent a couple nights with his brother, who finally let me see his apartment. He turned down my offer to organize it(sigh).

So we are home, laundry is done, yard is mowed, email checked, read MORE magazine. Debriefed by loving relatives. Tomorrow is coffee with a friend and writing. I'll do the usual market listings and then work on submitting, either fiction or articles. I might send out my novel to yet another agent. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. HS is ending this summer, must ramp up the freelancing.

CONTESTS MAY 2009

2009-05-04T14:46:00.001-06:00

SPS STUDIOS BIANNUAL POETRY CARD CONTEST
http://www.sps.com/poetry/index.html
NO ENTRY FEE
1st prize: $300. 2nd prize: $150. 3rd prized: $50. Poems can by rhyming or non-rhyming, although we find that non-rhyming poetry reads better. Deadline June 30, 2009.

LIFE IN THE USA
http://www.lifeintheusa.com
ONGOING, NO DEADLINE, NO ENTRY FEE
The $1000 Essay Contest is designed to help grow and serve immigrants and American students wishing to know more about American life. We accept essays and articles of 500 or more words on new topics, or new essays that will replace topic sections that might be outdated or very short.

WRITINGROOM.COM AUTHOR CHOICE CONTEST
http://www.writingroom.com/Writing-Contest-Authors-Choice-2009.aspx
NO ENTRY FEE
GRAND PRIZE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com, National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $500 cash prize.Read by a top New York literary agent, Loretta Barrett (www.lorettabarrettbooks.com). Read by top editor Eric Rabb, at Tor/Forge books. Video interview with writingroom.com.
SECOND PLACE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com, National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $250 cash prize.
THIRD PLACE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com, National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $100 cash prize.
Top 10 Finalists will receive advice, help, and guidance from both Jon Land and Lindsay Preston to help improve quality and overall marketability of their books to a wide audience. Final Submission Date: May 18, 2009.
Writer must register with both PublishingRoom.com and WritingRoom.com. Submissions must be between 50,000 to 125,000 words. Winning writers must publish their manuscripts with PublishingRoom.com. Requires purchase of three books.

Source: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

MARKETS 3 May 2009

2009-05-03T16:01:00.001-06:00

This group of market listings pays very well indeed. Consider your cost per hour when writing an article. How much time do you spend researching, writing, editing, revising and querying? Is your goal to get writing published, or is your goal to earn money? Only you can decide.

Cricket - Guidelines:

Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Adventure, biography, architecture, geography, history, natural history, foreign culture, travel.

The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction - Guidelines:

Pays on acceptance. Seeks fiction. Subjects: Fantasy, SciFi.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER MAGAZINE

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/writer-guidelines.html

Each issue of the magazine contains five or more features, roughly balanced between U.S. and foreign subjects. Generally, we are interested in places accessible to most travelers, not just the intrepid or wealthy. The types of destinations we cover vary widely, from mainstream to adventure travel.Most Traveler features range from 1,500 to 2,500 words, depending on the subject. Traveler departments generally run from 750 to 1,500 words.

FAMILY TREE

http://www.familytreemagazine.com/writersguidelines

Family Tree Magazine is a special-interest consumer magazine that helps readers discover, preserve and celebrate their family's history. We cover genealogy, ethnic heritage, personal history, genealogy Web sites and software, scrapbooking, photography and photo preservation, and other ways that families connect with their past.

The above markets are from: http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=6PRO4&m=1euLssC.S1BbK5&b=3oa6KxgpXhy0z3G_ZXZJbA

Markets 2 May 2009

2009-05-02T20:09:00.003-06:00

These are also lower paying markets, but well worth writing for. How many queries are you sending out this month? Set a goal, and stick to it!

BACKYARD TRAVELER

http://backroadstraveler.com/Freelance%20Writers%20Submission%20Req.pdf

The Backroads Traveler content will consist of creative, fun and informative writings about traveling the backroads of America, slowing down to truly see the countrysideand enjoying the journey. We will search out the beautiful vistas, the unique landforms and the areas of this diverse country that make traveling the backroads so refreshing and fulfilling. Feature articles shall be no longer than 800 words. We encourage short, concise articles. Vignette articles shall be no longer than 500 words and may be much shorter. Feature Article $50 for 500 - 800 words.

GONOMAD

http://www.gonomad.com/corp/writerguidelines.html

GoNOMAD prides itself on providing excellent, entertaining, informative and unique travel articles and research about destinations, activities and experiences. No glossy magazine fluff, no standard guidebook descriptions, no promotional hype; just honest, accurate, well-written and detailed articles and destination guides that speak to an educated, curious and well-traveled audience.Stories should be anywhere from 800 to 2,000 words long, but most of the stories we use are best at about 1,400 words. Try to stay focused on the main theme, but don't hesitate to include interesting asides. The only limitation should be the reader's interest. GoNOMAD pays $25 for features that are sent to us with good photos, captions and the word file.

BLACK LACE

http://www.blacklace.co.uk/

Erotic fiction for women. Accepts from female authorsonly. Pays an advance of £400 per 25,000 word novella and offers a share of royalty and subsidiary rights. Payment is made on publication. Pays advances of £1,250 (paid half on signature of contract, half on publication). Royalties are paid biannually. They also plan five new erotic short story anthologies in 2010. Payment is £75 for stories 3,000 to 6,000 words and £150 for stories over 6,000 words.

THE WRITERS EYE

http://www.thewriterseye.com/thewriterseye_submissions.html

The Writer's Eye Magazine supports both new and established writer-artists. We are committed to celebrating artistic passion and expression, particularly for those who integrate visual and written arts. In addition to quality fiction and poetry, we are especially seeking book reviews and nonfiction stories and articles. $50 flat rate for stories from 1,000-3,000 words. P$25 flat rate for stories up to 1,000 words. Non-Fiction: $25 up to 1,000 words, $50 for 1,000-3,000 words.$20 per poem/artwork combination. $20 per book review. Length: 500-1,000 words.

BRAIN HARVEST

http://www.brainharvestmag.com/submit/

Please, surprise us. Shock us out of our ennui, and, like the iconic hooker with a heart of gold, or the free spirit with terminal illness, help make our lives worth living again. Submit 750 or fewer words. Weird. Surprising. Preferably no elves. We want well-crafted, interesting stories that do not fall back on old, well-worn tropes. Pays "pro-rates" (5 cents/word, up to $37.50 USD) by PayPal.

TREASURE VALLEY MAGAZINE

http://www.treasurevalleyfamily.com/

The circulation covers Boise, Meridian, Eagle and Nampa, Idaho and outlying communities. Our editorial content is focused toward parents with children ages 12 and younger. We look for pieces covering education, parental involvement, family fun, issues concerning local parents, informative reporting, crafts, family excursions, and health. Columns range from 700-900 words; feature pieces 1,000-1,300 words. Writers are advised to send a query letter with sample clippings. Compensates ten percent extra for electronicrights, if used on the website.

MOMSENSE

http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=553&srctype=linklist&src=657

Most articles published in MOMSense Magazine are one page with 450 to 650 words. If accepted, articles will be edited by MOPS International editorial staff to fit the language, flow and size of MOMSense Magazine. MOMSense buys first rights to material. This includes the right to re-use the material in a MOPS or CTI anthology, reprint or in electronic form (online, CD-ROM, etc.). Each issue of MomSense is theme-based. The purpose of MomSense magazine is to connect and encourage mothers of preschoolers from a Christian perspective with articles that inform and inspire on issues relating to being a mother and a woman.

INDIANA LIVING GREEN

http://indianalivinggreen.com/index.phpoption=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=3

Here at Indiana Living Green(TM) you will find the latest news about environmentally friendly practices, products and services for a sustainable lifestyle. Indiana Living Green is chock full of information you can use to find a green lifestyle that you live with - one that is both earth friendly and doable for you and your family. Published six times a year, the magazine profiles those living the green lifestyle and provide tips and resources for sustainable living. Length 500-750 words. Pay startsat $75.

CHARLOTTE PARENT

http://www.charlotteparent.com/AboutUs/WritersGuidelines/default.aspx

Charlotte Parent is a monthly parenting magazine with a circulation of 57,000 covering seven counties. Each issue has a theme, as well as regular features and departments. Our audience consists of parents, teachers, child-care providers and other advocates for children ages newborn through teens. Assigned articles generally pay $45-$75, and reprints pay $15-$35. Writers are paid following publication. Tearsheets provided with payment. We do not pay kill fees.

TEACHERS & WRITERS

http://www.twc.org/publications/submission-guidelines

Teachers & Writers magazine welcomes articles about teaching the art of writing in kindergarten through college and in non-classroom settings. Teachers & Writers also welcomes submissions on related topics, such as oral history, translation, and teaching writing in combination with other arts. Articles should present innovative techniques and ideas or shine a new light on familiar subject matter.

ECOGEEK

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/86/38/

EcoGeek is currently looking for dedicated, informed and experienced writers to be part of our team. And yes, it pays. We are currently looking to fill part-time writing positions (min 5 hrs / wk), and part-time writing, editing positions (minimum 10 hrs / wk). Please send your name, areas of expertise and two sample posts to jobs@ecogeek.org .Science, technology gadgets and...baby seals. We're in a bit of an eco-mess, but we've got the brains to lick any problem. And that's why EcoGeek.org publishes up to ten stories daily about innovations that are saving the planet. And if that sounds interesting to you, then congratulations, you're an EcoGeek.

LIFEBYTES BOOK

http://www.lifebytesbook.com/guidelines.html

We are currently seeking submissions for LifeBytes(TM), Real Stories of Online Dating, an anthology of real life experiences in online dating (estimated publication date Spring 2010). Our mission with this book is to share real stories from real people who have taken a common journey into the world of internet dating. Initial deadline: June 15, 2009. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300 - 2,000 words. Pays $50 to $100.

The above markets are from: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

MAY 2009 MARKETS 1

2009-04-30T18:37:00.001-06:00

This group of markets doesn’t pay particularly high rates, but the writing credits will help your portfolio. You may stand a better chance of breaking into this type of market.

· MOMSense magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Parenting, family living with pre-schoolers with Christian perspective.
· The Pedestal Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks fiction, columns/departments, fillers. Subjects: Literary.
· The Village Family Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Parenting.
· Digital Journal - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: News.
· Sunset - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Gardening, home design, food, travel.
· Treasure Valley Family Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction. Subjects: Parenting, crafts, family excursions, and health.
· Army Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Military interests, recent conflicts involving the Army.
Bitch Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Feminist, pop culture, social trends .
· Family Chronicle - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Genealogy, how-to.
· Arts & Letters - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers. Subjects: Poetry, art, fiction, non-fiction.
· The Dabbling Mum - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Writing, small business, parenting, recipes.
· Common Ground - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Health, wellness, ecology and personal growth.
· Natural Home - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: Sustainable home design and materials, earth-friendly décor and natural lifestyles.

The above sources are from: writingfordollars.com

MAY 2009 PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS

2009-04-29T17:38:00.001-06:00

Another epublisher to check is ETERNAL PRESS

DAMNATION BOOKS

http://www.damnationbooks.com/

Damnation Books is a new ebook publisher. We specialize in dark writing: horror, dark fantasy, thrillers, science fiction and erotica (within the genres of horror, dark fantasy, thrillers and science fiction). Being new, we are focusing on ebooks. We have plans to go into trade paperbacks with novel length and anthology works within a year.
Word lengths:" Short stories 5,000 to 10,000 words" Novellas 10,001 to 60,000" Novels 60,001 to 120,000
Our pay rate for short stories is .03 cents per word with a max length of 10,000 words. Novellas and novel length works are royalty based at 40% net. We are unable to pay advances at this time. We ask for worldwide electronic and North American print rights for a three year period from the date of release. There will NEVER be any fees charged to authors for being published by us.

BOOK CENTS LITERARY AGENCY

http://www.bookcentsliteraryagency.com/

We are currently seeking:
FICTION:Single Title Romance (Contemporary, Romantic Comedy, Paranormal, Mystery/Suspense), Women's Lit (must have a strong hook), YA, Mainstream Mystery/Suspense, Medical or Legal Fiction (something that hasn't been done before), Literary Fiction. NON-FICTION: Women's Issues/Experiences, Fun/Quirky Topics (particularly those of interest to women), Cookbooks (fun, ethnic, etc.), Health, Gardening (herbs, plants, flowers, etc.), Books with a "Save The Planet" theme, Entertaining, Reference, How-To Books.

ROBIN MIZELL LITERARY REPRESENTATION

http://www.robinmizell.com/

An independent literary agent in the midwestern United States, Robin Mizell looks for engaging and entertaining writers, emerging and established, in the following categories:
Prescriptive nonfiction Long-form narrative journalism Neuroscience, psychology, sociology, and popular culture Memoir and biography Literary and commercial fiction Speculative fiction Graphic novels Young adult fiction and nonfiction Book-length short story collections for electronic formats

LITERARY SERVICES, INC.

http://www.literaryservicesinc.com/page760329.htm

We work primarily with non-fiction writers but areinterested in projects with the following topic areas.Business, Work/Life Issues, Crime Mysteries and Thrillers, Gift and Reference Books, Health, Fitness and Aging, History, Literary Non-Fiction, Mind, Body, Spirit, Mystery and Thrillers, Personal Finance, Investing and Real Estate, Personal Growth, Science, Sports, Technology.

WORDSERVE LITERARY AGENCY

http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-women-want.html

In all genres, I'm looking for books that don't contradict a Christian worldview. In fiction, I'm concentrating on books that can be placed in the Christian marketplace (i.e. CBA publishers), and this year I'll be slowly moving into more general market fiction. In nonfiction, I'm representing books that would fit in the general market or the Christian market (or both).

INKWELL MANAGEMENT

http://www.inkwellmanagement.com/about.php

While we are proud to represent major literary prize winners as well as many of the world's bestselling and best-loved authors, we continue to be excited by and on the lookout for original ideas, riveting stories and great writing from new writers.

LJK LITERARY

http://www.ljkliterary.com/submissions/index.html

LJK Literary Management works with authors of all genres. We accept submissions via postal mail and e-mail. Please read our guidelines carefully. Submit a query letter for review and the first chapter(s) of your manuscript (about 25 pages). We are not considering picture books or poetry collections at this time.

SOURCE: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

POETRY MARKETS MAY 2009

2009-04-28T18:51:00.003-06:00

There are poetry contests, also-do an online search. The pay may be low, but the satisfaction is immense.

Cappers - Pays $10 per poem
http://www.cappers.com/guidelines.aspx
Standard Publishing - Pays $25 per poem

Woman's World
http://www.standardpub.com/view/program-book-submission-guidelines.aspx
- Payment varies- send entriels to: Woman's World, 270 Sylvan Ave. Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 or E-mail: wwfeatures@bauerpublishing.com

Blue Mountain Arts - Pays $300
http://www.sps.com/help/writers_guidelines.html

Pockets - Pays $25 and up for poetry
http://www.upperroom.org/pockets/writer_guidelines.asp

New Love Stories Magazine - Pays $50 - $75 per poem
http://www.newlovestories.com/submissions.html

Good Old Days - Pays $15 per poem
http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/magazineinfo.html

Source: http://www.fundsforwriters.com

WRITERS UNDER 21 MAY 2009

2009-04-25T17:23:00.001-06:00

THE WASHINGTON JOURNALISM & MEDIA CONFERENCE
http://www.dcpresspass.com/

George Mason University is excited to host the 2009 Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) and eagerly awaits this year's class of High School National Youth Correspondents. Conference dates are July 12th-July 17th. Students can attend through nomination from theirteachers or through competitive writing. Submit a personal essay by answering the following question- What role do you believe you and your generation has to play in determining the future of journalism and media? Comment on what you believe will be future trends and challenges confronting leadership in the media.

CAPITOL CITY YOUNG WRITERS

http://www.capitolcityyoungwriters.com http://www.capitolcityyoungwriters.com/LiteraryJournal.html

This nonprofit enterprise is all about mentoring youthinterested in the writing world. They are currently headquartered in California, but they have workshops andprograms all over the world. They seek young members aswell as adult volunteers. In particular, they have editorial openings on the literary journal, Write On!Contact the website about internships, editorial positions,and even mentoring with real live authors and editors.

NEXT STEP MAGAZINE

http://www.nextstepmagazine.com/nextstep/request-shout-out.aspx?clientId=5707

You could win $100 and have your writing published in an issue of Next Step Magazine! Once you're registered, we'll give you a link to post your entry to the Next Stepper community for your chance to win! We'll choose one winner every issue.

HANGING LOOSE MAGAZINE

http://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html

Hanging Loose magazine welcomes high school submissions. As with other writers, we reply within three months, and high school authors whose work we publish receive the same small fee and two copies of the issue in which their work appears. We feel a special responsibility to those young writers who look to us not only for possible publication but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always happy to give when asked.

Source: www.fundsforwriters.com/writingkid.htm

TAKE A WRITING CLASS

2009-04-07T19:23:00.004-06:00

Improve your writing skills at a conference, a college class, or online. On the weekly newsletter I receive from C Hope Clark at www.fundsforwriters.com she posted links to free online writing classes. Check them out! Explore different writing options and get feedback.

http://education-portal.com/articles/10_Universities_Offering_Free_Writing_Courses_Online.html

and

50+ Open Courseware Writing Classes from the World's Leading Universities
http://www.collegedegree.com/library/college-life/50-Open-courseware-writing-classes

Birthdays

2009-04-05T20:51:00.002-06:00

With a Birthday coming up, I'm considering all of the ways one could write about birthdays.

Kids Birthday parties are an evergreen topic for parenting magazines. With this economy, inexpensive birthday parties and/or gifts might prove to be a timely topic to pitch.

Kid's Birthday parties can also springboard into various articles. Think of self esteem-what if your child isn't popular and is not invited? Or an article on bullying, or recipes for treats to bring to school or crafts to do at a birthday party.

If you are talented at scrapbooks, you could write and article with templates and/or ideas for a birthday celebration photo layout. One of my Dad's favorite gifts was a book with photo's of him fishing through the years with various family members. My husband loved a photo book of Christmas through the years with our children.

All Occasions offer Writing Opportunities!

Lists are usually popular fillers. Lists of Birthday gifts for men, women, teens, office mates, friends, could be pitched to a variety of markets. How about gifts for college students? While money is always appreciated, it is also fun to have a gift to open while celebrating the day far from home.

Milestone Birthday celebrations could be a topic for Men's or Women's markets. If you don't know what a milestone birthday is, you haven't lived long enough!

How about querying a Men's magazine about an article for A Birthday to Remember, or Romantic Birthday Celebration Idea's for Your Significant Other. What women wouldn't want a special day planned by someone else? Conversely, how many women do you know that have no idea what to get their mate for their birthday? Some men have hobbies, which makes it somewhat easier. Does your man end up with flowers, balloons, plants, a romantic dinner while he may really have wanted something else entirely?

Prom April 09

2009-04-04T21:52:00.001-06:00

My youngest son, Brenden, and his date Noni, all dressed up for prom. Ahh, brings back memories! Those aren't stories I want to write for publication, though.

Noni just got accepted to Brown; she goes for a visit April 21. Brenden is a junior, just got a 32 on is ACT (first try!) and will tour Cal Tech and Cal Polytech this summer, then attend a week long engineering camp at the University of Wyoming. We are so proud of them!

MARKET INFORMATION APRIL 2009

2009-04-04T19:09:00.001-06:00

The Capilano Review - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Visual and literary arts, poetry. No email submissions.

Listen Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Basic conflicts and concerns that teenagers face.

FamilyFun Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Crafts, ideas for children & family fun. Pays well!

Family Tree - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: Genealogy, ethnic heritage, personal history, scrapbooking, photography and photo preservation. High paying market.

Ancestry Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments. Subjects: History, genealogy.

Firehouse Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Fire service, firefighting equipment, methods, history.

Bellingham Review - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction. Subjects: Contemporary Literature and Poetry.

Strange Horizons - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks fiction. Subjects: Sci-fi, fantasy.

SOURCE

WRITING FOR DOLLARS http://www.writingfordollars.com/

ANIMAL WELLNESS MAGAZINE

http://www.animalwellnessmagazine.com/p/awsubmit.htm

As the Number One natural pet magazine in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issuesto the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines. Articles may range in length from 500 to 1,500 words

BOUND OFF

http://www.boundoff.com/submit.html

We are seeking original literary fiction for our upcoming podcasts. Please send stories that are between 250 and 2,500 words long. Although we are an audio publication, we will evaluate manuscripts the old-fashioned way. Our team of readers and podcast engineers will produce the audio version of your story. We are not considering the following types of writing: non-fiction or personal essays, poetry, stories for children. We compensate writers $20 per contracted story.

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR COUPLES
Stories that celebrate what it means to love

http://www.cupofcomfort.com/CallForSubmissions/

It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true love. Of course, being a "happy couple" involves more than being in love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones--romantic, poignant, humorous--and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1,000-2,000 words. Deadline: October 1, 2009.

A one-time payment of $500 is paid to the Author of the lead story in each book (the "grand prize" winner). A one-time payment of $100 is paid for each of the other stories published in the book. Each contributor receives one complimentary copy of the book per story

A CUP OF COMFORT FOR A BETTER WORLD
Stories that celebrate generosity, compassion, and volunteerism

http://www.cupofcomfort.com/CallForSubmissions/\

Features living examples of good Samaritans whose good deeds inspire others to do their part to make the world a better place or to just make life a little bit easier--for loved ones, neighbors, strangers, future generations, or any of God's creatures, great and small. Potential themes include (but are not limited to) charitable work, random acts of kindness, paying it forward, or lending a helping hand, a port in a storm, or a shoulder to lean on. Stories must be uplifting and personal, preferably narrative essays; we are not interested in journalistic articles or thinly disguised PR pieces for charitable organizations. Story length: 1,000-2,000 words. Deadline: June 15, 2009.
A one-time payment of $500 is paid to the Author of the lead story in each book (the "grand prize" winner). A one-time payment of $100 is paid for each of the other stories published in the book. Each contributor receives one complimentary copy of the book per story.

LIFEBYTES BOOKS

http://www.lifebytesbook.com/guidelines.html

First and foremost, we are looking for evocative stories that can be funny, poignant, provocative, scary, weird, edgy, sexy or happy. We're looking for submissions with a unique voice and point of view. Imagine your story as a vignette that you can see acted out on screen and give us the feeling that we are there with you, sharing your experience. In other words - Is this a story that even someone who has never dated online will find intriguing and engaging. Deadline June 15, 2009. Stories should be non-fiction, ranging in length between 300 - 2,000 words. Pay is $50 to $100 upon publications. Depends on word count.

KOEHLER

http://www.koehlercompanies.com-

Koehler supplies the finest art and message-driven wooden plaques, mirrors and clocks in the industry. In addition to our extensive line of stock products, Koehler specializes in working with our customers to develop products to suit their very special needs. Pays up to $125 per verse used.

MATADOR LIFE

http://matadornetwork.com/contributors/

Matador is an interactive online travel magazine, which includes a network of eight content-specific blogs all interconnected through the Matador Travel Community. The editorial team expects prospective contributors to be familiar with the style and format of each blog in the network. In general, we are looking for writers who possess a unique voice and deep knowledge and experience of a place, either from having lived there or having spent considerable time there. All writers must have the ability to write articles that are both soulful and relevant to a diverse readership. We publish two to four articles per day across the network. Prefers 800-word pieces, maybe 1,000 words,never more than 1,200. Pays $25.

FLASH FICTION ONLINE

http://www.flashfictiononline.com/submit.html

We publish stories from 500 to 1,000 words in length. We look for previously unpublished material, with the exception of our Classic Flash selections. (Classic Flash stories are old: the copyright must have expired on them. If you would like to recommend one, please email the editor.)They're very short, but they are still stories. That means the best ones have strong, interesting characters, plots, and (to some extent, at least) settings. We're not that concerned about genre. Many of us, including the editor, have a fondness for science fiction and fantasy, but great flash stories aren't always easily classified. We only publish stories consisting of 500-1,000 words. We know that writing flash is hard; authors can submit stories of up to 1,100 words. If we like the story, we'll work with the author to cut the extra words. We pay fifty dollars ($50) per story. This payment provides us with first electronic rights, including HTML, PDF, plain text, and MP3 (audio) formats.

Sources HOPE C. CLARK www.fundsforwriters.com

PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS APRIL 2009

2009-04-03T11:36:00.003-06:00

HILL STREET PRESS
http://hillstreetpress.com/

Founded in 1998, Hill Street Press currently publishes books under six imprints:
HILL STREET PRESS: nonfiction trade books that have something to do with the American South.
HOT CROSS BOOKS: 100% thematic crossword puzzle books.
GRAPHEDIA BOOKS: graphic format fiction (graphic novel) and non-fiction for children from ages six to eighteen.
BROAD STREET BOOKS: traditional children's fiction and nonfiction.
COLLEGE TRIVIA BOOKS: college- or university-specific trivia books.
CLASSIC CITY CUSTOM: publishing services provided for clients whose books to not fit into one of the previous categories. Books published by Hill Street Press are widely distributed and sold by independent and chain retailers, nationally and internationally.

FIVE STAR PUBLISHING
http://www.gale.cengage.com/fivestar/

Five Star has hundreds of books in print in the Western, Romance, Mystery and Science Fiction & Fantasy genres, and we publish almost 150 books a year. Our books are frequently reviewed in well-known publications such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and Booklist.

ROGUE PHOENIX PRESS
http://www.roguephoenixpress.com/rogue_phoenix_press_003.htm
Rogue Phoenix Press is seeking submissions of complete manuscripts. We will consider both book-length works (at least 50,000 words) and superlative shorter fiction (at least 5,000 words.) We will consider previously published titles. When you submit, please tell us where it was published before, and be prepared to show us proof that you have regained your electronic rights. These areebooks. Interested in historical fiction, mystery, variousromance slants, sci-fi and YA.

Steeple Hill Books' Love Inspired lines open to agented and unagented manuscripts
Publishing inspirational, Christian romance, historical romance, and romantic suspense, Steeple Hill Books may be just the market for that manuscript you're writing! You'll find guidelines available at www.harlequin.com, but I'll offer a few hints: for their Love Inspired Romance line, the editors want to see emotional, warm, character-driven stories dealing with real life issues. And, they like small-town settings. They publish four titles a month—word is they're soon going to do six!—and the manuscripts should run 55,000-60,000 words. The editor to contact is Melissa Endlich.
Launched in February 2008, Steeple Hill Books' Love Inspired Historicals publishes two books a month—manuscripts run 70,000-75,000 words—and they offer one Western and one non-Western selection each month. In addition to Westerns, this market is open to stories set in the Regency, Victorian, Colonial, Civil War, and "early twentieth century until World War II" periods of American history. They're also interested in missionary stories set in exotic locations and in Biblical stories.
Love Inspired Suspense titles are emotional stories that feature real suspense and real romance. Four titles a month—running 55,000-60,000 words each—are produced for a hungry market and editor Tina Colombo handles the line. She likes to see a clearly identifiable hook right away, and prefers to split the difference—50% romance, 50% suspense—in these dramatic reads.
For all Steeple Hill Books, query first with a synopsis and three chapters, or send your completed manuscript with a synopsis. The turn-around time is about three months. Again, check the guidelines at www.harlequin.com for more information.
Simon and Schuster would like to see more paranormal YA romance
If you write Young Adult fiction, Simon and Schuster may be just the market for you! Editor Sangeeta Mehta is interested in seeing more YA paranormal romance. Characters in these stories should be between thirteen and seventeen years old—absolutely no primary character over nineteen! The company works most often with agented writers, but will accept a query and brief synopsis (two-three pages) from unagented authors. I suggest contact here be via the old-fashioned mail route. Be certain to include SASE so you'll receive your answer. Send query/synopsis or a request for guidelines to: Simon and Schuster, Children's Publishing Division, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

Another paranormal romance market . . . Tor Romance
Editor Heather Osborne is looking for paranormal romance—all types and all sorts! She also wants urban fantasy with strong romantic elements, but romance shouldn't be the entire focus of the story, She says she'd love to see an "old-fashioned futuristic romance," complete with aliens and space, and a lot more light-hearted stories. Tor does accept unagented, unsolicited submissions, and Tor likes to get to know you—they want a one-page cover letter with your submission. Tell them a little about yourself and your book. Mention it if you've met one of their editors at a conference; let them know your publishing history; tell them if you've won a writing contest; etc. Include a short synopsis (two-three pages), the first three chapters (or the first fifty pages) of your book and send, by snail mail only, to: Tor Books, 175 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10010. If you'd like to take a look at what Tor publishes and get more information on this market, visit www.tor-forge.com.

FLUX
http://www.fluxnow.com/submission_guidelines.php

Please also be aware that Flux is a YA fiction imprint. We do not publish picture books of any kind, nonfiction, or books for readers younger than twelve or older than eighteen (this means we do not publish "middle grade" fiction). Flux publishes novel-length works of fiction (typically not fewer than 35,000 words). Please do not send individual short stories or poetry.

A.M. GREEN PUBLISHING HOUSE
http://www.amgreenpublishing.com/bookswepublish

Below you will find the books that we are most interested in publishing in 2009 and 2010. If your book fits into one or more of these topics we would love to take a look. Please note that due to the stressful economic times non-fiction, how-to and self help books are more in demand than fiction.
Environment money/ finance business politics fashion new angles on widely known topics self-help cook books how-to children's "learn to read" books children's story books (full art) religion culture comic books/ graphic novels non-fiction books aimed specifically at teenagers biographies/ autobiographies fiction (adult and YA)

10 TO 2 CHILDREN'S BOOKS
http://www.10to2childrensbooks.com/6201.html

Moving into 2009, 10 To 2 Children's Books Publishing is looking for new ideas based on our existing works, using existing characters to develop new books. We have established a following for these characters at this point and are looking to work with new writers to develop fresh story lines. Everyone wants a chance for doors to open for them and this is a great opportunity for you as a writer to get published and for your talents to get noticed. If you are interested in collaborating with us and think you have some fresh ideas, contact Steven Mills.

MARCHER LORD PRESS
http://www.marcherlordpress.com/Write_For_MLP.htm\

Greetings and welcome to Marcher Lord Press, the premier publisher of Christian speculative fiction. We specialize in Christian fantasy, science fiction, time travel, supernatural thrillers, and other genres that lie off the edge of the map.

JUNO BOOKS
http://www.juno-books.com/guidelines.html

The novel must have a strong female protagonist. To further clarify: A protagonist is a character or characters whose intentions are the primary focus of a story -- not a supporting character, not the hero's girlfriend, not the main character of volume two in your trilogy which has a male hero in volume one. It is highly unlikely just changing the name of the protagonist from male to female will work. And, no, your novel is not an exception to this rule. Please note, too, this is a fantasy imprint. Techo-thrillers, suspense, crime, science fiction, action-adventure, etc. without an element of the fantastic are not fantasies. Nor are we interested in Young Adult, teen, or children's books. We do not want novelettes, novellas, collections of stories, anthologies, or poetry.

NEW ISLAND
http://www.newisland.ie/

New Island is Ireland's leading publisher of groundbreaking work in literary fiction, poetry, drama, biography, politics and social affairs. We publish very few fiction, poetry and drama titles per year.

SOURCES

WYO WRITERS NEWSLETTER and

www.fundsforwriters.com

Writers Under 21 APRIL 2009

2009-04-02T17:04:00.002-06:00

SIGNET ESSAY CONTEST

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/services-academic/essayhome.html

Five high school juniors or seniors can each win a $1,000 scholarship award to be used toward their higher education plus a Signet Classics library for their school! Students enter by writing an essay on one of four topics posed for this year's competition book, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Open to 11th and 12th grade full-time matriculated students who are attending high schools located in the fifty United States and the District of Columbia, or home-schooled students between the ages of 16-18 who are residents of the United States and the District of Columbia. Deadline April 15, 2009.

SEJONG WRITING COMPETITION

http://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/essay.html

Scholars have discovered that there are similar "tale types" that appear among different cultures. Sometimes folktales will have remarkably similar details whether they are told in Asia or Europe, and yet the meanings of these stories might be very different. This is usually due to general cultural differences, but it might also be due do some small element in a similar story whose meaning might be entirely different in the two cultures. After reading some of the Korean folktales, select a particular story that you find parallel to one from the European tradition. Do the two stories have the same underlying meaning, or do they mean different things? Likewise, you may find stories that appear to be very different on the surface, but whose underlying messages are very similar.

Senior division: First ($500), Second ($400), Third ($300) Junior division: First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100) Winners' works may be published in the Korea Times Chicago. Use the table online of Korean folk tales and their corresponding Western stories to choose a tale for your essay. Include references to the tale you chose to write about. Essays should be written in English. Maximum 1,000 words in length. Deadline April 30, 2009

ASIJO WRITING COMPETITION

http://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/sijo.html

NO ENTRY FEEDivisions: One division open to all pre-college students.Prizes (funded by the Korea Institute at Harvard University):
· First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100). Competition winners will be announced in AZALEA: Journal of Korean Literature and Culture. Winners' works may be published in the Korea Times Chicago. Write one sijo in English on a topic of your choice. See online for the definition of SIJO. Deadline April 30, 2009.

RDS McWILLIAMS YOUNG SCIENCE WRITERS' COMPETITION
Overall Prize: Laptop ComputerFirst Prizes: Digital CamcorderSecond Prizes: €200Highly Commended Entries: €100
Imagination is the Limit! As long as your entry fits into the Science Report or Short Story Category you can choose to write about whatever science topic you like! Limit 3,000words. Deadline April 24, 2009. The overall winner will be presented with the RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers' Competition perpetual trophy. First and second prizes will be awarded in each age category for both entry types: Science Report and Short Story. Entries will be placed into three age categories: 12 - 13, 14 - 16, 17 - 19.

UNIVERSITY LINK MAGAZINE NEEDS WRITERS

http://www.journalismnow.com/viewJob.php?jid=798

A new, start up, campus magazine written by students is looking for college students who want to write. Not a journalism major? Not a problem. As long as you are currently enrolled in college, are passionate about one of the subjects listed below and write well we want to hear from you.
Sports Health & Fitness Tech & Gadgets Music & CD Reviews Film & DVD Reviews Webisode Reviews General Interest Sex & Relationships Politics Fashion Bars & Clubs The Environment Travel
If interested, please submit a 250 - 500 piece on one of the topics listed along with a cover letter and resume to: editor@ulmagazine.com . Paying opportunity. If works out,writers will receive repeat assignments.

YOUNG VOICES OF AMERICA REWRITE A STORY

http://www.youngvoicesfoundation.org/writingcontests.html

Open to students in grades 6-12. Students are invited to rewrite the first three chapters of a Young Adult novel written in 1990 by Dr. Sacra Nicholas, Nancy Hendrix and Barbara Fite. The dialogue needs to be updated and the characterization and setting adjusted to reflect the way young people speak to and interact with one another in today's world. Cash prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place for entries that best bring the writing up to date while maintaining the original story line and message. Deadline May 4, 2009. After the close of the contest and based on the quality of the entries received, the writer with the best adaptation may be offered an opportunity to do additional rewriting at the discretion of the original authors. First Prize $75, Second Prize $50, Third Prize $25.

SOURCE www.fundsforwriters.com

CONTESTS APRIL 2009

2009-04-01T20:21:00.003-06:00

THE WRITER

Submit your very best original short story up to 2,000 words to our annual contest. We welcome any genre or any theme (no graphic language, sex or violence, please). Deadline: May 31. First prize is $1,000 and publication in The Writer; second prize is $300; third prize is $200. The top three stories will also be posted on The Writer's Web site. For a downloadable entry form and more information about the contest, click here.

FAMILY CIRCLE FICTION PRIZE

http://www.parents.com/family-life/fitness/stress-relaxation/fiction-contest-winners/?page=12

NO ENTRY FEE
One grand prize winner will receive $750, publication in Family Circle, a certificate for one online mediabistro.com course (valued at up to $610), and a one-year mediabistro.com AvantGuild membership ($49 value). Two runners-up will each receive $250 and a one-year mediabistro.com AvantGuildmembership ($49 value), and will have his or her story published on familycircle.com. To enter, send an original fictional short story of no more than 2,500 words. DeadlineAugust 31, 2009.
(Note: Open to amateur writers who are legal residents of the 50 United States, or the District of Columbia, age 21 or older. )

PARSEC SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY SHORT STORY CONTEST

http://www.parsec-sff.org/contest/contest09.html

NO ENTRY FEE
The contest is open to non-professional writers (those who have not met membership requirements for SFWA or equivalent). The best story which relates to and features the contest theme will be published in the Confluence 2009 program book, and the author awarded the first prize of $200. At the discretion of the judges a second and third prize in the amounts of $100 and $50 may be awarded, with possible publication in a PARSEC INK publication. Stories must be Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror in genre. Stories must be original, unpublished, unsold and no more than 3,500 words in length. Deadline April 15, 2009.

JERRY JAZZ MUSICIAN NEW SHORT FICTION CONTEST

http://www.jerryjazzmusician.com/mainHTML.cfm?page=fictioncontest.html

NO ENTRY FEE
The Jerry Jazz Musician reader has interests in music, social history, literature, politics, art, film and theatre, particularly that of the counter-culture of mid-twentieth century America. Your writing should appeal to a reader with these characteristics. A prize of $100 will be awarded for the winning story. In addition to the story being published on Jerry Jazz Musician, the author's acceptance of the prize money gives Jerry Jazz Musician the right to include the story in an anthology that will appear in book or magazine form. No entry fee is required. One story entry only. Submission deadline for the next contest is May 31, 2009. Publishing date will be July 1, 2009.

SOURCE SOURCE www.fundsforwriters.com

MARCH UPDATE

2009-04-01T20:12:00.002-06:00

MARCH UPDATE
I submitted a few articles in March and I’ve had some success. Success always gives me incentive to keep submitting. The below publications are who I’ve queried. See if you can guess who accepted my work.

I’m working as a grant peer reviewer for the next two weeks. It is a field review, which means 40 hours (plus training time) from the comfort of my home. Writing opportunities abound!

At my day job I've been writing-letters, powerpoints, and keeping charts of businesses that we are writing the letters to. I'd rather be writing and getting paid to write fiction, but it isn't paying the bills. Maybe someday (sigh).

HELIUM (you must be a member) http://www.helium.com/

AleCat LLC, publishers of You&Me America’s Medical Magazine ™ www.youandmemagazine.com/

MONTHLY PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST www.thephotographerslife.com

UNSENT LETTERS BLOG AND PRINT CONTEST: www.accentuateservices.com

WRITER'S DIGEST
http://www.writersdigest.com/SubmissionGuidelines/

Writer's Digest, the No. 1 magazine for writers, celebrates the writing life and what it means to be a writer in today's publishing environment. We consider completed manuscripts on spec as well as queries. For manuscripts, we pay 30-50 cents per word, on acceptance, for first world rights for one-time use and electronic use. Should we want to reprint anything we've purchased from you in anything other than electronic format, we'll pay you 25% of the original purchase price per use. Contributor copies are sent to writers and artists whose work appears in that issue.

FamilyFun Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Crafts, ideas for children & family fun. Pays well!

MARKETS MARCH 2009

2009-03-07T18:55:00.003-07:00

The Gettysburg Review
Submit poetry, fiction, essays, essay reviews, and graphics; open to writers and artists of all experience levels. Fiction: Literary fiction, including novel excerpts; any length; $30/printed page. Nonfiction: Varied (memoir, literary criticism, creative nonfiction, other); any length; $30/printed page. Poetry: 1-5 poems, all styles and forms; $2.50/line. Reading period: Sept. 1-May 31.

The Threepenny Review
This literary journal features reviews of the arts, new poetry, short stories, memoirs and essays. Fiction: Stories to 4,000 words; $400. Nonfiction: Critical essays on books, theater, film, dance, music, art, television and politics; 1,500-3,000 words; memoirs to 4,000 words; $400. Poetry: To 100 lines; $200. Reading period: Jan. 1-Aug 31. NO ONLINE SUBMISSIONS

American Profile - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: People, health, gardening, home projects, finances.

Backwoods Home Magazine - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, photos/artwork. Subjects: How to build your own home, raising animals, food preservation, country skills, home schooling.

On-Spec - Guidelines: . Seeks fiction, fillers, photos/artwork. Subjects: Short stories and poetry, fantasy, horror, ghost stories, fairy stories, magic realism, etc.

Tin House - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Accepts simultaneous submissions. Seeks nonfiction, fiction, columns/departments, fillers. Subjects: Literary, poetry.

The Writer - Guidelines: Pays on acceptance. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Writing.

AAA Living - Guidelines: Pays on publication. Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork. Subjects: Lifestyle and travel

Check out Testing Publisher Measured Progress at http://www.measuredprogress.com/

Check out Kid Magazine Writers at http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=6PRO4&m=1c9ngsFL91BbK5&b=D7Tm2xF_byd6n30gOjo6sg. You'll find wonderful articles, editor interviews and updated magazine info with writers' guidelines in this monthly online website.

FLASH FICTION ONLINE
http://www.flashfictiononline.com/submit.html
We publish stories from 500 to 1,000 words in length. They're very short, but they are still stories. That means the best ones have strong, interesting characters, plots, and (to some extent, at least) settings. We pay fifty dollars ($50) per story. This payment provides us with first electronic rights, including HTML, PDF, plain text, and MP3 (audio) formats.

L&L DREAMSPELL
http://www.lldreamspell.com/Guidelines.htm
We are not accepting any Poetry or Memoirs, but we ARE accepting new Novella length manuscripts. Short story submissions should be from around 3,000 to 9,000 words in length. Non-Fiction topics we want to see include Handbook length work (around 100 pages) and full length manuscripts on paranormal topics, metaphysical topics, and more. We pay author advances from $100 to $250 for books and from $10 to $25 for short stories. After advances are earned Royalties are paid quarterly - 15% of the net on print books and 40% on ebooks. We publish in both Trade Paperback 5.5"x8.5" andmulti format ebooks. Primarily publishes mystery/suspense,romance/erotics, fantasy/paranormal, thriller/horror,historical, general fiction, novellas, some nonfiction.

CHICKEN SOUP - TRUE LOVE
http://www.chickensoup.com/
Join us in a fun new book about dating, romance, love, and marriage, scheduled for publication in January 2010, just in time for Valentine's Day. We are looking for true stories and poems about your soulmate, your true love, the one that got away, and all the ups and downs of your love life. Stories can be serious or hilarious, or both. We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of 600-1,200 words. Stories should not be pre-published unless in very small publications. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it. Deadline May 31, 2009.

DesiLit likes satire and humor to challenge the statusquo. Pays $100 for fiction, $20 for poetry and $50 for cartoons or strips.
http://www.desilit.org/guidelines/humor.html

You & Me Magazine addresses health issues from the layman'sview. From post-partum to colon cancer, breast cancer tothe proper shoes, this magazine addresses dealing with health issues.
http://www.youandmemagazine.com/pages/submissions

GRAMMABURP
http://www.grammaburp.com/id5.html
We're looking for fresh, twisted, take-you-by-surprise, warped, unexpected, make-you-burst-out-laughing humor. We will publish curse words as long as they make sense within the gagline. The key to an exceptional card for us is the unexpected punchline. Take the reader by surprise. Pays $50.

THE WRITER'S EYE
http://www.thewriterseye.com/
The Writer's Eye Magazine supports both new and established writer-artists. We are committed to celebrating artistic passion and expression, particularly for those who integrate visual and written arts. In addition to quality fiction and poetry, we are especially seeking book reviews and nonfiction stories and articles. All submissions (except book reviews) must be accompanied by an attachment of a visual art form, ORIGINAL and created by the author, that is related to and complements the written work. Fictionand nonfiction up to 3,000 words. Pays five cents/word.Poetry and reviews pay $20.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT MAGAZINE
http://www.morethanamagazine.com/
National publication seeks limited number of well-written articles on life-changing travel experiences. Have you been to Costa Rica to learn Yoga? Explored China with human rights workers? Found the meaning of life camping in Montana? If you've been someplace that has impacted your mind/body/soul, can tell the story well, and the reader can identify with what you've experienced, your story is for us. Submissions should be approximately 1,000 words. Pays 20 cents/word for acceptedsubmissions.

GRANTA
http://www.granta.com/Magazine/Submissions-policy
Here is a list of things that Granta does not publish:
Academic essays, book reviews, straight reporting or feature articles whose primary interest is immediate, i.e. stories whose relevance will not last the three-month lifespan of the magazine. The pieces we publish should outlast that period by several years (as the issues themselves do). Genre fiction: that means no romance, crime, science fiction or fantasy or historical writing. Travel writing without a story. There should be a narrative focus, a point, a reason for you to tell us the story.

Granta does not have a political or literary manifesto, but it does have a belief in the power and urgency of the story, both in fiction and non-fiction, and the story's supreme ability to describe, illuminate and make real. Pays up to $1/word.

NEW MEXICO MAGAZINE
http://www.nmmagazine.com/guidelines.php
New Mexico Magazine is about the power of place -- in particular this place: more than 120,000 square miles of mountains, desert, grasslands, and forest inhabited by a culturally rich mix of individuals. We're looking for writers -- both in New Mexico and elsewhere -- who are adept at establishing a theme then sustaining a story with fresh eyes and true insight. We place a premium on good storytelling, tight composition, and factual accuracy. Pay is roughly 35-40 cents/word

FanStory.com
Feedback - Learn from feedback that will be written on everything you write. All forms of writing welcomed including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, book chapters, and scripts.
Contests - Participate in free writing contests for cash prizes. Over 50 new writing contests are opened every month. In addition, a new writing prompt contest is announced daily.
Rankings - If you are talented enough you can earn a top rank or even the #1 spot in the rankings. Every comment counts towards your rank
Fun - Enjoy an online experience with no match. Put your writing to work for you and enjoy the friendly and competitive nature of FanStory.com

SATURDAY EVENING POST
http://saturdayeveningpost.com/submission-guidelines.html
In addition to feature-length articles, the Post buys anecdotes suitable for "Post Scripts," as well as cartoons, illustrations, and photos. Payment ranges from $25 for Post Scripts to $400 and up for feature articles. Nonfiction must be 1,000 to 2,000 words in length. We generally buy all and/or first serial rights, as well as online rights. We also welcome new fiction. A light, humorous touch is appreciated. We are also always in need of straight humor articles. Make us laugh, and we'll buy it. NO ONLINE SUBMISSIONS

WEND MAGAZINE
http://www.wendmag.com/writersguide
Wend is namely interested in first person accounts of literate adventure travel with a social/anthropological/environmental awareness that permeates throughout the story. Our stories are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, not extraordinary people doing ordinary things. We give a lot of space to our features to give the writer a chance to really express him or herself, and take our readers along for the ride. All departments pay 25 cents a word, plus photos.

SOURCE www.fundsforwriters.com

PUBLISHERS AND AGENTS March 2009

2009-03-05T07:32:00.001-07:00

WHITE CLOUD PRESS
http://www.whitecloudpress.com/pilot.asp?pg=submissions

White Cloud Press offers spiritual inspiration, acclaimed
translation of religious texts, and descriptive explorations
of spiritual practice and faith. Integration of paradigms
within the worlds of faith fit White Cloud best. We are
always open to explorations of religions and spiritual
practices off the beaten path.
RiverWood Books offers literary fiction as well as titles
illuminating cultural awareness and West Coast regional
topics. We've had great success with historical fiction, but
other genres are welcome. We do not publish science fiction,
fantasy, or detective stories. Please note we no longer
publish children's books.

SCARLETTA PRESS
http://www.scarlettapress.com/submissions.htm

We are now accepting manuscripts in the following genres:
literary and commercial fiction, memoir, how-to, political
and social science, and business books

SIMPLY READ BOOKS
http://www.simplyreadbooks.com/submission_guidelines.php

Simply Read Books is presently seeking manuscripts in the
following genres: Middle Grade Fiction, YA Fiction, Graphic
Novels, Non-Fiction for Kids.

BLUE MOUNTAIN PRESS
E-mail queries/guidelines: BMPbooks@sps.com

Blue Mountain Press, the new book division of Blue Mountain
Arts, is accepting manuscripts in the following categories:
gift books, personal growth, teens/tweens, family, relationships,
motivational, and inspirational. Mail manuscripts to: Blue
Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4219, Boulder, CO 80306.

ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS
http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com

ALL THINGS THAT MATTER PRESS seeks to publish those books
that help the author share their Self with the world. We
all have something to say, and this is a press that wants to
hear your voice. While our focus will be on spiritual, self-
growth, personal transformation, and books with a strong
message, we understand that self-expression occurs in poetry,
collections of short stories, science fiction, thrillers and
even novels with a bit of romance. If it is good, we will
take a look. We are not actively seeking children and young
adult books but if it WOWs us, we will consider this genre.

GREAT LITTLE BOOKS
http://www.greatlittlebooksllc.com/our_mission.html

Great Little Books, LLC is an independent publisher located in
Glen Rock, New Jersey. We're in business to publish fiction--
novels, children's books, poetry and short stories--from new
voices in traditional and new genres, and in new formats and
across multiple mediums. We publish lifestyle and self-help
books that grow out of the way people really live their lives
and the support they need.

NANCY COFFEY LITERARY & MEDIA REPRESENTATION
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/Joanna/

A full service agency. Represents general commercial fiction,
romance, fantasy, sci-fi, juvenile fiction, children's books,
thrillers, literary, women's fiction, historical fiction,
environmental narrative nonfiction, food. Location New York.

GINA MACCOBY LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/GinaMaccoby/

Location Chappaqua, NY. Represents general fiction, mystery,
juvenile fiction, bios, history, health, children's books,
literary fiction, narrative nonfiction, pop culture, memoir,
natural history. AAR representative.

HEACOCK LITERARY AGENCY
http://www.heacockliteraryagency.com/

Locations Burbank, CA and Cloudcraft, NM. Email queries first.
Represents general commercial fiction, juvenile fiction, bios,
business, history, mind/body/spirit, health, children's books,
science, art, crafts, alternative health, animals, ecology
and indigenous topics. 30+ years old and has AAR agents.

CONTESTS MARCH 2009

2009-03-04T20:18:00.002-07:00

Attention all short-story writers!
We're looking for your very best short story for our annual contest. Submit a story up to 2,000 words in any genre or on any theme (no graphic language, sex or violence, please). Deadline: May 31. Prizes: $1,000 and publication in The Writer, first place; $300, second place; $200, third place. The top three stories will also be posted on The Writer's Web site. For a downloadable entry form and more information about the contest, click here.

THE KAIXIN COMPETITION
http://kaixin.com.au/kaixin-writing-competition/
NO ENTRY FEE
Also a contest to foster the awareness of China. Deadline March 31, 2009. It can be fiction or non-fiction, it can be a personal experience or a researched article. It can be a play. Do what you do best. Length1,000 to 1,500 words. Winner receives $A100.

LIFE IN THE USA $1,000 CONTEST
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PSEO4&m=1gsg2kl8xxYbK5&b=KtcWe95IjSWzx4duoKdpBw
NO ENTRY FEE
Contest will end either June or on the publication of 100 new articles, whichever comes later. The http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PSEO4&m=1gsg2kl8xxYbK5&b=xCT75JHgVOr08fGMBInD3A $1,000 Essay Contest is designed to help http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PSEO4&m=1gsg2kl8xxYbK5&b=xCT75JHgVOr08fGMBInD3A grow and serve immigrants and American students wishing to know more about American life. A first prize of $500 will be awarded, plus five $100 second place prizes.

WORDS MAGAZINE SHORT STORY COMPETITION
http://www.wordsmag.com/compcal09.htm
NO ENTRY FEE
Stories should not exceed 2,000 words. First prize: £100 (or equivalent in your currency). Closing date: March 30, 2009 - Theme: "Murder". IMPORTANT: email entrants please put "Murder" in the subject box.

THE DIRTY NAPKIN
http://thedirtynapkin.com/contest-info.php
$5 ENTRY FEE
In Gerald's own words, we want poems that show "courage, audacity, originality, humility, intelligence, and honesty." The winner will receive $250 and a book chosen by Gerald Stern. Deadline May 1, 2009. Submit a 4-8 poem manuscript. All work should be previously unpublished.

LEAPFROG FICTION CONTEST
http://www.leapfrogpress.com/main-pages/FictionContest.htm
$15 ENTRY FEE
The 2009 Leapfrog Fiction Contest will be open to submissions from January 15 to May 1, 2009. Any novella, novel, or book-length short-story collection, written primarily for an adult audience and not previously published,* is eligible. The minimum length is 22,000 words; there is no maximum length. Leapfrog Press is primarily interested in literary fiction. We welcome submissions from both new and previously published writers. First prize: Publication contract offer from Leapfrog Press, with an advance payment, and permanent listing as a Leapfrog Fiction Contest winner on the Leapfrog Press Web site.Finalist(s): $150 and a short critique of the manuscript; permanent listing on the Leapfrog Press Web site as a Leapfrog Fiction Contest finalist. Honorable mention(s): Listing on the Leapfrog Press Web site.

SEJONG WRITING COMPETITION
http://sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/current/essay.html
Scholars have discovered that there are similar “tale types” that appear among different cultures. Sometimes folktales will have remarkably similar details whether they are told in Asia or Europe, and yet the meanings of these stories might be very different. This is usually due to general cultural differences, but it might also be due do some small element in a similar story whose meaning might be entirely different in the two cultures. After reading some of the Korean folktales, select a particular story that you find parallel to one from the European tradition. Do the two stories have the same underlying meaning, or do they mean different things? Likewise, you may find stories that appear to be very different on the surface, but whose underlying messages are very similar.
Senior division: First ($500), Second ($400), Third ($300) Junior division: First ($300), Second ($200), Third ($100) Winners' works may be published in the Korea Times Chicago. Use the table online of Korean folk tales and their corresponding Western stories to choose a tale for your essay. Include references to the tale you chose to write about. Essays should be written in English. Maximum 1,000 words in length. DeadlineApril 30, 2009.

some of these contests are from:
http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PSEO4&m=1f.393rxGxYbK5&b=XEyIOnPN.j_sDBeTfQk4Og

WRITERS UNDER 21 MARCH 09

2009-03-02T19:47:00.002-07:00

Submit to markets that accept work from young authors. Find listings here: http://www.kidmagwriters.com/magzines/youth.htm

We need guest articles. Have you considered writing aguest article for WritingKid? Are you a student, a parent,a teacher? All are eligible. Just make sure the topictouches upon writing and runs no more than 500-550 words. Those under 16 receive the book of their choice. Those over 16 receive $10-$20, depending on the quality of thepiece, the amount of editing required and the obviousamount of research. Send any submissions to hope@fundsforwriters.com and label it SUBMISSION TO WRITINGKID.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE ESSAY CONTEST

http://www.holocaust.hklaw.com/

Students responding to this year's writing contest should study the Holocaust and then, in an essay of no more than 1,200 words:
(a) analyze why it is vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to new generations; and
(b) suggest what you, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today.
10 First-Place Winners: Each of the 10 First-Place Winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Chicago, IL, (tentatively scheduled for June 22-26, 2009) to visit the new Illinois Holocaust Memorial Museum and other sites with teachers and Holocaust survivors (valued at over $2,000), a gold medal, and a Certificate of Participation. In addition, each First-Place Winner will receive a scholarship ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. 10 Second-Place Winners: Each of the 10 Second-Place Winners will receive $500, a silver medal, and a Certificate of Participation. 10 Third-Place Winners: Each of the 10 Third-Place Winners will receive $300, a bronze medal, and a Certificate of Participation. Scholarships: The 10 First-Place Winning Essays will be evaluated by a separate panel of judges and scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 will be awarded to those 10 essayists and will be announced while the winners are in Chicago, IL. Deadline April 30, 2009.

INSIGHT WRITING CONTEST

http://www.insightmagazine.org/contest/rules.asp

Three categories: Student short story, general short storyand student poetry. Prizes for winners of the short storiescategories receive first place $250, second place $200, and third place $150. Student poetry winners receive $100,$75 and $50. Students must be under 22 for student categories.Deadline June 1, 2009. Prizewinning entries will be published in Insight. Your short story should not be longer than seven pages. Your poem should not be longer than one page.

SARAH MOOK MEMORIAL POETRY PRIZE FOR STUDENTS

http://www.a2pwebdesign.com/poetrywits/poetrycontest/sarahmook.htm

Sarah Gail Mook was a student in the third grade at Buckingham Friends School in Lahaska, Pennsylvania, when she died suddenly of an aortic aneurysm on December 14, 1995. She started writing poems in kindergarten. Reading Sarah's poems over and over in the months following her death inspired her father, David, to begin writing poetry. David's first book of poems, EACH LEAF, was published by Freewheeling Press in 1999 and includes Sarah's poems. For David, "poetry is a gift from Sarah." It is the goal of this outreach that Sarah's gift will continue to inspire poets of all ages.
Kindergarten through 4th Grade: $300 First Prize 5th through 8th Grades: $300 First Prize 9th through 12th Grades: $300 First Prize
You may enter up to two poems of any length on any subject. An optional reading fee of $5 (five dollars) payable to "Sarah Mook Outreach Fund would be appreciated with each entry. All entry fees will be used to fund cash prizes in addition to the $300 First Prize awards in each age group. Entries must be postmarked no later than March 31. Award winners will be announced in May. The judges are teachers and published poets.

OUTDOORS WRITERS ASSOCIATION YOUTH WRITING CONTEST

http://www.owaa.org/

To encourage students to sharpen their abilities to communicate the outdoor experience. The contest features separate categories for poetry and prose. Cash awards and certificates will be granted in both categories and in two different divisions, senior and junior. The Senior division is for grades 9-12, and the Junior division is for grades 6-8. Deadline March 15, 2009. The topic must be outdoor- oriented (hiking, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, nature, ecology, canoeing, etc.). Any prose or poetic form is acceptable.

2009 PUSH NOVEL CONTEST

http://www.thisispush.com/write/index.asp

Now's the time to enter the PUSH Novel Contest for 2009. Your submission must contain at least three and no more than five chapters from an original novel (excerpt minimum 15 pages, maximum 50 pages), as well as an outline/summary of the rest of the book, not to exceed two pages in length. The award is given in conjunction with the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and all rules and regulations can be found on www.scholastic.com/artandwritingawards.

This contest is only open to students in grades 7 through 12. Submissions cannot be emailed, and will not be returned. The gold medal winner will win a Scholastic Art & Writing Award, and the manuscript will be worked on with PUSH editorial staff, with the hope of eventual publication in PUSH. All entries must be postmarked by March 13, 2009.

EARLHAM SCHOOL OF RELIGION ESSAY CONTEST

http://esr.earlham.edu/events/50years/essay.html

NO ENTRY FEE

We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2009-10! In honor of this occasion, we are holding an essay contest. Essays need to address the following question:
What message or gifts do Quakers offer today in answer to the world's greatest needs?
Contest winners will be invited to attend ESR's 50th Anniversary kick-off event on Saturday, September 26th and read their entries. Their essays will also be printed in a commemorative booklet, and excerpts may be printed in Quaker publications. Essays will be read and judged by a three-person panel. One essay will be chosen and given a cash prize in each of the following categories:
Under age 19 - $300 cash prize Age 19 and over - $700 cash prize
Essays for the under age 19 category cannot exceed 2,500 words, and essays for the age 19 and over category must be a minimum of 5,000 words and not exceed 7,500 words. Deadline May 31, 2009.

BOMBADIL PUBLISHING

http://www.bombadilpublishing.com/projectweb/portalproject/en_home.html

We are a youth-2-youth publisher publishing books written for young people by young people. If you fall in that group and are between the ages of 12-26 and have a manuscript oreven just an idea to one, we would love to hear from you. We are expanding and need more books. We are a traditional publisher in most ways, except that it is our reader panel that decides whether a manuscript should be published and we use mentors instead of traditional editors. You can see more on www.bombadilpublishing.com

CONCERN CONTEST

http://www.concern.net/writingcompetition

Tell us what you would write to President Obama on one ofthese critical global issues: child labor, climate changeand the developing world, world hunger. Your letter can be in the style of a factual essay or a fictional story. Mustbe in English, unpublished, original and unaided. DeadlineMarch 22, 2009. Three categories:
Junior: Age 12 to 15 - Up to 1,000 words.Senior: Age 16 to 18 - Up to 1,500 words.Adult: Age 19+ - Up to 1,500 words.
Prizes awarded in each category with special awards forthe best entries from third-level and community and adulteducation sectors. The prizes for last year's writing competition included laptops, ipods and subscriptions to National Geographic Magazine. All of these prizes were kindly sponsored and we hope to do the same again this year.

information is from:
http://www.fundsforwriters.com

WRITERS UNDER 21-FEBRUARY 2009

2009-02-02T07:04:00.004-07:00

CREATIVE COMMUNICATION POETRY CONTEST
http://www.poeticpower.com/poetryrules.html

The purpose of the poetry contest is to bring recognition to
student poets. We publish an anthology of the best entries
and award thousands in prizes each year to the best poets.
We are looking for good-poetry that reflect into the writers'
thoughts and feelings. Each student can enter one poem for each
contest. Limit 21 lines. Open to students in grades K-12 in
the US and Canada. Three contests in 2009:
Spring 2009 - Deadline April 14, 2009
Summer 2009 - Deadline August 18, 2009
Fall 2009 - Deadline December 10, 2009
Top ten poems in each grade division (K-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12)
will receive a $50 savings bond, their own page in the book
and a free copy of the book. Teachers with five or more students
participating receive a free book. Any topic is possible.

CREATIVE COMMUNICATION ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.poeticpower.com/essayrules.html

The purpose of the essay contest is to bring recognition to
student writers. We publish an anthology of the best entries
and award thousands in prizes each year to the best writers.
We are looking for good-non-fiction essays that reflect into
the writers' thoughts and feelings. Each student can enter
one essay for each contest. Limit 250 words. Open to students
in grades K-12 in the US and Canada. Three contests in 2009:
Spring 2009 - Deadline February 17, 2009
Summer 2009 - Deadline July 15, 2009
Fall 2009 - Deadline October 15, 2009
Top ten essays in each grade division (K-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12)
will receive a $50 savings bond, their page in the book
and a free copy of the book. Teachers with five or more students
participating receive a free book. Any topic is possible.

ASSOCIATION FOR WOMEN IN MATH ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.awm-math.org/biographies/contest.html

To increase awareness of women's ongoing contributions to the
mathematical sciences, the Association for Women in Mathematics
(AWM) is sponsoring an essay contest for biographies of
contemporary women mathematicians and statisticians in academic,
industrial, and government careers.
The essays will be based primarily on an interview with a woman
currently working in a mathematical sciences career. This contest
is open to students in the following categories: Grades 6-8,
Grades 9-12, and College Undergraduate. At least one winning
submission will be chosen from each category. Winners will
receive a prize, and their essays will be published online at
the AWM web site. Additionally, a grand prize winner will have
his or her submission published in the AWM Newsletter. Deadline
February 27, 2009.

HANGING LOOSE PRESS
http://www.hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html

Hanging Loose magazine welcomes high school submissions.
As with other writers, we reply within three months, and
high school authors whose work we publish receive the same
small fee and two copies of the issue in which their work
appears. We feel a special responsibility to those young
writers who look to us not only for possible publication
but sometimes also for editorial advice, which we are always
happy to give when asked. Our work as editors is of course
time-consuming, but we feel a strong commitment to give as
much time and attention as possible to the work we receive
from high school age writers. We urge writers of high school
age to follow these guidelines, in order to help us respond
to their work.

LISTEN TO A LIFE CONTEST
http://www.tcpnow.com/contests/ltal.html

To enter the Listen to a Life Contest, a young person
interviews an older person about their hopes and goals through
their life, how they achieved goals and overcame obstacles, or
how dreams may have changed along the way. What life advice
can they share? The young person then writes a 300-word essay
based on the interview. Each team consists of a young person
8-18 years with a grandparent or grandfriend 50 years or over
(co-entrant cannot be a parent; they can be a grandparent,
older friend, mentor, neighbor, nursing home resident, etc.).
Deadline March 30, 2009.

ENGINEERGIRL! - IMAGINE THAT! ENGINEERING INNOVATION CONTEST
http://www.engineergirl.org/?id=10104

Try your hand at evaluating your own engineering product.
Start by choosing one of the three images below. Then think
about the object in the picture
What is it? What do you think it might be used for?
What are the most important features of the design?
What was the engineer's role in making this product and
what engineering principles were used?
The contest is open to individual girls and boys in each
of three categories (Choose your category by grade level
unless you are unsure of your grade.):
3rd grade to 5th grade (Ages 8-11)
6th grade to 8th grade (Ages 12-14)
9th grade to 12th grade (Ages 15-18)
Write an essay on one of the three images provided which
answers the questions above. There is no single correct
answer so be creative and think carefully about what might
be involved in the design process. Be sure to stay within
the word limit listed below:
500 words for grades 3-5
750 words for grades 6-8
1,000 words for grades 9-12
Deadline March 1, 2009.
First-place winners will be awarded $500.
Second-place entries will be awarded $250.
Third-place entries will be awarded $100.

FUND YOUR DREAM ESSAY CONTEST
http://lisamcmann.com/html/contest.html

NO ENTRY FEE
The kind of dream that Janie has - to go to college, better
her life situation, and maybe, not have to work two jobs to
do it! Lisa McMann and Simon & Schuster want to hear from you:
What is the Greatest Obstacle You've Overcome?
Answer this question in 500 words or less and submit your
essay to enter the contest. Lisa McMann will choose a winner,
who will receive $1,000 toward meeting his or her life goals.
Deadline March 6, 2009. Restricted to US residents. Must be
14-18 years of age as of date of entry.

Information is from:
Hope C. Clark at http://www.fundsforwriters.com/