[authorme] PUBLISHING NEW WRITERS NEWSLETTER, SEPTEMBER, 2002
- From: "Bruce Cook, AuthorMe.com" <cookcomm@xxxxxxx>
- To: <authorme@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 1 Sep 2002 23:23:35 -0500
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In this issue...
RESEARCH IN A WRITER'S WORLD, by Beverly Pauley
INVITATION: VISIT "LIT-TALK", by Bruce Cook
MANUSCRIPT FORMAT, by Sandy Tritt
Visit our Home Page. It changes daily. www.AuthorMe.com!
RESEARCH IN A WRITER'S WORLD
by Beverly Pauley
Research, this is so important in a writer's work. Never assume
anything. If a detail is needed to establish a time line or
authenticity, do your homework. Once a reader comes across something
that does not ring true, that manuscript will be set aside and remain
unread. Details must be correct, so doing research is a vital part of
the writing process.
There are many sources on the internet to find information. I
personally find Google to be one of the best sites. Interview people who
have knowledge of a certain subject. Check out the yellow pages and use
800 numbers. Important information can be discovered through newspaper
archives and Courthouse birth/ death records. Listen carefully to
conversations you hear. Develop the writer's ear to pick up phrases,
tones and voice of people.
Sometimes, though, information is not available. I was writing a
story about my great-uncle's experience in a tobacco spitting duel with
a neighbor. Try as I might, I could not find the information about how
far one could spit tobacco and how many paces were taken before turning
to fire the liquid spray at the opponent. I checked out record books and
even went so far as to contact a tobacco company.
To solve this, my granddaughter, Amber, and I went in the back yard
armed with tall glasses of iced tea and proceeded with a mock duel. I
found out my information and was more confident with my short story.
Another time I needed to know how much a cemetery monument cost in
1940 and how to put it in the ground oneself. To my great delight, I
found a monument company listed in the yellow pages, called an 800
number, and talked to a customer service representative who was both
patient and helpful, answering me as if my questions were an ordinary
part of business.
Writing is sometimes a difficult process, and getting published by
the novice writer is almost impossible. Don't sabotage your work with
sloppy research that negates a worthy body of work. Keep writing, but do
your research.
By Beverly Pauley, hbpoe@xxxxxxxxxx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INVITATION: VISIT "LIT-TALK"
If you have regularly visited AuthorMe.com, you've noticed that we
constantly hunt for ways to increase reader and writer feedback and
participation. Our problem has been the armchair browser, often a
contributing author, who reads but makes no comments to others.
Until now, we have implemented reader comment links and a survey
system. We have attempted to launch a critique exchange, but sadly it
was little used.
Our latest attempt is more successful. Initially called a "Baby
Board," Lit-Talk offers you a window to other writers at a personal
level. Please visit, browse, but get out of your armchair. Your
assignment: Post at least one comment, no matter what. We'll listen. And
you'll probably provoke a response.
Thanks,
Bruce Cook, Editor
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MANUSCRIPT FORMAT
By Sandy Tritt
Okay, this is an easy one. So much of writing is subjective -- my
preferences are not necessarily the same as someone else's, nor are they
necessarily right or wrong. But writing professionals (agents, editors,
publishers and so on) generally agree with the following guidelines:
The manuscript must be typed or computer-generated. No handwritten
submissions, regardless of how wonderful your handwriting.
Use clean, white 8 1/2 by 11 inch unlined paper of average
thickness. No onion skin and no card stock. And, please, no cute
graphics or pretty flowers. Keep it professional.
Use an easy to read font, preferably COURIER or TIMES NEW ROMAN.
Nothing cute, nothing fancy. Just ordinary type font easy on the eyes.
The preferred font size is 12.
Left adjust the print. Do not right adjust, center or fill the line
to force a right flush.
Leave at least a one inch margin on all sides -- top, bottom, left
and right -- of the print.
Double space.
If you have carefully followed the above suggestions, you should
average 250 words per page. The reason for this is not so you can
destroy the environment by wasting trees, but so the writing
professional can read your work without a migraine and have plenty of
space to make corrections, comments and suggestions in the margins and
between the lines.
Indent each paragraph 5 spaces (1/2 inch). Do not skip a line
between paragraphs. Do not leave a line between scenes. Instead, center
asterisks, dashes, or dots to show the line was intentionally left
blank.
Unless your manuscript is a submission for a contest with different
instructions, put the name of the manuscript and your name, separated by
a slash, on the upper left corner of every page (you may skip the first
page, if the author name and info is included on the page). Example of
how this should look: Living the Legacy / Tritt
www.author-me.com/fiction/legacy.htm
Again, unless otherwise instructed, put the word "page" and the
page number (and do use a number, not the number spelled out), on the
upper right corner of each page.
Unless otherwise instructed, do not staple the pages. For small
manuscripts, use a paper clip.
For larger ones, put in an appropriately sized box and do not bind
at all. Spell check.
No matter how few words you've added or changed, run spell check
one more time.
Never send the only copy of your work.
Verify that all pages are included and that all are in readable
condition. Copiers have a keen sense of humor and will eat your work, or
better yet, substitute a blank or partially written page instead of the
real thing. Do not trust them.
Include a cover letter, unless requested not to. It can be short,
simple and to the point, but should include the author's full name and
address, telephone number with best time to call, and email address. It
should give the name of the manuscript, the approximate word count and a
statement as to why you are sending it. (Be specific. If for publication
in a magazine, list the magazine name. If for a contest, list the
contest name and end date. If for a critique, say so. Many writing
professionals dabble in multiple endeavors and don't like to figure out
which one you are referring to.) You may also mention the reason for
writing and anything else pertinent or special about the manuscript or
the author (it is based on a true story or the author is twelve years
old). Give special instructions, such as if you do not want the
manuscript returned. Do not get carried away; a cover page should never
exceed one page and should be single spaced.
If a query is enclosed, it should take the place of the cover
letter. A query should have one paragraph about the manuscript, one
paragraph about the author (include any awards, special qualifications
and publishing history) and one paragraph about what you want
(representation, published) and what you are willing do to get it
(book-signings, speeches, sacrifice your firstborn). Don't try to be
funny. It's almost guaranteed that the professional won't share your
sense of humor and will send you straight to the rejection pile.
Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Be sure to include
ample postage, enough for the professional to add three or four pages of
her own in addition to your manuscript. If you live in a different
country than the recipient, do not adhere the postage. Instead, paper
clip international reply coupons (available at any post office) or
enough money to completely cover the postage. This should be noted on
the cover page.
If a fee is required, send a check or money order, never cash.
Again, if you live in a different country than the recipient, send a
money order in the recipient's country's funds. For example, if you live
in Canada and you are sending to a U.S. address, get a money order
payable in U.S. funds. Most banks, post offices and -- last resort --
international airports, can handle this transaction for a small fee.
Never pay an agent or publisher, unless you are well aware of
exactly what you will receive for your money. Legitimate agents and
publishers do not charge reading fees. Likewise, be wary of an agent or
publisher who recommends a specific book doctor or editor. It is likely
that there is a kick-back involved and you'll be paying for it.
Double check everything before mailing, including the recipient's
address. Seal, drop in the mailbox and say a prayer.
There are entire books devoted to manuscript formats and submission, but
these are the basics. Unless you need specific information or guidance
for writing a query letter, you should be fine. Remember, you will never
be published (or win a contest) if you don't take that first step and
make a submission. Rejection, however uncomfortable, is not fatal.
(c) copyright 1999 by Sandy Tritt. All rights reserved, except for those
listed here. May be reproduced for educational purposes (such as for
writer's workshops), as long as this copyright notice and the url:
http://tritt.wirefire.com are distributed with the pages. For use in
conferences or other uses not mentioned here, please contact Sandy Tritt
at tritt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx for permission and additional resources at no
or limited charge.
Keep writing!
Sandy Tritt
tritt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sandy's website:
http://tritt.wirefire.com
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
READ... MOVE OVER MAHARISHI
By Dee Landerman
An ordinary housewife is catapulted into the unknown. For over
twenty-five years with one foot in the other dimension, experiences
visions, apparitions, and visits from the divine. As a Christian
Intuitive with the ability to see into a person?s spirit, she
experienced first hand where the departed go.
She shares her life openly with you, with the intent to give answers and
direction for you to find power, peace and acceptance in your own life.
Dee reveals the ?Heart Of God? about organized religion and today?s
churches, sharing God?s concerns and desires for America and the world.
About the Author
Accepting God?s terms, Dee Landerman committed her life to Jesus Christ,
in exchange for the abuse and misery she was enduring and found herself
the recipient of divine visitations, messages and visions. Teaching
Sunday school, teen classes and a women?s group., she was always guided
by the Lord with lessons and illustrations. For more info, go to:
http://dee72576.tripod.com/
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writing Therapy
Cost: $25.00
Instructor Name: Lynette Rees [Dip. Couns]
Instructor Email: peaceful_writer@xxxxxxxxx
Url: http://class.universalclass.com/writingtherapy
What is Writing Therapy?
Writing Therapy is a way of connecting with your emotions via pen and
paper, or the keyboard. I devised this course after studying the
research of James W Pennebaker, Head of Psychology, University of Texas.
Pennebaker's research shows that writing helps to lift the mood of
depressed people. He also found that students who wrote about how they
were feeling coped better with their exams.
Class Format
I have devised 9 lessons in all - taking you from what writing therapy
is to covering the basic emotions we feel such as anger, grief, love,
fear etc. I've also added a lesson on dreams and how to interpret yours,
and a bonus lesson on creative writing. Each lesson has an appropriate
assignment to match the lesson's content.
Write your way to emotional health!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUTHORME WRITING SURVEYS, by Bruce Cook
AuthorMe.com has launched a new service in reader feedback - an opinion
survey. Using this service, an author can arrange for readers to comment
on opening, language, plot, conclusion, credibility, unity, detail,
balance, and strong and weak points of their work.
When you post an AuthorMe writer survey for your manuscript, we place a
link to the survey above the text. We then provide a private, password
protected link enabling you see view survey results - a summary as well
as individual responses (including email addresses of respondents who
are willing to share that information.) Due to high costs of this
service, AuthorMe is compelled to ask that authors listing surveys make
a payment of $10 to $15 dollars. To qualify for the lower price, you are
asked to complete at least five surveys for other authors.
To explore our survey service, please go to...
http://www.authorme.com/surveymanuscripts.htm
Comment on the Survey Service
I remain thoroughly pleased about the feedback/kudos I received from a
cross section of your readers who read "Spring Fever."
Surprised ?Spring Fever? had that effect on those outside of my circle
of friends who tend to like everything I write, though they do give me
honest feedback, etc. Your survey gave me more insight of how others
outside my circle of friends perceive my work and in what areas I
need improvement, all of which will help me to continue to polish my
writing. The survey: AN INVALUABLE SERVICE and USEFUL TOOL FOR ANY
WRITER!
Corey Metz
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ASK SANDY TRITT TO WRITE A CRITIQUE OF YOUR MANUSCRIPT!
SPECIAL THIS MONTH... Limited time special, one cent per word. Just
mention Publishing New Writers Newsletter (September, 2002).
Critiques by Sandy Tritt...
Unlike most editors, I consider my role to be a mentor or a coach.
Instead of just telling you what is wrong, I explain how to correct the
problem, and I work with you to teach you how to write effective prose.
More than 50% of my business is repeat business, and I relish
establishing long-term relationships with other writers.
Treat you with respect and compassion. All criticism will be of the
"constructive" sort. My purpose is to improve your writing, not to
destroy your confidence.
Mark your manuscript, correcting grammatical and spelling errors
And suggesting alternative wording where appropriate, line-by-line.
Highlight areas that are especially well-written, so you will know where
your strengths are.
Where appropriate, offer suggestions for plot development,
Character development or other areas that could be strengthened.
Return a two-to-four page written analysis of your work. This will
include evaluation of: plot, setting, characterization, dialogue,
special effects (flash forwards, flashbacks, etc.), voice, point of view
and any other areas particular to your work.
If appropriate, recommend reading or resources to strengthen your
Areas of weakness.
Answer any questions you may have via email.
Provide my telephone number for a personal follow-up, if you
desire.
For Sandy's success stories, see
http://tritt.wirefire.com/Manuscript_Critique.html
Write Sandy at tritt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WRITERLY WEBSITES
http://www.ochiltreebooks.com
This is Dianne Ochiltree's site for children, parents, teachers
and writers for young readers. Dianne is an author of books for young
readers (birth to teenage) and she is also a children's book reviewer.
She's been writing professionally for over 25 years---about 18 years in
public relations/advertising/marketing and the last 7 years as a
children's writer. Dianne has two books published to date, with
Scholastic and with Simon & Schuster.
http://tritt.wirefire.com
The Inspiration for Writers website offers help and
encouragement to writers of all levels. Tips and Techniques give
practical advice about frequent writing blunders. The Writer's Prayer,
inspirational quotes, and essays about the writing life add insight and
inspiration. The Fiction Showcase offers short stories for the reader's
enjoyment. And, for those serious about improving their writing skills,
manuscript critiques and coaching services are available. Visit
http://tritt.wirefire.com today!
Lynette's creative Writing Website
http://pages.ivillage.com/silverlady0/lynettescreativewriting/index.html
Kathy Hartwell wrote the AuthorMe mission statement. To contact her for
critiquing services or other advice, check her website at...
http://kreativekritique.tripod.com/kreativekritique.html
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
More on e-books...
Read our latest e-book...
FRAGMENTS by Diane Oatley at www.AuthorMe.com/poetry.htm
Poetry in honor of the human body - feminine awareness and meanings.
Sample view at www.AuthorMe.com/FragmentsSample.PDF
Purchase your copy now! Just $5.
http://cookcomm.theshoppe.com/fragments.html
BEST guide to low-cost self-publication at...
www.AuthorMe.com/e-book.htm Publish your work as an e-book or a
small
print run (Publish on Demand)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publishing New Writers, September, 2002 (no. 309)
Editor Bruce L. Cook, P.O. Box 451, Dundee, IL 60118 USA. Fax (847)
428-8974.
Submissions and comments to cookcomm@xxxxxxxx Links are welcome. To
subscribe, go to
www.AuthorMe.com/member.html
To review our archive of past newsletters, go to
www.AuthorMe.com/newslist.htm.
Go Back in Time...
Check out our new all-immersion Life of Jesus (Part 1) from David C.
Cook III. Visit www.galleyproof.com/religon.html
AuthorMe.com is dedicated to the memory of David C. Cook III
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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