THE BEST OF 2005
We’re happy to offer you this free newsletter for writers. I’d appreciate your help in spreading the word, by nominating us for a listing in Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites of 2005.
Please send your nomination, along with our webname (A Cappela Publishing) and our URL (http://www.acappela.com.) to:writersdig@fwpubs.com Subject "101 Sites"
Send me a copy, please, at Acappub@aol.com. Thanks!


LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Did you know that you have big things to write about? And did you know that those big things are getting rather dusty while you pour yourself another cup of coffee, and decide to mull things over rather than write about them? It’s time to spring houseclean your writing, and you can make the process a whole lot easier by getting help when and where you need it.
Whether you are just getting started or have a first draft completed, take a class or writing workshop to get yourself back on track.!

If you're new to fiction writing, or if you're worried about being able to commit enough time each week to get the most out of it, take a look at the new Extended class options on this site and on other online writing schools.

Whether you’ve started a first draft, or just have an idea for a novel, or even if you have no idea what your novel will be about, try the Coaching workshop (R- put in link) to help clear your thoughts. This workshop will help you get started and give you the tools you need to finish. You'll work with a published author to develop a suitable idea, and by the time you're finished, you'll have developed a working outline for your entire novel and you will have written and
revised the opening chapters (up to 12,000 words) with your instructor's feedback.

So, no matter where you are, getting some good professional help will be like a spring housecleaning for your writing. Do it! You’ll be glad.

Patrika
 

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NEED HELP GETTING PUBLISHED?
For many writers, writing is the easiest part of getting published. After all, writers love writing, and they love words. But when it comes to the business of the publishing industry, they often need a hand. Here are some great new resources that will provide that much needed help:
Take the following self-quiz to help you figure out just where you are, and to point you toward where you want to go. The links following each question will lead you to some answers. For more information, email me: acappub@aol.com

Where are you?
1) have an idea but haven’t written anything (WP&M, Consult; Writing Coaching)
2) got started, but bogged down (Classes, Writing Coaching, WP&M)
3) have first draft, but don’t know if it’s any good (Critique)

Where do you want to go?
1) improve my writing skills (WP&M, audiobooks, Classes)
2) edit what I’ve got into something publishable (Editing, Book Doctoring)
3) have a great piece of writing, and need to get it published (Stalking the Markets; Book Promotion; Self-Pub; Selling to Ims; eLitAgent)


DON’T MAIL THAT MANUSCRIPT without a professional review from A Cappela

Before you mail out that manuscript or query, make sure it’s as polished and professional as possible. Send your work to A Cappela Publishing and get the specific tailored advice you need to get an extra edge on the competition — and make all your manuscripts more marketable.
After a thorough evaluation of your submission, one of our published, professional staff writers will give you detailed feedback and recommendations. You’ll learn what is and isn’t working in your writing, and how to fix it.

Your Critique includes:

*Genre-specific Advice: Whether your writing is a novel or a nonfiction book, an article or short story, a query letter or book proposal, you can be sure that your work will be evaluated by a pro who has personal experience with the same kind of writing.

*Grammar and Style Suggestions: Your personal reviewer will evaluate your writing to point out common grammatical, structural and stylistic mistakes — mistakes that can mean the difference between a rejection and a sale.

*Market Recommendations: If your manuscript is marketable as is, or with slight revision, you’ll get recommendations for marketing your work — including how to identify the publishers which buy your kind of writing.

For complete information, including submission guidelines and rates, visit
http://www.acappela.com/critiques.htm

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Writers! Protect your original work and important documents in minutes! Instantly establish the date and time-of-creation of all your files, including screenplays, proposals, Web pages, treatments, inventions, lyrics and ideas. Register and protect your original work online at ProtectRite.com. ($18.95 (US dollars) for 10-year registration)Go to: http://www.protectrite.com/default.asp?SessID=318256989&AffID=9jlw0RTAF8
Also:Writers Guild of America, West online Registration Service - for concepts, documentaries, manuscripts, lyrics, etc. ($20)

 

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This newsletter is sent by subscription only. Please pass this newsletter along to people you feel may benefit by this information. This issue has been sent out to 520 writers. Won't you help this ezine grow? Tell your friends to subscribe at http://www.acappela.com

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Media Contacts

This new column is for those of you looking for ways to get your writings reviewed, to get a radio or TV interview, or in some other way promote your writing.

Get An Agent
Miriam Altshuler Literary Agency represents 40 clients--45% nonfiction books, 45% novels, 5% short story collections,and 5% juvenile books. This agent prefers to read materials exclusively. No e-mail or fax queries--only query through traditional mail with SASE.
http://www.writersmarket.com/index_nl.asp?cat=ag&id=10089

Get Reviewed
Colleen Jiron, Assistant Features Editor, Bakersfield Californian
PO Box 440, Bakersfiled, CA 93302 661-395-7416 cjiron@bakersfield.com
http://www.bakersfield.com

Get Interviewed
Have a newsworthy book? Contact Fox News 1-888-369-4762
 

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PAT’S PICKS:

How to Become an EXPERT in Your Field
Write a book! Here’s why:
* Authoring a book will help you gain instant credibility and differentiates you from your competition.
* People will listen to you and respect you because a book proclaims you as an expert.
* Your book will introduce you to new, more affluent clients.
* It will open the door for interviews on radio, TV and in newspapers, and a book review gives you FREE advertising.
Need help writing your book? See http://www.acappela.com/AH.htm
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Writing and Selling Your First Book? If you've ever dreamed of writing a book, now is the time to start. With Write Publish & Market Your Book ( http://www.acappela.com/writeown.htm ) you'll get all the information you need to get started, as well as learn what to do when you're finished writing!
Here's a peek inside: * Discover 10 easy ways to get past writer’s block * Learn the nuts and bolts of writing your opening

* Find out how to pace your novel like a pro * Get the inside scoop on what editors really want * Discover 25 tips for publishing success * And of course, pages and pages of information on how to choose the markets that are best for you!

 

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WRITING TIP

When to Use That Some sentences are grammatically correct both with or without a that. For example, you could write She claims that... or She claims... . According to The Associated Press Stylebook, there are no hard-and-fast rules regarding the use of that, but you should use that if the sentence looks or sounds awkward without it. If you're unsure, here are some handy guidelines:
• Omit that when a dependent clause immediately follows a verb.
(He claims he took a grammar class in college.)
• Include that before a subordinate clause beginning with a conjunction.
(She said that although she'd taken a grammar class in college she couldn't remember much.)
• Include that when a time element comes between the verb and dependent clause.
(He agreed that four years ago her grammar was better.)
The AP Sylebook also recommends that when in doubt, include that. It's better to include than omit.

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MARKETS

Novellas:
Changeling Press LLC ( http://www.changelingPress.com ) We are looking for short novellas ranging from of 8,000 to 30,000 words. We are seeking erotic love stories with intriguing plots, strong writing, and a pace that grabs readers' attention from page one and holds it to the very end.
Submissions@ChangelingPress.com

Please include in your email your publishing history and a short synopsis. All submissions must be made electronically. The first submission from any author must be from a complete manuscript.
Our genres include Sci-fi, Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal, Comedy, Suspense, Horror, dark romances, and include gay/lesbian sexual orientation. We look for originality--either in plot, characters, or writing style. The hero and heroine must display a genuine attraction for one another beyond sex – a love story, but realistic, plot driven resolutions are essential.

Name, address, phone number and e-mail of the author should be on the first page of the manuscript, and a header for subsequent pages should contain the author's name and manuscript title. Arial or Book Antiqua font, 12 pt, 1" margins, 1.5 line spacing.

We strongly prefer manuscripts to be written from the third-person point-of-view but we will consider exceptional first-point-of-view. We will NOT consider any manuscript that has any amount of typos or technical problems in writing. The story must flow and be well-written.

Should you have any questions in regards to a manuscript that doesn't fit into any of the above mentioned genres or length, please don't hesitate to inquire about this exception. At Changeling, we don't only encourage our authors to write outside of the box, we want them to smash it. We want them to fly free.

Literary Magazine
The Georgia Review (www.uga/edi/garev) is one of the more highly regarded and established literary journals available. The editor says, "Our readers are educated, inquisitive people who read a lot of work in the areas we feature, so they expect only the best in our pages." Fiction/nonfiction. Pays $40/published page. See website for guidelines.

Mystery Magazine Reopens
Online mystery magazine, Mysterical-E, is accepting submissions again after being taken over by Joe DeMarco. "As a writer, I'm thrilled to be able to save this publication and maintain it as a market for writers new and established", writes Joe, who is now accepting submissions of fiction, nonfiction, interviews and reviews. Details: http://www.mystericale.com .

 

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CONTESTS

May Deadlines:

Deadline: May 31, 2005. The Antigonish Review is accepting entries for the 1st annual Sheldon Currie Fiction Prize. First prize: $600 plus publication. Submit stories, 3500 words max., on any subject to: The Antigonish Review, P.O. Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, B2G 2W5. Entry fee: $25 ($35US outside of North America). Include separate cover sheet with contact details and title. For complete guidelines (not submissions) email: tar@stfx.ca. Note: for an additional $10 writers may also enter the Great Blue Heron Poetry Contest.


June Deadlines

June 7, 2005 Deadline: Literal Latte Short Shorts Awards First Prize: $500 Awards: Short Shorts, Poetry, Essays, Food Verse, Fiction. GUIDELINES: Send unpublished stories, 2,000 word max. All styles and subjects welcome. Name, Address, Telephone Number on cover page ONLY Include self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) or email . $10 reading fee per entry or $15 for 2 stories All entries considered for publication. Include check or money orders made out to Literal Latte Short Shorts Adwards, 200 East 10th Street, Suite 240, NYC 10003

June 15 deadline Writing About Labyrinths--prose & poetry contest. $10 Entry. Cash prizes.. Details: http://www.labyrinthsociety.org ; SASE Labyrinth Society, P.O. Box 736, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

Deadline: June 30, 2005. The Antigonish Review is accepting entries for the 5th annual Great Blue Heron Poetry Contest. First prize: $600 plus publication. Submit poems up to 150 lines or 4 pages (one long poem or several shorter poems), on any theme to: The Antigonish Review, P.O. Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5. Entry fee: $25 ($35US outside of North America). Details are not yet available on website. For complete guidelines (not submissions) email: tar@stfx.ca. Note: for an additional $10 writers may also enter the Sheldon Currie Fiction Prize.

Deadline June 30, 2005. Juvenile Short Story— Fiction for ages 5 to 8; 9 to 12; or 13 to 16. State targeted age group on ms.; length should be appropriate for intended audience (3,000 words maximum). Entry fee $4. Prizes: $40, $30, $15. Contests, ByLine Magazine, PO Box 5240,
Edmond, OK 73083-5240

Deadline: June 30, 2005. ARC (Canada’s national Poetry Magazine) Poem of the Year Contest
Entries are invited for the annual ARC Magazine: Poem of the Year Contest. First prize: $1000; second prize: $750; third prize: $500. Submit up to 4 poems, 100 lines max. Entry fee: $21 (includes subscription). International entries welcome. ARC, Box 7368, Ottawa, Ontario KIL 8E$4, Canada

Deadline July 1, 2005: Arizona Literary Contests. Al genres, from articles and short stories to novels.. Cash prizes & publication. See http://www.azauthors.com/contest.html#guideline


WRITING Q&A

Q. I have 10,000 books sitting in my garage. What should I do with them?

A. Don't laugh. This is the question we hear the most often and what we'd really like to say is: you should have thought of that before you printed them! Your marketing planning really should start before you even put pen to paper. You should know exactly what you're going to do to reach your target market well before publication. If that's not an option and you do have a garage full of "new furniture", there are things you can do. Start by creating a marketing plan immediately. Focus on availability. Make sure your book is available to the public before you create the demand. You can do this through distributors, wholesalers, websites, etc. Next, focus on awareness. Drive the demand. Set up a publicity campaign. Research alternative markets for selling books. Work hard every day to implement your marketing plan. (See Book Promotion at www.acapela.com/bk-promo.htm )

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Wordplay

(Once again, The Washington Post’s contest winners who supplied alternate meanings for various words:)

Oyster (n.), a person who sprinkles his onversation with Yiddish xpressions.

Pokemon (n), A Jamaican proctologist.

Frisbeetarianism (n.), The belief that, when you die, your Soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck there.
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Quote of the Month
If you want to write fiction, the best thing you can do is take two aspirins, lie down in a dark room, and wait for the feeling to pass. If it persists, you probably ought to write a novel." —Lawrence Block, Writing the Novel From Plot to Print

 

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