What a GREAT informative book! The information was both a reality check - the realities of publishing and reassuring – the steps to getting you there. The information is presented clearly, in layman terms with updated information on changes in the publishing industry, as well as a CD-ROM with sample pitch letters, proposal templates and a comprehensive list of literary agents and likes to fantastic author websites and more.
Each chapter is set up with the needed information, little asides – Hot Off The Press – tales about the publishing world, Definition – publishing terms clearly explained, Slush Pile – warnings of what to avoid, and Experts Say – Additional industry colleagues share their expertise, and end with The Least You Need To Know at the end of each chapter.
I consider this an excellent source for writers that are willing to DO THE WORK to become authors or professional writers.
About the Authors
Sheree Bykofsky, founder and owner of the Sheree Bykofsky Literary Agency, has written over a dozen nonfiction books and represented hundreds of successful titles. She teaches university courses on publishing and speaks at writer’s conferences. Visit Sheree CLICK HERE.
Jennifer Basye Sander has been an author and a book packager for nearly 20 years. She founded the Big City Books Group, a packager with over 40 successful books in print. She is also the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Self-Publishing. Visit Jennifer CLICK HERE
Excerpt
Chapter 8: Bulletproof Nonfiction Book Proposals
Video Clips
Videos - whether on videotape or on CD/DVD - of you being interviewed on a major television program are great to include with your proposal. Short clips are best, though. Don’t go overboard, as agents and editors will rarely watch an hour-long video. A professionally edited and labeled video clip is best. Worst is sending the wrong video, like the one of your children in the bathtub. Be sure to label your video clearly with your name and address in case it gets separated from your proposal.
Has all the proposal talk left you feeling overwhelmed? In Chapter 11, we fill you in on some folks who can help: proposal doctors and book doctors.
Paid Magazine Writing
Herizons Magazine- The purpose of Herizons is to empower women; to inspire hope and foster a state of wellness that enriches women's lives. Articles in Herizons are licensed for first time North American rights @ .20 cents per word with an additional .5 cents per word is to be paid for non-exclusive subsidiary rights.
Flare- FLARE is the magazine Canadian women turn to for the latest information on fashion, beauty, health and entertainment.
Girls' Life Magazine- Girls' Life is the No. 1 magazine for girls 10 to 15. Our magazine is packed with advice on friends, family, school and crushes.
MS. Magazine- Co-founded by Gloria Steinem in 1972, Ms. quickly became a national and international forum for new ideas and issues, investigative journalism, fiction, the arts, political coverage, humor, women’s health, and international women’s news.
WOMAN'S DAY MAGAZINE- Woman's Day publishes articles from freelance writers on a broad range of subjects of special interest to women, including marriage, health, diet and exercise, spirituality, saving and managing money, interpersonal relationships, careers, lifestyle issues, etc. Article lengths range from 650 to 1,600 words. Woman's Day pays top rates upon acceptance.
Women of Spirit- Women of Spirit seeks to be a friend and mentor, stimulating spiritual vitality, nurturing emotional growth, fostering balanced, healthy living, and encouraging a loving Christian witness in the home and community.
Azizah- Azizah is the magazine for the contemporary Muslim woman. This educated woman is confident about her Islamic faith and continually seeks to improve all aspects of her life. Azizah magazine presents her aspirations and achievements, her experiences and empowerment, and her contributions and concerns as she strives for spiritual growth in today's world.
ESSENCE MAGAZINE- To submit your ideas, please write a query letter that explains your story concept, proposed story length, possible experts (if it is a reported piece) and why this idea would appeal to the Essence reader. Query letters should be no more than one page in length, and should be addressed to the editor whose section interests you at Essence Magazine.
Northwest Woman Magazine- Northwest Woman™is a bimonthly magazine designed to enhance and nurture the body, mind and spirit of the Northwest woman. Feature articles are an average of 1,400 – 1,600 words and we offer $0.10 a word. Other articles are an average of 500-800 words and we offer $0.10 a word
OCEAN MAGAZINE- OCEAN MAGAZINE, Orange County’s only women’s lifestyle publication, is a leading source for young women's fashion, health, travel, beauty and lifestyle.
SKIRT! Magazine- Skirt! publishes eight to 14 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women's interests. Payment for articles and other submissions varies. Skirt! buys one-time rights.
TWINS Magazine- TWINS, The Magazine for Parents of Multiples, is a bimonthly, international publication that provides informational and educational articles on parenting twins, triplets and more.
You don't have to have a book to teach at adult learning centers around the country. Check your local newstands for catalogs of courses.
University Extensions sponsor one-day to semester-long classes.
Adult Learning Centers and University Extensions may have courses on book publishing.
LMP lists universities that have writing and publishing programs.
Newsletters
BookFlash Bulletin, a free publishing newsletter from www.bookflash.com which also listed below.
Book Marketing Update, a twice-monthly newsletter about Editor-in-Chief: John Kremer, author of 1001 Ways to Market Your Books. Provides news, marketing tips, Internet sources, media contacts and marketing techniques. Bradley Communications, Box 1206, Lansdowne, PA 19050-8206 Tel: 800-989-1400, ext 432, Fax: 610-284-3704 E-mail: info@bookmarket.com, www.bookmarket.com.
Radio/TV Interview Report, sends a description of your expertise and a media pitch to more than 4,000 media outlets, Tel: 800-989-1400, ext. 411, www.rtir.com.
Online Resources
www.grammarbook.com is a link to Jane Straus's Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. There are several useful items on this site for any writer to review.
www.bookcoaching.com is a link to Judy Cullins' site which offers tips and links on writing, marketing, your non-fiction book.
www.angleonwriting.com: Angle on Writing is a website "designed to offer information to beginning fiction writers. Although, writers of all levels, as well as nonfiction writers and poets, can find it useful." By Lisa Angle.
www.artslynx.org, Artslynx: International Writing Resources lists organizations for writers, has links to other sites.
www.awpwriter.org, Associated Writing Programs includes lists college writing programs and writer's conferences.
www.authorinterviews.com, an online advertiser that sends information about authors to the media. Includes enough info to function as a media kit or website.
www.bookflash.com, provides links to news releases and other publishing information.
www.booktalk.com. Booktalk has an archive of articles about publishing and links to other sites.
www.bookwire.com. Click on Publishers Weekly for free subscription to a daily dose of publishing news. The site also provides or links to other helpful sites including dozens of online marketing companies.
www.bookzone.com. Offers a newsletter, links to authors' sites and promotional material.
www.cspan.org, information on the cable TV station's book programming.
profnet.prnewswire.com. Provides a link to authors and other experts for journalists and 11,000 PR professionals.
www.publicrelations.com. Edward Segal, author of Getting Your 15 Minutes of Fame--and More! A Guide to Guaranteeing Your Business Success, provides resources for promotion.
www.ralan.com. Ralan Conley's SpecFic & Humor Webstravaganza Info on humor and sci-fi markets, and 600 writing links.
Open Horizons, John Kremer, Box 205, Fairfield IA 52556-0205 Tel: 515-472-6130, 800-796-6130, Fax: 515-472-1560 E-mail: info@bookmarket.com, www.bookmarket.com. John is the author of 1001 Ways to Market Your Book. He also edits the Book Marketing Update mentioned above.
Independent Editors Group. For a list of members, contact: Jerry Gross, 63 Grand St., Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520-2518, Tel: 914-271-9705, Fax: 914-271-1239, E-mail: grossassoc@aol.com.
Publicity Organizations
Northern California Book Publicity & Marketing Association (NCBPMA), PO Box 192803, San Francisco, CA 94119-2803. Members are staff and freelance publicists. Monthly programs. Publishes a directory.
Publishers Publicity Association (PPA), Trade group for all publishers and publicists. Monthly meetings and workshops. 299 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017, E-mail: nlatimer@randomhouse.com.
Authors Guild, 330 West 42 Street, New York, NY 10036 Tel: 212-563-5904, Fax: 212-564-8363, E-mail: staff@authorsguild.org,www.authorsguild.org Publishes a newsletter for its 7,200 members.
Horror Writers Association, HWA contact address: Horror Writers Association, 244 5th Ave., Suite 2767, New York, NY 10001. Communications will be forwarded to the appropriate party. E-mail: hwa@horror.org, www.horror.org.
National Writers Union (NWU), 113 University Pace. 6th fl., New York, NY, 10003-4527, Tel: 212-254-0279, Fax: 212-254-0673, E-mail: nwu@nwu.org, www.nwu.org, Branch: 357 17 St., Ste. 101, Oakland. CA 94612
Literary Market Place lists many other organizations.
Other Organizations of Interest to Writers
American Booksellers Association, 828 S. Broadway, Ste. 625 Tarrytown, NY 10591, Tel: 914-591-2665, Toll free: 800-209-4575, Fax: 914-591-2720, E-mail: editorial@bookweb.org, Website: www.bookweb.org. Publishes a monthly newsletter. Allied with regional associations, Sponsors ABA Convention & Trade Exhibit Held in conjunction BookExpo America (BEA).
Friends of Libraries USA, 1420 Walnut St., Ste. 450 Philadelphia, PA 19102-4017, Tel: 215-790-1674 Toll free: 800-936-5872, Fax: 215-545-3821 E-mail: friends@folusa.org, Website: www.folusa.com Supports Friends of Libraries groups around the country.
Adapted from Guerrilla Marketing for Writers: 100 Weapons for Selling Your Work by Jay Conrad Levinson, author of Guerrilla Marketing; Rick Frishman, President of Planned Television Arts; and Michael Larsen, AAR)
Writing Contests & Awards
Amy Writing Awards
The Amy Foundation Writing Awards program is designed to recognize creative, skillful writing that presents in a sensitive, thought-provoking manner the biblical position on issues affecting the world today.
Bad Writing Awards
The Bad Writing Contest celebrates the most stylistically lamentable passages found in scholarly books and articles published in recent years. Ordinary journalism, fiction, departmental memos, etc. are not eligible, nor are parodies. Deliberate parody cannot be allowed in a field where unintended self-parody is so widespread.
Canadian Authors Association Literary Awards
These awards are presented at the CAA Awards Banquet at our Annual Conference each year. The 2001 Awards will be presented in Halifax in June 2001.
Children's Book Awards
Includes the Jane Addams Book Award, presented annually to the children's book that most effectively promotes the cause of peace, social justice and world community, and The Caldecott Medal, given to the artist who has created the most distinguished picture book of the year.
Dishonourable Writing Awards
Here are some of the winning entries announced in the 17th annual Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, organized by San Jose State University's English department, honoring dishonorable writing.
eBook Awards
Includes the Alan Kay Award for eBook Innovation, which recognizes the organization that has contributed the most towards acceptance and the popularization of electronic books in the past year; and the Electronic Literature Awards, with prizes that are the monetary equivalent of a National Book Award.
Myers Outstanding Book Awards Winners
Each year a diverse panel of reviewers reads a slew of books addressing bigotry and human rights issues. On the occasion of Human Rights Day, the Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights and Bigotry announces the twelve books published in a given year deemed truly outstanding, different in theme, style and approach.
New Century Writer Awards
Our competition is based in the United States, but its influence is international and reaches out to writers across the globe. Storytelling, after all, like art and music, is universal.
Poetry Contests Awards and Prizes
Includes The Academy Fellowship, a fellowship offered by the Academy of American Poets with a stipend of $20,000; The Akron Poetry Prize, a competition open to all poets writing in English; and the Annual Love Poem Award.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have provided an avenue for young artists and writers to receive recognition and rewards for their creative achievements. The Awards have helped nurture eight decades of promising talent by providing recognition, cash awards and college scholarships.
State Library of Australia Children's Writing Awards
The Nestle Write Around Australia Program is a unique program for students, designed by the State Library of NSW and coordinated by the public library system across Australia. The program draws on the talents of established children's authors to encourage the next generation of writers through practical writing workshops.
Organizations for Writers
The Academy of American Poets: In addition to benefits for writers, The Academy of American Poets encourages the study and writing of poetry at college and universities and ensures the success of National Poetry Month, poetry readings, high school workshops, and other programs designed to build a larger, more devoted readership for this essential part of our culture.
African American Online Writers Guild The Guild is dedicated to educating aspiring writers on the craft and business of writing and promoting the Internet as a tool for research, communication and fellowship among the African American writing community.
The American Black Book Writers Association (ABBWA): A national nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering the works and careers of black book writers, including discovering and/or assisting new writers, as well as fostering black books as a genre. ABBWA's more than 4000 members include writers, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, literary agents, librarians, and others who promote books that are either written by black authors or have particular relevance to the African American community.
American Library Association: Professional support through active national programs in legislation, intellectual freedom, standards, research, technology, and more.
American Screenwriters Association (ASA): A national non-profit organization committed to the support and advancement of all screenwriters. They welcome interested individuals from around the world who are pursuing the writing of feature, documentary, large format and other forms of film making.
American Society of Journalists and Authors: The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's leading organization of independent nonfiction writers. The Society includes more than 1,000 leading freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books and other forms of nonfiction writing who have met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement.
The American Society of Newspaper Editors or ASNE is more in the category of writers organization. It lists conferences for journalists and other useful information
Appalachia East Writers Association: a writers' organization located in North East Tennessee. (contributed by Kristi Ivey) Contact at:
Appalachia East Writers Association
P.O. Box 217
Caryville, TN 37714
Arkansas Writers Association: AWA lists Arkansas authors and their work, author interviews, book reviews, contests, writer's groups, writer's conferences, and resources for writers.
Asian American Writers' Workshop: A not-for-profit literary arts organization dedicated to the development, creation, and dissemination of Asian American Literature.
Australian Romance Writers: HeRA's International Sister RWA chapter "Down Under". Please see our HeRA International Sister Site Page.
American Christian Romance Writers A group whose mission is to encourage the writers of Christian Romance and Woman's Fiction, loosely termed as Inspirational Fiction today by many booksellers.
Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR) Voluntary organization of agents. Of interest to writers is their Canon of Ethics, and other sets of guidelines for proper conduct in a professional agent/client relationship.
Association of American Publishers The Association of American Publishers (AAP), with some 200 members located throughout the United States, is the principal trade association of the book publishing industry.
Authors Guild -- the nation's largest society of published authors is an advocate for fair compensation, free speech, and copyright protection; publishes quarterly bulletin. It offers more than 7,500 author and freelance-journalist members free contract reviews, assistance in disputes with publishers, and access to group health insurance.
Authors Registry -- a not-for-profit organization, offers a variety of services including an Automated Rights Payment System, an Authors Contact Directory, and the Registry Licensing Service.
Baltimore Science Fiction Society - A science fiction organization that promotes the creation and appreciation of science fiction cultural arts through our convention, Balticon, public outreach and raising money for literacy projects. Email bsfs@bsfs.org or write them at PO Box 686, Baltimore, MD 21203-0686
CA Readings/Workshops The California Readings/Workshops Program provides matching fee money to pay poets, fiction writers, and literary performance artists for giving readings and writing workshops in a wide variety of community settings.
Great Lakes Gaylaxians is a sf/fantasy/horror/etc. fan group for Metro Detroit, Michigan fans. They meet once a month and publish a newsletter. For information, contact glgaylaxan@aol.com or 1106 E. Fifth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Heartland Romance Authors -- A NW Missouri Chapter of RWA
HeRA provides education, monthly newsletter, resources and support to the serious writer. We also hold monthly luncheon meeting offering a variety of programs and critique.
We meet at 12:30 PM - the second Saturday of each month. For details, please visit our web site.
Our web site features include an extensive Resource Center, detail of Events, Workshop Articles, a Virtual Tour of The Heartland, HeRA Search Center and more.
For more information contact:
HeRA President, Judy Pierce - judy.pierce@mailcity.com
Horror Writers Association -- formed to bring writers and others with a professional interest in horror together, and to foster a greater appreciation of dark fiction in general.
Kansas City Science Fiction & Fantasy Society, Inc. - A local club over 25 years old. Meets every 3rd Saturday of the month except December. Hold one convention a year called ConQuest, the last weekend in May. For information email sfreader@unicom.net or visit their website at http://kcsciencefiction.org
LexFA - Lexington SF & Fantasy Association, Lexington, KY. Meetings held on the second Sunday of each month. Site features extensive convention calendar, links and reviews. Online meeting/mailing list available. starsongky@yahoo.com, 219 Alsab Ct., Lexington, KY 40509.
Little Rock Science Fiction Society, Little Rock, Arkansas. A fan society serving central Arkansas, the LRSFS is committed to the appreciation of genre fiction, and in raising the public’s awareness of science fiction, fantasy & horror, in print and film, through the medium of their annual convention, Roc*Kon. info@Irsfs.org or PO Box 45271, Little Rock, AR 72214.
The Literati Club is an organization or club for those who write for MCB University Press. The Literati site has a number of articles that might be of interest to others as well.
Minnesota Science Fiction Society Non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the appreciation of science fiction and fantasy literature. Social meetings, publications, fan conventions, electronic mailing list.
Mystery Writers of America -- the premier organization for mystery writers and other professionals in the mystery field. MWA watches developments in legislation and tax law, sponsors symposia and mystery conferences, presents the Edgar Awards, and provides information for mystery writers. Membership in MWA is open to published authors, editors, screenwriters, and other professionals in the field.
National Association of Science Writers -- NASW was formally incorporated in 1955 with a charter to "foster the dissemination of accurate information regarding science through all media normally devoted to informing the public." Over the years, its officers have included both freelancers and employees of most of the major newspapers, wire services, magazines, and broadcast outlets in the country. It also welcomes members who are the public information officers on science from government labs, universities and other institutions. Above all, NASW fights for the free flow of science news.
The National Writers Association: A nonprofit service organization and advocacy voice for people who write. Their more than 3,000 members represent all levels of writing proficiency, from beginners to published professionals; writing articles, essays, poetry, short stories, novels. The association offers to its members free consultation, marketing suggestions, critiques, and a wide range of research reports. NWA also has an award contest program and an annual summer conference.
National Writers Union: The National Writers Union (NWU) is the trade union for freelance writers of all genres, committed to improving the economic and working conditions of freelance writers.
Nebraska Center for Writers The on-line resource for writers of poetry, fiction, and creative non-fiction, providing information, advice, and links of interest to writers and readers across the state and beyond.
Northwest Science Fiction Society NWSFS or the Northwest Science Fiction Society is a club interested in the needs of those fen or fandom that enjoy going to conventions, to socials and other enjoyable events.
Novelists, Inc: Keeps its members connected, communicating, and well-informed while striving to better the status of fiction writers.
Philadelphia Science Fiction Society - One of the oldest general SF clubs with book discussion, annual picnic, movie outtings, and more. Puts on Philcon every year. Meets the 2nd Friday of every month - meetings are open to the general public. Info PO Box 8303, Philadelphia, PA 19101.
The Reporters Network is targeted on the actual working reporter and has a wealth of resources available for that purpose. Even if you are not a reporter, it is a page worth taking a look at.
Research Triangle Science Fiction Society The Research Triangle Science Fiction Society provides a discussion forum and social outlet for Triangle, NC area SF fans(fantasy, sf, horror, anime) in print, TV and movies, as well as for related activities such as RPGs.
Romance Writers of America -- share experiences with other writers, gain insights into publishing, as well as the art and craft of writing, and meet industry professionals.
Sci-Core: Winnipeg’s Ultimate Sci-Fi & Fantasy Club. A club in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada that supports media, literary, artistic and gaming facets of the sci-fi & fantasy realms. They believe in having fun which includes various events, activities and projects. Email sci-core@mail.com or write 451 Kent Road, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2L 1Y2
SFWA - Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. The SFWA is the organization for professional SF and Fantasy writers. They also publish the SFWA Bulletin, the quarterly voice of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Sisters in Crime: Sisters in Crime exists to combat discrimination against women in the mystery field, educate publishers and the general public as to the inequalities in the treatment of female authors, and raise the level of awareness of their contribution to the field.
The Society of American Travel Writers: Now in its 42nd year, SATW is a tax-exempt professional association whose purpose is to promote responsible journalism, provide professional support and development for members, and to encourage the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide.
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: The only professional organization dedicated to serving the people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children's literature. Whether you are a professional writer, a famous illustrator, a beginner with a good idea, or somewhere in-between, SCBWI is here to serve you.
SF Zines Webring. A federation of science fiction and fantasy fanzines on the World Wide Web.
Society of American Business Editors and Writers, Inc. Members of the Society have joined together in the common pursuit of the highest standards of economic journalism, through both individual and collective efforts.
The Web Writer-Table of Contents The Web Writer is a guide to online non-fiction writing. The content is geared towards those working in New York.
Western Writers of America, Inc: Founded in 1953 to promote the literature of the American West and bestow Spur Awards for distinguished writing in the western field.
WORLD ROMANCE WRITERS: "a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to the enrichment, education, and promotion of romance writers around the world. Committed to its membership, WRW is inclusive of all romance genres and its form of publication in romance literature."
United Writers Association Of America, Inc. Association to help writers. Writers wanted for: novels. poetry, screenplay, marketing, comedy, music, drama, speech, cartoon, education, byline, web page.
Willamette Writers Writer's organization located in Portland, Oregon. Offers monthly meetings, newsletter and a yearly writing conference that brings literary, screen agents, editors and producers to the Northwest every August.
Women Writing the West: A non-profit association of writers and other professionals writing and promoting the Women's West.
Writers Information Network -- professional association for Christian writers. Updated conference information.
Writing Academy -- We’re a group of professional and aspiring Christian writers from the United States and Canada who share a passion for telling the story of God’s good news to a hurting world. Seminars, correspondence courses, and showcases.
Young Writers Club: This club aims to encourage children of all ages to enjoy writing as a creative pastime by getting them to share their work and help each other improve their writing abilities.
