May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
Preview the Issue
Buy It Here
Give a Gift SubscriptionSave 58%!
Website of the Week
Writing Editor Blogs
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
by Chuck Sambuchino
GLA Editor Chuck Sambuchino keeps track of all news related to literary agents and writing conferences on his blog. Common features include agent interviews, new agency listings, agency profiles, upcoming conferences of interest, contests and other publishing opportunities, valuable writing resources, submission tips and information, and a blogroll of other agent blogs. Read Chuck’s Blog
There Are No Rulesby the editors of Writer’s Digest
Get on the cutting edge of today’s publishing trends and how authors can succeed in a world of fast-paced technological change, guided by the editors of Writer’s Digest. You’ll get an inside look at the work, play, and passion of the publishing business and find practical tools for success. Read There Are No Rules
Questions & Quandariesby Brian Klems
Don’t know the difference between “who” and “whom”? Facing an ethical dilemma about accepting gifts from subjects? Let the informative (and humorous) columnist Brian A. Klems answer some of your most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions. Check out his advice and don’t hesitate to ask a question—your writing career will thank you. Read Brian’s Blog
Poetic Asidesby Robert Brewer
Published poet Robert Lee Brewer blogs on issues affecting poets from the poet’s perspective. As the editor of Writer’s Market, Brewer also shares insights on the publishing industry, especially as it relates to poetry and the poetry markets. He also explains poetic forms, interviews other published poets, and provides the occasional poetry prompt. Read Robert’s Blog
2008 Poet's Market correction: Crab Orchard Review
In the comments to this post, editor Allison Joseph points out an error in the Crab Orchard Review listing in the 2008 Poet’s Market: Hi Nancy: Thanks for listing Crab … Read more
2008 Poet’s Market correction: Crab Orchard Review
In the comments to this post, editor Allison Joseph points out an error in the Crab Orchard Review listing in the 2008 Poet’s Market: Hi Nancy: Thanks for listing Crab … Read more
Just for Kicks
Hi Writers,I just finished interviewing Brock Clarke about his great, funny new novel (cleverly disguised as a memoir) The Arsonist’s Guide to Writers’ Homes in New England. You’ll have to wait a … Read more
Alphabet Poetry: Or, Going Back to School
This week, my oldest son (6) started kindergarten (and riding the school bus), and my youngest son (4) started preschool. Besides making me feel sentimental and teary eyed about how fast my little guys … Read more
‘All Agents – All Day’
Just got a tip from a fellow editor (thanks, Alice) about the Backspace Agent-Author Seminar, Nov. 6-7, in Manhattan. It looks to be a large conference-like gathering with plenty of powerful agents in attendance. It seems like there will be free time built in where authors can schmooze with reps. This one is not to miss if you’re in the area. Read more
Why Your Manuscript Can Get Rejected (Part 3)
At Killer Nashville, a trio of extremely knowledgeable publishing pros held a panel on the most common reasons why a manuscript is rejected by an agent. Below you’ll find part two of … Read more
Multiple Submissions Etiquette
Q: Is it proper to send out the same article to multiple publishers at the same time? What happens if several magazines accept the article?—Casey Magan A: Hmm, did you send this … Read more
HER VOICE SOUNDS LIKE MONEY…
Hi Writers,Like that headline? Drew you in didn’t it? Made your heart pick up the beat a bit, maybe? And your palms got a little sweaty. Money has a way of doing … Read more
How to list in POET'S MARKET
If you or anyone you know has a journal (print or online), press, contest, festival, conference/workshop, or organization you’d like to appear in the 2009 edition of Poet’s Market (which comes out … Read more
New Agency Alert: Spiridon Literary Agency
Update: As of April 2009, it looks like this agency is closed. – Chuck
Reminder: Newer agencies are golden opportunities for new writers because they’re likely building their client list; however, always make sure your work is as perfect as it can be before submitting, and only query agencies that are a great fit for your work. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and postage.
Friday SPAM poetry prompt #824
SPAM prompt line: Doctors make a stunning announcement For this exercise, you can turn your imagination loose. What’s the stunning announcement the doctors make? Stretch for the satirical, the humorous, the … Read more
Why Your Manuscript Can Get Rejected (Part 2)
At Killer Nashville, a trio of extremely knowledgeable publishing pros held a panel on the most common reasons why a manuscript is rejected by an agent. This is part two of this post series. Read more
Helpful Resource of the Day: Crusie/Mayer Blog
A few years ago, two prominent writers – romance writer Jennifer Crusie and mystery writer Bob Mayer decided to team up together and write a romantic mystery. The result was Don’t Look … Read more
Pantoum: Long Distance Runners and Poetry
The pantoum is a poetic form originating in Malay where poets write quatrains (4-line stanzas) with an abab rhyme scheme and repeat lines 2 and 4 in the previous stanza as lines … Read more
No Seriously, Someone Interviewed Me
Friends, up today on the Novel Journey website is a Q and A with yours truly. The link is here: http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/Try to avoid asking yourself the obvious question of why someone would … Read more
PROJECT 20/20: WEEK 2 ADD!
Hi Writers,I had another fabulous Friday scanning through the many great writing blogs that have been nominated for my project. Brief but potentially interesting sidenote: Many, many writers have cats, and post … Read more
Writers brave heat to visit Joseph-Beth!
A diverse group of dedicated writers came out on a very hot evening (100 degrees!) to visit with us Market Book editors at Joseph-Beth Booksellers at Rookwood Commons, Cincinnati, this past … Read more
Submission & Other Poetry Stuff
I submitted some poems to The Quirk yesterday–a cool literary journal based out of West Lafayette, Indiana. I’ve totally been bad about submitting this year. While I have the discipline to write … Read more
Submission & Other Poetry Stuff
I submitted some poems to The Quirk yesterday–a cool literary journal based out of West Lafayette, Indiana. I’ve totally been bad about submitting this year. While I have the discipline to write … Read more
Reasons Why Your Manuscript Can Get Rejected (Part 1)
1. Profligate use of adverbs. For instance, saying “She looked at me and smiled happily.” That’s telling, not showing. Instead of using adverbs, use action to show the characters’ feelings and emotions.
2. Predictability—using the same plot as others. For example, a cliche mystery plot opening hook is this: A P.I. picks up his office phone and his ex-wife is on the line. She’s in trouble, but can’t say why. They agree to meet later at a bar or parking lot, but she never shows because she’s been murdered. “I want twists. Surprise me in the first chapter and I’ll keep reading.”
Hallie Ephron is the author of several mystery novels Book reviewer for the Boston Globe Author: Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel (WD Books). Read more
My Adventures in Nashville
After speaking in Maine last week, I flew directly to Tennessee for the mystery writers’ conference, Killer Nashville (see post about losing luggage below to get a sense of my Friday).
Missing luggage aside, the conference was great. There was a great variety of speakers, including agent Donna Bagdasarian, as well as mystery authors Hallie Ephron, Chris Roerden, P.J. Parrish and Don Bruns. All these great writers were in attendance, not to mention, the man himself, Michael Connelly, who spoke as well. Read more
Meet a WD Books Editor: Fall 2007
There’s still plenty of time to sign up for one or many fall writers’ conferences, where you can meet agents, network and recharge your batteries. Some conferences this fall have invited Writer’s Digest Books editors to come and speak. Here’s a rundown of some autumn engagements for WDB staffers: Read more
International Transactions Address Change
International Transactions, the literary agency of agents Sandra and Peter Riva, just sent me a postcard saying that the agency’s addresses have changed. To see their submissions guidelines, open this PDF link. The … Read more
Around the Properties 8/21/2007
If you’ve ever thought about going back to school for more classes on writing, consider Writers Online Workshops. It’s a variety of online classes and workshops taught by WD staffers, contributors and editors. … Read more
Bookstores, travel, and more
“Lyrical days on isle of poetry,” by Neil Sowerby for Manchester Evening News, is more a travel than poetry piece. But it was a fun read about Deia, where poet and author … Read more