tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17712137834129823352024-02-08T13:39:15.142-06:00PUBLISHED NOVELIST: Are We There Yet?... Successful Query Letters ... Marketing & Publicity Tips ... How-To Books ... Workshop & Conference Reviews ... Website Links ... & other literary souvenirs collected on the ongoing Long Journey from Polished to Published ........ Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-47909521953024440632010-12-04T01:30:00.000-06:002010-12-04T01:30:35.176-06:00Daphne Kalotay: Triumph after RejectionDaphne proves that saving the Ghost of Rejections Past isn't a masochistic act. Keeping track of where we've traveled can pave the way to publication.<br />
<br />
Your turn will come if you persevere. My Christmas Wish is that the New Year herald in book publication for all of us...... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-68244845705934969592010-05-01T13:03:00.000-05:002010-05-01T13:03:25.019-05:00HELP a SEMI-STARVING ARTIST<b>Please vote for my nephew, Chris Wiley, an actor/writer/swordsmanship instructor</b> (in this economy, ya gotta diversify to pay the rent), currently in second place in the Dunkin' Donuts Create America's Next Donut Contest. <b>Chris dubbed his donut creation, S'morgasbord, in the essay that landed him a spot in the finals.</b> The 1st Place Winner will receive a year's supply of donuts, have their creation added to the DD menu, and be awarded $12,000 (writers can't live on donuts alone). <br />
<br />
You can vote once a day, every day, from now through Monday May 3, 2010 at: <a href="https://www.dunkindonuts.com/donut/">https://www.dunkindonuts.com/donut/</a> <br />
<br />
<b>Read more about Chris at these links:</b><br />
<br />
Medford Man Goes for Dunkin' prize: <br />
<a href="http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/medford/2010/04/medford_man_a_finalist_in_donu.html">http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/medford/2010/04/medford_man_a_finalist_in_donu.html</a> <br />
<br />
Three from Mass. Finalists in Dunkin' Donuts Contest: <br />
<a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20100429three_from_mass_finalists_in_dunkin_donuts_contest/srvc=home&position=recent">http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/20100429three_from_mass_finalists_in_dunkin_donuts_contest/srvc=home&position=recent</a> <br />
<br />
Born in Birmingham, AL, Chris left the foothills of the Appalachians for Georgia, where he graduated from LaGrange College, and then headed for the footlights, becoming a company member of Atlantis Playmakers based out of Billerica, MA.<br />
<a href="http://www.lagrange.edu/academics/theatre-arts/alumni.htm">http://www.lagrange.edu/academics/theatre-arts/alumni.htm</a> <br />
<br />
He also had a non-speaking role in Indiana Jones IV (Crystal Skull), appearing most visibly when standing in front of a big oak that Indiana rides by during the motorcycle chase scene. Keeping his lips sealed required tremendous acting flair because Chris is descended from a long line of witty motor-mouths (on both sides of his family tree). <br />
<br />
Anyway, the movie premiered two years ago and Chris cashed the check way back then. Did I mention even semi-starving artists can't subsist on donuts and witty essays alone? Please vote and vote and vote again for Chris W. so you can experience his S'morgasbord (based on the campfire treat s'mores) at a Dunkin' Donuts near you. <br />
<br />
Thanks!!! <br />
Janice Wiley-Dorn, aka the Doting Aunt <br />
<a href="http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/contests.html">http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/contests.html</a> ..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-69113145061079555742010-05-01T09:58:00.009-05:002010-05-01T11:49:12.657-05:00SCN Novel Pitch & 1st Five Pages Contest Winners<div align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>SMOKE CITY NARRATORS<br />
NOVEL PITCH & 1ST FIVE PAGES CONTEST</b><b> <br />
</b><u><b>2009 WINNERS</b></u></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b><br />
1st Place - $150: SECOND CHANCES … <span style="background-color: yellow; color: black;">Theresa J. GRANT</span> … Newaygo, MI</b> <br />
<i><u>Pitch</u>: Four dead girls, three years in hiding, two men with secrets; for forensic anthropologist Jo Birch, one second chance.</i><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>___________________________________________________</b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>2nd Place - $75: CHIN LEE'S PLACE … <span style="background-color: yellow;">Vance H. WHITE</span> … Niceville, FL</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><i><u>Pitch</u>: Reporter Robert Gage turns detective in this hard-boiled thriller set in San Francisco on the eve of World War II. </i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>___________________________________________________ </b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>3rd Place - $40: The BODY of HELEN … <span style="background-color: yellow;">Tracy KORETSKY</span> … Berkeley, CA </b></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><i>Author hasn't given permission to post their pitch.<b> </b></i></span></span></div></div><div align="center"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>2009 Honorary Mentions</b></u></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>HM #1: MY NAME is SADIA <br />
</b>by<b> Erika Dusen TAMINDZIJA … Arlington Heights, IL </b><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><i><u>Pitch</u>: A young slave navigates the 16th century Islamic World and struggles to regain her family. <b></b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b> _____________________________________________________ </b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"> <b>HM #2: In the SHADOW of the LONE STAR <br />
</b>by<b> B. J. BATEMAN … Damascus, OR</b> <br />
<i><u>Pitch</u>: In 1938 Texas, a runaway white girl finds work and love in a colored nightclub, cultivating friendships and inciting violence. </i></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>_____________________________________________________ </b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>HM #3: The THIRD STEP <br />
</b>by<b> Ginger MARCINKOWSKI … Pella, IA </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><i><u>Pitch</u>: Two countries, two rivers, and her father's funeral cause a woman to confront the incestuous past that's haunted her life.</i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>_____________________________________________________ </b></span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>HM #4: KILLING RABBITS <br />
</b>by<b> Mary Ann KOHENSKEY … Maryland Heights, MO</b><br />
<i><u>Pitch</u>: Joe Detrie runs away from an abusive family but returns to rescue his younger brother and kill their father. </i><b> </b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b>_____________________________________________________ </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,arial,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>JUDGE'S COMMENTS on SCN WEBSITE: </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/contest.html">http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/contest.html </a><b> </b></div>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-49694090581410923972010-01-30T10:32:00.003-06:002010-01-30T10:46:22.222-06:00NOVEL PITCH & 1ST FIVE PAGES CONTEST: SEMIFINALISTS<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u>Novel Pitch & 1st Five Pages of a Novel Contest </u></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>Sponsored by Smoke City Narrators</b></u></div><br />
<b><u>2009 SEMIFINALISTS by TITLE ONLY (alphabetically)</u></b> <br />
<br />
The BODY of HELEN <br />
CHIN LEE'S PLACE <br />
The END of ALL ROADS <br />
The FIRST YEAR <br />
IN and OUT of MADNESS <br />
IN the SHADOW of the LONE STAR <br />
INVISIBLE VAMPIRE <br />
KILLING RABBITS <br />
LETTERS from the DEAD <br />
MY NAME IS SADIA <br />
NO LIFE but THIS <br />
RISEN <br />
SECOND CHANCES <br />
SHADOWS of the COMANCHE <br />
SOMEWHERE HOME<br />
The SOUND of INK <br />
THICK and THIN <br />
The THIRD STEP<br />
<br />
Winners notified by end of the first week of February. A list of the winners posted by mid-February, along with a few comments by the final judge and contest director highlighting how the winners grabbed our attention.<br />
<br />
We'll also give general pointers on how the entries that didn't reach the semifinalist level can be improved. We hope this will help writers find success when entering future contests or submitting their fiction for publication...... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-88958692019392292662009-09-24T05:52:00.000-05:002009-09-24T05:52:24.403-05:00PUBLISHING 101: What You Need to Know<blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><em>"Here's your step-by-step guide to the publishing process–how it works, why you need to know and how you can play an influential role in your book’s success."</em></blockquote>This article by Jerry D. Simmons appeared in the July/August edition of Writer's Digest. Simmons, who started his career in the publishing industry as a sales rep at Random House, worked for major publishers in sales and management for thirty years.<br />
<br />
Creating a well-written informative or entertaining book may put writers on the first rung of the lofty ladder to publication. Simmons details what authors need to do to reach the top.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.writersdigest.com/article/publishing-101-what-you-need-to-know/">http://www.writersdigest.com/article/publishing-101-what-you-need-to-know/</a>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-8800824132518330092009-09-22T23:59:00.008-05:002009-09-24T04:58:45.272-05:00SCN Contest Deadline Extended - Announcing Judge Cindy Dyson<strong>Smoke City Narrators </strong><br />
<strong>Novel Pitch & 1st Five Pages Contest </strong><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>DEADLINE EXTENDED to Saturday 10/17/09</strong> </span><br />
<a href="http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators/pitch1st5contest.html">http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators/pitch1st5contest.html</a> <br />
<br />
<strong>**Novel Does Not Have to be Complete.**</strong><br />
<br />
We're pleased to announce our <strong>2009 Contest Judge: Cindy Dyson, author of THE LAST QUERY: A New Approach to Crafting a Novel Query Letter.</strong> Dyson shows how-to hone in on the most intriguing qualities of your novel and your life, even if you lack writing credits, and shape them into a unique query. <br />
<br />
Her query letter hooked Agent Marly Rusoff, who sold Dyson's first novel, AND SHE WAS, to Harper Collins. <br />
<br />
Her nonfiction credits include many magazine articles, five nonfiction YA books and three literary biographies in Harold Bloom's BioCritiques college library series. Dyson grew up in Alaska and now lives in Montana, where she's working on her second novel. Learn more about her and her writing process on these websites: <br />
<br />
<strong>Cindy Dyson's website:</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.cindydyson.com/">http://www.cindydyson.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<strong>THE LAST QUERY:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.cindydyson.com/shopping.html">http://www.cindydyson.com/shopping.html</a> <br />
<br />
<strong>Agent Marly Rusoff and Associates - Dyson:</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.rusoffagency.com/authors/dyson_c/andshewas/andshewas_CDyson_bio.htm">http://www.rusoffagency.com/authors/dyson_c/andshewas/andshewas_CDyson_bio.htm</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Dyson Interviewed: </strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mjroseblog.typepad.com/backstory/2006/02/_cindy_dysons_b.html">http://mjroseblog.typepad.com/backstory/2006/02/_cindy_dysons_b.html</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://49writers.blogspot.com/2009/09/author-interview-cindy-dyson.html">http://49writers.blogspot.com/2009/09/author-interview-cindy-dyson.html</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?authorID=27501&isbn13=9780060597719&displayType=bookinterview">http://www.harpercollins.com/author/authorExtra.aspx?authorID=27501&isbn13=9780060597719&displayType=bookinterview</a>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-74787625762216258432009-09-18T04:12:00.007-05:002009-09-18T06:34:51.151-05:00NOVEL PITCHING III: Events with Pitch Opps Included in Tuition Fees<strong><br />
WORDS and MUSIC: A Literary Feast in New Orleans</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.wordsandmusic.org/">http://www.wordsandmusic.org/</a> <br />
<br />
$$ See Various Rates Below. Some meals provided. <br />
Thursday November 19 - Sunday November 22, 2009 <br />
<br />
Held at the renown Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA. Hosted by the Faulkner Society. Director: Rosemary James.<br />
<br />
Discounted rates at the Monteleone and a few other nearby hotels. Find bed-and-breakfasts a trolley ride away. Award-winning authors lead the Master Classes. Agent and editor critiques included in tuition fees. <br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">The name says it all. I attended in 2001 and would return every year if my finances allowed. A few of my favorite features:</span></em></strong> <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">*</span></strong>Light refreshments available at the morning panel discussions. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">*</span></strong>Luncheon speakers and gourmet dishes at famous restaurants in the Quarter, including Antoine's. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">*</span></strong>Wine, bottled water and fruit at late afternoon poetry readings in small art galleries. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">*</span></strong>Midnight poetry slams at sidewalk café in Pirate's Alley. <br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: blue;">*</span></strong>Books made available onsite by Faulkner House Books, ready for autographs from noted literary authors.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>*</strong><span style="color: black;">Dance on Saturday night. Casual Dressy.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>*</strong></span>Prestigious contest with high-dollar awards - Novel: $7,500/ Novella: $2,500/ Novel-in-Progress: $2,000/ Short Story: $1,500/ Essay: $1,000/ Poetry: $750<br />
<br />
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEES: <br />
<br />
Full Tuition Pkg. - Writers: $350 <br />
<br />
Students/Competition Finalists: $175 <br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red;">*Both packages above include the one-on-one agent & editor critiques. </span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red;">*First 50 pages of your mss. sent to agents/editors prior to conference. </span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: red;">*Each writer gets two 30-minute appointments with the agents/editors of their choice, whenever possible. <br />
</span></em></strong><br />
Overall Discussion Pass: $250 (Includes discussions, but not critiques)<br />
<br />
Lunch (with speakers at famous restaurants) and Dinner Events (Buffet): Passes available in package plans or à la carte pricing. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Sunday Night - Buffet Banquet: Dressy. Speaker (The year I attended: Comedic actor/magician Harry Anderson), musical entertainment, awards presented. <br />
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +<br />
</div><br />
You need to rise early, stay up late or stay over a few days to find time to experience the Quarter on your own: <br />
<br />
-Ride in a horse-drawn carriage and three different trolleys. <br />
<br />
-Stroll through the Quarter. <br />
<br />
-Loiter in indie used-books stores, unique shops and the French Market. (Loretta's makes the best pralines!) <br />
<br />
-Sample Cajun, Creole, American and International Cuisine.<br />
<br />
-Applaud day-time street musicians playing for tips. <br />
<br />
-Crisscross down Bourbon Street nightly to the beat of a dozen bands playing blues, Cajan, country, jazz, rock 'n roll and zydeco.<br />
=================================== <br />
<br />
<strong>GREEN RIVER WRITERS NOVEL-IN-PROGRESS WORKSHOP</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.greenriverwriters.org/nipw.html">http://www.greenriverwriters.org/nipw.html</a> <br />
<br />
$400+ for Full Workshop <br />
An entire week during March of 2010. Exact dates TBA.<br />
<br />
$ ?? for Afternoon Classes Only. <br />
<br />
The economic slump forced them to cancel this year's event but they plan to resume the workshop in 2010.<br />
<br />
Held in Louisville, KY. Hosted by Green River Writers, a 25-year-old nonprofit group. They live up to their motto, "Writers Helping Writers." Director: Jeff Yocom.<br />
<br />
Accommodations available in nearby motels/hotels or inexpensive dorm-type rooms onsite. <br />
<br />
<strong>First 50 pages of your mss. sent ahead of time to instructor of your choice . Upon arrival, each student receives the first 20 pages of every mss. in their critique group. (Max. of 5-7 students in each group).<br />
</strong><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: purple;">I attended in 2002 and 2003. I remain in contact with the friends I made there, including a talented, multi-published author, who eventually became my mentor.</span></strong></em><br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday Evening:</strong> Check in. Orientation. Informal Meet and Greet.<br />
<br />
<strong>Monday - Friday:</strong> Each student gets at least one-hour of private consultation with instructor during the week.<br />
<br />
-----<strong>Mornings:</strong> Critique Groups Meet with Instructor. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Mid-days:</strong> Long lunch break. Free to eat, write, tour bookstores or nap. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Afternoons:</strong> Lecture/Discussion Classes. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Nights:</strong> Free time to write, hang out with faculty or whatever.<br />
<br />
<strong>Friday Afternoon/Evening:</strong> Agents & editors arrive. They go to a restaurant with faculty. <br />
<br />
<strong>Saturday:<br />
</strong><br />
-----<strong>Morning:</strong> Agent & Editor Panel Q & A. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Lunch:</strong> Writers (3-5) volunteer to treat one agent or editor to lunch at a restaurant. Sign-up the day before. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Afternoon:</strong> Everyone gets 10 minutes with many different agents/editors of their choice. Some want to hear a brief verbal description of your novel. Others want to scan a synopsis and/or the first chapter. Come prepared with all three. <br />
<br />
No sign-ups. Stand in (short) lines, first come, first served. Because the workshops are limited to 40 or so participants, no one gets turned away and the agents/editors don't get worn out. When I attended in 2002 and 2003, I discussed my novel with three agents and one editor each year. <br />
<br />
-----<strong>Night:</strong> Cocktail Party. Casual dressy. Refreshments served. <br />
<br />
<strong>Sunday Morning:</strong> Check out.<br />
=================================== <br />
<strong><br />
PEN to PRESS WRITER'S RETREAT</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.pentopressretreat.com/">http://www.pentopressretreat.com/</a> <br />
<br />
$685 - $735 <br />
Tuesday May 25 - Saturday May 29, 2010<br />
<br />
Held in the French Quarter of New Orleans, LA. Director: Deborah LeBlanc...... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-58991043518981648902009-09-17T16:04:00.007-05:002009-09-18T00:09:28.882-05:00NOVEL PITCHING II: Events that Charge Extra for Pitch Opportunities<strong>HAWAII WRITERS CONFERENCE</strong> <br />
(Formerly the Maui Writers Conference) <br />
<a href="http://www.hawaiiwriters.org/">http://www.hawaiiwriters.org/</a> <br />
<br />
*$ ?? for Retreat <br />
Friday August 28 - Thursday September 3, 2009 <br />
<br />
$695 for Conference <br />
Friday September 4 - Monday September 7, 2009 <br />
<br />
*$ ?? for One-on-One Consultations <br />
Various Dates During the Conference. <br />
<br />
Held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hosted by the Hawaii Writers Foundation. <br />
<br />
<em>*Prices not available again until next year.</em><br />
=================================== <br />
<br />
<strong>SOUTH CAROLINA WRITERS WORKSHOP CONFERENCE</strong><br />
http://www.myscww.org/conference/schedule.php <br />
<br />
$325-$425 for Complete Conference Package <br />
Friday October 23 - Sunday 25, 2009 <br />
<br />
$10 Extra for Pitch Sessions <br />
<br />
Held in Myrtle Beach, SC. Hosted by South Carolina Writers Workshop...... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-39079849595176570312009-09-14T07:07:00.007-05:002009-09-18T06:54:50.236-05:00NOVEL PITCHING I: Events for Crafting & Honing Pitches<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Backspace November Agent-Author Seminar</span> </span></strong><br />
<a href="http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/">http://www.backspacewritersconference.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/</a><br />
<br />
$250-$295 per day. <br />
Thursday November 5 - Saturday November 6, 2009 <br />
<br />
Held in New York, NY. Hosted by Backspace, an online writers community. <br />
<br />
SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST DEADLINE (09/04/09) HAS PASSED. If you plan to attend their next event in the spring of 2010, read about the scholarships at the link below. Their scholarships cover admission to the conference only, not travel or hotel expenses. Details on Agent Colleen Lindsay's blog:<br />
<a href="http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-scholarship-to-backspace-agent.html">http://theswivet.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-scholarship-to-backspace-agent.html</a> <br />
=====================================<br />
<br />
<strong>NY Writers Workshop <br />
Perfect Pitch Fiction Conference</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.newyorkwritersworkshop.com/pitch_fiction.html">http://www.newyorkwritersworkshop.com/pitch_fiction.html</a><br />
<br />
$395 for Conference only. <br />
Friday November 13 - Sunday November 15, 2009<br />
$420 for Conference & Agents Panel (Saturday morning). <br />
<br />
Held in New York, NY. Hosted by New York Writers Workshop. <br />
=====================================<br />
<br />
<strong>Writers Retreat Workshop</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.writersretreatworkshop.com/fallretreat09.php">http://www.writersretreatworkshop.com/fallretreat09.php</a> <br />
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$449 for Pitch Weekend only. <br />
Saturday November 14 - Monday November 16, 2009<br />
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$995 for 6-night Writers Retreat Workshop only. <br />
Monday November 16 - Sunday 22, 2009 <br />
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$1,275 for Combo: Pitch Weekend AND Retreat. <br />
Saturday November 14 - Sunday 22, 2009 <br />
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Held in Oracle, Arizona, near Tucson. Hosted by Writers Retreat Workshop. <br />
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Open only to graduates of Writers Retreat Workshop and/or (Agent) Donald Maass Breakout Novel Intensive Workshops. Prices include room and meals. <br />
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<strong>NYC Pitch and Shop</strong> <br />
<a href="http://nycpitchconference.com/">http://nycpitchconference.com/</a> <br />
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$495 <br />
Thursday December 3 - Sunday December 6, 2009 <br />
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Held in New York, NY. Hosted by Algonkian Writer Conferences. <br />
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<strong>Write and Pitch Conference</strong> <br />
<a href="http://www.writeandpitchconference.com/">http://www.writeandpitchconference.com/</a> <br />
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$229 <br />
Friday February 19 - Sunday 21, 2010 <br />
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Held in Corte Madera, near San Francisco, CA. Hosted by Algonkian Writer Conferences...... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-4752261919746174972009-09-13T15:55:00.007-05:002009-09-18T00:13:32.408-05:00NOVEL PITCH and FIRST 5 PAGES CONTEST<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Novel Pitch & 1st Five (5) Pages of a Novel Contest</strong> <br />
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<a href="http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators/pitch1st5contest.html">http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators/pitch1st5contest.html</a> <br />
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<strong>$8 ENTRY FEE -- <span style="color: red;">DEADLINE:</span></strong> <strike>Sept. 9, 2009</strike><strong> <span style="color: red;">EXTENDED</span> <span style="color: red;">to:</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">POSTMARKED by SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2009</span></strong> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>AWARDS: 1st -- $150 || </strong><strong>2nd -- $75 || </strong><strong>3rd -- $40 <br />
</strong><strong>6 Honorable Mentions</strong> <br />
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Sponsored by Smoke City Narrators. Features a low entry fee. Open to residents of the USA and Washington, D. C., with the exception of members of SCN. Entries must be original and unpublished (includes Internet). <br />
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<strong><em>Novel need not be complete.</em></strong> <br />
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Multiple entries OK but only 1 prize awarded to any winner. Submit 2 copies of the first 5 pages of a novel, 1,500 words max. and a one-sentence pitch (mini-synopsis), 20 words max.<br />
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Optional: The 9 finalists will have their pitch and website link posted on SCN's website and blog.<br />
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Novel pages not published. Authors retain all rights. See website for complete rules. <br />
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Questions? Contact us at: <a href="mailto:scnarrators@janicewiley-dorn.com">scnarrators@janicewiley-dorn.com</a> <br />
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I hope you'll use this contest as a practice run before querying agents or editors and/or attending pitch workshops. <br />
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Later this week, I'll post summaries of events that feature pitch sessions. <br />
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Good Luck with Your Contest Entries!..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-22299917186172638672009-01-19T19:57:00.006-06:002009-09-18T00:15:13.454-05:00SECRETARY of the ARTS PETITION<span style="font-family: verdana;">Musician Quincy Jones--winner of a 2008 Humanitarian Award--has started a petition to ask President Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. Please consider signing it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html">http://www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html</a></span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-72518553205648394782009-01-18T02:35:00.009-06:002009-01-23T04:23:05.216-06:00GRANTS for WRITERS<span style="font-family:verdana;">Grants and other awards will enhance the bio paragraph in your query letters to agents and publishers.<br /><br />I'm deeply grateful to the Elizabeth George Foundation for their generous award of an artistic grant for fiction.<br /><br />The deadline for the 2010 awards is July 1, 2009. The application fee is $25.00 and you'll need letters of recommendation from five professionals in your field. The foundation doesn't have a website but you can request a brochure by writing:<br /><br />Elizabeth George<br />Elizabeth George Foundation<br />P. O. Box 1429<br />Langley, Washington 98260</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-49164102374101676012009-01-03T02:39:00.006-06:002009-09-14T05:53:07.924-05:00Q & A with Four Young Literary Agents<span style="font-family: verdana;">A feisty discussion of literary questions posted on Poets & Writers Magazine's online articles. Agents: Julie Barer, Jeff Kleinman, Renee Zuckerbrot and Daniel Lazar.</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-72648760870790474892008-11-29T03:58:00.003-06:002008-11-29T04:03:26.801-06:00ENCOURAGEMENT for QUERY WEARY<span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/default,date,2008-11-19.aspx">10 Hidden Gifts of Rejection Letters</a> posted on the Guide to Literary Agents' Blog.</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-2372753911402805842008-11-20T03:35:00.007-06:002009-09-10T16:38:58.021-05:00LOGLINE, QUERY LETTER & SYNOPSIS<span style="font-family: verdana;">Many writers find composing a one-page query letter and a one-page synopsis more difficult than writing a 100,000 word novel. Try writing a logline--a one-sentence description of your novel--first. Expand that into a one-paragraph pitch to include in your query letter. Writing a one-page synopsis now seems effortless. <br />
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<strong>Hint #1:</strong> Write the one-paragraph pitch as a teaser, painting in broad strokes your main character, their goal and the antagonist that blocks it. Don't give away the ending. Your intent is to intrigue the agent into asking for apartial or full manuscript. Your one-page synopsis should give more details and reveal the ending. <br />
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<strong>Hint #2: </strong>Double-space your novel chapters but single-space query letters and synopses. If an agent or publisher requests a detailed outline, be kind to their eyes and double-space anything longer than three pages.<br />
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<a href="http://twoadverbs.web.aplus.net/loglinearticle.htm">This article</a> by Christopher Lockhart gives detailed instructions on creating loglines for character-driven and plot-driven screenplays, and gives pointers on writing query letters. You can easily adapt the basics of his method to novels.<br />
</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-91994231687343850492008-11-11T08:39:00.003-06:002008-11-11T08:55:37.155-06:00SOFTWARE for WRITERS: ClichéCleaner<span style="font-family:Verdana;">Agents recommend keeping query letters short--one page maximum. That means ripping out qualifiers, adjectives, flabby verbs and clichés. ClichéCleaner ($12.95) software sounds great. If you've used it, please share your experience here. Loathe it, love it?</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-4770774150885859372008-11-10T07:03:00.008-06:002008-11-11T02:54:30.859-06:00TIPS of the DAY & WORKSHOP REVIEWS<span style="font-family:verdana;">Scroll to the bottom of the page for information on writers and tips of the day on writing, publishing, marketing and P.R.. These sites will change periodically to keep new material coming in.<br /><br /><strong>WRITERS:</strong> Have you attended a writers' workshop or conference in the past five years? Are you planning to attend one but feel unsure of where to go for your current needs? With the steadily rising cost of tuition and transportation, most emerging writers can't afford to go to more than one event.<br /><br />To help you choose, I'll be posting reviews here soon or links to reviews on writers' websites. I'm especially interested in places that provide marketing help, such as one-on-one interviews with agents and/or editors, and workshops on pitching novels. Please <a href="mailto:discuss@janicewiley-dorn.com">email</a> me if you're interested in contributing a review. </span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-13832970842705920162008-11-09T02:12:00.001-06:002008-11-09T02:14:09.599-06:00MOONRAT'S GUIDE TO GETTING PUBLISHED<span style="font-family:verdana;">A short and saucy view of the industry from the Editorial Ass Blog, written by an editorial assistant: <a href="http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2007/05/moonrats-guide-to-getting-published.html">http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2007/05/moonrats-guide-to-getting-published.html</a></span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1771213783412982335.post-79349430436970645412008-09-08T08:53:00.009-05:002009-07-26T17:51:50.297-05:00WELCOME<span style="font-family:verdana;">New content and tools added regularly while blog's under construction. Please note the links on the right-hand side of the page. I hope you enjoy your visit and come back often.</span>..... Janice Wiley-Dornhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538050459675534914noreply@blogger.com0