PUBLISHING 101: What You Need to Know

"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."

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.

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.

http://www.writersdigest.com/article/publishing-101-what-you-need-to-know/

NOVEL PITCHING II: Events that Charge Extra for Pitch Opportunities

HAWAII WRITERS CONFERENCE
(Formerly the Maui Writers Conference)
http://www.hawaiiwriters.org/

*$ ?? for Retreat
Friday August 28 - Thursday September 3, 2009

$695 for Conference
Friday September 4 - Monday September 7, 2009

*$ ?? for One-on-One Consultations
Various Dates During the Conference.

Held in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hosted by the Hawaii Writers Foundation.

*Prices not available again until next year.
===================================

SOUTH CAROLINA WRITERS WORKSHOP CONFERENCE
http://www.myscww.org/conference/schedule.php

$325-$425 for Complete Conference Package
Friday October 23 - Sunday 25, 2009

$10 Extra for Pitch Sessions

Held in Myrtle Beach, SC. Hosted by South Carolina Writers Workshop.

NOVEL PITCH and FIRST 5 PAGES CONTEST

Novel Pitch & 1st Five (5) Pages of a Novel Contest

http://www.janicewiley-dorn.com/smokecitynarrators/pitch1st5contest.html

$8 ENTRY FEE -- DEADLINE: Sept. 9, 2009 EXTENDED to:
POSTMARKED by SATURDAY OCTOBER 17, 2009

AWARDS: 1st -- $150 || 2nd -- $75 || 3rd -- $40
6 Honorable Mentions

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 Entries must be original and unpublished (includes Internet).

Novel need not be complete.

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.

Optional: The 9 finalists will have their pitch and website link posted on SCN's website and blog.

Novel pages not published. Authors retain all rights. See website for complete rules.

Questions? Contact us at: scnarrators@janicewiley-dorn.com

I hope you'll use this contest as a practice run before querying agents or editors and/or attending pitch workshops.

Later this week, I'll post summaries of events that feature pitch sessions.

Good Luck with Your Contest Entries!