Successful Publishing Newsletter March 2023

 

Tips for Successful Publishing - Newsletter March 2023
by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

Content of this Newsletter:

- Writer Residencies

- Freelance Writing

- Add People 

- Writing Contests

- Tax Deductions

Hello friends, happy March 

Hopefully, Spring is finally arriving in your neck of the world. 

It's a month full of holidays and anniversaries to celebrate during the next weeks:  St. Patrick's Day, Women’s Day… Well, the whole March is Women's History Month... For many young people, it’s time for the famous “March Break”.  Daylight Savings Time is back on the second weekend - and lots of writing contests, fellowships, and free writer’s residencies.  Just apply!

.

RESIDENCIES

Soaring Gardens Artist Retreat

Soaring Gardens Artists Retreat in the country outside of Laceyville, PA offers visual artists, writers, composers & musicians 3-week residencies between May & Sept. No fees, no demands, simply spacious studios, pleasant rooms, nature, and time. A limited number of $500 need-based grants are available. Location Laceyville, PA.  Deadline March 10    https://www.lermantrust.org/apply/

.

Hedgebrook Writers in Residence

The program supports fully-funded residencies for selected women-identified writers at the retreat each year.  Up to 6 writers can be in residence at a time, each housed in a handcrafted cottage.  Writers must be women, 18 and older, which is inclusive of transgender women and female-identified individuals.  Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, TV/Screenwriters, Playwrights & Songwriters are all encouraged to apply.  The location is  Freeland, WA.  Deadline March 13   https://www.hedgebrook.org/writers-in-residence

.

Banff Centre’s Summer Writers Residency 

It provides writers space for the creative exploration of their writing practice.  This self-directed residency offers the opportunity to work away from the constraints of everyday life.  Writers in all creative genres are invited to apply.  Financial Aid of 100% is available to cover tuition, and 50% is available to offset food and accommodation costs.  All accepted participants will receive this financial aid package.  Application Deadline March 15   https://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/summer-writers-residency-2023

.

- FREELANCE WRITING

Bicycling 

They publish stories about every aspect of cycling, from tips on how to pick out your first bike to human interest pieces to training techniques for competitive cyclists aiming to get better for their next event, and everything in between. They speak to all cyclists: beginners, weekend riders, fans of the pro peloton, cross racers, gear fanatics, and more. Their audience responds best to stories that explain how to better themselves as cyclists for every ride. Pays up to a dollar per word. 

https://www.bicycling.com/about/a34243047/how-to-pitch-bicycling-magazine/

.

- ADD PEOPLE 

I must admit, I am guilty too: writing non-fiction too dry and with too many facts and not adding real people in some way into the blog or book.  Recently I talked to a multi-book writer about it and wrote a blog post last week.  Here is an excerpt:

“We need to build page-turning non-fiction books. Thumbing through any newspaper or magazine, you will find people in almost any story: mentioning names, interviewing a person, citing people…

.

- WRITING CONTESTS

Winning a contest really boosts your chances of getting published. Many of these contests are held every year.  So if you missed one you'd like to enter, you have lots of time to prepare and catch it next year. 

Mahler & Lewitt Studios Essay Prize

The prize awards £3,000 to the best proposal for a book-length essay (minimum 25,000 words) by a writer resident in the UK & Ireland who has yet to secure a publishing deal.  In addition to the £3,000 prize the winner has the opportunity to go on residency at the Mahler & LeWitt Studios in Spoleto, Italy, to work on their book.  The book will then be published by Fitzcarraldo Editions.  No Entry Fee.  Deadline March 13

https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/prizes/essay-prize

.

Romance on the Road Travel Writing Competition

Write an original, factual, first-person travel story about a time you experienced romance while traveling. Feel free to explore romance in all of its manifestations, but ensure that your travel story builds itself around the context of a place or experience.  One winner and up to three runners-up will be selected to have their work published in Intrepid Times.  The winner will be paid a cash prize of US $200, and the runners-up will receive our standard fee.  Please write between 1200 and 2000 words.  No Entry Fee. Deadline March 19   https://intrepidtimes.com/romance-on-the-road/

.

Grindstone Literary Novel Prize

The 2023 Novel Prize is open to authors from all countries, self-published authors who are unrepresented are eligible to enter.  Entrants are asked to submit the first 5,000 words of their manuscript.  Manuscripts may be finished or part-finished at the time of submission.  All manuscripts must have a finished (or projected finished) length exceeding 70,000 words.  Grand Prize: £1,500. Runner Up: £500.  £16 Entry fee.  Super early bird deadline April 1

https://www.grindstoneliterary.com/novel-prize

.

Trio Award for First or Second Book

The Trio Award for First or Second Book is only open to poets with fewer than two books published. Poetry manuscripts must be between 48-70 pages of poetry, written in English. Creative nonfiction manuscripts must be between 60,000 - 80,000 words. Translations are not eligible for publication. Winner receives $1000 and twenty copies of their book.  $25 Entry fee. Deadline May 1

https://triohousepress.submittable.com/submit

.

Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competition

The Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, an interview with them in Writer’s Digest (Nov/Dec 2023 issue), and on WritersDigest.com, a paid trip to the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference.  $20-$30 Entry Fee.  Early-Bird Deadline: May 5

https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/annual-writing-competition

.

TAX DEDUCTIONS

It’s this time of the year again… Tax season is already in full swing.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  What authors can deduct from taxes: ALL book production costs, book promotions, transportation costs, rental for book readings, office rental or mortgage, heating, electricity for your home office by square feet, phone / Internet / e-Reader costs, website/blog costs, such as hosting or development, computer/copy Machine, scanner, router… just to name a few.  Find a comprehensive list of all deductibles here:

http://www.savvybookwriters.com/what-writers-can-deduct-from-taxes/

We hope you found lots of writing and publishing ideas in this March newsletter.  Enjoy St Patrick’s Day and the upcoming Daylight Savings Time next weekend. 

 

 

Books by Doris-Maria Heilmann:

To the TOP

Smart Free Marketing for Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed

ebook: https://books2read.com/u/mqv8Z1

ebook: https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1058480638

ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08957T6XN/

.

Audiobooks for Success

Valuable guidebook for authors, audiobook publishers, narrators, voice-over artists, and audiobook listeners. Learn how to create, produce, publish, and market your audiobooks

https://books2read.com/u/bPRRyJ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W81MN2Z

https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/ebooks/audio-books-for-success-doris-maria-heilmann/p/9781988664361

.

111 Tips to Create Impressive Videos -  How to Plan, Create, Upload, and Market Videos 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYDH41S/

https://www.books2read.com/u/3GYnpa

https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/suggestartikel/A1050298606

.

111 Tips To Make Money With Writing - The Art of Making a Living Full-time Writing - An Essential Guide for More Income as Freelancer https://books2read.com/u/bWZMjz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664187

https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1048318838

.

111 Tips on How to Market Your Book for Free  - Detailed Plans and Smart Strategies for Your Book’s Success https://books2read.com/u/bMre1a

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018RA72LY

https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1047879655

.

111 Tips to Get Free Book Reviews  - Best Strategies for Getting Lots of Great Reviews plus 1,200+ reviewer contact links https://books2read.com/u/mZ5nx5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M2Y3E5W

.

111 Tips to Create Your Book Trailer - How to Create, Where to Upload, and How to Market Your Videos https://books2read.com/u/mVZkjr

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CHWX6X2/

https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1050452001

.

Book Marketing on a Shoestring How Authors Can Promote their Books 

Without Spending a Lot of Money https://books2read.com/u/mZ5gdp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664225

https://www.thalia.de/shop/home/suggestartikel/A1047943168

.

Hello Friends, visit my Author Page here:

https://books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

.

<><><><><>

.

Native Tree Species are Under Threat

 

Mexico is one of the most floristically rich countries in the world.  Knowledge of its plant diversity,  geographic distribution, and human uses is still largely fragmented.  Unfortunately, deforestation is heavily impacting this country and native tree species are under threat.  To counter the forest loss, some large-scale reforestation programs have been activated in the past few decades.

.

.

Mexico has at least 2,885 native tree species (and 3,500 species according to the last updates).  And
approximately 44% are endemic to the country.  When analyzing species richness, the southern part of the country showed the highest values, with at least one peak of >400 species per 625 km2 cell in the states of Veracruz and Chiapas and values >300 species per cell in Jalisco, Oaxaca, Querétaro, and México state.

.

.

All in all, Mexico has ca. 23,000 vascular plants and is the fourth most floristically rich country in the world, after Brazil, China, and Colombia.  Despite the richness of Mexico’s flora, its inventory and mapping are still incomplete.

Read More:

https://peerj.com/articles/9898/

Fine-Quality Mexican Coffee

 

Mexico’s highland topography and the rich nutrients in its volcanic soils combine to create an ideal natural environment for growing fine-quality coffee beans.

Possibly the best-known Mexican coffees come from Chiapas, which is the state that produces the most.  But there is plenty to be said for Oaxaca state’s Pluma region, as well as coffees that are grown in Veracruz state’s Córdoba region.

For home consumption, a fair selection can be found at most Mexican supermarkets.  Although for a wider choice, the coffee shops that grind the beans on the premises are a good place to go.  They also tend to have more sizes of bags, so you can try out different kinds quite frequently, ordering quarter-kilos (about a half-pound), “un cuarto.”  Or find one type you always want, and buy a big bag of it.  The handful of high-end food shops, some with branch networks across the country, also stock ample ranges of high-quality Mexican coffees.

It’s probably fair to say, without being too nationalistic, that Mexico produces enough of its own good quality coffee to make paying extra for imported grains is a waste of money. 

Mexican coffee production is widespread, with more than 300,000 mostly 

small growers dedicated to its cultivation across 15 of Mexico’s 32 states.  

Most of the coffee grown in Mexico is of the arabica kind, and more than a third is grown at high elevations which yields higher quality, and more expensive, varieties of beans.  Much of it is grown in the shade, which adds to the quality of the coffee.

Read more about the variety of coffee from the producing regions:

https://www.mexperience.com/tag/mexican-coffee/

.

<><><><><>

.

Tips for Successful Publishing - Newsletter February 2023

 

Content of this Newsletter:

- Freelance Writing

- Book Pre-Orders

- Writing Contests

- Fellowships & Grants

- Writing for Magazines

 

Hello friends, happy February.

I hope you had a great first month of the year and that you are full of energy to tackle new projects. Get lots of new ideas in this month’s newsletter:

FREELANCE WRITING

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 

Miracles. True stories and poems. "All of us have experienced events in our lives that are completely unexplainable: the strange premonition that made you take a different route home causing you to miss an accident; the eerie feeling that you should call home… now, saving someone’s life; the mysterious communication from a loved one who has passed on." Payment: $200. Deadline: Feb 28

https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: 

The power of positive thinking. True stories and poems. "How did you “think positive” and how did it change your life? Tell us your success story about using the power of positive thinking!" Payment: $200. 

Deadline: Feb 28.  https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/possible-book-topics/

.

AFAR

The magazine publishes a range of reported features, personal essays, opinion pieces, photo essays, illustrated features, short fiction, poetry, and shorter middle-of-book pieces. Instead of more traditional aspirational lifestyle travel stories, we tell the stories of a place and the people who live there. Their rate starts at $1/word.

https://www.afar.com/about/pitch-guidelines

.

WIRED Magazine

A publication about change—about the ways science and technology are reshaping the world and what it means to be human. While the subjects of WIRED stories run the gamut from deep dives into the biggest tech companies to Hindu extremism to digital blackface to space food to true crime, every story has technology, science, or innovation as one of its key variables. Finished pieces tend to be in the range of 1,200 to 1,800 words. Story fees now start at about $2,500 and rise from there. Other short, online-only content starts at $500 and rises with time commitment and reporting intensity.   

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/contributor-guidelines

.

BOOK PRE-ORDERS

Apple offers a powerful marketing feature on iBooks, and even authors who upload directly to Apple can use it.  Your book title can be posted on iBooks for pre-order — up to one year before the book launch — even if you don’t have a book cover or interior file yet.  However, it’s advisable to have the cover at least. “e-Books born as pre-orders earned the authors 3 1/2 times more income than books that were simply uploaded on the day of release.

Pre-release twelve months in advance and you have got twelve months of people discovering your book before it hits the market.  It means twelve months of additional sales in those first few days.  All you need is your metadata: the book title, author, book description, price, pre-order, and release date.  A lot more favorable than Amazon’s pre-order conditions!  Easy Upload to iBooks: Authors can distribute to iBooks on their own through a direct upload route — or through an aggregator (book distributor) such as Draft2Digital.com

.

WRITING CONTESTS

The Bechtel Prize

Essays describing a creative writing teaching experience, project, or activity that demonstrates innovation in creative writing instruction. They are looking for essays that describe a project or activity that got students excited about writing and fostered a vibrant and dynamic culture of literacy in the classroom. Prize: $1,000 and publication. Deadline: Feb 10.  https://twc.org/bechtel-prize

.

The International Radio Playwriting Competition 2023

Sponsored by BBC World Service and British Council in partnership with Commonwealth Writers. Open to non-UK residents. Genre: A script for a 53-minute radio play with up to six central characters. Prize: £2,500 sterling ($3,900) & a trip to London. Deadline: Feb 12

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5J6bfwwQ4G0044HZ5Skt33w/the-international-radio-playwriting-competition-2023

.

Governor General's Literary Awards

Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The best English-language & the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature & Translation (French to English). Prize: $25,000. Deadline: Feb 15

https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/prizes/governor-generals-literary-awards/guidelines-governor-generals-literary-awards

.

Luminarts Creative Writing Fellowship 

The Creative Writing Fellowship awards two $7,500 grant Fellowships for excellence in creative writing in the categories of prose and poetry, in fiction and nonfiction. Open to writers between the ages of 18 and 30 years, be enrolled in, or have graduated from, a degree program; and live within 150 miles of the Union League Club of Chicago. Genre: Poetry or prose, fiction and nonfiction.  Prize: $7,500. Deadline: Feb 17

https://luminarts.org/creative-writing-opportunities

.

Scotiabank Giller Prize 

Open to books published in Canada in English. Books must be published in Canada in English between Oct 1, 2022, and Feb 28, 2023 to be eligible. Must  be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Deadline: Feb 17  

https://scotiabankgillerprize.ca/important-dates/

.

Jeanne Córdova Prize for Lesbian/Queer Nonfiction 

Open to a writer committed to nonfiction work that captures the depth and complexity of lesbian/queer life, culture, and/or history. The winner of the prize will have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking and challenging work. Prize: $2,500. Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing 

Prize: Adventure writing novel. Prize: £10,000. Deadline: Feb 17

https://www.wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.org/index.php/awards/best-published-novel-2019/submissions

.

Dr. Jim Duggins Outstanding LGBTQ Mid-Career Novelist Prize. Restrictions: Open to LGBTQ mid-career novelists who have published at least three novels. or two novels and substantial additional literary work (including poems, stories, or essays). Published book. Prize: $5,000. Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

Randall Kenan Prize for Black LGBTQ Fiction. Restrictions: Open to a Black LGBTQ writer whose fiction explores themes of Black LGBTQ life, culture, and/or history. To be eligible, the winner of the prize must have published at least one book and show promise in continuing to produce groundbreaking work. Prize: $3,000. Deadline: Feb 17, 2023.  https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards/

.

J. Michael Samuel Prize for Emerging Writers Over 50. Restrictions: Open to unpublished LGBTQ writers over 50 working in any genre. Genre: All genres.  Prize: $5,000.  Deadline: Feb 17

https://lambdaliterary.org/awards/special-awards

.

The Reporting Award 

Journalism, in any medium, on an under-reported subject in the public interest. Prize: Up to $12,500. Deadline: Feb 21.  https://journalism.nyu.edu/about-us/awards-and-fellowships/the-reporting-award/

.

Wiley-Silver Prize in Civil War History

First book or monograph in Civil War history, published in the previous year. Books or monographs published by scholarly or popular presses are eligible. Prize: $2,000. Deadline: Feb 24

http://www.civilwarcenter.olemiss.edu/wileysilverinfo.shtml

.

Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize

Awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme of the Alpine Fellowship 2023 - Flourishing. The winner of the Writing Prize will receive a cash prize, and the runners-up will receive travel expense support that must be used to attend our 2023 symposium which will be held from 10th-13th August 2023 in Fjällnäs, Sweden. First place: £3,000 cash grant. Second place: £1,000 travel expense. Third place: £1,000 travel expense. Open internationally. Max. 2,500 words/entry.  Deadline March 1    https://alpinefellowship.com/writing-prize

.

Hentoen International

Students currently enrolled in a medical school or program are encouraged to submit to Hektoen International’s 2022 Medical Student Essay Contest. The winner receives $3,500, runner-up $2,500. Essays can be on any topic as it relates to medicine, art, history, and literature topics are preferred. Essays should be under 1,200 words. Deadline March 15.  https://hekint.org/

.

The Every Animal Project

We are currently accepting submissions around the theme of courageous animals for our first anthology, debuting in December 2023, The Dog Who Wooed at the World. Stories should explain how an animal’s bravery inspired and moved you. Stories must be true (non-fiction). One winning author will receive a $300 prize, and the second-place author will receive $200. All other authors with stories chosen for the book will receive a $50 award, along with a free copy of the book upon its publication. Stories not chosen for the book will have the opportunity to be featured online on the blog, with a $20 award. Please keep your submission roughly between 500 and 3,000 words.  https://www.everyanimalproject.com/contact/

.

FELLOWSHIPS & GRANTS

De Groot Foundation Grants for Writers

They welcome applications from adult writers actively engaged in a writing project and for whom a monetary boost could help further or complete the project. Applicants may be writing in any genre. In 2023, The de Groot Foundation will award grants, between $1,500 and $7,000. Deadline Feb 15   https://degrootfoundation.org/courage-to-write-guidelines/

.

Accelerate Fellowship 

It is a year-long program that gives mid-level disabled screenwriters $40,000 in funding, bespoke mentorship, industry connections, and the community they need to become industry-leading creators.  The money is unrestricted— Fellows can use it to cover living expenses and other project-related fees—which is intended to give them the time and space to further develop their projects.  The Fellowship is for individuals that self-identify as disabled. This includes physical, intellectual, developmental, psychiatric, visible, or invisible disabilities.  https://www.inevitable.foundation/fellowship

.

Emerging Creators Fellowships - Charlotte, NC

The Emerging Creators Fellowship provides resources to emerging Mecklenburg County artists to make their creative practice a sustainable vocation.  The fellowship funds can be used for research, workspace/studio rental, conferences, apprenticeships, travel, creation of new work, materials, or other experiences that help the recipients develop their creative capacity.  In addition to the grant, the fellowship recipients are encouraged to participate in professional development and growth opportunities through ASC.  The fellowship is an investment in Mecklenburg County's emerging creatives with 2-10 years' experience pursuing their creative practice as their primary occupation outside of a degree-seeking program.  In 2023, ASC will award up to ten $10,000 Emerging Creators Fellowships.  Deadline Feb 6  

https://artsandscience.org/emerging-creators-fellowship/

.

WRITING FOR MAGAZINES - WORTH YOUR TIME?

Why write for magazines and newspapers?  If you write articles, you reach many more people than with books.  Your book may sell five thousand copies.  Certainly, some books turn into bestsellers, but with more than 500,000 new books per year, many books are fortunate to sell even a thousand copies.  With one article, you can reach millions of people.

Writing for magazines will give you increased confidence that you can write for publication and meet word limits and deadlines.  A fiction author recently pondered whether writing magazine articles was worth his time.  Would his time not be better spent writing for his own blog or website?  My answer was that it depends on how many subscribers and readers his website and blog had. Should your blog have less than a million readers per month, consider writing for these magazines with enormous readership numbers:

• Huffington Post: 43 million per month

• Salon: 7.7 million per month

• Travel + Leisure: 950,000 per month

• AARP The Magazine: 21,931,184

• Better Homes and Gardens: 7,624,505

If only one percent of this readership finds your article and the byline with your name, website, and book info, it’s worth it to write for these magazines. 

.

Have a wonderful February and enjoy writing and making plans for new books. “Although February is short, it is filled with growing sun, lots of love, and sweet surprises”. Enjoy the many holidays this month: Groundhog Day, Super Bowl, Rosa Parks Day, Chinese New Year, Lincoln's Birthday, Valentine's Day, and Presidents' Day.

Don’t forget to visit my Author Page here:

https://books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

.

<><><><><>

.

Scuba Diving in Baja California Sur

 

As the ultimate sports destination, La Ventana Mexico lures adventure seekers to its sandy shores with the promise of consistent offshore winds and waves. While it’s only an hour away from the bustling, tequila-fueled resort strips in Cabo San Lucas, La Ventana feels authentic–a place with dusty, bumpy roads, framed by cacti and quiet beaches in lieu of mega-resorts and buffet lines.

In La Ventana, sun seekers, mountain bikers, surfers, SUP’ers, kayakers, kiteboarders, snorkelers, divers, and anglers load up their gear and head down to play in the surf, with a stunning backdrop of the Sea of Cortez and Jacques Cousteau Island.

Baja Underwater Expeditions / Cerralvo Divers

La Ventana - Isle Cerralvo Diving

La Ventana: a kite surfing town with a small population of local fishermen and home to a gateway to Jacques Cousteau Island. The famous ocean explorer led many expeditions in this area and so the Mexican Government changed the name from Cerralvo Island in 2009 in honor of his conservation work. La Ventana: a kite surfing town with a small population of local fishermen and home to a gateway to Jacques Cousteau Island. The famous ocean explorer led many expeditions in this area and so the Mexican Government changed the name from Cerralvo Island in 2009 in honor of his conservation work. Many of the locals prefer to use its real name ‘Cerralvo’.

A huge dolphin population lives in the area too, and in the last few years, orcas encounters are becoming very popular! In one word, La Ventana is a truly magical place. Under the surface, a true multicolor paradise is waiting for all the divers that want something new to explore. Besides La Reina, very famous for the giant mantas, we can explore several unknown dive sites, all rich in marine life and beautiful coral formations.

Duration: 6 hours

Capacity: Min. 2 pax Max. 8 pax

Price: USD $180 for two tanks – USD $210 for three tanks  (100 USD = 95 Euros)

INCLUDES: 

Roundtrip transportation by boat

Certified dive guide

2 or 3 tanks

Complete diving equipment (fins, visor, regulator, vest, weights)

Lunch, fruits, and drinks

PHONE +52 987 1171354 / +52 612 2127511
La Ventana - Calle Manzanillo y Corredor Isla, 8am - 5 pm

E-MAILinfo@bajaunderwaterexpeditions.com

https://bajaunderwaterexpeditions.com/Expeditions/la-ventana/

Cabo Pulmo National Park

It is the national marine park on the east coast of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula, spanning the distance between Pulmo Point and Los Frailes Cape, approximately 3 hours south of La Paz. Cabo Pulmo is home to the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America. Estimated to be 20,000 years old, it is the northernmost coral reef in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The reef has a number of fingers of hard coral atop rock outcroppings that run parallel to the coast, occurring in progressively deeper water offshore. The area was designated a national park in 1995, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

Cabo Pulmo National Park is home to over 6,000 marine species. Principle among these is the famous sea lions of the area. In terms of other large species, the park is also home to humpback whales, sharks, and whale sharks. Huge groupers, turtles, and large schools of jacks are readily available. Tropical fish are abundant, and the occasional reef and bull shark can also be found close to prey. Underwater photographers will be amazed at the diversity of macro life found on this rare coral reef. 

Pulmo Ntl Park Scuba-Diving

Several coral reefs at Cabo Pulmo attract schools of rays, turtles, enormous groupers, large schools of jacks, porkfish, tropical fish, and even sharks every once in a while. 

Most of the dive sites are shallow (30-40 feet) and located only a 10-15 minute boat ride from shore. The shallow depth of the dives and easy contours of the bottom, allow long and very easy drift dives.

Duration: Approx. 3:30 hours

INCLUDES: 

National park fee, 2 tanks, and lunch

Without Transportation - Price: $125 USD

With Round Trip Transportation - Price: $275 USD (100 USD = 95 Euros)

Rental Equipment: $35 USD

https://cabopulmotravel.com/scuba-diving-tours/

Diving in La Paz

Espiritu Santo Island – 2 tanks day trip

1 day $180 

INCLUDES:

Guide, taxes 16%, snacks, lunch, and drinks

Rental gear is free

They are a group of French-Mexican friends, who share their love for diving, the Sea of Cortez, and the protection of marine ecosystems. The owner Alexia is a French marine biologist. All the members of her team have many years of experience in diving and the sea of Cortez and around La Paz.

http://diveinlapaz.com/services/trips-dive/

Cabo San Lucas Marine Park Diving

Watch the unique Sand falls phenomenon, an underwater avalanche of sand

Dive with the playful sea lions next to the famous arch

Enjoy a tour around the Land’s End area: see Lover’s Beach, the Sea Lion’s Colony, the famous arch, and the Pacific

Experience a ride on our well-shaded, fully equipped, and custom-made dive boats

Dive in small groups with a PADI-certified Divemaster or instructor.  Daily 8 am and 1 pm, approx. 3:30 hrs

INCLUDES:

2 tanks, a guide, weights, and drinking water

Price$125

Dive gear rental full set – $38

Nitrox tank up to 32% – $10

PHONE +52-624-9800640

Blvd. Marina #7D Local 37 Int. Plaza Gali

https://www.mantacabo.com/trip/diving-in-cabo-reserve/
Video:

https://vimeo.com/147187290

Diving in Baja California Sur is excellent year-round but each season brings its own gems. July to November has excellent visibility (25m). This season is also prime time for whale sharks (best chances in October/November) and offers the warmest water (73-85°F/23-30°C).

Cooler waters between December and March (64-68°F/18-20°C) bring different creatures. Now is the best time to come face-to-face with humpback whales and mobula rays. Whatever time of year you visit, your logbook will be pleasantly full after diving in Baja California Sur.

https://www.padi.com/diving-in/baja-california-sur

Enjoy your time underwater watching the marine animals flow by.

.

<><><><>

Publishing Newsletter January 2023

 

Tips for Successful Publishing - Newsletter January 2023

by by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

Content of this Newsletter:

- Book Categories

- Fellowships & Grants

- Writing Contests

- Freelance Writing

.

Hello Friends, 

Feliz Año Nuevo - Bonne année - Happy New Year - Gott nytt år - Gelukkig Nieuwjaar

I hope you all had a marvelous Holiday season and you are energetic to tackle the New Year.  This is your year!  But good intentions change nothing.  How can you stick with your goals throughout the year? And what are your plans for 2022?  Get lots of encouragement to stick to your resolutions with our tips here:

.

- BOOK CATEGORIES

Why should you care about Amazon book categories as an author? Using the right categories to list your book allows you to reach more potential customers and improve your overall sales performance. Learn more:

https://bookbird.io/amazon-kdp/categories/

On the same page you will also find:

• How Amazon Book Categories Work
• Importance of Book Categories
• Browser Categories vs. BISAC Categories
• How to choose winning Book Categories

.

- FELLOWSHIPS, GRANTS, RESIDENCIES

Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency

Artists selected for this program are at all stages of their careers and work in all media, including drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and also nonfiction writing, interdisciplinary, social practice, and architecture. The residency provides studio space and living accommodations. Each artist will be assigned their own house in which to live and work for the 6-week length of the residency. All US and International artists are eligible for the JTHAR program. Location Northern California.   Deadline Jan 10

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=9124

.

Conroy Center Writers Residency

Located on a salt marsh, the residency at MarshSong Cottage provides an inspirational, creative space in the heart of Pat Conroy’s beloved Lowcountry. The residency location is a guest cottage on St. Helena Island, SC. The residency dates will be Feb 28 to March 7, The residency is open to both published & unpublished writers, available to writers of all genres.  Deadline January 10

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Conroy-Center-Writer-s-Spring-Residency--February-28-March-7-.html

.

Tennessee Fellowships

Fellowships provide those individuals who by education, experience, or natural talent engage in a particular art form or discipline, and live and work in Tennessee. To qualify, an artist must be financially compensated for his or her work, and this compensation must be a significant source of support for their livelihood.  Recipients will be awarded $5,000.  Deadline Jan 23.  https://tnartscommission.org/grants/individual/

.

NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowships

Prize: $8,000 cash awards are made to individual originating artists living and working in the state of New York for unrestricted use. These fellowships are not project grants but are intended to fund an artist’s vision or voice, regardless of the level of his or her artistic development.  Deadline: January 25.  https://www.nyfa.org/awards-grants/artist-fellowships/

.

Writer of Note Grants

Applications are open to individual adult writers regardless of race, ethnicity, gender orientation, education, economic situation, geographic origin, or location. The de Groot Foundation will award seven COURAGE to WRITE grants of $7,000 each to writers writing in any genre and three $7,000 LANDO grants to writers exploring immigrant/refugee issues and experiences.  Application Fee $22.  Deadline Febr 15    https://degrootfoundation.org/courage-to-write-guidelines/

.

- WRITING CONTESTS

Open to women, US citizens only. Genre: Novel. All entries must be submitted by publishers who wish to have the work of their authors that were published in the year 2018 considered. No self-published works or works from vanity presses will be accepted.  Prize: $7,500.  Deadline: Jan 15.  http://www.sas.rochester.edu/gsw/news-events/kafka-prize/index.html

.

Ballard-Spahr-Prize

Open to residents of MN, IA, ND, SD, WI, or MI. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $10,000 & book publication with Milkweed Editions.  Deadline: Jan 15.  https://milkweed.org/ballard-spahr-prize-for-poetry

.

The Orwell Prize

£3,000.00 for political writing is open to nonfiction first published in the UK or Ireland. (See publication deadlines.) Genre: Nonfiction, including entries addressing political, social, cultural, moral, and historical subjects.  Deadline: Jan 16.   https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-prizes/rules/#special

.

Bronwen-Wallace Award

Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents; Under the age of 35; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Genre: Poetry and fiction. Prizes: Up to C$10,000.  Deadline: January 16.     https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/rbc-bronwen-wallace-award-for-emerging-writers/

.

Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing

A Book of literary nonfiction that captures a political subject of relevance to Canadian readers and has the potential to shape or influence thinking on contemporary Canadian political life. The book must be published in Canada. Prize: CAN $25,000.00.  Deadline: Jan 31. 

https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/shaughnessy-cohen-prize-for-political-writing/guidelines/

.

Memoir: First Chapters Competition

First Prize: £1500. Second Prize: £300. Third Place: £100. Memoirs can be in any style or form, but must be in English, and written for adults. Submit a 300-word One-Pager (summary of your Memoir), and the opening chapters of your Memoir (5,000 words maximum). You can apply for a bursary if low income, class, race, age, gender, sexuality, caring responsibilities, location, disability, or mental and physical health affects your writing.  £20 Entry Fee.  Deadline Jan 31.   

https://theplazaprizes.com/competition/memoir-masterpiece/

.

Papa Tango Prize

The winning writer will receive £7000. Their script will be produced by Papatango in a full run on the main stage of the Bush Theatre, London, in spring 2024. The writer will receive a royalty of 8% of the net box office and their play will be published by Nick Hern Books. The four shortlisted writers will each receive £500.  No Entry Fee.  Deadline Febr 5.   https://papatango.co.uk/entry-requirements/

.

- FREELANCE WRITING

Daily Remedy

News articles run between 400 and 1,000 words. Pay is $1/word.  All articles should be directed to the Editorial Features Editor at info@daily-remedy.com.  They prefer articles that editorialize on popular health topics using novel, nontraditional methods of analysis. Pitches should be brief, with a single paragraph explaining the story idea. Articles should editorialize on popular health topics using novel, nontraditional methods of analysis. Features run between 2,000 and 2,500 words. 

https://www.daily-remedy.com/write-for-us/

.

The Sunday Long Read

They publish roughly five to seven original long-form articles per year and would love to hear from writers.  They may not be able to publish a story right away. Their floor for reported long-form (>2,000 words) stories is $2,000 with the possibility of covering expenses.

https://sundaylongread.com/sunday-long-read-seeking-original-story-pitches/

.

Write for Lonely Planet

What we’re looking for: 1000-word articles that analyze the stories beyond the headlines. They have a longer shelf life than a traditional news story but are still “of the moment” – e.g. explainer pieces, and festival advice. We cover topics from all over the globe: arts and culture, identity, history, nature, outdoors, sustainability, and heritage. Stories need to be informative, engaging, and packed with personality.   https://www.lonelyplanet.com/about/contribute

.

Better Homes & Gardens 

Looking for new, experienced freelance writers for upcoming evergreen commerce articles. Previous experience is required. Rates start at $600. Please email resumes and press clips to Brittany Romano, the Senior Editor at BRomano@DotDashMDP.com

https://www.bhg.com/about-better-homes-and-gardens-5525299

.

Listverse 

A website that pays its contributors for writing interesting and unique lists. The lists cover a wide range of topics, from the bizarre to the interesting to the informative. If you have a knack for coming up with unique and engaging lists, you can make money by writing for Listverse. The website receives millions of visitors each month, so if your list is accepted and published, it will be seen by a very large audience. But that’s not where the money comes in. You don’t get paid for the views you get. It’s a flat rate. Listverse pays $100 for each accepted list.  

https://medium.com/new-writers-welcome/write-a-list-and-earn-100-8d065f39cfcd

.

More freelance writing for magazines: The golden ticket to write for senior magazines

https://makealivingwriting.com/senior-magazines/

.

As we head toward the new year, think about how you will overcome fears, find peers to support you, and get your writing and pitching done. 

.

<><><><><>

.

.

.

.