Friday, June 30, 2023

Tips for Successful Publishing – Newsletter July 2023

 


Tips for Successful Publishing - Newsletter July 2023

by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters

Content of this Newsletter:


- Writing Contests

- Book Marketing

- Residencies & Fellowships

- Freelance Writing

- Working with Publishers



Happy 1st of July (Canada) and Happy 4th of July (USA).  Enjoy BBQs and fireworks. “Beach Reading” is now in full swing.  No matter if on a beach, at a cottage, or during a cruise: Book lovers have often more time in summer to indulge in books and to write reviews - or read to their kids.  Why not spruce up your summer book marketing efforts, and create book bundles or book giveaways at this time of the year?


- Writing Contests


Boardman Tasker Prize

The prize - Prize: £3,000.00 - will be awarded for a work first published or distributed in the UK between July 17, 2022, and July 15, 2023. Genre: Books with a mountain, not necessarily mountaineering, theme whether fiction, non-fiction, drama, or poetry, written in the English language.  Deadline: July 15.

http://www.boardmantasker.com/submissions

.

Lascaux Prize in Creative Non-Fiction

Creative nonfiction may include memoirs, chronicles, personal essays, humorous perspectives, literary journalism—anything the author has witnessed, experienced, learned, or discovered. Pieces may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. The winner receives $1,000. Finalists receive $100.  $15 Entry Fee.  Deadline Sept 30.  https://lascauxreview.com/contests/

.

The Bedford Competition

Submit stories up to 3000 words and poems up to 40 lines. First prize £1.500, second prize £300, third prize £200. An International Competition, open to everybody from around the world aged 17 or over. Any theme.  £7.50 Entry fee.  Deadline October 31.  https://bedfordwritingcompetition.co.uk/BWC/php/homepage.php

.

Caledonian Novel Award

An Edinburgh-based, international writing competition for unpublished and self-published novelists in all genres for adults and YA. Top prize: £1,500 and an exclusive framed award designed by Edinburgh artist Lucy Roscoe. Highly Commended prize: £500. Special prize: a free place on a writing course at Moniack Mhor Creative Writing Centre for the best novel from the UK and Ireland.  £25 Entry fee.  Deadline November 1.

https://thecaledonianovelaward.com/

.

Minds on Fire Open Book Prize

Awarded annually and open to any poet writing in English, regardless of previous publication record, the prize seeks to represent the best contemporary writing in high-quality editions of enduring value. Previously unpublished manuscripts of 48-90 pages should be submitted. The winning poet will receive $1,500 and 30 author copies. The Conduit editorial board will select the winning manuscript. $25 Entry Fee. Deadline November 3

https://www.conduit.org/book-prizes

.

Lascaux Prize in Short Fiction

Stories may be previously published or unpublished, and simultaneous submissions are accepted. The winner receives $1,000. Finalists receive $100. The winner and finalists are published in The Lascaux Review. Writers may enter more than once. Length should not exceed 10,000 words. All genres and styles are welcome.  $15 Entry fee.  Deadline Dec 31   https://lascauxreview.com/contests/

.


- Book Marketing

"Early Reviewers" is a program where you can show advance copies of books to be read and reviewed. If you or your publishing company would benefit from some advanced reviews? For more information about how to join Early Reviewers as a publisher, please see the info page.  https://www.Librarything.com/forpublishers/er.php

Best of all: you can send out the ePub or pdf file directly to the reader and stay in contact.


Draft2Digital & Smashwords have a 50% sale action this month for all books from July 1 - July 31.

For example, the latest book we published:

In July: Now is your best chance to find my book, #2 Flight Training (Dream Job Pilot? Series) available for a promotional price of 50% off at @Smashwords as part of their Annual Summer/Winter Sale! Find this book and many more at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1410977

.

Readers Favorite Reviews: Planing to publish a print version of your e-book? Send your formatted manuscript or the digital version to Readers Favorite Book Reviews. 

https://readersfavorite.com/book-reviews.htm

They only post 4 and 5-star reviews. If a manuscript receives a poor review, they provide private constructive criticism to the author instead. “We are in the business of helping authors, not hurting them.”  Reviews are free, but it may take 3 months or longer.

.


- Residencies & Fellowships


Across

Location Clearmont, Wyoming. The mission of the Ucross Foundation is to foster the creative spirit of deeply committed artists and groups by providing uninterrupted time, studio space, living accommodations, and the experience of the majestic High Plains while serving as a responsible steward of its historic 20,000-acre ranch. We are accepting applications for General Studio Residencies (All Disciplines) and Ucross’ Fellowships for Native American Visual Artists and Writers. Deadline July 15.

https://ucrossfoundation.submittable.com/submit

.

Loghaven Residencies

The residency is located on ninety acres of woodland in Knoxville, Tennessee. Artists live in five historic log cabins that have been both rehabilitated and modernized to create an ideal setting for reflection and work. Practicing artists of all backgrounds and at any stage of their career are eligible to apply for a Loghaven residency. Writing (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, and journalism), Visual Arts, Dance, Theater, Music Composition, Architecture, and Interdisciplinary Work. Deadline July 15

https://loghaven.org/residencies/apply/

.

Grand Canyon Artist-in-Residence 

This program supports contemporary solo artists who wish to contribute to the cultural and aesthetic legacy of the Grand Canyon. Selected artists live and work at the Grand Canyon South Rim in Arizona for up to eight weeks in a private one-bedroom apartment above the historic Verkamp's Visitor Center overlooking the Canyon. In addition to free live/work space, a weekly stipend of approximately $400 is offered to offset the costs of travel, food, and supplies. Deadline July 31. 

https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=11790

.

Oregon Literary Career Fellowships

Literary Arts awards fellowships to Oregon writers in the amount of $10,000 to writers selected by the judges for their exceptional talent. One of these fellowships is specifically for a writer of color. Applicants submit an application form, optional addendums, a writing sample, an artist’s CV, an artist’s statement, and an impact statement as described in the guidelines. Literary Arts will award eight fellowships to Oregon writers in the amount of $3,500. One of these fellowships is specifically for a writer of color. Applicants submit an application form, any addendums for specifically named fellowships, and a writing sample.  Deadline August 4.

https://literary-arts.org/about/programs/oba/fellowships/

.

Monson Arts’ Residency 

This program supports emerging and established artists and writers by providing them with time and space to devote to their creative practices. During each of our two-week and four-week programs throughout the year, a cohort of five artists and five writers are invited to immerse themselves in small-town life at the edge of Maine’s North Woods and focus intensely on their work within a creative and inspiring environment. They receive a private studio, a private bedroom in shared housing, all meals, and a $1,000 stipend ($500 for two-week programs). Open calls for residency applications currently take place three times throughout the year with deadlines on January 15, June 15, and September 15.  https://monsonarts.org/

.

The Atlantic Center for the Arts 

Mark your calendar: They offer three-week residencies to fiction and creative nonfiction writers on a 69-acre ecological preserve in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Application deadlines are every year in March.

https://atlanticcenterforthearts.org/residencies/aair-application/

.


- Freelance Writing


Adirondack Life

For new contributors, the best way to break into the magazine is through departments, which run from 1,000 to 1,800 words. Features run from approximately 1,500 to 2,500 words. We are not interested in poetry, fiction, or editorial cartoons. The magazine covers New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park, which offers more wild country than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Parks combined. Departments run from 1000 to 1800 words and features are 1500 to 3500 words. Pays about 30 cents/word. 

https://www.adirondacklife.com/guidelines/

.

Chicken Soup - Funny Stories

We are looking for stories about something that happened to you in your life — in your relationship with a partner or spouse, a parent or child, a family member or friend, at work or at home — that made you and the people around you. All submissions need to be true — no fiction or exaggerations. Stories should be no longer than 1,200 words. Pays $250 and ten copies. Deadline November 20.

http://www.chickensoup.com

.

More Freelance Writing Jobs:  

https://bestwriting.com/jobs

.


- Working with Publishers


If you want to work with publishers, patience is key. From submission to rejection or acceptance, can take months in publishing. Read more about what you will discover when dealing with publishers.

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/things-youll-discover-about-publishers-when-youve-worked-with-one/

.


Discover and use the great tools authors have at hand for their publishing success!  Have a great July, and always remember: “If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs”  

~ Tony Gaskins


Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Just Published: #2 of the pilot series Dream Job Pilot?

 


#2 of the pilot series “Dream Job Pilot?" offers flight training tips 
you won’t find anywhere else, for example: 

  • All about worldwide flight training
  • How to choose the best training facility
  • How to save money and time
  • How to finance your pilot education
  • Where to find grants, scholarships, and training financing
  • Airline Flight Training Ab-Initio to First Officer
  • Helicopter Flight Training  
  • Air Traffic Controller Training 
  • How to get the most flying hours in the shortest time in order to apply to airlines

Most of all: 
Hundreds of examples of pilot training facilities worldwide for airline and corporate pilots, helicopter pilots, and air traffic controllers and how to organize license validations between several countries.

Available @ Apple Books, Kobo, Baker & Taylor, Scribd, 

Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Tolino, for example:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/2-dream-job-pilot-111publishing/1143678465

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1410977

https://www.scribd.com/book/654116337/2-Dream-Job-Pilot 

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id6450521032

.


.
<><><><><>
.

More Books from the Author:


.

.



Friday, June 9, 2023

Tips for Successful Publishing - Newsletter June 2023


 

by 111Publishing and SavvyBookWriters


Content of this Newsletter:


- Writing Contests

- Book Description Help via AI

- Major Category Changes at Amazon

- Residencies & Fellowships

- How to Order a Free Canadian ISBN

- Freelance Writing


Lots of sunshine and the longest days of the year are helping in June to improve our mood and energy. Don’t forget June 8: Best Friends Day! And it is Immigrant Heritage Month.  Write about it this month…

Lots of publishing news in this letter, read on:


Writing Contests

Mudfish

A prize of $1,200 and publication in Mudfish is given annually for a single poem. Cash prize $1,200. Submit up to three poems of any length per entry. All poems are considered for publication. $20 Entry fee. Deadline June 15

https://mudfish.org/submissions/

.


ScotiaBank Giller Prize 

Open to books published in Canada in English. Prize: $100,000 to the winner and $10,000 to each of the finalists. Must be nominated by publisher. Genre: Fiction. Full-length novel or collection of short stories published in English, either originally, or in translation. Deadline: Books published between May 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, must be received on or before June 16

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

.


Elegant Literature

Word Limit 500–2000 words, excluding the title. Pay is ten cents per word, including the title. All genres. Elegant Literature is the first short fiction magazine to pay professional rates but not accept submissions from pros. Our mission is to help new writers earn their first publishing credits—and their first dollar—from writing stories. Submissions must follow this month’s theme. Membership is required, but there is a no-cost membership as well.

https://www.elegantliterature.com/submission-guidelines/

.


Bardsy Anthology Contest

Grand prize: $1000 and anthology publication. All finalists will receive $50 and an anthology publication. PROMPT: This time it's simple: your first chapter. We’re looking for the first chapters that grab our attention and leave us wanting more. Original, previously unpublished stories between 2,000 and 3,000 words. $20 Entry fee. Deadline June 20

https://bardsy.com/contest

.


Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction 

Genre: Literary non-fiction. Titles must be published in Canada and written by Canadians. Prize: $60,000 will be awarded to a literary nonfiction book published between May 3, 2023, and September 30, 2023. Deadline: June 28

https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/hilary-weston-writers-trust-prize-for-nonfiction/guidelines/

.



- Book Description Help via AI


Writing a compelling book description is sometimes harder than writing the first chapter. But there is maybe help on the way. At least it is worth a trial to use artificial Intelligence (AI) to get suggestions for your book description.

Instructions for using the Book Description Generator:

Select the platform you want to format the description for (Kobo, Amazon, B&N, or distributors such as etc).

Enter your book description. If you're copying and pasting from Word Doc, use the below sub-steps to ensure you don't bring over any hidden code from Word:

If you're on Windows: you can use the combination Ctrl + Shift + V to paste without formatting

If you're a Mac: you can use Option + Command + Shift + V to paste without formatting

Choose from the available formatting options. If an option is grayed out, that means it's not supported on that particular platform. If you see other book descriptions looking different than the options available here, that means those books were grandfathered in before the current rules were put in place. 

(Optional) If you want AI to improve upon your book description, select the button that says “Once you finish your description, click here to see if AI can improve it!”

When you've got your book description looking the way you want, click “generate my code.” 

Paste the code into the platform you're loading your book up. 

https://kindlepreneur.com/amazon-book-description-generator/




- MAJOR CATEGORY CHANGES AT AMAZON


Categories are the sections of the Amazon Store where customers can find your book. You can now choose three Amazon Store categories based on the primary marketplace for each title during setup. Check out this video that explains what’s changed now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvrmXj154eE


And read the explanations in detail at the Amazon Help Page

https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200652170

.



- RESIDENCIES & FELLOWSHIPS



Prairie Ronde Residencies

The Prairie Ronde Artist Residency is hosted by The Mill at Vicksburg, a redevelopment project of the former Lee Paper Company mill in the historic village of Vicksburg, MI. Residents are awarded a $2,000 stipend for a residency of between five and seven weeks, a $500 travel grant, and private housing.  Deadline June 15 

https://prairierondeartistresidency.com/

.


Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing

Editorial writing. Fellowship: $75,000. It was established to enable a mid-career editorial writer or columnist to have time away from daily responsibilities for study and research. Freelancers may also apply. Deadline: June 19

https://www.spj.org/a-pulliamfellow.asp

.


Griffin Trust for Excellence in Poetry, Griffin Poetry Prize

Restrictions: One prize goes to a living Canadian poet or translator, the other to a living poet or translator from any country, which may include Canada. Genre: Poetry. Books must have been published in English during the calendar year preceding the year of the award. Prize: Prizes are awarded annually in two categories – International and Canadian. Each prize is worth C$65,000. Deadline: June 30, 2023.

https://griffinpoetryprize.com/submissions/

.


South Arts Express Grants

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, Express Grants support rural organizations and communities with expedited grants of up to $3,000. Applicants must program arts experiences featuring a Southern artist. Artist fee support is awarded for film, performing arts, literary arts, traditional arts, and visual arts. Projects must include both a public presentation and an educational/community engagement component.

https://www.southarts.org/community-organization-grants/express-grants

.


Mesa Refuge

They welcome a diverse group of writers—both emerging and established—who define and/or offer solutions to the pressing issues of our time. Particularly, it is our priority to support writers, activists, and artists whose ideas are “on the edge”, taking on the pressing issues of our time including (but not limited to): nature, environment, and climate crisis; economic, racial and gender equity; social justice and restorative justice; immigration; health care access; housing; and more. We especially want writers of nonfiction books, long-form journalism, audio, and documentary film. Location Point Reyes, CA. Deadline Dec 1 (for the following spring)

https://mesarefuge.org/

.


- HOW TO ORDER A FREE CANADIAN ISBN


New to publishing in Canada? Here is how to order your ISBN:


Please follow this link to log into the system:  

http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/isbn-canada/app/index.php?&lang=eng


Here are some instructions to help you assign your ISBNs:


1 – Log into your account

2 – Click MANAGE LOGBOOK

3 – Click ASSIGN NEW ISBN

4 – Input your publication information

(If you need a number for different electronic versions, you need to change the Product Form to "electronic book text", then in the title box at the end of your title indicate your format in brackets). Example: The Green Little Turtle (pdf)

5 – Click the Save button (bottom of the page).

6 – Click MANAGE LOGBOOK again. You will see your new ISBN number


For information on how to assign your ISBNs, please view the HELP page: 

http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/services/isbn-canada/Pages/isbn-canada.aspx#d

.



- FREELANCE WRITING


Grain Magazine

Fiction, literary nonfiction, and poetry. Payment: CAD50/page up to CAD250 for writing, up to CAD500 for art. Deadline: June 15

https://grainmagazine.ca/submit

.


New Orleans Review

Fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Payment: $300 for prose, $100 for poetry. In celebration of Pride, there are no submission fees for LGBTQIA2+ writers in June. We are especially interested in trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming voices. Deadline: June 30

https://www.neworleansreview.org/submit/

.


Ambrook Research 

It exists first for farmers and agriculture professionals. Stories that address the practical, financial, and social impact of changes in the ag world, relevant stories about modern agriculture. We're interested in innovative advances across the ag world, including from startups. We prefer stories that explain the industry trends that make a new company or technology compelling, over profiles of a specific company. authors — particularly subject matter experts — are welcome to submit op-eds. Ambrook Rates will vary depending on the writer's experience and the complexity of a particular story, generally between $0.50 and $1.00/word.

https://ambrook.com/research/writing-for-us

.


Green Building & Design

Themes: architecture, buildings, and sustainability. Writers will be required to submit at least two pieces per week—all topics will be assigned by a managing editor and will be written based on a mix of independent research and supplied press releases and materials. The projected annual income is $12,000 USD to be paid in monthly milestones of $1,000. 

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?cmp=Green-Building-%2526-Design&t=Journalist&jk=aaf7d4bbbd885c78

.


Liisbeth

They are an online magazine yet publish a bit like a record label - periodically. We try to group articles and submissions by theme when it makes sense to do so. Articles are always about feminism, innovation, enterprise, and critiques of policies and systems that drive inequality. We prioritize queries from creators who believe in our mission by demonstrating they have actually read a few articles in the magazine before submitting a query, or who are members of the Feminist Enterprise Commons, and/or become newsletter subscribers. Pays up to $1,500.

https://liisbeth.com/contributors/guidelines/

.


Sierra Magazine

Combining features on green living and outdoor adventure with reporting about threats to the environment. Our standard fee for online stories is $350; the fee can increase for regular contributors. We pay a flat fee of $250 for reviews and opinion pieces. We normally do not offer a fee to professional activists/advocates or full-time academics. Feature lengths range from 3,000 words to (rarely) 4,500 words or more with payment starting at $1/word and rising to $1.50/word for well-known writers with crackerjack credentials. The following sections of the magazine are open to freelancers. Articles are 250 to 2,000 words in length. Payments are $250 to $2,000 unless otherwise noted.

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/about-us#submission

.


BBC Work-life

Worklife is a BBC.com features site about the way we work, live, and think in a rapidly shifting world, where the boundaries between the professional and the personal are increasingly blurrier. Expect it to pay $600 or more. Please send along a pitch, no longer than three paragraphs, that includes:

How you’d sell the story in fewer than 68 characters

What the immediacy is, such as a news peg or new research

What the story is about and will accomplish

How you will plan to report the story, such as relevant expert sources or case studies

Your new take, or how you’re advancing an existing story

What the reader will learn

Where you’ve written, and why you’re the person to tell the story

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200417-bbc-worklife-author-brief



Have a wonderful June, and enjoy reading, writing, and publishing - maybe even traveling!

20 years ago, the famous author Ray Bradbury spoke at Point Loma Nazrene University in San Diego, where he imparted his wisdom: "Read the greatest books, broaden your mind, and write like hell". However, in an age of instant gratification and overnight success stories, Bradbury's words of wisdom may fall on deaf ears. Nonetheless, those who are wise will follow Bradbury's advice. 

Have a great summer!



.

.


.

.

.


.


.

.
<><><><><>
.