Writing Op - Scouting Magazine

Writers

The magazine is published by the Boy Scouts of America six times a year. Issues are: January-February, March-April, May-June, September, October, and November-December. It is mailed to about one million adult volunteer and professional Scout leaders (Scouters). Subscription is included as part of each Scouter's annual registration fee.

Scouting magazine articles are mainly about successful program activities conducted by or for Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, and Venturing crews. We also include features on winning leadership techniques and styles, profiles of outstanding individual leaders, and inspirational accounts (usually first person) of Scouting's impact on an individual, either as a youth or while serving as a volunteer adult leader.

Because most volunteer Scout leaders are also parents of children of Scout age, Scouting is also considered a family magazine. We published material we feel will help parents in strengthening families. (Because they often deal with communicating and interacting with young people, many of these features are useful to a reader in both roles as parent and Scout leader).

We also feature an occasional general-interest article geared to our adult audience. These include subjects such as nature, social issues and trends, historical topics, and humor.

Many of our best article ideas come from volunteer and professional Scouters, but most stories are written by staff members or professional writers assigned by us. We seldom publish unsolicited manuscripts (the exception being inspirational accounts or successful program ideas by individual Scouters). We rely heavily on regional writers to cover an event or activity in a particular part of the country.

A query with a synopsis or outline of a proposed story is essential. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to insure a reply. We respond to queries within three weeks. We buy short features of 500 to 700 words; some longer features, up to 1,200 words, usually the result of a definite assignment to a professional writer. We do not buy fiction or poetry.

We pay on acceptance. We purchase first rights unless otherwise specified (purchase does not necessarily guarantee publication). Photos, if of acceptable quality, are usually included in payment for certain assignments. (We normall assign a professional photographers to take photographs for major story assignments.) Payment rates depend on the professional quality the of an article. Payment is from $300 to $500 for a short feature, $650 to $800 for a major article, and more for quality articles by frequent contributors.

Writers or photographers should be familiar with the Scouting program and Scouting magazine. A sample copy will be sent if you provide a stamped, self-addressed 9 x 12 envelope and $2.50.

Our address is:

Scouting Magazine
1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane
P.O. Box 152079
Irving TX 75015-2079
Phone: (972)580-2367
Fax:(972)580-2079
Web site: http://www.scoutingmagazine.org

Writing Op - American Profile Magainze

Home Page: http://www.americanprofile.com/issues/
Writers Guidelines
American Profile’s audience lives in communities with an average population of 7,000. Our articles are useful, informative, human, and concise; full of detail and color, writing and reporting at its best. Our readers are intelligent and discriminating, our standards are high. This is not a market for beginners; send only your most professional work. No fiction, nostalgia, or poetry. Coverage of people and places must be enlightening and instructional, and have a broad regional or national relevance. We also cover health, food, gardening, home projects, nature, and finances. Articles should be topical, but have a long shelf life. Length varies from 450 to 1,200 words. Payment within 45 days of acceptance. Fees are competitive but vary widely. Byline and one-sentence bio given. Mostly freelance written. No reprints. Buys exclusive first-time print rights and all electronic rights to unpublished pieces for six months, non-exclusive rights thereafter.
Queries: Send a one-paragraph query with clips and SASE. No phone, fax, or e-mail submissions.

Mailing Address:

American Profile
341 Cool Springs Blvd., Ste. 400
Franklin, TN 37067

Phone & FAX:

Phone:	(800) 720-6323
	(615) 468-6000
Fax:	(615) 468-6100

Understanding Rights and Copyright

Here is an excellent article that explains both the rights that may be purchased by a publisher and copyright law. This is worth reading even if you "think" you already know what these mean.
http://www.writing-world.com/rights/copyright.shtml

The author of this article, Moira Allen, is the editor and publisher of Writing-World.com, and the author of more than 300 articles and columns. Her books on writing include Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer, The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals, and Writing.com: Creative Internet Strategies to Advance Your Writing Career. Allen is a contributing editor (and former columnist) for The Writer and a frequent contributor to other writing publications. She has been writing and editing professionally for more than 25 years, and has also taught freelance and creative writing at several community colleges. Allen has recently launched a new travel website, TimeTravel-Britain.com.

Writng for Trade Magazines

Prism Business Media publishes a large number of trade magazines. For information about these magazines you can go to: http://www.primediabusiness.com/magazines/magweb.asp?page=Magazines
Click on the individual magazine you are interested in and it will take you that website. Trade magazines are good break-in markets.

Writing Op - Faces

Writers' Guidelines for FACES ^®

General Information

Lively, original approaches to the subject are the primary concerns of the editors in choosing material. Writers are encouraged to study recent back issues for content and style. (Sample issues are available at $5.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send 10" x 13" self-addressed envelope.) All material must relate to the theme of a specific upcoming issue in order to be considered (themes and deadlines given below). FACES ^® purchases all rights to material.

Procedure

A query must consist of all of the following information to be considered (please use nonerasable paper):

1. a brief cover letter stating the subject and word length of the proposed article,
2. a detailed one-page outline explaining the information to be presented in the article,
3. an extensive bibliography of materials the author intends to use in preparing the article (if appropriate),
4. a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Writers new to FACES ^® should send a writing sample with the query.

If you would like to know if your query has been received, please also include a stamped postcard requesting acknowledgment of receipt.

In all correspondence, please include your complete address as well as a telephone number where you can be reached.

Manuscripts should be typed double-spaced and include final word count. Authors are requested to supply a 2- to 3-line biographical sketch.

Articles must be submitted on disk using a word processing program (preferably Microsoft Word - MAC). Text should be saved as ASCII text (in MS Word as "text only"). Disks should be either MAC- (preferred) or DOS- compatible 3 ½."

Guidelines

Feature Articles:

about 800 words
Includes: in-depth nonfiction highlighting an aspect of the featured culture, interviews, and personal accounts.

Supplemental Nonfiction:

300-600 words
Includes: subjects directly and indirectly related to the theme. Editors like little-known information but encourage writers not to overlook the obvious.

Fiction:

up to 800 words
Includes: Retold legends, folktales, stories, and original plays from around the world, etc., relating to the theme.

The above three pay 20 to 25 cents per printed word.

Activities:

up to 700 words.
Includes: crafts, games, recipes, projects, etc., which children can do either alone or with adult supervision. Should be accompanied by sketches and description of how activity relates to theme.

Poetry:

up to 100 lines. Clear, objective imagery. Serious and light verse considered. Must relate to theme.

Puzzles and Games:

Crossword and other word puzzles using the vocabulary of the issue's theme. Mazes and picture puzzles that relate to the theme.

The above three pay on an individual basis.

Photo Guidelines
To be considered for publication, photographs must relate to a specific theme. Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.

Our suggested fee range for professional quality photographs* follows:

	¼ page	to	full page
b/w	$15	to	$100
color	$25	to	$100

* Please note that fees for non-professional quality photographs are negotiated.

• Cover fees are set on an individual basis for one-time use, plus promotional use. All cover images are color.
• Prices set by museums, societies, stock photography houses, etc., are paid or negotiated. Photographs that are promotional in nature (e.g., from tourist agencies, organizations, special events, etc.) are usually submitted at no charge.
• If you have photographs pertaining to any upcoming theme, please contact the editor by mail or fax, or send them with your query. You may also send images on speculation.

Theme list for 2006 - 2007	[query due date]
Egypt (September)	[11/14/05]
Globalization: It's a Small World (October)	[12/12/05]
Honduras (November)	[1/17/06]
Sports Around the World (December)	[2/13/06]
Spain (January)	[3/13/06]
Republic of Georgia (February)	[4/17/06]
World Health (March)	[5/15/06]
The U.S. South (April)	[6/19/06]
China (May)	[7/17/06]

Note

Queries may be submitted at any time before the deadline, but queries sent well in advance of deadline MAY NOT BE ANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. Go-aheads requesting material proposed in queries are usually sent at least seven months prior to publication date. Unused queries will be returned if a SASE is supplied.

Mail queries to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Elizabeth Crooker Carpentiere 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458 Or email them to: facesmag@yahoo.com

Mail sample requests to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Sample Requests 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458

Writing Op - Appleseeds Mag

Writers' Guidelines for APPLESEEDS

General Information

APPLESEEDS is a 36-page, multidisciplinary, nonfiction social studies magazine for children ages 8 and up (primarily in grades 3 & 4). Writers are encouraged to study recent back issues for content and style. (Sample issues are available at $5.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. Send 10" x 13" self-addressed envelope.) We are looking for articles that are lively, age-appropriate, and exhibit an original approach to the theme. Scientific and historical accuracy is extremely important. Authors are urged to use primary sources and up-to-date resources for their research. And remember, your article must stimulate the curiosity of a child. APPLESEEDS purchases all rights to material.

Procedure

Writers may propose an article for any issue. The article idea must be closely related to the theme of the issue. Please include a completed query.

• Each query must be written separately; however, you may mail / email them together.
• Feel free to include copies of published writing samples with your query if you have not yet written for APPLESEEDS.
• After the deadline for query proposals has passed, the editors will review the suggestions and assign articles. This may take several months - don't despair! We may suggest modifications to your original proposal or assign an entirely new idea.

Please do not begin work until you've received a detailed assignment sheet from us!

Guidelines

Feature articles:

1-4 pages, (Most issues contain about 6-8 feature articles.)
Includes: nonfiction, interviews, and how-to

Departments:

• Fun Stuff (games or activities relating to the theme, 2 pages)
• Reading Corner (literature piece, 2-4 pages)
• By the Numbers (math activities relating to the theme, 1 page)
• Where in the World (map activities, 2 pages)
• Your Turn (theme-related opportunities for children to take action, 1 page)
• Experts in Action (short profile of professional in field related to theme, 1 page)
• The Artist's Eye (fine or folk art relating to theme, 1 page)
• From the Source (age-appropriate primary source material, 1-2 pages)

Assume 150 words per page; payment approximately $50 per page

Photo Guidelines

To be considered for publication, photographs must relate to a specific theme. Writers are encouraged to submit available photos with their query or article. We buy one-time use.

Our suggested fee range for professional quality photographs* follows:

	¼ page	to	full page
b/w	$15	to	$100
color	$25	to	$100

* Please note that fees for non-professional quality photographs are negotiated.

• Cover fees are set on an individual basis for one-time use, plus promotional use. All cover images are color.
• Prices set by museums, societies, stock photography houses, etc., are paid or negotiated. Photographs that are promotional in nature (e.g., from tourist agencies, organizations, special events, etc.) are usually submitted at no charge.
• If you have photographs pertaining to any upcoming theme, please contact the editor by mail or fax, or send them with your query. You may also send images on speculation.

Theme list for 2006 - 2007	[query due date]
Growing up in Jamestown (September)	[10/15/05]
Who Did What in Ancient Egypt? (October)	[11/15/05]
Firefighting (November)	[12/15/05]
The Play's the Thing (December)	[1/15/06]
Around and About the Planets (January)	[2/15/06]
Exploring the Everglades (February)	[3/15/06]
Salt (March)	[4/15/06]
Helen Keller (April)	[5/15/06]
Circuses (May)	[6/15/06]

Write a brief description of your idea, including a list of sources you plan to use, your intended word length, and any unique angle or hook you think will make your piece irresistible to its intended audience (8- to 10-year-olds and their teachers and parents).

Notes

• Email queries are preferred. To avoid problems in downloading attachments, always include your query in the body of the email. You may also include attachments if you wish.
• Queries may be submitted at any time before the deadline, but queries sent well in advance of deadline MAY NOT BE ANSWERED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.
• Assignments are made approximately one month before manuscripts are due.
• Due to the large volume of queries we receive, we are no longer able to notify writers whose queries are not selected for assignment. If you wish to check on the status of your query, please e-mail Associate Editor Annabel Wildrick (annabelwildrick@verizon.net) no earlier than one month after the query due date.

Email queries to: swbuc@aol.com Or mail them to: Susan Buckley, Editor APPLESEEDS Magazine 140 E 83rd St. New York, NY 10028

Mail sample requests to: Editorial Department Cobblestone Publishing Attn: Sample Requests 30 Grove Street, Suite C Peterborough, NH 03458

New Reverse Dictionary

Are you searching for just the right word? Do you know what you mean but you simply can't put your finger on the word to best describe it? Try One Look's Reverse Dictionary:

http://www.onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml

New Super Search Engine

Here is a new super search engine that will take your key words and search MULTIPLE search engines all at one time. It searches Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask Jeeves

Check it out! http://www.dogpile.com/

NEW LOOK

Writers are observant people -- that means that you probably noticed a "new" look to this blog .

Along with a change of color and style, I changed a number of the writer's links. That wasn't exactly intentional (sigh). If for some reason I lost a link to YOUR blog or website in the transition, PLEASE email me the link once again.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

More Poetry Books

Here are a few more books that will help you write better poetry.

Unbroken Line: Writing in the Lineage of Poetry by Miriam Sagan
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver
The Art and Craft of Poetry by Michael J. Bugeja
Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett

FREE Writers Workshop

FREE Writer's Workshop
February 27, 2006

Sponsored by the North Jersey Christian Writers' Workshop

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:30 - 9:00 p.m. We Will Start Promptly!
Bring: Pens/Pencils, Notebook/Paper

How it works: You arrive at 6:30. Instructions will be handed out as you arrive, along with a summary of what we learned about Show Vs. Tell at our prior two meetings (1/23 & 2/13).

Our writing topic will be determined by the facilitator. It is usually an object or group of objects that remains undisclosed until we are ready to write. Once the object is unveiled, the writers will be given 20 minutes to write about the object. All genres are acceptable (except erotica). After the writing period is over, individuals will be given the opportunity to read their pieces outloud for critique. We use what we learn from the critiques to do a rewrite and then there is one more period of critique.

For more information, please feel free to call the facilitator, Louise Bergmann DuMont - 551-427-3794.

What's In the Feb Issue of The Writer Mag?

You'll find these great articles in the February issue of The Writer Magazine:

A powerful plot device for your fiction
Learn how to use a "MacGuffin"- a central object or situation used to power narrative.
Zadie Smith's world view
Acclaimed British novelist Zadie Smith talks about the rewards of crossing racial and cultural boundaries in her fiction.
A vital tool: Use a timeline to create backstories for characters
Creating a timeline for your character can be a valuable tool for explaining motivation and behavior.
Create buzz for your self-published book
A writer who has mastered the art shares some uncommon wisdom.
Ready to make your first sale? Stop! 9 things you need to know
Amid your first-sale euphoria, it pays to remember that asking questions, following up and saying "no" won't get you blacklisted by publishers.

Click here for the FEBRUARY issue table of contents.

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

http://www.writersdigest.com/contests/annual/75th/

75th Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition

For 75 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. And best of all, we’re celebrating our milestone year by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes! Win a trip to New York City !

GRAND PRIZE: $3,000 cash and an all-expense paid trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents. Writer's Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple, where you'll spend three days and two nights in the publishing capital of the world. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will escort you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents! Plus, you'll receive a free Diamond Publishing Package from Outskirts Press.

Entry Deadline: Monday, May 15, 2006.

For entrants paying with a credit card, we will accept manuscripts submitted online. Manuscripts in the script categories must be submitted via regular mail.

Poetry Book Recommendations

If you enjoy writing poetry, here are a few books to put on your reading list:

The Poets Handbook by Judson Jerome (Writers Digest Books)
The New Book of Forms by Lewis Turco (University Press of New England)
How Poetry Works: The Elements of English Poetry by Philip Davies Roberts
(Penguin)

Recommended Reading for Authors

Are you a new writer who is looking for books that will help you hone your craft?

Here are a few that might just take you to the next level of publication:

Christian Writer's Market Guide by Sally Stuart
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes: (And How to Avoid Them) by Jack M. Bickham
Stein on Writing by Sol Stein
Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss
Woe is I by Patricia OÂ’Conner
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Publicize Your Book by Jacqueline Deval
The Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer
A Christian WriterÂ’s Manual of Style by Bob Hudson & Shelley Townsend
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
On Writing Well by William Zinsser
Book Proposals That Sell--21 Secrets To Speed Your Success by Terry Whalin
You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal
The Art of the Book Proposal by Eric Maisel
Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul by Susan Harrow
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain
Writing and Selling the Christian Novel by Penelope J. Stokes
The Plot Thickens: 8 Ways to Bring Fiction to Life by Noah Lukeman

1/9/06 NJCWG Meeting Reviewed

Yesterday's meeting provided me with a lot more than the usual encouragment. Three individuals took the time to express special thanks for what occures at the North Jersey Christian Writers' Group Meetings. What an extra special blessing that was! Thank you for taking the time to encourage me.

We finished up our disucssion on Angela Hunt's Fiction A-Z as it was presented at the Glorieta Christian Writers' Conference and we had the opportunity to do three crituqes. I can say that the progress of many group members has done my heart good. It is always a blessing to see a new writer grow and move forward in publication.

COMING UP:

1. For the next two meetings (1/23/06 & 2/13/06) I will once again teach on the various ways a wrier can create visual images in the reader's mind, rather than simply relate the facts. This technique is called SHOW Don't TELL. Itis a subject that even the best writers need to practice and periodically review.

2. Then our group will put what we learned to the test. There will be an all night writer's workshop held on 2/27/06. More info to come regarding that event.

3. Continue to hold Saturday, May 13, 2006 open. That is when Cecil "Cec" Murphey will fly in from Georgia to host an all day Writer's Event for the NJCWG. This is one event you will NOT want to miss! The classes will be limted. The cost will be $30.00/person. I'll have details on the classes very shortly. Keep checking this blog or drop me an email. SPECIAL NOTE: I am once again looking for a person to handle registrations. If you are interested, email me (njcwg.dumont@gmail.com)

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com
www.cafemochalight.com
www.louisedumont.com

Writing Op - Bible Advocate

BIBLE ADVOCATE
P.O. Box 33677
Denver, CO 80233
bibleadvocate@cog7.org
www.cog7.org/BA
Helps Christians understand and obey the Bible.
Frequency: 8x/yr -- Circulation: 13,500
Nonfiction: On Bible doctrine, current social and religious issues, everyday-living Bible topics, textual or Biblical book studies, prophecy and personal experience; 1200 words; $25-$55.
Poetry: Free verse, blank verse, and traditional; 5-20 lines; $20.
Fillers: Facts, inspirational pieces, anecdotes; 100-400 words; $20.
Columns, Departments: Viewpoint, opinion pieces; 650 words.
Art: Mac-compatible TIFF or JPEG files, 300 dpi; $10-$35/inside use, $25-$50/cover. No photos.
Queries: Not necessary
E-queries: Yes
Unsolicited mss: Yes
Submission formats: Electronic, Hard copy
Response: 4-8 weeks.
Freelance content: 10-20%
NO Kill fee
Rights: First, reprint, electronic
Payment: On publication
TIPS: No articles on Christmas or Easter. Theme list available.

Writing Op - A.D. Players

A. D. PLAYERS
2710 W. AlabamaHouston, TX 77098
adtour@hern.org
www.adplayers.org
Needs full-length plays or musicals (12 actors max.) or one-act children’s plays or musicals (8 actors max.) with Judeo-Christian world view.
Payment: Negotiable rates

NJCWG MEETING TONIGHT!

MEETING TONIGHT

Have you made your New Year's Resolution yet? If God has truly called you to write, why not make a commitment to improve your craft by attending NJCWG meetings regularly?

TONIGHT

The first NJCWG meeting of 2006 - January 9, 2006

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

6:15-7:00 - Chat Time
7:00-8:00 - Lesson
8:00-9:00 - Critiques

LESSON:
Fiction A-Z Tonight we'll continue Angela Hunt's lessons recorded at the Glorieta Christian Writers Conference (Oct 2005).

CRITIQUES:
We have a number of crituqes in the pot right now and pleased that so many are using this to better their work.
VISION HUNT by Mark L'Hommedieu
UNTIL THE END OF TIME by Conrad Ross
Chap 3 - Cono Giardullo & Catarina Gallo by Marilyn Gardullo

For more information, email Louise Bergmann DuMont, NJCWG Facilitator at:
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Show, Don't Tell

Anyone who pursue's writing has been told by someone that they should SHOW, not TELL their story. To hone this skill is harder than most new writers can imagine.

I've collected a few great websites where experts explain how to go about SHOWING, rather than telling, your story.

http://tarakharper.com/k_show.htm
http://teenwriting.about.com/cs/writingfiction/a/ShowNotTell.htm
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/fictionfix/0505Grossack.html
http://www.sfwriter.com/ow04.htm
http://www.barbaradawsonsmith.com/showdon
http://a.wholelottanothing.org/2005/10/people_that_say.html
http://brainstorm-services.com/wcu/description.html
http://www.hollywoodlitsales.com/cf/journal/dspJournal.cfm?intID=2040
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/getwriting/A3489988

Questions? Feel free to drop me a note at njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com