Writing Op - Woman's World

WOMAN'S WORLD
Bauer Publishing Co.
270 Sylvan Ave.
Englewood Cliffs NJ 07632

Phone: (201)569-6699
Fax: (201)569-3584

Contact: Kathleen Fitzpatrick, senior editor
Johnene Granger, fiction editor

Tips: "The whole story should be sent when submitting fiction. Stories slanted for a particular holiday should be sent at least 6 months in advance."
About

Format: Magazine covering "human interest and service pieces of interest to family-oriented women across the nation. Woman's World is a women's service magazine. It offers a blend of fashion, food, parenting, beauty, and relationship features coupled with the true-life human interest stories."
Frequency: Weekly


"We publish short romances and mini-mysteries for all women, ages 18-68."

Editor's Note: Woman's World is not looking for freelancers to take assigments generated by the staff, but it will assign stories to writers who have made a successful pitch.
Freelance Facts

* Established: 1980
* Circulation: 1,625,779

* Pays on acceptance.
* Publishes manuscript 4 months after acceptance.


Rights purchased:

* for First North American Serial rights for 6 months.

Accepts queries by: Mail

* Responds in 6 weeks to queries.
* Responds in 2 months to manuscripts.
* Sample copy not available.
* Writer's guidelines for #10 SASE.

Nonfiction

Dramatic personal women's stories and articles on self-improvement, medicine, and health topics. Please specify "Real-Life Story" on envelope. Features include Emergency (real-life drama); My Story; Medical Miracle; Triumph; Courage; My Guardian Angel; Happy Ending (queries to Kathy Fitzpatrick). Also service stories on parenting, marriage, and work (queries to Irene Daria).

* Pays $500/1,000 words
* Does not pay the expenses of writers on assignment.

Fiction

Short story, romance, and mainstream of 1,100 words and mini-mysteries of 1,000 words. "Each of our stories has a light romantic theme and can be written from either a masculine or feminine point of view. Women characters may be single, married, or divorced. Plots must be fast moving with vivid dialogue and action. The problems and dilemmas inherent in them should be contemporary and realistic, handled with warmth and feeling. The stories must have a positive resolution." Specify "Fiction" on envelope. Always enclose SASE. Responds in 4 months. No phone or fax queries. Pays $1,000 for romances on acceptance for North American serial rights for 6 months. "The 1,000 word mini-mysteries may feature either a `whodunnit' or `howdunnit' theme. The mystery may revolve around anything from a theft to murder. However, we are not interested in sordid or grotesque crimes. Emphasis should be on intricacies of plot rather than gratuitous violence. The story must include a resolution that clearly states the villain is getting his or her come-uppance." Submit complete mss. Specify "Mini-Mystery" on envelope. Enclose SASE. No phone queries.

Contact: Johnene Granger, fiction editor

Needs:
* Mystery
* Romance (contemporary)

Does Not Want: Not interested in science fiction, fantasy, historical romance, or foreign locales. No explicit sex, graphic language, or seamy settings.

* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: Romances--1,100 words; mysteries--1,000 words.
* Pays $1,000/romances; $500/mysteries

Writing Op - Women Alive

WOMEN ALIVE
Women Alive, Inc.
Encouraging Excellence in Holy Living
P.O. Box 480052
Kansas City MO 64145

Phone: Phone/Fax: (913)402-1369
E-mail: ahinthorn@kc.rr.com
Web site: http://www.womenalive.org/magazine.php

Contact: Aletha Hinthorn, editor
About

Format: Magazine covering Christian living.
Frequency: Bimonthly

"Women Alive encourages and equips women to live holy lives through teaching them to live out Scripture."

Freelance Facts

* 50% freelance written
* Established: 1984
* Circulation: 4,000

* Pays on publication.
* Publishes manuscript 6 months after acceptance.
* Byline given.

Rights purchased:

* First North American serial rights
* First rights
* One-time rights
* Second serial (reprint) rights
* Simultaneous rights

* Editorial lead time 4 months.
* Submit seasonal material 4 months in advance.

Accepts queries by: Mail & E-mail
* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Responds in 6 weeks to manuscripts.
* Sample copy for 9 X 12 envelope and 3 first-class stamps.
* Writer's guidelines for 9 X 12 envelope and 3 first-class stamps.

Nonfiction

Needs:
* Inspirational
* Opinion
* Personal Experience
* Religious
* Buys 30 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Send complete manuscript.
* Length: 500–1,500 words.

Photos

* State availability of photos with submission.

Wrting Op - Today's Christian Mag

TODAY'S CHRISTIAN
Christianity Today
Stories of Faith, Hope and God's Love
465 Gundersen Dr.
Carol Stream IL 60188

Phone: (630)260-6200
Fax: (630)480-2004
E-mail: tceditor@todays-christian.com
Web site: www.christianitytoday.com/todayschristian

Contact: Cynthia Thomas, editorial coordinator
About

Format: Magazine for adult evangelical Christian audience.
Frequency: Bimonthly

Tips: "Most of our articles are reprints or staff written. Freelance competition is keen, so tailor submissions to meet our needs by observing the following: Today's Christian audience is truly a general interest one, including men and women, urban professionals and rural homemakers, adults of every age and marital status, and Christians of every church affiliation. We seek to publish a magazine that people from the variety of ethnic groups in North America will find interesting and relevant."

Freelance Facts

* 25% freelance written
* Established: 1963
* Circulation: 125,000

* Pays on acceptance; on publication for humor pieces.
* Byline given.


* Editorial lead time 5 months.
* Submit seasonal material 8 months in advance.

Accepts queries by:

* Mail


* Accepts simultaneous submissions
* Responds in 1 month to queries.
* Sample copy for 5×8 envelope and 4 first-class stamps.
* Click here for manuscript guidelines

Nonfiction

Needs:

* Book excerpts
* General Interest
* Historical
* Humor
* Inspirational
* Interview/Profile
* Personal Experience
* Photo Feature
* Religious


* Buys 100-125 manuscripts/year.
* Submission method: Query with or without published clips or send complete manuscript.
* Length: 250–1,500 words.
* Pays $125-600 depending on length
* Pays the expenses of writers on assignment.

Reprint

* Accepts previously published submissions.
* Send tearsheet, photocopy or typed manuscript


Include:

* Rights for sale
* Information about when and where the material previously appeared


* Pays 35-50% of amount paid for an original article

Photos

* Send photos with submission.

Reviews:
* Transparencies
* prints

Photos Require:
* Identification of subjects
* Buys one-time rights
* Negotiates payment individually.

Columns & Departments

* Contact: Cynthia Thomas, editorial coordinator
* Columns open to freelancers: Humor Us (adult church humor, kids say and do funny things, and humorous wedding tales), 50-200 words.
* Pays $35.

Filler

Needs:

* Anecdotes
* short fillers
* Buys 10-20 fillers/year.
* Length: 100–250 words.
* Pays: $35.

September Meeting of the NJCWG

YES
The North Jersey Christian Writers Group (NJCWG) IS meeting this Saturday for our September meeting (despite Labor Day Weekend).

Our teaching session will continue with the "Secrets" offered by Janet Orr in her book, No More Rejections.

MEETING
Saturday
September 1, 2007
2:30-5:00
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Next Meeting

The North Jersey Christian Writers Group's next meeting is:

Saturday, August 4, 2007
2:30-5:00
Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456

See you then!

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author and Speaker
njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

OOPS

OOPS
I accidentally posted our meeting as Monday -- Please, Please, PLEASE note that it is on SATURDAY.
Louise
~~~~~~~~~~
Hope you are all having a great summer and enjoying a bit of "vacation" time.

The next meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group is
Saturday, July 7, 2007
2:30-3:30 Teaching Session
Lesson: Elements of a Hook - I know that some of you still struggle with developing a great opening line. I've created worksheets that will allow you to create eight different hooks for each story scenario.

3:30-4:30 Critique Session

4:30-5:00 Social Time

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

Next Meeting of the NJCWG

Hi Everyone
Hope you are all having a great summer and enjoying a bit of "vacation" time.

The next meeting of the North Jersey Christian Writers Group is
Monday, July 7, 2007
2:30-3:30 Teaching Session
Lesson: Elements of a Hook - I know that some of you still struggle with developing a great opening line. I've created worksheets that will allow you to create eight different hooks for each story scenario.

3:30-4:30 Critique Session

4:30-5:00 Social Time

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

NJCWG Quarterly Workshop

This Saturday, June 2, 2007 the North Jersey Christian Writers Group will host one of its quarterly "hands on" workshops. This is not something you want to miss!

I will have twenty four different photographs -- each presenting an unlimited number of stories. The first members to arrive at our workshop will get first choice of the photos. After choosing your photo you will be asked to create a story using a specific set of instructions. You will have 30-45 minutes to muse, outline and write. We'll break for refreshments (my treat), then come back to review what you wrote. After that, you will be given the choice to do a rewrite or to choose a second picture.

Questions? Drop me an email - njcwg.dumont@gmail.com

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Author & Speaker
NJCWG Facilitator

New Novel - Special Price

Joe Cellis, an excellent author and someone I've encouraged along his writing path, recently sent me an email asking that I post this message. Please do check out his work. You won't be sorry.

Louise

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greetings friends,

Since the debut of my first novel, The Healing Place, in April of 2001, many of you have been asking when will my next novel be published. That day has arrived. Murder at Whalehead is now available.

I am putting out a special lower-priced edition ($13.79) for family, friends, fans, and fundraisers before the novel is marketed nationwide. This summer I will be meeting with representatives from Outer Banks Press. If I work out a deal with them, the novel will be re-priced—probably around $18.95. Outer Banks Press will become the distributor along with the major online bookstores (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-a-Million, etc.).

For now, Murder at Whalehead is only available through www.lulu.com at this price.

Here is the link if you would like to get one: http://www.lulu.com/content/811654

Here are some quotes about the novel:

“An atmospheric and thoroughly engrossing mystery of people and place, MURDER AT WHALEHEAD will absorb the reader from its first tantalizing page to its last satisfying conclusion. It’s a true page-turner, filled with fully realized characters who understand both faith and doubt.” Michele Rubin, senior agent at Writers House (one of New York’s top literary agencies)

“Joe Ellis weaves engaging characters, suspense, and triumph of spirit together in a great read.” Nancy Haddock, novelist at Berkley Books.

“I’ve read 37 novels so far this year. MURDER AT WHALEHEAD is at the top of the list. I loved it.” Gretchen Snodgrass, English teacher and avid reader.

I am also making signed copies of Murder at Whalehead available for fundraising purposes. All you have to do is make a list of people in your organization, church, neighborhood, etc. who are interested in a signed copy of the novel. Let me know how many books you need. I’ll deliver the books to you. The suggested donation per book is $15. You keep $5 per book and send me the rest to cover my costs. Twenty books= $100 dollars for your cause. Email me at joecellis@comcast.net for more information or call me (Joe Ellis) at 1-740-633-0423.

Blessings,

Joe C. Ellis

Maui Writers Conference

For information about this year's Maui Writers Conference go to: http://www.mauiwriters.com/

The Publicity Hound

From the Publicity Hound, Joan Stewart
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you've written a book, or you're thinking of writing one, or you're an expert who wants to turn a head full of knowledge into a career, don't miss the opportunities that 99 percent of all authors and experts miss.

These mistakes will keep your book off the best-seller list and severely limit your ability to turn all that knowledge into multiple revenue streams.

Steve Harrison, who has worked with thousands of authors and experts over the years, is presenting a complimentary teleseminar on Thursday, May 3. He'll talk about 12 mistakes authors make, and the 22 super-lucrative income streams which most authors and experts overlook -- but are surprisingly easy to implement (and certainly MUCH easier to produce than writing another book).

Choose from two times slots: 2 p.m. Eastern (11:00 am Pacific) or at 7 p.m. Eastern (4 p.m. Pacific). Because I work with authors, too, I'll be on the afternoon call soaking it all in.

Want to join me, or listen during the evening? Register at http://snipurl.com/QuantumLeapCall3

P.S. Steve will NOT record the calls, so this is your only chance to listen.

--------------------------------
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound

Randy Ingermanson Msg

Randy Ingermanson

Take a moment to read this note from Randy Ingermanson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second-smartest thing I did in the last five years was to invent that pesky "Snowflake method" for designing and writing a novel. No doubt about it -- the Snowflake has helped me write better and faster, and that's been worth a lot of money to me.

Want to know what's the SMARTEST thing I did in the last five years? That's easy: Posting the Snowflake method on my web site for free.

I've just posted an entry on my Advanced Fiction Writing Blog to explain why:
http://www.AdvancedFictionWriting.com/blog

Hope to see ya there!

Randy Ingermanson, publisher of: The Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine
The Mad Genius Writer E-zine

Randy Ingermanson
President and CEO of Ingermanson Communications, Inc.
2210 W. Main St., Suite 107, Box 103
Battle Ground, WA 98604

The next meeting of the NJCWG is May 5, 2007

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood, NJ 07456
Time: 2:30-4:30 pm

AGENDA

2:30 - Lesson
This month will dig into some good pieces of writing to discover what exactly makes each piece worthy of publication. We will also work on writing in active voice.

ALSO
~ The sister of an aspiring writer, who recently passed away, has generously offered to our group her sister's numerous writing books. She will bring them to our meeting and anyone who is interested in the books may take them as their own.

~ The winners of our DeClutter Your Writing, DeClutter Your Life question and answer contest will receive their autographed copies of Too Much Stuff: De-cluttering Your Heart And Home by Kathryn Porter.

3:30 - Critiques

REMINDER - June 2, 2007
June brings our next Writing Workshop
Be on time (2:30) and bring writing implements, paper and the beverage of your choice.
I'll provide other refreshments.

Latest Column

Comfort Cafe just posted my latest column - Searching. To read the column go to: Comfort Cafe - Espresso for the Heart - Searching by Louise Bergmann DuMont.

NYC Course of a Life Time - Bargin Price

From Editor - Terry Whalin
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Louise,

It’s Terry Whalin here, writing with an exciting announcement ...

The organizers of BookExpo America 2007 have persuaded my friend Mark Victor Hansen (co-founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series) to teach a special seminar on the cutting-edge – and proven -- ways to sell books.

Mark is one of – if not THE – most knowledgeable people on what it takes to sell books these days. After all, he and his co-founder, Jack Canfield, have sold more than 100 million copies of Chicken Soup, a feat that’s earned them a spot in the “Guinness Book of World Records”!
That’s why I thought you’d want to know about this incredible (and affordable) opportunity to learn from the master.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Announcing Mega Book New York Get the Full Story Here: http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mega Book New York is a special 1-day “crash course” in book marketing. Just like Mark’s full-blown 3-day conference, Mega Book Marketing University, Mega Book New York features a world-class faculty of best-selling authors and leading book marketing strategists:

> > > MARK VICTOR HANSEN ... co-founder of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series and “The One-Minute Millionaire,” will reveal the formula he used to climb from bankruptcy to the helm of one of the publishing industry’s most successful empires.

> > > LARRY KIRSCHBAUM ... former Chairman and CEO of the Time-Warner Book Group and Publishers Weekly’s 2005 “Publishing's Person of the Year,” will explain how to find the right publisher ... and how to play an active role in getting your book marketed properly

> > > ALEX MANDOSSIAN ... world-famous Internet marketer and creator of the revolutionary Virtual Book Tour™, will show you how to sell thousands of books in a single day to a global audience ... without ever leaving home.

> > > BRENDON BURCHARD ... life coach, author and change expert, will spell out how to use nonprofit and corporate partnerships and promotions to build a platform, spread your message, pay for marketing expenses, and net free publicity.

> > > RICK FRISHMAN ... the most respected book publicity expert in America, will help you understand the exciting world of PR and media -- and show you how to get booked on top shows faster and easier than you ever thought possible.

> > > TOM ANTION ... a premier Internet marketer, will share little-known, but easy-to-use Internet and sales techniques to use email, blogging, blooking and websites to sell tens -- if not hundreds -- of thousands of dollars of books each month.

Read more about what you’ll learn from Mark’s world-class faculty here: http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832

> > > Live Q&A With Agents and Publishers < < <
> > > It’s Easy to Register < < <

Register online using Mark’s secure electronic registration form http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832
To your publishing success, Terry Whalin Attend Mega Book New York “The One-Day Crash Course in Cutting-Edge Book Marketing Strategies For Authors, Publishers and Agents” May 31, 2007

Reserve your seat now at http://www.markvictorhansen.com/cmd.php?Clk=1879832

Prayer Request #2

A former member of the NJCWG (Jeff Schicke) moved to Texas after he got married. Here is his prayer request.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To beloved family & friends,

As many of you know, we have been in the process of adopting a young girl (Sarah Joy) from China. We have had to put it off earlier because we had moved from New Jersey and had to get reestablished in Texas with housing and jobs. Well, we no sooner were able to restart the process than the Chinese government (no doubt with the devil's help) threw us for a loop. They have decided to change the minimum marriage length for couples who have a spouse who has been divorced at one time (Kim was, despite her desire to stay married to her husband) to 5 years. That means over 2 more years for us. We've already invested so much time and effort and money into this; now we'll have to start all over.

But we know God is in control, and He still has Sarah Joy in His heart. He also has not led us to give up on our dream for her. The adoption agency we're pursuing her through, America World, is asking as many people as possible to do an Esther fast April 23 (yes, I realize I'm getting this out late) through April 25. Just as Esther and the Jews prayed and fasted (successfully) for the deliverance of their people who were about to be slaughtered, so we ask you to pray and fast in whatever way God leads you for Sarah's deliverance (and for the deliverance of other Chinese babies, mostly girls, who would otherwise be destined for a life of obscurity, prostitution, and who knows what else).

Also, please get as many other people on board to join in this most important effort. The policy change is supposed to take place May 1. But it doesn't have to.

God bless you and thank you all.

In His powerful, redeeming, rescuing love,

Jeff & Kim Schicke

Prayer Request #1

Carmen Leal, Author of WriterSpeaker.Com

Prayer Request
Many of those in the NJCWG have heard me mention my writing colleague & friend, Carmen Leal. She is an amazing person who who lives passionately and leaves her mark on everyone she meets. A Hawiann native, she recently moved back to Hawaii. Her son is 23 and graduating from the University of Hawaii next month. He had a heart attack on Friday while she was out of town. Please pray for healing and for wise medical intervention.

National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day

A bit of information for all you chocolate lovers...

April 21 - National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day!!!

For more information about really cool national holidays, go to:
http://www.brownielocks.com/april.html

Too Much Stuff - Answer 6

Answer #6 - Too Much Clutter

From Sue

Question: My husband is a packrat. I would be glad to get rid of a LOT of stuff, but he and I end up fighting every time I want to get rid of something. How do I get him to see that this makes our life so much harder and that taking care of his stuff often keeps me from doing the one thing I really want to do – write?

Answer: When I first started de-cluttering, my husband was a little apprehensive about getting rid of items that belonged to him or items which we shared joint ownership. Sometimes it takes time for our spouses to join the de-cluttering bandwagon, but with a little prayer and patience, it can happen. Here are some ideas you might find helpful:

* Ask him to help you de-clutter your stuff (not his) by dropping off items at donation centers.
* Share with him the specific benefits (such as increased energy, reduced stress, improved memory, etc.) you have experienced by letting go of things.
* Explain to him how your job becomes easier without the clutter in the way.
* When he does part with items belonging to him, thank him and let him know you appreciate it.
* Let him catch you in the act of de-cluttering so that he will learn from your example.

Also, determine your part as an enabler. I know firsthand that it’s easy to think that we are not part of the problem. While we can’t change others, we can change ourselves. Here are some questions to help you consider your role in this issue:

* Are you taking care of items belonging to your husband that he should be responsible for?
* How do you contribute to your husband’s clutter by purchasing material gifts for him on his birthday, holidays, or other occasions?
* Do you encourage him to buy more stuff as the supportive wife (especially when things he likes are on sale)?
* Might he perceive that his belongings are being singled out as clutter when you still have a large amount of collections that you keep?
* How might the way you communicate your desire for him to de-clutter discourage him from letting go of stuff?

De-cluttering is contagious. As your husband experiences the benefits from you downsizing your own stuff, he will be more willing to part with a few of his things. It’s a process. Don’t expect him to move at your rate. Celebrate progress—even the baby steps. In the mean time, focus on you. Continue to de-clutter your belongings. Do the best you can with what you have. And enjoy the journey.

Too Much Stuff - Answer 5

Answer #5 - Too Much Clutter

From Louise

Question: I live in houseful of men. How can I get them to keep the bathroom reasonably clean?

Answer: Do you have more than one bathroom in the home? If so, consider designating one as the men’s bathroom. Let them know that they will be responsible for cleaning it. Provide them with supplies and even offer a quick cleaning lesson.

If allotting the males in your home their own bathroom isn’t an option, here’s some things you can do to make life easier for you:

* Keep wet wipes near the commode so individuals can wipe any splash that missed the target. Communicate your expectations of how and when to use the wet wipes. Place a trash basket nearby as well. Make it easy for them.
* If clothes are left on the floor, create a “home repo hamper.” Buy a hamper that looks different from the ones you use now. Toss any clothes they leave on the floor into the hamper. Don’t worry about sorting clothes because you are not going to wash them. Let the men take responsibility for their own things.
* Hire a housekeeper just for the bathroom. I once thought housekeepers were only for the rich, but there are people who work as housekeepers who charge reasonable fees. Pay the housekeeper out of the boys’ allowances and bill the men who are employed for their share.