Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Learning


People usually remember
* 10% of what they read;
* 20% of what they hear;
* 30% of what they see;
* 50% of what they see and hear;
* 70% of what they say; and
* 90% of what they say and do

Our spring workshop (held last Monday evening) took the time to reinforce good writing skills. Instead of simply reading about, listening to, or talking about good writing advice - we practiced what we learned. Putting our lessons to work (by reading, hearing, seeing, saying and doing) make remembering the lessons and implementing them easier.

OUR NEXT MEETING:
Monday, April 11, 2005

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

Indian Valley Christian Writers Fellowship



The Indian Valley Christian Writers Fellowship (a member of the fellowship of American Christian Writers) is hosting a One-Day Conference.

May 21, 2005
Sharpening The Word
1-Day Conference
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Includes Boxed Lunch

Harleysville Activity Center
312 Alumni Avenue
Harlesville, PA 19438
Cost $40.00
10% Discount for
Teens (ages 12-18)
& early registrants (postmarked before 3/21/05)

Main Speaker: Joan Esherick
Esherick is the author of twenty non-fiction books, a part-time freelance writer, and the Chief Writer for Lighthouse Network, a non-profit organization specializing in a biblical approach to mental heath, substance abuse,and life skills issues.
http://www.joanesherick.com/pages/481402/index.htm

Workshop One: Sharpening Your Foucs (Esherick)

Workshop Two: Sharpening Your Image (Esherick)

Workshop Three (Break Out Session):
Sharpening Your Manuscript (Esherick)
Sharpening Your Writing Life (Gardocki)
Sharpening Your Writing Skills (Schirmer)
Workshop Four: Sharpening Your Endurance (Esherick)

Louise DuMont (word.worker@verizon.net) has a few registration forms.

For more information you can contact P. Gardocki
Email: pgardock@usadatanet.net
Phone: 215-453-0415 or 610-222-9363

Monday, March 28, 2005

One More Inspiring Poet!


Notice: One more inspiring poet, Nancy Baker, has been added to the roster at the Reading of Contemporary Christian Inspirational Poetry to be held at Christian Publications Bookstore, 620 Route 23 North, Pompton Plains, NJ, Saturday, May 21, 2005, 1-3 p.m.
Mark your calendar!

NJCWG WORKSHOP - TONIGHT



MARCH 28, 2005 (tonight)
Please try to arrive at 6:15
WE WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY at 6:30

Ringwood Baptist Church
30 Carletondale Road
Ringwood NJ 07456

BRING: Writing Utensils (pens, pencils), sufficient paper for a number of re-writes (notebook, pads) and most important of all, bring a willingness to work.

This workshop, if offered to the public, would cost anywhere from $60 to $150. At our NJCWG meeting it will cost you NOTHING. Take advantage of this opportunity!

If you have questions, please drop me an email at word.worker@verizon.net

Hope to see you this evening.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
word.worker@verizon.net
*GRACE BY THE CUP: A BREAK FROM THE DAILY GRIND*, (Revell) October, 2003
*FAITH-DIPPED CHOCOLATE: RICH ENCOURAGEMENT TO SWEETEN YOUR DAY*, (Revell) January, 2005
Coming Soon -
*LISTEN FOR THE WHISPER* Fourteen women hear the whisper of God. Seven respond with virtue - seven resort to vice.

Conference / Poetry Competition



JUNIPER CREEK PUBLISHING INC. ANNOUNCES ITS 2005 JUNIPER CREEK WRITERS CONFERENCE, July 15-17 in beautiful Carson City NV (Reno/Tahoe area). Also, the Juniper Creek/Unnamed Writers National Poetry and Short Story Competition.

Featured speakers include Poetry Magazine editor, Christian Wiman; award-winning author/poets Gayle Brandeis and Bill Cowee; award-winning young adult novelist Ellen Hopkins; children’s book authors Suzanne Williams and Susan Hart Lindquist; songwriter/poet Richard Elloyan; editors Renee Sedliar (HarperCollins), Mark MacVeigh (Dutton Children’s Books) and Christopher Bernard (Caveat Lector); Hollywood script agent Howard Meibach; literary agent Elise Proulx; writing professors Marilee Swirczek and Michael Seltzer; publicist Elizabeth Kemper. Plus, a panel of literary magazine editors including Sam Pierstorff (Quercus Review), Rich Logsden (Red Rock Review), Joyce Jenkins (Poetry Flash), Ho Lin (Caveat Lector), Monika Rose (Manzanita) and June Sylvestor Saraceno (Sierra Nevada College Review).

This fun, informative, affordable three-day event will take place at Western Nevada Community College in Carson City. Workshops are offered for all levels of writers of poetry, song, fiction, nonfiction, screenplay and children’s literature. In addition to Saturday and Sunday workshops, enjoy a Friday evening keynote (Chris Wiman), poetry reading, ice cream social and wine tasting; and Saturday literary editors’ roundtable; book sale and author signing; Western style barbecue and performance by Richard Elloyan. There are also optional manuscript critiques, website design reviews and script pitches.

This year, in conjunction with the conference, Juniper Creek and Unnamed Writers announce their National Poetry and Short Story Competition. Prizes in each category: First, $500 plus publication; Second, $250 plus publication; Third, free Juniper Creek Writers Conference for 2005 or 2006, plus possible publication. Christian Wiman (Poetry Magazine) will serve as poetry judge. Short stories will be judged by Gayle Brandeis, Rich Logsden and June Sylvestor. Writers do not have to register for the conference to enter the contest! Submission guidelines on our website.

Special room rates are available and Tahoe is only a half-hour away, so bring a friend and make it your summer vacation! Register by June 15 for a $25 discount off the $175 registration fee. Register by May 1 for a chance to win great prizes, including signed copies of books by our speakers and a 2006 Juniper Creek Writers Conference! Details: www.junipercreekpubs.com/events or call 775 849-1637 or e-mail ellenhopkins@charter.net for more information.

How to Present Your Best Work


How to Achieve Your Best Work
Presented by Louise Bergmann DuMont At the NJCWG Meeting – 2/14/05

1. First and Fired-up – Your first words need to create the maximum impact. Jump into the action and leave the explanation for later. Start where the story is most interesting.

2. Powerful Authors Write Powerful Prose – Leave the passive voice to the timid (and the unpublished) authors. Use direct speech. Write in active voice.

3. Write Regularly – If you want to be a published author, you must practice your craft. Don’t think about writing. Don’t dream about writing. WRITE.

4. Scary Stuff – Figure out what stops you from writing and remove those obstacles. No worthy goal is without a challenge.

5. Know the Rules of Writing – Grammar and spelling are not optional skills You don’t have permission to break the rules until you use them effectively.

6. Long Range Plan – Accept the fact that no matter what your degree, no matter how much you want to be a writer, you must learn the game before the pros will let you play.

7. Industry Standards – Writing is the easy part, understanding the industry that will allow you publish your writing is a whole other matter. To play this game you need to know the rules, gather your gear, use your writing tools effectively, and practice, practice, practice. Only then will big boys let you play.

8. Visual Sells – SHOW, don’t TELL your story. We live in a movie hungry society. Your writing needs to reel itself out; one frame at a time, image after image.

9. Conflict Makes the Story ‘Pop’ – Everything is built on conflict. Life is a study in conflict. Your manuscript may involve internal conflict or the conflict may be produced externally – but there should always be conflict.

10. Tags – use the invisible tag “said” whenever possible.

11. Mix It Up – Use both narrative and dialog as is appropriate.

12. Narrative – Strong nouns and active verbs are the key to good narrative.

13. Dialog – Listen to people talk and write real conversation. Condense the dialog where necessary but make sure it flows naturally. Read it out loud to see if you stumble over words or phrases.

14. The Rule of Three – The triangle provides the simplest and one of the strongest structures in nature, and in writing

15. Outline – always, Always, ALWAYS outline before you start writing. Your outline can be as simple as three sentences that produce the opening, the body and the closing – but you must have some knowledge of the structure of your piece before you begin writing. Once you know where you are going, you have a better chance of achieving your goal. The five minutes you take to sort out your story will save you an hour’s worth of rewrites.

16. Ebb and Flow – Stories and articles must rise and fall like the tide. Start with the hook, back-up with some explanation, build toward a climax, let the pace fall back slightly, and then place another hook to get the reader to turn the page or continue to the next chapter.

17. Everything must have a purpose – Don’t throw a clue into a mystery if you aren’t going to have the detective follow up on it. Don’t add characters that are not important. Don’t allow the plot to take rabbit trails that lead nowhere. If it has no purpose – toss it.

18. Don’t feed the reader – Forced dialog that is used simply to convey information, is bad writing.

19. POV (Point of View) – pick your point of view before you start writing. Stick with it throughout the piece. Head popping (moving from one POV to another) gives the reader a headache.

20. Reality Isn’t Just for TV – Make sure your characters ring true. Would your heroine REALLY do or say what you’ve asked her to?

21. Negatives – Don’t overuse negative statements or words.

22. Questions – When you ask a question; be sure to answer it. Rhetorical questions only work on occasion. Use questions sparingly.

23. Antagonist / Protagonist – No one is all good or all bad. To create believable characters, allow your protagonist some bad habits and give your antagonist some redeeming qualities.

24. Know Your Character / Your Setting / Your Story – Don’t try to write a story about things you don’t know (unless you are willing to do a LOT of research). It will only make you look foolish. Stick with what you know until you get a better handle on what you don’t know.

25. Avoid Commentary – Give your reader credit for being an intelligent human being. Avoid explaining everything and telling the reader what they should think, feel, do and believe. Lay out a good story and allow your reader to draw their own conclusions.

26. Entertain – Even individuals who read nonfiction want to be entertained to some extent. You can make your nonfiction interesting by quoting authorities and using descriptive narrative.

27. Repetition – Do not repeat the same word (or similar sounding words) in connecting sentences and be sure to vary the length of your sentences. Use ‘he’, ‘the boy’ and ‘Charlie' instead of constantly referring to your character by name. Buy a thesaurus and expand your vocabulary. Use language exercises to teach yourself how to say the same thing in a dozen different ways.

28. Audience – Know your audience. It is always about the reader.

29. Facts Factor – When you can’t offer facts or answers – offer hope. Never simply ask questions or contemplate problems. Never offer a list of facts. The author must offer something to the reader that they can’t get on their own.

30. First and the Last – Never believe that your first draft is your last.

31. Critics vs Critiques – There is a difference between a critic and a critique. A good critique will encourage you and make your writing better. A critic will simply tell you that you are no good, and leave you without hope. Accept what critiques say, do not accept the critics.

32. Rejection’s Lessons – Learn from rejection. Reread the guidelines. Did you follow them to the letter? Were you pitching to the right audience? Was your piece tight? Was it carefully edited? If so, remember that a “rejection” may only mean, “not now.”

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Writing Contests



Here are a few the writing contests you can enter this spring.

2005 Pilgrimage Writing Award seeks true stories of hope in the midst of challenging times.
Cash prize
2,500 words max
$15 reading/entry fee
Deadline: July 1
For guidelines, go to:
http://pilgrimagepress.org/award.html


Middle English Literary Group of Tennessee seeks novellas for their annual contest.
40,000 words max
Cash prizes
$35 entry fee
Deadline: October 31
For guidelines, go to:
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Emiddleenglish/id1.html

FLASH US IN YOUR BRIEFS!
www.LongStoryShort.us
Do you have an excellent story anguishing in your files begging to be noticed? Dust it off, smooth its wrinkles, give it a final tweak and send it to Long Story Short -it might be worth a chunk of change! The topic? We'll leave that to you, creative soul that you are. Fiction, non-fiction, funny, sad, romantic--we'll read them all. Brevity is a virtue, and we intend to reward the best of the briefs with $50! Make it your best! Knock our shorts off. The deadline is April 25, and getting closer every day. Don't miss out, don't be the only one in your neighborhood not to enter. Get that story in the e-mail today! You'd be amazed at the relatively small number of entries most contests receive-- yours just might win! Follow the submission guidelines on our web site http://www.LongStoryShort.us and you could find your name and story published for all to see and revere. We'll also publish your bio and an interview with you. You'll be famous! Now who wouldn't want that?

The MFA Program in Creative Writing at California State University, Fresno, announces the 2005 Philip Levine Prize in Poetry. Winner receives $1500 prize and publication by Anhinga Press. Philip Levine will be the final judge.
Entry fee is $25.00
Deadline: September 15, 2005
For details go to
www.csufresno.edu/crwr for details,
or email
levineprize@listserv.csufresno.edu .

Writing Op - Power of the Pen



Forwarded from Terri Pilcher

PowerPen Marketing
www.powerpenmarketing.com


I am looking for personal essays of 800-1500 words for use on a website and in an upcoming self-published anthology. Payment is $20 for one-time rights, which covers use both on the website and/or ezine and in the anthology. Writers accepted for publication will also receive one free copy of the book and will be able to buy unlimited copies at 50% off the cover price. You may choose to remain anonymous (as long as I know who to send the check to).

I am looking for heartwarming first-person stories that show the power of God to overcome "impossible" circumstances in the defense of life. They may be heartwrenching, but must end with a positive tone. They may also be humorous, sweet, or miraculous.

Stories may fall in the following categories:

1. Mothers who almost aborted their children, and how God helped them to survive the "impossible" situation. For example, one woman almost aborted her second child, because she didn't think there was any way she could raise a second child alone and without any support. Instead kept her son and named him Phoenix, because God used him to save her life.

2. Mothers who did abort their children, and how God healed them from the pain and led them to grace.

3. Children who were almost aborted, and the difference they've made in the lives of others. For example, a seventh son was almost aborted by his Christian mother, because there was no money to support another child. She changed her mind, and he recently graduated medical school with an MD/PhD.

4. Fathers who chose to raise the children their girlfriends wanted to abort.

5. Other personal stories about the importance of unborn children.

Please submit stories to chooselife@powerpenmarketing.com

Thank you for passing this on,
Terri Pilcher

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Contemporary Christian Poetry


You're Invited
to a Reading of
Contemporary Christian Inspirational Poetry

Saturday, May 21, 2005
1 to 3 pm

Christian Publications Bookstore
620 Route 23 North, Pompton Plains, NJ

Participating Poets:

Maude Carolan
Gloria Healey
Barbara Williams Hubbard
Ann Lefevre
Elizabeth Marchitti
Valerie Schermerhorn
Nancy Stoppelkamp

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Writing Op - The Heart of a Father Vol 2


The Heart of the Father, Volume 2

Wayne Holmes is looking for submissions for his newest book project for Bethany House Publishers. They must be true stories about earthly fathers who’ve done something that reflects the image of the heavenly father. Stories should be 500 to 2000 words in length.

Subjects for each chapter might include the following: Wisdom, Love, Discipline, Teaching, Forgiveness, Perspective, Provision, Comfort, and Fellowship

He will accept stories from March 1 until May 31. You may send E-mail submissions to wwriter@fuse.net (no hard copies). Word documents are preferred (attachments), but he will also accept WordPerfect files. You may also paste your story into the body of an e-mail.

Wayne Holmes: www.WayneHolmes.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Quotes to Inspire a Writer



“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
~ Albert Einstein

"In many ways, editing yourself is the most important part of being a novelist. ... For every page in a published novel, I wrote 10 that ended up in the trash."
~ Dan Brown from www.danbrown.com (29 million copies of Da Vinci Code in print worldwide; more than 1 million of The Da Vinci Code: Special Illustrated Edition in USA)

"The best advice I ever got was to write at least one page a day. Until you write a page, nothing is going to happen."
~ John Grisham (More than 100 million of his 18 books in print in 26 countries worldwide, in 23 languages)

"What I like in a good author is not what he says but what he whispers."
~ Logan Pearsall Smith

"There are a thousand thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up a pen to write."
~ William Makepeace Thackeray

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Author Maya Angelou to Speak


This press release was passed on to me by Chris Sagona.
-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-,-

Author Maya Angelou to speak at Bergen Community College

On Tuesday, April 19 at noon, author Maya Angelou will speak as part of the World Week celebration at Bergen Community College. The college is located at 400 Paramus Rd., Paramus.

As a poet, educator, historian, author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, Angelou speak of matters of race and class throughout her books of poetry and her autobiographies. Angelou has authored 12 books including "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and her most recent release, "A Song Flung Up to Heaven." The event is a lecture and will not include a question and answer session, nor will the author be available for book signing.

For further information call the office of student life at (201) 447-7215 or
visit the Web site www.bergen.edu

Writing Opp - MacroMoments


From: Bonnie Bruno, member of FCW

I've always felt that writing, photography, and life in general is best expressed through a macro lens. Often it's the seemingly "little" events that bring about significant change. Such events point to an extraordinary God who delights in using the ordinary to shape and enrich our lives.

I'm looking for personal stories--"Aha!" moments that made a
difference, for a new series: MacroMoments: Ordinary Events that Shape Our Days

The series will consist of 6-10 books, including:
MacroMoments for Moms
MacroMoments for Dads
MacroMoments for Grandparents
MacroMoments for Sons
MacroMoments for Daughters
MacroMoments for Teachers
MacroMoments for Students

Examples of the types of stories I'm looking for:
--a moment when you supported someone with your silence
--a moment when God clearly answered a desire of your heart
--a moment when you found a friend in the least-likely place
--a moment when you learned something profound from a child
--a moment when you conquered a long-standing fear
--a moment when you allowed yourself to start over
--a moment when you viewed an everyday task in a new light
--a moment when you set aside pride and accepted help
--a moment when you spoke up and made a difference

For details, including a complete list of series titles, please email me privately. Please type MACROMOMENTS in your subject line.

Thanks,everybody. I'll look forward to hearing from you!

Bonnie Bruno
mailto:bonnie@b...
http://www.bonniebruno.com

DM Writes - Monthly E-Zine for Writers


Subscribe to DM Writes for a monthly e-zine full of writing markets, writing jobs, writing advice, never-before-seen articles and no-cost essay contests. Subscribe now and receive "Query Letters and Published Samples" absolutely free! Send a blank email to DMwrites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or visit the thedabblingmum.com/joinezine.htm for more information.

Monday, March 14, 2005

March 14 Meeting


MARCH 14, 2005
Meeting TONIGHT
6:15-7:00 Chat Time
7:00-8:00 Teaching (You Don't Want to Miss This!)
8:00-9:00 Critiques

You will have to enter the white double doors (as usual) and go UPSTAIRS (NOT as usual) to get to our meeting room tonight. A sign will be on the door.

I will have the NEW 2005 Market Guides with me. If haven't paid me and you want a copy, bring $20.00.

I will also have free copies of Writing Magazines.

ALSO, this is the review and prep night for our Workshop (March 28).

Note, I will come to the meeting right from work. If you need to get in touch with me, call my cell.

I'm really looking forward to our meeting tonight!

God Bless

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Cell 551-427-3794

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Online Writing Groups


There are numerous online writers' groups. They provide the latest industry information, networking opportunities, fellowship with writers at all levels, otherwise unlisted writing opportunities, inspiration and of course encouragement.

Below are a few of the lists I belong to, along with information about how you can join.

Fellowship of Christian Writers - FCW
600 plus members
To join, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/groups.com or send an email to FCW-subscribe@yahoo.com
This list is moderated
You must fill out a questionnaire and be approved for this list
Weekly topics, daily interaction, markets, encouragement, tips, definitions, prayer, contests and more. Archived information can be easily accessed through yahoo groups.
Has online critique groups for fiction, nonfiction, children's lit and poetry which you can join after being approved for FCW

Christian Writers' Group - CWG
400 plus members
Website: http://chrstianwritersgroup.org
Discussion group and organization for published or aspiring writers.
Writing ideas, tips, conference/seminar information, encouragement, support, prayer. This is not a critique group. CWG does include editors, publishers and numerous well know authors. An excellent group for someone just getting started. Archived information can be easily accessed.
To join, send a blank email to: CWG-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Kingdom Writers
120 plus members
An email critique group. Not a discussion group.
To join, send a blank email to kingdomwriters-subscribe@egroups.com
Website: www.angelfire.com/ks/kingwrit/index.html

Wordsmith Shoppe - WWS
500 plus members
Website: http://wordsmithshoppe.com
Christian writers group that offers a weekly email newsletter, conference listings, contests and other writing opportunities.
Twice-weekly chat meets on Tue at 10:00 pm EST and Thur 2:00 pm EST
To view past issues of the newsletter, go to, http://wssnewslonline.com/file_archives.htm

TheWritersView
450 plus members
Website: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheWritersView
Qualified membership only.
A network of authors, editors, agents freelance writers journalists, publicists, and publishers. Offers focused panel discussions with 13 CBA professionals for intermediate, advanced and professional writers. Not for unpublished or "new" writers. Most discussions center on more advanced industry and author topics.

If you are interested in one of these groups but you'd like to know more before joining, drop me an email.

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Friday, March 11, 2005

Writer's Digest


Below are some of the articles featured in the latest issue of Writer's Digest. If you are serious about writing you should be honing your craft every day. This obviously means you should be writing. It also means you should be reading. Magazines like Writer's Digest and The Writer, books like Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction by Jon Franklin, Writer's Book of Wisdom by Steven Goldsberry, Getting Into Character by Brandilyn Collins and many more, should all be on your book shelf. If you don't know where to find GOOD writing books, ask me.

WRITING BETTER
*Staying on top of your story's details - how to make your article factually
bulletproof
*Writing Clinic - helping your children's story hero overcome obstacles within
himself instead of getting help from others
*Niches - Writing a Column

GETTING PUBLISHED
*A list of 21 Agents who are looking for new authors
*Fiction genres explained
*One of easiest marketing tools around

INTERVIEW
*An interview with Augusten Burroughs, who exposes his writing 'secrets'

WORK SMARTER
*How to find the right writers conference for you
*When and how to promote your work
*Submitting on Spec

Louise Bergmann DuMont

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

Behind the Scenes at a Pub Board Meeting



Posted with Permission - From Steve Laube, Literary Agent

Before becoming an agent I worked 11 years as an acquisitions editor and later as an editorial director for Bethany House Publishers. Most publishers have two physical "board" meetings to help make the decision whether or not to publish a book. This varies from publisher to publisher and each company names their board meeting differently. Thus many authors get confused when hearing different labels. Some rejections state that "the book did not get past the committee". This can mean a lot of things. It could even mean it didn't get past stage one below. So take a comment like that with a grain of salt, or at least get clarification if you wish to know how far your book actually went in the process.

Let's looks at the stages in the process:

The first stage is with the editor, one-on-one. This person must decide which book projects they want to sponsor to their colleagues. Most rejections happen at this desk. For some reason it didn't click. Rarely does anyone else in the company see the material rejected at this stage. Some junior editors may show it to a senior editor, but not in a formal presentation meeting.

The second stage is the editorial "board". This is where the editors gather together and pitch their discoveries to the other editors. The editors create consensus for the project and occasionally brainstorm a different direction for the project. If you get approval at this stage many editors will call the agent or author and tell them of the good news. But this is only a mid-level step.

The third stage is the pub board meeting. This is the biggie. Again, each company does it differently, so see this description as a generalization. In this meeting are the company executives, president's, vice-presidents, and is usually populated by sales and marketing folks in addition to editorial. I've heard of these meetings having as many as 20 people in attendance. Likely it is closer to 10 at the most.

Most editors have worked very hard prior to this meeting. They have put together pro-formas that show the projected sales and profitability of the project. Likely they have already gone to the sales department and received a sales projection. Some go as far as gather printing bids for the project prior to the meeting. Each member of the committee receives the proforma and a copy of the book proposal (can't emphasize enough the power of a top notch proposal!!!). The executives receive this info before the meeting but not all are able to read it prior to the actual meeting.


It is in this meeting that every objection possible is thrown at the book. They come up with reasons why this idea is a failure and why it should never be published. It can be brutal. The editor is the advocate and defends the book against objections. If it survives this gauntlet it will likely survive the general marketplace. In my time at Bethany House each project took a minimum of 15 minutes to present and receive rejection or approval. But some discussions lasted an hour.

There were some I went into the meeting expecting a slam dunk and got rejected. Other times I thought I'd get shot down but ended up with approval. An editor considers it a good day when 80% of what they present in the pub board meeting gets approved.

Reasons for approval can be everything from pure economics to personal agendas by an executive. If that executive loves the topic they can push the rest of the meeting toward approval. If everyone is tired and cranky then the meeting is rather doomed for publishing success. This is a VERY subjective business and nowhere is that more apparent than in the pub board meeting.

Now the editor has company approval of the book. Some publishers authorize the contractual parameters in that meeting. Others have to have a separate meeting with the finance folks. But now is usually when the editor calls the agent or author with the good news. Negotiations begin on the contract and you are on your way.

Hope that was somewhat helpful!

Steve
The Steve Laube Agency
5501 N. 7th Ave., # 502
Phoenix, AZ 85013
(office) 602-336-8910
(fax) 602-532-7123

Advanced Fiction Writing Ezine by Randy Ingermanson



To sign up for Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writing Ezine go to:

http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/index.html

It is EXCELLENT!

Mom’s Choice Children’s Book Awards



The Just For Mom Foundation has announced their Annual 2005 Mom’s Choice Children’s Book Awards with the winners to be announced at Book Expo America in NY in June.

There will be multiple award categories. Published books, not yet published books, self-published books, and books written by international authors are all eligible to receive awards. Separate awards will be given for picture books and chapter books. A special International Award will be given to the non-US based author who’s work best supports global peace and love.


"Our main goal in supporting this contest is to bring new authors with positive messages to the world and to the real buyers of children‚s works which are moms," said Tara Paterson, a successful business-mom, and mother of two boys ages 7 and 3. Ms. Paterson is President and Founder of the Just For Mom Foundation, a not-for-profit work that is committed to assisting mothers around the world. Ms. Paterson has been seen on CBS' 48 Hours, the Today Show, the Early Show, and has been written about in the Washington Post.

Entries will be judged by writers, editors, and children industry professionals with extensive backgrounds in writing, teaching, and caring for children.

Submissions for not yet published works are accepted for pre-K through High School in all genres including fiction and non-fiction. Submissions for published books to receive the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award will be for all works that are for children, pre-K through high school as well as any parenting materials or books that will make a positive impact on children and their mothers’ lives. Submissions will be accepted from March 1st until May 1st. Submissions are accepted both electronically and by mail.

For more information go to: http://www.momschoiceawards.org/

Louise Bergmann DuMont