Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Writing Op - The Subway Chronicles



The Subway Chronicles
DEADLINE: 25th of each month
PUBLICATION: Monthly
REQUIREMENTS: We are seeking creative nonfiction essays ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 words, centering on experiences on the New York subway system. We are looking for literary work that emphasizes craft and precision, dynamic characters, and strong plot. Simultaneous submissions accepted, if notified. Include brief cover letter of how to contact you, and include word count.
FEES: None
WEB: http://www.thesubwaychronicles.com/

Writing Op - Adoptive Family



GUIDELINES

Adoptive Families is the leading information resource for families before, during, and after adoption. The award-winning national bimonthly magazine provides independent, authoritative adoption information in an accessible and reader-friendly format.

Each issue of Adoptive Families is built around stories of adoption written by people who read the magazine closely and regularly. This active community of readers also offers thoughtful, deeply felt responses to the pieces we publish.

We want to hear your stories. We encourage you to share your insights and experiences with other adoptive families. And we're always looking for great writing.

Core topics covered in every issue:
Preparing for adoption; health issues; school and education; family, friends, and community; birthfamilies; talking about adoption; parenting tips and guidelines

DEPARTEMENTS

The Waiting Game: A special section for pre-adopters. Parenting the Child Who Waited: Raising children who have lived without a permanent family
About Birthparents: Stories about, and sometimes by, birthfamilies
Been There: Adults speak honestly about their experiences of growing up adopted
Adoption & School: Advice from teachers, parents, and experts on education-related issues
In My Opinion: An editorial on a controversial subject
At Home: A personal essay
Single Parent: Single parents share their experiences
Living with Diversity: For and by families who’ve adopted transracially or from other cultures
Parent Exchange: Readers share information with the Adoptive Families community
Letters: Responses from readers to past articles and other readers' letters
Lois Melina's Adopted Child: A regular column by the nation's leading expert on parenting adopted children
Growing Up Adopted: Age-specific developmental information from experts, including adoption pediatricians, members of the American Academy of Pediatrics
Legal Q&A: Leading adoption attorneys answer readers' questions
Calendar of Events: Parents support group events around the country
Book Reviews: Reviews by knowledgeable reviewers
Adoption New and Notes: Legislative and policy updates, with occasional "News Focus" articles elaborating on a particular item or issue in the news
Bulletin Board: Resources for Adoptive Families

(Departments listed above from "The Waiting Game" down through "Letters" are ones for which we typically accept submissions.)

HOW TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE OR ESSAY

Personal essays: Before sending us your personal essay, we recommend that you take a look at the suggestions below, under "What We're Looking For."

Reported articles on adoption-related topics: In the case of reported articles on adoption-related topics, we prefer that you send a query letter (via e-mail or regular mail) before sending in your article. Again, take a look at recent issues of the magazine; we're less likely to publish a piece on a topic we’ve recently covered.

Query letters should include:
• A brief description or outline of your idea
• Why you think it belongs in our magazine
• Why you should be the one to write it
• If possible, a sense of where in the magazine you believe your story might fit, whether as a feature or in a particular department; see list of departments above
• Any recent clips you may have

How to send them:
• We prefer to receive submissions via e-mail, as attachments. But we accept submissions via US mail, as well.
• You may also wish to send family photographs with your story, particularly in the case of personal essays. We prefer scanned photos e-mailed as attachments. We can also use prints sent by mail, but we cannot guarantee that unsolicited photographs will be returned.

When you'll hear from us, payment, etc.:
• It generally takes us 6-8 weeks to respond to a submission.
• Writers of personal essays we publish will receive a one-year subscription to the magazine. Payment for reported articles varies. We're a small magazine; our pay rates are scaled accordingly.
• We consider all submissions on a speculative basis. We cannot guarantee that a proposed article, even one that we've expressed interest in, will be published.
• We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited material or guarantee its return.
• You should submit a brief, two- or three-sentence biographical note at the end of each submission.

Send queries and submissions to:
Susan Caughman, Adoptive Families, letters@adoptivefamilies.com
or
39 W. 37th St.
15th Floor
New York, NY 10018

THING THAT WILL HELP YOU GET PUBLISHED IN ADOPTIVE FAMILY

• Know the magazine. Look through past issues. Get a sense of our general tone. Familiarize yourself with the topics we generally cover. Consider which of our departments your story might best fit.
• Have a clear sense of your central theme. (E.g., "How I included extended family in our adoption process," "Traditions and rituals bind families together," "Networking can help to make the waiting period less agonizing.") Think about what makes your story unique—or what useful information families in similar situations might gain from it.
• Keep it active. Describe not only what happened to you, but how you chose to deal with it.
• Focus on choices made and strategies used to deal with a particular situation. (E.g., "We realized our parents weren't ready to be supportive, and we didn't have the energy to deal with their criticism on every single point, so we offered them only general information as we progressed through the adoption process;" "When my daughter started being questioned by her classmates about her adoption, I offered her teacher tips on how to inform the class about adoption in general without invading any individual student's privacy.") Keep it active. Describe not only what happened to you, but how you chose to deal with it.
• Be specific. The more specific the details you provide, the more useful—and engaging—your story will be for other adoptive families. And bear in mind, even the most "ordinary" of experiences—the ones many people share—can be extraordinarily inspiring to read about. Other readers can learn from your experiences—even from your mistakes. We do receive many, many "How I Adopted" stories. But each of these can offer something unique if it maintains a strong focus on a central theme.

Typical subjects and themes:
For a quick glimpse of themes and subjects other Adoptive Families writers have explored, read the "decks" (the lines that appear between the title and the beginning of the story) in articles from past issues.

Areas we are currently looking to cover:
• Middle-school and teen years
• Relatives and community
• Adoptive parent support groups
• School
• Foster adoption
• Transracial adoption
• Domestic adoption
• Adoptive parents of color

What we're NOT looking for:
We are not accepting submissions of poetry or fiction at this time.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Writing Op - Good Old Days Mag


Name of Magazine: Good Old Days
Publisher: House Of White Birches
Frequency: monthly
Does NOT Accept Email Submissions
Website URL: http://www.goodolddaysonline.com
Description: A look into the past through photos, drawings, cartoons, comics, memories, features, songs, poems, letters, first-person narratives, and recipes.
Editor(s): Ken Tate
Email: Editor@GoodOldDaysOnline.com
Guidelines URL: http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/magazineinfo.html
Address: Good Old Days
306 East Parr Road
Berne, IN 46711

Writing Op - Paying Mkt for Poetry - Blue Mountain Arts



Blue Mountain Arts is interested in reviewing writings that would be appropriate for publication on our greeting cards. We are looking for highly original and creative submissions on love, friendship, family, philosophies, and any other topic that one person might want to share with another.

Please note that we do not accept rhyming poetry.

To submit your work or to request a copy of our writer's guidelines, please email us at editorial@sps.com
or
write to us at:
Blue Mountain Arts, Inc.
Editorial Department
Post Office Box 1007
Boulder, CO 80306

Publisher: SPS Studios, Inc.
Accepts Email Submissions: Yes
Website URL: http://www.sps.com
Description: Publisher of original, sensitive poetry and prose on love, friendship, family and philosophies for use in greetings cards and books.
Email: editorial@spsstudios.com

Thursday, June 30, 2005

Writing Op - Children's Market


From the editor of The Kids' Ark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Kids' Ark is a 24-page, 4-color, monthly Christian magazine for children ages 6-12. Each issue is based on a theme (ie: Love, Faith, Obedience, etc.) The magazine offers games, puzzles, comics and Christian fiction stories.

Three fiction stories are used in each issue. Average story length is 600 words and should be written for the 6-8 year old reading level.

Each accepted story pays $100 for First Time North American rights with rights to reprint at a later date. $25 will be paid per story for reprints. Stories should be engaging and applicable to the monthly theme.

Currently, the Ark is accepting story submissions focused on victory.
The deadline for stories is July 22.
Stories should be submitted as e-mail attachments to writingwonder78@yahoo.com.


The Kids’ Ark Purpose: Our whole purpose is to enlighten children with the love and power of God through Jesus. We believe that God wants the best for His children and that through a faith and knowledge of Him, they can have a happy and prosperous life. We also feel that only through Christ can children withstand the temptations and trials that they are being exposed to in these times.

God bless,
Joy Mygrants
Senior Editor
The Kids’ Ark

Cafe Mocha "Light"



My new blog is up and running. Check it out.
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com

--

Louise Bergmann DuMont
www.cafemochalight.blogspot.com
www.louisedumont.com
Jehovah-Meqaddeshkem
(The Lord Makes Me Holy)
Author, Speaker & Writing Mentor
Recent Releases: Grace By The Cup & Faith-Dipped Chocolate

Writing Op - New Jersey Monthly



The Magazine of the Garden State
New Jersey Monthly, LLC
55 Park Place
P.O. Box 920
Morristown, NJ 07963-0920

Contact: Christopher Hann, senior editor

Phone: (973)539-8230
Fax: (973)538-2953
E-Mail: editor@njmonthly.com
Website: http://www.njmonthly.com/

Magazine covering "just about anything to do with New Jersey, from news, politics, and sports to decorating trends and lifestyle issues. Our readership is well-educated, affluent, and on average our readers have lived in New Jersey 20 years or more.

EDITOR'S TIP: "The best approach: Do your homework! Read the past year's issues to get an understanding of our well-written, well-researched articles that tell a tale from a well-established point of view."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This magazine continues to look for strong investigative reporters with novelistic style and solid knowledge of New Jersey issues.

75-80% freelance writtenEstablished: 1976Circulation: 95,000
Pays on completion of fact-checking.
Publishes manuscript 3 months after acceptance.
Byline given.
Offers 20% kill fee.
Rights purchased: First North American serial rights
Editorial lead time 3 months.Submit seasonal material 6 months in advance
Accepts queries by: Mail, E-mail, Fax, Phone
Accepts simultaneous submissions
Responds in 2 months to queries.

SPECIAL NEEDS: Book excerpts, Essays, Exposé, General Interest, Historical, Humor, Interview/Profile, Personal Experience, Photo Feature, Travel (within New Jersey), arts, sports, politics.
DOES NOT WANT: "No experience pieces from people who used to live in New Jersey or general pieces that have no New Jersey angle."

Buys 90-100 manuscripts/year.
Submission method: Query with published magazine clips and SASE.
Length: 800–3,000 words.
Pays $750-2,500.
Pays reasonable expenses of writers on assignment with prior approval.

Columns open to freelancers:

EXIT RAMP (back page essay usually originating from personal experience but written in a way that tells a broader story of statewide interest), 1,200 words.
Buys 12 columns/year.
Submission method: Query with published clips
Pays $400.

Fillers: Needs Anecdotes (for front-of-book)
Buys 12-15 fillers/year.Length: 200–250 words.
Pays: $100

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

NJCWG - Reminder


~The NJCWG~

NO meeting on 7/11/05 due to the church's VBS using the facility

NEXT MEETING - 7/25/05

Writing Op - Cornerstone



Cornerstone is looking for manuscripts!

FICTION
We accept book-length fiction and short stories. A Christian message is not necessary, but it should reflect a Christian worldview, and have a point. No sex scenes. We are looking for a good story, not a good sermon. We are also looking for literary fiction more than popular fiction. We have not published much fiction but are presently looking for insightful, compelling writing. Both adult fiction and children¹s fiction are welcome.

NONFICTION
We are looking for well-documented nonfiction which addresses relevant social issues or ministry issues.

`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`

MAKE SURE you go to their web site and read all the way through their submission guidelines before doing anything. And please... FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES when you send in your proposal. Otherwise, you might as well toss your stuff straight into the trash, saving postage and avoiding the middleman (since that's probably what they'll do to stuff that doesn't fit what they're looking for).

Go to http://www.cornerstonepress.com/info/writers.html

Writing Op - website content


From one of our newest members, Pat Russo

We're looking for someone to plan and write Web content for the Wells Fargo Home Mortgage public Web site (my day job). Should be someone who is a strong writer and familiar with Web development. There's no coding involved; only writing. Any financial services or mortgage background is a plus. This person will work closely with marketing and various lines of business.

Apply for the position on Monster.com HYPERLINK
http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=31104792&AVSDM=2005%2D06%2D15+18%3A29%3A04&Logo=1&cn=wells+fargo&lid=532&lid=534&sort=rv&vw=b&cy=US&brd=1,128,1862,1863

Picnic Update



Although rain forced us indoors, "a good time was had by all" pretty much sums up the annual NJCWG picnic. The food was amazing! Have you ever tried a Spinach Salad with Strawberries or Potato Salad with no mayonnaise? Yum. My veggie platter (a Stop and Shop speical) just didn't seem equitable.

Our readings brought on everything from belly laughs to tears. The group read out some of their best work ever. I was pleased to hear two published pieces by Clare Cartagena and Lisa Ramadan -- both read from the same anthology! The NJCWG was well represented there. Please note that these authors found that market through a listing on THIS BLOG!

Our next NJCWG social event will be our Christmas party (December 12, 2005). If you missed the picnic, you have no excuse to miss our Christmas event. Get it on your calendar today!

God Bless,
Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator, NJCWG

Monday, June 27, 2005

***PICNIC IS STILL ON***

NJCWG - today's picnic will be ON no matter what the weather. Any quesitons, give me a call.

Louise

NJCWG Message


FOR THE NJCWG

NO MEETING TONIGHT AT THE CHURCH and despite the threat of a possible shower, the NJCWG Picnic is ON. Hope to see you there.

If anyone gets lost or needs directions, call me on my cell OR call Val's house.

Louise Bergmann DuMont
Facilitator of the NJCWG

Forwarded from the editor of YouthWorker Journal:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theme List for the January/February 2006 Issue - TRUTH
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  • What do we know to be true, and how do we know it?
  • What are the different ways in which truth can be known?
  • How do worldview and context play into the way we perceive truth?
  • Is all truth from God? Does it all hold the same authority?
  • What is the nature of truth and what can be known?
  • Which ministerial realities will never change, and what things should we hold more lightly?

If you have article ideas on this theme, write January/February 2006 Proposal in the e-mail subject field, and send an outline and opening paragraph within the e-mail body by August 15, 2005 to proposals@youthworker.com. You'll receive a reply no later than December 1, 2005.

To improve the chances of being published, we encourage you to check out our writer's guidelines at www.youthworker.com/writers_guidelines.php

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Writing Op - MORE Cup of Comfort



Cup of Comfort

Writers' Guidelines:
http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm
Do you have the next Cup of Comfort story brewing in your life???
  • Adoptive Families
  • Animal Lovers
  • Bereaved
  • Blended Families
  • Fathers and Daughters
  • Midlife Women
  • Parents of Children with ADHD
  • Seniors
  • Singles
  • Working Moms

Writing Op - Cup of Comfort


A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Autism New!

A child's diagnosis of autism usually strikes fear in the hearts of parents—and often turns their world upside-down and their lives inside-out. The incidence of this mysterious neurobiological disorder has risen dramatically in recent years, leaving parents in search of answers, support, and hope. For this collection of 50 inspiring stories, we seek personal anecdotal stories (not prescriptive articles) about the unique aspects of parenting a child with autism and related disorders will provide parents of children with autism and related disorders (Asperger syndrome, Rett's disorder, disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder). Possible themes include, but are not limited to: impact on other members of family; creative solutions to everyday challenges; breakthroughs; effective treatments; silver linings; tender moments; helpful support; unexpected positive outcomes; blessings large and small; reasons for hope; adult children with autism. We are most interested in stories written by parents, but will also consider and likely publish some stories written by professionals and family members or friends with intimate knowledge of the child and parents in question.

Submission Deadline: October 1, 2005
Finalist Selection Deadline: January 1, 2006

For complete guidelines go to: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm

Note : Submissions are reviewed throughout the submission period; early entry is encouraged. Deadlines are sometimes extended.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Wikipedia


This post is to let you know about a great website for author info - it is called Wikipedia. This online resource can be a valuable tool. If you are looking for historical information you simply type in the date that you need and Wikipedia will give you information about events that took place, individuals who were born or died that year... even the price of eggs if that is what you want.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Since this site allows anyone to edit entries at any time and for any reason, whether or not they are qualified, entries should be taken with a grain of salt and ALWAYS double-checked against a more reputable site.
That said, I still think this is a great place to start your research.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

Picnic Reminder


NJCWG SUMMER PICNIC
Monday, June 27, 2005
6:30 - ???
NO MEETING AT THE CHURCH
Raindate: Wednesday, June, 29, 2005
PLACE: The Schermerhorn's, 402 Jersey Ave, Greenwood Lake, NY 10925
(If you need directions to their house, call me)

FOR NJCWG MEMBERS

A nice group (with and without families) have signed up for our NJCWG 2005 Picnic. We always have a wonderful time, so don't be shy. Even you new to our group you will enjoy your self at this summer social event. If you just realized that you will be able to attend, let me know!

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

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Writing Op - Highlights Magazine



I received this from an editor at Highlights for Children who encouraged me to pass it along.

------------------

HIGHLIGHTS NEEDS

From Kim Griswell, Coordinating Editor

Arts articles that have true kid-appeal. Kids are drawn to all kinds of arts, but they are probably not in a museum appreciating great works. We must meet them where they are.

Travel and adventure articles with a kid-friendly focus or a deeper meaning to share--a lesson learned, better understood a culture, a discovery made, etc.

From Andy Boyles, Science Editor

Our guidelines state that our word limit is 800, but articles that are even shorter (350-400 words) are especially welcome. We put a high value on articles that show science as a process, articles that follow a scientist or group of scientists as they try to solve one of nature's mysteries. We currently have what we need in the way of articles about: birds, reptiles and amphibians, insects (especially bees), and volcanoes.

From Marileta Robinson, Senior Editor

We need stories for young readers at first- and second-grade reading levels, 500 words or fewer. I would like to see stories with holiday themes, especially dealing with the real meaning of the holidays of various religions. Also stories with sports themes for younger children.

From Carolyn Yoder, History/World Cultures Editor

Multicultural articles, particularly first-person accounts. Historical looks at major holidays--Thanksgiving, Christmas, Passover, Hanukah, July 4, Labor Day. Biographies of major historical figures--Martin Luther King, Jr. and Civil Rights. Articles on immigrant history.

From Judy Burke, Associate Editor

Nonfiction sports:
Articles that focus on a known athlete (a squeaky clean one), those that focus entirely on the development of specific skills, and those that address challenges faced by athletes of any kind (ex: being smaller than your teammates, staying calm under pressure, etc.). Successful articles often include quotes gained from personal interviews with athletes or experts and useful tips for readers who play that sport.

Fiction:
800-word stories for 8- to 12-year-olds. Humorous stories, Easter stories (no Easter bunnies as characters, though), Passover stories, and stories involving Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr, or
Eid ul-Adha.
400-word humorous stories for 8- to 12-year-olds also needed.

Nonfiction:
300-word activity articles. Successful ones often include a short introduction and a few short activities with a common theme.

From Joelle Dujardin Kirkland, Associate Editor

Crafts: crafts with boy-appeal, games, holiday crafts, and crafts from other cultures (with background included).
Younger nonfiction (450 words or fewer): first-person accounts of fieldwork, arts stories, biographies with interesting slants, kids living in other cultures, ancient history, animals, details from urban life (workers, transportation, etc.).
Gallant Kids: leads (or articles) on kids doing service in their communities--especially children of color.

From George Brown, Assistant Editor

I'm looking for puzzles and short activities that encourage children to think in a creative way without relying on prior knowledge of specific facts. These puzzles should not require the use of pen or pencil to solve them.
I'm also interested in finger-play activities and step and repeat
stories
.

General request

We're looking for proposals for inside-back covers. Since there's little text, ideas need to be fresh and clear, possibly with a few activities within the page, and clear art instructions. Highlights recommends reviewing their submission guidelines and back issues at local libraries before submitting a manuscript. Material should be fresh and exciting. Guidelines are available at www.highlights.com

Please send submissions to the specific editor listed above,
or
Manuscript Coordinator
Highlights for Children
803 Church Street
Honesdale, PA 18431

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