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Danceswithwords
Thanks for the idea of networking, danceswithwords. I have always tended to keep my writing life a secret as if it was a deadly disease. I've checked up on web sites and am trying to work out which type is best. The business cards are done and the letterheads are almost there.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 15, 2006 at 5:20 AM
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That's the spirit!
It's amazing what a Web site and some business cards really can do for you! And, don't forget about referrals. Never be afraid to drop the hint that you are a writer - it has gotten me several clients, and my best one at that!
Keep up the good work - remember 90% inspiration, 10% perspiration. Right idea, right time, and all that nonsense. Believe in yourself and there's nothing you can't do. If you build it, they will come. Sometimes there is some truth to those old cliches! ;)
posted by
DancesWithWords
on November 14, 2006 at 3:45 PM
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jacenta
Thank you for popping in jacenta.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 12, 2006 at 5:39 AM
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johnmacnab...
posted by
jacentaOld
on November 11, 2006 at 8:12 PM
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Pat
You have a good point about less and less readers, Pat. There is more a tendency nowadays to skim and get information from the internet.
I have found out that even if I do enclose a large stamped addressed envelope, I don't get the MS back. It seems to be that, as you suggest, the editors take the MS out, dump it in the garbage and re-use the envelopes.
I get quite discouraged when I read all the excellent writings that are on Blogit and other sites.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 11, 2006 at 8:03 PM
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Here's what I think... it's a 2-part problem.
1. I think fewer and fewer people are reading. Fewer than that are subscribing to magazines - where we'd like to publish our stuff. Publishers have to make money.
2. More and more of us are writing, (and writing well). More and more of us are trying to get our stuff published. The receptionist/reader at the magazine is sifting through hundreds of submissions trying for every inch of print space. Sometimes what we send doesn't even get looked at.
The reader will slip off the cover page, attach the form rejection and stick it into your SASE. "Thank you for considering our magazine, we appreciate the opportunity to read your work. We regret that it doesn't meet our needs at this time." The mss itself goes into the recycle bin unless you've sent a big envelope for its return.
posted by
Pat_B
on November 11, 2006 at 7:15 AM
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Azur
You are right, of course, Azur. If the writing was a pain in the butt I wouldn't do it, but as for the selling of it - yeuch. The expression 'Catch-22' springs to mind for some odd reason when it comes to marketing.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 9, 2006 at 7:16 AM
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JohnMcNab, I like serious writing.....
it's the selling of that writing that is a pain in the butt. I sold a serious idea to a mag this week and was commissioned by a paper for two pieces plus I am working on another mag piece for next year HOWEVER in all but the last case I have built up a relationship with the editor over time. Most queries I send out to new places never get a reply. They are busy replying to the people they know.
posted by
Azur
on November 9, 2006 at 6:16 AM
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Dave
Discipline? You wouldn't believe the number of different things I do to avoid writing. That's a discipline of sorts isn't it?
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 7, 2006 at 6:17 PM
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John, I think I'm a player more often than a worker at it. Discipline is
tough. Especially with the addiction of Blogit.
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on November 7, 2006 at 9:04 AM
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.Dave
I've been told that as well, Dave, so I think I'll just plug away like that. What I do need to do is more research on writing markets if I want to make money and not just play at it.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 7, 2006 at 6:11 AM
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ginnieb
It is an addiction, ginnieb, and you won't be able to give up the dream no matter how hard you try. I got the idea of the website from a writer I like reading in the Ottawa Citizen - Roger Collier. He has a site rogercollier.com which is quite simply a list of the articles he has had published, and I thought it was a good idea. I like his style - it is more refined than mine, but the same idea. Perhaps I need to target more down market publications.
Ell tells me that websites are not expensive and my internet provider sells them. The website address on the letter or article would be better than a resume. Book or article? I have the same problem, and I still don't know the answer.
posted by
johnmacnab
on November 7, 2006 at 6:07 AM
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I think the 'road to take' fashion changes with the fickleness of time and
personnel. No more than one page for a synopsis was the last I heard. That was news to detailed me of old.
Keep at it.
posted by
_dave_says_ack_
on November 7, 2006 at 4:46 AM
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I dunno which way is best either, Mac...
I've tried both ways..although I haven't sent anything out for maybe a year. I found though that I'd rather write the article first, cuz as you say, at least then you're writing! I admire your ambition...a website..very cool! I dunno whether to go back to sending out articles or to finish this book..both probably exercises in futility but I can't seem to give up the daft dream. Keep at it Mac..I didn't hear from some magazines for well over a year!
posted by
ginnieb
on November 6, 2006 at 8:40 PM
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