| SUNOASIS 2004 PUBLISHING and WRITING BLOG
NEW!
"The aim of writing is not simply to be understood,
but to make it impossible to be misunderstood."
-- Cicero
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
- [Editor Notes]
- [The Writing Life]
- [The Professional Life]
- [Writing In The News]
- [Resources]
- [Sunoasis Opinion]
- [Career Advice]
- [At C/Oasis]
- [Markets]
- [Community]
- [Acknowledgments]
E D I T O R N O T E S
Back in the saddle again. Even though our initial efforts
on the Net will be long forgotten I am thrilled to be
here; still excited, still rushing with adrenaline
after seven long years of servitude. This is the future.
We are marking out how it will be done decades from
now. Slowly but surely the pieces come together. And
as I've always said, even when no one listened, it's
the marginalized literary writers who will show the way
because the Net is the friendliest space the literary,
thoughtful person has had since they were favored by the elite
princes of old.
I praise those crazy nerds in Berkeley who told me,
twenty-five years ago, "one day you'll sit at a computer,
write your story, push a button, and it will go all around
the world in an instant."
"Yeah and, by the way, what is that you're smoking?"
They were right, running around with some of the people
who would dart in and out of Berkeley at the time like
Gates, Jobs, Wozniak and dozens of other founders of the
computer revolution.
It is the first authentic revolution in technology
that directly impacts all the things we care about:
Knowledge, information, culture, writing, publishing, and
communications. So, we are here. And we are happy.
And we proceed, in that unforgiving space we have
made our own.
Don't forget to get your free preview issue
of Sunoasis X 2004 here.
T H E W R I T I N G L I F E
Books That Help:
Publicize Your Book! by Jacqueline Deval
A Perigree Book, published in 2003
This is a good summary of tips and techniques in
getting your book moving through that wonderful
distribution system known as marketing. And, as she
points out, even if you are published by a major house
you'll have to publicize your little child. And we
all know writers love to write but hate to market. Yet,
to get a book to an agent or publisher a writer must do
some of the same things. They assume the publisher will
do the heavy lifting for them and that is not always the
case. At the very least get a web site where you can
interact with people who might be interested. Hollywood
has found that fan sites are very popular. There are
generous resources at the back of the book and it
misses nothing. It includes an appendix with sample press
releases and tour schedules.
It's not just self-publishers that need to know these
things but they would benefit the most. Self-publishers
must believe in their book with incredible passion. If
they self-publish because they are afraid to try print
publishing, then they aren't going to do the necessary
marketing to get the book out from the shadows. If you
self-publish because you are ornery and want to take
full control over your writing life, then read efforts
like the Deval book and do some of the things she suggests.
Always have confidence in the book you are publishing.
There are more book reviews on
Sunoasis X 2004
[REFLECTIONS ON THE ART OF WRITING]
The satisfaction in writing is saying something that is
perfectly yours, no one else's. And it comes out because
you've been through love and hate; war and peace. Some try
to burn your words, some try to convince you that they are
meaningless, some think they are harmless, but the few who
have found their spirit signify approval with grace and humor.
The best piece of advice I've heard for a writer is this:
Be yourself. Don't write to try and please the editor. Write
as it must be written. The editor may reject the piece because
it doesn't fit his requirements at the moment, but by being
honest in your effort you've
created something that will be accepted somewhere, at some
time.
T H E P R O F E S S I O N A L L I F E
Of late I've been trying to revive my freelance writing career.
I'm a bit more experienced than I was years ago when I was
writing for People's Almanac and other publications. For one
thing, I consider the business of writing a genuine resource.
The one great advantage the writer has on the Net is that he
can "put the world in front of him..." The world is in front
of those who organize themselves.
Combine that with a world that flows through the writer and
it is a winning combination.
What I wished a wise person had told me long ago:
- Prepare for it long before you jump in.
- Study the market books.
- Make lists of ideas.
- Get procedures down that permit you to research,
write, complete, submit, follow-up not one but several
articles in shorter and shorter cycles.
- Prepare for those droughts that occur; when the bills
pile up and the money dries up.
- You are in business and you are responsible for
its survival.
- That requires long-term plans with specific goals
along the way.
Put that plan in front of you and then do everything
in your power to get as close to the goal as you can. However
discouraging it can get, as you approach your goal you'll feel
good; empowered as they say these days.
And despite everything, it is still a relationship game between
the writer and editor. And here's a little secret: Editors on
trade magazines not only answer e-mail inquiries themselves
they will help a writer find a home in their magazine if they
feel the writer is up to it. Large consumer markets get crammed
with e-mail and print manuscripts and irate phone calls so
the infamous assistant editor keeps the gate while the
editor has one last drink down on Montgomery Street.
If you're looking to jump start a writing career try the
trade magazines.
In dealing with an editor you are dealing with someone who
has been vetted by higher-ups and is fully committed to the
success of the magazine. That's why it's always recommended
that you read back issues. It's the editor's way of saying,
"this is what works best for our audience." And you read
several issues so you don't simply repeat or imitate what you
might find in one issue.
You can get the more extensive article from Sunoasis X 2004
by subscribing today. It's only $10 for a whole years worth
of resource. Try the preview!
For Freelancers Only
How to pitch articles to business editors.
Good tips from editors in the food writing world.
Get more from the Premium Sunoasis Newsletter
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quality of people who have subscribed to Sunoasis 2004.
So, please continue!
W R I T I N G I N T H E N E W S
The late Michael Kelly lives on in his writing.
If he hadn't started writing, "I would have killed people."
R E S O U R C E S
I'm always amazed when I go into a library what I come
away with. For one thing local libraries are often connected
to the best databases available; ones that would be
difficult for a writer to subscribe to. MasterFILEPremier
is one. Next time you go to your local library check
with the librarian for all the services the library provides
online. Tell them you are a writer and they will take special
care of you.
Tips on searching with Masterfile Premier
C r a f t :
-----------
Some thoughts on the writing craft.
15 craft exercises for writers.
The art and craft of editorial writing.
---------------------------
O r g a n i z a t i o n s :
---------------------------
American Agricultural Editors' Association
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass
Communications
National Federation of Press Women
-----------------------
P r i n t P u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
Newspapers are getting into selling books of poetry.
A little book that makes it big.
-----------------------
e p u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
Web shortcut could threaten content sites.
With the opportunities of new media and electronic literature, fiction
is no longer a relationship between the author and the reader.
Print on demand suggestions. They are resourceful.
-----------------------
M e d i a:
-----------------------
A Bonnie Fuller interview about magazines.
Food narrative reviews.
S U N O A S I S O P I N I O N
Writing and publishing are largely mind games. When a young writer experiences the print publishing system as something that holds up mediocrity and pays it millions of dollars, and marginalizes the earnest effort of a literary mind, the writer can often get crushed and demoralized
C A R E E R A D V I C E
Sunoasis Career Newsletter is free and is full of interesting stuff,
Q and A, links, and other resources you've expected from Sunoasis.com
the past six years. To subscribe just go here.
Ask a question about your career!
A T C/ O A S I S
Read the memoir of Martha Nemes Fried about her time in
China in the late 40's.
Hey, we even have a new literary newsletter and you can get it free
if you click here!
M A R K E T S A N D L E A D S
Seeking Senior Editor (Located at Stanford University)
Job Description: The Stanford Social Innovation Review
a new quarterly covering nonprofit and social sector
management published by the Stanford Graduate School of
Business, has an immediate opening for a senior editor.
Join a dynamic new organization with growth plans. You will
work with leading academics, journalists, and thought leaders,
editing research-based articles on nonprofit and social
enterprise strategy.
This is a full time position with benefits. You must be able
to work on site at Stanford University.
For more information click and go!
* * * * * * * *
NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING & EXPLOITED CHILDREN
POSITION Web Content Writer/Coordinator
LOCATION Alexandria, Virginia
TYPE Full-Time Employment
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Position will coordinate with all NCMEC departments to
ensure timely, accurate, and complete content for the
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children web
sites. Individual will gather, write and edit material.
For more information click and go!
* * * * * * * *
Managing Editor of Best Friends Magazine
Location: Kanab, Utah
Manage and edit Best Friends magazine and other literature
for the sanctuary and the No More Homeless Pets campaign.
You have wide journalistic experience, and you can't wait
to get your hands on Best Friends magazine! You can cover
all the bases, from writing and editing materials, to
copy-editing the text as it comes in, to managing the
schedule. You're a hound for news, have a nose for detail,
and are almost as passionate about rescuing stray commas
as you are about stray dogs and cats. Programs like InDesign
and InCopy are a breeze to you.
You've done it all in the professional journalistic world,
and now you want to do it for the animals. Read full ad.
* * * * * * * *
On Sunoasis X 2004 there are market listings for Lifestyle
publications that pay very good rates. Subscribe today
and get a year's worth of resource for only $10.
Job Links for new leads!
* * * * * * * *
Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers
How to find foreign writing markets.
The National Writer's Union has a list of markets
that pay $1/word and up.
Job Links for new leads!
If you have any suggestions about markets you want
guidelines for, just drop a line
C O M M U N I T Y
Shaw Guide for Writing Conferences in April.
The American Society of Journalists and Authors has
announced the dates and program information for its
2004 event. Scheduled for April 24 through 25 at
Manhattan’s Grand Hyatt Hotel, the 2004 ASJA Writers
Conference will feature an exciting line-up of editors
and writers from around the country. For more info click
here.
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
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Thanks to Lynda Lester from the Digital Information Group
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Colorado for her generous contribution to
Sunoasis! Thanks Lynda!
F Y I
Put an ad in Sunoasis 2004 and reach its 4,400 subscribers.
Just $25 a month!
Contact mailto:eide491@earthlink.net
* * * * * * * *
Have a story you want to tell--and sell--but don't know where
to start?
Let me help!
Award-winning writer/editor will help you harness the power of
your words and make your stories sing! Call or e-mail for your
free consultation:
J&J Publications
(630) 889-1979
E-mail: jjpub1995@aol.com
* * * * * * * *
What's the difference between good writing and great writing?
Professional editing. Let me help you get your book-length
manuscript into shape for submission to an agent or for
self-publication. Structural, stylistic and copy editing are
my specialties; inspiration is the energy my clients say I
bring to the process. Reasonable rates, timely service!
Email me at gaylv@yahoo.com
* * * * * * * *
Team of experienced professionals, which includes a
Pulitzer Prize nominee and several published authors,
will edit your fiction or non-fiction
manuscript for today's tough market. Reputable firm.
References. First-time writers our specialty.
See us at http://www.a1editing.com
* * * * * * * *
Sunoasis--You're amazing! A mere five hours after I sent in
the text for my classified ad I got a call for a writing
project, and within two days, the project was mine. Thanks
so much for your invaluable services!
Debbie Lerman, freelance writer
http://www.sunoasis.com/classif.html
E T C/ E T C/ E T C
Editor/Publisher: David Eide
C/Oasis
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Please do if you have any advice; anything you'd want to
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Let's all meet again in April 2004!
David
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