| SUNOASIS 2004 PUBLISHING and WRITING BLOG
NEW!
"Freedom is like a blanket which, pulled up to
the chin, uncovers the feet."
-- John Updike
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
- [Editor Notes; Keys to Marketing]
- [The Writing Life- The Writer/Entrepreneur]
- [Resources]
- [Sunoasis Opinion]
- [Career Advice]
- [At C/Oasis]
- [Markets]
- [Community]
- [Acknowledgments]
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E D I T O R N O T E S
We like to think the best way to market writing is to target
publications, study them before you submit to them, and then
deliver a good piece of work to the editor.
It's not that simple of course but those practices have
to be in place to be successful at professional writing.
The two keys, as far as we can see, is to have
confidence in what you are doing and to know what
exists, as far as a market. A complex system like the
writing marketplace can never be fully known. Experience
simply pushes back the envelope everytime you get involved
with it. Think of it as a vast territory to be discovered
and don't let it get the best of you.
Confidence comes when a person uses as much intelligence as
possible to gather resources about the subject at hand, and
put it in a form that is acceptable to an editor who
will pay money for it.
It's a truly excruciating mind-game. That's one reason
all writers are counseled when young to steel themselves
for rejection. Rejection gnaws at our confidence
but it also keeps us on our toes and moving around until
we make our own secret pact with ourselves: "Rejection is
truly part of the game and I will not let it ruin everything."
Advice about rejection is the same as the love affair
gone bad: "Move on."
* * * * * * * *
All of the books I read on modern writing impress me with
one thought. The writer, whether she likes it or not, is
a co-producer and in partnership with the publisher and must
do everything in her power to alert the public that the
material is available.
One good way is to assert your expertise and get speaking
gigs. They can pay as well as a feature length article with a
good publication.
I've been reading about writers who hire assistants to
help in the query area and other parts of the writing
game. There is good sense in doing this if you can afford
it. One thing small business people are taught is that it's
better to spend money on the talents of others than to try
and do everything yourself to keep more of the revenue.
>>>a n d i d e a s c o m e f r o m w h e r e ?<<<<
A writer acquaintance of mine developed a habit of smoking cigars.
She was a comely lass, Harvard and Oxford graduate and
she loved smoking cigars, riding motorcycles, and drinking
Talisker. When she was doing freelance writing she wrote
about motorcycle trips with her husband. During one difficult
period of time she came up with a brilliant story. It was
how her future father-in-law and she broke ice and bonded.
They both enjoyed a good cigar together! By taking this
story and combining it with facts and insights into cigars
she was able to sell the story to Cigar Aficionado; a piece
that featured a great color picture of the father-in-law
smoking with her.
Any good journalist will tell you that they are astounded
by the number of good stories they hear from ordinary people.
It's also true that the writer is part of the people and the
writer has interesting stories that can be used a variety of
ways to fit the marketplace.
Here are the two truths: The marketplace is avaricious for
written material. And the more resourceful, conscientious,
and researched material wins out.
One good exercise: Read the past year of Reader's Guide To
Periodical indexes or, Facts on File. Understand what
the world is attempting to come to terms with in the
time you are writing. Today it is Iraq and the election of
2004, among other items. Tomorrow it will be something
completely different. Celebrities come and go. There are
new inventions, fears, obsessions, and silly entertainments. It all moves very
quickly through the fascinations of the reading
public.
* * * * * * * *
Good ideas are emerging on how writers can optimize the Net
for their professional advancement. Use the beast, use
it well.
One thing to try and do is to produce a comprehensive
package of clips, introductory material, even rave reviews,
store them on a web site and then send editors one simple
unobtrusive link with a short note of introduction. Something
like, "David Eide here, I'm the editor of Sunoasis 2004
and author of numerous columns, stories, and poems. I think
my writing would interest you. Please click this link."
Or, something to that effect.
You can get the more extensive article on market ideas
from Sunoasis X 2004 by subscribing today. You pay what
you believe it's worth to you for a whole year of
resources, articles, tips, and market information.
T H E W R I T I N G L I F E
Walt Whitman is an excellent example of what the writer-entrepreneur
must go through in order to succeed. Whitman was rejected
left and right, his fabled "Leaves of Grass" didn't sell, he
tried reviewing them himself (giving them excellent reviews) but
everything failed. He finally began, in old age, to get sales
overseas as literary critics began to hail him as a great
poet. His persistence and belief in himself paid off.
Another wonderful example is Mary Baker Eddy who founded Christian
Science. She wrote Science and Health. The first copies, according
to "The Publish-It-Yourself-Handbook," were riddled with
typos and grammatical mistakes. But today, it is priceless.
Within thirty years her estate was estimated to be over two
million dollars, an extraordinary amount in the early 1900's.
The English poet, Shelly, published his pamphlets and they
were snatched up by politically correct types and burned. Edgar
Allen Poe self-published Tamerlane on the meager salary of
a U.S. private in the army, and a copy of Tamerlane sold
for $11,000 at auction one hundred years later. William
Blake was almost completely self-published and deeply poor.
Sometimes there is more drama in the making of a book, than
the contents of the book. Our travails pale in front of
what James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, and Walt Whitman had to
go through. And many of their contemporaries dismissed their works,
as the future dismisses their own.
The writing life is one of the few lives that demonstrates
the old verities of deferral of gratification, sacrifice,
and a kind of noble point of view. It extracts its penalties
but it also has marvelous rewards.
For the fuller article on the writing life,
try the preview by going to this link:
www.sunoasis.com/premium.html
For Freelancers Only
Wooden Horse Publishing
Writing.org- Advice for Freelance Writers
The feedback we've gotten is superb. We're proud of the
quality of people who have subscribed to Sunoasis 2004.
So, please continue!
R E S O U R C E S
We only want to know how to do it. That's the holy grail
in the modern world. And traditionally a person has accessed
resources to learn how to do it and then gone out and done
it. And I'm one of those who believes that a new world arises
when the resource-hoard expands as it has in the last fifty
years. We do more, go more, and exceed the limits that were
ever established by our ancestors. That is the power of resource.
We hope that behind resource is wisdom; that invisible trace
of human intelligence that knows and refuses at turns. It
refuses to be hoodwinked and demands the very best. Unless
we find wisdom we will be condemned to be the people who were
simply riddled with information and made a plaything of greater
forces. We will simply become the archetypal guinea pigs for
future entertainment and laughter.
-----------
C r a f t :
-----------
The Craft of Writing
Building a novel notebook by Vicki Hinze
The Undiscovered Craft of Web Writing by David Walker
Craft vs. Art article from About.com
The art and craft of feature writing.
---------------------------
O r g a n i z a t i o n s :
---------------------------
Association of Writers and Writing Programs
Board of Editors in the Life Sciences
Society of Professional Journalists
Blackjournalist.com
Sportswriters.net
Council of Science Editors
-----------------------
P r i n t P u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
The big sellers at Barnes and Noble are books about politics
and Iraq.
Self Publishing Hits The Big Time.
... He signed a $500,000 contract after self-publishing his first book,
"Term Limits,'' and he has just signed a lucrative new four-book contract.
-----------------------
e p u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
An example of some sites that compete with large, heavily
capitalized media.
Democratic National Convention organizers will grant some of
their 15,000 press credentials to bloggers, a move that may help
position blogs as "a legitimate media outlet."
A virtual roundtable of "blogologists" says blogs are influencing
academia and politics. While blogs are seen as important, the
school is still out on whether they are journalism.
Software publisher Adobe Systems is reviving the faltering
e-book market by opening its own online store.
The electronic book is one of those technological concepts
from the 1990s that seems somewhat of a leftover. It's never
really taken off the way it potentially could: It makes so much sense.
-----------------------
M e d i a:
-----------------------
Information-overloaded people need to organize psychic space
and quiet time, says a professor at the University of Washington
who does not use TV, the Internet or the telephone for one day
each week.
Both consumers and media professionals feel they are growing
more "dependent" on media, says a new survey by MediaPost. Media
addiction is "like an eating disorder," says one researcher.
S U N O A S I S O P I N I O N
Sunoasis Opinion is a new page that contains some of our
responses to things. No thinking man or woman should let
the world pass without a few comments to throw in the way.
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
"Dancers" by John Henry Fleming
It is said that the Lakas are natural dancers because
when they walk from hut to hut or village to village
they must spin, shuffle, and slide over treacherous,
cliff-hugging paths and the knife-sharp rocks that
stipple...
"Writing About Things That Can't Be Written About" by
William Stimson
For me, when writing happens in a way that's real- when
it comes out in rich fluid gushes- it's always the case
I'm writing about things that can't be written about
It's not really writing that's happening, then, but
something more.
Where Have All the Standards Gone? by Rhonda Eudaly
All writers have a single mantra burned into their minds
from an early age - never submit something that isn't in
proper, or standard, format. What many beginning writers,
and even established writers, find is that there is no
cut and dried definition of "proper" and "standard".
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
Economist/Communications Specialist
Salary range $100,231 - $130,305
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
(U.S Department of Commerce)
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) is seeking
a dynamic individual who possesses a unique combination
of skills as an economist and a communications specialist.
This individual will become BEA s Editorial Program Manager,
leading a team of editors in the development and dissemination
of a variety of economic and related publications in electronic
and print formats. The successful candidate will also perform
as Editor-in-Chief for the Survey of Current Business, BEA's
monthly journal of record that presents summary estimates and
analyses of U.S. economic activity.
For full ad go here:
www.sunoasis.com/bea.html
Senior Copywriter-- Information Services (Product Detail)
QVC, Inc., a $5 billion company, is an e-commerce leader,
marketing a wide variety of brand name products in
such categories as home furnishings, licensed products,
fashion, beauty, electronics and fine jewelry. QVC
reaches over 85 million homes in the United States.
The company's world headquarters is located in West Chester, PA.
To help continue our success, we are in search of
a talented and experienced Senior Copywriter for our Information
Services Product Detail Division in West Chester, PA.
For Full AD go here:
www.sunoasis.com/qvc3.html
PART TIME/ COPYWRITER
Seeking copywriter living in Los Angeles, CA or San Fernando
Valley, CA only. Min.4-5 years experience in professional
copywriting field, with technology based clients. Must be able
to work on-site and at home. BA or Masters Degree in English,
Journalism, or equivalent. Skills in: MS Word, PowerPoint,
Excel, a must. Marketing experience a+.
For full ad go here:
http://www.sunoasis.com/monarch2.html
Technical Writer
Company Information
Hyperwave is an international company with an enthusiastic,
committed team of employees. We produce enterprise knowledge
management software for Global 500 companies.
Our office is in Graz, Austria’s second largest city, located
only 2 hours away from Vienna. Graz is a beautiful city with a
well-preserved historic downtown and is surrounded by the
picturesque countryside of southern Austria.
We are looking for a Technical Writer with one or both of the
following:
- a degree in technical writing or English
- at least 3 years of experience in technical writing
For full ad go here:
http://www.sunoasis.com/hyperware.html
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!
On Sunoasis X 2004 there are market listings for Nature and Environment
publications that pay very good rates. Many are directly linked
to their writer guidelines. 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
The international Cat Writers' Association (CWA) announces
its 11th annual writing competition for published writers,
photographers and editors in print, on-line and broadcast
media. The CWA offers corporate-sponsored special awards
of $500 to $1,300, as well as its own Muse Medallions
to winners in 38 categories.
More information on the CWA competition!
Shaw Guide for Writing Conferences in June.
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
Want to keep Sunoasis going? Donate through the
Amazon Honor System and wonderful things will happen!
Thanks to Lynda Lester from the Digital Information Group
of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder,
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
* * * * * * * *
Staff of experienced editors, including several published
authors, will edit your fiction and nonfiction Free sample
and critique. First-time writers our specialty.
www.alphaediting.com
* * * * * * * *
Looking for a seasoned Web content, PR, and marketing writer?
With a career spanning 30 years and a client list that
includes a number of the world's largest corporations,
Jeff Berger has the credentials to deliver the results you
want on any project. Jeff specializes in high technology,
finance, and hospitality; see www.jmbcommunications.com for
a spectrum of writing samples.
Email him at info@jmbcommunications.com
or call (508) 830-3456.
* * * * * * * *
Journalist-at-Large is ready to write any number or variety
of feature stories related to Texas and Louisiana. Just give
me an assignment and let me pound out the copy. I'll shoot
photos, too.
Contact Raymond V. Whelan at:
raywhelan54@hotmail.com
Phone: (210)403-0231
* * * * * * * *
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
* * * * * * * *
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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You can always reach me at eide491@earthlink.net
Please do if you have any advice; anything you'd want to
see put into Sunoasis 2004.
Let's all meet again in June 2004!
David
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