Writer's Conferences
If you are serious about your writing, then you should plan to attend a writer's conference. There are so many of them out there. Do an internet search, and find the one that's right for you. If you're a mystery writer, find a conference focusing on that. Children's writer? Romance writer? Or Christian writer? There are several specifically for you. You can meet with magazine and book editors at these events. It's a great way to make the connections you need to advance your writing. And, most importantly, you will learn ways to improve your craft.
Craig's List
Most Writer's digests list conferences around the country.
Anthologies
These books are collections of short stories from many different authors of all ages. It's a great way to get some publishing credits. They're fun too! I will try to keep their requests and deadlines up-to-date for you. Check their websites for guidelines.
Chicken Soup Series - www.chickensoup.com
These are the 2007 book releases and submissions deadlines.
Christmas Pet Book - March 31, 2008
Basketball Lover's Soul - March 31, 2008
High School Student's Soul - April 30, 2008
Middle School Student's Soul - April 30, 2008
Catholic Soul - May 30, 2008
Actively Retired Soul - May 31, 2008
Getting in to College - June 30, 2008
Life Lessons for Leaders - June 30, 2008
Resolution Stories - August 31, 2008
Baking with Kids - December 31, 2008
Cat Lover's Soul, Raining Cats! - December 31, 2008
Celebrating Life's Most Embarrassing Moments - December 31,2008
Dog Lover's Soul, Unleashed! - December 31, 2008
Extraordinary Teen's Soul - December 31, 2008
High School Graduates - December 31, 2008
Life Lessons for Expectant Mothers - December 31, 2008
Stay at Home Mom's Soul - December 31, 2008
Twins Soul - December 31, 2008
God Allows U-turns Series - www.godallowsuturns.com
Updated when I hear news about next year's themes. Past Themes:
Choices Moms Make
Choices Couples Make
Choices Men Make
Choices Families Make
Cup of Comfort - www.cupofcomfort.com
Possible themes of future volumes include:
Adoptive Families
Animal Lovers
Bereaved
Blended Families
Fathers and Daughters
Midlife Women
Parents of Children with ADHD
Seniors
Singles
Working Moms
Book Proposals
Terry Whalin's website has answers to many of your questions. www.right-writing.com
Jenna Glatzer, now MacAlister Stone, has a great newsletter (Absolute Write Newsletter) with tons of information for writers. www.absolutewrite.com
Nonfiction - The Nonfiction Book Proposal Put Your Best Foot Forward
Fiction - WFNS FAQ Fiction Book Proposal
Publishers
The Writer's Market - look for this at the library, bookstore, or start here: www.writersdigest.com
Agents
2006 Literary Agents for CBA Markets (Christian Market)
Literary Marketplace - look for this at your library
Libraries and Newpapers
http://lists.webjunction.org/libweb/
Copyright information
http--www.copyright.gov-forms-formtx.pdf
Create a Blog
There are several free blog spots out there. Give it a try. See mine: http://www.bearinglife.blogspot.com
Creative Book signings, readings, and school presentations
Start in your home town. Most cities and towns love having a local author. Check into doing presentations, signings, or displaying your books at these places:
Library
Tourist office
Schools - even if you are not a children's writer, you can appear for Career Days, shadowing, workshops, etc.
Churches
Restaurants
Beauty Shops
Book stores
Parties
Even yard sales!
Give your books as door prizes for any special youth, school, and church events.
This is just a beginning. I will add to these as I am able. If you have questions or something you'd like to see here, please E-mail me.
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