- Pennwriters

TH E
THE NEwSlETTEr oF PENNwrITErS INC.
MAy/JUNE 2014 • VoL. XXII No. 3
Conference Keynote Kami Garcia
Saturday keynote Meredith Mileti
Important Faces to Know
Jordy Albert
Allison Janice
Peter Knapp
Marie Lamba
Jason Pinter
Bob Podrasky
Jessica Regel
Katie Shea Boutillier
Jessica Sinsheimer
Bridget Smith
To read bios for our keynote speakers, agents,
editors, and workshop leaders, visit
www.pennwriters.org
For online registration, visit
www.regonline.com/27thAnnualPennwritersConference
JLeonore Waldrip
Paige Wheeler
Roseanne Wells
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Column .......................... 2-3
PW officers and online Groups..........3
Member News ......................................4
Conference tips................................5, 6
What Publishers Want...........................7
Market News ..................................10-11
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
1
President’s Column
Excitement is building for the annual Pennwriters conference to be held this
month in Lancaster. The conference coordinators have put together a stellar
program. If you have not registered yet, keep in mind—walk-ins are welcome.
I am looking forward to seeing a lot of my Pennwriter friends and to meeting
new members. The conference is a great place to mingle with like-minded
people, learn craft, and become inspired and motivated.
If you attend the conference, take advantage of the Area meetings and introduce
yourself to your Area rep and fellow Area members. If you are not attending the
conference, you can contact your representative using his or her email address
listed in the Penn Writer.
Carol Silvis, Area 3
PRESIDENT
This month’s theme is pitching and querying, the big follow-through steps for
those who wish to be published. It is nearly impossible to sell a novel today to a
traditional publishing house without an agent. To gain an agent’s attention, learn
how to write a query letter that will make him or her take notice. Several agents
offer tips, answer questions, and provide examples of query letters on their
blogs. Check out queryshark.blogspot.com or your favorite agent’s blog.
Here are a few general tips for writing query letters:
• Do your research; query the right person for the manuscript; follow the
submission guidelines.
May 16-18, 2014
• Write the letter in proper format; keep it to one page; address the letter
correctly (double-check the spelling of the agent’s name).
• Use a hook to sum up the manuscript in one sentence; include the details of
your book—title, genre, word count.
• Summarize your manuscript, hitting the high points of the story and
introducing the main characters, the conflict, and the consequences of the
conflict’s outcome.
• Provide your bio, including your credits and contact information.
Have you changed your address
or email address? If so, please notify
Jessica Williams, PW secretary, at
jesswilliams0638@gmail.com.
We thank you in advance for helping
to keep our member roster current.
NOTICE: Publication herein of articles,
interviews, and news concerning markets,
contests, seminars, classes, etc., does not
imply an endorsement, recommendation or
any warranty given by Pennwriters. Readers
are urged to determine for themselves the
reliability, integrity, and financial responsibility
of those with whom they deal. The contents of
this issue of The Penn Writer are copyrighted
© 2014 by Pennwriters, Inc. All rights are
reserved. Permission to photocopy is expressly
denied. All rights revert to individual authors
immediately upon publication.
2
• Conclude with a thank you.
• Proofread; have someone critique the letter.
BoArD NEWS:
Please help us keep our records up to date by informing Pennwriters Secretary
Jess Williams of changes to your contact information. If we do not have correct
contact information, we cannot inform you of Pennwriter news.
reminder: All membership renewals are due in July.
Please join me in thanking the following outgoing board members and in
welcoming their replacement volunteers who are ready to work hard for your
organization:
Tina Crone took over as Area 5 rep following Walt Honsinger’s resignation.
Thanks to Walt for his service to Pennwriters.
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
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President
Carol Silvis
724-327-2725, snax@nb.net
Cathy rouse resigned the Area 4 rep position because she is moving out of state.
Thanks to Cathy for her service to Pennwriters. Hilary Hauck will return as the
Area 4 rep, a position she held previously.
Dave Szymanowski has resigned as web chair and CAr. The web duties will be
assumed by Colette Garmer. Dave has been an enormous asset to Pennwriters
in helping to keep the organization running smoothly. Dave gave hundreds of
hours of his time serving in various positions over the years and worked
tirelessly on the web site.
We still need a volunteer to fill the Area 2 rep position. If you would like to
volunteer, please let me or another board member know. If you do not reside in
Area 2 but are in a bordering area, you can still volunteer for Area 2 rep.
The next board meeting will be held Thursday, May 15, at the conference in
Lancaster. A general meeting for all members will be held Saturday, May 17,
at the conference breakfast.
Vice President
Annette Dashofy
724-255-7955
annette@annettedashofy.com
Secretary
Jessica Williams
443-286-9379
jesswilliams0638@gmail.com
Treasurer
Jackie Shaffmaster
570-878-7056, jmy382@hotmail.com
Author Advocate
Ayleen Stellhorn
717-359-9279
ayleen@embarqmail.com
2014 Conference Co-Coordinator
Charli Mac
charli-mac@comcast.net
–Carol
2014 Conference Co-Coordinator
Lisa Kastner
lisadkastner@gmail.com
Pennwriters online: your Internet Connection
Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.pennwriters.org
yahoo Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Pennwriters/join
Facebook . . . . . . . . . . . . .“Pennwriters” and “Pennwriters Annual Conference”
LinkedIn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=67420
Twitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.twitter.com/Pennwriters
online Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://tinyurl.com/PennwritersonlineCourses
Pennwriters Areas Map
Meetup.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . search for keyword “Pennwriters”
Newsletter Editor
Heather Desuta
412-337-6966
thepennwriter@gmail.com
Public relations Chair
Christiana Reuling
penciledwhimsies@gmail.com
webmaster
Annual writing Contest Coordinator
Colette Garmer
724-889-6863
writingcontestcoordinator@
pennwriters.org
Bylaws Chair
Jean Jenkins
814-774-0557
jean.jenkins10@gmail.com
Internet Activities Coordinator
and online Courses Coordinator
Pauline Drozeski
cadlady@deepbluewaters.com
Election Chair
Terry Friedman
610-692-8668, tfried44@verizon.net
Members living outside of Pennsylvania are Area 7
Contact information for Area Reps
can be found in area reports within
the newsletter.
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
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Member News & Accomplishments
So far in 2014,
Area 3 Hana
Haatainen Caye
has published six
children’s books
with Marvel’s
iStorybooks line
and is contracted
for 12 more. Her
article, “Keeping
Up With the
Jetsons: Technology and Pets,” was
published in Zip Code Magazine, and
she sold two stories to CHICKEN SoUP
For THE SoUL: “Thicker Than Blood”
(CSS: THE DATING GAME) and “A
Shelter Indeed” (CSS: HoME SWEET
HoME.) In December, two of Hana’s
stories appeared in CSS: 20th
ANNIVErSAry rEADEr’S CHoICE.
Area 5 Don
Helin’s SECrET
ASSAULT, the
newest thriller
in his Zack Kelly
series, will be
released in May.
Area 3 Lorraine Henderson
ended 2013 with Thanksgiving and
Christmas stories in True Confessions
magazine and began the new year
with stories in the January and
February issues as well. Her latest
sale “Why, Daddy?...Why?" appears in
the May issue of True Confessions.
It’s a sad story of the loss of a mother
but with an uplifting message as the
story ends on Easter Sunday. Lorraine
has been selling to the confession
market since 1987 and has amassed
500+ sales to that market.
Jim Lee, Area 4, had a historical
fantasy “A Father's Blessing” published
in the Spring 2014 issue of MIrror
DANCE, yet another small, modestly
paying online site. He continues to
make extra money doing freelance
editing for less-experienced writers
in his area. But the big news is that
Crimson Frost Books, a small pub4
lisher based in Canada, has accepted
his 20,000-word novella CoyoTE SUMMEr for publication as a stand-alone
e-book (release date TBA).
Area 3 Susan
Sofayov’s first
novel, DEFECTIVE, was released in April by
Black opal Books.
University of
Pittsburgh law
student, Maggie
Hovis, battles an
enemy she cannot escape—her own
brain. Her family calls her a drama
queen. Her fiancé, Sam, moves out after
she throws a shoe at his head. Maggie
knows there is only one way to get him
back—control her moods. So she takes
the step most of her family is against:
therapy. After a diagnosis of Bipolar II
Disorder, Maggie begins to investigate
her family tree—which is plagued by
mental illness and hidden relatives—
and develops empathy for her deceased
Great Aunt Ella, who lived her life in a
mental institution. But Maggie’s journey leads her into fear and insecurity,
afraid she’ll end up like Ella and never
get Sam back. But what about Nick, her
super-sexy old flame, who wants to
reignite their passion? And does it even
matter, anyway? Won’t mental illness
stop any man from loving her?
Visit defectivethenovel.com.
Area 5 Jon
Sprunk’s latest
book, BLooD
AND IroN, just
came out.
It starts with a
shipwreck following a magical
storm at sea.
Horace, a soldier
from the west, had joined the Great
Crusade against the heathens of
Akeshia after the deaths of his wife and
son from plague. When he washes
ashore, he finds himself at the mercy of
the very people he was sent to kill, who
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
speak a language and have a culture
and customs he doesn't even begin to
understand. Not long after, Horace is
pressed into service as a house slave.
But this doesn't last. The Akeshians discover that Horace was a latent sorcerer,
and he is catapulted from the chains of
a slave to the halls of power in the
queen's court. Together with Jirom, an
ex-mercenary and gladiator, and Alyra,
a spy in the court, he will seek a path to
free himself and the empire's caste of
slaves from a system where every man
and woman must pay the price of blood
or iron. Before the end, Horace will have
paid dearly in both.
Visit www.jonsprunk.com.
The Pennsylvania Literary Festival:
Pennwriters has a table at the PA
LitFest at the end of May in Uniontown.
Any PW member is welcome to sell
their books, as well as teach a workshop, be on a panel, do a reading, and
be interviewed on the main stage for
multiple tapings of GoingLIVE.
[**PLEASE NOTE: PENNWRITERS DO
NOT HAVE TO REGISTER, AND THERE
IS NO FEE FOR MEMBERS, BUT YOU
MUST EMAIL HEIDI RUBY MILLER
TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS:
heidirubymiller@gmail.com **]
The Pennsylvania Literary Festival
would like to invite publishers,
universities, literary groups, and
their authors to participate in this
first annual event the weekend of
Friday, May 30, to Sunday, June 1, at
the Uniontown Mall. The event
features industry exhibitors, author
appearances, signings, readings, live
music, a charity auction, cooking
demos, free writing and publishing
workshops, storytellers, writing
contests, activities for kids, live tapings
and interviews with FCTV and
GoingLIVE, and a variety of food and
beverages spread throughout multiple
locations within the Uniontown Mall.
Share Your Good News
—Email
Heather Desuta, newsletter editor,
at thepennwriter@gmail.com.
Type “PennWriter Submission”
in the subject line, and please
include your Area number.
Helpful Tips for a Pennwriters Conference First-Timer
by Jess Williams, Area 7, Secretary
So you’ve registered for the 2014 Pennwriters Conference?
Welcome aboard! you’re embarking on a fun and educational
journey with your new writer family by joining us in Lancaster
this year. And what a phenomenal event it will be! Invited to
this year’s conference are two stellar keynotes, 13 literary
agents and editors, and dozens of industry professionals
eager to share their knowledge. And you will be a part of it!
Are you excited by the unknown? Nervous with anticipation? Do you want more information? Well here it is! read
on for general Pennwriters conference tips and suggestions
for first-time attendees (or a refresher for the rest of us).
Bring a notebook. yes, laptops are fabulous. They can
also be cumbersome. you don’t have to worry about keeping
a notebook secure. Pen and ink is the simpler way to go. It’s
handy, ready, light, and gives no embarrassing accidental
start-up sounds. If you like typed notes, you can type your
notes later.
Clothing. Bring some. Though it does become easier
to recognize someone if her or she is in the same outfit all
weekend, it is not the good kind of memorable. “Business
casual” is typical conference attire. If you are attending the
Friday night keynote dinner, some people tend to dress up a
little more and some dress down. Not sure what you’ll prefer? Bring it all and pretend you’re a celebrity doing costume changes. Bottom line: Wear what makes you feel
comfortable and confident.
Bring on the layers. The event will be held mid-May
when it’s warm and beautiful outside, but the temperature
inside the meeting rooms fluctuates constantly. you don’t
want to miss something important because you’re fanning
yourself with your folder or shivering in your thin shirt.
Shoes. Here’s a tip for the ladies (though don’t zone out
gentlemen). Five-inch heels that make you want to weep by
the end of the night should probably be left at home. When
you find yourself talking to an agent or editor, you don’t
want to be rocking back and forth on aching feet. Bring
comfy, business casual shoes you can walk in all day.
Socialize. This is perhaps the biggest piece of advice
I can give. It is through socializing and networking that we
make our relationships—both personal and professional.
I missed so much at my first Pennwriters Conference
because I was nervous and didn’t know anyone. If you have
this same issue, please find me. I want to know all of the
new family and will introduce you to everyone I know.
Writing is a solitary endeavor most of the time, so this is
the time to branch out.
Do your research. one year, I recognized an agent
only by her outfit. So when she did that ridiculous changingher-clothing thing, I was lost. I could not find her the rest
of the day. We have a large number of agents and editors
attending this year, so take the time to look at their pictures,
read their bios, and try to do a little bit of internet research
on them. Do you intend to pitch? Great! Do your research.
Know who that agent represents, what they read in their
spare time, and what kinds of projects they are looking for.
Follow him or her on Twitter; find out if he or she blogs;
read a book written by a client. These can make all the
difference. Show the agent you know who he or she is
and that you’ve prepared for the meeting.
Bring return address labels. Every year we have a
Chinese auction at the conference. you can buy raffle tickets
and place the tickets in bags corresponding to each basket.
But writing your name on all of these tickets is slightly hand
cramping. Bringing address labels helps alleviate the pain
so you can start taking notes again.
Those are some basics. Link up with Pennwriters on
Facebook and Twitter and get involved in pre-conference
networking and news-sharing. Have more questions?
Please email me at jesswilliams0638@gmail.com. Don’t
forget to find me if you need a friend! See you in Lancaster!
Jessica Williams is Pennwriters’ secretary. By day she is a full-time
employee, struggling single mom and lover of fiction. By night she
battles plot issues, character flaws and perspective.
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
5
More Conference Advice
by Annette Dashofy, Area 3, Vice President
In the weeks and days leading up to the conference, there
are things you can do to get ready. Besides packing and
repacking your suitcase, that is.
Practice your pitch. Even if you aren’t going to pitch to
an agent or editor, have a short and sweet elevator pitch/
tag line ready. other attendees will ask you what you’re
working on. you’ll want to sound reasonably professional
in your answer. Besides, the response you get will help you
fine-tune your pitch before you actually meet that agent or
editor. If your listener’s eyes glaze over, you might want to
tweak it a bit. If he or she responds with an enthusiastic
request to read your book, you’re probably ready.
If you are planning to pitch, do your homework. Who
are you pitching to and why? Google them. read their blogs
and their websites. Follow them on Twitter. What about
other agents who will be there? Just because you can only
schedule one pitch appointment, it doesn’t mean you only
get one chance. offer to volunteer as a timekeeper for another agent who sounds like a possibility. I got my first
agent that way. I pitched to one who turned me down cold.
But I was timekeeper for another. one of her appointments
didn’t show up, and she asked me if I had anything. I sat
down and pitched. She requested pages. Two weeks later,
she offered representation. yes, it does happen.
The best advice I received before my first conference
was simply, “Wear comfortable shoes.” I didn’t realize
HoW good that advice was until a few years later when I
bought two pairs of new shoes for the conference—shoes
that I thought would be comfy, only to learn that three solid
days of running around a large hotel can test even Hush
Puppies and Easy Spirits. Test drive (or walk) any shoes
you plan to bring.
Attire is mostly business casual. Think about what
you see the news anchors wear. Dress in layers, because
some rooms will be icy and others will resemble a sauna.
The keynote dinner on Friday is generally more formal or
“dressy.” on the other hand, Sunday is relaxed and casual.
Jeans and t-shirts are fine, since it’s also a travel day for
most. Attire for the Saturday evening party varies. Some
years, there has been a theme: luau, costume party, etc.
This gives you an idea of what to wear. But keep in mind
that agents and editors may very likely be in attendance.
Don’t embarrass yourself.
As for whether or not to bring your manuscript, the
answer is maybe. At one time I’d have said, “no.” An agent
or editor who is traveling by plane or train does not want to
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THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
lug a full manuscript home in his or her luggage. However, if
yoU don’t mind lugging it with you, I don’t see the harm.
you can take it with you to your pitch appointment for the
sole purpose of illustrating that you do indeed have a
completed manuscript. Don’t suggest that the agent or editor take it with him or her. It’s easier for everyone involved
for you to email the file if the agent or editor expresses interest. Having it on a flashdrive wouldn’t hurt either.
Bring some extra cash. Besides buying drinks for
agents, editors and new friends, there are some shopping
opportunities in the Hospitality Suite. you may want to buy
a book by the author you just heard speak. There are
baskets of goodies being raffled off there, too. Don’t be
caught short.
Conferences can be daunting, especially if you’re an
introverted writer used to working in solitude. Don’t be
intimidated. When you see someone wearing a Pennwriters
Conference name tag, ask, “What do you write?” Everyone
there is writing something. And he or she will be pleased to
talk to you about it.
Don’t stalk agents. I know I said you’d have other
opportunities to pitch besides your appointment. Timekeeping is only one of the other chances. Buy one of the
industry pros a drink. It’s like “renting” his or her ear for a
few minutes (until the next person comes along, offering
another drink). Engage an agent or editor in conversation
in the hallway or in the Hospitality Suite. But mind your
manners. Do NoT follow him or her into the restroom and
launch into your pitch. Do NoT interrupt when he or she is
in a conversation with someone else. Why are you laughing?
These things have happened. you’ll be remembered for sure,
but not in a good way.
Don’t try to do EVERYTHING. There are so many great
workshops, you’ll want to attend them all. But do yourself a
favor. Sit one or two out. your brain will be fried by Sunday
if you don’t. It may be fried even if you do. retreat to your
room for a nap. or better yet, hang out in the Hospitality
Suite. Buy some raffle tickets for the baskets. Shop the
bookseller and merchandise tables. Ask one of the volunteers if he or she needs a break. But mostly, sit down, put
your feet up and make some new friends.
In conclusion, enjoy yourself. Don’t be afraid to walk
up to a stranger and start a conversation. Be prepared to
talk about your writing and engage others. offer to volunteer. Don’t try to do it all.
And wear comfortable shoes.
Annette Dashofy has been a member of Pennwriters since 2004 and
serves as vice president. Her first novel, CIRCLE OF INFLUENCE, was
released in April.
The 7 Things a Publisher Considers
by Nina Amir, 2014 Conference Workshop Presenter
Reprinted from writersdigest.com with author’s permission
Author Nina Amir will lead the following two
workshops at the 2014 Pennwriters Conference—
your Book’s Business Plan: How to Prepare
your Book Idea for Publishing Success
How to Blog your Way to a Book Deal
•••••••••••••••••••••••
Area 1
Todd Main • Area 1 Representative
814-459-8752 • todd_main@steris.com
Meadville Vicinity Pennwriters (MVP)
WHEN:
1st Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
WHErE: Tim Horton's on Conneaut Lake road,
Meadville
CoNTACT: Babs Mountjoy,
bmountjoy@zoominternet.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHEN:
1st Saturday, 10–Noon
WHErE: United Methodist Church, Edinboro
CoNTACT: Jan Brawn, jbrawn@coaxpa.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHEN:
2nd Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
WHErE: Tom ridge Environmental Center,
301 Peninsula Drive, Presque Isle
CoNTACT: Todd Main, todd_main@steris.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shenango Valley Pennwriters (SVP)
WHEN:
3rd Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
WHErE: Community Library of Shenango Valley
CoNTACT: Catherine McLean,
catherinemclean@windstream.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHEN:
4th Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
WHErE: Barnes & Noble, near the
Millcreek Mall, Erie
CoNTACT: Dave Szymanowski,
daveszy@adelphia.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fellowship of the Quill (FOTQ)
WHEN:
Every Thursday, 7-10 p.m.
WHErE: Tim Horton’s, 2565 West 12th, Erie
CoNTACT: Todd Main, todd_main@steris.com
If you are a writer who dreams of landing a traditional publishing deal, you might have a nagging question in your mind.
It’s probably phrased something like, “Is my book idea what a
publisher wants?” In fact, a better question to ask yourself is,
“Do I have what publishers really want?” What publishers seek
in an aspiring author doesn’t only involve your book idea or
even your writing. These are a big part of what they consider
in their decision-making process, but they are not the only
things. Let’s take a look at what a publisher, or rather the
acquisitions editor and the whole pub board at a publishing
house, consider when they examine your business plan.
1. Your idea. you must have a good idea or story, which
means one that is unique and necessary in its category.
2. Your book’s market. The market analysis must indicate the
potential for great reader interest, therefore, large sales.
3. Your book’s competition: Similar books in your category
must show a proven track record of high sales.
4. Your credentials and author platform: your bio and your
pre-promotion of yourself and the book must show that you
have the ability to help sell the book once it is released. In
other words, you must have a proven ability to write, or expert
status, plus a large, built-in readership, known as platform, for
your book in its target market.
5. Your promotion plan: you must show a concrete plan to
use your author platform to sell books in a variety of ways
upon release, not only for a month but for 3-12 months and
beyond. The more creative and extensive the plan, the better.
6. Your plans to write more books: Publishers seek multiplebook authors because the more books authors write, the more
books they sell. Additionally, they prefer to invest in authors who
will continue to produce products for the company or who have
ideas for how to brand themselves by writing more books.
7. The manuscript or sample chapters: your writing must
prove you can produce a quality product with the potential to
sell. Publishers Want Business Partners
If you look over this list, you’ll notice that of the seven items
evaluated by the publisher, only four (1, 2, 3, and 7) pertain
directly to your book. The other three (4, 5, and 6) pertain to
you and your ability to be a good business partner. In fact, if
+
continued on page 12 n
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
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Area 3
Area 2
Candace Banks • Area 3 Representative
ckb1@consolidated.net
First Monday Discussion Group
Discusses e-publishing, social media, e-readers, formatting, marketing
and website creation. Please rSVP so proper-sized room is reserved.
WHEN:
1st Monday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
WHErE: Bethel Park Library (part of Bethel Municipal Bldg.)
CoNTACT: Cheryl Williams, cherylewilliams205@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW/rEVIVING GroUP: Formerly “Second Tuesday of the Month Group”
WHEN:
Kristin has offered to host and revive this group. Because of her
9-5 day job, the meeting will need to remain in the evening, but
suggestions about day and venue are being accepted.
WHErE: previously at Panera Bread, Settlers ridge Centre Drive
CoNTACT: Kristin Humphreys, kmhumphreys@hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Mindful Writers Group
our goal is to complete a book-length manuscript (fiction, nonfiction or
creative nonfiction) in nine months using Writing Meditation Method.
WHEN:
every Wednesday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
WHErE: Eat ’n Park, at Wexford exit of I-79
CoNTACT: To join, contact Madhu Wangu, madhu.wangu@me.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pittsburgh East Writers Group
Small, friendly critique group. Main focus is fiction writing but writers
of all genres are welcome.
WHEN:
3rd Saturday, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
WHErE: Monroeville Public Library’s upstairs conference room
CoNTACT: Chuck rakiecz, crakiecz@verizon.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Critique Group North
Eight members writing shorts, flashes and novels. Currently, membership
is full, but interested writers may submit their names and email addresses
for the waiting list.
WHEN:
2nd Thursday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (includes time for lunch)
WHErE: King’s restaurant, rt. 910, at Wexford exit of I-79
CoNTACT: MaryAlice Meli, maryalicemeli@yahoo.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
South Hills Critique Group
Small group of fiction writers. Six member limit. Work to be critiqued is
emailed prior to meetings.
WHEN:
3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.
WHErE: Panera in the Galleria, Mt. Lebanon
CoNTACT: Please rSVP to Stephanie Claypool, sclaypool@verizon.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following two groups are on hiaitus. Anyone interested in hosting, or
co-hosting, either of these meeting, please contact Candace Banks directly,
at ckb1@consolidated.net. (Please do not use the Area 3 yahoo group). These
meetings’ time, place, and focus are open to revision. We welcome new ideas
to reach out to new members and reinvigorate these meetings or launch
new groups.
MEETING oN HIATUS: The Robinson Nonfiction and Fiction Group
previously at Panera Bread, Settlers ridge Centre Drive
WHErE:
MEETING oN HIATUS: The Robinson Township Writers Group
previously at Eat ’n Park in robinson (near IKEA)
WHErE:
8
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
Area 2 Representative: Position Open
If interested, email Carol Silvis:
snax@nb.net.
Danville Group
1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m.
WHErE: Episcopal Church (Market St.)
CoNTACT: Dave Freas,
quillracer@pa.metrocast.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While these meetings are not Pennwriters
events, they may be of interest:
WHEN:
Tunkhannock Group #1
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
WHErE: Methodist Education Building
(corner of Warren & Marion Sts.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tunkhannock Group #2
WHEN:
every Thursday, 7 p.m.
WHErE: Dietrich Theater (60 E. Tioga St.)
WHEN:
•••••••••••••••••••••
Area 4
Hilary Hauck • Area 4 Representative
wordhawk383@verizon.net
The Southern Alleghenies Writers Guild
3rd Saturday, noon-3 p.m.
WHErE: contact Jim Lee for info
CoNTACT: Jim Lee, 814-442-1241,
jimlee.author@gmail.com
WHEN:
While these meetings are not Pennwriters
events, they may be of interest:
Nittany Valley Writers Network
WHEN:
2nd Tuesday, 7-8:30 p.m.
WHErE: Schlow Library, 211 S. Allen St.,
State College
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nittany Valley Writers Network:
The Early Risers
WHEN:
3rd Wednesday, 7- 8 a.m.
WHErE: The Waffle Shop, W. College Ave.
& Blue Course Dr., State College
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nittany Valley Writers Network:
Social Gatherings
WHEN:
4th Tuesday, 5:30-7 p.m.
WHErE: The Autoport,
1405 S. Atherton St.,
State College
•­ •••••••••••••••••••••• ­• ••••••••••••••••••••••
Area 5
Area 6
Tina Crone • Area 5 Representative
tmcrone@yahoo.com
Charli Mac • Area 6 Representative
charli-mac@comcast.net
Critique Night, York, PA
every 3rd Thursday
WHErE: New Visions Books & Gifts,
2594 Eastern Blvd.,
Kingston Square Shopping Center
CoNTACT: Becky Maslowski, rrosem@hughes.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lancaster Area Group
WHEN:
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m.
WHErE: music section, Lancaster Barnes & Noble
CoNTACT: Walt Honsinger,
walthonsinger@hotmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harrisburg Area Group
Critique structure: bring 10 copies of up to
5 pgs. of manuscript, double spaced.
All genres welcome.
WHEN:
4th Wednesday, 6-9 p.m.
WHErE: New Cumberland Library (back annex),
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland
CoNTACT: Don Helin, dhelin@copper.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pottsville Area Critique Group
CoNTACT: Dana Mansell, wstiefan@infionline.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Writers’ Wordshop
WHEN:
2nd & 4th Thursdays
WHErE: Bosler Library, Carlisle
CoNTACT: Melinda Downey Shultz, 717-275-2772,
mame.shultz@gmail.com
There are currently no Pennwriters Area 6 groups
meeting, but if you are interested in forming a
group, please contact charli-mac@comcast.net.
WHEN:
wrITEr’S ToolBox:
Marketing
you’ve probably seen writing exercises where you create
a picture of your characters, right down to where characters shop and what their interests are. Do the same for
your target audience. once you have a good picture of
them, think of ways to promote to them. Think of how
you can contribute to niche magazines and blogs related
to the subjects of your book or website. Make appearances at related special events, especially virtual/online
events, which give you more exposure with less effort.
-from Strategic Marketing Made Easy For Writers: Optimize
Your Promotions For Bestseller Results by Nate Hardy, Area 6.
www.PlusSignProductions.org
•••••••••••••••••••••••
Area 7
Bobbi Carducci • Area 7 Representative
540-338-5064 • bcarducci@comcast.net
I am looking for someone in Area 7 to help me
gather information to be posted monthly on
the Area 7 Connector Blog.
http://pwarea7.wordpress.com
Share your accomplishments. Submit articles
on writing, announce book signings, etc.
Contact me via email to submit your ideas, etc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Baltimore Area Pennwriters
WHEN:
on hiatus.
WHErE: Panera Bread in Golden ring,
8640 Pulaski Highway, rosedale, MD
CoNTACT: Jess Williams,
jesswilliams0638@gmail.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blue Ridge Group
Meetings include critique on request, sharing
resources, writing exercises and discussion.
Beginning to multi-published writers welcome.
WHEN:
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.
WHErE: Purcellville Library, Purcellville, VA
CoNTACT: Bobbi Carducci, bcarducci@comcast.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Northern Delaware Group
Meetings will be held monthly to discuss all
sorts of writing stuff. All levels of experience
are welcome. Email Cindy Callaghan for more
information: callaghancindy@gmail.com.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyone interested in forming a group, please
contact me. If you have a place to meet and a
desire to spend time with fellow writers, it is
possible to host a group.
Other information of interest:
Book signing possibilities in Blue Ridge Area:
• Around the Block Books, Purcellville, VA
• Second Chapter Books, Middleburg, VA
• Potomac Books, Dulles, VA
Local Groups of Interest in Blue Ridge Area:
• Loudoun County Writers Association
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
9
Market News
Column #101
by Jim Lee, Area 4, Associate Editor, Market Reports
No wordy intros this time out, let’s just
jump in with the market news…
A rare example of a small press magazine
of SF/F/H that has grown over the years
into paying SFWA-approved pro rates, lore uses fiction
only (2,000-6,000 words). They pay 5 cents/word for
unpublished works, which they prefer and they take
1st English Language Rights and 1st Electronic Rights.
They will consider a few reprints, but query them
(lore-online.com) and note they’ll only pay 2 cents/wd
for such material. They also use a limited amount of
genre-related nonfiction (query for these, too). For story
subs, attach your ms in .doc, .rtf or .pdf format and send
to submissions@lore-online.com. In the subject line, put
your legal name and pen name you’re using (if different).
In body of email, include full contact info, word count
and brief bio note. They apparently do both print and
electronic editions these days—if they use your work in
the paper edition, you also get a contributor copy.
This Patchwork Flesh, an anthology mentioned in the
previous column, has changed its length limits. Now no
stories more than 8,000 words are wanted.
Epicure&Culture.com uses nonfiction articles on food,
culture and travel. They pay a modest flat fee ($15).
For details, check their website.
Hello, Darling and Connections are publications of a group
called MoPS International. They’re a Christian-focused
outfit whose main audience is the mothers of preschoolers
and content of both reflects that focus. They say they
take a “biblical, not doctrinal perspective”—if that helps
at all. Much of the material in each issue is theme-based,
so visit their website (MoPS.org) for details on what
they’re after at any particular time. I saw no mention of
what pay (if any) is offered, but both claim respectable
circulation numbers—which usually, though not always,
means decent compensation.
An online publication of SF/F for teenagers, Inscription
Magazine pays 5 cents/word for stories (500-9,000 words,
shorter pieces having a better chance). Preference is
given to unpublished work. They want 1st World Rights,
plus non-exclusive archive and reprint rights. But they will
consider reprints (tell them in a cover letter) and pay
rate is the same. They want stories in standard form and
attached to email (inscription.subs@gmail.com). While a
cover letter in body of email is technically optional
(except as info on where/when a reprint previously
appeared), they do like you to include your name,
word count and any previous writing credits.
10
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
Another online publication, Issues in Earth Science is a
mostly nonfiction and staff-written publication about
geology aimed at Middle School and High School
students and their teachers. But they do use occasional
science fiction (1,000-3,000 wds; 2,000 ideal)—but each
must focus accurately on some geology topic. They pay
5 cents/wd ($50 minimum) and want new fiction, so they
can take 1st E-Rights, exclusive for 1 year, as well as nonexclusive archive and non-exclusive reprint rights (the
latter paid a 2nd time at same rate). Paste story in body
of emails (Fictionsub@earthscienceissues.net) & include
brief cover letter with 2-3 sentences detailing what
geology element is key to the story and a 100-wd bio
in 3rd person. They also accept brief (500-1,000 wd)
nonfiction pieces on themes they pick for upcoming
issues (check their website for upcoming ones). The
nonfiction pieces earn $50 flat fees, with same rights
bought as fiction.
Funny Times is a humor magazine (shocking, huh?).
They pay $60 for funny fiction pieces (500-700 wds) and
$25-40/cartoon. Subs are by regular mail only. Mail them
to THE FUNNy TIMES, c/o The Editors, Po Box 18530,
Cleveland Heights, oH 44118.
orion Magazine explores “the nexus between ecology
& human experience.” They need nonfiction (essays,
narrative nonfiction, interviews) and a little fiction that
focuses on nature, culture and place, 1,200-5,000 wds.
They rarely do assignments off queries, so it’s better to
wait until they’re open for subs and send something of
that nature along. Contact them to learn when their next
submission window opens—supposed to be sometime this
summer. Email questions@orionmagazine.org.
Comet Press has started a new line of erotic SF/F/H of all
varieties called The SexFiles. They’re not looking for sweet
romance, but over-the-top erotica of all speculative fiction
genres and sub-genres—very in-your-face and push-theboundaries. only taboos are blatantly illegal (no underage, especially). They want novelette & novella lengths
(7,500-40,000 wds) and original (though will consider selfpublished works for re-publish). No advances, but 40%
royalty on net profits. They’re doing these in e-book form,
but if a title sells really well, they’ll consider putting out a
print edition as well. Attach subs in .rtf or .doc format,
standard ms form and send to sexfiles@cometpress.us (or
you can click on the link, if you visit their site and go to
guidelines section). Put in subject line: SF Submission—
“your Title.” In body of email message, list your real name,
pseudonym (if any), sub-genre focused on, word count,
brief bio, short blurb (appropriate for back cover) and
synopsis (length: as long as it takes).
wesleyan Publishing is a book and magazine publisher
with a distinct Christian/spiritual bent. Check guidelines
at their website: www.wesleyan.org/wq.
Similarly, a Canadian e-book publisher, Crimson Frost
Books, is offering 40% royalties for novella-length (minimum 20,000 wds) erotic fiction (though they do like a bit
of romance in with the explicit sex) in several categories
(not necessarily SF/F). Check what they’re after by
checking them out online (crimsonfrostbooks.com).
oatmeal Studio needs ideas for greeting cards and
notepads. Humorous only. They pay, but I frankly forgot to
make note of the exact pay range (my bad). They want
subs on 3x5 notecards, one idea per card (and contact
info, of course). Send via regular mail to Po Box 138WP,
ATTN: Editorial Dept., Rochester, VT 05767.
wE Magazine for women uses a wide range of nonfiction
in numerous departments and feature categories, including some quite well-paying. Visit their website and check
around for sub guides. Each department/column seems
to have at least somewhat separate guides and goes to
different online address. (wemagazineforwomen.com)
Hopscotch is one of three children’s magazines currently
produced by Fun for Kids Magazines. This title focuses on
girls 6-13 (8-10 being the prime target audience). It comes
out bimonthly, using 30-36 articles, 9-10 fiction pieces,
about 18 poems and a few puzzles, games, etc., annually.
They look for timeless subjects of interest to girls of that
age. Pay is 5 cents/wd minimum ($10/poem) and they
use only original stuff (no reprints). Pay is on pub. Send
work by mail only to Fun for Kids Magazines, ATTN:
Submissions, Po Box 227, Bluffton, oH 45817.
Sci-fi romance Quarterly is an online periodical mostly
composed of reviews and other info on books in that
genre. But they do buy one story/issue—paying $25 on
pub (plus promotional links and a free quarter-page ad)
for 6 months’ exclusive rights (which then revert to the
author). All stories (1,000-7,500 wds) must be inspired by
that issue’s picture prompt from the editors. For prompts,
visit scifiromancequarterly.org/write-for-us.
outdoor Adventures is a Christian outdoors magazine
(maybe the only one with that double focus?). They pay,
but amounts vary. Visit www.outdooradventures.com for
detailed info.
Your workplace is a trade magazine about on-the-job
safety. It’s from Canada, but I’ll take the chance that
someone in Pennwriters knows both about this topic and
how things go in the Great White North. Topics include
best practices, case studies, profound thoughts, experiences “in the trenches,” lessons learned and new ways of
thinking. Nonfiction only, of course. Check their website
(www.yourworkplace.ca) and their mail address is your
Workplace, 23 Queen St., Kingston, oN K7K 1A1, Canada.
Highly specialized trade mags of this sort typically pay
quite well—as long as you know your stuff and can
express it coherently.
And finally, here’s one to file under the “please don’t
shoot the messenger” category...
Editor Harper Eliot is buying short fiction (1,000-5,000
words) for an anthology from Burning Book Press that
explores aspects of the idea of blasphemy (from the
point of view of various faith traditions, cultures and/or
settings) in an erotic framework. yes, all stories have to be
both transgressive AND sexy. Eliot wants electronic subs
only (submissions@burningbookspress.com) in standard
manuscript form for Word and in 12-point, Times New
Roman. Put “Blasphemy Anthology” in the subject line
of the email and put the name you want the story to
appear under, a word count and your email address on
the 1st page of the story. Simultaneous subs are okay, but
there’s no mention of whether stories must be original, so
reprints might also be acceptable (but no guarantees).
The deadline to send work is June 1, with publication
slated for october 2014. Pay is flat fee of $25 (made
either via PayPal or by check, author’s choice).
Information for this column came from a recent issue of The
Writer, from Ralan.com, Duotrope.com, freelancewriters.com
and erotica-readers.com, and from my personal inquiries and
experiences. A reminder: Any PENNWRITER with market info
or tips that they’d care to pass along can reach me at
jimlee.author@gmail.com, by phone at 814-442-1241, or
via mail to 801 26th St., Windber, PA 15963. Info is always
appreciated, and you can be credited at the end of the
column—or not, as you desire.
Pitching is always a weird, difficult thing.
- J. J. Abrams
THE PENN WRITER • May/June 2014 • www.pennwriters.org
11
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The 7 Things a Publisher Considers - continued from page 7
you write a great business plan that proves you have a marketable idea and that you can produce a great product, which
involves numbers 1, 2, 3, and 7, you also demonstrate your business acumen. (All seven of these items actually should be
included in a book proposal.)
And that’s what publishers really want. They want to find aspiring authors who are good business people. That means
that if you want to land a traditional publishing deal, you must prove to the publisher you, and your book idea, are a good
financial risk. Even if you write fiction, you increase your likelihood of becoming traditionally published if you prove your
business savvy. As you write your business plan for your book, keep that in mind. Produce a document that convinces a venture
capital partner you are a worthy business partner with a viable product, as well as a creative idea, and you might find yourself
with a contract faster than you thought possible.
And that nagging question? It will disappear because by producing a business plan for your book you’ll have done the
work to prove your idea is, indeed, one publishers want.
Nina Amir is the author of HOW TO BLOG A BOOK: WRITE, PUBLISH, AND PROMOTE YOUR WORK ONE POST AT A TIME and THE AUTHOR
TRAINING MANUAL: DEVELOP MARKETABLE IDEAS, CRAFT BOOKS THAT SELL, BECOME THE AUTHOR PUBLISHERS WANT, AND SELF-PUBLISH
EFFECTIVELY. She transforms writers into inspired, successful authors, authorpreneurs and blogpreneurs. Known as the Inspiration to Creation
Coach, she moves her clients from ideas to finished books as well as to careers as authors by helping them combine their passion and purpose so
they create products that positively and meaningfully impact the world. A sought-after author, book, blog-to-book, and results coach, some of
Nina’s clients have sold 300,000+ copies of their books, landed deals with major publishing houses and created thriving businesses around their
books. She writes four blogs, self-published 12 books and founded National Nonfiction Writing Month, aka the Write Nonfiction in November
Challenge. She will present two workshops at the 2014 Pennwriters Conference. To learn more about Nina, visit www.ninaamir.com.
About Pennwriters
Pennwriters, a not-for-profit organization of more
than 390 members from Pennsylvania and beyond, was
established in 1988 as a networking organization for
published and aspiring writers of all genres. The group
offers an annual three-day writers conference and area
events and has a strong internet presence, with email
groups, online classes and social networks. Authors who
meet set criteria are granted Published Author status.
For more information about Pennwriters and its members,
visit www.pennwriters.org or contact President Carol
Silvis at snax@nb.net.
Submissions
The Penn Writer is published bimonthly. Contact Heather
Desuta, newsletter editor, at thepennwriter@gmail.com.
DEADLINE FoR THE JuLY/AuGuST ISSuE IS JuNE 1.
The theme will be “ Agents, Editors & the Publishing Industry.”
Submissions not based on theme are welcome, and don’t
forget to share your accomplishments, tips, great quotes,
book recommendations, etc. Include relevant artwork,
photos and book cover images. We hope to hear from you!
Type “PENN WrITEr SUBMISSIoN” in the subject line of
your email message, and please include your Area number.