Notes in the Margin

by Susan Johnston

Let’s face it — even the best writers face their fair share of rejection. It could be because that newspaper just assigned a similar story, or maybe the magazine already filled up that issue, or perhaps the editor is just having an unusually bad day… who knows? Rejection can be disappointing and downright heartbreaking if you agonize over it, but it needn’t keep you from achieving your publishing goals.

First, take heart in the fact that rejection is universal. Every writer has a tale of disappointment and despair, but the successful ones keep at it. Many of Louisa May Alcott’s stories were dismissed by her publisher for being too “sensational,” but Little Women has become a classic. Charles Scriber’s Sons rejected F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first two attempts before finally publishing This Side of Paradise. J.K. Rowling had to submit Harry Potter to more than a dozen publishing houses before her books found a home, and now the books have sold more than 300 million copies. You get the idea. Rejection is not a reflection of you or your writing ability, it’s just a fact of life.

After you’ve processed the initial disappointment, it’s time to evaluate whether your idea and query letter were targeted for the right editor at the right market. If you’re querying a beauty article, did you address your letter to the travel editor by mistake? Did you do your homework or did Magazine X just publish that very same article two months ago? If your response included any kind of feedback (like “not enough research” or “where’s the fresh slant?”), then you should rework your query for next time.

And don’t worry, there can and should be a next time. Have a plan B so you’ll know where to submit your idea next. As you’re brainstorming, make a list of all the publications that might be interested in your story. Obviously you’ll want to offer the idea to your top choice market first, but if Cosmopolitan passes, then you should be ready to send a slightly tweaked query out to Marie Claire or Glamour before you get bogged down by disappointment. If you’re querying by mail, have the envelope addressed and ready to go, because even if your query succeeds on your first attempt, you’ll want to try those other markets with new ideas.

If an editor takes the time to email you personally but says your idea isn’t a fit, don’t take it personally. Many people never get an answer or receive an automated “no thanks” to their query, so getting a personal email is a small (albeit bad-news-bringing) victory. Use this opportunity to thank them for their feedback and offer a few back-up ideas. For example, “I appreciate your getting back to me so quickly, and I wanted to offer you another idea for the magazine.” Or “I know you are very busy, so thank you for your response. Could you tell me what upcoming themes need more content that I could contribute?” At the very least, you now have the name and email address of an actual person, which could be a resource for future queries.

It’s also a good idea to stagger your submissions. If you have pieces in every stage of the submission and writing process, then you won’t come home one day to find a mailbox stuffed full of rejection letters. Plus, you’ll have other projects to focus on and keep you from getting too down on yourself. Keep track of where and when you’re querying in case you need to follow-up or submit to another magazine, but don’t get too hung up on the dates or numbers. Just as a watched pot never boils, it will seem as though you never get good news if you’re constantly refreshing your inbox. Give yourself permission to do other things, like going for a walk, treating yourself to some fro-yo, or curling up with a good book. You may even find an idea for your next query.

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Boston-based writer Susan Johnston is a two time National Scholastic Writing Award-winner. Her writing has appeared in Young Money magazine and Brookline magazine, and at DigsMagazine.com, RentalDecorating.com, and SavvyInsider.com. Read more at www.susan-johnston.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Lori Widmer

I remember the first time I asked a fellow writer, “How can I figure out what to write about?” I got back the standard answer: “Write about what you know.” Uh, okay. Suppose I know very little? I mean, how many of us are experts in anything? I can crochet a nice chain, but does that qualify me to write a detailed article on how to crochet a three-piece suit? (And does anyone really want to crochet a three-piece suit, much less read an article about it?)

Of course not, which means that sage advice that shows up in nearly every book on writing misses the mark completely. Worse, it steers you in the wrong direction, which in the best case would be down the wrong path and in the worst case would be away from writing altogether. In fact, it’s the worst advice imaginable.

Here’s why.

The Pigeonhole
Writing about what you know means you’re not going to learn much more. Suppose you’ve done some rollerblading in your day, and your friends think you’re pretty good. Using our “write what you know” advice, you’re now pigeonholed into writing only about rollerblading. You cannot, and dare not, expand into other areas because you know nothing about it. Right? Of course not, but isn’t that exactly the advice you were given?

As a new writer, you should be doing the opposite. You need to be exploring new areas and finding new things that catch your attention. What have you always wanted to learn about but never had time for? Dog sledding? Retail buying? Backpacking? Pamela Anderson? Software and technology? It can be anything you read about that catches your attention or anything you’ve always wanted to know more about. Don’t worry about being an expert. All you need is a healthy curiosity and a list of experts to give credibility to your article.

Lack of Love
Writing about your passions is also pretty sad advice, but this one holds a bit more merit than writing about what you know. Still, it falls short by quite a bit in terms of really helping a new writer. That’s because it’s tough to nail down your passions and your specialties, especially if you think of it as something you should already love. That’s another reason why this advice doesn’t cut the mustard.

As a writer with over 15 years of experience, I’m hard pressed to give you a list (or even a line item) of things I’m passionate about that I could turn into a specialty or even an article. Sure, I could give you a detailed account of my trip to southern Utah, but that’s hardly a passion.

Instead, change your perspective a bit. Instead of labeling it a specialty or a passion, think of it as an interest in one area or another. For example, I may not be passionate about spending a week being baked alive in August under the intense Utah sun , but I do enjoy traveling to places away from the tourist traps. I have an interest in traveling to relatively untouched places.

The same applies to you. Suppose you enjoy learning about the latest software for your computer. You’re not necessarily living and breathing the technology craze, but you have some interest in what goes on in that market. That interest could translate easily into articles, reviews, weblogs and more.

No Curiosity
The problem with both of these statements is they don’t inspire a writer’s curiosity. One of the toughest things we writers have to deal with is not writer’s block – it’s lack of solid ideas. If we stick to only what we know or are deeply passionate about, we’re going to run out of ideas fast.

Instead, get curious. Sometimes that curiosity can get you through the rough assignments. I remember my first days as a senior editor. I had to learn an entire industry that I found boring and confusing on the surface. I got curious in order to survive. That curiosity saved my career, and it did something better – it created a deep interest and appreciation for a specialty that I still write about today.

Write It All
So forget that advice that’s been hammered into your brain. It’s useless to you if you want to survive as a writer. Instead, follow this advice – write about anything that piques your curiosity. Write to find out about something or to answer a question you’ve always had. Write to understand a problem or to help find a solution. Write to learn and grow. Where you want to go will take you much farther than where you’ve been.

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Lori Widmer is a freelance writer and editor who has many interests and few marketable passions. She may be reached at lwbean@gmail.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Diana Bocco

The lure of a byline can be hard to resist, making novice writers easy victims to literary scams. While it’s almost impossible to keep up with all the shady companies popping up every day, there are some red flags to look out for when shopping a book around.

1. THINK AS A BUSINESS PERSON.
“I recommend authors think very seriously about publishing as a business because everyone else in the industry –agents, publishers, booksellers– do,” says Sharron Stockhausen, an award-winning member of the National Speakers Association and the author of more than 50 books, including 20 Things Every Successful Writer Knows.

And a business it is. The average traditional publisher pays an advance of $5,000 and spends $30,000 promoting a book. While it’s fine to write for the love of it, once you decide to sell your book, you should become a businessperson. Approach everything with a business mind — study the market, create a business plan, and research every publisher and agent before submitting.

2. EXPECT TO BE PAID, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND.
Vanity publishing, also known as book shepherding, is big business. “I have seen authors pay $20-30 thousand to a book shepherd and their sub-contractors before getting their book to print,” says Antoinette Kuritz, the host of Writer’s Roundtable radio show, and the founder and director of the annual La Jolla Writers Conference. “So many people dream of seeing their writing published — and many of them don’t understand what a vanity press is. Some believe they have been ‘chosen’ by such publishers.” Never pay to have your work published. The only beneficiary of such arrangement is the publisher.

3. BE SKEPTICAL.
“There’s no magic bullet when it comes to publishing,” says Penny C. Sansevieri, CEO of Author Marketing Experts, Inc. and the author of Get Published Today, From Book to Bestseller. “If an agent or publisher is promising fame or lots of money, run the other way. Just like when authors are shopping for publicists and find that they’re being promised “dates with Oprah” — no one in publishing can promise success, there’s no formula and no agent or publisher should pretend they have the magic solution.”

Promises come in many forms: shady publishers that pledge to buy your book if you “make it better” by paying a fee to an editor (usually one associated with them), agents who charge “reading fees” in exchange for feedback, and contests with exorbitant entry fees and basically no chance of winning. Be wary of anybody promising miracles.

4. DON’T GIVE YOUR WORK AWAY.
“Concentrate on paid offerings and avoid those websites that offer you a ‘clip’,” says Donald P. Mazzella, a veteran newspaper reporter and editor with work experience covering the globe for such organizations as AP, UPI and Copley. “Anyone who is running a professional operation can pay something…even $10. That also makes you a paid writer.” Don’t assume that the only way to get published it is to give your work away. Many publications, both online and print, welcome beginners. Do your research.

5. NEVER PAY AN AGENT TO READ YOUR WORK.
“If an agent can’t earn a living selling manuscripts, you shouldn’t be using him or her anyway,” says Tim Bete, the author of In The Beginning…There Were No Diapers and the director of the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop. “Why would you want to use an agent who can’t survive selling manuscripts?” Most reputable agents absorb all expenses involved in marketing your manuscript, and then take a 10% to 15% commission when your book sells. There are some exceptions, like in the case of small agencies that charge their writers for postage/copying costs. These charges, however, usually come as reimbursements, after the book is sold.

Fee-charging agents, on the other hand, ask clients to pay expenses up front, before they even start shopping around for a publisher. This should always be a red flag. Many fraudulent agencies charge outrageous fees in the thousands of dollars and never actually send the manuscript out, since they’ve already made a profit by charging the writer.

When in doubt, remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

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Diana Bocco is a writer, artist, published author, online instructor, consultant, publisher, ESL teacher, and animal activist with a degree in nutrition. No, really. You can learn more about her by visiting www.dianabocco.wordpress.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Suzan L. Wiener

Have you ever wondered how some writers get editors to give their queries the go-ahead and have their articles accepted over and over, while others just founder in a hit-or-miss effort? What’s the secret? Knowing how to target your audience, and knowing exactly who you’re writing for.

Here are the tips I follow to help me break into a publication and have a better shot at it.

Know the publication backwards and forwards. Make sure they haven’t done the article recently. Editors can’t put a similar article in even if they like it a lot. Don’t be afraid to stretch your imagination.

Network with other writers to get ideas and find out what is going on in the writing world. Even if you haven’t done that a lot, it is a good idea to start. Never be shy when it comes to finding out information that will be invaluable to you. Website forums are a rich source of potential markets.

Have confidence in yourself as a writer. Hit the big markets like Ladies’ Home Journal, Elle, and Glamour. Remember, all they can say is no. If one editor doesn’t like it, perhaps another will.

Strive to give the editor something different that will make them sit up and take notice. Make your query/submission an eye-opener and they will have to buy it.

Pretend you actually have an assignment already, and work as though you are doing it as an employee in their company. This will give you more of an edge than someone who is writing an article without any target at all.

Don’t just send in one article. Try sending in submissions to various publications so you will have a much better chance of getting that most-wanted acceptance. You won’t spend time worrying about one article since you will be writing a lot.

It’s always easier to write about subjects with which you have some familiarity. That being said, there’s nothing to stop you from trying something new, provided that you’re willing to put in the time to do quality research. Nothing will turn an editor off faster than a writer who presents an article which contains facts that are known to be wrong or ideas that are misconstrued due to inadequate or faulty research.

Learn the language. Most subjects have key phrases that all readers understand. Look for them during your research. Using them correctly will help make you part of the “in” crowd in an editor’s mind.

By targeting your potential audience, you should be much more successful in your desire to be a full-time writer. You will save effort, and you won’t be wasting time and postage sending to markets which won’t be receptive to your work. Above all, never give up.

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Suzan L. Wiener has had numerous articles on writing, stories and shorter pieces published by many major publications such as Canadian Writer’s Journal, MetroSeven, The Writer’s Ezine, Verses, Complete Woman, Mature Living, Mature Years, Reader’s Digest, and the Saturday Evening Post.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Rachel Hartman

Do you find yourself sitting down to write an article and then having a difficult time getting started? To avoid typing and editing, do you often surf the ‘Net, play computer games, or constantly check e-mail? Are you having a hard time focusing on the task at hand?

Many writers, especially aspiring ones, struggle with the actual writing process. It can be difficult for a beginning writer to stare at a blank page and even more grueling to fill it. Allow me to share a technique that will help you combat your writing anxieties: I call it the 45:15 rule.

The basic concept of the 45:15 rule is to provide a working structure for your writing commitment. The first step is to set a timer and work for 45 minutes. This is followed by a 15-minute break. This cycle repeats itself for the number of hours that you choose to dedicate toward writing each day.

One of the biggest advantages of this process deals with organization. By allocating specific time periods to writing and to relaxing, you are establishing a structure in which to function. Even if you cringe at the thought of formal structural settings, consider this to be nothing more than a guideline for creativity. Your ideas will flow on to the page for 45 minutes, and then you can take 15 minutes to let your imagination recharge.

Another benefit from this technique is that it helps you become efficient. Before I started using this technique, I was easily distracted when trying to write. I would look at news on the Internet, answer all phone calls, and allow other tasks that I needed to do sneak into my thoughts. However, with the 45:15 structure, I am able to directly focus on my work for a straight 45 minutes. The other things to do can fit into the break time. Others that have incorporated this technique into their schedule report similar benefits. It improves focus and allows you to do more in less time.

Finally, be careful not to make your break time turn into a stress session! Use all or part of the 15 minutes to get away from the computer. Go outside and get some fresh air, do a few mindless chores, or simply grab your favorite beverage and stretch your legs. Enjoy the time and let your mind think about other topics, not the work you just left behind. When you sit down again at the computer, you will feel much more relaxed and ready to go.

If you are beginning to delve into the writing world or are struggling with the writing process, this method may be just what you need. Try it for two weeks and then reevaluate. Adjust it to fit your needs. The most important factor is not that you strictly follow the technique, but that you find something that routinely works well for you. Remember that slow progress is the key to true success and enjoy the journey, one 45-minute session at a time.

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Rachel Hartman is a freelance writer who has lived and traveled extensively in Mexico for the last seven years. Contact her via e-mail at rachelmhartman@gmail.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Jennifer Gomoll

It’s been said that brevity is the soul of wit. If you agree, writing one-liners may be the freelance opportunity for you.

Nearly every mall, card outlet, and gift shop sells novelties. Whether in-your-face buttons or get-off-my-butt bumper stickers, these items make people laugh. In many cases, they also make money — for freelancers. One-liners tend to go for at least $50, so if you have a quick wit, find out where the opportunities are! You can start by going to the stores that sell funny items, and check out the company names printed on the ones you like. Use a search engine to find them online, as well as other freelancer-friendly novelty companies. Don’t forget to look for t-shirt companies; snarky slogans printed across rebellious chests are big business these days.

If there aren’t any writer’s guidelines on a company’s website, write or email a request for them. Request a catalog, if one isn’t available for download online. Study each company’s needs carefully. What topics do they cover? Is the humor racy or “clean”? What kind of people buy their stuff? Which subjects have been done to death, and which might they like to see more of?

If you’re having trouble drafting slogans, try one of these five basic formulas. (These sample one-liners may not be all that hilarious, but you’ll get the idea.)

1. What’s bad / what’s good. Here’s where you turn a frown upside down. For example: “Broke but happy.” “I sold my soul but I got a great trade-in.”

2. Start with a cliche, end with a twist. Think of something you’ve heard a million times before, then warp it, such as: “He who laughs, lasts.”

3. Define a word. Write something you won’t find in Webster’s dictionary: “Chocolate: nature’s Prozac.”

4. Short description. Who is the t-shirt or button wearer? What words define him or her? “Drama Queen.” “Geek Goddess.” “Whipping Boy.”

5. Snide response. You want to say “Back off, Bucko!” to that guy at the bar who won’t stop pestering you. Someone’s in your face about your lifestyle choices. Politics got you down. What do you want to say? “Sorry, I don’t date outside my species.” “My sign? It’s STOP.” “Nice rant, Geraldo.”

Don’t be surprised if it takes a while for good ones to come to you. Sometimes it helps to simply start writing a list of topics until one grabs you. This is only the first draft stage, so don’t worry too much about the wording or “flow” of your slogans. Get the general ideas out on paper first. If they sound awkward, re-word them several different ways. Put them aside. Later, read them again and decide whether your ideas need more work.

A few things to remember: a button, sticker, or t-shirt is meant to be read and understood in a matter of seconds. Keep it brief. Read your slogan out loud. Does it sound smooth or clunky? If you saw it at a shop, would you plunk down money for it? Get feedback from friends and writing buddies, preferably ones who have a sense of humor that differs from yours. What do they think? Remember, timeliness is an issue. Do you think your slogan will still be relevant a year from now? If it sounds like something you may have heard before, run your slogan through a search engine. It’s already on a t-shirt? Darn! Try again.

When you have a list of your best one-liners ready, it’s time to send them out. In what format should you submit? Ask the company. Whether they want an email, hardcopy list, or (ugh) an individual index card for each idea, that’s what you must do, else risk instant rejection. Sticklers!

Sent out your slogans? Good. Time to play the waiting game. Twiddle your thumbs, or write more funnies: just be prepared to wait months for a response. If the acquisitions editor likes one or more of your ideas, the company will usually test market with its vendors. This means that shop owners and others who buy novelties to sell will read the slogans and give them a yea or a nay. Enough yeas, and your check will be in the mail. Nays, and a rejection slip is coming your way. Don’t feel too bad if it does; novelty companies use very few of the thousands of ideas they receive each year. Not to worry; rejection is a good topic for writing more one-liners!

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Jennifer Gomoll is a freelance writer from Chicago. She has sold work to a variety of novelty companies, greeting card publishers, magazines and websites, and currently writes reviews for NewPages.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.

by Kumudha Venkatesan

After days of researching and interviewing, you’ve completed your article. The next step is submitting the manuscript. Follow these easy steps to ensure a pain-free online submissions.

1. READ THE WRITERS GUIDELINES Make sure you read the writers’ guidelines a couple of times. If they asked for an 800-word article, make sure your word count is in the right neighborhood. If you are writing business material for a company or an individual, make sure you ask any questions you have regarding the project well in advance of the deadline.

2. SEND IT THE RIGHT WAY It seems obvious, but it still needs to be said: Follow the submission instructions to the letter. If they ask for the manuscript by e-mail, send it by e-mail only. If they ask for snail mail, to send it by snail mail. If they want it handwritten in blue pencil on wide-ruled loose-leaf paper, get yourself to the school-supplies aisle at Wal-Mart.

3. FORMAT THE FILE CORRECTLY When submitting electronically, be sure to send your file in the appropriate format. Rich-Text Files (RTFs) work with most word processing programs, but many editors prefer MS WORD. Some editors prefer to receive the manuscript in body of the e-mail. Don’t send an attachment unless the guidelines specifically ask for it, because many spam blockers and virus programs direct e-mail with attachments directly to the trash.

4. MAKE YOUR SUBJECT LINE SING The subject line is an editor’s first glimpse of your submission, so make sure the subject is meaningful and clear, such as “Submitting Manuscript – Article Title Here”. If you are submitting an article about medicines and the subject is “About Pills,” you may be diverted directly to the spam folder. You can be creative, but make sure the contents of the e-mail are obvious from the subject line.

5. FOLLOW UP The writers’ guidelines will generally offer a response time. Be sure to keep track of your submission date so you can follow up on time. If the response time is 3 weeks, don’t start sending e-mails or calling the editor about your submission until at least 4 weeks have passed. However, do follow up by e-mail if you do not get any response after the specified amount of time.

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Kumudha Venkatesan is a Detroit-based freelancer who writes for e-zines and magazines. You can reach Kumudha at kumudha_1998@yahoo.com.

Although this article was published by Kristen King, the original author retains all copyright and should be contacted for reprint requests.