Career-building tips and inspiration from the author of the hot, new writing book that helps moms get published!
All Sage and Jen need now is shiny blue you.
We want to hear your true stories of grace, courage and transformation that introduce new possibilities for how we interpret our lives and inhabit our world.
And we want to share them! 50 finely crafted essays will appear in a Queen of Wands Press book in the fall of 2008!
To learn more, please visit: http://www.shinyblueyou.com/
I am currently seeking submissions for the following volumes in the bestselling Cup of Comfort book series:
A Cup of Comfort for Military Families
Military Families submission deadline: April 15, 2008 (last call)
It has been said that military life is “not for the faint of heart.” But neither is it without its benefits and blessings. One thing is certain: it is an experience like no other—for both the soldiers and their families. For this book, we want positive stories about how military life affects the personal lives of service men and women (enlisted and officers), how family affects soldiers’ on the job, and how military life affects family members (primarily spouses, children, and parents but also siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, fiancés, etc.). Any situation or subject that is significant and/or unique to military personnel and their loved ones is acceptable. Our goal is to compile a collection of inspiring or uplifting stories that cover a wide range of topics and reveal a variety of perspectives, experiences, and emotions specific to military families. Stories may be written by the service man or woman or a close family member; military service may be current, recent, or past.
A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers
New Mothers submission deadline: May 15, 2008 (last call)
Few experiences bring forth as many anxieties, blessings, challenges, wonders, and changes as having a baby—whether it’s your first child or fifth, your birth child or adopted child. And nothing is as miraculous as giving birth to or witnessing the birth of your baby. This heartwarming anthology will be filled with birth stories and newborn homecoming stories as well as a wide range of stories about the various experiences, emotions, and concerns involved in adding a new baby to one’s life and family. Potential topics include but are not limited to: nursing (or not), caring for a newborn, bonding/falling in love with infant, lack of sleep, relationship with spouse, how siblings respond, returning to work, balancing responsibilities, post-partum depression, self transformation, unexpected joys, life lessons, small miracles, etc. The majority of the stories will be about birth children, but the book will likely include a couple adoptive stories as well. Likewise, most of the stories will be written from the new mother’s perspective, but we are open to including a few stories written from the spouse’s or a very close family member’s perspective. All stories will be uplifting and positive, no matter how difficult the situation portrayed in the story might be. We do not want stories that simply recount misfortunes and sorrows and that do not clearly reveal a positive outcome or redeeming result (silver lining).
A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families
Adoptive Families submission deadline: June 15, 2008
The primary purpose of this book is to celebrate adoptive families and to recognize the extraordinary and challenging experiences unique to “chosen children” and their adoptive families. We are most interested in stories written by adult adopted children and their adoptive parents and siblings, but the book will likely include some stories written by members of the extended adoptive family (i.e. grandparent) and birth family members. Virtually any topic relevant to adopted children and their adoptive parents is acceptable—as long as it is authentic, positive, insightful, and uplifting or inspiring. We do not want heartbreaking stories about adoptive or birth families that regret the adoption. All of the stories in this collection must reveal a positive aspect of adoption and must bring comfort, joy, or inspiration to those who have been adopted and/or to the families who adopted them—no matter how difficult the experience and emotions portrayed in the story might be.
A Cup of Comfort for Fathers
Fathers submission deadline: August 1, 2008
The connection between father and child can be as deep as the ocean, as strong as a mountain, and as uplifting as fresh air. For all its rewards, though, fatherhood is not without its challenges. And for all the gifts dads bring to their kids’ lives, dads sometimes falter and fumble. Yet, the father-child bond forms, holds, and grows. A Cup of Comfort for Fathers will feature inspiring and insight true stories about the life-defining and life-enriching relationships and experiences shared by fathers and their children. These personal essays will be of varying topics and tones (heartwarming, humorous, poignant, provocative, etc.); about fathers and children of all ages and varying circumstances; and written by fathers, daughters, and sons.
A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Special Needs
Special Needs Children submission deadline: September 15, 2008
For this very special collection, we seek uplifting true stories about the ins and outs, ups and downs, blessing and challenges of parenting children with special needs. The stories will cover children of all ages (birth to adult) and a wide range of developmental, physical, and mental delays/disabilities. No matter how difficult the experiences/emotions conveyed in a story might be (we want them to be authentic, after all), the story must reveal a positive aspect, resolution, or outcome and must be of comfort to parents of children with special needs. Stories may be serious, humorous, insightful, heartwarming, or inspiring. The majority of the stories will be written by parents of children with special needs; we will also consider stories written by adult children with special needs. (No articles or commentaries by clinicians, please.)
A Second Cup of Comfort for Dog Lovers
Dog Lovers 2 submission deadline: December 15, 2008
Oh, how we humans love our canine companions — for so many reasons and in so many ways that one Cup of Comfort collection of uplifting dog stories just wasn’t enough. So we’re giving all you dog-loving writers another opportunity to share your personal stories of canine comfort with a growing legion of dog-loving readers. This volume will feature both serious and humorous anecdotal stories covering a wide range of topics and perspectives and varying breeds of dogs. We do NOT want sad stories about a dog’s illness, injury, or death, though we will consider stories that weave a beloved pet’s illness or death into an otherwise positive story. The story should focus on the dog’s remarkable attributes and/or actions as well as on the special relationship between the dog and his/her human(s).
A Cup of Comfort for the Grieving Heart
Grieving Hearts submission deadline: February 1, 2009
When a loved one passes away, comfort is often fleeting and hard to come by. Yet, even a small comfort, like a personal story of how someone has faced a similar loss, does help to ease the sorrow. This volume will feature uplifting personal stories that reveal the special relationships and extraordinary experiences shared by the deceased and his/her loved one(s) immediately before, during, and after the loved one’s passing; it will also includes stories about the internal and external processes by which one deals with and heals from the loss of a loved one. The stories will vary with regard to subject matter, circumstances of death, and the relationship of the author to the individual who has passed away. The book will not include eulogies, profiles/memoirs of people who have passed away, or clinical depictions of death and dying.
Please note that deadlines are sometimes extended by one to four weeks.
Basic Guidelines
All Cup of Comfort stories must be original; true; appropriate for mainstream Americans (adult, primarily women); inspiring, comforting, and/or uplifting; and 1,000 to 2,000 words.
Creative nonfiction and narrative essays preferred (that is, incorporating such fictive elements as scene, dialogue, character/plot development, imagery, and literary word usage). Whether serious or humorous, the story should be authentic and engaging.
Electronic submissions preferred. One submission per email. Copy and paste (or type) into body of email. No formatting (no indents, centering, doublespace, bold, underline, etc.). To: wordsinger@aol.com.
Mailed submissions are acceptable. Standard typed manuscript (double-spaced, indents). Send as many submissions per envelope as you’d like, but include one SASE per submission. To: Colleen Sell, 71563 London Rd., Cottage Grove, Oregon, 97424, USA.
Each submission must include: author’s full name, mailing address, email address, phone number, story title, story wordcount, and theme of volume for which it is being submitted (i.e., Grieving Hearts).
Dear Christina,
I was wondering if the following might be of interest to you of course, or any of your members,
It’s a new compilation of great writing about motherhood. If you are interested, the brief and guidelines are below,
Many thanks, Tanith Carey
A MOTHER’S LOVE - Synopsis
I am an author compiling a book about motherhood called “A Mother’s Love”, for publication later this year.
The book, to be published by UK publishers Lion, will be sold around the world. It will be a collection of around 60 stories about motherhood of between 150 and 300 words each.
I am particularly looking for strong anecdotal accounts where the author is able to take one closely observed incident or experience - and draw from it some meaning or insight about what it means to be a parent.
I am afraid the budget is tight, which means all I am able to offer is seeing your submission in print, credited to you, and a copy of the final book.
The deadline is February 5, 2008. Please e-mail any queries or submissions to tanithcarey2003@yahoo.com.
A MOTHER’S LOVE – Guidelines
This collection is aiming to look at what it is to be a mother – from either the mother and child’s point of view. I am looking for moving, inspiring and true stories which will speak to mothers everywhere.
The pieces should be well-written accounts which look at the challenges, hardships and sacrifices of motherhood – as well as the lessons, joy and universality of being a parent.
The book will be hardback and illustrated.
Story Tips:
* Stories should be between 150 and 300 words.
* They should be focussed and tightly written.
* Stories should uplifting, insightful, thoughtful, or universal in tone.
* They should tell a story – and be based on a defined structure.
* They should use description, characterization, anecdote, and dialogue to bring the story to life.
* They should be interesting, distinctive tales that use a strong, narrative voice.
* The stories can be told either from the point of view of the author as a child writing about her mother, or as a mother writing about her child/children.
* Humour is very welcome.
Skirt!® Magazine is looking for essay submissions:
Contributor Guidelines for Writers/Authors
Skirt!® Magazine
7 Radcliffe Street, Suite 302
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: (843) 958-0027
Fax: (843) 958-0029
Email: editor@skirt.com
We want every issue of Skirt!® to reflect the variety and diversity of women’s lives and interests. Surprise, entertain and charm us!
Essay Submissions
Skirt!® publishes eight to 14 personal essays every month on topics relating to women and women’s interests. A personal essay is a narrative that emphasizes a personal, subjective view.
All essays for consideration should be submitted in their entirety and be between 800 and 1,200 words. Submissions over 1,200 words will not be considered. Payment for articles and other submissions varies. Skirt! buys one-time rights. We reserve the right to edit articles for length and content.
Format: You may send your manuscript via e-mail to editor@skirtmag.com (preferably as a RICH TEXT FORMAT, or .RTF, attachment), or by regular mail to the attention of the Editor. Manuscripts which come to us via regular mail cannot be returned unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). We prefer submissions via e-mail.
Bio: Please enclose a brief (2-3 sentences) biographical sketch with your cover letter or manuscript so that we will have it on hand if we print your article. Submissions without bio, name, or address will not be considered.
Deadlines: We read submissions year-round for themed issues (click here for a list of the 2008 themes) and the submission deadline for each issue is the first of each month for the following month (Nov. 1st for the December issue, and so on).
Note: We consider each manuscript on spec. Even if we express an interest in an essay, we cannot guarantee publication. Even when an article is selected for an issue, it may be pulled at the last minute due to lack of space. We try to make sure this doesn’t happen, but it is often unavoidable.
Tips:
Skirt!® is an open-minded publication.
“Women and women’s interests” shouldn’t limit your choice of topic. If it does, we may not be the right market for you.
We’re not interested in the conventional or predictable.
Be familiar with the content of our magazine before submitting.
Please submit previously unpublished articles only.
Response time: We try to respond to all submissions promptly, but due to the volume we receive it is not always possible to do so. Please be patient; it can sometimes take 6 to 8 weeks for a response. If it has been more than 8 weeks, feel free to inquire about your submission via e-mail. No phone calls please.
Art & Photography Submissions
Cover Art: We feature a different color photo, painting, or illustration on Skirt’s cover each month. If you are an artist or photographer and would like to submit slides or photos of your work, send via regular mail (Skirt!® 7 Radcliffe, Suite 302, Charleston SC 29403) and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return. You can also submit pieces via e-mail (editor@skirtmag.com). We do not pay for cover art, but we do publish a bio of the artist with information on how she can be contacted by readers who may be interested in viewing and/or purchasing prints or originals.
Photos: In every issue, we have a page featuring a B&W photo by a female photographer. Photography submissions (see “Cover Art” for submission details). Photos should be vertical, high res, and 11×17.
PLEASE NOTE: Skirt! will not be held responsible for the loss or damage of ANY submissions for possible inclusion in the magazine.
Fiction/Poetry
Skirt!® does not publish fiction. The poems we publish are solicited from previously published authors. We do not respond to fiction or unsolicited poetry submissions.
Thank you for thinking of Skirt!®
I scooped this market from C. Hope Clark’s blog. Have you visited it yet?
NORTHWEST PERSPECTIVES ESSAY CONTEST
http://www.oregonquarterly.com/html/essay.htm
NO ENTRY FEE
Entries should address ideas that affect the Northwest.
Open CategoryFirst place: $750Second place: $300Third place: $100
Student CategoryFirst place: $500Second place: $200Third place: $75
First place essays will appear in Oregon Quarterly. A selection of top essays will be featured in a springtime public reading on the UO campus. Fifteen finalists (ten in the open category and five students) will be announced in the summer 2008 issue of Oregon Quarterly. Word length is 2,500 words maximum for the open category, 2,000 words for the student contest. Deadline January 31, 2008.
Dear Writers,
I am currently editing “My Mom Is My Hero,” and I am very short on
quality entries; thus, I have extended the deadline to December 15th.
I desperately need an influx of solidly written stories, particularly
with strong characterization and diverse story lines. The heroism
doesn’t have to be spectacular by any means; for example, I’m honoring
my mother’s memory by writing about how my proper southern mother–a
blend of Jackqueline Kennedy elegance and Ava Gardner sex
appeal–taught me social graces. A mother figure, grandmother, or a
mother you know qualifies. The publisher will only allow five
illness/death stories in the total work so I’m encouraging everyone to
write about everyday heroism. I really need diversity and humor!
Here’s the official “Call” and Guidelines. Please pass it on to anyone
you know who might have a good mother story to tell. THANK YOU!
“Call for Stories”
For Adams Media’s new Hero series, we seek fifty 850-1200 word true
stories no later than DECEMBER 15, 2007. We pay $100 per story (one
per volume), plus a copy of the book, and we will also award three
prizes $100, $75, and $50 for the top three stories—and a free copy of
the published book. A summary of what we want, formatting
requirements, and story tips follows. Please follow them carefully.
Also, please click on www.literarycottage.com and carefully review all
the text under: “Hero Series Guidelines” where sample stories are
available.
My Mom Is My Hero
Being a mother often proves the most difficult, and the most
important, job in the world; one that includes conflict but also
brings rich—albeit often unspoken—rewards. In this anthology, we seek
to honor real-life mothers and, therefore, want inspiring, true,
personal stories that speak to the challenges, ultimately positive
experiences, and extraordinary relationships between mothers and their
children (mothers of all ages, i.e., grandmothers count). Also a woman
who served as a mother figure, who played a significant role, or who
performed a heroic deed may also be honored. Heroic deeds range from
rescuing a child from physical peril to holding down a steady job and
raising children with exceptional values or work ethics. As we will
print very few stories focused on illness or dying, we encourage
authors to choose another time that illustrates your mother’s unique
character, drive, strength, dedication, tenderness, generosity,
intelligence, humor, etc. Bring your mother to life on the page and
show the world why she is worthy of accolades.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: DECEMBER 15, 2007
Please e-mail entries to sreynolds@literarycottage.com as a separate
Word attachment. If you don’t have Word available, embed the copy in
your e-mail message (Times New Roman, no special formatting, please).
BASICS: 850-1200 WORDS, tightly written, focused, true, uplifting
Formatting Requirements:
Story Tips:
THANK YOU, and I look forward to receiving your stories!
All best regards,
Susan
www.literarycottage.com
–
Susan Reynolds
Literary Cottage Agency
That depends.
I wrote an article on this topic that appears today over at Renee Roberson’s blog, Renee’s Pages.
It’s called: “Start with the Locals.”
In my humble opinion, starting with the locals is still solid advice.
If I might suggest a three-course meal, I’d suggest reading with this article.
Then I reading Chapter Five of Writer Mama, “Tackle the Clips Catch-22.”
Then I’d jotting down all of the publications in your region that you either read or that target folks just like you*.
Voila! Instant targeted markets for you where you can sell your writing.
Off you go now. 
*If you’re not sure who your best audiences are, that’s easy. Just click here.
A Cup of Comfort for New Mothers : NEW!
Few experiences bring forth as many anxieties, blessings, challenges, wonders, and changes as having a baby—whether it’s your first child or fifth, your birth child or adopted child. And nothing is as miraculous as giving birth to or witnessing the birth of your baby. This heartwarming anthology will be filled with birth stories and newborn homecoming stories as well as a wide range of stories about the various experiences, emotions, and concerns involved in adding a new baby to one’s life and family. Potential topics include but are not limited to: nursing (or not), caring for a newborn, bonding/falling in love with infant, lack of sleep, relationship with spouse, how siblings respond, returning to work, balancing responsibilities, post-partum depression, self transformation, unexpected joys, life lessons, small miracles, etc. The majority of the stories will be about birth children, but the book will likely include a couple adoptive stories as well. Likewise, most of the stories will be written from the new mother’s perspective, but we are open to including a few stories written from the spouse’s or a very close family member’s perspective. All stories will be uplifting and positive, no matter how difficult the situation portrayed in the story might be. We do not want stories that simply recount misfortunes and sorrows and that do not clearly reveal a positive outcome or redeeming result (silver lining). Submission deadline: April 1, 2008. $500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book
A Cup of Comfort for Military Families: NEW!
It has been said that military life is “not for the faint of heart.” But neither is it without its benefits and blessings. One thing is certain: it is an experience like no other—for both the soldiers and their families. For this book, we want positive stories about how military life affects the personal lives of service men and women (enlisted and officers), how family affects soldiers’ on the job, and how military life affects family members (primarily spouses, children, and parents but also siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts/uncles, fiancés, etc.). Any situation or subject that is significant and/or unique to military personnel and their loved ones is acceptable. Our goal is to compile a collection of inspiring or uplifting stories that cover a wide range of topics and reveal a variety of perspectives, experiences, and emotions specific to military families. Stories may be written by the service man or woman or a close family member; military service may be current, recent, or past.
Submission deadline: March 1, 2008 $500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book
A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families: NEW!
The primary purpose of this book is to celebrate adoptive families and to recognize the extraordinary and challenging experiences that are unique to “chosen children” and their families. We are most interested in stories written by adult adoptive children and their adoptive parents and siblings, but the book will also likely include some stories written by members of the extended adoptive family (grandparent, aunt/uncle, cousin), close friends of the adoptive family (i.e. godparent), and birth family members. Virtually any topic relevant to adopted children and their adoptive parents is acceptable—as long as it is authentic, positive, insightful, and uplifting or inspiring. We do not want heartbreaking stories about adoptive parents or birth families that regret the adoption; there is a place for stories of that ilk, but this book is not that place. All of the stories in this collection must show a positive aspect of adoption and must bring comfort or joy or inspiration to those who have been adopted and/or to the families who adopted them—no matter how difficult the experience and emotions portrayed in the story might be. Submission deadline: June 15, 2008
$500 grand prize; $100 each, all other published stories; plus copy of book
Stories must be true, original, positive, narrative essays (creation nonfiction), and 1,000-2,000 words. Entrants pay no fees. Writers’ guidelines: http://www.cupofcomfort.com/share.htm.
A Cup of Comfort is a bestselling anthology (book) series featuring uplifting true stories about the experiences and relationships that inspire and enrich our lives. These slice-of-life stories are written by people from all walks of life and provide unique personal insights into powerful universal truths.
We are now seeking submissions for the following volumes:
–>A Cup of Comfort for Breast Cancer Survivors
It has been said that “stories are medicine” and that “one of the most valuable things we can do to heal one another is to share our stories.” This collection will include compelling, inspiring, and uplifting personal essays about the experiences and emotions of living with—and living after—breast cancer. Possible story themes include but are not limited to: diagnosis, treatment, emotional impact, support systems, healthy lifestyle practices, emotional healing, coping mechanisms, impact on loved ones, effect on friendships, effect on career/work, effect on romance/intimacy, life lessons learned, personal transformation, silver linings, gratitude, triumph over trials, body image, and more. All themes and writing styles considered, as long as the story is positive.
Exclusively for the Breast Cancer Survivors volume, Adams Media is working in partnership with Redbook Magazine and will award a $5,000 grand prize as well as bonus prizes for three runner-up stories.
For complete contest rules, click here.
Submission Deadline: 12/31/2007
See Writer’s Guidelines, below, for additional details.
A Cup of Comfort for Loved Ones of People with Alzheimer’s
What happens when the person who raised you or the person with whom you raised your children slowly becomes a child who doesn’t know you? What if that loved one changes so drastically that he or she is virtually a stranger to you? What if that person is difficult to deal with and requires substantial assistance? How will the reality of having a spouse or parent with Alzheimer’s affect you and your family—emotionally, financially, physically, socially, personally, professionally? The inspiring stories in this collection will answer those questions and more—and will show how love prevails and how lives thrive when a spouse or parent has Alzheimer’s.
Submission Deadline: 10/01/2007
See Writer’s Guidelines, below, for additional details.
A Cup of Comfort for Divorced Women
Divorce in the twenty-first century should come with an instruction manual, a release valve, and a support system. This anthology will serve essentially those three purposes, in the form of comforting, insightful, and inspirational stories about surviving and thriving during and after divorce. We seek uplifting, contemporary stories on a wide range of topics of importance to divorced women—including but not limited to: dating, children, relationship with ex, in-laws, finances, friends, solitude, personal transformation, healing, revenge, mending fences, the ex’s new wife or lover. The majority of stories will be written by women who are or have been divorced. Stories can be poignant, irreverent, humorous, witty, or wise.
Submission Deadline: 11/01/2007
See Writer’s Guidelines, below, for additional details.
Er, I’m a little behind on these. Sorry!
Here we go!
Co-editors Amy Mercer and Violeta Garcia-Mendoza are seeking personal essay submissions from women writers for their upcoming collection.
Essays should fall between 1,500 and 3,000 words and explore an aspect of living with diabetes.
The collection will cover any and all aspects of living with diabetes: from diagnosis to aging gracefully. Other possible essay topics may include:
Growing up with diabetes
Diagnosis
Dating with diabetes
Diabetes at college/leaving home
Relationships with food
Finding the Perfect Doctor
Wedding planning/marriage with diabetes
Diabetes in the workplace
Traveling with diabetes
Starting a Family (either through pregnancy and/or adoption) with diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Parenting with diabetes
Dealing with complications/ Staying healthy with diabetes
Type 2
Our goal is to provide diabetic women- type 1 and type 2- with a place of community while they navigate the various stages of their lives, and their diabetes.
We welcome you to submit one or more essays. For more information, or to submit, please write mercermendoza@gmail.com .
More info is available at:
Writers on the Rise
