Nancy Christie's Blog, page 87

The Art of War for Writers--An "Essential"

The Art of War for WritersI recently read James Scott Bell's THE ART OF WAR FOR WRITERS and ended up dog-earing just about every page. In very short (sometimes only half-page in length) chapters, Bell tells you everything you need to know about writing, from getting control over the "head games" your mind can play to the craft of writing and finally, strategy--the biz side of the business.

And Bell knows whereof he speaks. He is a best-selling novelist as well as the author of two other books...

"And my fee is..."

It's a problem those not-so-busy writers might envy: you've been asked to set a price for your services. But this can be a challenge, even if the work sounds similar to other projects you've done in the past. Do you charge a flat rate, by the word or by the hour? Is this going to be a Net30, Net 10 or COD set-up? And what will the client consider a reasonable price and what if you underbid or overbid it?

There are a lot of ways to calculate your rates. Unfortunately, none of them are perfect....

“Writing is a job like any other. You succeed by virtue of working at it." Elizabeth George

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Three markets for articles--9.9.13

In search of possible markets for your article pitches? Here are a few to get you started. (PS: Be sure to read the guidelines so you know what they want and what they pay!)

ARCHAEOLOGY magazine
Description: Examines the discipline of archaeology through the lens of the discipline of journalism
Send queries to: editorial@archaeology.org

As If Magazine
Description: Large-format quarterly luxury publication focused on the realms of artistic expression and the visionaries behind them.
Contact: Ed...

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Annie Bloom's Books

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The sound of writing

A recent New York Times piece talked about the sound of writing, or, more accurately, the sound writing used to make when we used typewriters instead of keyboard. 

In "I am Tom. I Like to TYPE. Hear That?"  Tom Hanks (yes, that Tom Hanks!) talks about the difference between writing with a computer—"when real work has to be done.. I use a computer. The start and stop of writing begs for the fluidity of modern technology..." —and using a typewriter: "Everything you type on a typewriter...

What to ask before saying "yes"

I do a lot of writing for corporate clients and ad agencies. And while most of the time the assignments are clearly defined in terms of what I have to do, when I have to do it and how much I am getting paid, sometimes there are key pieces of information that are missing.

And I have learned (from bitter experience) that I need to get all the details nailed down before agreeing to the job. Otherwise, things can get very dicey indeed.

So for those of you who aren't sure what to ask (and especially...

The great ANNABELLE giveaway!

As part of the pre-pub promotion for my soon-to-be-released short fiction e-book ANNABELLE, Pixel Hall Press will be giving away a limited number of e-copies of the book. Described by one beta reader as a "tiny pearl of a story," ANNABELLE  is about love, longing and loss -- and the price each character pays for passion.
Annabelle is a lonely young woman who only wants to love and be loved. And yet, she can't let go of the past, the memories of the life she shared with her parents—memorie...

Three markets for articles--8.13.12

Like the Boy Scout motto, you believe in being prepared. And you think everyone else should be ready for the unexpected as well.

Well, here are three markets to write for that focus on preparedness and DIY. Check them out, develop your pitch and good luck!

Living Ready MagazineDescription: a multi-platform community – print magazine, website, social media outlets, online learning, live event and online shop – that helps you be prepared to survive and thrive, no matter the situation. Co...<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>

Indie Bookstore Spotlight: Bank Square Books

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