Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 30

Formatting a Manuscript, Part IV, Call for Submisions

This article is the last of the series, Formatting a Manuscript. 

1.      Do not staple the pages together. Place the pages in an envelope. If the manuscript is just a few pages, you may paperclip them together. I do this for picture books. If your manuscript is too large for an envelope, a box works well. Special boxes can be purchased. 
Before submitting a manuscript to any publisher, check their webpage for the guidelines. Some publishers have specific guidelines that must be followed and may vary from these tips. The tips I’ve listed are acceptable with many publishers, but there is no single, correct manuscript format. 
2.      This tip goes beyond formatting a manuscript but is an important tip to know. Mail the package as Media Mail, a special, discounted type of shipping that is allowed for manuscripts. Do NOT use any type of mailing that requires an editor to sign for the delivery. That is a major hassle editors do not want. 
My goal with an editor is to follow the Standard Manuscript Format so my work will be the primary focus, not the formatting. Make the format “transparent” so your work will stand out.
 Call for submissions for adult writers:
Writing in Dialogue Competition. Hosted by Pen and Keyboard Writers (an affiliate of OWFI – Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc.) Rules:
1.      Only one entry per person
2.     Entry must consist of only dialogue or internal monologue (thoughts in italics).
3.     Entry should be a short story with conflict and resolution.
4.     Entry must not exceed 750 words.
5.     Include word count after the end of the story, 3-4 empty lines after last line.
6.     Entry must be double spaced, 1” margins all around, typed in Times New Roman 12 font or equivalent.
7.     Contestant’s name, full address, phone number, and preferred email address needed in upper right hand corner of first page. This part can be single spaced.
8.     Title, name of contestant, and page number needed in one line on top of pages after first page.
9.     Entry is to be sent as a Word document attachment to pen.keyboard@gmail.com. Only electronic entries accepted.
NOTE: Grammar, spelling, and correct punctuation are absolutely essential for top rated stories. This contest is about craftsmanship. As a side note, your judges are patently biased towards stories with some kind of conflict and some kind of resolution.
Deadline:  August 15, midnight CDT.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

Formatting a Manuscript, Part III, Call for Submisions

More tips on formatting a manuscript: 

1.      A chapter heading can be placed from one to six double-spaced lines down from the top of the page, and the headings can be either centered or left-justified. Drop down two double-spaced lines to begin your story. Each chapter should begin on a new page. Use the same formatting for each chapter. If you drop down four double-spaced lines for the chapter heading in Chapter 1, follow that format for subsequent chapters. 
2.      Left justify each paragraph. The right margins will be “ragged.” 
3.      Double-space the text, and put one space, not two, after a period. When I first started writing professionally, two spaces were accepted, but today the general rule is one space. 
4.      Indent the first line of each paragraph about 1/2 inch.  
5.      Some writers type “End” or The end” at the conclusion of the text. Some do not. It’s a matter of personal choice, unless the publisher’s guidelines state otherwise. 
Next week, I’ll list more tips on formatting a manuscript.           
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Today's Parent . Pays $1/word. Monthly magazine for parents of children up to age 12. Articles are 1,800 to 2,500 words. Canadian slanted. Several smaller columns open to freelancers:Profile – 250 words
Your Turn (personal experiences) – 800 words
Beyond Motherhood (not related to parenting) – 700 words
Education – 1,200 words
Health Behavior – 1,200 words
Slice of Life (lighter side of parenting) – 750 wordsPlease send letters, freelance submissions or queries to: editors@todaysparent.comCheck out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
 

Formatting a Manuscript, Part II/Call for Submissions

This article is the second of the series, Formatting a Manuscript.

1.      Use a one-inch margin on all sides. A manuscript should look neat and be easy to read.
2.      Create a title page, but don’t number it. At the top left, write your name and address, phone number and e-mail address, single spaced, left-justified. On top right, place the word count. Half-way down the page write the title in ALL CAPS, centered. Write “by” centered and one double-spaced line beneath the title and your name or pen name centered and one double-spaced line beneath the word “by." A cover page is not necessary for short stories and picture books.  3.      First page of manuscript—a header should be in the upper right-hand corner, followed by page 1. Microsoft Word will automatically number the pages in consecutive order. The header should include last name, title, page number. I don't usually use a header for page 1. The same information is on the top of that page, so I start with page 2. Microsoft Word has the option of beginning headers on page 2. The header is an important feature for the editor. If the pages fall off a desk, they can be reassembled more easily and not mixed with another manuscript when the author's name, story title, and page numbers are listed. It's convenient for this writer, too, who has been known to drop pages while in the process of preparing a manuscript for submission. Convenience, that's always a plus.  Next week, I’ll list more tips on formatting a manuscript. 
Call for submissions for adult writers:Mary Ballard Poetry Chapbook Prize. Free contest gives $500 and 25 copies for a poetry chapbook, 20-40 single-spaced pages. The $500 prize is actually an advance against royalties. Should the book earn well enough to pay out more than the initial $500, you will continue to earn royalties while the book is still in print. Those specificities will be in the contract. Enter online only. Sponsored by Casey Shay Press, an independent publishing company based in Austin, Texas. Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/              

 
 
 
 
 

 





   
 
  
   
  
 
 






 



   
 
 

Formatting a Manuscript, Part I/Call for Submissions

By request, this blog is the first in a series based on formatting a manuscript. [Thank you, Charles F. for the suggestion.]

According to an old British saying, If you don’t go to the fair, you can’t win the coconut. In writing terms I interpret this to mean If you don’t submit a manuscript, you can’t win a contract. Sometimes when you check a publisher’s submission guidelines, the “standard manuscript format” (or “SMF”) is listed. Let’s look at what SMF means.

1.      Always type the manuscript. Never send a handwritten document. (I’m sure everyone knows this. I’m just covering all bases.)
2.      Many publishers prefer a 12-point font size. Times New Roman is what I use, but Courier is okay, too.
3.      The ink should always be black and the paper white. Black ink for the envelopes, too. I handwrite the publisher’s address and use a label for the return address. If you prefer a printed label for the publisher’s address, that will work. I use a manila envelope so I don’t have to fold the manuscript, even it is only 2-3 pages. I buy these envelopes in packages of 100 because they are much cheaper when purchased in large quantity. They can be stored easily. For the self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) I use a white business envelope for the editor’s response and state that I want the manuscript recycled. This saves paper, plus it also saves on the return postage. A business envelop is much cheaper to mail than a larger manila version. Over time, this can prove to be a huge savings. 4.      Print the manuscript on one side of the paper, not front and back.
Next week, I’ll list more tips on formatting a manuscript.      
Call for submissions for adult writers: 
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: Stories about Dogs
We love stories about our dogs and the amazing things they do. They are part of our families. We include them in our celebrations and even buy them gifts for special occasions. They have a special place in our lives and in our hearts. What do you do to make your dog feel special? What does your dog expect from you? How has your dog changed your life? We know you'll have many great stories for us about how you pamper your pooch and how your pooch is included in your family. Stories can be serious or humorous... or both. The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013.
Details at http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?c...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

Word Choice /Call for Submissions

More tips on Word Choice.

1.      Be aware of the overuse of adverbs. Instead, focus on action verbs to tell the tale. She ranpaints a generalized picture. Try hurried, sprinted, or loped for a specific movement. 
2.      Read the story aloud to see if the words flow naturally. If the tongue trips over some, try rewriting for more natural prose. If you read aloud to an audience, such as a critique group or reading club, you’ll also reap the benefits of constructive criticism. The feedback can point out the parts that work and those that need more revision.
 3.      Trim the word count. If every word is not necessary, cut it. In revision, I usually delete several words and sentences. Redundancy bores the reader and bogs down the story. 
The right words can bring a story to life as if creating a movie in the reader’s mind. Words are the basic building blocks for writers. Razzle-dazzle your writing with choices that surprise and delight the readers.            
Call for submissions for adult writers:
 CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: Stories about Cats We love stories about our cats. They are part of our families or perhaps it might be better to say that they allow us to think of them as family! We include them in our celebrations and buy them gifts for special occasions. They have a special place in our lives and in our hearts. What do you do to make your cat feel special? What does your cat expect from you? How has having a cat changed your life? We know you'll have many great stories for us about how you cater to your cat and how your cat is included in your family. Stories can be serious or humorous... or both. The deadline for story and poem submissions is August 31, 2013. 
Details at http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=submit_story  Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
 
 





 








 
 

Word Choice, Part III/Call for Submissions

This is the final article of the series, Word Choice.
1.   Choosing the right word conveys meaning and sets the tone of the story. If you’re writing about the early pioneers, you wouldn’t use the words snacked or lunchedsince those terms were not in use at that period of history.
2.   Use specific terms.  Pioneers and Indians feasted on catfish and corn as they celebrated the harvest are words that resonate with the genre and are specific in the reader’s mind. If you’re writing about a dog, tell the breed. Is it a hound or a Chihuahua? Is the flower a daisy or a rose? Plant pictures with words. Dog and flower are so general they don’t trigger an image as specific as hound or daisy. When vague words are used, they present unclear meaning and images, which weakens the story.
3.   Convey meaning with accuracy. Is there such a color as dull black? Maybe charcoal   would work better because it’s more precise.
Call for submissions for adult writers:Red Squirrel Magazine. "Xiaoduo Media is a boutique publishing house with a portfolio of premium quality publications for children in China and a pioneer in the re-packaging of English and other language content for the Chinese audience. Currently we have three monthly magazines targeting elementary school students, one of which is literature called "Red Squirrel". We have introduced many contemporary children's literature from both US and Europe to our Chinese readers, including the writers and their works. We are the only children's magazine in China that has done that.
 "For our magazines published next year we are looking for authors, who could supply us with short stories. The age group of our young readers is from 8 to 12. We are looking for cool stories in length of 500 to 2000 words (An exact word count should be noted on each manuscript submitted. Word count includes every word, but does not include the title of the manuscript or the author's name.) For the selected works we will pay a rate up to 0.25 USD per word."
Submissions, queries and questions should be directed to:
Editor: Conny Fang
Submit by e-mail to: 1541522674@qq.com
Please send the submission pasted directly into the email itself.
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
 

Word Choice/Call of Submissions

This article is the first of a series.
We’ve all heard the expression, There are two sides to every story. Let’s look at this with a literal interpretation. The first side is the idea we’re presenting to the reader. That’s the plot, the story. The second side is the way in which we present or write the story. The goal is to build words into sentences and paragraphs that pique the interest of the reader.
Choosing the right word is critical to making a phrase or sentence jump and jive, strut and swagger, with rhythm—or glide with ease like a puffy, white cloud sailing, sliding, slipping across the sky. A rich, robust vocabulary creates images that perfectly detail the action. Word choice should be clear and concise. Mark Twain said it best:  The difference between the precise word and one that comes close is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Overused words and clichés [hungry as a bear, thin as a rail] are dull and boring. They add no excitement to the text, so avoid clichés as you would a thin-as-a-rail, hungry bear.
In my next blog I’ll showcase ways for writers to make the best word choices.
Call for submissions for adult writers: 
CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: THINK POSITIVE FOR KIDS

After the success of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, our bestselling book for adults, we decided to make a version for children too. That’s the goal of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive for Kids — to start conversations with children about core values, good examples, making good decisions, and having the courage to do the right thing. It is geared for children 12 and under. We’d like to keep stories in the 500-1200 word range. We are looking for stories from your own childhood, or about children you know, written in the first person, that both entertain and educate children, and that expose them to positive thinking and good values. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. Deadline June 30, 2013.

Details at http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?c...
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
 

The Bones of a Picture Book, Part VI/Calls for Submissions

This is the final article in a series.

Now that your manuscript is complete, it’s time to create a dummy book. This is for your eyes only; not for an editor or agent, although an agent may request it. This allows you to see your manuscript in book format before you submit it to a publisher. Fold eight sheets of paper in half and staple along the fold. This will create a 32-page booklet. Divide your story into sections that you place on 28 pages. You may choose to place the text on 14 pages in which text is placed on one page, leaving the facing page blank for an illustration. Either way, you should have about 14 scenes or pieces of action. The other pages in a picture book are used for the title page, copyright page, and sometimes a half-title page. By placing the text on 28 pages, you can better determine the flow of the words and the action. Do the page breaks work? Does the text placement work? Does the illustrator have enough information (action) to illustrate a scene on each page?
Writers tend to have difficulty thinking visually. A book dummy helps us see how our story unfolds and where we might need to amp up the action.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Overcoming Challenges Life is filled with challenges. We have all gone through trying times and have had to overcome difficult situations. We would like to know what challenges you have faced in your life and what you did to overcome them. Are you recovering from health problems, financial difficulties or the loss of a loved one? What changes did you make to help you cope with these issues and turn negative into positive? Your stories will give our readers inspiration and insight into how others are coping and let them know that there is hope even in adversity.
Deadline: October 31, 2013.Submission guidelines at http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/

The Bones of a Picture Book, Part V/Calls for Submissions

This article is a continuation of a series.

Repetition/pattern.Repetition is a common pattern in children’s picture books. Kids enjoy these books because they can participate in the reading. The interactive quality is engaging and has the read-it-again factor. The pattern of three is found in many folktales, such as The Three Little Pigs and The Three Bears. Some patterns contrast two lifestyles, as in The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. In Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears, patterns form a cumulative format in which the characters create a chain of events. Word repetition forms a pattern in A Dark, Dark Tale on a dark, dark night when a dark, dark visitor goes to a dark, dark house. This type story invites children to predict what will happen next or guess the upcoming words, phrases, or sentences. Since the reader is actively involved in the reading of the book, these books remain popular.
Short text. The world of publishing is in a constant state of change. The current trend in picture books, both fiction and nonficton, is 500 words or less for children under age five. Picture books for ages five to eight are longer. For either age group, write with an economy of words and descriptive language so the illustrator can tell part of the story through art.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Appleseeds. Nonfiction Magazine for Ages 6-9 Accepting Queries. Appleseeds is a 36-page, multidisciplinary, nonfiction social studies magazine for children ages 6- 9 (primarily in grades 3 and 4). Writers are encouraged to study recent Appleseeds back issues for con- tent and style. Looking articles that are lively, age-appropriate, and exhibit an original approach to the theme. Feature articles are 150-600 words (includes nonfiction, interviews, and how-to). Departments include Fun Stuff (games or activities relating to the theme, 300 words); Read- ing Corner (literature piece, 300-600 words); Upcoming themes and [query due dates]: Who Did What on the Frontier (March 2014 issue): In our continuing series of "who did what" in specific periods, a look at work and job roles on the American frontier including both pioneers and Native Americans in the 19th century. [Query by 5/15/13]. Wheels (April 2014 issue): Wheels make the world go round-from wagon wheels to mill wheels, from skate- boards to automobiles. How do wheels affect our lives and why-and what challenges did humans face without wheels? [6/29/13]. Snakes (May/June 2014 issue): Snakes both fascinate and (for some) repel. As in our issues on horses, dogs, and cats, a look at snakes and how we live with them. [7/29/13] You Are There..in the Desert (July/August 2014 issue): Exploring the world's deserts and how they affect the people who live and work there. [9/15/13] Additional themes will be posted after July 2013.
Details at http:// www.cobblestonepub.com/guides_app.html
I will continue the Call for Submissions for Young Writers in the first September blog.
 Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/      








  
 

The Bones of a Picture Book, part IV/Calls for Submissions

This article is a continuation of a series.

Write to entertain, to enchant, to comfort, to enjoy; but not to preach. Write to inform, to teach, to inspire; but not in a didactic way. Didactic means writing to teach a lesson or moral. Children can learn life skills by reading about characters and their reactions to situation, but place the entertainment value above the teaching value in fiction. The lesson learned should be subtle. The purpose of a fictional picture is not to teach a lesson, but to tell a story. Enchant a child’s imagination with interesting characters, wordplay, strong plot, and humor.
Audience. Picture books need to be written for a specific audience. “Children” is a broad concept and the stories that interest different children vary with the age group. The word choice and subject matter should be age appropriate for the target audience. Consider the interest and ability of the child when creating a character. Children want to read about characters that reflect their life experiences. A two-year-old is interested in learning colors, while a six-year-old enjoys stories about school or friendship. Play into the reader’s imagination by taking into account the child’s experiences. The reader defines the writing so before you write the first word, identify the audience.
Call for submissions for adult writers: HUMPTY DUMPTY MAGAZINE (ages 5-7).
FICTION: Short stories 450 words or less. Payment: $70 and up.NONFICTION: We accept short articles of 300 words or less on science and nature, as well as age-appropriate how-to projects. Payment: $70 and up.POETRY: We accept poems 4-12 line poems. Please remember the age of your audience. Payment: $35 and up.RECIPES: We accept simple, healthful recipes of 200 words or less that generally require no cooking and minimal adult help. If possible, include a photo of the recipe with submission. Payment: $40 and up.CRAFTS: We accept fun crafts of 250 words or less that young
children can make with a bit of adult help. Payment: $40 and up.Details at http://www.uskidsmags.com/writers-guidelines/
Call for submissions for young writers: One Teen Story is a literary magazine for young adult readers of
every age. Each issue will feature one amazing short story about
the teen experience. If you love to write, we’re looking for one
great story. One Teen Story will consider original, unpublished
fiction written by teens ages 14-19. We are interested in great
fiction of any genre—literary, fantasy, sci-fi, love stories, and
horror. What’s in a great short story? Interesting characters, a
unique voice, and of course, a beginning, middle and end. The
winning story will be chosen by a best-selling novelist and
published in the May 2014 issue of One Teen Story. Contest winners
will receive $500, 25 copies of the magazine featuring their work,
and a 28” x 20” poster of the cover featuring their story. The
winner of the contest will also have the opportunity to edit his/her
story for publication with a One Teen Story editor. Honorable
mentions will be chosen in three age categories: 14-15, 16-17,
and 18-19-year-olds. To enter, you must be between the ages of
14 and 19 as of May 31, 2013. Short stories should be between
1,500 to 4,000 words and be the writer’s own original, unpublished
work. Deadline June 30, 2013.Details at http://www.oneteenstory.com/index.php?page=contest
Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/