Nancy Kelly Allen's Blog, page 31

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

This article is a continuation of a series.

Rhyme. Some editors like rhyme; some love it; many shy away from it. All shy away if the rhyme isn’t perfect in meter and beat. Honestly, I’m totally lost on writing rhyming text so I don’t even attempt it. Instead, I choose to write rhythmic prose. If you’re a natural at writing rhyme or have studied it, give it a try. The rhyme should flow smoothly and as with prose, each line should further the plot. Surprise and delight the reader with the word choice.
Strong, unique concept. Every story plot has already been written, right? We’re not going to stumble onto anything new in that department. But we should provide a new twist, a surprise ending, something to make the story stand apart from others. Otherwise, why publish something that’s already in the market. Integrate the character’s emotional problem with a physical problem so when the character is actively trying to work toward the physical goal, the emotional goal is being met as well.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Funny Times. Our print publication pokes fun at politics, news, relationships,
food, technology, pets, work, death, environmental issues, business, and the human condition in general. Not much is off limits, so do your best to make us laugh. We pay upon publication, not acceptance, and the rates are $25-$40 per cartoon based on reproduction size and $60 each for story. You’ll even get a complimentary subscription to Funny Times and some serious bragging rights. Limit 500-700 words.

Details at http://www.funnytimes.com/submissions.php#.UT6DoFeN7To

Call for submissions for young writers:
Skipping Stones. Writings (essays, stories, letters to the editor, riddles and proverbs, etc.) should be typed or neatly handwritten and limited to 750 words and poems to 30 lines. We encourage writings in all languages with an English translation, if possible. And, we love illustrations! Please send originals of your drawings, paintings, or photos. Include your name, age, and address along with your submission.

Tell us about yourself in a cover letter. What is your cultural background? What languages do you speak or write? What is important to you? What are your dreams and visions for the future? What inspired you to write or create your submission? We might even print your letter!
If you would like a reply from us or your work returned, include a self-addressed envelope with postage stamps. Submissions that do not include SASE's will be recycled if we do not publish them. Allow three months for our reply. When your work is published in Skipping Stones, you will receive a contributor's copy of that issue.
Submission guidelines at http://www.skippingstones.org/submiss...
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The Bones of a Picture Book, part II/Calls for Submissions

This article is a continuation of a series.

Humor. Kids appreciate humor, and the funny stuff pulls the reader into the story. Every sentence and paragraph doesn’t have to create laughter. Sprinkle bits of humorous dialog or comical action throughout the narrative; that’s enough to carry the scene. Notice how comedians save the punch line for the end of the story. That effect works in picture books, too. Remember, illustrations add another level of humor that reflect the text and add more gist to the story.
Concrete writing. Concrete words evoke concrete images. Nothing throws open the doors of imagination like the use of the senses to conjure vivid mental pictures. Engage the senses—see, hear, touch, taste, and smell--with specific details to hold a reader’s attention. Strong, literal word choices allow the reader to experience the setting, action, and character as though they are actually in the scene. Action verbs—punch, crawl, scream—offer mental pictures. If you shut your eyes, you can mentally see a punch thrown, an animal crawling, or a person screaming. How difficult is it to imagine these verbs: is, are, was, were? Can’t see them? Neither can the reader. Action verbs create movement and sound and reflect real life.

Call for submissions for adult writers:
The Greenhouse Funny prize is open to un-agented writers writing funny fiction for children of all ages. To get a good sense of the voice and where the character is headed, we’d like to see the first 5,000 words PLUS a short description (a few lines) of the book AND a one page outline that shows the spine of the plot. Please send this as a Word doc attachment. If you’re submitting a picture book (or shorter fiction that comes in under 5,000 words), then send the complete text.
Please send your entries to funny@greenhouseliterary.com
If you’re writing from the US or Canada (ie, North America), please put NA in subject line. If you’re writing from UK or the rest of the world, please put UK in subject line.
The deadline for submissions is Monday, 29 July.
 Call for submissions for young writers:Speak Up Press [ages 13-19] All work must be your original creation

·         In 2013, Speak Up Press will accept POETRY ONLY. In Fall 2013, Speak Up Press will produce hand-made poetry chapbooks by teen poets.
    Submission guidelines at http://speakuppress.org/submissions/
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The Bones of a Picture Book/Calls for Submissions

This article is the first of a series based on the basics of writing a picture book.

Some picture book manuscripts garner contracts. Many more do not. Let’s look at the bones of a picture book to see what makes the story work so successfully that an editor offers a deal.

Interesting character. The main character should be likeable and identifiable, someone with which the reader can identify. Kids enjoy reading (or being read to) about characters that accomplish big acts. Allow the character to fix his/her own problem, whether it’s handling the bully or getting in out of the storm. Children are small and young, but they enjoy stories in which they succeed on their own. Good fiction is all about the character. If the character doesn’t have a problem or goal, you don’t have a story. Jim was happy. He was happy yesterday and he’s even happier today. No problem. No goal. No story.Universal appeal. Children enjoy characters that face similar problems and situations as their own. When creating a problem for the character, consider problems children face: moving, losing a pet, fight with a friend or sibling, or changing schools. These are just some issues children endure. Children can learn ways to cope by reading about characters that deal with similar situations.
Next week, I’ll continue with the article.

Call for submissions for adult writers:
 Appleseeds Magazine
"We're looking for new, different, and interesting activities that kids will love to do.
No crosswords or word searches. Activities requiring adult supervision are acceptable.
All activities MUST relate to upcoming theme so check guidelines before submitting.
Details at http://www.cobblestonepub.com/guides_APP.html
Call for submissions for young writers:
GREYstone, a subdivision of BRICKrhetoric, is now accepting submissions
of poetry, artwork, flash fiction, photography and scientific art from
students {and teachers} K-12 for our quarterly online publication which
comes out in the months of February, May, August & November. Submissions
are accepted year-round, and submissions to multiple genres are permitted.
Details at http://mygreystone.wordpress.com/submit/
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Trends Update/Calls for Submissions

The world of children’s publishing is in a constant state of change. Often what’s HOT today is NOT tomorrow. I don’t write with trends in mind, but I do make an attempt to stay up-to-date on what’s current in the world of children’s books. The more I'm connected, the more I’m inspired to write.

 Here are seven trends that are HOT today:
1.      Increased interest in middle grade fiction. Lightly illustrated contemporary, realistic, stand-alone books.

2.      Young adult books decreased in sales. There is a shift from paranormal and dystopian [an imaginary place or state in which the condition of life is extremely bad] to contemporary, romantic stories with an element of humor

3.      The move from print to ebooks continues to grow. Illustrated books lag behind others. [Note: Most of my picture books are in ebook format. If my books are a barometer of the publishing climate, it seems that picture books may be catching up to the others.]

4.      Books on bullying are still widespread. With the media focus on bullying, the trend may stick around for quite some time.

5.      Fascinating nonfiction is on the rise. Emphasis from the academic community will probably keep nonfiction books alive and well.

6.      Survival stories are on the upswing.

7.      Tough girls are popular topics in books.

Call for submissions for adult writers:
Appleseeds Magazine.  "We're looking for new, different, and interesting activities that kids will love to do. No crosswords or word searches. Activities requiring adult supervision are acceptable.All activities MUST relate to upcoming theme so check guidelines before submitting.
Details at http://www.cobblestonepub.com/guides_APP.html

Call for submissions for young writers:
GREYstone is now accepting submissions of poetry, artwork, flash fiction, photography and scientific art from students {and teachers} K-12 for our quarterly online publication which
comes out in the months of February, May, August & November. Submissions are accepted year-round, and submissions to multiple genres are permitted.Details at http://mygreystone.wordpress.com/submit/

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/
 

Landing a Contract/Calls for Submissions

Stuck in the middle of my emails one day last week was a whopper of a smile maker: a picture book contract. The contract was with a publisher I’d been courting for five years. My first four manuscripts had each been rejected, but the editor had nice words about each. In the end though, they didn’t make the final cut, until this one!Perseverance and patience rule. A writer must keep writing, submitting, and studying the market. Getting published is a slow process, as is building a relationship with an editor BEFORE publication. So how do you attract an editor to the point of getting a contract? With picture books, it begins with writing the manuscript as you would poetry. Since many of these books are designed to be read aloud, focus on rhythm, alliteration, and other literary devices that allow the text to jump and jive with a lively cadence.After the manuscript is honed with stylistic flourishes, aim submissions toward publishers that produce the type of manuscript you wrote. Arm yourself with information to better target the editor that wants your type of writing. I do this by checking out the publisher’s website and getting a good idea of the types of books published. I check out the editor and read interviews and blogs looking for information stating the types of manuscripts s/he accepts. This task is time consuming, sometimes taking much longer than time spent on the manuscript. But the payoff is hitting the bull’s eye when targeting the manuscript…and landing that coveted contract.Call for submissions for adult writers:
FamilyFun Magazine:  Pays on publication.  Seeks nonfiction, columns/departments, photos/artwork.  Subjects: Crafts, ideas for children & family fun.  Submission guidelines at http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/contact-us-819817/ 
Call for submissions for young writers:
JUNIOR AUTHORS SHORT STORY WRITING CONTEST. Open to young writers ages 9 to 21 from any country. Amazon Gift Cards for the top 6 writers in each age category will be awarded as follows:1st place – $100
2nd place – $25
3rd place – $25
4th place – $25
5th place – $25
6th place – $25Age categories:
Category I – ages 18-21
Category II – ages 15-17
Category III – ages 12-14
Category IV – ages 9-11Your story can be about anything you like. Be creative and have fun.
Your story must be in English. Maximum length is 1,000 words.
Deadline 6/30/2013
Submission guidelines at http://laurathomascommunications.com/juniorauthorscontest/
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Every book begins with an idea. Sometimes the idea needs ...

Every book begins with an idea. Sometimes the idea needs minutes, hours, and days to take shape; sometimes weeks and months. The idea may gush forth like a flood with the characters and plot quickly following; others form as slowly as a tree growing from a tiny seed.
Years ago, my husband and I visited Niagara Falls and I was enchanted with the beauty, roar, mist, and majesty of the waterfall, nature’s handiwork at its finest. Still, I didn’t consider writing a picture book about the subject. One morning about four years ago, I watched a program on TV that featured Niagara Falls. Like magic, the idea of a book grabbed hold and refused to let go. I checked out armloads of books from my public library—anything and everything that centered on Niagara Falls. I was most intrigued by the daredevils who challenged gravity as they tightrope-walked across the Falls and those who enclosed themselves in various types of containers and plunged over the Falls, taking risks with calculated emphasis on survival. Most of all I was interested in someone who was the first person to perform a stunt.
That someone was Annie Edson Taylor. She was 62 years old, definitely an unlikely candidate to be the first person to ride a barrel over the Falls. The more I read about Annie, the more intrigued I became.
Hooked, I was. Annie’s story was one children would enjoy. Since boys tend to not read books about females, I added a section about other Niagara Falls daredevils, primarily males who performed stunts. Some succeeded; some did not. My goal was to include facts that would fascinate children in the same way I was fascinated.
Today, four years later, I hold that book in my hands for the very first time. From idea to story, my book was born.                                                                                                               
Call for submissions for adult writers:

Big Fiction’s Knickerbocker Prize. Online submission deadline is February 28, 2013 for Big Fiction’s Knickerbocker Prize. Open to long-form fiction, between 7,500 – 30,000 words. First- and second-place entries will receive $500 / $250 and publication. Lauren Groff (author of the novels Arcadia and The Monsters of Templeton, and the story collection Delicate Edible Birds) will judge. All entries will be considered for publication, and all participants will receive a copy of the contest issue. The winning entries will be announced on our website in May 2013. For complete guidelines: www.bigfictionmagazine.com/writers_guidelines.

Call for submissions for young writers:
Speak Up Press publishes Speak Up Online quarterly, featuring the original fiction, nonfiction, and poetry of teens (13-19 years old).  IN 2013, SUBMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTED APRIL 1, 2013-AUGUST 31, 2013. Send Submissions in the body of an email to: submit@speakuppress.org
Submission guidelines at http://speakuppress.org/submissions/
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Rewrites/Calls for Submissions

Rewrites are daunting tasks. Editors ask for the changes for a reason. One reason is simply to make the manuscript become a better fit for that particular publishing house. This happens often with magazine articles and stories. The editor wants to bring out a writer’s best talent and that can take several rounds of revision in many cases.
The suggestions may seem overwhelming. As often happens with me, I read through once, maybe twice, and set it aside for the remainder of the day. During this time, I attempt to channel my muse (who can frequently be contrary and unchannelable) and mull the ideas presented in the editor’s notes. The next morning, I reread the notes and tackle the rewrite, one word at a time.
If you question a change, go ahead and make it anyway. Tackle the small changes first. As you accomplish those, your confidence will built and the larger tasks won’t seem so daunting, after all. Once all the changes are made, you may decide that you agree, or at least don’t strongly disagree, with the editor. However, if you still strongly disagree with the revision, talk with the editor. You will probably be able to work a compromise. If not, you can always pull the manuscript and submit to another publisher.
Call for submissions for adult writers:2013 South American Short Story Writing Contest is open for submissions. We are looking for the best possible short stories from writers located in any country. Winning prize is $100 USD and publication in Southern Pacific Review. Deadline is 30 March 2013. Candidates must have previous writing experience either in a print publication or on-line in a blog. Submit entries along with links to any work you have published to editor@gringolandiasantiago.com. There is no reading fee. We are interested in quality writing.

Deadline: Online submission deadline: March 30, 2013
Call for submissions for young writers: 
Skipping Stones. 50% of magazine is written by young people. Accepts Spanish/English  check this site for topics, or themes, for future issues short fiction and plays (500-750 words)poems, jokes, riddles, proverbs (250 words or less)

Submission guidelines at www.skippingstones.org
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Fiction Inspired by Real-Life Characters and Events/Calls for Submissions

Real people and events inspire many fictional stories. The advantage of this type of writing is that those images produce authentic sensory details to bring the setting and characters to life. The disadvantage is that the writer may develop an emotional attachment to a person or event and experience difficulty letting go of reality in creating the fictional story. 

Allow the actual event or character to plant the seed of the story idea, but when you begin writing, give the characters opportunities to take on their own story and evolve. If that means a particular character plays a lesser role in the fictional tale, so be it. Let the story unfold and see what happens. Focus on the characters and not reflect on the real-life situations that inspired the story. You'll have more flexibility and freedom to take the story in different directions to determine the best route for the characters.

My book, Trouble in Troublesome Creek, is based on an actual story told to me by my husband  and told to him by his grandmother. Neither of them is mentioned in the book. Their stories simply inspired my story.
So when writing fiction inspired by a real-life, focus less on the actual events and more on the imaginary tale to develop a smooth, well-crafted story. 
 Next week, I’ll discuss rewriting the first draft.
   Call for submissions for adult writers:HISTORY MAGAZINE. Chronicling everything from the fall of the Roman Empire and the start of the Second World War to the sinking of the Titanic and the exploits of Al Capone, the articles in History Magazine are accompanied by breathtaking archival images and detailed maps. You’ll read fascinating stories and discover facts you never knew about the development of government, medicine, technology, trade, crime, the arts, the art of war, and everything in between! Pays up to $250. Submission guidelines at http://www.history-magazine.com/
Call for submissions for young writers:
New Moon: The Magazine for Girls and Their Dreams
34 E. Superior St. #200
Duluth, MN 55803
Send to: Julie Hoffer
 
75% is written by girls aged 8-14. Uses fiction, nonfiction, poetry, book reviews, articles about historical women and girls, letters. Uses only work by girls except letters.

Submission guidelines at www.newmoon.org

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Rewriting a Manuscript/Calls for Submissions

My critique buddy, Sandi, and I have worked together on numerous manuscripts over the past few years. She helps me polish my work, and I help (hopefully) spit shine hers. She is currently working on a rewrite by editor request.
When a writer receives a rewrite request from an editor, emotions overflow the psyche: with me, excitement and joy gush first. This is soon followed by an outpouring of doubt and fear. I wonder if I can actually follow through with writing that works for the publisher. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail, so the fear is warranted. Once I start the actual rewrite, the task gets easier, but never easy. I find that Sandi experiences the same trepidation. Here’s Sandi’s reaction to rewriting the first draft:
I’ve begun again. Whoever said writing is easy definitely doesn’t write. I climbed over that solid brick wall—you know, the one with black tar cascading down its surface—and  I’m starting with a scream and dialog.
Tell me why again I’m doing this?????
Sandi's comments SHOW (vs. TELL) her emotions—fear, frustration, anxiety—and her efforts—beginning is the hardest part—expose quality writing, are packed with humor, use analogies, and she says she’s starting with a scream (action). These are excellent writing techniques, and they’re heartfelt and authentic. Heartfelt and authentic: two more goals to strive for in writing. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with Sandi as she delivers the goods to her editor…and then on to readers.
 Next week, I’ll discuss fiction inspired by real-life characters.
Call for submissions for adult writers:
Seventeen
300 West 57th St., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
     For more than six decades, Seventeen has been the prototypical teen girls’ magazine. It covers fashion and friendship, popularity and pop culture, family and fiction. The editors look for strong writers who can connect with girls ages 12 to 19. Articles offer sound advice, and inform 2 million girls a month about news and trends. They include self-help, profiles, and personal experience.
    Email a query with outline and clips or writing samples for nonfiction to the appropriate Seventeen editor. Send complete manuscript for fiction. For relationship/love stories, email Devin Tomb, dtomb@hearst.com; for Your Life and fitness and nutrition, Ashley Mateo at amateo@hearst.com; for general health, sex education, and Buzz, Kim Tranell at ktranell@hearst.com; for fashion, Gina Kelly at gkelly@hearst.com; for beauty, Yesenia Almonte at yalmonte@ hearst.com.
      Articles, 650–3,000 words. Fiction, 1,000–3,000 words. Buys first rights. Pays $1–$1.50 a word, on acceptance.Details at www.seventeen.com

Call for submissions for young writers:

• Silver Pen, publisher of the former Kids'Magination ezine, is planning a new publication for older readers called Youth Imagination. This online magazine will be a paying market.

Their website says,"We are open for submissions, and are particularly interested in creative fiction by teens, but will also accept YA stories by adult authors."
Submission guidelines at http://www.youthimagination.org/index...
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Illustration Notes in Picture Book Manuscripts, part II/Calls for Submissions

Today’s blog is part II of a series.

Illustrators are creative artists who are trained to interpret text. They don’t need nor expect a great deal of detail in manuscripts. Editors, too, can visualize a story and do not expect illustration notes to accompany text.

Opinions vary on illustration notes in manuscripts. Some editors don’t want any notes at all; others accept them if the notes are absolutely necessary. At a conference I attended, an editor said a well-known illustrator refused an assignment to work on a story because the manuscript contained illustration notes. When an illustration note is critical to understanding the story, a note or two may be okay, but I usually try to avoid using them.

If the story is historical fiction or nonfiction, visual references can be helpful to the illustrator. Example: a photo of a Minie ball, a civil war bullet, could be attached or the photo source noted. Visual references aren’t used for art direction purposes; instead, they are merely a source for information.

To use illustrator notes or not, that is the question. The answer depends upon the text. My advice: use them sparingly, if at all.

Next week, I’ll discuss first draft revision.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Kasma is a digital science fiction magazine that is currently open to submissions. The magazine prefers stories 1,000 to 5,000 words, and is not closed to longer. Fantasy and other genres are not published often, but submissions of these stories are considered.

Kasma looks for “fiction that is intelligent, with well-thought out plots and characters. Beyond this, exactly what happens in your world with your characters is up to you. We enjoy a broad range and don't want to stifle author creativity by having elaborate expectations. Often enough, the best stories come as a surprise.”

Email stories in the body of the email to editors@kasmamagazine. com.

Submission details at www.kasmamagazine.com


Call for submissions for young writers:

Cuckoo Quarterly . An online literary publication of poetry, short fiction, rants, reviews, interviews, and more. Open to submissions from youth under 19 years, with no restrictions on genre or format. The theme for issue 6 is “Power”

For the themed section we will accept writing of any form (poetry/non-fiction/script/illustration etc) relating to the chosen subject. Interesting or unusual angles on this subject are encouraged! Please mention in the accompanying email that the work is intended for the themed section.

Deadline for issue 6 is 15 March 2013

Submission guidelines at http://www.cuckooquarterly.com/?page_...

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