Erica Verrillo's Blog, page 84

2 New Agents Actively Seeking Writers

Here are two new agents actively seeking writers. Heather Flaherty (Bent Agency) is looking for children’s, middle grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as select new adult fiction, and pop-culture or humorous nonfiction. Sarah Nagel (Writers House) is looking for psychological thrillers, horror, mystery, suspense, literary fiction, realistic Young Adult and Middle Grade with a hint of magical realism, and for nonfiction - medical ethics, true crime, humor books and memoir.
______________________ Heather Flaherty of The Bent Agency

About Heather: “I grew up in Massachusetts, between Boston and the Cape, and started working in New York City as a playwright during college. This pushed me towards English as a focus, and after a lot of country-hopping in my early twenties, I wound up finally beginning my publishing career in editorial, specifically at Random House in the UK. That’s also where I became a YA and children’s literary scout, which finally landed me back in NYC, consulting with foreign publishers and Hollywood regarding what the next big book will be. Now as an agent, I’m thrilled to turn my focus on growing authors for that same success.”

What she is seeking: Children’s, middle grade, and young adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as select new adult fiction, and pop-culture or humorous nonfiction.

“Currently I’m looking for YA fiction across-the-board, though my heart does sway towards issue-related YA with humor and heart – not depressing, or mopey. I also love love love hard, punchy, contemporary YA that’s got no hesitations when it comes to crazy. I’m also always up for seeing contemporary stories with sci-fi or fantasy elements, as well as a clever respin of an old or classic tale. And then, lastly, really good horror and ghost stories… not gory-for-gory’s sake or overly disgusting, but cringing, dark, bloody twisted, and even lovely. That said, the one thing I love above all else in a YA novel, regardless of sub-genre, is a strong and specific character voice. A real person, not another ‘everygirl.’ 

As for the middle grade I’m looking for, I want it stark, honest, and even dark; either contemporary or period, as long as it’s accessible. Coming-of-age stories, dealing-with-difficulty stories, witness stories (adult issues seen through the child’s p.o.v kinda thing), anything that makes you want to hold the narrator’s hand… for your own comfort, as well as their’s. I am also ok with these stories having slight magical or fantasy elements as well – as long as they’re subtle. In new adult, I like to see story… not just romance and/or erotica. For me, it should pretty much be a great YA novel for an older audience. On the nonfiction side, I’m looking for strong teen memoirs about overcoming crushing situations. ”

How to submit: Read The Bent Agency’s updated submissions guidelines online, and then e-mail flahertyqueries [at] thebentagency.com.
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Sarah Nagel of Writers House

About Sarah: Sarah Nagel joined Writers House in 2011 to work with Senior Vice President, Merrilee Heifetz and is now actively building her own client list. Previously, Sarah was a media lawyer in London and graduated with two separate degrees in English Language and Literature, and Law. Follow Sarah on Twitter: @SarahNagel14.

What she is seeking: Sarah is looking for psychological thrillers (those that mess with your head rather than high speed cross-country chases), horror, mystery, suspense and literary fiction. Sarah is especially interested in strong character-driven fiction and stories that explore the dynamics of a dysfunctional family unit / relationships. Sarah also represents realistic Young Adult and Middle Grade with a hint of magical realism. On the nonfiction side, Sarah is interested in medical ethics, true crime, humor books and memoir with a distinctive narrative voice with a universal resonance. Sarah is not looking for straight sci-fi, high fantasy, romance or picture books.

How to submit: “I accept e-mail queries and will usually respond within 4-6 weeks. Please submit your query, including the first ten (10) pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the e-mail (no attachments please!), to snagel [at] writershouse.com with “QUERY FOR SARAH NAGEL: [TITLE OF MANUSCRIPT]” in the subject line. Please do not query multiple Writers House agents simultaneously.”

Calls for Submissions - Speculative Fiction Anthologies

Anthologies are themed collections of short stories and/or poems by various authors and published as a single book. In most cases, anthologies are put out by publishing houses, but sometimes anthologies are published by magazines as well. Anthologies are also printed by vanity presses. (Don't submit to those. Vanity presses demand payment, and they will do nothing but harm your career.)

It is a good idea to get your work into a (legitimate) print anthology for several reasons: 1) Publishing houses that put out anthologies generally get a wider distribution than magazines; 2) Print anthologies don't preclude publishing your story online, or on Amazon, later on;  3) Establishing a relationship with a publishing house may pan out later when you are ready to publish your book; 4) Anthologies are a great writing credit; 5) Many anthologies accept reprints, which will extend the life of your stories.

Below are eight publishers looking for speculative fiction short stories. Their requirements are fairly narrow (please read their submissions pages carefully). All of these are paying markets, ranging from pro (6 cents a word, minimum), to semi-pro.

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World Weaver Press is publishing a second edition of the Far Orbit science fiction adventure series.

Deadline: March 31, 2015.

"We are once again looking for modern space adventures crafted in the Grand Tradition. We are not looking for slavish imitations of past classics. Rather, we would like to receive stories that establish a new tradition in the much maligned Scifi adventure genera — smart, modern stories built around the classic traditions. We are looking for adventure stories that are creative, readable, and memorable. We are also looking for midnight indulgences; exciting stories that transport you from the everyday grind and leave you wondrously satisfied. All adventure-based sci-fi genera are welcome but stay away from fantasy elements unless they are genetically engineered or cybernetic. Stories can begin on Earth but the major action should happen out there, beyond the edges of our blue marble. Dystopia (Mad Max) and fantasy-like adventures (John Carter of Mars) have to be very special to be included in this anthology. Please, no fan fiction."

Rights and compensation: Payment: $0.01/word. All contributors will receive a paperback copy of the anthology. For previously unpublished works: Seeking first world rights in English and exclusive rights to publish in print and electronic format for twelve months after publication date after which publisher retains nonexclusive right to continue to publish for a term. For reprints: Seeking non-exclusive right to publish in print and electronic formats for a term. Previously unpublished stories preferred; reprints will be considered. No previously anthologized stories.

Open submission period: January 1 – March 31, 2015.

Length: Under 10,000 words

Submission method: Paste the story into the body of the e-mail message. Include the approximate word count. Subject line: Apogee – [Title]. Send submission to: farorbit [at] worldweaverpress [dot] com.

Simultaneous submissions = OK.

Multiple submissions = No.

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Crossed Genres Publications is publishing Hidden Youth: Speculative Fiction from the Margins of History

Deadline: 4/30/15

Who can submit: "We welcome stories by authors from all walks of life. We especially encourage submissions from members of marginalized groups within the speculative fiction community, including (but not limited to) people of color; people who are not from or living in the U.S.A.; QUILTBAG and GSM people; people with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental illness; and atheists, agnostics, and members of religious minorities. The protagonists of your story do not have to mirror your own heritage, identities, beliefs, or experiences. We also especially encourage short story submissions from people who don’t usually write in this format, including poets, playwrights, essayists and authors of historical fiction and historical romance."

Submission deadline and publication schedule: Submissions are due April 30, 2015. If it’s still April 30 in your time zone, you’re good. Acceptance notices will be sent by October 1. The anthology is tentatively slated for a January 2016 release.

Pay and rights: USD 6¢/word for global English first publication rights in print and digital format. The author retains copyright. Payment is upon publication.

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Meerkat Press is currently seeking short stories for their next themed anthology, Love Hurts.

"Dazzle us with stories of love, and make it hurt! Slow, dull, unimaginative stories need not apply."

Deadline: 4/30/15

Genres accepted: Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction and Fantasy. This includes all sub-genres: Dystopian, Steampunk, Paranormal, etc.

Payment: .01 to .04 per word for short fiction.

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Pop Seagull Publishing is publishing the anthology: ‘Robotica.’

Deadline: March 2015

"Wow us with your take on the intersection between eroticism and robots or other artificial life forms! This could take the form of a look at robotic self-replication, humans in love with robots, robot courtship, or anything your imagination can come up with! Just take ‘Robotica’ and run with it. We’re not necessarily looking for pure erotica, but more solid science fiction that examines the intersection of sexuality and robots in a unique way. Having said that, have fun with it! If a sexy, sexy scene suits the story, go for it."

Payment: For short fiction, 1 cent per word, plus three free copies of the book and a discounted rate on future purchases.

How to submit: Microsoft Word files (.doc and .docx), PDF and Open Office (.odt) files only. If you send anything other than these formats, they may not be able to open it. E-subs only. Please send all queries and works for consideration to lizmclean(dot)artist(at)gmail(dot)com.

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Science Fiction and Fantasy Publications is publishing their Unbound anthology “Lost Friends”

Deadline: March 31st, 2015.

Genre: Science Fiction.

Payment: All short stories are paid at $0.01 per word (after editing) up to a maximum of $150.00. All payments will be made via PayPal and in the first quarter of publication. Then, if the issue your story is included in breaks a profit, 50% of the net profit will be shared between the contributors on a per word basis for two years after the publication date.

How to submit: You only need two things – Your short story and a small two paragraph bio of yourself. This should be supplied with your manuscript. Attach both to an email entitled “Short Story Submission” indicating which anthology you are submitting to and send it to our submissions email address. This email address is set to delete emails with no attachments.

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Eldritch Press is publishing "Steampunk Horror: The Lost Worlds"

Deadline: Extended until filled.

Genre: "The Lost Worlds" will be a anthology in the Steampunk Horror Genre devoted to the post-apocalyptic theme. Send us worlds rebuilt by steam powered engines and mechanical marvels. Send us characters we can root for as they fight the good fight. Send us worlds our readers can romanticize about, characters that jump off the page. We want to set the Steampunk world ablaze with "The Lost Worlds."

Payment: Eight cents a word.

How to submit: Email with Attachments: submissions@eldritchpress.com

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Strange Musings Press is accepting submissions for their new Anthology, Alternate Hilarities 3: Hysterical Realms

Deadline: March 10th

Genre: Short funny fiction about fantasy worlds of all types. They are looking for Flash Fiction between 500 and 1500 words. Short Fiction between 1501 and 6000 words.

Payment: Flash Fiction - a half cent a word paid on publication as well as one E-book and 1 share of royalties. Short Fiction - One cent a word paid on publication as well as one E-book and 2 shares of royalties.

How to submit: Submissions@StrangeMusingsPress.com

Simultaneous submissions: Yes

Reprints: Yes

For more information CLICK HERE.
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Emby Press is publishing Monster Hunter: Wasteland

"The wars are over. The monsters have won.There is nowhere monsters don’t stalk anymore; not the burnt out cities or desolate countryside. The monster’s endless search for the last of humanity grows intense as the number of people dwindle and the legions of hungry creatures swell.

The battle between life and death is constant. No place is safe. But, the people who have survived are the fastest, the strongest and the most resourceful. Among them are the last monster hunters: individuals that have visited the depths of nightmare and survived. Individuals that have become the things that haunt those nightmares…

They will never submit, no matter how large or small the gain. Their purpose is clear… Hunt the monsters. Reclaim the WASTELAND."

Deadline: 3/1/15. Acceptances will be announced 4/5/14

Tentative Publication Date: Fall 2015

Payment: $25.00 and electronic copy of the book upon publication.

Word Limits: 2000 to 8000 words. Please query if longer.

Format: Submissions should be .doc (.docx is fine) or .rtf formats. The entire text will be reformatted, so no need to worry about margins, spacing, etc. Please use a standard font.

Genres Accepted: Dark Fiction, Horror and sci-fi.

Reprints Accepted: Yes. Please include a history of publication with your submission.

Simultaneous Subs: (submitting to Emby and another press at the same time) can be avoided by requesting an early response.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Is there a huge difference between what men and women read?

Both men and women enjoy nonfiction. MarketWatch recently trumpeted this headline: "The huge difference between what men and women read." You can always get readers to open an article about the differences between men and women - after all, I did - because apparently we have not yet figured out what they are.

There are, as I have long suspected, differences between men and women.

According the the National Endowment of the Arts, men are more likely to read nonfiction books than fiction, while the opposite holds true for women: 55% of women read fiction in 2012, and 48% read nonfiction.

The real news here is not that 7% more women read fiction than nonfiction, or that more women than men read fiction.  It is the steady decline in the total fiction-reading population.
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The waning literary leanings of American adults

Year           Percentage of adults who read fiction

1982           56.40%

1992           54.20%

2002           46.60%

2008           50.20%

2012           46.90%

A ten point drop may not appear to be much, but in sheer numbers it represents a LOT of people. (Someone else will have to do the math, But given an adult population of roughly 230 million, I am sure it's more than, say, a hundred.)
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The huge difference between what men and women read

MarketWatch, Published: Jan 29, 2015 3:25 p.m. ET

Most Americans don’t read fiction, but the residents of some U.S. states are far bigger bookworms than others.

The number of adults who read at least one novel, play or poem within the past 12 months fell to 47% in 2012 from 50% in 2008, according to a new survey of over 37,000 Americans, “A Decade of Arts Engagement,” by the National Endowment for the Arts, a government agency that promotes artistic excellence.

Fiction reading rose from 2002 to 2008, but has been dropping ever since — and is now back to 2002 levels. By comparison, 30 years ago 56% of Americans read fiction. The decline in fiction reading last year occurred mostly among white Americans, including women and men of various educational backgrounds; rates held steady among non-white and Hispanic groups, the report found.

Men are more likely to read nonfiction books than fiction, while the opposite holds true for women: 55% of women read fiction in 2012, and 48% read nonfiction, according to an update of a previous NEA report released in 2013. Young adults are more likely to read fiction than nonfiction books, whereas the oldest Americans (aged 75 and older) are more likely to read nonfiction books, the NEA found. Literary reading varied widely from state-to-state: It was 63% in Washington state, far above the national average, and 56% in Colorado, Rhode Island and Connecticut, but just 34% in Alabama, 36% in Virginia and 37% in Nevada.

Read more here...

2 New Agents Looking for Writers

Here are two new agents actively seeking clients. Lane Heymont is especially interested in sci-fi and fantasy. Caitie Flum is looking for historical fiction, mysteries/thrillers of all kinds, magical realism, and memoirs. Caitie is also looking for Young Adult and New Adult projects, particularly romance, historical fiction, mysteries and thrillers, and contemporary books with diverse characters. Lane Heymont of The Seymour Agency

About Lane: Serving as a literary assistant for the past two years at The Seymour Agency, Lane Heymont has led the marketing efforts for their authors and enjoyed connecting clients with readers. As a lover of literature since childhood, he decided to pursue his passion as a literary agent to bring more well written books to the masses. With a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, business and literature, Lane continued his education in Creative Writing and English, attending Harvard. Lane is a member of HWA, ITW, and AAR membership is pending. He believes what John Gregory Dunne said: “Writing is manual labor of the mind.”

What he is seeking: science fiction and fantasy (exceptional world building is a must), and nonfiction (the inspiring, intriguing, mysterious, and scientific).

How to submit: Send all queries to lane [at] theseymouragency.com. The subject line should be “QUERY: (Title)”. Please past the first five pages in the body of the e-mail.

Caitie Flum of Liza Dawson Associates

About Caitie: Caitie Flum joined Liza Dawson Associates in July 2014 as assistant and audio rights manager. She graduated from Hofstra University in 2009 with a BA in English with a concentration in publishing studies. Caitie interned at Hachette Book Group and Writers House. She was an Editorial Assistant then Coordinator for Bookspan, where she worked on several clubs including the Book-of-the-Month Club, The Good Cook, and the Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club. She is taking on her own clients in 2015. 

What she is seeking: Caitie is looking for commercial and upmarket fiction with great characters and superb writing, especially historical fiction, mysteries/thrillers of all kinds, magical realism, and book club fiction.

Caitie is also looking for Young Adult and New Adult projects, particularly romance, historical fiction, mysteries and thrillers, and contemporary books with diverse characters.

In nonfiction, she is looking for memoirs that make people look at the world differently, narrative nonfiction that's impossible to put down, books on pop culture, theater, current events, women's issues, and humor.
She is not looking for science fiction, fantasy, westerns, military fiction, self-help, science, middle grade, or picture books.


How to submit:  Email your query in the body of the e-mail to querycaitie [at] lizadawsonassociates.com.

10 Writers Conferences in February 2015

Conferences can get pretty wild. Don't forget your beret. If you can afford to attend a writers conference, it may very well be the best investment you will ever make. Conferences offer writers a unique opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of other writers, as well as providing a platform to pitch to agents. (Many agents will only accept clients they have met at conferences.) Workshops run the gamut at these events, from how to market your self-published books to mistakes thriller writers make about firearms. You are guaranteed to emerge from a conference with not only more knowledge, but more confidence.

Because there are so many writers' organizations - regional, national and international - you should not have a problem finding a conference within reach. These are exciting, hugely invigorating events, and I would encourage every writer to attend one.

Related posts: Schmooze or You Lose

Valuable Tips for Pitching to an Agent or Editor
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Indie Author Conference & Pitchapalooza Feb 1, 2015. Burton Barr Central Library 1221 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004. Workshops galore. And as an extra feature, randomly selected people will have one minute (and one minute only) to present their best "elevator pitch" to a panel of book experts. One lucky author will win an introduction to a literary agent or publisher appropriate for his or her book. Judges and panelists: David Henry Sterry, Arielle Eckstut, Annette Rogers, and Gayle Shanks.Cost: $150.

The Kentucky Writers Conference, Feb. 6, 2015, Louisville, KY a full-day of “How to Get Published” workshops. Attending agents: Victoria Lea (Aponte Literary); Natalia Aponte (Aponte Literary); Brent Taylor (Triada US); and Alice Speilburg (Speilburg Literary).

Tennessee Writers Conference, Feb. 7, 2015, Nashville, TN a full-day of “How to Get Published” workshops. Attending agents: Greg Daniel (Daniel Literary); Lauren MacLeod (Strothman Agency); Brent Taylor (Triada US); Julie Gwinn (The Seymour Agency); and Cate Hart (Corvisiero Literary).

Genre-LA, dates TBA, are literary and screen writers conferences devoted to the craft and business of writing in one or more genres. It includes seminars, workshops, panels, pitch sessions and more, featuring educators, industry experts, best-selling authors, literary agents and publishers. Each year, it focuses on different genres, from Thrillers, Suspense, Crime, and Mysteries; Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror; to Romance -- Classic to Modern to Urban Fantasy, and more.

San Francisco Writers Conference, Feb. 12-15, 2015, San Francisco, CA. This is a huge event, with agents: 24 agents and 21 editors. You can see them all HERE.

Desert Nights, Rising Stars Conference,Thursday-Saturday Feb. 19 - 21. "The Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing hosts the Desert Nights, Rising Stars Writers Conference in Arizona State University’s historic quarter. The conference workshops, readings, and book signings will largely take place in the buildings near College Street and University Drive, on the north end of the main campus." Click HERE for a schedule of activities and events.

Portland Writers Workshop, Feb. 20, 2015, Portland, OR a full-day of “How to Get Published” workshops. Attending agents: Sandra Bishop (Transatlantic Agency); Adam O'Connor Rodriguez (Hawthorne Books); and Mary C. Moore (Kimberley Cameron & Associates).

Big Story Writers Conference, Feb 20-22. Conference to help you develop your plot into a BIG STORY with the potential to become a best-seller or box office success. Hands-on workshops, seminars and lectures that guide writers through the creative and developmental process. Fiction, nonfiction and screenplays.

The Writing Workshop of Seattle, Feb. 21, 2015, Seattle, WA a full-day of “How to Get Published” workshops. Attending agents: Kathleen Ortiz (New Leaf Literary); Kristin Vincent (D4EO Literary); Genevieve Nine (Andrea Hurst & Associates); and Fleetwood Robbins (Waxman Leavell Literary).

Sleuthfest, February 26, March 1, Deerfield Beach, Florida. Sponsored by Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. Pitch to agents, critiques of 10-page manuscript submissions, Keynote address with James Patterson.

Kensington Publishing Teams Up With Wattpad For Crowdsourced Romance Writing Competition

Wattpad has announced that it is teaming up with Kensington, a well-known independent publisher, for a romance novel competition.

This is not the first time Wattpad has teamed up with a publisher. In 2013 Wattpad joined forces with Harlequin to host a similar competition.

The rules are fairly simple. Writers who join Wattpad between January 23 and February 27 can submit the first 5,000 words of their novel along with a synopsis. Wattpad readers will then vote for their favorite entries. The winner receives a publishing contract from Kensington.

Deadline is February 27. There is no entry fee.
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Kensington Publishing Teams Up With Wattpad For Crowdsourced Romance Writing Competition

Press Release: January 21, 2015: Kensington Publishing Corp., America’s Independent Publisher, is teaming up with Wattpad, the world’s largest community of readers and writers, to unveil “The Write Affair,” a crowdsourced writing competition for aspiring romance authors.

The competition is open to any previously unpublished author of romance fiction who joins Wattpad. Between January 23, 2015 and February 27, 2015, contestants must visit www.wattpad.com/TheWriteAffair and submit the first 5,000 words of their novel along with a synopsis.

The grand prize winner of “The Write Affair” will receive a publishing contract from Kensington and their novel will be published in both print and digital formats under Kensington’s new imprint, Zebra Shout.

Between February 28 and March 20, Wattpad’s community of over 40 million users will be
invited to vote for their favorite submissions, and their votes will determine which 10
submissions become finalists. From that pool of fan-favorites, a specially chosen team
consisting of members of the Kensington editorial board will select the grand prize winner. The
winner will be announced on Wattpad and Kensington’s website
(http://sites.kensingtonbooks.com/writeaffair/) on Monday, April 13, 2015.

Says Alexandra Nicolajsen, Kensington’s Associate Director of Social Media and Digital Sales,
“Kensington is a house that stands behind new authors, helping to build their careers and take
their books to the next level. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Wattpad
and their huge number of dedicated readers to bring the next fresh story idea to the
marketplace—and to work with a new rising star in romance.”

Kensington’s joined forces with Wattpad to fulfill a desire to find new, burgeoning talent as well as involve an established community of readers and writers. Wattpad’s community is the
perfect solution to the question of how to get fans to play an active role in seeing their favorite
stories go from on screen to on the page.

The contest is open worldwide to first time authors writing in the English language, who must
be at least 16 years old at the time of entry. Entrants are asked to upload their completed
manuscript to: http://www.wattpad.com/user/thewriteaffair.

For a complete listing of “The Write Affair” contest rules and additional details please see Kensington’s landing page at: http://sites.kensingtonbooks.com/writeaffair/.

ABOUT KENSINGTON PUBLISHING:

Founded in 1974 by the late Walter Zacharius, Kensington Publishing Corp. is located in New York City and is known as “America’s Independent Publisher.” As the foremost independent commercial publishing house in the United States providing hardcover, trade paperback, mass market, and digital releases, Kensington publishes the books that America wants to read.

The house of New York Times bestselling authors, including Fern Michaels, Lisa Jackson, Joanne Fluke, William W. Johnstone, and many others, Kensington publishes over 500 fiction and non-fiction titles each year. Its diverse imprints include Zebra, Pinnacle, Dafina, and Lyrical Press which are well known for providing readers with a range of popular genres such as romance, women’s fiction, African American, young adult and nonfiction, as well as true-crime, western, and mystery titles. Visit kensingtonbooks.com.

ABOUT WATTPAD

More than 40 million people have joined Wattpad, making it the world’s largest community of readers and writers. People use Wattpad to connect with each other while they discover and share millions of free stories. Wattpad stories are available in more than 50 languages and can be read or written from any phone, tablet, or computer. The company is proudly based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at www.wattpad.com.

Amazon Is Not the Reader’s Friend, Says Debate Audience

From the Author's Guild, January 20, 2015

A lively audience of readers gathered last Thursday evening at New York City’s Kaufman Center to hear a panel of four authors hash out the contentious proposition that “Amazon is the reader’s friend.”

The Oxford-style debate, hosted by Intelligence Squared (IQ2), featured two writers arguing for the motion and two against it. In the Amazon corner were self-publishing guru Joe Konrath and Matthew Yglesias, Executive Editor of Vox. Pitted against them, former Authors Guild President Scott Turow and Franklin Foer, former Editor of The New Republic, contended that Amazon is not, by a long shot, the reader’s friend.

The IQ2 debates declare a winner by polling the audience at both the beginning and the end of the arguments, and comparing the results. The side that sways more people takes the cake. Before the debate, 41% of the audience voted for the proposition that Amazon is the reader’s friend, 28% voted against it, and 31% were undecided. At evening’s end, there was a clear victor: the Amazon apologists managed to increase their backers by a mere one percentage point, while Turow and Foer earned a 22% spike, overwhelmingly capturing the undecided vote.

Throughout the evening, Yglesias and Konrath largely stuck with the appealing arguments that Amazon’s low prices for readers and higher royalty rates for its self-published authors are benefits without downsides. But Turow and Foer’s effectiveness lay in taking a position that honored the diversity of the literary ecosystem. Left unchecked, they suggested, we may end up with a book world controlled by Amazon. The better option by far is a competitive plurality of publishers and distributors.

Turow agreed that self-publishing works very well for some authors in some publishing sectors. He was clearly encouraged, for instance, that self-publishing gives voice—and a second chance—to authors overlooked by traditional publishers. “I am not against self-publishing,” said Turow, before homing in on Amazon’s deliberate attempt to eliminate publishing houses, “but if we do away with traditional publishers, there will be a great loss to literary culture.”

Another reason Amazon can’t be trusted, Turow noted, is that it hasn’t even stood by the very self-published authors who defend it so vociferously. Turow illustrated this with a point that his opponents couldn’t counter: although many self-published authors rallied to defend Amazon during the Hachette dispute, recently Amazon dramatically cut the earnings of self-published authors enrolled in its Kindle Unlimited program.

Foer also pointed out that a loss of publishers could mean a loss of the nonfiction works requiring “deep reporting,” work which is time-consuming and expensive, and which can only be sustained by an advance from a publisher. It would also mean the loss of the committed editorial investments provided by publishers. “Writers are the people in the world who are least able to see the flaws in their own work,” he said.

“Scott and Franklin did a terrific job of articulating exactly what we’ve stood for throughout our many disagreements with Amazon,” said Authors Guild President Roxana Robinson. “Namely, that a diverse literary marketplace is a healthy literary marketplace. And I’m personally encouraged—though not surprised—that so many readers in the audience agreed.”

Much of the argument focused on Amazon’s place within the publishing industry at large. Yglesias opened by proposing that Amazon’s massive share of the publishing markets—it sells 41% of all books sold in the U.S., and 67% of digital books—is the result of its superior product. Turow countered that such market power is a danger in and of itself. A friend is someone who you can rely on to treat your interests as equal to their own, he said. But Amazon has “habitually turned on its allies when it suited its needs. Anyone who believes Amazon will wield its market power kindly has not read Lord Acton or Machiavelli,” he continued, characterizing Amazon’s history of browbeating as “a mugging sponsored by Wall Street.”

Reflecting on the evening, Turow offered the following summation. “I regard the question of Amazon’s role in American literary culture as truly important, and I was glad Frank and I were able to make many in the audience understand that Amazon is a Trojan Horse, offering low prices today—while Wall Street is willing to float a company that doesn’t make a profit—at the cost of destroying the publishing ecosystem that is indispensable to authors who can’t write several books every year, as many self-published authors do.” Turow further noted, “You never make all the points you want to. But I wish I had made more of the fact that Amazon actually prevents competition by locking its customers in through devices like Prime and DRM, which means Amazon customers can’t read books sold by Apple or Google Play on their Kindles.”

As the event came to an end, the writers’ closing arguments tended to encapsulate their styles. Konrath resorted to off-color humor and bribery: he offered free books for votes, making the salient point that, as a self-published author selling on Amazon, he is able to set the price of his books and even to give them away for free, and doing do, he has sold—and given away—millions of books. Turow spoke of how, like Konrath, he struggled to find a publisher for his first novel, and agreed that Amazon was good for readers and authors in some ways. The problem with Amazon, he explained, is the threat it poses to literary culture at large, and ultimately to the reader. “I don’t judge these things on the basis of what’s good for me,” he said, adding that while Amazon has been very good to him, “I care about what’s good for all writers.” Yglesias maintained that his opponents were painting an unrealistic doomsday scenario, but that for now, Amazon’s low prices and great service make it a friend to readers.

Foer had the last word. Alluding to the arrogance of the tech industry’s self-styled “disrupters,” he noted that Americans have made “disruption . . . our secular religion.” This particular brand of optimism might well lead us to a future “that could be wonderful, or it could be a dystopian hell.” Lastly, he encouraged the audience to speak directly to Amazon with their votes. Tell Amazon, he said, “You’re dealing with precious cargo. Don’t abuse your power. Be good stewards of word and thought.”

The audience, apparently, was listening. Let’s hope Amazon was, too.

The debate, expertly moderated by John Donvan, is well worth watching in its entirety. An on-demand version will soon be available here.

7 February Writing Contests - No Entry Fees

February is a short month, but it does not lack for writing contests. There is a little bit of everything this month: travel writing, poetry, short fiction, journalism, and - one of my favorites - the impoverished author contest. (Most of us fit into that category.) 

Even if there is nothing that is quite up your alley this month, there may be in March. So, don't stop submitting.

Related post: How to Win Writing Contests and Big Publishing Contracts
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 Emerging Environmental Writers Contest. Sage Magazine invites writers to submit nonfiction prose that enhances our understanding of the world, each other, and ourselves. Genre: Nonfiction, environmental topics. Prize: 1st $1000, 2nd $300, 3rd $200, and publication in Sage. Deadline: February 1, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

The Levis Reading Prize is sponsored by the Department of English and its MFA in Creative Writing program at Virginia Commonwealth University. Restrictions: The prize is given annually for the best first or second book of poetry published in the previous calendar year. Genre: Poetry. Prize: $2000 . Deadline: February 1, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

$1000 for 1000 Words Creative Writing Contest is sponsored by the Leyla Beban Young Authors Foundation. Restrictions: Students enrolled in grades 6-12. Genre: Short fiction of exactly 1000 words. Prize: Two $1,000 scholarship prizes will be awarded, one for grades 6-8 and one for grades 9-12. Seven $100 cash prizes will also be awarded for winning entries, one per grade level. Deadline: February 1, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

Inspiration Travel Writing Contest #7 is sponsored by We Said Go Travel, an organization that promotes world travel. Genre: A nonfiction travel article about a place that inspires you to be brave and save the day. Prizes: 1st Prize $500, 2nd Prize $100, 3rd Prize $50, and promotion on website. Deadline: February 14, 2015. How to Enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

The Matthew Power Literary Reporting Award supports the work of a promising early-career nonfiction writer on a story that uncovers truths about the human condition. Genres: Nonfiction journalism works in progress with “strong, character-driven narratives with detailed scene writing and lyrical description.” Restrictions: The award will not fund proposals to report on armed conflicts where journalists are already imperiled, nor projects that are mainly investigatory. Prize: $12,500 grant and use of the NYU library. Deadline: February 16, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

Central PA Magazine Writing Contest is sponsored by WITF and funded by York College of Pennsylvania. Genres: Original, unpublished fiction short stories not exceeding 1,500 words. Restrictions: The contest is only open to legal residents of Pennsylvania who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry. Prize: $500, runner-up $200. Deadline: February 27, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

SLF Working Class/Impoverished Writers Grant is sponsored by the Speculative Literature Foundation. Genres: Speculative fiction, magical realism. Restrictions: Applicants must be working class (see guidelines page for definition) and demonstrate financial hardship. Available to international writers. Prize: $750. Deadline: February 28, 2015. How to enter: Read submission guidelines HERE.

2 New Agents Seeking Writers

New agents are a boon to budding authors. They take the time to really read the manuscripts they receive, and they are enthusiastic supporters of their clients. In addition, many new agents work for long-standing literary agencies, which gives them the benefit of a respected letterhead.
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Kirsten Carleton of Waxman Leavell

About Kirsten: Before joining Waxman Leavell in 2014, Kirsten worked at Sobel Weber Associates. She holds a B.A. in English with a Creative Writing concentration from Amherst College, and a Graduate Certificate in Publishing from the Columbia Publishing Course. Follow her on Twitter: @kirstencarleton

What she is seeking: Upmarket young adult, speculative, and literary fiction with strong characters and storytelling. She’s particularly interested in novels that bend and blur genres; literary takes on high concept worldbuilding; diverse characters in stories that are not just about diversity; antiheroes she find herself rooting for; characters with drive and passion; girls and women in STEM fields; settings outside the US/Europe; well-researched historical settings; YA noir/thriller/mystery; stories that introduces her to a new subculture and makes her feel like a native. She is not interested in horror, romance, erotica, poetry, or picture books.

How to submit: Send a query letter with the first five to ten pages of your manuscript in the body of the email only to kirstensubmit [at] waxmanleavell.com. Please do not query more than one agent at this agency simultaneously. 
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Amanda Panitch of Lippincott Massie McQuilkin

About Amanda: Amanda Panitch was recently promoted from agency assistant to associate agent at Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. Before joining LMQ in 2012, she interned at Writers House and attended The George Washington University and New York University’s Summer Publishing Institute. A writer herself, her first novel, Damage Done, will be released in July from Random House Books for Young Readers. Follow her on Twitter: @AmandaPanitch

What she is seeking: Young adult and middle grade only. In particular, she’d love to find a high fantasy set in a non-Western inspired setting. Other concepts she’d love to see in her inbox include a dark psychological thriller, a quirky mystery, a gorgeous literary contemporary, historical fiction set in a place or time not often explored in fiction, or anything featuring food as a main element. She is also drawn to generational spaceships, unreliable narrators, magical realism, the pre-Columbian Americas, the Amazon, close sibling relationships, and slow-burning romances.

How to submit: Submit your query, including the first five to 10 pages of your manuscript pasted into the body of the email (no attachments) to amanda [at] lmqlit.com. Include the word “Query” in the subject line.

Subscription Services for Self-Published Authors

Subscription services are often overlooked by self-published authors. The reason for the oversight is simple: authors tend to focus on sales rather than borrows. There aren't many book subscription services, so the field is fairly narrow. But those that exist have a huge number of subscribers (and an equally huge number of books).

Self-published authors should consider offering their books on subscription services because, as far as publishing goes, the more venues the better. You should - after perhaps an initial foray into Amazon KDP Select - get your book onto as many sites, and in as many formats, as you can.

Of the three subscription services listed below, Scribd and Oyster are the least restrictive. (Amazon demands exclusivity.) I would recommend going through Smashwords to get your books onto these services because 1) you will get a royalty and 2) Smashwords also makes your book available to libraries.
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Scribd

Scribd is a subscription service with 80 million unique visitors a month. For a monthly fee of $8.99 subscribers can read unlimited books. The Scribd library boasts more than half a million e­books and over 30,000 audiobooks, including New York Times bestsellers, Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as self-published works. 60+ million documents ­have been uploaded by ­users, Essentially, anyone can upload a file onto Scribd, which has led to several copyright infringements, Although Scribd has a huge readership, the best way to ensure that they notice your book, and that you get some monetary compensation, is to go through your publisher. As a self-publisher, you can use Smashwords or BookBaby, each of which offers a Scribd royalty payment. 

Recently, Scribd secured $22 million in financing led by Khosla Ventures and including new funds from existing investors. The new funding brings Scribd’s total financing to date to $48 million.
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Oyster

Oyster was launched in 2013 and is headquartered in New York. With half a million titles and 1,600 publishing partners, Oyster claims to be the leading e-book subscription service and the fifth-largest e-book retailer in the U.S. Half of its titles are self-published. Subscription price: $9.95, free 30-day membership. Royalties: Authors receive about 60 percent royalty via Smashwords. BookBaby authors in their Premium package earn 70 percent from Oyster with BookBaby earning 0 percent. Authors in BookBaby’s Free or Standard package earn 70 percent minus 15 percent to BookBaby for a total of 55 percent of the book. Like Scribd, self-published authors need to go through Smashwords or BookBaby.
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Kindle Unlimited offers a Netflix-style, all-you-can-read approach to more than 600,000 e-books, including blockbuster series like “The Hunger Games” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” nonfiction titles like “Flash Boys” by Michael Lewis, as well as literary fiction and classics for $9.99 a month. Books published through Amazon's KDP Select program are automatically enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. The catch is that for 90-days (renewable) you cannot offer your book on any other platform. Royalties: Once a customer reads more than 10% of your book, or a Kindle Owners' Lending Library customer downloads your book, you'll receive a share of the KDP Select Global Fund.