Thursday, July 28, 2011

My Apologies

Dear RWW's Readers,

Please accept my apology.

I'm so very sorry for neglecting you these past months, and for this VERY, VERY, VERY late post. I know there is no excuse for me to leave you hanging, that's not what I intended. I've been so busy working on a new project(s), and working a new job, that I just haven't had time to post.

Even though everything has been kind of crazy, I'm happy to say, it's slowly letting up. I will be back to posting soon.

So, please, accept my apology.

Yours Truly,

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Leah Hultenschmidt of Casablanca Looking For Contempory Romance Today Only!

Attention Contempoary Romance Authors! Leah Hultenschmidt, Senior Editor for Sourcebooks, Casablanca is "on a hunt-down for some contemporary romance" and wants you to leave a comment on the Casablanca Authors Blog if you have a complete manuscript.

Snipped the following from the blog:

If you’ve got a fresh complete contemporary romance with high action a la Suze Brockmann, small-town values like Robyn Carr, humor that sizzles like Robin Kaye, or just as all-round delicious as Jennifer Crusie’s BET ME, bring it on! Post a comment below with:
  • Your 2-4 sentence hook/pitch (not just a plot summary, but what makes me want to read)
  • A brief description of your hero
  • A one-sentence author history
I’ll accept pitches through midnight EST, ending at 12:01 a.m. 3/18. If you miss this chance for a critique, you can always email your project to me at romance[at]sourcebooks.com.
Can’t wait to hear what you’ve got, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

Good Luck!

Aspiring Historical Authors, Wanna Pitch To Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Literary Agentcy?

ATTENTION ASPIRING HISTORICAL ROMANCE AUTHORS!

As part of Ashley Marchs' month-long March Maddness Celebration, beginning today (Thursday, March 17, 2001) agent Barbara Poelle of the Irene Goodman Literary Agency is taking 3 sentence blog pitches for historical romance on Ashley's blog.

Your 3 line pitch can be a combination of any 3 sentences: 1 sentence blurb of book + 1st 2 lines of ms; a 2 sentence blurb + 1st line of ms; or you can use all 3 lines for the synopsis blurb. The winner gets a partial read. 

RULES:
Beginning today (Thursday, March 17, 2001), you will have until midnight MST on Thursday, March 24th (one week) to comment on this post with no more than three sentences.

The three sentences MUST be either: 1 sentence blurb + first 2 lines; 2 sentence blurb + 1st line; or 3 sentence blurb.

Barbara will choose the pitch/excerpt she likes the best (not random) and the winner will be announced on Thursday, March 31st, the last day of March Madness. Further details on how/when to submit partial will be sent to winner. Completed manuscripts are encouraged, but not required.

Open for aspiring historical romance authors only.

Ashley March Blog
Irene Goodman Literary Agency

Have A Safe And Happy St. Patty's Day!



Monday, February 7, 2011

Pitch To Christine Witthohn Of The BookCents Literary Agency At Pitch University

I just ran across this website, Pitch University, that host's agent pitches, and there's a pitch session going on right now (Feb. 6 - 12, 2011)! As far as I can tell, you can submit your choice of a written, audio and/or video pitch. The bad news is, last Sunday was the only day they accepted written pitches, but there is still time for the video/audio submission(s).

There is no fee to enter, so if you're interested read the info posted below, and hurry and get your pitch in! 

Good Luck!

Pitch University...an Education in pitching your book or novel

Practice your pitch. Get feedback. (Maybe get a request!)

Welcome to our first "Pitch U Pitchfest Week," February 6 -12, 2011 here at Pitch University.  If you're new to Pitch University, read here for an overview of how we work and here for our rules.
Read below for this week's agent, what you need to do (it's easy!), and special rules to celebrate our Pitch U launch!

Meet Christine Witthohn, BookCents Literary Agency

Christine Witthohn is the founder of Bookcents Literary Agency. She's been mentoring Pitch U writers throughout January by providing lessons and on-going help in developing pitches.

Pitch Lesson 3: Pitch Your Book's Hook

When you create your pitches for Christine, she wants to know your name, the genre/type, the word count, and your hook.

NOTE: She will assume you're aiming at a New York publisher unless you indicate otherwise.

Her Clients Include Brenda Novak, and BookCents Literary Agency represents authors who write both fiction and very specific non-fiction.

They are currently seeking:
FICTION: Romance - Contemporary, Paranormal, Romantic Comedy, Mystery/Suspense,

Children's - Young Adult, Middle Grade, Women's Lit (must have a strong hook), Mainstream Mystery/Suspense, Medical or Legal Fiction (something that hasn't been done before), Literary Fiction.

NON-FICTION: We are looking for very specific NF Women's Issues/Experiences

Fun/Quirky Topics (particularly those of interest to women), Cookbooks (fun, ethnic, etc.), Health Gardening (herbs, plants, flowers, etc.), Books with a

"Save The Planet" theme, Entertaining Reference, How-To Books.
Professional Affiliations:
  • AAR - Association of Authors' Representatives
  • RWA - Romance Writers of America
  • MWA - Mystery Writers of America
  • SinC - Sisters In Crime
  • KOD - Kiss Of Death Chapter
 Pitching at Pitch U is easy! It all boils down to...
There's a lot of information in our Rules area, but just remember it really boils down to 3 simple elements.

Special Rules to Celebrate Our Launch
  • No cap!
  • All fiction genres; all non-fiction types. (Must be book-length.)You may submit multiple pitches! (1 per book project, including "practice" pitches for incomplete projects.) **This is a 1-time offer.**
  • No Change: Deadline to be considered for (video-only) Pitch Evaluation Lab day = Tuesday. 8:00 a.m. CST.
  • Bonus Deadline: Extra 24 hours added for all other audio/video pitches! (Yes, a Pitch U Inaugural Celebration Deadline.) Pitch Feedback Day deadline = Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. CST.
Video and Audio Pitches: Accepted all day Sunday, all day Monday, and until SEE EXTENDED DEADLINE ABOVE.

Written Pitches: Accepted Sunday only.

Note: Written pitches are not part of PitchFest Week. They won't be posted. They won't receive any feedback other than the message, "This writer IS/IS NOT ready to create a video or audio pitch" directly from the agent or editor.

Why bother? Well, if you're truly nervous about creating an audio or video, this will give you confidence that the words you're using to pitch your book actually make sense.

An agent or editor is telling you that you're ready to take the next step.

We'll notify you Monday (approx. 6:00 p.m. CST) of the results. You have Monday night (SEE EXTENDED DEADLINE) to go ahead and create a video or audio. You must meet the submission deadline.

Questions?

Pitch University
Book Cents Literary Agency

Wow! Women On Writing Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest

It's that time of year again! Time to enter the Wow! (Women on Writing) Quarterly Flash Fiction Contest!

Authors may write about anything, as long as submissions are between 250 and 750 words.

Prizes: 1st – $300; 2nd – $200; 3rd – $100. Winners, 7 runners up, and 10 honorable mentions receive Amazon gift cards, an e-book pack and possible publication.

Deadline: February 28, 2011

Fees: $10

Wow! Women on Writing

Good Luck!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Harlequin Contests & Challenges: Pitch Challenge, Patent Your Kiss Contest, Mentor Challenge

Here are a few Harlequin contests I ran across. There are some awesome opportunities for those of you who are targeting the Harlequin Nocturne Bites or Kimani lines, or if you're looking for a mentor, or looking to get your work in front of an editor or just looking to have some fun.

Have Fun & Good Luck!

"Valentine Secrets": Harlequin Mentor Challenge

How would you like to win a Mentor For A Month? Well, now is your chance! Write a Titled, 1k start to a Valentine's-themed, secret-baby romance. All other details are up to you!

Take part in our Valentine Secrets Challenge and you'll have a chance to learn from Harlequin Desire author and long-time Community Member, Tessa Radley! Tessa started out just like you, right here on the message boards, learning from authors and peers before joining the ranks of our published Harlequin authors and now she wants to give back. She has generously agreed to blind-judge all the entries and select a winner to mentor for a month. All you need to do is write the best Valentine of your life!

Go here for more info, rules and guidelines.

Harlequin Mentor Challenge

Editor Pitch Challenge: Nocturne BITES

We're at it again! And this time, we've got another of your favorite lines for you to send your dark and sexy paranormal entries too! Nocturne Bites is looking for YOUR manuscript and Associate Sr. Editor, Ann Leslie Tuttle will be on hand to take your pitch!

To enter, send a two-paragraph blurb of your manuscript to Hosty Rae by February 17th

Five entries will be chosen by Ann Leslie Tuttle and those will be announced no later than February 22nd.

Pitches will happen February 24th, at 2 pm est. But read the rules below to ensure your entry can be accepted.

• You MUST be able to enter and post inside the eHarlequin.com chat room. If you are unable to use the chat room and your submission is chosen, we will be unable to offer you another venue option and it will be unfair to an entrant who is able.
• You MUST have a completed manuscript that is targeted to Nocturne Bites. Editors have the option to request partials or fulls.
• You MUST be available at the given chat time. As stated above, we will be unable to offer another venue or time option.
• Please include your member name, your full name along with your submission.
Editor Pitch FAQs 
Editor Pitch Challenge
eHarlequin Nocturne Bites

Editor Pitch Challenge: Kimani Romance

We're at it again! And this time, we've got another of your favorite lines for you to send your sexy, dramatic, sophisticated and entertaining love story entries too! Kimani Romance is looking for YOUR manuscript and Senior Editor, Kelli Martin will be on hand to take your pitch!

To enter, send a 1-page dbl-spaced synopsis ( not to exceed 250 words ) of your manuscript to Hosty Rae by March 1

  • Five entries will be chosen by Kelli Martin and those will be announced on or around March 4th.
  • Pitches will happen March 9th, at 11 am est. But read the rules below to ensure your entry can be accepted.
  • NO multiple submissions.
  • NO Attachments. Please include your entry in the body of the email. If your submission is sent via attachment, it will not be entered.
  • You MUST be able to enter and post inside the eHarlequin.com chat room. If you are unable to use the chat room and your submission is chosen, we will be unable to offer you another venue option and it will be unfair to an entrant who is able.
  • You MUST have a completed manuscript that is targeted to Kimani Romance. Editors have the option to request partials or full.
  • You MUST be available at the given chat time. As stated above, we will be unable to offer another venue or time option.
  • Please include your member name, your full name along with your submission.  
Kimani Romance Info
Kimani Romance Editor Pitch Challenge


Patent Your Kiss Contest

So pucker up!

Next year it's not who you kiss at midnight but where

We want to hear all about your unique kiss, from romantic to downright quirky. And if yours gets the most votes, you could win a trip for two to spend New Year’s Eve 2012 in fabulous style.

3-Night, 4-Day trip for 2 to Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino + Airfare

Hurry! You have until March 30 to design and submit your kiss. The winner will be chosen from the top ten kisses with the most votes. So don’t forget to vote for your favourite kisses in the gallery too!

Contest ends 30/03/11. Click here for details.

Harlequin Patent Your Kiss Website
Patent Your Kiss Contest
Official Rules
From the Harlequin Office for the Preservation of the Kiss

The kiss is the cornerstone of romance. It can change lives, break hearts, start a rumor or ignite passion. The mission of this office is to preserve and celebrate the kiss and we have done so proudly for more than 60 years. So pucker up and come see the important work we do.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Romance Junkies FREE 2011 Writing Contest is Open For Submissions

Carina Press is sponsoring this years Romance Junkies Writing Contest. Entries will be accepted Feb.1st - April 1st, 2011. And guess what, there's no entry fee! Woo-hoo!

The contest is FREE!

The contest is open to all published and non-published authors, with the exception of all contracted Carina Press authors. Readers will do the voting, so they will have a chance to win, too! Awesome, isn't it?

Want to know more? Here's some info I snipped from the Romance Junkies website:

Entries should contain two scenes: the first 2500-3000 words of the book and then one scene or 2500-3000 words of the author’s choice that features a pivotal moment. This could be the meeting of two characters, a first kiss, a conflict scene, an action scene, a scene of discovery or anything else the author considers a pivotal moment in the book.

About Carina Press

Carina Press, Harlequin’s digital-first imprint, is open to submissions. Our mission is to connect readers with authors who write the stories they want to read.

Carina Press features books from talented authors in all genres of romance, erotica, science fiction, fantasy, horror, mystery, women’s fiction, and more. If the book of your heart fits into a niche that has very little shelf space in a traditional bookstore, Carina Press is eager to read and potentially publish your story.

The Prizes for the Writers!

The Editorial Staff of Carina Press will select winners from among the Finalists.

The Grand Prize will be a Kindle plus a critique* from a Carina editor.

Second, Third, and Fourth place critiqued* by editorial staff of Carina Press.

*Critiques will be offered for a set number of pages, not just the contest entry. Length of critique piece will be decrease from Grand Prize to Fourth place, but will not be less than 15 pages.

The Prizes for the Readers!

The voting process allows readers to provide feedback to the writers through our online form. Each week an email address will be selected at random from these posts and will receive a digital Carina title of the winner’s choice.

The Grand Prize will be 25 digital Carina titles of the winner’s choice and will be selected at random from all of those who voted.

About Writing Contest 2011

FAQs

It's free.

Contest is open to both published and unpublished authors, however authors contracted with Carina Press are not eligible to enter or win.

Categories were created for the convenience of the readers. All entries will be judged the same, we will not be breaking it up into winners by category.

Each week we post a group of entries to be voted on by readers.

The entry that receives the most votes from each week will be entered into the final round of competition..

Two Wildcard Finalists will be selected by the Romance Junkies staff from the entries that did not win their week.

Carina Press editors will review the Finalists and select a Grand prize winner and three runners-up

Contest Schedule

February 1st– April 1st-- Take in Entries

Feb 14th– through May 14th– Post entries (every week a group of entries are posted on the contest page to be voted on by readers)

May 30th– Winners Announced

For more info, eligibility, rules and guidelines, visit the Romance Junkies Contest Page.

Good Luck!

Carina Press
Romance Junkies Contest
Romance Junkies Readers Yahoo Group

Monday, January 31, 2011

Writer's Digest Annual Writing Competetion


For 80 years, the Annual Writer’s Digest Competition has rewarded writers just like you for their finest work. We continue the tradition by giving away more than $30,000 in cash and prizes!

Win a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City !

GRAND PRIZE: $3,000 cash and a trip to New York City to meet with editors or agents. Writer's Digest will fly you and a guest to The Big Apple for the conference. While you're there, a Writer's Digest editor will arrange for you to meet and share your work with four editors or agents!

Deadline: May 2, 2011.
Late Deadline: May 20, 2011.

Compete and Win in 10 Categories!

•Inspirational Writing (Spiritual/Religious)
•Memoirs/Personal Essay
•Magazine Feature Article
•Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.)
•Mainstream/Literary Short Story
•Rhyming Poetry
•Non-rhyming Poetry
•Stage Play
•Television/Movie Script
•Children's/Young Adult Fiction

Entry Fee: Poems are $15 for the first entry; $10 for each additional poem submitted in the same online session. All other entries are $25 for the first manuscript; $15 for each additional manuscript submitted in the same online session.

Add $5 per manuscript to all entries submitted after May 2, 2011. Entries submitted after May 20, 2011, will not be accepted.

PRIZES

Grand Prize: $3,000 cash and a trip to the Writer's Digest Conference in New York City to meet with editors and agents.

While you are there a Writer's Digest editor will arrange for you to meet with four editors or agents ! (Includes airfare within the U.S., meals, transportation and related expenses.)

  • First Place: The First Place Winner in each category receives $1,000 cash and $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books.
  • Second Place: The Second Place Winner in each category receives $500 cash, plus $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books.
  • Third Place: The Third Place Winner in each category receives $250 cash, plus $100 worth of Writer's Digest Books.
  • Fourth Place: The Fourth Place Winner in each category receives $100 cash, plus $50 worth of Writer's Digest Books..
  • Fifth Place: The Fifth-Place Winner in each category receives $50 cash.
  • Sixth through Tenth Place: The Sixth- through Tenth-Place winners in each category receive $25 cash.
First through Tenth Place Winners also receive a 1-year Writer's Digest VIP membership, which includes a one-year subscription (new or renewal) to Writer’s Digest Magazine, 1 year access to WritersMarket.com, 10% off Writer's Digest University workshops and purchases at WritersDigestShop.com and more.

11th through 100th Place: All other winners receive distinctive certificates honoring their accomplishment.
Entry Deadline: May 2, 2011

Late Entry Deadline: May 20, 2011 (Add $5 per manuscript or poem to Entry Fee(s))

80th Annual Writer's Digest WRITING COMPETITION COLLECTION

The Grand Prize manuscript, the First Place manuscript in each category, and the names of the top 100 winners in each category will be printed in a special competition collection. Purchase a copy online or use the coupon on the printable entry form. (Publication date: November 2011. You are not required to purchase the collection to enter the competition.)

Go here for more info, rules and guidelines.

Writer's Digest 80th Annual Writing Competition

Sunday, January 30, 2011

DIGICON: A Free Online Conference From Savvy Authors

Beginning February 14, 2011, SavvyAuthors will host DigiCon: a free, online, week-long conference dedicated to helping authors refine their strategy to incorporate and capitalize on the aggressively emerging world of e-publishing. Join SavvyAuthors and more than 80 experts through panels, chats, Q&A's, workshops, webinars, and pitching opportunities as they discuss craft, marketing, and techniques to sell your book in this growth market.

* Join editors from Samhain, Sourcebooks, and many others to learn how they successfully navigated the digital domain.
* Join agents for a view of current issues and advice in ebook sales and author career management.
* Join successful eBook authors who are in the midst of the revolution and share their expertise.
* Share your best sites and online tools in our “Best of the Web” sessions

Check out the great events, chats, workshop, prizes, and pitch opportunities below.

Events

* Workshops
* Chat sessions & webinars
* Pitch opportunities
* Contests
* Raffles for craft books, critiques from authors and editors, and more.

Topics

* Current market trends in digital publishing
* State of the art technology in digital publishing
* Online marketing opportunities and pitfalls
* Backlist management and self-publishing
* What the eRevolution means for aspiring authors
* Craft sessions about plot, character, world building and more
* Best practices for developing the perfect pitches, queries and synopses
* Self-publication strategies and successes
* Tips from an Author Success Coach
* Best of Web information and tools
* and many more.

WHEN: Feb 14, 2011 - Feb 20, 2011

COST: FREE for ALL BASIC AND PREMIUM Members!

REGISTRATION: http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/showevent.php?eventid=748

INSTRUCTORS:

Savvy Authors

Participating Publishers

* Lyrical Press
* Sourcebooks
* Samhain Publishing
* Dream Spinner Press
* Night Wolf Publications
* Carina Press
* Muse It Up Publishing
* Liquid Silver Press
* Ellora's Cave
* Draumr Publishing
* Whispers Publishing
* Noble Romance Publishing
* Loose ID
* LL Publications
* Gypsy Shadow Publishing
* Wicked Nights Publishing
* Bluewood Publishing
* Renaissance Ebooks /Sizzler Publications
* Champagne Press
* Changeling Press
* Breathless Press
* Blue Ridge Literary Agency, LLC
* Books for a Buck
* Etopia Press
* and more...

Participating Authors

* Deborah Holland
* Jodi Henley
* Margot Kinberg
* LD Madison
* Gretchen Craig
* Terry Odell
* Angie Fox
* Janie Franz
* Robin Matheson
* Sandy Lender
* Desiree Holt
* Kayelle Allen
* Lakisha Spletzer
* Beth Daniels
* Suzanne Johnson
* Deborah Magnus
* Amber Kallyn
* Marcy Weydemuller
* Nancy J. Cohen
* Dee Lloyd
* Martha Warner
* Su Halfwerk
* Lucinda Schroeder
* Eileen Cook
* Caroline Clemmons
* Paty Jager
* Jane Toombs
* Jamison Wolf
* Renee Wilde
* Christine Amsden
* Flo Fitzpatrick
* D.B. Reynolds
* Alice Osborne
* Monica Peters
* Laurie Sanders
* Alan Nayes
* Susan Hanniford Crowley
* Laura Bickles
* and more...

WHERE:

All events will be held on the Savvy Authors website. All events are free and open to Premium members as well as FREE Basic Members.

*** PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED AND ENCOURAGED ***

savvyauthors.com - Writers Helping Writers
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/workshoplist.php

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Pitch Your MS To Literary Agent Lois Winston

Want to get your work in front of Literary Agent Lois Winston of the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency? Then visit the Musetracks Blog and find out how.

So it's coming up on another round of Agent Shop. This month's attending agent is:

LOIS WINSTON with the Ashley Grayson Literary Agency

Want to pitch your 200 word max pitch to agent Lois Winston?

Well then read the Agent Shop rules, refine your pitch, and be at Musetracks on Jan 23rd at 10:00 EST when I'll post the word GO.

As soon as I post, you can send your pitch to me at Candi_Agent_Shop @yahoo.com, and I'll take the first 30 VIABLE pitches. Meaning pitches that follow the specific rules.
But wait - if you want to take a chance to win the first pitch slot, or a copy of Lois Winston's new release, ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY GLUE GUN, then leave a comment on pitch day using the words AGENT and GLUE GUN! I'll randomly pick one winner from all the comments that include those words to win the top pitch slot, and you'll automatically be entered in a drawing for one of five copies of Lois's book during her blog tour.
Good luck and I hope to 'see' you there.
Musetracks Cafe
Ashley Grayson Literary Agency Blog
Publishers Marketplace

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Free Creativity Coaching Opportunity

A few times a year, Author Eric Maisel offers FREE Creativity Coaching sessions. The session runs for sisteen weeks, but the catch is, you will be coached by a coach-in-training. That shouldn't scare you, though. I've been coached a couple of times throughout the years and have had very positive experiences.

So, if you need a little help with motivitation, goal setting or if you just need someone to account to or give you a little push with you writing, I recommend you take advantage of this FREE offer.
*Permission to forward*
The next creativity coaching training starts in a few weeks. It’s your golden opportunity to receive some free email-based creativity coaching.
If you want to work on any issue related to creativity or the creative life—creating more regularly, moving your career forward, dealing with procrastination or resistance, and so on—this is your chance.

Send me an email with a few sentences about you and a few sentences about what you want to work on with a creativity coach and I’ll put you in the client pool for the next training. That’s all there is to it.

Send your information to me at ericmaisel@hotmail.com
*NOTE: I snipped the following info from Eric's CC web page:
BECOMING A FREE CLIENT
If you would like to participate in the Introduction to Creativity Coaching training as a free client and receive sixteen weeks of free email creativity coaching, please provide me with the following information: one paragraph about you (your name, where you live, the art discipline you work in, etc.) and one paragraph about what you would like to work on with a creativity coach. Send that information along to me in the body of an email. When I receive your information I will put you in the client pool for the next training. If a coach selects you, you will hear from your coach during the first week of the training. More than two thousand artists have availed themselves of this opportunity over the past several years.

NOTE: This free client opportunity is offered for the Introduction to Creativity Coaching training only. For the advanced training, coaches who intend to work with clients recruit their own clients and free clients are not provided.
Make sure to check out Eric Maisels website and books. I have a few of them, they're great for helping us creative types. :)

Eric Maisel Website
Creativity Coach Training