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EDITOR'S THOUGHTS

ON CRITIQUING NICELY

Based on a couple of inquiries, I wanted to share my response about tricks on ways to critique. Once I finished replying, I realized I'd written an editorial. Never waste words, I say, so with a few touch ups, here is my take on how to critique someone else's work without stepping on toes.

Realize that the right phrasing on criticism takes thought and manners. I do think, however, that first and foremost, the writer must request criticism before someone else gives it. Being in a class is such an example. So is submitting a book for review. Reading someone's work then choosing out of the blue to correct it to the author, is not. Especially if you do not know them via some sort of relationship.

When I am asked to critique, I definitely rely heavily on the Oreo Method of suggestive improvement encased before and after with substantive praise. The method is classic, opening the ears of the recipient to hear positive first. The method makes them more receptive. 

For example: "I liked this. This could be stronger. I really liked this."

Another way is to say, "While I was reading, I kept expecting (fill in the blank). Or I awaited for (fill in the blank). Or I craved for character A to do (fill in the blank)." You never say you didn't find those things or were dissatisfied. The writer understands the message without you elaborating on the negative side of the issue.

Another phrase to say is, "You could make this even better by doing (fill in the blank)."

Or, "This part makes a good point/is good. Every think about moving it to here? It might make for better (fill in the blank)."

Or, "Instead of IS PLAYING, you can say PLAYED in this place and get a more active sensation." 

It's a little bit of a ploy, but you treat just about everything as positive, only with a hint or nudge to make it even better. It beats telling someone they did this or that poorly or shouldn't do something. 

Nobody like to be scolded. Nobody enjoys being told they are wrong. So don't do it. You are a wordsmith, and that applies to critiquing as well. Use those skills to make someone feel better about how they can write better, not how they wrote poorly.

Put yourself in their shoes.

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Featured article

Bookstore Readings from the Bookstore's Perspective
By David Perez

What should I know about author readings and book signings from the point of view of bookstores? 

Glad you asked. From my fifteen years working at Op Cit Bookstore in Taos, NM, I’ve learned quite a bit, being an author myself. Formerly called Moby Dickens, the locally-owned and independent shop has been in business almost four decades. In that time, we’ve hosted hundreds of author events, featuring writers of all stripes with publishers of all types: major imprints, mid-size and university presses, self-published, the works.

But there’s a lot work involved. Here are some good things to know:

How to contact

Email is always a great first step. Introduce yourself, your book, and inquire about readings; include your website, if you have one, and any important links. Calling or visiting in person is fine, but don’t assume a staff member is able to give you their full attention. The store could be (happily) too busy. 

Tip: Be prepared to try a couple of times. Be patient for a response. Ask the store if they have written guidelines you can review; often these will answer most of your questions. 

Scheduling

This is not always easy, since the availability of both store and author has to match. Some bookshops are open seven days a week, others are not. Some have their events during store hours and mostly on weekends; others do it after hours, with multiple readings during the week. Hopefully, all will work out. 

Tip: Don’t ask the bookstore to make an exception in your case. If scheduling becomes difficult, let them offer an alternative. A store might be swamped with requests and simply can’t accommodate everyone.

Will staff read your book beforehand?

Yes, no, maybe; the main thing is not to expect it. They might only be able to give the book a quick browse (if they even have it), or check out the book’s review, blurbs, and so forth. 

Tip: Be understanding that a store is not obligated to accept every request for a reading. Don’t take their decision personally. It might simply be that you’re not a match. 

Do you bring your own book(s)?

This needs to be worked out with each individual store. If it’s self-published and not returnable, then definitely bring your own copies. What’s important is that the book be available in time, and that you as the author are certain of it; that the sale price and split terms are clear, including payment arrangements. 

Tip: Bring author copies anyway. Ask what happens with unsold books (unless you happily sell out!) Will they keep them in stock, and if so, how many? Be content with whatever they can do.

Publicity and Marketing

Ask what the store does to advertise the event, and be prepared to chip in with your own publicity. Ask about press releases to local media, email lists, flyers and so forth. Tip: Have a good bio at the ready, as well as a high resolution author photo. Do your homework on the town you’re reading at. Are there are creative ways to build the event?

Other things to consider or questions to ask: 

•    Because of COVID, some stores might have amended guidelines. If so, make sure you know about them and feel comfortable with them.
•    Where in the store will you read? If during store hours, is there a noise level to consider?
•    How many chairs are available? 
•    Is there a podium or mike stand? What are the acoustics like?
•    Will they provide bottled water? (Tip: Bring your own anyway)
•    Can you help with setup and cleanup?

In closing, know that both the bookstore and author want the reading and signing to be a smash. But as we all know, it’s often a crapshoot. One just never knows about turnout, and factors affecting it, including weather. So be prepared, but remain confident and joyful. You’re reading your book! And that’s everything.

Bio:
David Perez is a writer, journalist, editor, actor, radio host, teacher, and author of two memoirs: WOW! (2011) and WOW! 2 (2016). His "Speak Your Writing to Life" and "Theatre Games" workshops have attracted people from all walks of life. David's acting roles range from Othello to Santa Claus. He lives in Taos, NM. Read his interview at http://thelatinoauthor.com/featuredauthors/perez-david/ 





 

COmpetitions

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SAINTS AND SINNERS SHORT FICTION AWARD
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 2, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. Submit between 3,000 and 7,000 words with LGBT content on the broad theme of “Saints and Sinners.” One grand prize of $500 and two second place prizes of $100 will be awarded. In addition, the top stories will be published in an anthology. There will also be a book release party and reading held during the 21st annual Saints and Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival in New Orleans in 2024.

SAINTS AND SINNERS POETRY CONTEST
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 16, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. One grand prize of $500 and two second place prizes of $100 will be awarded.  A list of the top ten finalists will be posted on our website and in our e-newsletter. Finalists will be published in the Saints and Sinners Poetry Chapbook to be distributed at a special reading at the 2023 Festival. Submit two to four original, unpublished poems of any style based on our theme of TRANSFORMATION, written in English, with a combined length of up to 400 lines. The contest is open to all LGBTQ+ writers. Authors who have published in other genres are eligible.

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FEST FICTION CONTEST
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 2, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. First prize $1,500, domestic airfare (up to $500) and French Quarter accommodations to attend the Festival in New Orleans, VIP All-Access Festival pass for the next Festival ($600 value), and public reading at the next Festival. The top finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the Festival. Their names will be published on our website, e-newsletter, and our social media pages. A submission is one original short story, written in English, up to 7,000 words.

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FEST ONE-ACT PLAY CONTEST
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 2, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. Grand prize is $1,500, professional staged reading at the next festival, VIP All-Access Festival pass ($600 value) for the next festival, and publication in Bayou Magazine. The top finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the Festival. Their names will be published on our website, e-newsletter, and our social media pages. This contest is for emerging or previously unpublished playwrights. Only plays not previously published, professionally produced, or performed are eligible. Plays should run no more than one hour in length (one act or approx. 60 pages.)

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FEST POETRY CONTEST
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$15 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 16, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. Grand prize $1,000, VIP All-Access Pass ($600 value) for the next festival, public reading at the next festival. The top finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the festival. Their names will be published on our website, e-newsletter, and on our social media pages. Submit a collection of two to four original, unpublished poems of any style or theme, written in English, with a combined length of up to 400 lines.

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS FEST VERY SHORT FICTION CONTEST
https://tennesseewilliamsfestival.submittable.com/submit
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 16, 2023. Submissions welcomed from around the world. Grand prize $500, VIP Pass to the festival ($600 Value), public reading at the next festival, publication in New Orleans Review Archive Features. The top finalists will receive a panel pass ($100 value) to the Festival, They will also have their names published on our website, e-newsletter, and our social media pages. This contest is open only to emerging writers who have not yet published a book of fiction. A submission is one original short story, written in English, up to 1,000 words.

2023 1/2 K PRIZE
https://indianareview.org/prizes/
$20 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 15, 2023. Send up to three pieces. Any genre for this contest! Each piece should be 500 words or fewer and in a single document (.doc, .docx. or .pdf). Offering free entries for Black or Indigenous writers. One $1,000 winner. All finalists considered for publication in the Indiana Review. 

WRITER'S DIGEST PERSONAL ESSAY AWARDS
https://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/personal-essay-awards
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline September 1, 2023. Enter the Writer's Digest Personal Essay Awards for your chance to win $2,500 in cash, get published in Writer's Digest magazine, and a paid trip to our ever-popular Writer's Digest Conference. Lesser prizes range from $50 gift certificates to $1,000. LImit 2,000 words. 

SOUTH 85 JOURNAL JULIA PETERKIN LITERARY AWARDS IN FLASH FICTION AND POETRY
https://south85.submittable.com/submit
$12 ENTRY FEE. Deadline August 17, 2023 or once 200 submissions have been received. Each category carries a $500 prize.Previously unpublished fiction of 850 words or less are eligible for the flash fiction contest. All winners must be over 18 years old and reside in the U.S. Poetry involves submissions of previously unpublished poems of 50 lines or fewer. All winning entries will be published in the Fall / Winter issue of South 85 Journal.


 

GRANTS / FELLOWSHIPS / CROWDFUNDING

FREELANCE MARKETS / JOBS

GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE
https://www.govexec.com/about/writers-guidelines/
Government Executive is the premier source of news and analysis for managers and executives in the federal government. Most successful submissions of such articles are 800 words or less, make a clear and convincing point about a topic of current interest to our readers, and are written by people who are experienced and qualified in their fields. Our contributors have included professional journalists, current and former federal employees, scholars, think-tank experts, consultants and corporate leaders. We do not publish articles that seem to be aimed at promoting the fortunes of any individual, product or company.

TRAINING
https://trainingmag.com/about/
Training magazine is a 55-year-old professional development magazine that advocates training and workforce development as a business tool. The magazine delves into management issues such as leadership and succession planning, HR issues such as recruitment and retention, and training issues such as learning theory, on-the-job skills assessments and aligning core workforce competencies to enhance the bottom line impact of training and development programs. 

THE SPRUCE
https://www.thespruce.com/about-us-4776800#toc-editorial-guidelines
We’re always looking for experienced, qualified online freelance writers who share in our mission to provide practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you create your best home. Please note that we do not accept unsolicited guest-authored articles, blogs, infographics, or posts. (Expect strong mid-range payment for this DotDashMeredith publication.) The Spruce is part of The Spruce family of sites, including The Spruce Eats, The Spruce Pets, and The Spruce Crafts, covering home decor, home repair, recipes, cooking techniques, pets, and crafts. The Spruce brand is one of the top three largest lifestyle properties online according to comScore, a leading Internet measurement company.

MONEY CHRONICLES: A STORY INITIATIVE
https://short-edition.com/en/contest/principal-2023
Deadline August 31, 2023. Principal Foundation, with the support of Short Edition and Center for Fiction, is launching Money Chronicles: A Story Initiative, a short story contest designed to bring our experiences with money – positive and negative – out of the shadows. We want to read your imaginative and meaningful short stories (fiction and creative nonfiction) touching on themes related to money and personal finance. The first 400 submissions will be read by Short Edition’s editorial team and up to 30 winners will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed authors, curated by the Center for Fiction. Winners will be selected to receive $250 honorarium and have their stories distributed across Principal Foundation’s Short Story Dispensers throughout the year in the four locations of NY Public Library, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Prairie Lights in Iowa City, and Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle. Short Édition will also consider all finalists for international publication in their 300+ Dispensers worldwide in universities, public libraries, airports, public transportation centers, retail, and other locations.

INVERSE
https://www.bdg.com/inverse
Pitch Jacob Kleinman, Executive Editor at jacob@inverse.com. Needs pitches for features about TV, Movies, Video Games, Science, or Technology. Pays $1,000. Looking for deeply reported features (NOT essays, reviews, previews or hot takes). Inverse takes a scientific approach to analyzing culture and a cultural approach to talking about science.

ASK MAGAZINE
https://cricketmedia.com/submission-guidelines
Deadline August 15, 2023. Seeking pieces for the theme for May/June 2024: WILD IN THE CITY. ASK® is a nonfiction magazine for children 7–10 years old who are curious about science and the world they live in. Each edition of ASK is built around a central theme or question. Story pitches should be emailed to ask@cricketmedia.com. Pays 25 cents/word. 

GRIST
https://go.grist.org/signup/record-high
Grist freelance rates start at 80 cents/word. Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Our goal is to use the power of storytelling to illuminate the way toward a better world, inspire millions of people to walk that path with us, and show that the time for action is now. Topic at present is extreme environmental heat. Topics like heat causing blackouts, wildfires, and tornadoes. Or heat's drain on the healthcare system. Grist's Record High will include daily reporting, in-depth features, service journalism, and data analysis. We'll also be publishing a limited-run newsletter. Send pitches to pitches@grist.org

YELLOW SCENE MAGAZINE
https://yellowscene.com/about/
YS has been dedicated to creating community conversations to bring awareness to important social, political, and cultural topics for Boulder County & the North Metro Region in Colorado. Provides engaging,  journalistically sound, and always creative coverage of local and regional news, politics, arts, culture, entertainment, cuisine, and whatever else is relevant to the Community. Pays pays $125 to $375 per article. 

GREEN EUROPEAN JOURNAL
https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/
Deadline August 25, 2023. Pitch Alessio Giussani, Deputy Editor at alessio.giussani@gef.eu. What does Europe mean to the movements and people fighting to change it? Pays up to €400.

FINAL GRAVITY
https://www.beantobarstool.com/final-gravity-zine
Deadline November 15, 2023. Payment roughly works out to about $.15-$.20 per word. Beyond beer articles, soliciting creative writing (poetry, flash fiction, etc.) on any subject from brewery employees.

GOOD BEER HUNTING
https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/style-guide
GBH is not a voice speaking only from the outside looking in, but rather, from the middle of some of the most rapidly changing dynamics that just about any industry has ever seen. The interviews go deeper and the articles work harder to balance the culture of craft beer with the businesses it supports, shifting the conversation with our readers toward the future of the industry we love and the tenacity of its ideals. Has several columns with different word count. Features - $700. Mini-features - $325. Podcast episode - $250. One-off Sightlines primary sources, interviewed - $200. One-off Sightlines secondary source recap - $125. Blog posts (for this with GBH blogs) - $100. B-Roll - $60.

 

Publishers/agents

TRAMP PRESS
https://tramppress.com/about/
Tramp is based in Ireland and publishes internationally. THey are always looking for exceptional new works of fiction and narrative nonfiction. Because of how rarely they publish work from the USA and Canada, they decided it no longer fair to accept submissions from those territories.

TILBURY HOUSE PUBLISHERS
https://www.tilburyhouse.com/submissions
Tilbury House publishes a wide range of children’s books, including board books, beginning readers, picture books, and middle grade titles. They publish both fiction and nonfiction. 

TWO DOLLAR RADIO
https://twodollarradio.submittable.com/submit
At this time, we are considering fiction and non-fiction manuscripts, essay collections, and travel writing that is manuscript length. We used to say that we were primarily looking for edgy fiction or topical essay collections, but we have broadened our horizons: we'd like for you to blow our minds. Overall, we are looking for what we would characterize as bold, creative work of high literary merit. 

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E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
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