  Noticing Newbies
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions
 Welcome to the Noticing Newbies Newsletter!
Our goal is to showcase some of our newest Writing.Com Authors and their items. From poetry and stories to creative polls and interactives, we'll bring you a wide variety of items to enjoy. We will also feature "how to" advice and items that will help to jump start the creation process on Writing.com
We hope all members of the site will take the time to read, rate, review and welcome our new authors. By introducing ourselves, reviewing items and reaching out, we will not only make them feel at home within our community, we just might make new friends!
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Amazon's Price: $ 13.94
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O P P O R T U N I T I E S
For any writer the internet has brought about a plethora of avenues, from learning how to write better to finding buyers of your work. Online magazines (ezines), newsletters, sites wanting articles or stories to support their retail efforts...the options are virtually unlimited.
Coupled with these boundless positive avenues, there are an astounding number of scammers, out to take advantage of the new or inexperienced writer. Some of these are out and out scam artists, others are more mildly classified as 'unethical practitioners'. Whatever the case, any writer must be aware of potential traps.
So how do you tell what is a good opportunity and what is not? The following relates to agents and publishers. It does not apply to professional editors who are hired to proof a manuscript.
1. Do they, at any stage, suggest you will be required to pay a fee?
Agents are paid commission from the earnings on your book and should never need any cash from you.
Only vanity publishers, Publish on Demand (POD), or self-publishing require an input of funds from you.
Traditional publishers pay you for your work.
2. What is their history?
Check how long they've been in business and who their clients are.
Are there any reviews, comments, testimonials supporting or critiquing them? (a lot of this can be found on the internet)
Are they an accredited member of an Association, such as the Association of Author's Representatives? (lists are online)
3. Is the payment they offer representative of your time, effort, and skills?
This is largely personal - how much you are willing to sell your work for. Beginning writers may choose low-paying markets to get a foothold, but do not sell yourself short. Equally important - do not rule out low or non-paying markets, as they may be your key to building a portfolio of published writing, and thus proof of your experience and ability.
4. Look at the other items published by the company (particularly online ventures).
If the quality of items they've already published is not great it may not be beneficial for your career to be associated with them.
Is your writing style and subject applicable for this market?
When looking for writing opportunities, don't forget to explore the many avenues provided by WDC.
 A number of unofficial newsletters exist and you could try submitting a proposal for a guest editorial spot (NB. official site newsletters are staffed by Moderators and above).
Contests are numerous. Check out WDC's monthly contest where you can win Amazon gift certificates.
May's contest: "Short Shots: Official WDC Contest"
Join a support group.
Expand your knowledge, style, skills, and experience.
Lastly, I'll leave you with 2 items by Kenzie  related to this subject. They are both helpful and inspiring. Enjoy!
"Maybe We Can't All Write a Best Seller"
"What Do You Mean You Can't?"
Thanks for reading.
Puditat
Helpful Links
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
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 Dear Puditata,
thanks, u've said it. I've not been able to write for a long time. i luv doing the research, but cannot go beyond it.Don't know what to do about it. am going to read your editorial two more times!
sincerely,
Nwriter
I hope reading it three times helped to motivate you into beginning the writing. It would be a shame to waste all that effort and time spent in research. 
Wonderful topic! I sometimes get so discouraged with a particular long work I'm plugging away at. :( You've included some very useful tips! Good issue!
jitsufreek
Your feedback is very much appreciated. Keep plugging away and the end will come. 
Keep on going...that is the key. congratulations on your book! Success has fallen into my lap because I didn't give up. Hired to write a screenplay, I will see my first check for literally 5 minutes of writing. Soon, I will see more of that. Imagine how things would've been different had I not gone to my writing group that day. Writing groups are good! Start one for a many different people! You won't regret it.
weeowl flying free!
Wow. Great job getting an income for your writing. 
I am in my second month here and love this newsletter. It has helpful information and new people to review. I look forward to recieving it. Congratulations on finishing your novel. Great work and keep inspiring us all.
gar57
Thank you! 
Thanks for your recent "Newbies" newsletter. I too love writing, yet procrastinate on getting an agent or publisher. I just get attention from those who want upfront money, fee based agents and vanity publishers.
DNAN
Unfortunately the publishing world is full of vanity publishers and scammers who only want your money. For anyone seeking a publisher or agent: 1. Research the background of those you will query; 2. Target your query letters to places who deal with the genres/styles you write in, and addressed to the correct person by name; 3. Make sure your sample writing is the best it can be; 4. Persevere!!! Good luck, dnan.
Great newsletter. You mean a novel can be finished? I can only hope! 500 words/day at a time.
Jay is studying
Absolutely, it can be done, and 500 words a day will get you there. No matter how long it takes, it's worth pushing on. Best wishes.
I always love reading this news letter as a newbie. I get so much out of it and hearing others opinions and writings makes me feel like I am not alone in my quest. 
Cat is Nesting
Writing tends to be so much of a solitary occupation that it does us all good to communicate in a forum such as Writing.com. Who can understand writers better than other writers?
Love the newsletter! Some great tips I hadn't thought about before now. Congrats on the novel!
IdaLin
I'm glad the editorial was useful for you. Thank you for the kind comments.
Any queries, problems, praise, or advice?
Send it to one of the Editors via the feedback form on this newsletter,
or direct to their email by clicking the wee envelope after their handle.
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Noticing Newbies: May 23, 2007 Issue [#1725]
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