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For Authors: February 09, 2011 Issue [#4225]

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For Authors


 This week: Notice Me! Read Me!!
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

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

About This Newsletter

         Thank you for welcoming me into your virtual home as the guest host of this week's WDC For Authors Newsletter.

Once writing has become your major vice and greatest pleasure, only death can stop it.
Ernest Hemingway



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Letter from the editor

Greetings, you know your story/poem/article is a good read. You've revised and edited and vetted and removed the passive telling stuff. You've checked spelling and grammar. Your red pencil is worn to the nub. You're ready to send it off to the magazine, agent, editor. You've read the guidelines, not twice, but three times, and your work is ready. But so are thousands of other writers doing likewise.

         So how do you get the editor to read that first perfect line/sentence.

         Include with your manuscript, be it a single poem, a collection, a synopsis, or a full article or story, a cover letter as polished as your work. Unless you are submitting online with a defined format, a cover letter introduces you as writer and professional.

         Your cover letter introduces you to the editor and provides a sample of your writing style. It's a courtesy, an introduction to you as writer. Like any business letter, include your name, address and email or web address. Include the title of your manuscript and what it is - a poem, a story, an article.

Address the editor. Many publications provide the names of editors, but if they do not, or you are unable to find them on the website, avoid the generic impersonals, like "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom it may concern", or a casual, "Greetings," instead, open with -

*Bullet*"Dear Editor:"
It's simple, direct, and gender neutral. Even if it is not the correct job title of the person who first reads your manuscript, the reader is performing an editorial function.

*Bullet*Then offer a brief introduction to your submission, just a sentence or two, or perhaps your opening story hook if it conveys the sense of your story. This also gives the editor a sample of your writing style and will make him/her want to read on.

*Bullet*Next, offer a brief introduction to your writing. Don't tell the editor your friends love to read your stories or have encouraged you to submit. Do show that you edit your company newsletter, or have won online awards for story/poem, etc. (think of your Writing.Com challenge entries*Smile*). Include here also any professional qualifications that are relevant to the theme or plot of your work. For example, if you work as a nurse in a hospital and are submitting a medical mystery, this would be relevant background information for the editor. Keep this brief, just a paragraph in the same professional tone. You want the editor to read your story, not your life story.

*Bullet*Indicate that you are submitting an original unpublished work that is not being considered elsewhere (unless the guidelines indicate simultaneous submissions are welcomed - a rarity) - and thank the editor for the opportunity.

*Bullet*Close politely (Sincerely, or Sincerely yours, is polite and professional) and sign your letter. Under your typed name (beneath your signature), it's acceptable to include a web or blog link as part of the signature block for the editor to visit and see more samples of your work.

         All this took up less than a page - a courteous introduction to your work and your writing style. Now, the editor turns over your letter and begins reading your story. From the in-box to the desk, your story will now speak for itself to an engaged reader/editor.

         Best of luck with the results!

Write On*Paw*
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon



Editor's Picks

Check out this sample cover letter, which incorporates what we've explored - short and sweet and to the point - introducing the writer and her work*Thumbsup*

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#810640 by Not Available.


Now, how about trying out one of these excellent challenges to incite the muse creative to build up some writing credits, perhaps the seed for that splendid professional story or poem to submit to 'Dear Editor'*Smile*

Image Protector
SURVEY
Short Shots: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. (ASR)
Use the photo to inspire your creativity. Write a short story and win big prizes!
#1221635 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 SONNET AND GHAZAL CONTEST: Closed Open in new Window. (E)
A monthly contest for ghazals and Shakespearean sonnets.
#1548937 by Dr M C Gupta Author IconMail Icon


 Fairy Tale Twist Contest Open in new Window. (E)
Write an expanded story based on a fairy tale!
#1617268 by Dancer Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
a very Wodehouse challenge Open in new Window. (E)
Special 24th WDC Anniversary Special Event! Come test your fortitude!
#1280691 by iKïyå§ama Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1150723 by Not Available.


Image Protector
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by Sophurky Author IconMail Icon


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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Word from Writing.Com

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!
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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

Thank you for Noticing Me for a few ~ now go forth and be Noticed in your verse and prose!!

Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading Author IconMail Icon

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