There is something I’d like to talk about… from the angle
of an ezine publisher.
That’s “How to submit articles to an ezine, and get
published”.
Put yourself in a publisher’s shoes. How do you feel if,
one day, you receive an article submission email which ends
with “if you want remove from this list…”? I did not ask
to subscribe… for crying out loud…
~~ Do not add a publisher to any list ~~
If you have an article service list, ask the publisher to
subscribe. They normally would, if they like your works. If
they don’t they won’t publish your works anyway, why bother
adding them to your list.
If you have a large list of publishers and article
submission groups to send your articles, use a bulk mailing
software such as Groupmail. You can personalize the email.
And the free version can send to up to 100 recipients at a
time. That should be enough. Get a free download here…
http://eLaguna.neet/groupmail.htm
Now put yourself in a publisher’s shoes again, how do you
feel when receive — at your article submission address –
an email addressed to “dear publisher”? This person does
not mean to send article to us… just any publisher, right?
~~ Know the ezine you are submitting your article to ~~
No need to chit-chat with publishers. No need to go “I love
your ezine”, etc. But a little of “hello what’s up” is nice.
Personalize the email. Address publishers by name. You
should also send the kind of article the ezine publisher
is looking for. If you send an article against solo ads to
a publisher who sends more solos than the ezine, don’t ever
expect to get published.
Some publishers accept ONLY article within a certain topic.
And they say so in the ezine. Please respect the rules.
Put yourself in my shoes again (I have several pairs), what
if you receive email from a certain author (who happens to
be a fast writer) everyday? Do you finally stop reading his
emails? I do.
~~ Do not submit too often ~~
I used to receive daily submission from an author. I thought
it was funny. There had been too many emails from him that I
did not read it anymore. Latest news… the poor author was
accused by some publishers for spamming! Worst thing was
he did not send the article to the article submission
address, but the publisher’s contact address…
~~ Send it to the right place ~~
Be sure you send your article to the right address, with
the right subject line. Most people filter their email.
If your article does not make its way to the “articles
to read” (or whatever) folder, the possibility is that
it will never be read at all.
The other not-so-important-but-nice-to-do thing is
formatting. I take me more time to read and publish an
unformatted article. It might not get published by a
publisher who is busier than I am.
~~ Format your article ~~
To be safe, do it 55 characters per line (press the ENTER
button at the end of every line). I do not know any
publisher who publishes less than 55 chars/line. It is a
good idea to put summary of the article together with
word/line counts with your submission as well.
Each publisher has his/her rule about the format. You have
to follw it. Make it easy to read. Put more white spaces.
And use common language. The article should not be too
long or too short. I think 500 words is a nice length.
Last but not least…
How would you feel when you receive this message “Hey…
you… need some money? here’s my article” Well, I can use
some money, but I just hate you for saying so. I normally
reply to these people with the information of how to order
a solo ad in my ezine.
~~ Make offer with respect ~~
If you are offering a profit sharing program, or any kind of
partnership to a publisher, do it with respect. Use terms
like “please consider…”, “if you would like to…”, or
such. Make publishers feel you are proposing a win-win
partnership. Do not write as if you were giving them a favor
because you actually are not! Do you need your article
published, by the way?
Consider these. Send your article again. This time be more
thougthful. Now the rest is up to the content of your works.
Good Luck, and Have Fun Writing
About the Author
Nucha Aquino is a Work-At-Home-Mom who loves to travel.
She currently teaches International Business and Management
in a Graduate School in Laguna, Philippines. When the baby
is asleep and there is no class, she writes about her
International and Business experiences in her 2 ezines:
Small-World Ezine at http://small-world.netfirms.com , and
eLaguna’s eBiz Tips at http://eLaguna.net/newsletter.htm
Listen and Learn: The Different Intonation of the Noun and the Verb Intonation, the “music” of a language, is perhaps the most important element of a correct accent. Many people think that pronunciation is what makes up an accent. It may be that pronunciation is very important for an understandable accent. But it is intonation that gives the final touch that makes an accent correct or native. Often we hear someone speaking with perfect grammar, and perfect formation of the sounds of English but with a little something that gives her away as not being a native speaker. Therefore, it is necessary to realize that there are three components to an accent, pronunciation, intonation, and linking. In other places we will examine pronunciation, the proper formation of vowels and consonants, and linking, the way that syllables within a word, and the beginning and ending of words come together.
But what interests us now is the issue of intonation, and in particular the difference in intonation in saying the same word (same spelling) when it is used as a noun and when it is used as a verb. It is a perfect example of how meaning affects intonation. We will try to hear clearly the difference that intonation makes in the daily use of a proper North American English accent. The practice with the following examples will help you to notice, practice, and master the different intonation patterns that you will discover as you concentrate more on your use of North American English.
Intonation: Noun or Verb Knowing when and where to stress the words you use is very important for understanding, and is part of a good accent. A clear example is that of the different stress in nouns and verbs. It will be useful for you to be aware of the stress in both cases. Here is a list of a few that will get you thinking and give you some practice in identifying them and using them correctly. Underline the syllable that is stressed, and write a brief explanation to indicate that you understand the difference. I start the exercise with two examples, the words “suspect” and “present”. You do the rest. And make sure you pronounce the words OUT LOUD.
Usually (although there are some exceptions), the stress of a verb is on the last syllable, and that of a noun is on the first syllable.
It will be useful for you to be aware of the stress in both cases. Here is a list of a few that will get you thinking and give you some practice in identifying them and using them correctly. I start the exercise with two examples. I have indicated the stress with CAPITAL LETTERS. You underline the syllable that is stressed, and write a brief explanation to indicate that you understand the difference. You do the rest of the table. And make sure you pronounce the words OUT LOUD.
to susPECT: meaning, to have an opinion a SUSpect: meaning, a person under suspicion
to preSENT: meaning, to give, to introduce a PREsent: meaning, a gift, now
Now, you do the rest of the table, underlining the accented syllable and defining the word to emphasize your understanding that the accent goes with the meaning.
to conflict, a conflict
to contest, a contest to contract, a contract
to convert, a convert to convict, a convict to incline, an incline to insult, an insult to object, an object to permit, a permit to present, a present to produce, a produce to project, a project to protest, a protest to rebel, a rebel
to recall, a recall to reject, a reject to research, a research
Practice on the following sentences that contain some of the words of the list used buth as noun and as verb. Underline the accent and read the sentences out loud
You need to insert a paragraph here on this newspaper insert.
How can you object to this object?
I’d like to present you with this present.
The manufacturer couldn’t recall if there’d been a recall.
The religious convert wanted to convert the world.
The political rebels wanted to rebel against the world.
The mogul wanted to record a new record for his latest artist.
If you perfect your intonation, your accent will be perfect.
Due to the drought, the fields didn’t produce much produce this year.
Unfortunately, City Hall wouldn’t permit them to get a permit.
Article writing positions you as an expert - writing an feature or news article on a regular basis means you know what you’re talking about, and you’ve done your research. This is your opportunity to showcase what you know and benefit in several different ways. Here’s six different benefits from writing short articles.
For example, your articles can be free advertising - not only do you get posted on the article distribution sites you submit to, but as your free articles get picked up, the resulting traffic is exponential. Exposure on other websites and blogs can be lucrative. If your website has just been activated, this can help boost the number of unique visitors right away.
Writing articles can generate lots of links - other webmasters will publish your article on their website and/or blog. By keeping the hyperlinks intact, you get valuable backlinks that in context to your own site or blog. It’s possible to have hundreds of quality links to your site within a short amount of time, for very little effort on your part. If your site is selling products or services, you’ve just increased sales possibilities.
Your articles end up on other websites - depending upon what you write about, your articles could show up on hundreds of sites for months. An article I wrote last year at this time is still being published by webmasters and ezine editors today. Not only will you get published online, but off line publications, such as traditional newsletters and magazines are also looking to publish your content.
I mentioned being put into ezines - this is tremendously valuable, since your article is now being read by hundreds, if not thousands of pre-sold, targeted visitors who are already interested in your product or service. A certain percentage will follow up on your article by visiting your website and exploring it.
Writing articles can lead to possible joint ventures or partnerships - once you’ve established yourself as an expert, this creates the opening or possibility of business entrepeneurs contacting you for joint venture opportunities. I’ve had manufacturers send me free samples of new products they’re getting ready to market. They’ve asked me to test or use the product, and provide an endorsement. If you test the product or service, and you genuinely like it, ask for the opportunity to sell it.
When you write and post articles, affiliate marketers can find you - they’re are always on the lookout for interesting, profitable niche markets. Since you’re writing and distributing articles, there’s a good chance they’ll find you. By providing quality content in your articles, they know that you understand your niche, and you’ve made it profitable.
Article content - Be sure that what you write is well-researched and easy to read. To get the maximum benefit from all of your articles, be sure to do your keyword research and weave the keyword phrase, or keyword itself, into your article. Always keep the keyword phrase and placement in proper context to the article subject.
You can use the various keyword tools at your disposal to find alternate and complimentary keywords for your articles. People enter search keywords constantly to look for high quality information. They’ll find your articles in organic search results.
So, if you’ve not yet taken advantage of writing articles, develop a series of subjects right now. If you can’t write an article off the top of your head, do your research and write the article. There are hundreds of quality article submission and distribution sites. Be sure they accept articles on your subject. Some sites specialize in niche markets, such as technology or marketing.
I love writing a series of articles and posting them once a week when I’ve started a new website. This assures me of getting unique visitors quickly, without spending money - just a little bit of my time.
Happy writing!
I love words. They are tiny windows from which our Soul shines through. Even the most un-educated among us has choices in words. So how do we choose our words?
It is my belief that our true identity, Soul, directs our mind and tongue to use one word and not the other, when both words would convey the same meaning. In these tiny preferences lie glimpses into our heart, our beliefs, our fears and our hopes.
When we say, winding down instead of relaxing, or wound up instead of tense, our fascination with time shows and perhaps our fear of mortality. We choose these words as reminders to ourselves to be watchful.
“What does all this have to do with wrist watches?” you ask.
In my view, everything.
Wrist watch is a portable timepiece designed to be worn. Its history goes back to shortly after 1500, when Peter Henlein, a locksmith in Nrnberg, Ger., introduced the mainspring as a replacement for weights in driving clocks.
Looking back over the last forty years, I can see how things have sped up and I can imagine how laid back events were over 500 hundred years ago. There weren’t any soccer moms who had to rush from game to game in their SUVs. No 7 AM meetings across town through a hellish traffic that seems to get worse by the minute. No rushed five minute snack breaks to give us the energy boost we need to keep our zone diet. No Hollywood to show the latest Cartier watch or Baume Mercier watch on the shapely wrists of the most beautiful people in the world.
Why then the need for a portable timepiece called watch?
On the surface, we can say Peter Henlein introduced the mainspring as a replacement for weights in driving clocks. According to Britannica, “A mainspring consists of a flat spring steel band stressed in bending or coiling; when the watch, or other spring-driven mechanism, is wound, the curvature of the spring is increased, and energy is thus stored.
In a watch, this energy is transmitted to the oscillating section of the watch (called the balance) by the wheel train and escapement, the motion of the balance itself controlling the release of the escapement and consequently the timing of the maintaining impulse. A friction drive to the hands is provided from a wheel that rotates at a convenient rate, generally one time per hour. The friction drive permits the hands to be set.”
Fascinating enough to put me to sleep, I don’t know about you. The short version is that Peter Henlein found a way to move the clock handles so that they don’t take so much room. He was on the way to help us all watch time fly on our wrist, twenty four hours a day.
This ability to know the exact time brings with it a curse and a blessing.
A curse if we think about all the lost opportunities and all the missed goodbyes. A blessing if we consider that we live and we still hope and dream and with a little self discipline and a lot of help from the Divine, we can use our wrist watch to measure all the hellos we say, all the I love yous and all the contributions we make by just being who we are.
I love the idea that we exist because God loves us. Not particularly because we do wonderful things with every minute of every day, but simply because we are who we are.
Next time you check what time it is, I hope you look beyond the small handle and big handle and the wonderfully expensive watch makers and the rushed pace of life that carries us from one meeting to the next. I hope you can remind yourself that maybe it is time to say thank you to some one for just being there, smile at another because life is precious or pick up the phone and call your mate to just say, “I love you.”
If I ever feel pride in wearing a wrist watch and use its chime, it is for these reasons. How about you? Why are you wearing your watch?
* DISCLAIMER: Vishy Dadsetan, http://www.wristwatchsite.com/ or My Favorite Shop, Inc. do not endorse any purchase or sale of any products. Although Vishy Dadsetan has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this site, it assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or inconsistencies.
Vishy Dadsetan writes articles that can actually help and entertain your clients. Articles just like this one. Additional information at: baume mercier and wrist watch.
This cultured world is for elite individuals with contacts and/or mining experience?
Not even close
Did you know you can cash and carry diamonds, rubies emeralds and every other precious stone that interests you? The lasting value of diamonds is known by everyone. But you may not realize that entry level opportunity investors can pyramid substantial profits by involving themselves in this highly lucrative industry.
Why?
You will be astounded to realize that precious stones are paid for by non-industry buyers who decide by emotional decision. Per Ca-pita, the most avid consumers of precious stones are wealthy females. Money is rarely the issue. There is an “intrinsic value” index that precious stones can be measured by. But when it comes to the retail buyer of these beautiful sparkling symbols of eternity- they are paid for by the “thrill” and not by the carat.
Many affluent individuals are very sophisticated in their buying habits. They rarely buy “rocks” premade into jewelry. They prefer to focus on buying the “rocks” separately and have an artisan craft the finished product usually having an input into the design process.
Horse shoe diamond ring anyone?
This particular attribute of the precious stones industry makes it so astoundingly lucrative. Buyers fall in love with certain aspects of a particular stone. Often a high price tag and a few choice words of objective justification of the price can add 30% or more value.
Now that is low-cost value adding. An investment objects ultimate measure of value is simply somebody saying “yes, I’ll take it”
How to achieve that is up to you as a professional “price justifier”
Please don’t think for a moment that this is pushing ethical boundaries. How else do commodities get valued if not by measuring the markets willingness to pay a price. After all, if somebody has enough discretionary income to pay $19,090 for a little polished rock, then how can getting $22,000 for it be any more unethical.
The value is measured in the satisfaction it brings the new owner. Your price justifications manufacture that permanent happiness and install permanent, portable value into the stone they just bought.
There are several pieces of information you need to know, to become specialized in this field. It isn’t rocket science. Stone clarity, weight and the quality of “cutting” are a few examples.
There are many good resources on these topics. As an opportunity investors our interest is limited to the final outcome…..the deal. So discovering the fundamentals is all we require to make a good living and building enourmous wealth with semi precious stones gems and diamonds.
Warm Regards
Martin Thomas
Martin Thomas enjoys sharing insights about wealth building and is a professional investor and CEO of http://www.opportunity-investor.com
If you would enjoy learning how to build your own money machine, follow the link above.
Do you see what I see? Do you hate what I hate? Can you feel the odium? You look but don’t see You speak but don’t hear Well let me explain to you Look now and see what I see I stand here in sheer confusion I face the looking glass again This mirrored wall of despair I look in and gag upon my reflection How can you be so blind to this? Do you not see the imperfections? The deep brown orbs of emptiness The nose that isn’t straight The eyebrows that aren’t equally aligned Or even real in appearance Do you not see the deformities? The ones clouding my reflection This disgusting sack of flesh that is me How can you not witness the horror? This manifestation that you call by my name I am the sickness I am the disease Look now and tell me you still can not see I inch forward a little closer to the window of truth I cannot see, I do not see it Where is this apparition you claim to see? I hope to catch one sliver of beauty This splendor you say is in me But you are once again dreaming for it is not here As usual you allow me to believe for once Just once more that I am something But I am nothing… nothing at all How many times Will I search? Through my reflection How many times in vain Will I strive to see? Before I realize What you see in me?
www.originalpoetry.com
A lot of writers keep journals or blogs onlinen, but unfortunately, they aren’t always being used to their fullest advantage.
Look around the internet and you can find a variety of journals and so many of them are the same: what people did today, who they saw, where they were. But the truth is, they’re most interesting for the blog-keepers rather than their readers (unless those readers are also friends). While that’s fine for the masses to do, it is an untapped resource for writers.
You can make better use of your journaling time by being more descriptive, and blatantly so. Some writers feel guilty even contemplating such a thing, worried that friends and family might think they’re being “fake” or “too artistic.” However, in your defense, you are a writer. You have a right to use whatever you have at your disposal to improve your abilities. You have license to be eccentric so just let them assume your exercises in creative journal writing are just part of the whole “Writer Mystique.”
Try describing your world, as though you’re writing a novel. For example, you’ll see that many journal-keepers may mention places or people they know, but not tell us much about them. Next time, try painting a word picture of what you see. Keep in mind that there doesn’t need to be natural progression with each entry as there would be with a novel. This is an exercise in expanding your writing capabilities.
For example, instead of “I wish it would stop raining,” try: “Six days of steady rain has left me feeling as gray as the unrelenting dark outside.”
Or, what about the people in your life? If you’ve never described them before, do so now. Try your mother, your significant other, a friend, or an enemy:
Anna Grable is not a typical mother. I always thought of her as “The Reluctant Mother” and when I told her about the nickname yesterday, she reacted exactly as I knew she would. She threw her head back and laughed. “You know me so well, you clever girl. It’s perfect!” she cried, clapping her pudgy hands with glee. I suddenly wished I hadn’t told her. Part of the beauty of our relationship is that we pretend we’re like most mothers and daughters - we pretend not to understand one another. It somehow made it easier to deal with her strange behaviors when I was growing up. When she was waking everyone in the house at two o’clock in the morning to wash walls, or when she wouldn’t come to my school plays on the premise that she didn’t understand the stories, it was easier to say “She’s an odd one,” than having to face the truth. The truth was, and is, Anna is the most selfish woman I’ve ever met. She’s self-indulgent, and addicted to attention, going out of her way to garner it whenever and wherever she can, and avoiding all situations where she is not the star. She likes to think she’s eccentric, and she took the “Reluctant Mother” label as proof of it. I expect it will be a topic of conversation with her friends, who, like me, indulge her in spite of ourselves.
It doesn’t have to be great. It only has to be descriptive in some way. Let go of embarrassment and just experiment. Stretch and exercise your writing “muscles.” Not only will your blog be more interesting to read, your growing ability will transfer well to your fiction writing, and you will have a storehouse of information to use if ever you need it.
If you’d rather keep your creative journaling private, then by all means, do so. I keep mine semi-private in that the one where I do my creative journaling is one my family and friends don’t see; however, strangers seem to enjoy it! I’ve even convinced them I have a fascinating life - simply because of how I write there.
The “Don’t Quit” poem is a beautiful, inspirational, motivational poem and has always been one of my favorite poems. But who is the real author of the poem?
I have a keychain from the C.M. Paula Company with this poem on it, sadly there is no author mentioned on the keychain.
Several authors over the past years have claimed to have written this poem. There was a similar poem written by Edgar Albert Guest between August 20, 1881 and August 5,1959.
I performed a Google search and came across several web sites that have published the poem. Each website lists a different name. Among the names are Edgar A Guest, kristone, Larry S. Chengges, Rick Frutell, Leo Padgett , Joe David Harrison, Sam Candelaria, Clinton Howell, Frank Collins and Gerard Haughey . One of Todays-Woman.net previous members even made a claim that they were the author of this poem. It is unbelievable how many websites have a different author listed.
One website states that Clinton Howell published this poem in Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul, September 1, 1999.
Gerard Haughey claims to be the real author of the poem. He is on a mission of sorts, to get the truth out about the poem. He says, “I am very proud of writing ‘”Don’t Quit,” a bit sad that others have to claimed to have, but over all I have made my peace with God and if I’m helping the many people who’ve been touched by ‘Don’t Quit’ well then I am on good terms with God.” He has even registered a domain, , in his mission to prove that he is the author of this poem.
But wait, one website states that Rick Frutell wrote the poem while in seventh grade.
I even found this poem on a poster at art.com < http://www.art.com/asp/sp-asp/_/pd–10058424/sp–A/Dont_Quit.htm# >. You can purchase this poem on a pocket card < http://shop.store.yahoo.com/thebcmall/11-30638.html > through Yahoo Shop.
After further research, I did find a website that states that the US Copyright Office recognizes the poem as public domain. The Copyright Act will not restore protection to works that fall into the public domain. Anyone can use this poem but can not own copyright to it.
On most websites the author is listed as Anonymous and that is because the real author of this beautiful poem is sadly and will always be unknown.
This following poem, I have on a keychain that I purchased in my early teens. I look to it when I need inspiration. It reminds me that though life might not always turn out as we have planned, we mustn’t quit. I hope that it inspires you too.
Don’t Quit!
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must, but do not quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out; Don’t give up though the pace seems slow– You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than, It seems to a faint and faltering man, Often the struggler has given up, When he might have captured the victor’s cup, And he learned too late when the night slipped down, How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out– The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far, So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit– It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
- Anonymous -
Resources:
< http://users.chariot.net.au/~kday/thoughtsandpoems.html> <http://www.geocities.com/dont_quit_anonymous/joedavidharrison.ht m>
Okay, I wrote these motivators for my screenwriting crew. But they apply to ALL creative writers who need some serious kick-in-the-pants motivation.
Here goes:
1. BEEF UP YOUR CHARACTERS
Take a look at your main characters, and make sure that your readers will appreciate them as much as you do.
Is your hero being heroic enough?
Is the villain suitably villainous?
Give them plenty to do, and make sure you emphasize their unique qualities.
2. GET ON THE PHONE
Market yourself and your work by calling the local press and some carefully targeted production companies. Let them know you’re out there, and what you’re capable of.
Be ready to back up your calls with written material, and choose who you call by looking at their own track records - don’t call a documentary film company to tell them about your Western drama.
3. LOSE THE FAT.
While some people obsess over counting their calories, screenwriters should be trimming another kind of fat - the padding that curses many a fine screenplay (including the monstrous King Kong).
4. GET A LIFE
(if you haven’t already). You’re not going to write about a variety of human experience sitting at your computer all day.
Don’t feel guilty about leaving your desk, spending time with friends or getting out for some (gulp) fresh air.
Observe, converse, let the wind blow the cobwebs from your brain. Old ideas will have time to percolate and new ones will spring from discussions with your pals.
5. TALK THE TALK
Read your dialogue out loud to make sure it sounds “spoken” rather than “written.”
If you find it hard to spit a line out, actors are likely to have the same problem. Change the line!
6. CUT AND PASTE
Make sure your scenes are where they should be. Most writers have trouble changing something once they’ve written it down; they’re afraid the words will lose their immediate impact.
Don’t be afraid to swap scenes around to change the sense of a sequence. Remember, you’re not a caveman! NOTHING IS WRITTEN IN STONE.
7. BE HONEST
Take elements from your life that you thought you’d never share. Get your passions on the page. The results will be more human, honest and relevant than a screenplay that relies on cold technique.
8. DON’T BE SELFISH
Don’t just write for yourself - think about the audience. Will your screenplay entertain them? Make them laugh or cry? Give them their money’s worth?
Isn’t that one of the reasons why you got interested in the movies in the first place - because some screenwriter cared how the audience felt?
9. WATCH LOTS OF MOVIES
A tough resolution to keep, sure, but an important one.
Good movies will improve your film grammar in an almost subliminal fashion, and you can learn how NOT to write a screenplay by watching the bad ones.
10. START AT THE END
Can you see a sense of progression? Imagine that your hero’s reached the end of his journey. Looking back, is there a pattern to his actions? Did he make any choices that affected him or his world?
Try looking at the end of your screenplay - it will give you a fresh perspective to work towards.
Winning writing contests can provide several advantages to writers. For starters it’s a great way to get your name in print and in front of potential readers. It can also provide professional credits for
your writing portfolio, and prize rewards to augment your income.
Just participating can get new writers into a writing regiment, grow confidence, and provide practice,
practice, practice.
Whatever your reason for entering a writing contest just be realistic about your expectations. The
odds of winning are not terrific, but there are certainly plenty of things you can do to improve those
odds, and stack them in your favor…
to know how your story or article is going to turn out. If the first page, and more specifically, the
first paragraph, doesn’t make the judges want to read more, you are in trouble. Judges will generally
weed out losing entries by discarding those where the first page does not compel them to read on.
Find an original angle or unusual twist, create offbeat characters, or use an unusual setting.
The judges are looking for something new, not the same old storylines - so give them a reason to
notice your work.
authentic. Their dialogue should be relevant and move the story along. They should talk as you
and I, not stilted or awkward, but natural.and convincingly.
throughout the story or article. You should be able to define your theme in one sentence. ie: “My
story/article is about…”
should be openly and plainly expressed and have a positive meaning to it.
in spelling, grammar, sentence construction, and story structure. Neatness is also of the utmost
importance. Your entry should identify you as professional and capable, whether you have been
published before or not.
read entries as they come in and early submissions will certainly have them more engaged than they
will be after they have already read hundreds of submissions.
every way. If your entry breaks the rules set forth by the contest it will not be looked at further,
so don’t put yourself in that position. Read carefully and submit according to the guidelines - or
you lose before that great story is even read!
increase your odds of attracting a judges eye and enter as many times as allowed.
A good short story or article can simply be entertaining or it can affect or stir the reader, perhaps
change perceptions or provide understanding. Contest judges are looking for stories that involve the
reader - make them think, laugh or even cry.
Copyright © 2005
Diane Thomas is the editor of
eBook Crossroads.com specializing in resources for writers, publishers
and promoters of eBooks and Audio Books. She publishes a monthly ezine,
the eBook Crossroads Insider, offering articles, tips, contests, free downloads
and much more!
Subscribe to the eBook Crossroads Insider.
