The most excellent Writer Beware blog passes along the news that Noble Romance Publishing, which has garnered many complaints from writers, is shutting down--but the company's web site is still asking for submissions. Avoid.
They also note that Vanilla Heart Publishing has prompted many complaints from authors and a recent contract has many pitfalls for authors.
Last but not least, Iconic Publishing apparently has registered the copyright of some of their books in their own name, not the names of the authors, a violation of their contracts with the writers.
It can be very exciting to get an offer from a publisher, but don't sign anything in the heat of the moment. Do an online search using the name of the publisher and the name of the editor if you have that. Go past the first page of results--sometimes con artists will create fake web sites "reviewing" themselves with glowing praise, in order to push any negative reports to a later page.
Also do your research for any companies offering to help you self-publish. Make sure the rights to the book stay with you and that there are no hidden charges. If you think you might use a service to provide a cover image for your book, check samples of their work--I've seen terrible covers provided by such supposedly professional services.
Here are the most frequently asked questions I get about writing contests:
Are writing contests
legitimate?
Most of them are. If in doubt, Google the name of the
contest and the name of the sponsoring person or group. If you find unhappy
contestants, it might be best to stay away.
What’s the benefit of
entering writing contests?
Some offer a good money prize, some arrange to have the
winners’ entries considered by agents, publishers, or producers, some offer publication. Most don’t give you feedback on your entry, but a few do.
Some writers also find it useful to have a deadline, and find writing contests give them motivation to sit down and write.
Last but not least, winning or placing in a contest can be a nice indicator that you're on the right track. However, don't assume that not winning means your writing isn't good. Judging writing is very subjective and writing that might not even place in one contest could win first prize in another.
Does winning a
contest get me more credibility with publishers, agents, or producers?
A handful are well-known and prestigious enough to get you
some recognition. If you do an internet search you’ll get an idea of how much
attention a particular contest gets.
The smaller contests won’t have any impact in this context.
What’s a reasonable
entry fee?
That depends partly on how much money the winners get. If
the entry fee is $25 and the first prize is $250, that’s not a great ratio. A
lot of contests charge just enough of an entry fee to cover their costs. Some don't charge an entry fee at all.
Some advertise a big prize, but in the small print it says that they pro-rate the prize--that is, it's a percentage of the entry fees they receive, and that big number applies only if they get thousands of entries.
What are the dangers
of entering writing contests?
Sometimes the contests may just be a way for the sponsor to
get the names and emails of people to whom they then market services like
editing, publishing, and workshops. If anybody tells you that your entry is
almost good enough but you should hire them to help you edit or rewrite it, be wary. The same goes
if they offer you a publishing contract that calls for you to pay for it.
One good source of information is the Writer Beware blog.
They do a fine job of alerting people to questionable practices and companies and they have a section on contests and awards. It goes into more depth on the kinds of scams that sometimes are associated with contests.
If you feel pressured to buy any services, cut off
communication and let the Buyer Beware blog know. If you have spent money on
what turns out to be a scam, get in touch with your local law enforcement
agency. Don’t be embarrassed if you were conned, it happens all the time, even
to smart people.
What rights am I
giving up if my entry wins?
That’s different for every contest, so do take the time to
read the contest’s rules. Some contests claim the right to publish your
material one time, others claim the rights to include your material in an
anthology, etc. If you are not comfortable giving up the rights indicated in
the contest’s rules and conditions, don’t enter.
A publisher that sponsored a contest wants to include my work in an anthology even though it didn't win. Is there a catch?
Probably. They tell you your story or poem is exceptional and they want to include it in an anthology they publish. In reality they'll publish every entry.
Sometimes you have to commit to buying a certain number of copies, sometimes not, but either way they make their money by selling copies to the authors not to the general public. Often these anthologies cost a lot, and they don't have any credibility with agents or legitimate publishers. Also, because they don't discriminate at all you may find your writing next to some really awful stuff.
Some contests put the
winning entries or even all the entries on their web site. Will my work get
stolen?
You have to weight the possibility of your work attracting
attention from publishers, editors, and readers vs. the possibility of somebody
taking your work, putting their own name on it, and passing it off as their
own. This doesn’t happen all that frequently, but it does happen.
How can I check
whether anybody has put my work on the internet under their own name?
One way to check is to take a unique phrase from your work
and do a Google search for it. Don’t use a phrase that includes a character’s
name because that’s the easiest thing for a thief to change with a simple “find
and replace” command. So instead of Googling “Martina dropped the antique coin
into the wishing well,” Google “dropped the antique coin into the wishing
well”. If that particular phrase appears somewhere else on the internet, Google
will lead you to it. Then you can see whether somebody has stolen your work or
merely used the same phrase by coincidence.
Some contests ask you
to write on a specific topic. Is it worth my time to do this?
That depends on whether you think you might be able to do
anything else with the material if you don’t win. For instance, if the contest
is for a short story based on a theme like betrayal or family conflict, that’s
broad enough for you to be able to submit the short story to publications or
make it part of a collection later if you don't win. Some ask you to write about a specific person or place, and those might be harder to market.
What if I have
specific questions about a contest that’s not addressed in their rules or terms
and conditions?
Email them. Most will be happy to clarify or give you additional information.
Where can I find out about writing contests?
I'm going to start listing some of them on this site, so go ahead and subscribe to this blog. I try to make sure that the
contests I feature are legitimate but please use your own judgment as to which ones are worth your time and
effort.
For friendly guidance from idea all the way through to publication, get my book, "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.
Here we are, halfway through 2013. Do you know where your resolutions are? If not, don't worry, it's not too late, today is a new day. Here are some questions I invited you to consider a month into the year:
ARE YOU ON TRACK FOR YOUR WRITING OR OTHER GOALS?
If you haven’t set any goals for your writing (for instance,
writing a novel, getting an agent, or self-publishing your book) or other parts
of your life, you might find it useful to do that now.
If you did set some goals for yourself, take a few minutes
to ask yourself these questions now:
Have you been moving
toward your most important goals?
If not, what has
stopped you or slowed you down?
What are the things
you can do to get yourself back on track? (If you have trouble
brainstorming ideas, see my book, ‘Creativity Now,” published by Pearson and
available from Amazon).
What’s the first step
you can take today or tomorrow?
As soon as you have taken the first step, select the next
step and keep going until you find that you’re making progress.
If you can join me on July 27 for our New Half-Year's Resolution sessions please do--even if you can spare only a few hours, you'll be able to build momentum toward your most important goal. If you can't join me, choose a day soon when you'll be able to go over the questions above and renew your committment to moving in the direction of your dreams. For more info:www.MassiveActionDay.com
I read an interview with an agent in which she said there are some tip-offs that she's not dealing with a writer that knows what he or she is doing. One is using the term "fiction novel." A novel is, by definition, fiction, so referring to a fiction novel is like saying "a canine dog" or "a tall skyscraper."
That's why I was surprised to see this book on the Kindle Books site:
From the description: "You will learn how to understand the dramatic structure of a novel (both fiction and nonfiction), and all of the details in between."
Huh? What's a non-fiction novel?
One of the reviews says, "I only got a third of the way through before the incorrect word choices ("bare in mind", "the old barriers... ...is crumbling", "the same person playing every roll")".
There is also "the exact same book," "the imagination and visualization of our mind," and "Your mind places the exactly perfect faces and noses and eyes on the exactly perfect characters."
The author has some interesting ideas: "Reading is like running: like it or not we all have to do it. Everybody on this planet needs to be able to read. And everybody on this planet needs to be able to run. I'm pretty certain that if you are incapable of either of these things then your place in society is going to be decidely more uncomfortable."
I'd run from this book--and from using the term "fiction novel."
OTHER THINGS THAT TURN OFF AGENTS AND PUBLISHERS
* Query letters that assure them your book will be more popular than 50 Shades of Grey (or whatever is the best-seller at the moment);
* Assurances that your relatives and friends all think your book is great;
* The revelation that you intend to rewrite it but decided to send this version anyway;
* Ideas for merchandizing and spin-offs or your ideal casting for the movie version;
* Offering to pay more than the usual commission, or suggesting a cut in the usual commission.
(You'll find friendly guidance for writing your book in Your Writing Coach, published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)
Many writers make resolutions or set goals for themselves at the start of the year. Very few are still working on them even one month later.
Often it’s not that they have consciously decided to stop; usually they just sort of forget about the goals because too many other urgent things come up.
That’s why I decided to remind you to remember your goals at the start of every month (which is also a good way of reminding myself of mine, of course). I hope it’ll help both of us stay on track so that at the start of the next year we’re not back to square one.
This post appears on April 1, three months after most people set their resolutions or goals for the year. Of course you may be reading it on some other date. That’s fine—it’s always a good time to check whether you’re moving toward your goals and to take corrective action if you’re not.
If you haven’t set any goals for your writing (for instance, writing a novel, getting an agent, or self-publishing your book) or other parts of your life, you might find it useful to take a look at the posts below in order; even if you have worked through them already, it’s useful to go back to them for a quick review.
If you did set goals for yourself, take a few minutes to answer these questions now:
In the past month, have you been moving toward your most important goals?
If not, what has stopped you or slowed you down? You might find it useful to take a look at thistrouble-shooting guide.
What can you do to get yourself back on track? Don't just do the same things that didn't work last time. Come up with alternatives and keep going until you find what works for you. (If you have trouble brainstorming ideas, see my book, ‘Creativity Now,” published by Pearson and available from Amazon).
What’s the first step you can take today or tomorrow? Commit to it now.
As soon as you have taken the first step select the next step and keep going until you’re making progress.
Once in a while you may find that a goal you thought was important doesn’t turn out to be as meaningful after all. If you’re sure the goal isn’t going to give you what you thought it would, let it go and set a different one. However, the road to every goal is full of challenges, so don’t give up one goal just because you think maybe another one might be easier to accomplish.
If you subscribe to this blog today, in 30 days I’ll be reminding you again. If you have any questions, let me know at jurgenwolff (at) gmail.com. You may also find it useful to read my book, “Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done,” published by Pearson and available from Amazon or your other favorite book seller.
Many writers make resolutions or set goals for themselves at the start of the year. Very few are still working on them even one month later.
Often it’s not that they have consciously decided to stop; usually they just sort of forget about the goals because too many other urgent things come up.
That’s why I decided to remind you to remember your goals at the start of every month (which is also a good way of reminding myself of mine, of course). I hope it’ll help both of us stay on track so that at the start of the next year we’re not back to square one.
This post appears on March 1, two months after most people set their resolutions or goals for the year. Of course you may be reading it on some other date. That’s fine—it’s always a good time to check whether you’re moving toward your goals and to take corrective action if you’re not.
If you haven’t set any goals for your writing (for instance, writing a novel, getting an agent, or self-publishing your book) or other parts of your life, you might find it useful to take a look at the posts below in order; even if you have worked through them already, it’s useful to go back to them for a quick review.
If you did set goals for yourself, take a few minutes to answer these questions now:
In the past month, have you been moving toward your most important goals?
If not, what has stopped you or slowed you down? You might find it useful to take a look at thistrouble-shooting guide.
What can you do to get yourself back on track? Don't just do the same things that didn't work last time. Come up with alternatives and keep going until you find what works for you. (If you have trouble brainstorming ideas, see my book, ‘Creativity Now,” published by Pearson and available from Amazon).
What’s the first step you can take today or tomorrow? Commit to it now.
As soon as you have taken the first step select the next step and keep going until you’re making progress.
Once in a while you may find that a goal you thought was important doesn’t turn out to be as meaningful after all. If you’re sure the goal isn’t going to give you what you thought it would, let it go and set a different one. However, the road to every goal is full of challenges, so don’t give up one goal just because you think maybe another one might be easier to accomplish.
If you subscribe to this blog today, in 30 days I’ll be reminding you again. If you have any questions, let me know at jurgenwolff (at) gmail.com. You may also find it useful to read my book, “Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done,” published by Pearson and available from Amazon or your other favorite book seller.
Many writers make resolutions or set goals for themselves at
the start of the year. Very few are still working on them even one month later.
Often it’s not that they have consciously decided to stop; usually they just sort
of forget about the goals because too many other urgent things come up.
That’s why I
decided to remind you to remember your goals at the start of every month (which is
also a good way of reminding myself of mine, of course). I hope it’ll help both
of us stay on track so that at the start of the next year we’re not back to
square one.
This post appears on February 1, one month after most people
set their resolutions or goals for the year. Of course you may be reading it on some other date. That’s fine—it’s always a good time to check whether
you’re moving toward your goals and to take corrective action if you’re not.
If you haven’t set any goals for your writing (for instance,
writing a novel, getting an agent, or self-publishing your book) or other parts
of your life, you might find it useful to take a look at the posts below in
order; even if you have worked through them already, it’s useful to go back to them for a
quick review.
If you did set goals for yourself, take a few minutes to answer
these questions now:
In the past month, have you been moving toward your most
important goals?
If not, what has stopped you or slowed you down? You might find it useful to take a look at this trouble-shooting guide.
What can you do to get yourself back on
track? Don't just do the same things that didn't work last time. Come up with alternatives and keep going until you find what works for you. (If you have trouble brainstorming ideas, see my book, ‘Creativity Now,”
published by Pearson and available from Amazon).
What’s the first step you can take today or tomorrow? Commit
to it now.
As soon as you have taken the first step select the next
step and keep going until you’re making progress.
Once in a while you may find that a goal you thought was
important doesn’t turn out to be as meaningful after all. If you’re sure the
goal isn’t going to give you what you thought it would, let it go and set a
different one. However, the road to every goal is full of challenges, so don’t
give up one goal just because you think maybe another one might be easier to
accomplish.
If you subscribe to this blog today, in 30 days I’ll be
reminding you again. If you have any questions, let me know at
jurgenwolff (at) gmail.com. You may also find it useful to read my book,
“Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done,” published by
Pearson and available from Amazon or your other favorite book seller.
In a New York Times article, novelist Chelsea Cain (“Kill
You Twice”) describes two writing groups she attends. One consists of fairly
well known authors, the other is made up of seven-year-olds.
She writes, “In
the almost seven years that I’ve been going to Monday night workshop, I’ve had
to excuse myself three times to go and cry in the bathroom. I’m not the only
one. Some of us sob at the sink. Some of us get “headaches” and have to go
home. Some of us remember that our baby sitter has to leave early and we need
to go home right now.”
That’s right,
she’s talking about the adult group.
“The
children in my morning group cry, too," she says. "They cry because they’ve lost their
pencil, or because I’ve threatened to send them back to class for being
squirrelly, or because someone wants to sit next to someone else. One thing
they do not cry about is writing. I guess when you’re 7 you have more important
things to worry about. Writing is fun.”
She ends with advice I’ll add to
the next edition of my book, “Your Creative Writing Masterclass,” alongside the
writing counsel of authors like Dickens, Austen, and Hemingway:
“Write what you love. Write about dragons.
And if you get stuck, roll around on the floor a little.”
("Your Creative Writing Masterclass" is published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favorite book seller.)
Yes, it's possible to sell a script to Hollywood even if you don't live there. The steps that could lead to such a deal:
1. Write a great screenplay in one of the genres they favor (see the previous post). This spec script (meaning you're writing it on speculation--that is, for no money upfront) will be what opens doors for you. It has to be the best you can do.
2. The first set of door it must open is the one that leads to getting a US agent to represent you. Some UK agents do have arrangements with US agencies so it's possible to get in that way, but it adds another layer.
Most of the bigger agencies say they don't look at unsolicited scripts. That means you have to find a way around that, either by getting their attention with a great query letter in which you offer to sign a release form, or getting a recommendation via a writer they already represent, or by some clever strategum you figure out yourself.
(For help with inspiration, see my book "Do Something Different," published by Virgin Books--it's not about writing but it contains 100 case studies of how people used clever, inexpensive ways to market themselves and their products, and you could adapt some of those to this situation.)
3. Tell the agent you frequently go back and forth between wherever you are and Los Angeles (that's where the agent should be, ideally). This will make him or her less hesitant about setting up meetings with you and any of the producers who show interest in your script. Be ready to finance that first trip yourself.
4. Don't assume that once you have an agent everything will be done for you. You still need to educate yourself about who is buying what, who is who at the studios and production companies, etc. Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, although both suffering in the current shift away from print advertising, are still your best bets for US information. Keep the agent informed of any initiatives you plan to undertake yourself--it has to be a partnership. The agent doesn't want to be embarrassed by approaching someone on your behalf only to find you've already been there and got a rejection.
5. Finally, you need a load of good luck and good timing.
What kinds of scripts are the Hollywood studios looking for?
How much hope is there for a newer writer to sell a script there or get hired
to write one?
Long-time movie critic David Denby recently revealed his view on the subject in the
New Yorker:
“The six major studios want to make three kinds of
movies. They want to make blockbusters costing a hundred and fifty million
dollars and up (with another fifty to a hundred million dollars spent on
promotion)—that is, films that are based on comic books, video games, and
young-adult novels. These movies mostly feature angry pixels contending in the
dead air—action sequences of total physical abandonment and virtually total
meaninglessness, in which nothing imprints itself on your memory except the
experience of being excited.
They want to make animated features for families, some
of which—especially the ones from Pixar—are very good.
And they want to make genre movies—thrillers, chick
flicks, romantic comedies, weekend-debauch movies (female as well as male),
horror movies.”
There you have it. It confirms my feeling that writers
interested in making solid dramas and non-slapstick comedies will increasingly find their future in digital, lower-budget films
that will be distributed mainly via the internet, as well as HBO, Showtime, and some of the other cable outfits. Here in the UK, some recent changes in the tax laws should help free up some investment in independent films.
Next post: CAN YOU SELL TO HOLLYWOOD WITHOUT LIVING THERE?
Victoria Strauss, who runs the valuable Writer Beware blog, has this assessment of what's happening in the world of writing scams:
"Now, in 2012, Writer Beware only rarely hears about brand-new agent scams; even inquiries about well-intentioned amateur agents--which once made up a large percentage of our correspondence--have dwindled to a trickle. By far the most frequent questions and complaints we receive involve small publishers, various flavors of vanity presses, self-publishing services, and marketing or other so-called services aimed at small press and self-published authors."
As they say, one door closes, another door opens--even for scammers. Before you spend your money on any services, I suggest you do the following:
1. Read the fine print. Often there are traps buried in the text of a contract. Things to look for:
* If it's a time-based service of some kind, for how long are you obligated?
* Is there a way for you to cancel the service if you're not happy?
* What's the refund policy?
* Does the copyright stay with you? It should.
2. Do a Google search about the company, the individuals running it, and the products or services they offer. Go past the first page so you get past the fake sites.
For instance, let's say the Fraudentcheat Agency is a scam. They set up a bunch of websites with names like "Fraudentcheat Scam?" or "Fraudencheat Fraud?" These look like legitimate review sites and--surprise!--they conclude that Fraudencheat is a fine company that has been unfairly accused of shady practices.
They use SEO to make sure these sites occupy most of the first page of results. Any legitimate reviews are pushed to the second, third, or fourth page of results, which few people bother to check. Be the one in a hundred who digs deeper.
3. Check with others who have used the service. If possible, go beyond the endorsers who are cited on the web site of the people providing the service. Be aware that testimonials can be fake or can have been sent before things went sour.
I've written in the past about a publicist who ran glowing endorsements from clients--who, when I contacted them later (hindsight in action!) were not happy with his services at all. Later I found out he'd never paid for the big ad that attracted me in the first place.
4. If things that were agreed upon are not delivered, complain immediately and document every contact. By the time I caught on, several thousand pounds had changed hands. When I sued in small claims court I won but the company went bust and I was never able to collect. If you move quickly you may have a chance to get your money back before the house of cards collapses.
Bring in some bigger guns; for instance, mention that unless you get a refund you will notify the Writers Guild and name some other organizations they don't want to have snooping around. It couldn't hurt to mention that you're friends with (name of editor of publication the scammer is most likley to fear). It's not a lie--go to the editor's Facebook page and "friend" him or her...now you're friends!
Be prepared for some return fire from the scammers but don't let them intimidate you. When I named and shamed the publicist he left a message on my answer machine claiming that he'd notified the police that I had sent him death threats! He made the mistake of even making up the name of a detective he'd supposedly talked to and gave a case number. When I phoned the police they told me there was no such detective or case number. They asked me to notify them if he contacted me again so they could investigate him. He didn't call again.
Another common practice is for the scammers to threaten to sue you. Some even go so far as to send fake letters supposedly from their attorneys.
If you get one of these, stay calm. First check whether the law firm on the letterhead even exists. If it does, phone them and ask if they are actually acting on behalf of the person who sent the letter. If they do, all that means is he or she paid them to write the letter, not that there is any serious intention to follow through.
Remember, the scammers don't want to be exposed to the light of day so going public via a court case often is the last thing they want.
5. Let others know about your unhappy experience. Keep it professional and stick to the facts, don't make it personal and don't do any name-calling. It's better to say, "I paid (amount), in exchange for which (name of company) agreed to (specifics of the service). This service was not provided and they have refused to refund my money"--rather than--"(name of company) are bunch of scumbags who cheated me out of (amount of money)!" I know it would feel better to say the latter, but your case will be stronger with the former.
Use the forums of appropriate web sites, your own Twitter feed, your Facebook page, etc. The more you stay factual and avoid personal attacks, the more serously people will take you. You might at least save someone else from being cheated.
As you write your novel, screenplay, article or short story look for ways to build in some surprises for your reader. It's a pleasant feeling to realize that what we thought was going to happen isn't what actually does (at least it's pleasant in books and films; in real life we may not appreciate it as much).
The surprise may be the way a man we'd assumed is a coward suddenly steps forward and shows some courage, or an unexpected turn of phrase, or a twist at the end of a story.
Of course the challenge isn't thinking of the surprise, but making it plausible despite not being predictable. That means that the moment when the coward shows courage has to be out of the ordinary. It may be that he's afraid of his own shadow but the one thing he cares about is his dog and when that's endangered he'll do whatever it takes to save it.
Or we find out that the car mechanic who suddenly spouts something from Shakespeare is attending night classes in literature because he's always felt held back by his limited education.
And whatever that twist ending is, it has to make sense when we look back over everything that went before.
The more crowded the marketplace, the more important it is to surprise people. For instance, printed magazines are facing a tremendous challenge from their electronic competitors. Some publications have responded with features that surprise and delight. Examples include Mono.Kultur, which features a different binding every issue, La Mas Bella, the formats of which have included a map, an apron, and a tapas-making kit, and MK Bruce/Lee, which comes in two versions (Lee for women, Bruce for men) and includes fold-out posters, stickers, and other goodies.
Whether it's the writing itself, or your query letters to agents, publishers or producers, or your blog--look for ways to surprise your readers and they'll come back for more.
(My book, "Do Something Different," contains 100 case studies of inexpensive and innovative ways people have marketed themselves and their products. You can apply the same principles. The book is published by Virgin Books and features an introduction by Richard Branson. You can get it from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)
I’m always on the lookout for new ideas on writing and reading, and here’s an interesting one: The Underground Book Club. That’s Underground as in London subway. In an interview in What’s New in Publishing, the co-founder, Andy Brown described it this way:
It’s a book club for commuters and travellers using London Underground. It’s free to join and passengers can read the first three chapters of a number of top book titles for free. The idea, of course, is that rather than read the same old gloomy headlines in the papers they can read the introductory chapters of some really good books whilst travelling to and from work. Publishers also benefit because their books get trialled by new readers and then hopefully bought from Waterstones, Amazon and the like, or downloaded via our iPhone and iPad app.The Underground Book Club is a new, powerful distribution channel for publishers.
They hand out hard copies at the larger Underground stations during commuting hours, or you can download their app from iTunes, or go to their website, www.theundergroundbookclub.com and download from there.
Their first three books are by well-known writers but Brown says they’re also committed to introducing readers to new authors.
Their income derives from advertising and a small commission on the sale of the sampled books. It’s too early to say whether it will be successful but they’re projecting turnover of £700K in the first year, which sounds quite ambitious.
Does that give you an idea for how to bring your writing to the attention of your target audience? Here's how:
1 Identify your target audience
2 Figure out where to find them
3 Create a sample of your work and an interesting, different way to present it to them
4 Make it easy for them to buy the full product
What and how? That's where your creativity comes in. If you need guidance on how to generate ideas, my book, "Creativity Now!" will help. If you want some further inspiration, how about 100 case studies of inexpensive and creative ways people have marketed themselves and their products, along with tips on how to apply their methods? You'll find those in "Do Something Different," published by Virgin Books (with an introduction by Richard Branson). Both are available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.
In the Writer Unboxed newsletter (http://www.writerunboxed.com) an anonymous correspondent warned writers not to spend more than you can afford to lose on a contest placement or auction that include the prize of a critique.They say they were stung in one of those situations, with repeated nudges for getting the promised critique getting no response.
The person writes, “Short of notifying the contest or auction sponsors, and shaming an industry professional into providing a response, there’s nothing one can do but swallow the cost and move on. Who’d trust a critique from a defensive person, anyway?"
I find this a maddening attitude, and all too typical of writers who seem to go around with a “kick me” sign on their backs.
What’s wrong with notifying the contest or auction sponsors if you don’t get the prize you were promised? What’s wrong with shaming an industry professional into providing a response—or, better, getting the sponsors to get someone else to give you the promised critique?
If you paid for a product and it was never delivered, would you just shrug your shoulders and "swallow the cost"? I don’t think so, and this is no different.
Some writers think that publishers or agents are doing us a favour by taking us on. They’re not. It’s a business arrangement and they get as much out of it as we do.
Likewise, if someone runs a contest they get something out of it. It may not be money, it may be a raised profile, a way to find authors whose work they want to publish, or to build a list of authors to whom they will market products or services.
That’s not to say their motives are in any way bad, or that they don’t also want to help authors be discovered. But a pure motive doesn’t excuse bad behaviour. They don’t get a free pass to be rude or to take advantage of us and the less we get them away with it, the less it will happen.
(For a friendly guide from idea through to publication, get my book, "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)
I had an email asking me what I think of a venture called Inkubate.
The site (www.inkubate.com) lets writers post their work on the site and charges publishers to have access to it.
I have a hunch that if I asked my publishers what they think of that idea I couldn't print the answer in a family blog.
There is no sifting on the part of the people running the site, which means there's no quality control. It's asking publishers to, in effect, pay to access a great big slush pile.
The site has been in beta for quite a while--in July 2011 they were saying when the full site is launched authors will get paid when excerpts are read by publishers or agents. Now, April 2012, it says the same thing.
I wondered whether lurking somewhere in the background is the intention to ask authors to pay for posting their material. Sure enough, the Frequently Asked Questions says "Right now, it costs you nothing to post your work."
Also the terms and conditions make reference to the writer's current annual subscription fees.
Yes, I think we can see where this is headed. Furthermore, they stipulate that if you list your manuscript with them, you can't independently seek an agent or publisher.
I'd say at least until you see a complete list of the agents and publishers who have signed up to use the service, and confirmed at least one or two yourself, my advice is stay away.
(For friendly guidance from idea through to publication, see my book, "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)
