Here’s What’s New
Candlewick Press has created an innovative marketing program for booksellers! What a great idea! Of course, you’ve probably read in articles and books by professionals (including mine) that it is a good idea to create point-of-purchase displays at independent bookstores; design interesting promo mobiles, posters, etc. and even produce attractive handouts for clerks to place inside each shopping bag. But Candlewick has come up with a program, complete with props, designed to show booksellers how to promote their children’s books. What a concept.
New Leaf, a long-time wholesaler of New Age titles, is adding a distribution arm for small presses. Actually, I’ve always considered New Leaf to be a distributor of New Age/Metaphysical titles. The new service, however, will include books in other categories as well. President and CEO, Alim Thompson, says that the fee structure will be simple, “without a lot of extras.” The staff is looking forward to working with authors who are “effective self-promoters and willing to hustle.” And they recommend that these authors should be blogging, tweeting and doing signings. For more about New Leaf’s new distribution service arm, visit http://www.newleaf-dist.com. Or contact Thompson at alim@newleaf-dist.com.
The Chicago Sun-Times has created a new weekly column called “Mind and Body” and will cover health, nutrition and fitness. Suzanne Ontiveros will be the editor. If you want to get involved, you might use the phone number—312-321-3000, as I was unable to locate email contact information. http://www.suntimes.com.
Entrepreneur Magazine will launch a website that sounds interesting. Second Act will target older men and women who are planning their next phase in life. It will feature information and articles on travel, entrepreneurship, foods, finances and more. And they will be looking for freelance writers as well as ten full-time staffers to handle the action. http://www.secondact.com
Sam’s Club is sponsoring a book club for members. Books chosen will be prominently displayed in the stores. I get the impression that the books will be selected from big name publishing houses. But this will be a wait-and-see situation.
Alibris and Monsoon plan to merge. Monsoon creates software for selling books online. Alibris, of course, is an online site for selling books, music, movies, etc.
If you’ve been looking for Author’s Blog at http://www.authorsblogs.com, it isn’t up yet. The site is still under construction.
The Beaver is changing its name to Canada’s History. This is one of Canada’s oldest magazines. They are a paying magazine—paying as much as 50 cents/word for articles related to Canadian history. Submission guidelines are at the website. Click on “Business” at the bottom of the home page. http://www.thebeaver.ca.
Garden Making is launching this month in Canada. This new magazine will feature garden designs, plants and gardening tips as it relates to Canada. It looks as though they aren’t open to freelancers. But I’ll keep you posted on that. http://www.gardenmaking.com.
Opportunities for Freelance Writers
New Love Stories Magazine is new and it is open to submissions. The editors want fresh, unpublished stories of 2,700 to 3,800 words involving male-female love and romance. The story may be contemporary, historic, inspirational, paranormal, etc., as long as the main focus is love and romance. They will accept email submissions at, submit@newlovestories.com, or send hardcopy submissions to: New Love Stories Magazine, 1040 First Ave., Ste. 323, New York, NY 10022-2092. This is a paying market. They pay $300 on publication. http://www.newlovestories.com.
St. Martin’s Press is soliciting submissions for their Christmas Spirit project. They want true stories that emphasize the significance of the Christmas season. The deadline to submit your 900 to 1,300 word piece is May 1, 2010. If your story is accepted, you will receive $50 plus a copy of the book. http://www.christmasspiritbook.com.
Can you write for the healthy set? Oxygen is a high-paying fitness and health magazine that uses 100 manuscripts per year. It seems like a good opportunity to me. They pay $250 to $1,000 for well-researched articles of 1,400 to 1,800 words. Request submission guidelines: editorial@oxygenmag.com. http://www.oxygenmag.com.
Ruralite pays up to $500 for nonfiction human interest stories, preferably set in the northwest. Guidelines here: http://www.ruralite.org/freelance.php
Have you submitted anything to any of your regional magazines or those from your home town? Almost every American state and many communities publish regional magazines and newsletters. Here is a sampling:
Florida Inside Out. They pay $1/word for book excerpts, travel, essays and general interest material. They also have columns related to agriculture, pets and Florida history. http://www.floridainsideout.com.
New Jersey Monthly pays up to $2,500 per 800-3,000/word article. They use book excerpts, historical, humor, interview, personal experience, photo features, politics, sports and much more—all related to New Jersey. http://njmonthly.com.
Milwaukee Magazine pays up to $2,300 for article related to this city. http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com.
Seattle Weekly runs articles and book excerpts related to Seattle and other parts of the northwest. They particularly want stories on politics and art. Pay is from $50 to $800. http://www.seattleweekly.com.
Lake covers stories related to the Lake Michigan area and, in particular, the resort communities of Southeast Michigan and Northwest Indiana. They buy 100 manuscripts per year and pay up to 50 cents word. http://www.lakemagazine.com.
Cowboys and Indians Magazine pays up to $5,000 for assigned articles about people and places in the American West. http://www.cowboysindians.com.
To find regional publications in your area, do a Google search using keywords, “magazine” or “newsletter” and your city, county or state name.
Opportunities for Fiction Writers
I often hear writers say that there is no longer a market for fiction. I can’t let statements like this go unchallenged, so I went into research mode. What did I find? Following are a sampling of the opportunities I located for you. And many of them are paying markets. You might be surprised at some of the magazines on this list. Their topics range from holistic health and antique collecting to motorcycle lifestyles and witchcraft; and from children’s fiction and sailing stories to hunting/fishing fiction and religious pieces.
I hope that, if you write fiction, you will pursue some of these leads. Why? If you are a freelance writer, publication in these magazines will give you added credibility and published clips. If you have a novel to promote, getting your fiction published in national or regional magazines can help you to create a following and sell more books.
I suggest that you visit websites for the magazines on this list that you wish to write for. Look at their Submission Guidelines (or Guidelines for Writers) and adhere to them. If they suggest that you write a modern day romantic adventure of between 900 and 1,500 words, do not send them a 3,500-word science fiction piece. If they want to receive the story copied into the body of an email, don’t attach it.
Study an issue or two of the magazine to get a clear idea of what they publish. If you have a piece that isn’t quite right for a particular magazine, try tweaking it to fit. For example, your fantasy story involving twin teens might be transformed into the story of two elderly women who have just entered into something akin to the Twilight Zone. Your piece featuring a family adventure might work for an ethnic magazine if you just change the race of the family, for example.
You’ll hear writers say that it is extremely difficult to get published these days. And it is, especially for writers who refuse to conform to each publication’s guidelines. This isn’t the time to give up. It is the perfect time to regroup, enter into serious professional mode and submit, submit, submit. Start with some of the over 20 opportunities below.
Gray’s Sporting Journal uses 20 fiction pieces per year in the 1,500 to 12,000-word range and they pay $600 to $1,000 per piece. This is a high end fishing and hunting magazine, so keep this in mind when writing for them. They want adventure, historical, humorous and slice-of-life. And all stories must relate in some way to hunting and/or fishing. Learn more at http://www.grayssportingjournal.com. (The day I was researching this site for you, the link to submission guidelines was not working. When you go there, put your cursor on “home” and you’ll see a link to “Submission Guidelines.”)
Ellen Teicher is the fiction editor for Open Spaces. And she wants to see excellent writing. She says the subject isn’t as important as is quality. They need 2,000 to 6,000-word stories and I believe they will pay in the .50 cents/word range. Check out the submission guidelines at: http://www.open-spaces.com/submissions.php. Contact Ellen here: info@open-spaces.com.
Who would have thought that Antiques and Collecting Magazine would publish fiction? The pay is $50 to $250 for historical fiction, slice-of-life vignettes or something humorous. Do you have a manuscript hiding away in your files with an antiques or collecting slant? One WPN member has a novel featuring a character who collects vintage clothes and accessories. This author might actually be able to promote her book by offering a story from her novel or by writing a fresh story and mentioning her book in the bio at the end of the piece. Learn more at: http://www.acmagazine.com. Contact the editor here: editor@acmagazine.com.
Lighthouse Digest pays $75 to $150 for fiction running up to 2,500 words. You will have a better chance of being accepted here if you submit a story featuring a maritime adventure or one that takes place in or near a lighthouse, for example. And your story could be a romance, historical, suspense, adventure, mystery and/or it could have a religious slant. Study submission guidelines and/or the magazine at http://www.lighthousedigest.com. Contact Tim Harrison at timh@lhdigest.com.
Hemispheres (an inflight magazine) uses 14 fiction manuscripts per year and they pay .50 cents/word. If you have an adventure story, ethnic, historical, mainstream, mystery, etc., consider showing it to the editors at this magazine. hemiedit@hemispheresmagazine.com. Check out their magazine at http://www.hemispheresmagazine.com.
Atlanta Magazine pays up to $2,000 for fiction of between 1,500 and 5,000 words, but you must be a Georgia writer or your story must have a Georgia theme. http://www.atlantamagazine.com.
Broken Pencil Magazine is published in Canada. They use fiction featuring slice-of-life stories, confession, erotica, ethnic, fantasy, horror, mystery, science fiction and others. And they pay $100 to $400 for 500 to 3,000 words. Contact Hal Niedzviecki at editor@brokenpencil.com. http://www.brokenpencil.com.
The editors at Boston Review want stories that are “emotionally and intellectually substantive.” You’ll find their explicit guidelines here: http://www.bostonreview.net/about/writers_guidelines. They will accept manuscripts of 1,200 to 5,000 words and pay $25 to $300. The fiction editor is Junot Diaz, review@bostonreview.net.
New York Spirit caters to the holistic health community in New York City. So keep this in mind when submitting your fiction piece to them. They’re seeking 1,000 to 3,500-word pieces within the humorous, mainstream and inspirational realms. Pay is $150. Contact info: office@nyspirit.com. Website: http://www.nyspirit.com.
Newwitch is a magazine for readers interested in earth-based, pre-Christian, shamanic and magical practitioners. Fiction submissions can include adventure, erotica, ethnic, fantasy, historical, horror, mystery, religious, romance, suspense and more. http://www.newwitch.com. editor@newwitch.com
Traders Magazine is an equity trade magazine that uses fiction within the realm of ethnic, Irish and Italian American, historical, humor, mystery, science fiction and others. You may have to email for submission guidelines: michaelscotti@sourcemedia.com. http://www.tradersmagazine.com.
Art Times uses a wide variety of literary fiction including adventure, ethnic, fantasy, historical, humor, mainstream, science fiction and contemporary. They use around ten fiction pieces per year and their pay is probably somewhere under $100 per piece.
http://www.arttimesjournal.com Contact Raymond J. Steiner at info@arttimesjournal.com
Keystone Motorcycle Press uses only two fiction pieces each year in the 500-2,500 word range. Stories must relate to motorcycles. Low pay. Contact: kmppress@aol.com
Outlaw Biker is also a low paying market—but it might be a place to get your story published. They want to see stories that relate to a biker lifestyle. They could also be flavored with adventure, erotica, fantasy, history, romance, science fiction or suspense. The editors choose ten to twelve fiction manuscripts per year in the 500 to 2,500 word range. Learn more here: http://www.outlawbiker.com. Contact: inked@skinartmag.com
Pockets is a magazine for 6 to 12 year olds. They publish fiction for this age group in the areas of adventure, ethnic, historical, general and religious. They buy 25 to 30 manuscripts per year and pay .14 cents/word. http://www.pockets.org. Contact the editor at: pockets@upperroom.org.
Shine Brightly focuses on 9 to 14 year old girls. This magazine pays only a minimal fee for fiction of 400-900 words covering realistic adventure, ethnic, historical, mystery and even appropriate romance. http://www.gemsgc.org. Contact: Christina@gemsgc.org.
Times of the Islands uses fiction related to the Caribbean, sailing and diving. Learn more here: http://www.timespub.tc
Na’Amat Woman publishes fiction and novel excerpts related to Jewish culture. They pay .10 to .20 cents/word. Contact Judith A. Sokoloff at Judith@naamat.org. http://www.naamat.org.
Catholic Forester uses humorous religious fiction of from 500 to 1,500 words. They pay .50 cents word. http://www.catholicforester.org. Contact: magazine@catholicforester.com.
Chrysalis Reader publishes adventure, fantasy, historical and science fiction pieces of 1,500 to 3,000 words. Don’t send them anything religious. http://www.swedenborg.com/chrysalis. Contact Robert Tucker here: chrysalis@hovac.com.
Tea A Magazine uses fiction that is tea related. Study the website and the magazine itself to get the flavor of this publication. http://www.teamag.com. Contact them at teamag@teamag.com.
Poker and Pool Magazine pays up to $200 for fiction. And they accept fiction in many forms: adventure, fantasy, horror, humor, mystery, suspense, western and more. http://www.pokerandpoolmagazine.com Contact: pokerandpoolmag@aol.com.
Book Promotion Opportunities
I write and speak often about getting your book reviewed. And I typically explain that there are countless opportunities to get book reviews other than the prepublication book reviews and a review in the New York Times and/or your hometown newspaper.
Many authors and publishers can’t visualize past this block. So I’m bringing something to the table this month that will possibly start the flow of thought toward the process of soliciting and landing many, many book reviews. I’m actually listing magazines that publish book reviews. Some of them review the book and some publish reviews that you submit, so read submission guidelines carefully.
Also, I urge you to select only those magazines that relate to the theme/genre of your book. Certainly, be creative in your thinking—stretch the envelope as far as you can, but let’s not be ridiculous.
Magazines That Review Books or That Publish Book Reviews
The editors at Lutheran Partners review books related to a Lutheran perspective. Query the review editor here: Lutheran.partners@elca.org. Or see if you can get the name of an editor at the website. http://www.elca.org/lutheranpartners.
The editors of Three Penny Review purchase book reviews and they pay up to $400. http://www.threepennyreview.com. See submission guidelines here: http://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html. I would read a few copies of this magazine, in particular the reviews, to get an idea of what they publish as it appears that they want critical essays about books related to politics, visual arts and so forth. If you find that your book fits in with the theme of their publication, find someone who will write a critical review of it and have them submit it.
Fine Gardening publishes reviews of books related to landscapes and ornamental gardening. My friend with the book on making succulent wreaths might be able to get her book reviewed here. Email fg@taunton.com for guidelines. Learn more about the magazine here: http://www.finegardening.com.
Military History publishes reviews for books related to this topic. There are no writer’s guidelines at the website. I recommend getting a copy of magazine and studying it. Contact militaryhistory@weiderhistorygroup.com and ask for submission guidelines with regard to book reviews. Learn more at their website: http://www.historynet.com/military-history
The editors at True West request that you send books for review to this address, True West Publishing, Inc., POB 8008, Cave Creek, AZ 85327. I would certainly study a magazine or two to see what they review. And then contact the editor, Meghan Saar with an introduction to your book and a request for permission to send it for review. Editor@twmag.com. http://www.twmag.com.
Bibliophilos is a journal of history, literature and liberal arts. The editors review a wide range of books, but they prefer books that aren’t in the mainstream. They produce one issue per year dedicated just to book reviews. I suggest writing or calling to ask for a copy of their magazine (they do not have Internet access). There is no information about when this review issue is produced. Get a copy of this magazine, which they bill as a journal of history, literature and the liberal arts. Bibliophilos, 200 Security Building, Fairmont, WV 26554. 304-366-8107.
The Network Journal is a professional and small business magazine for and about blacks. They accept book reviews of from 700-800 words related to the theme of their magazine. Contact: editors@tnj.com. http://www.tnj.com.
Celebrate Life. This magazine is about pro-life education and human interest. They strive to educate pro-life individuals and inspire, encourage and motivate activities related to pro-life. If you have a book that could accomplish this, the editors may be interested in reviewing it. Contact the editor with a letter of introduction and ask if they would like you to send a review copy or if they want you to provide a review. Jessica Kenney clmag@all.org. (I double checked this email address and it appears to be correct.) http://www.clmagazine.org
Perdido is a magazine that covers leadership and management. The editors want to know about books related to organizations. Susan Daffron (our president) has a book on fundraising ideas for humane and animal rescue groups. They may actually be interested in reviewing a book like hers. They pay for book reviews, so it sounds as if they want you to provide the review. Keep it in the area of 750 to 900 words. http://www.perdidomagazine.com. Contact Mary Rundell-Holmes at editor@hightidepress.com.
Yes! Magazine uses reviews of between 500 and 800 words. And they’ll pay $20 to $300. This magazine covers politics and world affairs; contemporary culture, nature, conservation and ecology. If your book fits in with any of these themes, consider submitting a review. As I suggested before, ask someone to write a review for you. If there’s money involved, they’ll probably be glad to do it. http://www.yesmagazine.org. submissions@yesmagazine.org
Keystone Motorcycle Press uses book reviews on books related to the motorcycle industry, personalities within the industry, national events and products. They also use book excerpts. Kmppress@aol.com
The Beaver (soon to become Canada’s History) publishes book reviews and plan to do more in the future. If your book relates to Canadian history, be sure to check out their review copy submission guidelines at http://www.thebeaver.ca.
Magazines that use Book Excerpts
While most excerpt requests are for nonfiction, I actually located one magazine that uses excerpts from novels. (See the next listing.) But keep in mind that you can use a story from your novel as a fiction submission for a variety of magazines. See the list I posted under “Opportunities for Fiction Writers.”
NaAmat Woman is looking for excerpts from literary novels with Jewish content. http://www.naamat.org. Contact Judith A. Sokoloff at Judith@naamat.org.
Autopilot Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for aviation enthusiasts. The stories focus on pilots specifically in Alabama, Georgia, Florida and the Mid-Atlantic. They want stories related to a pilot’s lifestyle. And they do use book excerpts. A former Florida pilot who wrote his memoir may earn $100 for 500-900 words from his book. http://www.autopilotmagazine
Modernism Magazine relates to 20th century design, architecture and decorative arts. The editors are interested in the arts and the people involved. They’re also interested in book excerpts that fit into this niche. Contact Andrea Truppin at andrea@modernismmagazine.com. http://www.modernismmagazine.com
Parenting Magazine seeks book excerpts related to child development/behavior and health. They use how-to/self-help pieces as well as personal experiences. This is a high paying market, but you’d better make sure that you’ve targeted their audience and filled a need with your excerpt. Study a couple of magazines and then go here for more information, http://www.parenting.com.
Shepherd Express uses 200 manuscripts per year, so there is a good chance of getting in if your book covers their interests, which are news and arts from progressive and hip perspectives. Study the magazine and then study their website. http://www.shepherd-express.com. Contact the editors here: editor@shepherd-express.com.
Kaleidoscope is for people and agencies that help others with disabilities. Books should be related to this theme. http://www.udsakron.org/kaleidoscope.htm. Although, we’ve established that books of fiction are not necessarily conducive to excerpts, you might sell a story from your book to a magazine like this. Contact Mildred Shiplett at: mshiplett@udsakron.org.
The Polishing Stone relates to whole foods, quality life, alternative health, earth-friendly products, mindful parenting, etc. If your book focuses on recycling or organic gardening, for example, they might be interested in using an excerpt. http://www.polishingstone.org submissions@polishingstone.com.
Outside uses 300 manuscripts/year and pays $1.50 to $2.00 word, so you could make some money on your excerpt. Make sure your book and your excerpt relates to an active lifestyle—travel is one of their topics of interest. This magazine covers the people, sports, activities, politics, art, literature and hardware of the out of doors. It also reports on events, regional activities, profiles of people doing outdoor activities, engaging outdoor characters, environmental issues and they publish seasonal material. Your book on extreme sports for the grammar school crowd might have appropriate excerpts you could share. Maybe your book explains how to prevent injuries in youth sports, has a section on botanical gardens throughout the US or it features summertime family activities. Your excerpts might be eagerly accepted by the editors of Outside. Submission guidelines http://outside.away.com/system/guidelines.html
Delicious Living focuses on natural products, alternative medicines, nutrition and the articles and columns support health conscious choices. If your book falls into this niche, consider offering them a book excerpt. Learn more about this magazine at http://www.deliciouslivingmag.com.
Mamm Magazine is all about cancer prevention, treatment and survival for women. They publish excerpts from books on similar topics. And they pay anywhere from $100 to $3,000 for 200 to 3,000 words. http://www.mamm.com. Contact the editor at editorial@mamm.com.
The folks at Muscle and Fitness Magazine purchase 120 manuscripts per year, including book excerpts on topics related to bodybuilding, health, fitness, sports and nutrition for men and women who are interested in bodybuilding. http://www.muscle-fitness.com.
Because the editors at Shape Magazine seek articles by professionals, they are interested in excerpts from your book if it relates to health, fitness and nutrition for women ages 18-34. I have a client with a book on natural beauty aids and recipes. She could probably sell the editors of this magazine excerpts from her book. http://shapemag.com.
FamilyFun uses book excerpts related to activities, crafts, cooking and so forth enjoyed by families. If your book features earth-friendly activities and crafts for children, this magazine may be interested in publishing an excerpt. They use articles of from 850 to 3,000 words and pay $1.25/word. http://www.familyfun.com. And what a great place to run your excerpt—their circulation is over two million!
Wealth Manager uses book excerpts related to the interests of financial advisors. This magazine plays $1.50/word and they publish articles of from 1,500 to 3,000 words. Learn more here: http://www.wealthmanagermag.com.
Opportunities for Photographers
Do you like outdoor photography? You might enjoy working for Outside Magazine. They are always seeking outdoor shots related to practically anything—sports, art, politics, literature and outdoor hardware. Learn more here: http://outside.away.com/system/guidelines.html
American History uses pictorial features on artists, photographers and graphic subjects. http://www.historynet.com.
National Geographic Kids seeks excellent photos. Contact Jay Sumner, photo director at 1145 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036. I didn’t find the website useful.
Job Opportunities
Barron’s Educational Series, Inc. has opened its doors to a few new employees. They’re in need of a marketing manager, managing editor/traffic manager and a digital and electronic content editor test prep. Write to the Human Resources department and ask for job descriptions. hr@barronseduc.com. Website: http://www.barronseduc.com.
Tachyon Publications is seeking book designers and artists—that’s cover designers, illustrators and layout people. http://www.tachyonpublications.com. Or contact them at tachyon@tachyonpublications.com.
Going, Going, Gone
Mike’s Writing Newsletter, produced by Mike Geffner, has gone out of business.
Write Success Newsletter has folded
Art on Paper is taking a break—may be back.
The Beat has quit publishing.
Lola hasn’t been publishing for very long and it’s already folding.
Veterinary Technician has quit their print publication, but will continue online.
East West will close.
Step by Step Beads ceased publication
Resources for Authors and Freelance Writers
Are you interested in starting your own online magazine? If so, I have found what looks like a really hot deal for you. E. P. Ned Burke has produced a book promising step-by-step instructions for starting an online magazine and he is offering it at a deep discount. In fact, he has bundled this $37 book with 4 bonus books and is asking $17 for the whole bundle. Check it out at http://www.onlinemagazinepublisher.com.
Have you heard of the Vook? You’ve gotta go check it out here: http://vook.com/vook.php. You can actually see how it works. What is a Vook? According to the site, it is a new innovation in reading that blends a book, video and the power of the Internet into a single story. You can read, watch videos that enhance the story and connect with authors or your friends through social media all on one screen without switching between platforms. And you can do this on your computer screen or using a handheld device. Woman’s Day is using this concept with a new cookbook (which they refer to as a “cookvook”).
Are you familiar with the Redroom? At http://www.redroom.com/clubs/writing-publishing-and-marketing.books, you can join with other writers and authors in discussions and other activities. From what I can tell, membership is free. If you wish to have more privileges, such as promoting yourself and your books through this site, you can purchase a premium membership for $250/year.
WPN member Bobbi Florio Graham and Cassel Network of Writers have partnered to create a new Facebook Fan group called Freelancers Working Together. This is where freelance writers worldwide can share news, information, grips and suggestions to help one another in these difficult times. Check it out at http://tunyurl.com/ylhrmg9
If you learn about an opportunity or resource that would be useful to our members, please let me know: Patricia@spawn.org.
Likewise, if you have suggestions or recommendations for the direction and scope of the WPN Market Update, let me know: Patricia@spawn.org.