Thursday, January 22, 2009

A challenge

It was interesting to read the many responses to my post on submitting yesterday.

Something I have heard not only here but in my writers group when I ask about sending off an article or story is "I have a few things written but haven't found where to send it yet."

Again--this is my opinion only--I've found that first you find a place and a topic to submit to--then you write the article. Trying to fit a story to a place as is is a bigger challenge. On occasion, for a contest or just because I get lucky, I've been able to use something I've already written. But it usually includes a quick edit or rewrite before I submit.

Having said that--I'm offering a challenge today for those of you who need a little kick, helping hand or slight push.

I'm going to list three random places that take all of about five minutes or less to submit to if you have something already written that you can fix up. Otherwise, it might take a day or so should you have nothing but when I say a day--I mean a few hours with a day to take another look before sending.

1. Chicken Soup They have a book of miracles coming out. I picked this one first not because I like to write for them but because their submission process is soooo easy. A paying market of $200 and 10 free books.

2. Memoir Here's a contest that is so easy and free to submit to also. Everyone can write a short memoir about a significant event in their life. A suggestion--if no word count is listed then stick to about 750 words. It amazes me too how some writers write these long essays and hope they will again fit somewhere. Prizes.

3.JournEzine This is an online site that doesn't pay but they have a list of general topics to choose from for each month. BUT they have a another book coming out soon and they are still taking submissions for that too.

Finally, if you are unsure about something and want another pair of eyes, feel free to email me and I will be happy to help if I can.

So. . . step away from the blogger site and start writing!!

16 comments:

KelliGirl said...

Ok! OK! You win! I will pick one of these and get going. I'll let you know if I make any progress.
:-)

Thanks for this!
Kelli

LisaShaw said...

Thank you for this information.

Angie Ledbetter said...

You're always so sweet to share resources and links.

Revising a poem to submit right now. Want to have it sent before the weekend arrives.

Jennifer Taylor said...

Great information. And yes, everything usually has to be tweaked because every editor is different and what they want is different--sometimes even at the same house or magazine.

Jessica Nelson said...

I wish I wrote articles, but my brain freezes up when I try to think of something.
These are great links and I hope they help someone!

Jenni James said...

Ooh! I have a great miracle story! Hmm.. maybe I'll look at throwing it together! Thanks! Jenni

Vickie said...

Taking a step and will let you know.

Thanks for the push.

Vickie

Kathryn Magendie said...

I am one of those "write it and they will come" writer s *laughing* -- although I have written FOR something particular - esp when I was writing columns and restaurant reviews. But, I do research to see where the story or essay will fit and not just send it willy nilly!

There's also those "cup of comfort" books - like the chicken soup, sort of...they have themes as well!

Janna Leadbetter said...

More great links. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy writing stories for Chicken Soup but the response time seems a little long. But I still send them in anyway. I will definitely check out the others. Thanks Terri for sharing...getting out work to revise and send off...Yayyy!

D. Gudger said...

another source to consider for freelancing are those info sites on the web. I just got a gig with www.examiner.com - it's a resource for major metro areas. It looks for "experts" across the broadest range of knowledge I've ever seen! I am the outdoor recreation examiner for Denver. Pay comes from traffic. I'm discovering some of the examiner's articles end up being cited in Reuter's and other web based info databases.
There are a bunch of them out there. I found this on Craig's list for my region.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Excellent article! I might check out that Memoir market. :)

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Congratulations! I've given you the Premio-Dardas award. Check out my blog post tomorrow for the details.

I always find valuable information and lots of inspiration here.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Stonefox said...

Terri, you are great! Thanks for this!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Thanks, I will look into these today! Also, praying for your husband's safe return and the reunion therein.

Always such a sweet time...

peace~elaine

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

I just love how you keep encouraging others to get in there and 'just write'. Thanks for the ideas and tips!

May the blessings come back hundredfold!

BTW, I am tagging you for an award today (Wed).