In this Issue:
Up and Coming Programs
New Dues Payments
Good News from Members
Amazon Demands Titles Be Published by Amazon
Kudos to Helen Gallagher!
Thanks to Helen Gallagher for a great program last week, providing MWA members with many useful tips on Web sites, marketing and blogging. In addition, several nonmembers and potential members attended.
Up and Coming Programs
Chicago Headline Club is hosting two free programs for media types looking for work. They are Wednesday, April 9, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Oak Park Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park and Tuesday, April 22, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Community Media Workshop, Columbia College, Suite 201, 619 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago. Panelists include public relations professionals who do a variety of PR work, some of whom transitioned from the news into PR and have great advice. For more information, contact: Kathy Catrambone, Chicago Headline Club executive director, chc.kathy@gmail.com.
MWA already has its Fall opening program in place. Nationally known public speaking expert and author Pat McWard will pass along great tips on how to orally sell your material, writing, ideas, etc. Thursday, Sept. 18. We'll be back at Hackney's on Lake. Mark your calendar to save the date.
We're talking about putting together an advanced computer resource/internet usage workshop. Please e-mail Meta Levin at meta.levin@comcast.net or Jodie Jacobs at jodie_jacobs@sbcglobal.net to indicate your interest and whether you would prefer a summer or fall workshop.
We’re Collecting Dues
Meta Levin, who has temporarily taken over the treasurer’s job from Elliott (thank you Elliott for staying past your term), has began collecting 2008 dues. Our new member fee is still $30 (those who joined and paid that within the past six months are covered for 2008). The newly approved annual member's fee is $25. Please make the check out to Midwest Writers Association and send that to Meta Levin, 420 Evanston Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044. Deadline is June 1 to be included in our new membership book and updated website.
Good News from Members
MWA members Jim and Lynda O'Connor will be appearing on the Chicago Headline Club's April 9 Looking for Work panel. O’Connor Communications in Lake Forest has been in public relations since 1989. The firm helps companies gain new customers and increase their sales through targeted media exposure and other marketing programs. Its publicity work includes feature stories, case histories, TV and radio interviews, new product releases and press kits. The firm also offers clients other services such as Web site content, crisis communications plans, special event planning and speech writing. Jim and Lynda promote the work of authors and are writers themselves of books, essays, features, business articles and marketing literature.
Hal Higdon announces the publication of two books. One is The Gigantic Book of Running Quotations, part of a series of oversized books by Skyhorse Publishing. The book includes quotes on running from William Shakespeare to Lewis Carroll to Higdon himself. Hal admits that he did not gather the quotes, but wrote the introduction to the book and introductions to its 15 sections.
The second book, more than 40 years old, The Union vs. Dr. Mudd, is about the doctor who set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. If you saw the film National Treasure, you may recall Nicholas Cage making a comment connecting Dr. Mudd to the phrase, "his name is mud." Good publicity, but Hal claims that the phrase was part of the common language well before the Civil War. The Union vs. Dr. Mudd was his first book, published in 1964, now reprinted by the University Press of Florida. "After being convicted of a crime he probably did not commit, Dr. Mudd was imprisoned in Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas off the coast of Florida, thus the Florida connection," says Hal. Congratulations, Hal .
Editor's note: Please e-mail any events, work opportunities or news you want sent to MWA members to mtemking967@aol.com. Thanks!
Amazon Demands Titles Be Published by Amazon
In the last few days, Amazon has confirmed that as of April 1, it is requiring on-demand authors and independent on-demand publishing houses to have their titles printed through Amazon's own on-demand facilities, Booksurge -- or they won't be sold on Amazon. The big red buy-it button will go away.
ASJA is investigating the situation and the possibility of joining any protest actions within the industry. We will keep you informed. In the meantime, we suggest you read the material on the links below and consider signing the two petitions, one of which asks the Washington State Attorney General's office to investigate this action in light of restraint-of-trade laws. (If you live in Washington state, please take particular note of this.) The other petition basically tells Amazon "We noticed. We don't like it."
[Note: if you are interested in joining an ad-hoc committee on this situation, please write me at VP@asja.org]
Wall Street Journal story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120667525724970997.html
Writer's Weekly page -- information clearinghouse: http://www.writersweekly.com/the_latest_from_angelahoycom/004597_03272008.html
Petition to stop Booksurge requirement: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/protectPOD/?e
Petition to the Washington State Attorney General: http://www.amazontroopsurge.com/2008/04/write-government-about-amazons-illegal.html
Mira T
Approved Operating Changes (March, '08)
Midwest Writers approved keeping dues for new members at $30 and yearly membership dues to $25. Dues cover speakers, workshops, website and any paperwork or communications to be distributed. Date for dues collection will be announced later.
Did you know...you can find old websites that are no longer live at www.archive.org?
Watch your emails for upcoming summer/fall programs.
Any news of interest to the Midwest Writers Association, please email to mtemkin967@aol.com.
Mira H.Temkin
3022 Lexington Lane, Highland Park, IL 60035
847-433-2109
FAX: 847-433-2134
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Past newsletters, for flavor of membership communications, sample of MWA activities, and news that remains of interest to writers, members or otherwise.
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June 8, 2006
President’s memo to all members
Tuesday night was our final meeting before the summer break. Our vice president, Mary Jane Bezark graciously arranged for critic and author Howard Reich to entertain and enrich our members. He was great and everyone enjoyed the program.
We will be back in the fall with more meetings. We need more networking, schmoozing, hot tips, cold hard facts, speakers who teach and speakers who tell, discussions about markets and panels of prognosticators pointing to the Next Big Thing. We want to learn more about how to pitch ideas, catch assignments and slide in under the deadline.
We’ll be looking for ideas from all the members to keep our organization vital. Virtually all our ideas for meetings this year came from board members. There is an unfilled board position called “program chairman.” If that position remains unfilled, then program ideas will have to come directly from the membership. Everybody knows somebody who knows something we should know.
We had a good year and let’s remember July is the dues paying month. Get your checks into Elliott McCleary (2747 Meadowlark Ln., Evanston, IL 60201) by July 15 to meet our fiscal year responsibility. You don’t want to miss any of the action when we kick into gear once again in the fall.
Have a great summer.
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MWA Newsletter May 3, 2006
Dear MWA members and Mail-listed Non-members
Great Copyright and Fair Use Meeting
We just had a super meeting about copyright and fair use questions conducted by our resident JD, Rich Schell.
Attendance was strictly SRO with a great spread provided by the members and a few goodies chipped in from our treasury under the flinty eye of Elliot McCleary.
For an hour, Rich sat among us and presented his handout “10 Things Writers Should Know About Copyright Law.” He was thoroughly pelted with questions from the members. Just a week earlier, the Society of Midland Authors had a similar program hosted by another attorney. Like Rich, he sited case law where unthinking, unknowing souls made innocent assumptions and ended up in orange jumpsuits. Thanks Rich for the first class presentation.
It’s a litigious world out there.
These are the kind of programs – useful ones – that we want to present each year at the members-only meetings where, besides gorging on really good munchies and appropriate beverages, we actually learn stuff from each other, swap leads and tell the usual lies. It’s fun.
We’re looking for ideas, suggestions, threats, whatever for the next meeting. Get involved so MWA can offer you more than onion rings. Missing informational meetings like this last one can cost you more than the gas fill-up to get to Highland Park. We want to thank Mira Temkin for the use of her charming home and Julie Kramer for helping out with MWA good eats. If you were ever moved to join MWA, now's the time.
Member News:
Cynthia Clampitt writes:
I thought you'd be interested to know that I'm the new food history writer
for Hungry Magazine. It pays next to nothing, but I get bylines, and right
now, that matters a lot. If you like reading (and hearing -- they do a lot
of podcasts) about food and chefs, you might want to subscribe (it's free).
For May 3 and 4, my story will be the "front page" story, but it will then
move to the archives, which can be accessed by clicking on the Food History
link under Features.
Here's the URL: http://www.hungrymag.com/
IWOC Meeting News from Noreen Kelly
MAY 2006 CALENDAR LISTING
Independent Writers of Chicago: "Web Sites: the Ultimate Marketing Tool for Freelance Writers"
Panel discussion includes writers Lisa Holton, head of The Lisa Co. in Evanston, Ill., and Amy Lillard, principal of AmyLillard.com, who will extol the benefits of having a web site to promote freelance business.
Tuesday, May 9th
Chicago Athletic Assn., 7th Floor Lakeshore Room
12 S. Michigan Ave.
Program 6 p.m. Networking 5 p.m.
Nonmembers, $15; IWOC members free.
For more information, call 847-855-6670 or visit http://www.iwoc.org
One Good Turn...
Gerry Souter has signed a contract with Parkstone International publishers to write a biography of the artist, Edward Hopper. The success of Souter’s biography, Frida Kahlo - Beneath the Mirror, prompted the London-based publishing house to make the offer. "Like Frida," Souter said, "Hopper led an angst-ridden life. The geometry and solidity of his paintings and etchings belie his deeply personal problems that often burst into rage and dropped him into depression. And as with Frida, the writing style calls for a page-turner approach rather than the traditional march though his life and art. Janet and I are going to the WhitneyMuseum in New York on May 5, the largest single repository of his art and writings.
How about your member news? Books, articles, promotions…Let us know for the next newsletter.
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Midwest Writers Association
Newsletter
January 31, 2006
Our Next Open Meeting at Hackney’s Restaurant
Thursday, February 16, 2006
6-9 p.m.
Hackney’s on Lake in Glenview
1514 East Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL
(1/2 block east of Waukegan Rd. on the north side of Lake Ave.)
Price: Members: $16 Non-members: $21
The Meeting will be held upstairs in the Wassail Room
“Ditch the Writing Rut and Branch Out”
Our guest speaker will be
Non-fiction Author, Fiction Author, Short Story Author, Screenplay Author
Jay Bonansinga
Jay Bonansinga is a multitalented author who has written nonfiction books, such as The Sinking of the Eastland: America’s Forgotten Tragedy; authored thrillers, such as Oblivion and Frozen; collaborated on screenplays for films such as “Pet Sematary” and “Night of the Living Dead”; written short stories and other material. His after-dinner talk, followed by a Q&A session, will focus on why writers need to enhance their skills and to branch out from inhibiting specialty areas, extending their efforts into new directions for fun and profit.
There will be a cash bar. Reservations are required; the deadline is Feb. 13.
Contact Julie Kramer, jkramer229@aol.com.
A Word from the President
Starting a new year is a great time to shed some old baggage and pump up our writing skills. The word “platform” has recently insinuated itself into every writer/editor, writer/publisher and writer/writer conversation. For those of us who still think a platform is where you wait for the train, the term has morphed into meaning expertise in a subject area achieved through publishing many works (or one hugely successful work) in that subject area. The writer then becomes the go-to person for books on: Poisonous Snakes, Civil War Generals, Deciduous trees, or, in my case, Toy Trains. What saved me from becoming “platformed” was the fact that there are only so many books to be written about toy trains. After six, Janet, my co-author wife and I were bled out. Jay Bonansinga, our guest speaker once fed his family with a “platform” as a corporate speech and multi-media writer. Now, he is the happiest of men, indulging his muse wherever he wishes to dip his pen. Join the anarchy. Send off those poems in the box under the bed. Recover those notes on that stage play from beneath the 2004 Yellow Pages on the corner of your desk. Finish Chapter 26 of that novel. It’s a new year.
Gerry Souter
President
MWA News and Stuff
Independent Writers of Chicago Meeting News
Independent Writers of Chicago: “How to Love Your Computer.” A reliable computer is one way to make a writer’s life less stressful. Computer expert and owner of consulting firm, 312-543-4427.com, Jeremiah F. Bransfield offers writers easy-to-follow advice and solutions on how to maintain a secure, smooth-running PC. Tuesday, February 14. Chicago Athletic Club’s 7th Floor Lakeshore Room, 12 S. Michigan Ave. Program 6 p.m.
Networking 5 p.m. Nonmembers, $15; IWOC members free. For more information, call 847-855-6670 or visit www.iwoc.org.
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COMPUTER GURU JERRY BRANSFIELD ADVISES INDEPENDENT WRITERS OF CHICAGO (IWOC) HOW TO LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER WITH THEIR COMPUTERS
On most days, the relationship between writer and computer is a loving one. But like any relationship, it can have its down times. Maintaining a healthy PC takes nurturing. According to computer expert Jeremiah F. (Jerry) Bransfield, that’s easy to do – even for the most techno-phobic among us. At the next IWOC meeting on February 14th (Valentine’s Day), Bransfield will be advising writers on “How to Love Your Computer,” offering his theories on the best ways to achieve computer reliability.
“You just need to provide your PC with a little TLC, and engage in a few important preventive measures,” says Bransfield, owner of the Chicago-based computer consulting company, 312-543-4427.com. In his presentation, he will divulge those measures, which include how to properly set up and network a computer, solutions for common computer problems and ways to counteract security issues, such as spam, viruses and spyware. Bransfield will also discuss recommendations on the best programs for professional writers and the future of WiFi. The program will conclude with a Q&A session.
The IWOC meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 14th, at the Chicago Athletic Club’s 7th Floor Lakeshore Room, 12 S. Michigan Ave. Networking begins at 5 p.m. The main program is at 6 p.m. Admission is free to IWOC professional members; $5 to associate members, and $15 to nonmembers. Following the meeting, attendees are invited to go to a nearby restaurant for a buy-your-own dinner to further discuss Roundtable topics or to continue networking. For more information, call 847-855-6670 or visit www.iwoc.org.
IWOC is a nonprofit professional association of freelance writers who work primarily throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. IWOC members serve large corporations, small businesses, and not-for-profit organizations; together they represent a broad range of writing talents and specialties.
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IWOC News Courtesy of Jodie Jacobs, MWA
April 5, 2005
Our Next Open Meeting at Hackney’s Restaurant
Writing for the Educational Market”
6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Hackney’s on Lake in Glenview
1514 East Lake Avenue
Glenview, IL
(1/2 block east of Waukegan R. on the north side of Lake Ave.)
Price: Members: $16 Non-members: $21
RSVP by Sunday, April 17: raeannberman@aol.com
Learn how you can tap into the rewarding educational market—a market that is hungry for good freelance writers and editors.
Meet:
Linda Wolf is the President of Network Publishing Partners, Inc., a company that provides editorial services, including writing, copy editing, and proofreading, of ancillary student and teacher materials to the grade K-6 educational textbook industry. Network has worked for more than 16 years exclusively with professional freelancers. Network also does some design and development work, though the company’s primary business is editorial services. Network looks for writers who are professional, experienced, and dedicated to excellence, but they do pull in writers who are new to elementary publishing from time to time and pair them up with a more experienced mentor on their writing teams.
Seva Johnson is the Editorial Director of Anthology, Inc., an educational-focused, full-service development house in the northwest suburbs. Seva, who founded Anthology’s editorial services department in 2003, served for ten years as the director of publishing and marketing for the American Bar Association (ABA) Division for Public Education and, before that, for thirteen years as a senior editor, educational publications manager, and finally editorial director of World Book’s largest division, Educational Products. She is member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Association of Educational Publishers. She has created and produced products for all major subject areas, developing several award-winning products in the process. Anthology’s busy schedule means they have an ongoing need for freelance writers and editors, as well as other publishing professionals.
Cynthia Clampitt is a writer, editor, and photographer who has worked for more than 20 years in educational publishing, both on staff and as a freelancer. She has worked for nearly every major educational publisher, including Scott Foresman, Glencoe/McGraw Hill, Prentice Hall, Holt, McDougal Littell, Harcourt Brace, HarperCollins, Riverside, and Southwestern Educational Publishing. She has worked at grade levels ranging from fifth grade through college, and on virtually every kind of educational product, including student texts, teacher’s guides, leveled readers, state-specific books, ancillaries, and on-line materials, focusing primarily on social studies, history, geography, and literature.
Gerry and Janet Souter, writers for their company Avril 1 Group, Inc., have been publishing books for 10 years. They entered the education market in 2002 through a book development house, writing five biographies on American Presidents for grades 5-8. Working with development houses (or “packagers”) to produce supplementary school texts allows writers to work on books for an up-front fee on subjects within their platforms and build relationships with houses who service a number of publishers. The Souters are beginning their third series of books for young people, this set on careers in the Department of Homeland Security.
Today’s educational publishers rarely develop products in-house. Instead, they send writing assignments to development houses, publishing networks, and individual freelancers. The development houses and publishing networks rely on their lists of writing and editorial freelancers to get large projects done on increasingly tight schedules. Learn what it takes to get into educational publishing, what skills you need and the types of projects that you might encounter. Find out what it takes to touch the future.
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Letter from our President
Dear Fellow MWA Members
I hope that you are enjoying the first days of spring and that we will see you at the April 20 open meeting as we learn about Writing for the Education Market (more information elsewhere in this e-newsletter).
As the weather began to improve, the MWA Board of Directors met to wrestle with some questions regarding the organization’s future. Don’t despair, we definitely want to continue to be an important part of the nonfiction writing community, but we have made a few changes.
We decided to restructure the meeting schedule slightly. Instead of four open meetings and an indeterminate number of member-only meetings, we will have three open and three member-only meetings annually. One open meeting program chair will oversee three volunteers, each of whom will organize and plan one of the open meetings. We also will have a member-only meeting committee. Member-only meetings will alternate between guest speakers (who can be members) and general sharing and networking under a specific topic. We will try to save some of the juicier topics for the member-only meetings, and will make it clear to guest speakers for both open and member-only meetings that we are professionals, but will warn them that we often get inexperienced writers at our open meetings.
Calendar year: Several years ago we changed our calendar year from September through the end of August to January through December. For a number of reasons the board voted to return to the previous arrangement.
Nominating Committee: We are organizing a nominating committee and have asked several board members and others to serve. Elliott McCleary has volunteered to continue on as treasurer and Cynthia Clampitt as membership chair. We will send out the slate via e-mail to all members.
Building our image: Not enough professional nonfiction freelance writers know about MWA. Thus we are creating a new MWA job: “image builder.” One or two people will be asked to help us find ways to promote MWA in the writing community.
Membership requirements: In the last several years we have garnered an increasing number of members who may have authored one book, but are not professional writers. We also have had candidates who have presented writing samples of questionable quality. We are an organization of professional nonfiction freelancer writers and editors, and our current by-laws do state that the prospective members must have been paid for their work. We discussed what kind of standards for membership we wanted to have. In the short term we have decided to add a question to the membership application covering whether or not the applicant earns a percentage of his or her living through writing. In the future we will consider some reasonable ways of vetting the writing for professional quality.
Recruiting new members: We are looking for ways to “get the word out” to the writing community. In that vein, we are encouraging members to bring a friend to open meetings, and are asking our members with contacts at the various newspapers to suggest a feature on MWA.
Printer’s Row Book Fair: We will not participate in the Printer’s Row Book Fair this year. Last year MWA Printer’s Row Book Fair Chair Jodie Jacobs found it an almost overwhelming task to recruit members willing to staff the booth.
Reaching out: We saw the Printer’s Row Book Fair as one way to reach out to the writing community. There are others. With that in mind we decided to concentrate on outreach programs in bookstores, libraries, and other venues, such as extension or community schools offered by many high schools or colleges. Many of you know that we have presented two panel discussions at the Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Old Orchard. Both were well received. Jodie Jacobs will chair the outreach committee. As we envision it, each of these programs will involve one or more of our members and will cover a specific topic concerning writing. This is a win-win-win situation: MWA gets regular publicity, the venues get a valuable (and free) program, and the participating members get free publicity. One of the more popular suggestions involved a “Writing Life” presentation for bookstores and libraries during which we would promote books already on their shelves that we regularly use, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, Elements of Style, the AP Stylebook, and others. Obviously there are other possibilities.
We are open to comments and suggestions, so please let us know what you think. After all, this is your organization.
Thank you and we hope to see you on April 20.
Sincerely,
Meta
Meta L. Levin
MWA President
Summary of the February 24 Open Meeting Program
Self-Publishing – Another Option?
By Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Jim Kepler, Richard Schell and Caryn Amster spoke at the Midwest Writers Association February 24 meeting, each sharing a very different aspect of the publishing world.
Jim Kepler
MWA member Jim Kepler is a writer and publisher, who owns Adams Press with his wife, Anne, and a son who does their design and typesetting work. “This has always been a home-based, mom and pop company,” he says. He “publishes those who choose to self-publish” in runs of as small as 100. According to Kepler, the time frame for getting a book into print is shorter when someone self-publishes and books do have a life beyond one publication. As an example, he cited his After 50 Pharmacy book, written with his wife, originally to create more business for their writing. It has seen iterations in paperback, hard cover and large type. He also discussed Fire! Survival and Prevention, which he ghost wrote. Originally intended to be distributed as a premium, packaged with smoke detectors, alarms and extinguishers, it later was picked up by the Literary Guild.
However, Kepler says writers must watch out for the four letter word that most plagues writers: SELL. “You need to sell your book,” he says. “This means that editors are interested in what marketing assistance – or platforms -- you can offer. You have to tell the world about the book and help to sell it yourself.”
Richard Schell
“Publishing is not about money but about gambling with ink,” says Richard Schell, who not only is a writer, but also an attorney and entrepreneur. “If you self- publish, you need to fulfill the orders yourself as well as writing and marketing the book.” He advises would-be self-publishers to consider the break-even point. This means how many copies have to be written, printed, sold and shipped to make money.
Caryn Amster
A former marketing expert, coach and professional speaker, five years ago Caryn Amster admits she knew nothing of self-publishing. She attended a seminar conducted by Mark Vincent Hansen of Chicken Soup for the Soul fame, where she met hundreds of writers, publishers and those who self-publish. At the seminar, she learned some of the right questions to ask.
Amster advises, “Write your marketing plan while you write your book. Consider your target markets. This does not, however, include everyone who reads.” Some of the markets she cites as targets for her true crime book The Pied Piper of the South Shore: Toys and Tragedy in Chicago, include old toy collectors, true crime aficionados, Chicago history buffs, former residents of Chicago’s South Shore neighborhoods, Sisters in Crime (an association authors, readers, publishers, agents, booksellers and librarians bound by an affection for the mystery genre and support of women who write mysteries) and other crime buffs.
Amster found a cover designer who lived on the South Shore and drew the neighborhood icon toyshop from memory. She worked with an award-winning copy editor and found a distributor – but still carries caseloads of books in the trunk of her car.
“A publisher will market your book for a month,” Amster said. “No matter whether you produce a book via conventional publishing, print on demand, or via self-publishing, you must promote your own book.”
She urges authors to become proficient speakers so they can discuss their book with a variety of audiences, and suggests Toastmasters for assistance if needed.
More Information
The speakers also mentioned that ISBN numbers may only be purchased in blocks of 10; the fee is around $230.
Other nuggets of advice and information provided by the speakers included:
· If you publish with a royalty publisher, make sure your contract allows you to
sell your own books.
· When printing on your own, after 500 copies, they can be printed digitally on
an Oce or Docutech machine.
· After 500 copies, it is cheaper to print on an offset printing setup.
· Investigate if a printer will allow you to do short runs.
· You need to print 50 to100 books at a time.
· Be aware that if you self-publish, unless you make other arrangements, you do
your own order fulfillment.
For additional information, in addition to obtaining more information on our speakers via the MidwestWriters.com website, these speakers also can be reached via the following tools:
Richard Schell, JD, can be contacted via Richschellcareer@hotmail.com.
Jim Kepler can be reached via jkepler@kelplerassociates.com, or via his websites: www.keplerassociates.com and www.adamspress.com.
Caryn Amster can be reached via caryn@CMAPublishing.net or www.chicagospiedpiper.com.
Medical Editing and Writing Needed
Jennifer Murtoff <jmurtoff@navtaassociates.com>
Subject: medical editing/writing
I'm currently working on some networking to find medical writers/editors for
college-level textbooks and ancillary programs and wondering if you know
someone who fits the bill.
Some of the topics we are looking at include anatomy and physiology, medical
assistance, massage therapy, medical terminology, phlebotomy, etc.
Jennifer Murtoff
Manuscript Preparation Department Manager
Navta Associates
1000 W. Diversey, Ste. 233
Chicago, IL 60614
(V) 773-327-4004
(F) 773-327-4191
jmurtoff@navtaassociates.com
Career consultant advises the Independent Writers of Chicago (IWOC) how to create a resume that sells
CONTACT: NOREEN KELLY (312-988-7562)
Freelance writers like to let their work speak for itself. But there are times when writers must also sell themselves. So what can writers do to stand out amid the competition for existing writing assignments? Find out at the next IWOC meeting on Tuesday, April 12th, when Cathleen M. Hunt, career consultant will be presenting her program, "Resumes That Sell Your Writing," Hunt will explain what information about one’s experience and life’s work to include in such promotional resumes, and what should be left out.
"Creating a resume specifically targeting the freelance writing market should be one of the major tools in the writers’ arsenal," says Cathleen M. Hunt, a professional career consultant and owner of Write Works, a professional resume writing firm based in Chicago’s Portage Park neighborhood.
According to Hunt, many writers include too much information in promoting themselves, making it harder for prospective work providers to find what they need to know to determine a writer’s fit for the job. During her presentation, Hunt will share her criteria for selecting the most pertinent data; then explain how arrange it in an enticing and easy-to-read format so that the resume works like a magnet in attracting paying assignments. Much of this information is condensed from the seminars Hunt stages at schools and job fairs.
The meeting will take place at The Feltre School, 22 West Erie. Networking begins at 5 p.m., the program at 6 p.m. No charge to IWOC members, $15 for nonmembers. Plan to stay for a buy-your-own-dinner afterward at a nearby restaurant. For additional information or to learn more about IWOC, call 847-855-6670 or visit www.iwoc.org
Karen Kruse at Schaumburg Library AuthorFest
MWA member Karen Kruse will join more than 35 Chicago area authors participating in AuthorFest, a writers conference scheduled for June 25 at the Schaumburg Township District Library. Participating authors will lead discussions on a variety of topics, including Serving up Mysteries, Current Trends in Romance, Myths About Publishing, Creating Complex Characters, How to be a Master Storyteller, Creating Alternative Worlds, Organization and Online Groups that Support Authors, and the e-Book Generation. There also will be an author readings segment, which is open to other authors. For more information, including how you can participate, contact Denise Fleisher netera@aol.com or (847) 882-8054.
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February 9, 2004
Our Next Open Meeting at Hackney’s Restaurant: “Taking the Self-Publishing Route”
Date: Thursday, February 24, 2005
Time: 6:00 p.m. Meet and greet
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Place: Hackney’s, 1514 East Lake Avenue, Glenview, IL (1/2 block east of Waukegan Rd. on the north side of Lake Ave.)
Price: Members: $16 Non-members: $21
RSVP: Raeann Berman raeannberman@aol.com
Deadline: Sunday, February 20, 2004
Do you have a book ready to publish? What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing vs. a traditional royalty publisher? Come and learn what happens on both sides of the editor’s desk. Find out:
* Should you sell you book to a royalty publisher or self-publish?
* Why does it take so long for a book to be published?
* If you won’t get rich writing books (and that’s not likely), why do it?
* What is the four-letter word that strikes fear in the hearts of writers?
Panel discussion will feature:
* Jim Kepler is a writer turned publisher. The author or co-author of more than a half dozen books published by Contemporary, Barnes & Noble, Laidlaw, and others, he now owns Adams Press. Founded in 1942, Adams Press produces books for authors who choose to self-publish. Jim’s career as a writer began more than three decades ago while he was still working for Harper & Row, Publishers. He has written magazine articles, grant proposals, thousands of corporate letters, and even greeting cards.
* Richard E. Schell is an attorney, author and agricultural entrepreneur. He is the author of Quick Cash: A Guide to Raising Money During Life’s Planned and Unplanned Changes. Quick Cash, published by Sourcebooks in Naperville (March, 2004). He is co-author of U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Q & A by Debbie M. Schell, Richard E. Schell and Kurt A. Wagner. He writes and speaks frequently on topics related to intellectual property, entrepreneurship and legal issues involved in publishing. He serves as Of Counsel to the Law Offices of Kurt A. Wagner, an international law firm with offices in Illinois and Austria specializing in immigration, intellectual property, and international business transactions.
* Caryn Lazar Amster for the past 18 years has been CEO of CMA Marketing Group, Inc., and its divisions, CMA Publishing and Custom Marketing Associates. She has been a syndicated newspaper columnist/feature writer and is a professional speaker, trainer, and has published many articles on marketing and business. Caryn chose to self-publish her book The Pied Piper of South Shore: Toys and Tragedy in Chicago, using the services of BookMasters. What led her to self-publish? What was her experience? Caryn’s book, a true crime Chicago memoir set in the ‘50s and ‘60s, won the USA Book News “Best Books in 2004” award in the true crime category.
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President’s Letter to the Membership
Dear Fellow MWA Members,
It’s membership renewal time again. This is one bargain whose price hasn’t risen. For $30 you can still get the valuable programs, terrific networking opportunities, and a listing in the MWA directory.
A renewal form will appear in a mailbox near you soon. Don’t delay. We need your check by February 28! That’s the only way we will be able to get the directory out on time. Think of this as one more deadline – a really, really important deadline.
While you are at it, complete our brief membership survey. We want to know how MWA can better serve you. Just as important, peruse the list of ways you can get involved. MWA runs on people power. So, be one of those people and make this organization work for you.
Speaking of getting involved, we all know that what you get out of an organization is directly proportional to what you put into it. With that in mind, and with gratitude, I want to recognize outgoing treasurer Jerry DeMuth for his organizational skills, attention to detail and good humor. Thank you, Jerry.
I also want to thank Elliott McCleary for stepping up to the financial plate (please excuse the cliché) to become our 2005 treasurer.
I hope you all enjoyed Leslie Levine’s presentation, “Writing Book Proposals That Sell” at our January member-only meeting, “Dinner and a Book Proposal.” A huge thank you to member-only meeting chairs, Julie Bennett and Annie Moldafsky, who put that together. Annie was a gracious and generous hostess. Thanks especially to MWA member Leslie Levine for her terrific program and to all the MWA members who donated things to the group of young girls with whom Leslie works. We are a little puzzled by the man who “donated” a sweater and a hat to Annie’s closet. If any of you accidentally left those two articles of clothing, please notify her.
Check out what Program Chair Ada Kahn has in store for you at the February 24 open meeting: “Taking the Self Publishing Route,” featuring MWA member Jim Kepler, owner of Adams Press; MWA member Rich Schell, an attorney, author and agricultural entrepreneur; and Caryn Lazar Amster, CEO of CMA Marketing Group and author of The Pied Piper of South Shore: Toys and Tragedy in Chicago, which she chose to self-publish. For more details see the story elsewhere in this e-newsletter.
I hope to see all of you on February 24.
Sincerely, Meta
Meta L. Levin, MWA President
========================
Membership Query to come
Many of the speakers who’ve appeared at our open meetings have offered services: editors, publishers, agents, etc. Later this month, members will receive a short questionnaire requesting information about successes or lack thereof working with any of these speakers: submitting queries, manuscripts, proposals, etc. as well as suggestions for future speaker categories. This information will remain confidential and will help us plan more effective programs.
===========================
Call for Short Stories
Adams Media, Inc. in Avon, Massachusetts, is compiling an anthology of stories for a new book tentatively titled HerStory: Why I Live in my Bathtub and Other True-Life Stories about the Moments that Make Us, to be published in Fall 2005. The book will contain 30 true stories – written by strong women like you – that celebrate the moments that help women everywhere deal with the cathartic stuff of life. They are stories about women who have taken charge of their lives and inspire us to take charge of our own destinies. We’re looking for genuine, edgy, sometimes ironic but always authentic stories.
No essays or vignettes, but good stories with a beginning, middle, and end, that highlight a milestone or turning point in your life, large or small, approximately 2,000 words. Contributors whose stories are included in the book will receive $200 and a copy of the book upon publication.
Send your stories to the email shown below by March 10th, 2005.
If you have questions or need further information, please contact:
Indi Zeleny, Editor
Box 1312
Carmel Valley, CA 93924
zindiz@yahoo.com
www.herstoryinfo.homestead.com
Please forward this information to anyone you know who might like to contribute.
==========================
And Finally…
Members who attended the meeting at Annie Moldafsky’s house left behind a hat and a coat (as mentioned in Meta’s letter). The hat belonged to your newsletter editor, but the sweater remains unclaimed as of this writing. Please contact Annie if you’ve noticed you have a lot more room in your sweater drawer, or an empty hanger in your closet.
#####
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December, 2004
The MWA wishes all our members and subscribing non-members alike the very best of the holiday season. We look forward to 2005 with a mixture of enthusiasm and relief. As writers, we expose millions of Americans to our words. It is that sincere responsibility that we carry into the new year. Hopefully, we bear it with a sense of humility and joy.
Wondering How to Write a Winning Book Proposal?
Come to the January 27 Member-Only Meeting
MWA’s own Leslie Levine will kick off 2005 by sharing the book proposal writing expertise that has earned her three book contracts (and three successful books) at a post-holiday member-only meeting and celebration at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 27 at Annie Moldafsky’s home, 1179 Hohlfelder, Glencoe. This will be a great opportunity for all: Leslie’s presentation, “Writing Book Proposals that Sell,” a party, and a chance to help those less fortunate.
Those of you who have some winning book proposals of your own are invited to bring them along to share after Leslie speaks. It’s all about helping each other.
A fin ($5) offsets the cost of the main dish and salad. When you RSVP (Annie: ameditor@worldnet.att.net or Julie: julianakl@aol.com) let us know whether you also can bring wine or dessert to pass around.
It’s always the season to think of those less fortunate. Leslie is active in a program that benefits inner city middle school age girls. Help out by bringing mirrors, toothpaste, empty cosmetic bags, etc. that we will donate to the group.
There it is – a wonderful MWA opportunity to learn, benefit each other, network and help out. We look forward to seeing you there.
Writing for the Religious Market Addressed
at November Meeting
by Sue Masaracchia-Roberts
Program Chair Ada Kahn, moderated a panel of editors and publishers from the religious market at the November 18 open meeting at Hackney’s on Lake in Glenview, IL. Among those sharing their insights were Sharon Dorr, publications manager for Quest Books, a division of the Theosophical Publishing Company; Vicki Smith, senior acquisitions manager for Publications International; Pauline Yearwood, editor from Chicago Jewish News; Dave Dewitt from Moody Publishing of Chicago; and Mark Galli from Christianity Today.
Sharon Dorr
The Theosophical Society, headquartered in Wheaton, IL, was founded in 1875 by a quixotic Russian noblewoman woman who sat at the feet of the masters of the world’s religions. She was credited with bringing the wisdom of the East to the West and with being the mother of the New Age. The organization she founded has now become international and has produced Quest Books (www.questbooks.net).
The mission statement of the Theosophical Society includes the mandate to be open-minded in one’s inquiry into religion, science and the arts. It keeps the classics in print and publishes books harmonious with the principles of the Society. Quest publishes only adult nonfiction, but includes alternative health and books that interface quantum physics with psychology and social issues. More than 300 titles are in print under their label. Submissions are vigorously reviewed by a team of staff and board members; guidelines for submission are available on their website.
Authors who are recognized for their high standards and the quality of their content and style, with well-established platforms, such as professors or workshop leaders, are normally accepted by Quest. These authors pay for their own developmental editing and indexing and any tours to promote their books.
“A high level of participation is expected by our writers,” said Dorr. “We will set up book signings and get the media there, but we do not pay for tour expenses like lodging and transportation.”
Hot genres, according to Dorr, are dream interpretation, ancient mysteries, Kabbalah, spiritual astrology, esoteric Christianity and lost gospels, the interface of science and spirituality and Tibetan Buddhism.
Writers for The Theosophical Society can expect to make 10 percent of the net – or five percent of list price.
“Advances have gone down so now we give either no advances or no more than $2,000 to $3,000, with one-third provided on contract signing, one-third upon the approval of the edited manuscript and one-third on publication,” she said.
Dorr added that workshop and conference attendance is important in building a network and built-in audience: “It is important that authors have a network, have their own mailing lists and following.”
Vicki Smith
Publications International (www.pubint.com) is a part of Promotional Publishing Company in Lincolnwood, IL, and was founded in 1967. Some of its products include children’s cookbooks, legacy, and general interest devotional and coffee table books.
Acceptance of these books is market driven.
According to senior acquisitions manager Vicki Smith, “a client comes in to us and we sell the book before we produce it, or we pitch an idea and we seek writers. It is all work for hire and we retain all copyrights. Our fees are modest -- $ .15 to $ .20/word. The base price is $3,000. We work with both new writers and experts but have quick deadlines.”
Inspirational and religious subjects comprise about 25 percent of their titles. Authors include Randy Peterson and Gary Burge (from Wheaton College). They don’t review proposals, just complete manuscripts.
Pauline Yearwood
Editor Pauline Yearwood joined Chicago Jewish News (www.chijewishnews.com) less than three years after Joseph Aaron founded the independent, not-for-profit publication.
“The Jewish community in Chicago is diverse – from secular to Orthodox. This was designed to be a paper for all aspects of Judaism,” she explained. “We range from 28 pages in the summer to 64 pages around the [Jewish] holidays but do not take stands and do not provide editorials. We just offer a potpourri of articles.”
Yearwood looks for “something different,” rather than a slant or an angle. The publication likes personals pieces like new vs. old traditions, interfaith traditions and community news. It does use opinion pieces and annually publishes an auxiliary publication called “The Guide to Jewish Chicago,” including “the who, whats and wheres of Jewish Chicago, with listings of organizations, agencies, and other Jewish sources.
Queries should be pitched via e-mail. Payment depends on length and the work involved, ranging between $50 and $200, paid on publication. “We may keep a manuscript up to a couple of months,” added Yearwood, who suggested those interested check out the website: www.chijewishnews.com. “The archives go back several years.”
Dave Dewitt
Moody Publishing (www.moodypublishers.org) is part of the 120 year-old Moody Bible Institute. In an industry that annually offers 175,000 new books, Dave Dewitt suggests there is too much product and too little shelf space.
“We assume the author has a message, has something to say and this is a platform,” DeWitt said. “Christian books are now in secular book stores as well as in Christian book stores and offered by book clubs. Chances are, with this platform, we may do a book from ideas we have in our files with the right author at the right time. We do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Be sure to ask yourself What’s hot? What’s new? What’s on sale?”
If the books do not have a proven success level, the bookstores will not purchase them. Publishers have taken over the need to create demand for books and their authors must have a following or create a demand for their books on their own. To create visibility and demand is not inexpensive. It frequently takes at least $500,000 to begin to accomplish this.
He urged writers to look at labels in bookstores and to note the store’s organization and composition. Many bookstores these days contain less than 20 percent books; Christian bookstores especially showcase more cards, music, apparel, gift and other items. People today have less leisure and frequently examine alternate ways to fill their time. Only one of those ways is by reading.
Dewitt suggests taking a look at www.christianwritersguild.com.
Moody accepts no unsolicited manuscripts, but is an excellent resource for mentoring aspiring writers, according to Dewitt. He suggests that writers “be persistent and persevere. You’ll hear a lot of ‘nos’ and receive a lot of rejections before hitting the right time and the right place with the right book/proposal. That’s how it was with our current most popular book, The Five Languages of Love. It has become so popular, we are expanding that line.”
Moody’s provides a platform, recognition for names regionally and nationally, along with a radio presence and connections with organizations that hold conferences and seminars. He further suggests going on tour with one’s book to create demand, however to strike a balance between sellers and readers. Split one’s promotional efforts. For example, if a book is discussed in Publishers Weekly, it will sell more in stores and if it’s on Jane Pauley it will obtain more lay attention.
Mark Galli
Evangelist Billy Graham founded Christianity Today Magazine (www.christianitytoday.com/ctmag/) as a forum for theological and cultural commentary. Managing Editor Mark Galli noted that it is more middle of the road, leaning to the left, rather than to the right, such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell.
The average reader is a 53-year-old male who is involved in his church, reads 13 to 15 books a year and owns about 20 CDs. There is hardly a topic that is off limits. In fact, a recent edition featured Ned Flanders from the popular television cartoon, The Simpsons, and article about Oprah Winfrey showing how her messages line up with that of this Evangelical viewpoint. Other recent articles explored, “When does personhood begin and why does it matter?” a feature on Chicago pastor James Meeks, and a story on the revival of religion in New York City based on the observations of a writer from Colombia.
As his is an issues-driven publication, Galli urges those interested to check out several back issues – either in the library or online, adding that readers can now access two years of back issues at no fee, but that soon that will be limited to six months.
“Know what the vision of our world is,” said Galli, “the types and lengths of our articles and what articles have been done. Out of 100 manuscript queries received, it is easy to reject 90. It is normally clear from the first two or three sentences that [the person making the submission] doesn’t read the magazine.”
In fact, for any magazine, Galli urges would-be contributors to “spend a lot of time understanding the target reader and what’s been written. Read at least three issues.”
He prefers being queried, but added, “If you send a manuscript, we’ll read the first paragraph or two. If I’m not hooked, it’s gone. You’ll get a ‘no’ within a week or two; if it’s a ‘yes,’ you’ll hear from me within two to three weeks.” He especially likes to publish and needs more humor pieces.
The reason for that timing, he explained, is that lot of ideas are discussed in editorial meetings. The pay ranges from $ .25 to $ .35/word, depending on the experience of the writer and their online presence: “We publish 930 editorial pages a year. Some articles are rejected due to a lack of room. Although online pays less, it does offer a secondary chance for publication.”
Referring to the recent national election and relating it to the purpose of his Divine Life Books, Galli added, “I am stunned by commentaries by people like Gary Wills, how they are shocked by what they see in the United States. There has been a shift taking place in our culture for the past 10 to 15 years. Our culture has been experimenting with living in a secular world for the past 30 to 40 years. The difference between religions is how they are applied to social issues. Think about social issues! There are 11 or more different Christian magazines alone.”
He added that being in his magazine as a writer is a good idea as he can recommend writers to book publishers, providing them with fresh voices. Weblogs are also a great way to gain audience and are a new avenue to create a voice and platform.
The President’s Letter
Dear Fellow MWA Members,
Happy Holidays to all. I hope that 2004 has been a good and productive year for everyone and that 2005 is even better.
Elliott McCleary has agreed to run for the treasurer’s spot that Jerry DeMuth will vacate in January. As some of you know, Karen Bolek originally was set to succeed Jerry, but she had a conflict and begged off. We officially will vote on Elliott’s candidacy at the January 27 member-only meeting. Thank you, Elliott. And a huge thank you to Jerry, who has done a great job.
We ended our 2004 programs with a peek into the business of writing for the religious market. Program Chair Ada Kahn put together a stellar five member panel: Mark Galli, managing editor of “Christianity Today;” Pauline Yearwood, managing editor of “Chicago Jewish News;” Vicki Smith, acquisitions editor, Publications International, Ltd.; Dave DeWit, editorial director for Moody Publishers; and Sharron Dorr, publications manager, Quest Books. Sue Masaracchia-Roberts took notes and her synopsis of the program appears elsewhere in this e-newsletter.
More information on our January 27 member-only meeting is at the beginning of this newsletter. Featuring MWA’s own Leslie Levine speaking on how to do a book proposal, the meeting also will feature a little post-holiday celebrating, as well as opportunities to network and do some good deeds. Leslie has three books under her belt and knows of what she speaks. I’ll see you there.
Also Ada and Sue are putting together a February open meeting program on a subject to be announced. We can tell you that Cynthia Clampitt is organizing a spring program on writing for the education market.
As many of you may have assumed, we are skipping the holiday party this year in favor of a post-holiday get together as part of our January member-only meeting. Many board members with full calendars were relieved and we assume that members are, too. We also are mulling over the idea of a summer get together. That’s something new for MWA. What do you think?
We also are considering participating in the Printer’s Row Book Fair as we did last June. This takes a lot of work, so we need some people willing to help. The more volunteers, the less each of us has to do.
Kudos to:
1. Gerry and Janet Souter, our intrepid MWA e-newsletter editors, who are no doubt doing cartwheels down their street. I am reprinting portions of the e-mail I received from Gerry:
“On November 18, the E.W. Scripps Networks gave the green light to 13 episodes of our half-hour program, "All About Eating" produced by our new company, Once Bitten Productions, Inc. The show has been in development by co-producer-director Joyce Fox and me for two years. We now have financial backers for the $4.5 million project that will be broadcast on Scripps' Food Network. … The show's content is, literally, all about eating, showing Americans the ropes about dining out, entertaining, what to wear, exploring the wide range of regional, ethnic and social dining experiences that can add a rich texture to everyone's lives -- and to have fun doing it. Our company, Avril 1 Group, Inc. started in 1995, will continue to create books, but Janet and I will also be working with Once Bitten Productions, Inc. as producers and writers to develop new shows and books based on those shows once this program is launched... We have Bill Murray as host, Harold Ramis is directing and Renee Estevez (Martin Sheen's daughter) and a funny young man who also does touring Shakespeare, Michael Rubenstone, are our field reporters.”
2. Jim O’Connor was elected public relations director of the Chicago Chapter, National Association of Professional Organizers.
Whew! It’s been a busy year, but we won’t slow down next year. We do, however, need help. Let’s be honest here, it takes people to put together these programs and opportunities. We need help with, among other things, programs and special events. How about volunteering to help with one event? You’ll be welcomed with open arms. So make that a New Year’s resolution: help MWA help you.
Sincerely,
Meta L. Levin
MWA President
==============================
From the president:
September 10, 2004
Dear Fellow MWA Members,
Midwest Writers Association started the summer with a flurry of activity. So we spent July and August catching our breaths and planning for the fall.
Several members spoke or will be speaking in the area. This spring Ada Kahn presented a program at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Old Orchard. In July Richard Schell spoke to the Naperville Writers Group. Charley Cohon was part of the Sales Leader Roundtable in August at the prestigious University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
In June MWA had a table at the Printer’s Row Book Fair. Jodie Jacobs did the upfront work to get us there. Eleven members touted their books, and four writers and editors answered writing questions at our booth during the two days. In addition, Barnes & Noble featured as many of our members’ books as they could at their nearby tent. Participating authors included: Raeann Berman, Ada Kahn, Charley Cohon, Leslie Levine, Maria Baez Kijac, Gerry and Janet Souter, Kelly James-Enger, Richard Schell, Hal Higdon, and Jim O’Connor. The other participating writers were Julie Bennett, Cynthia Clampitt, Jerry DeMuth and Meta Levin. A steady stream of people stopped at our table, and we garnered quite a list of people wanting to be told of our open meetings.
A week later we were featured speakers at the Old Orchard Barnes & Noble, presenting a panel discussion on how to get a non-fiction book published. Ada Kahn, Raeann Berman, Jim O’Connor, Leslie Levine, and Gerry and Janet Souter participated in that program. Barnes & Noble made sure that their books were on display, and we again got a list of people interested in the next open meeting. In fact, the Barnes & Noble community relations manager was so impressed that she invited MWA back to do more programs. We accepted.
Thanks to all whose hard work made these events possible.
We’re always looking for program ideas, as well as ways to reach out to the non-fiction writing community. MWA cannot run alone. We need you. There are many ways to become active. In fact, there are probably a few we haven’t even thought of yet. So offer your services. Get active.
Sincerely,
Meta L. Levin, President
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The Horror! The Horror! A helpful tip from your tearful President
My tip: back up your computer files often. I know that this is a no-brainer, but sometimes we get lazy. Then our hard drives fail-die-crash-self destruct and we are left up the proverbial creek without a paddle. The cost to attempt to retrieve the data involves dollar signs followed by numerals followed by many zeroes. The weeping and wailing you hear is from me.
==========================================
CALL FOR INSPIRING NURSE STORIES
A CUP OF COMFORT FOR NURSES
Deadline is December 1, 2004, for 1,000-2,000-word original, true, uplifting stories in English about nurses.
Possible themes are nursing’s rewards; overcoming the profession's challenges; why I chose and choose to stay in the profession; being “called” to nursing; positive impact of a mentor or special patient; balancing personal and professional lives; humanistic, holistic, and homeopathic nursing; what nursing has taught me about life and/or myself; personal growth or spiritual enlightenment arising from work experience; gratitude toward those who give care to the caregiver; shining examples of the commitment, contributions, and compassion of nurses.
Payment is $100 each, with a “grand prize” of $500. See www.cupofcomfort.com for guidelines. (Click on "Share Your Story")
Or email: cupofcomfort@adamsmedia.com.
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Events for writers:
* Tuesday, October 5, 7-10 PM, Barnes & Noble, Deer Park Town Center, 20600 N. Rand Road, Deer Park, IL:
An “Authors’ Evening” when several authors will answer questions about writing and sign books. Free snacks.
Authors (and books):
Gerry & Janet Souter: "ARLINGTON HEIGHTS ILLINOIS: DOWN-
TOWN RENAISSANCE", "CLASSIC TOY
TRAINS", "AMERICAN FIRE STATION" AND MORE.
Bill Fawcett: "HUNTERS AND SHOOTERS: AN ORAL
HISTORY OF THE U.S. NAVY SEALS IN
VIETNAM" and"MERCS: TRUE STORIES
OF MERCENARIES IN ACTION"
Gene Glendinning: "CHICAGO AND ALTON RAILROAD: THE
ONLY WAY"
Audrey Marie Hessler: "THEY CALL HIM IMMANUEL, GOD WITH
US: A CHRISTIAN POETRY DEVOTIONAL
FOR INSPIRATION AND REFLECTION"
Diane Kostick: "VOICES OF BARRINGTON" and "GUIDE TO
GOOD WRITING: MASTER THE WRITING
PROCESS"
Jody Lynn Nye: "THE LADY AND THE TIGER" and
"DRAGONLOVER'S GUIDE TO PERN"
Rob Stevens: "THE OVERFED HEAD: WHAT IF EVERY-
THING YOU KNOW ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS
IS WRONG?"
Contact: Pam Purcell, Store Manager, 847-438-7444.
* Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Highland Park Public Library symposiums on book writing, publishing and marketing. (One was held Sept. 21.) Free to the public, led by MWA members Gerry and Janet Souter, who apply 10 years of book publishing experience to help colleagues and writers new to the craft. Contact Susan Dennison, 847-432-0216 ext. 14 or dennison@nsls.info
============================================
March, 2004
Matriculate with Midwest Writers Association April 29. Explore university press opportunities with Midwest Writers Association at our next open meeting, 6-9 p.m., April 29, 2004, at Hackney’s on Lake St. near Waukegan Ave. (Rt.43) in Glenview.
Editors from Northwestern University Press, Northern Illinois University Press, and the University of Chicago Press will share their tips and answer your questions. Panelists will include:
¨ Susan Bradanini Betz, Editor in Chief
Northwestern University Press, Evanston, IL
¨ Mary Lincoln, Director/Editor in Chief
Northern Illinois University Press, De Kalb, IL
¨ Alex Schwartz, Senior Editor
University of Chicago Press, Chicago
The editors will discuss what they are currently publishing, whether they assign writers, accept query letters, proposals, how they pay authors, advances/royalties, flat fees, range of fees, if they work with agents, or prefer to work directly with authors, etc.
Please email Ada at:
adapkahn@aol.com or fax to 847/ 328-1695
Promote Your Work
Ada P. Kahn's latest book (her 16th) is "Encyclopedia of Work-Related Injuries, Illnesses and Health Issues." Published by Facts on File, NY, it includes 350 types of issues working people face from asbestos to zoonoses. Primary audiences are human resource managers, employee assistance program workers, and librarians. Ada appeared on Evanston Community Television on February 19, interviewed by Paul Jeffers, human resource executive of Rotary International.
Ada will speak to the Evanston chapter of the American Association of University Women on April 10 at 11:30 a.m. Topic: Women's Health. She will include issues from her more than 12 books concerning women's health, mental health, stress, aging, and the workplace. Ask Ada for more details.
_____________________________________________________________
Clear Eye for the Strained Editor!
Volunteer(s) needed! We need one or two sharp-eyed members to proofread the 2004 Membership Directory in the next week or two. If you're willing, contact Julie Kramer at jkramer229@aol.com.
______________________________________________________
New Book Publisher Welcomes New Authors
Eminent Publishing Company specializes in books about business,
law, personal finance, health care, and executive legacies.
Dave Freedman, who has worked as a journalist, author, editor and publishing consultant since 1978, launched Eminent Publishing Company as an Illinois corporation last week.
Eminent Publishing will focus mainly on books about business, personal finance, law, health care, and executive legacies (the latter includes books written by executives who are preparing for new careers as consultants, for example). Besides Freedman, the company’s editorial staff includes two editors and a researcher (see bio’s below).
“We are working with two authors already, one a marketing consultant and the other a certified financial planner,” says Freedman, president. “Their books are in the early stages of development, and we hope to have them in print this fall.”
Eminent is an equity publisher, which means authors pay a share of their books’ production costs, and retain the copyright to the work. Having determined that the book is commercially viable, the equity publisher also pays a share of the production cost, keeps an agreed-upon quantity of books in its inventory, aggressively markets the book, and pays the author royalties, typically in the 20 to 50 percent range. The percentage will vary depending on how much capital and "sweat equity" each party invests in the project.
Authors derive three benefits from this arrangement:
First, by investing capital in the project, authors have a chance to earn much more money on sales of their books. Traditional royalty publishers typically pay authors royalties of 7 to 10 percent, compared with 20 to 50 percent in equity publishing. Second, because equity publishers share the financial risk with the author, the publishers are often more willing to take on some projects that royalty publishers consider commercially marginal – because, for example, the topic (and therefore the market) is very narrow. Third, authors can negotiate to buy copies of their own books from equity publishers at much less than wholesale prices. Traditional royalty publishers usually set authors' prices above wholesale, and are not flexible on that price.Eminent positions itself as “America’s finest” equity publisher because of the extremely high quality of its editing and design work.
“Our three editors have a combined 60+ years of experience in writing and editing,” Freedman says, “and each has written and edited successful books. Our editorial services range from concept development to editing, ghostwriting, and indexing.”
What kinds of authors benefit from equity publishing? “Equity publishing is ideal for professional practitioners, consultants and advisers who wish to establish reputations as foremost authorities in their narrow areas of expertise,” Freedman explains. ”Being the author of a highly regarded book helps build visibility, credibility and authoritativeness. Many professionals distribute their books at seminars, conferences, or speaking engagements, as well as through their websites and to their clients, prospective clients and referral sources.”
Eminent Publishing Company welcomes queries and proposals from aspiring authors. For author guidelines, visit www.dmfreedman.com/empub/guidelines.htm.
Editorial Staff
David M. Freedman (Financial and Legal Editor) has worked as a journalist, author and publishing consultant since 1978. He is the author of two non-fiction books and is the editor of one non-fiction book. He specializes in the fields of law and personal finance.
Mark Ingebretsen (Contributing Editor: Business, Healthcare and Travel) is a regular healthcare columnist for the Wall Street Journal Online (www.wsj.com). He is the author of three non-fiction books, most recently Why Companies Fail (Crown, 2003). He also worked as a travel editor at Better Homes and Gardens.
Cheryl Jefferson (Contributing Editor: Marketing Communications, Training, and Executive Legacies) is retained by several Fortune 500 companies as an executive communications specialist. In addition, she partners with Ph.D.s on writing projects, and is the award-winning author of two published non-fiction books and one popular novel.
Kathy Kovacic (Research Specialist) consults with corporations and nonprofit organizations on research, training and organizational issues. Prior to becoming a consultant, she worked as a researcher for a major advertising firm, and in the marketing research department of a Fortune 500
___________________________________________________________________________
Exhibition of Paintings by
MWA Member
Nancy Ethiel
March 2-28, 2004
Artist’s reception
Saturday, March 20, 2-4 pm
Indian Trails Public Library
355 S. Schoenbeck Road
Wheeling, IL 60090-4499
Call 847-459-4100 for hours and directions
________________________________________________________________________
Medillians
Chuck Remsburg contributes: Northwestern's Center for Talent Development is hosting a conference for gifted 4th-12th grade students and their families called "Opportunities for the Future", which will take place on Saturday, June 26, from 1-5pm at the Technological Institute, Northwestern University.
One of the aims of the conference is to expose students to different career opportunities in line with their talents. We would like to offer a mini-course to the 10-12th graders on professional writing careers that includes writers who specialize in three different areas: possibly a magazine/newspaper journalist, a published author, and someone using their writing talent in a less traditional fashion. The class size would be limited to 20, and the first speaker would have 90 minutes leading up to the snack break (1:15-2:45pm) and the 2nd and 3rd speaker would have an hour (3-4 & 4-5, respectively). The speakers would discuss their career, how they grow their talent, and then lead an interactive writing exercise or two. We would compensate the speakers: $150 for speaker #1, $100 each for the other 2 speakers. While just a draft, following is a brief description of the mini-course offering:
Professional Writing: 10-12th graders 1-5pm
You love to write. What professions should you consider? Meet three different professional writers and learn about their jobs and how they continue to develop their craft. Students will practice various styles of writing with the experts. Students may bring work to share.
Please let me know if you have any questions. We think our participants would really benefit from learning from Medill's many talented alumni.
Susan Kuhn
Outreach Coordinator
Center for Talent Development
Northwestern University
617 Dartmouth Place
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 467-2736
Visit the Center on the Web at www.ctd.northwestern.edu
<http://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/>
Jessica Joy Gadeken
Interim Director, External Relations
Medill School of Journalism
Northwestern University
847/491-4278 (phone)
847/491-5565 (fax)
http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/alumni/
From: Dick Gosswiller
Subject: Writer
Received: March 9, 2004
I’m looking for a person who has written about business subjects, and especially someone who has written books, to assist with the writing of a book on franchising. It’s not exactly a ghost writing project, because much of the work will be done by the CEO of the company I represent. He has created a comprehensive outline and is an authority on the subject. The writer we engage will be asked to conduct research, possibly even interviews, and to organize and produce draft of the book’s chapters starting with transcripts of dictation by the CEO. I will be working as editor on the project. I presume that payment on an hourly basis would be the most efficient way of handling the job.
Anyone interested can contact me directly either at rgosswiller@triton.net or at 269/469-3319.
From: Kris Neri <krisneri@earthlink.net>
Mystery Writers of America
Looking for a Few Good Sleuths
My online mystery writing class through UCLA Extension, COMMITTING THE
PERFECT CRIME: WRITING YOUR FIRST MYSTERY, is now open for enrollment. To find the class, go to www.uclaextension.edu. It takes students from the earliest planning stages through the writing of the first draft of the first chapter.
If anyone wants to see the syllabus for the course, email me Last
time out, my students gave the course and me a solid 9.0 evaluation on a 0-9
scale. I can't promise you'll love it that much, but I'll certainly try to
see that you do.
____________________________________________________________________
Chuck Remsburg offers:
Here are a couple of sites that offer agent information; not necessarily
objective, but informative nevertheless. This one,
http://www.literaryagents.org offers a list of "50 Authors I Like And Their
Agents." (look on the right panel.), as well as a list of "Web links to
Literary Agent Sites."
This one is a little goofy. The author queried a lot of agents and
reproduced them, as well as their replies: http://everyonewhosanyone.com/
Makes you understand why agents might be hesitant to accept queries by
e-mail.
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Note to newsletter contributors: Time-critical announcements submitted to the MWA Newsletter will be published as dictated by arrival of the next month’s meeting information.
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December 2003
WRAPPING UP 2003…WELCOMING 2004
2003 has been an outstanding year for MWA, marked by exceptional programs (including a groundbreaking summer seminar), the development of a marketing-focused website, and a burgeoning budget. Members of the outgoing board, we thank you!
At the same time, we look forward to the new year and welcome our new board. In case you missed it, here's our four-star line-up for 2004:
President: Meta Levin
Treasurer: Jerry DeMuth (2004); Karen Bolek (2005)
Program: Ada Kahn, chair; Jim O'Connor, Leslie Levine, committee members (greeters needed!)
Workshop: Jodie Jacobs, Meta Levin
Membership: Cynthia Clampitt
Informal Meetings: Julie Bennett, Annie Moldafsky
Newsletter: Gerry and Janet Souter
Directory: Julie Kramer, Jim Kepler
Hospitality: Raeann Berman
Publicity: Alan Rosenthal, Elliott McCleary
Calling Committee: Marilyn Abbey, Marcia Slater-Johnston
Website: Jim Bowman
Holiday Event: Chuck Remsberg (volunteers needed!)
2004 promises to be a stimulating and rewarding year. But it doesn't begin until you…
* * * * *
RENEW YOUR MWA MEMBERSHIP
It's that time! Please mail your $30 annual dues to:
Jerry DeMuth, Treasurer
933 W. Ainslie St
Chicago, IL 60640
Make your check payable to Midwest Writers Association. Dues must be received by December 31, 2003.
…and don't forget to update your directory listing!
If your information has changed, complete the Directory Information Form that was sent to you earlier this month and return it to jkramer229@aol.com or jkepler@adamspress.com by December 31, 2003. (Lost the form? Contact us for another.)
If your information hasn't changed, you needn't do a thing. The 2004 Directory will be published in the first quarter of 2004.
* * * * *
A WORD FROM INCOMING PRESIDENT META LEVIN
Dear fellow MWA members,
We have a growing and vibrant organization, and we have the previous board
to thank for that.
Now, our biggest challenge will be keeping it that way. You have elected a
terrific new board and we are eager to work together. In fact, e-mails bursting with
good ideas are already winging their way back and forth.
But don't sit back and wait for good things to happen. As members, your job is
to contribute to the mix. What do you want from Midwest Writers Association?
How can you play a part? There are plenty of opportunities. Share your ideas. Volunteer for a job or committee. Greet non-members at open meetings and make them feel welcome. Network with each other.