Finding an Agent
1. Query Tracker - http://querytracker.net/index.php
Finding a Publication for a Short story
1. Duotrope's Digest - http://www.duotrope.com/
2. The Ivory Tower - http://www.theivrytower.com/
Reference Resources
- Garner's Modern American Usage
-Self-Editing for Fiction Writers
-Scene & Structure
-The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing
- Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure
Workshops and Conferences
Summer Fishtrap 2013: A Gathering of Writers is one of Northwest writers' best-known conferences, scheduled for July 8-14 at Wallowa Lake. Their theme is Breaking Trail: Off the Beaten Path, and their keynote speaker is Portland author Cheryl Strayed. Visit www.fishtrap.org for details about this and all the Fishtrap workshops, speakers and activities.
Idaho Writers Guild, located in Boise, offers many events and resources to writers of all genres, and sponsors an annual Writers Rendezvous, which includes a writing contest. Check their website for details and to subscribe to their newsletters, www.IdahoWritersGuild.com.
Contest Opportunities:
82nd Annual Writer's Digest Writing Competition
Early Bird Deadline: May 6, 2013
For complete rules, an entry form or to enter online, visit www.writersdigest.com.
Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest
The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest has arrived. You won’t want to miss this incredible opportunity to win a publishing contract with Amazon Publishing. Now in its sixth year, this international contest promises to be the best yet. Here’s what’s new:
One Grand Prize winner will receive a publishing contract with an advance of $50,000, and four First Prize winners will each receive a publishing contract with an advance of $15,000. Visit the Prizes page for the full list of prizes and details.
We’ve expanded the categories to include five popular genres: General Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror and Young Adult Fiction. And we’re accepting entries from more countries than ever before. For complete eligibility details, view the official contest rules, or read details on how to enter.
Amazon Publishing is the official publishing sponsor for 2013 -- which means a faster publishing timeline, higher royalties, ability to launch the books in multiple formats (print, audio, ebook) and worldwide distribution. Enter today through CreateSpace.
Preparing Your Entry
1) Prepare a strong pitch. More than a summary, your pitch should highlight your concept, protagonist, setting and writing style—all the elements that make your story unique. View sample pitches from past entrants.2) Select the Genre that best fits your book: General Fiction, Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror, or Young Adult.
3) Stay within the word-count limits -- pitch, up to 300 words; excerpt, 3,000 to 5,000 words; manuscript, 50,000 to 150,000 words.
4) Remove all identifying information from your pitch, excerpt and manuscript, including: your name and/or pen name, contact information, any awards received for your book and an author bio/resume.
5) Submit all your materials in the English language.
6) For complete entry requirements, view the Official Contest Rules.
7) Create an account with CreateSpace (if you haven’t already).
Literary Arts Presentations
Please visit http://www.literary-arts.org/ for more information about this organization.
Two Writing Workshops by Natalie Serber
Natalie Serber is the author of the short story collection, Shout Her Lovely Name, which was a New York Times "Notable Book" of 2012. Her work has appeared in The Bellingham Review, Gulf Coast, The New York Times, and The Rumpus, among other places. Her awards include the John Steinbeck Award and the Tobias Wolff Award.
One Day Fiction Workshop: Saturday, April 13, 2:00-5:00 p.m. ($75).
This is a supportive and generative one-day workshop for all levels of writers. Read more and register here.
Short Fiction Workshop: May 14 through June 18. Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. ($275). This is a six-week workshop focusing on full characters, meaningful conflicts, satisfying story arc, effective dialogue, and rich settings. (Writing sample required before registering if you are not an Oregon Literary Fellowship recipient or previous Oregon Book Awards finalist or winner). Read more and register here.
Contact Susan Denning at susan@literary-arts.org or 503-227-2583 for more information.
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Literary Arts Proudly Announces the
2013/2014
Portland Arts & Lectures Season
Salman
Rushdie | October 8, 2013Ann Patchett | November 20, 2013
Lawrence Wright | January 14, 2014
Chris Ware (in conversation with Chip Kidd) | February 18, 2014
Julia Alvarez | April 3, 2014
Full subscriptions to the series are available online at literary-arts.org starting at $75, or by calling our box office at 503-227-2583.
