Newbie-Writers Forum

WOMANS DAY

http://www.womansday.com/contact/5811/w … page3.html

Woman's Day regularly publishes personal essays in the YOU section of the magazine. These essays are always based on the writer’s personal experience and written in the first person. We like to cover significant issues that concern a large number of women and families, rather than subjects that impact only a few. The sentiments expressed should strike a chord with readers.

For example, a writer may share a strong opinion or point of view. These essays are usually thought-provoking and may have an edgy, even somewhat controversial tone. Other essays have a softer, more reflective tone, and focus on how women can improve the quality of their lives.

We accept no queries for essays. They must be submitted in their entirety and on speculation.

Essays run about 650 words. Woman's Day pays $2,000 on acceptance

The story site Common Ties (www.commonties.com)  has been publishing personal stories on a wide range of topics since October.

Among the themes, Common Ties seeks stories about idiosyncrasies. This might include personal quirks, phobias, pet peeves and various other eccentricities. The stories can be about yourself or someone you know well. Stories are due Tuesday, March 13, and we will publish our favorites on Friday, March 16. As with all stories on Common Ties, you may publish anonymously.

We are also publishing religion stories on March 9, which are due by March 6. These should not be essays for or against denominations or beliefs, but rather stories about experiences that have changed you, or that were simply bizarre, funny, painful, educational, etc.

The following upcoming topic is crime (March 23, stories due March 20), and unscheduled future themes may include travel, family secrets, and the seven deadly sins.

Typical payment per story is between $100 and $200 and, in exceptional cases, can reach $1,000. For more information check out the about page and the submission guidelines.

MENDINGWORDS.COM
(Ad from Craigslist London)

Need writers to submit pieces for a web site launching by the end of May.

www.mendingwords.com

Syle: Similar to that of Chicken Soup for the Soul (no affiliation)

Length: No more than 700 words

Guidelines: No Preaching. No Profanity. Do not use the words "you" or "we"!!!!

Tell us about an obstacle you've overcome in your life. How did you get through it and how did it improve your life?

Send submissions to: submit@mendingwords.com

Be part of the kick-off and see your work published. Be a part of something real.

I've put together a whole set of links to articles on the web which list markets for personal essays. If this genre interests you, take a look : http://writersblocindia.wordpress.com/2 … y-markets/

An Update on Common Ties (see earlier post on this page):

Effective immediately the personal story site Common Ties will begin accepting a new category of stories we call Quickies . These submissions should be 200 words or less. Quickies must initially fit into one of three categories: 1) secrets and confessions; 2) moments of extreme euphoria or enlightenment; and 3) moments of extreme embarrassment, shame, terror, or despair. The stories can be on any topic, but must center around something that happened to you or someone you know well.

Quickies can be written using your byline or a pen name. We purchase both original stories and reprints. Payments for these stories are $75 per accepted story, although writers can suggest another amount. Should your story be accepted, we may approach you to record it. If you are interested, we will send you a microphone and provide recording assistance. If your recording is accepted, you will receive an additional $75. For more, please check out our post, Introducing Quickies.

The story site Common Ties has been publishing personal short stories on a wide range of topics since October 2006 and will begin posting audio stories on September 10, 2007. To submit a personal story between 750 and 1500 words please see our Story Submission Guidelines.

http://www.commonties.com/blog/

If you're a college student in the US...

From The New York Times: The Modern Love College Essay Contest.

"From the hippie culture to the AIDS epidemic to the Internet revolution, love has gone from 'free' to fraught to Facebook. What is love now, in this age of 24/7 communication, blurred gender roles and new attitudes about sex and dating?"

The Times invites college students nationwide to submit a personal essay (1,500-2,000 words) "that illustrates the current state of love and relationships.

The winning author will receive $1,000 and his or her essay will be published in a special 'Modern Love' column on May 4, 2008 and on nytimes.com."

Deadline: March 31, 2008. No entry fee.

Find out more and access past "Modern Love" columns at http://nytimes.com/essay.

The link for RD, UK : http://www.readersdigest.co.uk/magazine … -i-17.html
RD, NZ: http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/content/31124/

Family Fun's guidelines (google 'family fun guidelines
http://familyfun.go.com/Resources/famil … elines.pdf

Good luck!

I usually don't do simultaneous subs or queries, but I know many writers, esp the established ones do.

If my query is not time sensitive, I wait for a few weeks, then query elsewhere. I rarely submit complete manuscripts anymore, unless specified.

Call for Stories

Attention Writers: We want your stories.

Familia Books is buying stories to be collected into an anthology tentatively titled Wisdom of Our Mothers.  Fifty percent of the profits from the book will be donated to shelters for mothers and their children escaping from abusive relationships.

Payment: If your work is accepted, you will be paid US $100 per story upon publication of the book.  (Other payment options for more money are available.)

Story guidelines: Stories will be true accounts of life’s lessons learned from one’s mother, regarding values, ethics, relationships. They should be generally positive, but may explore areas of disagreement or conflict with one’s mother.
Maximum length is 3,000 words (no minimum).

How to submit your story:
E-mail (preferred): ericjbowen@comcast.net
S-mail:  Familia Books • PMB 326 • 1225 E. Sunset Dr. Ste. 145 • Bellingham, WA 98226 USA

Include with submission: Contact information: your name, address, phone number, and email address.

Deadline: November 30, 2008 (tentative)

For more information: Visit http://www.familiabooks.com

I forgot to include that the above is a paying market.

Regards,

Jane