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Volume 1 - Issue 1
Where your dreams take flight...
Ever notice that all
the REALLY good information is shared at The Water
Cooler? This one is no different. Stop, chat and
drink in the plethora of markets for African-American Writers
on offer and a few that aren't specifically geared to
African-American writers but are good opportunities...
10.25.2004
Subscribers: 27
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Jay's Mansion
by
Tonya Blount
ISBN:
0972455310
Release date: May 2004
With two strikes
and batting at the bottom of the ninth Jay chooses a
life that ends in
death... | |
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Welcome to the first issue of ATWC (At The Water
Cooler) an Ezine for African American Writers.
The aim of ATWC is to
establish its presence as a valid resource for ethnic
writers.
What this Ezine is NOT:
- A How-to write Ezine
- A review and critique Ezine
ATWC is an opt-in newsletter here at your leisure. Unsubscribe
instructions are at the end of the newsletter.
Use of this information is at your own risk. Aside from the verification of
URLs, ATWC makes no warranty as to accuracy or suitability for
your purpose. Use of common sense and normal precautions is advised in the use
of information provided.
In addition, our subscriber list is not made available to others.
FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER IN ITS ENTIRETY TO YOUR FRIENDS!
That being said, crank up that
printer, replenish that supply of hi-liters and get
busy!.
~~~~~~****~~~~~~
MY
MANTRA FOR 2004
We
are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor]
all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for
good to and for those who love God and are called according to
[His] design and purpose.
--Romans 8:28 Amplified Version
(IN OTHER WORDS: See your adversity as an opportunity to fine
tune your character. We are more than conquerors.)
In this issue:
1. Whet Your Whistle
2. Questions and Answers
3. Thirst Quencher (Freelance Markets)
4. Water Break (Brag Section/Warnings about markets)
5. Tips from the Experts
6. Awards/Calls for Submissions/Contests
7. Events & Opportunities
8. Ads for Writers |
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A Drink...Anyone?
(c) 2004 by D.S.
White
This Ezine is a water cooler of sorts for
African-American writers who haven’t found or don’t have time
to find avenues to market their dreams for compensation.
I’m constantly searching the net, joining lists, groups,
entering contests etc. to put food on the table (figuratively,
I’ve got an 8-5). In the search, surprise, surprise, guess
which group was under represented? You guessed it.
Minorities.
Although being a woman seems not to be a minority issue (on
the web), being an African-American Christian female has posed
a challenge. Not an insurmountable one, mind you, or this
Ezine would be a waste of time.
Being the hoarder that I am, every time I came across a
relevant website, I would put it into a file.
During a long overdue cleaning binge last Saturday, I came
across my file of printouts. Upon noticing the magnitude of
material I’d amassed, I realized that I had a product that
others would want.
I’d already spent the time sifting through a slew of
markets to find those geared towards me, it’s just a step
further to organize that material into an ongoing
Ezine.
Why would I give away all that hard earned, time-consuming
information for free? Simple, because along the way, someone
else took the time to stop and show me the way. I’ve learned
that wisdom is the correct application and sharing of
knowledge.
I've said all that to say, come on in, use what you can,
nix what you can't, or share the whole thing. And when
that acceptance letter, email or phone call comes, walk on
over to the water cooler to give us a shout out!
*Popping a bottle of sparkling cider* (the champagne of
many Christians)…and we’re off!
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Advertisement
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Authors/writers/poets/freelancers...need a web
presence? Get a simple yet professionally designed banner-free
and ad-free author/writer web page right here at ATWC hosted for
as low as $0.75 per month! For
more information email webpage@atwc1.com
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Q. Why The Water Cooler?
A. Two reasons:
1. Water; refreshing, thirst quencher, forceful, life sustaining, symbolic of
Jesus the Christ.
2. The Water Cooler; a casual place, usually located at work, a park, a
library. Ever notice how it's hard to be stuck up with water squirting
up your nose? (Don't act like that's only happened to me). With
your guard down, you feel comfortable to share. Information, juicy
gossip and a cautionary word or two.
I can't promise you juicy gossip, but I can promise paying freelance markets,
marketing tips and a cautionary word or three.
© 2004 D.S. White
D.S. White is the author of "Age is Just a Number" Serial Memoir.
Email your questions to questions@atwc1.com
and, as space allows, they will be answered in this column.
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Advertisement |
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Let's Talk
Honestly.---- http://www.letstalkhonestly.com
A website of African American commentary, comics, poetry
as well as a weekly poetry contest. For adults open to
honest talk on black issues. Come check it out and chill for
awhile. |
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Our company seeks someone to create the content for e-cards
for the African-American market. We require a person or persons with
imagination to create tag lines and/or slogans that will evoke the right
sentiments.
The writing has to be original. The contract would be for between 10 -25 cards
to start and on an adhoc basis thereafter.
Also, we would like the person or persons to develop the slogan for the E-card
collection. Please let us know the rate per card.
Email: soulsyster2000@yahoo.ca
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American Legacy Magazine
http://www.americanlegacymagazine.com
---
Audrey Peterson, Editor. 85% - 100% freelance. Pays on acceptance. Publishes
ms 1 - 12 months after acceptance. Rights purchased not specified. Accepts
reprints "if writer will tailor to our style and needs." Responds 1
- 8 weeks. Sample articles at website. Subscription $9.95. Guidelines by
email. Paying Market. Submit query with cover letter and bio (a few
clips help) or complete ms by mail with SASE.
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Atlanta Tribune:
http://www.atlantatribune.com/writerguidelines.html
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Black Atlanta's #1 resource for business, careers, technology and wealth
building. Welcomes new writers. Monthly. Publishes ms 2-6 months after
acceptance. Buys all rights (including electronic rights). No reprints.
Responds 4-6 weeks. Sample free with written, mailed request, or see website.
Paying market. Submit query by email to: frobinson@atlantatribune.com.
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Black Berry Speak
http://www.blackberryspeak.com/submissions.htm
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BlackBerrySpeak.com Urban Magazine. It's Time and Newsweek with flava. A real
magazine, not just a web site, that includes news, commentary, business,
sports, entertainment, spiritualities, and much much more. Welcomes new
writers. Accepts books for reviews, poetry and short stories.
Small compensation and byline credit. Email submission only:
bbs@iebbmedia.com ATTN: Book or Short
Story or Poetry Submission.
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Children's Writer
http://www.childrenswriter.com/
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A 12-page monthly newsletter in two sections reporting on the marketplace for
children's writing--books, articles, stories, plays, activities, and more.
Current news, trends, tips, how to write to publish. Pays up to $300.
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Common Ground Magazine
http://www.commonground.ca/aboutus/writers_guidelines.shtml
---
We pay 10 cents per word. Articles of 600 to 1,500 words are accepted. We will
consider longer articles, up to 2,500 words, but will probably ask you to edit
them to a shorter length once they are accepted, but please query first. Most
articles are enhanced by a high contrast, compelling photo, line drawing or
graphic. Western Canada's biggest and best-loved monthly magazine dedicated to
health, wellness, ecology and personal growth.
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Expresso Fiction
http://www.espressofiction.com/information_writers.php
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We are ALWAYS looking for entertaining stories between 1,000 and 3,500 words
to email our subscribers. Pays $30 flat rate.
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Vortical Magazine
http://www.vorticalmag.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=2&page=1
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VorticalMag.com works at being a quarterly online literary site. We welcome
submissions of short fiction, memoir, or self-contained novel excerpts in
traditional and experimental styles. We buy online rights for 90 days, with
one-time non-exclusive print anthology rights. We pay up to $300 for featured
writers. We pay an honorarium of $25 to all other writers we accept.
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Woman's Day Essays
http://www.womansday.com/article.asp?section_id=22&article_id=5811&page_number=3
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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. Essays run about 650
words. Woman's Day pays $2000 on acceptance.
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Well, let's see.
I've got a new project in the works:
KIC Print Magazine
http://keepitcoming.net/mag.html
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Someone discovered my inability to keep a secret and correctly labeled me
marketing and advertising for the upcoming PRINT issue of KIC Magazine.
Launch date will be Valentine's day February 2005. I'll also be
covering reviews of publishers, traditional and non-traditional, so stay tuned
for our progress.
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Advertisement |
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Your Ad could be here. For Advertising rates click
here
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Stay tuned for tips in upcoming issues by Tonya Blount...
Self Published Author, Tonya Blount will join us for her column on making
it as a self-published author.
She is the author of "Leaving the Wilderness" and most recently
"Jay's Mansion"
Bio:
Tonya Blount is a writer, poet, lecturer and advocate against domestic
violence. As a child, Tonya has always been fascinated with the
free-spirited world of creativity. Whether it was singing her favorite songs
to the delight of her paternal grandparents, or writing poems for her
parents. She has always had a passion for music, and the written
word--read more of her inspiring bio at http://www.tonyablount.net/bio.htm
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Advertisement |
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| Computer running slow? Try
CompuWizard - Specializing in sales, repairs, installations,
upgrades, home or office networking, training and the
Internet. For a total list of services click
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receive a five percent (5%) discount off all
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mention ATWC (At The Water Cooler) when ordering - Call Toll
Free - 1 (888) 334-3383. |
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Awards:
Ta'Shia Asanti-Karade is excited to announce the biannual 2004 Urban Spectrum
Black Book Awards. Winners will be announced in the December issue of the
Urban Spectrum Newspaper.
About the Urban Spectrum
Presented with multiple awards by the Colorado Association of Black
Journalists, the Burger King Foundation and many others, the Urban Spectrum
Newspaper, which was founded by Rosalind B. Harris in Denver, Colorado over 16
years ago, remains committed to providing uncensored, unbiased, politically
conscious and community centered local and national news, local and national
community leader profiles, book, film and theater reviews and much, much more
on a monthly basis. The Urban Spectrum is now on-line and can be enjoyed by
millions of readers around the world. Go to http://www.urbanspectrum.net
to enjoy.
FYI: The Urban Spectrum is also a great source for advertising or getting the
word out about your event. Reach thousands of African-Americans nationwide in
the blink of an eye! Support urban news and urban newspapers by advertising
with the Spectrum!
The Urban Spectrum Black Book Awards
In keeping with Urban Spectrum's commitment to literacy, US writer and book
reviewer Ta'Shia Asanti-Karade submitted the idea for the U.S. Black Book
Awards in 2002. Publisher B. Harris and editor Rosanne Makinen supported the
idea 100% and thus came the first awards. This year, Ta'Shia Asanti-Karade is
again seeking submissions for book awards.
Eligibility criteria is as follows:
1. The book must be written and/or edited by an African-American or person of
African descent and the book must have been published between 2002-2004
2. Erotica is fine but no pornographic material will be accepted.
3. A review copy of the book along with cover art must be received by November
1, 2004. If you would like to submit a book, please write to Ta'Shia Asanti at
allthewords@att.net for mailing
information. All books remain the property of the Urban Spectrum Newspaper.
Art and photos will be returned with proper information.
4. Writers can be local (in Colorado) or national from anywhere in the United
States.
Black Book Award Categories
The categories for the 2004 awards are as follows:
Colorado-Based Writers Only
Best Fiction (Short Stories or Novel) by a Colorado Writer
Best Non-Fiction by a Colorado Writer
Best Poetry Book by a Colorado Writer
Best Prose Book by a Colorado Writer
Best Biography/Memoir by a Colorado Writer
Best Poetry Anthology by a Colorado Writer
Best Fiction Anthology by a Colorado Writer
Best Non-Fiction Anthology by a Colorado Writer/Editor
Best Poetry CD by a Colorado Poet
National Black Writers
National Best Fiction
National Best Non-Fiction
National Best Book of Prose
National Best Biography/Memoir
National Best Anthology-Non-Fiction
National Best Anthology-Fiction
National Best Anthology-Poetry
National Best Poetry Book
National Best Poetry CD
Colorado &/or Nationally-Based Black Writers
National Best Fiction by Black Gay Male Writer
National Best Fiction by Black Lesbian Writer
National Best Poetry Book by Black Gay Male Writer
National Best Poetry Book by Black Lesbian Writer
National Best Non-Fiction by Black Gay Male Writer
National Best Non-Fiction by Black Lesbian Writer
National Best Biography/Memoir by Black Lesbian and/or Gay
Male Writer
National Best Anthology Edited by a Black Lesbian and/or
Gay Male Writer
(Used by permission)
Contests:
White Eagle Coffee Store Press invites poets to submit manuscripts to a
contest for chapbook publication.
Open Competition: No restrictions on style or subject matter.
Prize: Winner receives $300. and 25 copies. 40 copies sent free to
major poets/poetry organizations. 10 copies for press kits. All
entrants receive the winning book.
Deadline: October 31, 2004 - Postmark
- Manuscript of 20 to 24 pages, easy to read printing. No names on
MS.
- Cover Title Page with Title, Name, Address, Phone, and brief Biography.
- Second Title Page. No Name. 125 word Statement about your work to be
included in book. (materials, methods, work habits,
vision--whatever would introduce a new reader to your work.)
- Paginated Table of Contents.
- $10. Reading Fee. Check to WECSP. U.S. funds.
- Winner announced late Winter 2005.
- SASE for contest results. MSS recycled. #10 envelope.
- Simultaneous submissions OK, but please tell us should you publish
elsewhere.
- List of credits for previously published poems.
Fall 2004 Judge: Allen C. West, author of The Time of Ripe Figs
Send MSS to:
Poetry Chapbook Contest
White Eagle Coffee Store Press
P.O. Box 383
Fox River Grove IL 60021
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Word of Mind
http://www.geocities.com/wordofmind04/
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WOM announces its first annual contest for 2004! Entries are now being
accepted in four categories; poetry, short stories, articles and photography.
All entries must be postmarked no later than November 1st, 2004. One winner
per category.
First Prize -- $30
Second Prize -- $20
Third Prize -- $10
Fourth Prize --$5
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N.E.B. Publishing invites you to participate in the 3rd Annual One-Page Story
Contest
"If I had more time, I would have written a shorter Story."- Mark
Twain
How tight can you write? Create a story of 300 words or less, on any subject,
with a discernible beginning, middle and end. No entry fee.
First Prize: $100
Second Prize: $50
Third Prize: $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Deadline: January 15, 2005
Visit http://nebpublishing.com for full
contest rules and guidelines.
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TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SHORT STORY CONTEST
SPONSORED BY Science Fiction Writers of Earth
Entry Fee:
$5.00 -- The fee includes a one-year membership in SFWoE.*
Each additional submittal requires a fee of $2.00.
Deadline -- postmarked on or before 30 October 2004
Awards:
$200 First Prize -- $100 Second Prize -- $50 Third Prize (Prize money on
deposit at Omni American FCU in Fort Worth, Texas.)
The First Place story is eligible for placement on the FWoE Website for 180
days -- paid $75USD.
Address:
SFWoE
P.O. Box 121293
Fort Worth, TX 76121
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BLACK AMERICAN CULTURE/LITERARY PRIZE Seeking books published in 2004 dealing
with studies of black American culture and literature. Contact or send 4
copies to:
William Sanders Scarborough
Prize, Modern Language Assn, 26 Broadway 3rd Fl, New York NY 10004
OR
646-576-5141 OR awards@mla.org
****
shark
www.planetsharkproductions.com
Los Angeles, CA - planet earth
"It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped." -
Anthony Robbins
ABOUT PLANET SHARK PRODUCTIONS: LA film and video production company
specializing in short format media projects and music videos. Planet
Shark also produces, markets, and promotes film, record, and DVD release
parties & other industry events. Shark's popular global showbiz
website has 1000's of industry links and an Industry Insider Forum that's
packed with jobs, A&R gigs, showbiz events, resumes, parties, casting
calls & more. Over 2.25 MILLION industry visitors have
orbited Planet Shark since our February 2003 relaunch. For more info.,
visit Shark's Industry Insider Forum via http://www.planetsharkproductions.com
* Join Shark's FREE Weekly LA Industry Events E-Zine via the Yahoo! Groups
button on our homepage:
http://www.planetsharkproductions.com
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Internships:
Summer 2005 Black Enterprise-Internship/Freelance Writers
Job Information
Job Title: Summer 2005 Internship/Freelance Writers
Job Category: News Writing - Editorial / Magazine
Work Location: Texas-Dallas
Type: Internship
Salary:
Job Posting Date: 10-01-2004
Description:
Black Enterprise 2005 Summer Internship Program BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine
seeks talented and motivated college Juniors, Seniors and Graduate students to
participate in our 2005 Summer Internship Program. Interested students are
expected to have demonstrated an interest in publishing and have a grade point
average of 3.0 or better.
Internships are normally available in any department in the Company, however
students interested in internships in the Editorial department should provide
published writing samples as part of their application materials. Our 2005
Summer Internship Program begins on June 6, 2005 and continues through August
12, 2005.
Interested students should forward their résumés, cover letters and writing
samples (if applicable). We do not discriminate on the basis of race,
religion, national origin, color, sex, age or handicap. It is our intention
that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions
are based on job-related factors.
Résumés with cover letters and writing samples (if applicable) should be
mailed to:
Ms. Natalie M. Hibbert
Employment & Benefits Manager
BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine
130 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10011.
The deadline for internship application materials is Monday, January 31,
2005.
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KeepitComing.net
http://www.keepitcoming.net
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Make Time for You!!
KeepItComing.net offers fresh, compelling, and unique works of fiction and
nonfiction in a serialized, ezine
format, and we send it to the email address of your choice every Tuesday and
Friday! Each ezine contains just 750 - 2,000 words from a single story you've
selected, so you can read it quickly whenever you have a moment. It's the
perfect size for taking a quick break at work, or for reading while eating
lunch at your desk.
Each KIC story costs just $3.33 a month. That's less than the price of a latte
or mocha, and you don't have to drive anywhere! No contracts to sign.
Best of all, before choosing you can read a FREE ISSUE of any story we offer,
to see if it's right for you. As if that isn't enough, we also offer a
Customer Rewards program, so you earn free prizes with each new subscription
and renewal. So...why wait?
http://www.keepitcoming.net
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At The Water Cooler Ezine (ATWC) is published by D.S. White, Editor & Contributing Author. Every
month, Mondays.
You can send your feedback to feedback@atwc1.com
Want to advertise in ATWC? View our statistics
and don't hesitate to post your offer now!
Subscription information
This ezine is being distributed via Zinester
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Zinester.com is a project by
AGAVA Software Company.
Software development - as it has to be.
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Copyright © 2004 ATWC, D.S.
White. All Rights Reserved
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