================================================================ i n k l i n g s Inkspot's newsletter for Writers on the Net http://www.inkspot.com Issue 5.11 * Over 45,000 subscribers! * May 25, 1999 ================================================================ This issue offers advice about long-distance technical writing (Lain Ehmann) and tips from Tammie Schmid-Thompson about agents and writers' conferences. This issue sponsored by: ================================================================= The WRITER'S SOFTWARE COMPANION: award-winning CD by Writer's Digest's Nancy Kress rapidly accelerates writing/publishing process--with SOFTWARE DREAMPACK FOR WRITERS, 57 free writers' programs: brain trainers to time-savers and writing coaches. Free downloads and extras: http://www.novalearn.com/sites/ink.htm ================================================================= ***50 GREAT WRITING CLASSES*** - Naomi Epel, author of the _Observation Deck: A Toolkit for Writers_ and _Writers Dreaming_: "I thought Judith's essay writing class notes were incredible! Very clear and focusing. I thought the class brilliant." WCU Course Catalog - http://www.writersclub.com/wcu/catalog.cfm ================================================================ ISSN 1205-6413. Copyright 1995-1998 Debbie Ridpath Ohi. See end of issue for copyright/contact info. http://www.inkspot.com ================================================================ CONTENTS THIS ISSUE: From The Editor's Desk Fresh Ink and Market Information The Conference Shuffle: Finding An Agent Technical Writing From Afar Writers' Classifieds ================================================================ FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: ======================= Writer's Digest Books has asked me to do a book for writers about online markets. If you know of a paying online market that should be included in my market listings, please send email to onlinemarket@inkspot.com; I also welcome suggestions on useful resources and other topics you would like to see covered. I'm sending this issue of Inklings out a day early because Jeff and I will be away on a trip to the UK for ten days, and I can't always count on finding a reliable Internet connection when I'm on the road. I'd be curious to know how other writers/editors maintain their online connection when travelling...please send your tips to editor@inkspot.com with "travel tip" in the subject header, thanks. I enjoyed my first misc.writing "wrevel" several weeks ago, especially connecting some faces with email addresses. Many thanks to those who invited me to the Toronto event. For more info about misc.writing wrevels, see the newsgroup or: http://www.scalar.com/mw/pages/news.shtml Congratulations to: Peggy Bechko, who wins a 1-week online course with Gotham Writers' Workshop Cathy Gallagher, who wins THE INTERNET RESEARCH GUIDE by Timothy K. Maloy (Allworth Press, Feb/99). Cecilia Echeverria, who wins WRITER'S GUIDE TO INTERNET RESOURCES by Phillips & Yager (Macmillan, 1998), in the Inkspot Classifieds Secret Prize Giveaway. ================================================================ FRESH INK ========= PRIZE GIVEAWAY: HOW TO WRITE BOOKS THAT SELL -------------------------------------------- By L. Perry Wilbur and John Samsel (1998, Allworth Press). Chapter topics include: book publishing industry, agents, editors, nonfiction, bestsellers, preparation, writing the book, book proposals, marketing your manuscript, self-publishing, e-publishing, using the Internet. Deadline: June 6. For more info about the book and how to enter, see: http://www.inkspot.com/admin/giveaway.html How Do I Get Started As A Poet? ------------------------------- By David Breeden. New Inkspot feature article. (DRO) http://www.inkspot.com/feature/breedenfaq.html The Authors Studio (TAS) ------------------------ Association of authors who also own their own small presses. Goal is to aid members with printing, distribution, and marketing of their books, as well as helping authors maintain control over their intellectual property. (DRO) http://www.theauthorsstudio.org/ Writer's Guidelines Database ---------------------------- This useful resource has expanded to include a deadline reminder service. (DRO) http://mav.net/guidelines/ The Straight Dope ----------------- Ever since I first read The Straight Dope by Cecil Adams I have regarded him as indispensable for writers. Someday, somewhere, I know I'm going to need an answer to a question nobody can answer and I'm going to ask. (TK) http://www.straightdope.com/ Pilot-Search Online ------------------- A literary search engine. (DRO) http://www.pilot-search.com/ Phantastes ---------- This web site was mentioned last October but warrants another mention today. It will be one of 3 recommended on-line resources for fantasy readers in the up-coming edition of The Year's Best Fantasy & Horror annual anthology (Datlow & Windling, eds, St. Martin's Press). (TK) http://www.phantastes.com The Painted Rock ---------------- Originally listed in Inklings in 1996, this site has now grown to include a free weekly newsletter, a free research listserv and a "library" (my favorite section--The Crook Nook, links to all sorts of cops and robbers stuff). (TK) http://www.paintedrock.com Fresh Ink editors: (TK=Tony King) (DRO=Debbie Ridpath Ohi) (GH=Gail Heinsohn) ** Please send suggestions for Fresh Ink to freshink@inkspot.com ================================================================ FREELANCE SUCCESS newsletter gives nonfiction writers the tools to earn a fulltime living. Detailed market info and online writing classes. SASE to 801 NE 70th St., Miami, FL 33138, email freelance-success@usa.net or see http://www.freelancesuccess.com ================================================================ Advertise in this space! Email sales@inkspot.com for info. ================================================================ MARKET INFORMATION ================== Please get current, detailed guidelines before submitting to publications if possible. Don't submit to email addresses unless specifically stated. Include a SASE for surface mail replies. More market info at: http://www.inkspot.com/bt/market/. ==-----------------------------------------------------== "FNASR" = First North American Serial Rights, "SASE" = self-addressed, stamped envelope, "simsubs" = simultaneous submissions, "mss" = manuscript, "RT" = response time, "GL" = guidelines, "wds" = words, "cc" = contributor's copy, "IWGL" = Inkspot Writer's Guideline Library. Markets Editor: Sal Towse (ST). Research assistants: Shane Stacks (SS), Margaret Shauers (MS). CONTEST: INSCRIPTIONS Theme: Dreams / Deadline: May 28, 1999 ------------------------------------------------------------ DEADLINE: 5 p.m. EST May 28, 1999. Inscriptions e-zine. Editor: Pamela Wilfinger. The weekly e-zine for professional writers is hosting a writing contest. CIRC: 1440 subscribers; 3600 unique site visitors/mo. NEEDS: A short story or poem about dreams, dreaming or the Dream Realm. Story entries should be less than 3K wds. Please put a space between every paragraph and do not use indents. Poems can be any length, any form. There is no entry fee to enter the Dreaming Contest. All entries must be in English, but the writer can live anywhere in the world. Previously published works are acceptable. Paste your entries directly into an e-mail and send with the subject heading "Dreaming Contest." Include your real name, mailing address and e-mail address with each entry. One short story or poem per e-mail, please. Entries without complete author information or sent in other formats will be disqualified. You may enter as often as you like. Each entry will be acknowledged, once received by the Inscriptions staff. If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, please resend your entry. RTS: One Time Electronic. Story will appear in e-zine and on web site for one week, after which rights revert back to author. PAYS: First Place/Poetry - $25 and publication in Inscriptions. First Place/Short Story - $25 and publication in Inscriptions. (ST) URL: http://come.to/Inscriptions E-Mail: MaidenFate@aol.com BIG WORLD --------- Big World. PO Box 8743-H. Lancaster, PA 17604. Editor: Jim Fortney. A magazine for people who like their travel on the cheap and down-to-earth. And not necessarily because they have to "but because they want to". Quarterly. Circ: 5K. 64pp. NEEDS: Features: laid-back, practical, how-to guides for the traveler, tips on getting the best transportation buys for the dollar, adventuring hints, or tales of a visit to an unusual, "off the beaten path" locale. Advice on working or studying overseas, humorous anecdotes, experiences with unfamiliar cultures, or helpful travel resource informational pieces are also appreciated in any length from 500-4000 wds "more or less if need be". "First-person experiences are always valued, especially if they reveal some lesson, characteristic about a culture - or about you. After all, travel is as much learning about yourself as it is others." Practical sidebars (best times to visit, extra reference material, etc.) are also very much appreciated. Style? "Friendly, fresh and breezy. Laid back. Intelligent but not snooty". PAY: On publication. "We prefer to give two- to four-year subscriptions, but we can pay up to $35 for a story with pictures. Other writing opportunities include 'dispatches', columns and such". Payment is in subscription. Submission ("or query if you're unsure about your idea"). You can submit your story on paper, on disk (3.5 inch and Windows-readable, if possible) or via e-mail. Illustrations are welcomed with any query or submissions. Sample copy ($4) or subscribe ($13 for 4 issues). Will gladly accept previously published articles, and all rights following publication remain with the author. (ST) URL: http://www.bigworld.com/ GL: http://www.bigworld.com/writing.htm> E-mail: bigworld@paonline.com THE DRAGON'S SCROLL ------------------- The Dragon's Scroll, a monthly ezine for the Dragonscroll site, a commercial site devoted to fantasy, sci fi and role-playing games and more. 6689 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite J, Norcross, GA 30092. (770) 729-5695. FAX: (770) 729-5694. Toll-Free: 1-877-SCROLL1 (727-5661). John B. Rigg, Editor-in-chief. NEEDS: Up to 10000 wds. Anything much longer than 10-11K becomes _long_ fiction. Fiction, articles, RPG modules, game reviews, and original art. Please do not submit material that has been printed online previously, or material that has been authored by any individual other than you. Fiction includes fantasy, science fiction or role-playing genre fiction works. Articles include commentaries; alternate rule interpretations or adaptations; personal reflections on fantasy, science fiction or role playing topics; or other non-fiction topics. Role playing modules include standard module-format adventures and can be for a specific published game or for more general use with any role playing medium. Game reviews include intelligently written and objective reviews of existing role playing, collectible card, board, video/PC, or war game products. Preference will be given to products currently available at www.dragonscroll.com. Original art includes any original art of an appropriate genre. Preference will be given to art not currently being published elsewhere on the Internet or any other electronic format. PAY: On acceptance, following final authorization by author. Fiction: $.03/wd. Articles: $.03/wd for submissions containing graphical content. $.02/wd otherwise. Role-playing modules: $.03/wd for submissions with graphical content (maps, visual aids, other graphics) and $.02/wd otherwise. Game reviews: $.02/wd. Until further notice, all RPG reviews (preferably on a new RPG or a new edition of an older RPG) that are accepted for publication may either receive the rate of .02 cents/word or DOUBLE that amount in store credit from Dragonscroll Inc. (http://www.dragonscroll.com) Art: base rate $25. Original art of exceptionally high quality can demand a higher price. Dragon's Scroll purchases electronic rights. If submitting via e-mail, send all writing in MS Word for Windows versions 2.0 or later. We will also accept articles in Word Perfect, however we cannot accept articles written using the Microsoft Works Suite of programs. Please email as attachments or as text of an email message. Send all art in the form of attachments to an email in .BMP, .GIF, or .JPG format. Rigg responds to e-mail queries personally, that is unless he gets completely snowed over, in which case some of those that can be answered by perusing the site may fall by the wayside. He also tries to give constructive feedback on _all_ submissions accepted or rejected. This feedback is sometimes quite in-depth, but if he gets inundated, these may become more terse. TIPS: "Don't try to write an epic of _War and Peace_ or even _100 Years of Solitude_ in under 10,000 words. It would take an _extremely_ talented author to pull it off. Rather, especially in short fiction, it is necessary to disclose background information concisely and, if possible, in dialogue or in bits and pieces throughout the tale. For writers of non-fiction, I prefer not to receive too much in the way of 'house rules', (i.e. rule modifications, superfluous weaponry or equipment) unless it is both well-conceived, and fills a need in the game system. Interpret this as you may. Finally for module writers, it should be emphasized that maps should be included, especially if it's D&D we are talking about. Not only does this bump up the rate of payment, but well-drawn maps, which can be snail-mailed if they are not in electronic format, vastly improve the playability and clarity of a module." (ST) URL: http://www.thescroll.com GL: http://www.dragonscroll.com/submit.html E-mail: editor@dragonscroll.com INDIGENOUS FICTION ------------------ Indigenous Fiction. P.O. Box 2078, Redmond, WA 98073-2078. Managing Editor: Sherry Decker. Associate Editor: Evelyn Gratrix. FREQ: Twice yearly (Aug and Feb). Will switch to tri-yearly publication schedule (Feb, June, and Oct) in 2000. NEEDS: *Literary* stories from all arenas, including mainstream, dark fantasy, science fiction, mystery and horror (no sex or gore!). Also seeking poetry (no "moon-in-June" or "love-dove"). LENGTH: Fiction 1000-8000 wds (most stories accepted between 2000-4500); Poetry 30-lines per poem max, send no more than five poems. GL: Proper manuscript format, include word count and SASE (*must* include SASE for reply). No email, fax or disk submissions. No multiple submissions, previously published material and simsubs okay. RIGHTS: First Time Print, or One-Time Print for reprints. PAYS: Fiction 1000-8000 wds: $10-20, plus cc. Short-shorts (under 1000 wds) and poetry: $5. Contributors also may purchase additional copies at the lower price of $5 per copy (includes postage). TIP(S): "We want odd, difficult-to-categorize stories, tales of deja vu, tales with subtle elements of the supernatural or the unexplained in stories of stark realism. Exemplar stories: 'Haunted' by Joyce Carol Oates (Dutton Books) or 'Touched' by Dale Bailey (Mag. of Fantasy & SF). Read these stories and you'll know what we're looking for. I have a strong prejudice against semi-colons or colons in fiction--too formal and academic--use dashes. Why write: 'could see, could hear, could feel could taste' when you can write: SAW, HEARD, FELT, TASTED! Avoid adverbs. NO: porn, hard-tech SF, true confessions, novel excerpts (unless they stand alone as complete stories), no essays, slice-n-dice gore, sex/violence against children or helpless animals--and no lovely rambling prose for the sake of loveliness alone. By 'literary' we mean the setting, characters and narrative should be beautifully developed. We want mood, atmosphere and 'beauty of language.' We want stories that make us THINK, long after we've put the manuscript down. We strongly recommend potential contributors read an issue before submitting. Single issues: $6, or subscribe (2 issues) for only $11; $13/$7-Canada; $15/$8 overseas." (SS) E-Mail: deckr@earthlink.net GL: Available by email and postal queries CC MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE ---------------------- CC Motorcycle Magazine. P.O. Box 1046, Nyack, NY 10960. Phone: (914) 353-MOTO. Fax: (914) 353-5240. Publisher: Mark Kalan. Focus on the motorcycle experience. FREQ: 10 issues/yr (March-Oct, and Nov/Dec, Jan/Feb issues). CIRC: 50K. NEEDS: Articles, stories, and poetry dealing with motorcycles or the world of motorcycling. Examples include articles or stories on traveling cross-country on a motorcycle, biker lifestyle or perspective, motorcycling/biker humor, etc. Poetry can be serious, but lighthearted or humorous themes preferred. Subjects need not necessarily be modern; motorcycling has a rich history and your piece can reflect that. GL: Stories and articles 750-1500 wds, poetry of varying length within reason. Submissions *must* be electronic, via either email or on disk (.txt or .rtf format, IBM or Mac). Hardcopy accepted in addition, but not necessary. If photos are sent, please identify the event, motorcycles (if they are the subject), and all people whose faces can be seen. Multiple submissions, simsubs, and previously published material okay. RIGHTS: One time Northeast (Delaware, Maine) Print, and 6 months electronic. PAYS: $75 max for stories with photos; $10 min. for all others. Tearsheets and contributors copies provided on request. RT: 2 months (and trying harder!). TIP: "We only print upbeat positive articles - we NEED an illustration, don't make me search for one! AND - make sure that you have a beginning, middle and an ending!" (SS) URL: http://www.moto-mag.com GL: send blank email with "guidelines" as the subject header E-Mail: motomag@aol.com CORRECTION: ----------- Email address of the KIWI ENTERPRISES SARL market listing should be kiwi_ent@club-internet.fr (it was incorrectly printed as "kiwi ent@club-internet.fr"). Apologies for the inconvenience. MARKET UPDATES (from Sal): -------------------------- Abilities Magazine was a featured market 03Mar1999. Updated information: URL: http://www.enablelink.org/AbilitiesMag/default.htm GL: (and editorial calendar) same [frames] E-mail: able@interlog.com Biblio has ceased publication. The April 99 issue was the last. The publisher decided to focus the company's efforts and resources on Mercator's World, which continues without interruption. New contact information for Mercator's World: URL: http://www.mercatormag.com GL: http://www.mercatormag.com/write_guide.html E-mail: Gary Turley, Managing Editor gturley@asterpub.com Please send market news to Sal Towse, towse@inkspot.com. ================================================================= Ask The Experts --------------- *** Please put "inklings question" in the subject header. *** Judith Bowen (ROMANCE WRITER) JudithBowen@poboxes.com David Breeden (POET) drpoetry@ktc.com Charles Deemer (SCREENWRITER) cdeemer@teleport.com Mark Fowler (LAWYER) askthelawyer@inkspot.com Carol Henson (BOOK DOCTOR) bookdoc@Prodigy.net Ken Jenks (ELECTRONIC PUBLISHER) MindsEye@tale.com Ginger Knowlton (AGENT) agent@inkspot.com Michelle Sagara (SF/FANTASY WRITER) Michelle.Sagara@sff.net Lee Wardlaw (CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITER) lee@inkspot.com Marcia Yudkin (FREELANCE WRITER) send to yudkin@inkspot.com Columnists may be unable to reply privately to every message, but will answer selected questions in future issues of Inklings. Please keep your question BRIEF and send it to *one* columnist. ================================================================= ASK THE EXPERTS will return next issue. ================================================================= THE CONFERENCE SHUFFLE: FINDING AN AGENT ----------------------------------------------------------------- by Tammie Schmid-Thompson In your efforts to find an agent, you've made the decision to attend a writer's conference. You wonder how a writer on the prowl can find and catch that creature affectionately known as agentus elusaivitis? Here are a few suggestions to make the search easier. The Hunt -------- Before ever leaving the house, cruise the pages of an agent's directory to make yourself familiar with agents seeking your type of book. It is also a good idea to check and see if there is a list of agents and editors in attendance at the conference. If agent/editor interviews are offered, try and sign up. These do tend to fill quickly. If you don't make it, find out where they are being held and wait around. Often, there are no-shows and you can take the slot. Another good idea is volunteering at the registration booth. Volunteers operate most of these conferences and they will be more than happy to accept help. Your benefit is seeing who's attending in the way of agents, editors and other writers. The organizers will remember you, too. I recently attended a conference and people from two years earlier remembered my assistance. The Quarry ---------- When you do meet an agent, collect a business card. Write what they want sent on the back and be sure to jot down your meeting spot, (i.e., after the agent's panel). This is very important, because the first line of your query should mention where you made contact and viola, you're off the slush pile! Yet another tactic is having lunch and dinner with different groups of people. You never know who might be there. I attended a dinner once, at the last minute, and found myself seated next to an agent. Writers are sometimes willing to volunteer who their agent is. If they don't or you feel funny asking, visit the book room. It's generally well stocked with books of authors attending the convention. Check the acknowledgements. Agents and editors are often mentioned. If they happen to be attending, get a card. If not, you can look up the address when you get home. A less traditional path is the hotel bar. It's amazing the number of interesting people you meet and the stack of business cards you'll collect. Simply stand at the edge of groups and read name badges. Once you realize you have an agent in hand, introduce yourself. Yes, it feels funny at first, but remember they are attending to find new clients. When you get home ----------------- Follow up, follow up. Remind every person you encountered you're still out there toiling in your writer's garret. Use e-mail when you can. Agents seldom let this information out when you're not a client but most writers offer it on business cards. Make sure you check out the agents you plan to query by looking them up in an agent's guide. If they say they are members of professional organizations, check the claim. A widely known organization is the Association of Authors Representatives (AAR). Their website can be reached through http://www.bookwire.com and they have a list of current members. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is another one. They can be found at http://www.wga.com. They also have a membership list. Another interesting source is Agent Research and Evaluation at http://www.agentresearch.com. They will check an agent's sales record free of charge. I tried it and received a response within 24 hours. They also have more extensive services for a fee. Next, prepare the query letter. Make sure it's perfect. If you come across a wonderful listing or a writer told you of an agent that wasn't in attendance, go ahead and query them. If possible make mention of the next conference you'll be attending. Then wait. Entertain yourself by working on your next book or pursuing some non-fiction articles. In the end, you'll be glad you put in the extra effort to find the agent that's just right for you. ==-----------------------------------------== Tammie Schmid-Thompson is a freelance writer living in Dallas/Ft. Worth. She shares a home with a patient husband, two kids and two dogs. Her mystery novel, No Deposit, No Return, is currently looking for a home. Copyright (c) 1999 Tammie Schmid-Thompson. ================================================================= TECHNICAL WRITING FROM AFAR: FREELANCING FOR LONG-DISTANCE CLIENTS ----------------------------------------------------------------- by Lain Ehmann (Editor's note: see http://www.inkspot.com/ss/genres/tech.html for a brief definition of technical writing) Every freelance technical writer dreams of working from anywhere in the world, at the hours that suits him or her best. But before you pack your swimsuit and laptop and head off for the shores of Maui, keep some things in mind. To set the stage for a great working relationship, you'll want to make sure all your bases are covered before you're thousands of miles from the office. There are two types of remote writers. The first are those who have worked with their clients face-to-face and now want to travel the world (or just to the beach), taking their projects with them. The second group lives in one geographic area and wants to work for a client in another. Both arrangements can be considered telecommuting, and the approach to the two is similar. Prove Yourself First -------------------- The easiest way to convince a company to take a chance on a remote writer is by establishing a local relationship first. Ideally, you'd work for a company face-to-face and get a few projects under your belt before proposing your move to New Zealand or a working vacation in Miami. By that point, they'd feel so confident in your capabilities that they wouldn't care where you plugged in your computer. This isn't to say that a writer living in Boise can't telecommute to the Silicon Valley from Day One. If you're applying for a new contract position from a remote locale, I suggest undertaking a smaller project first. Once you've proven your reliability and worth, you'll be better positioned for longer-term (and more lucrative) assignments. Set Yourself Up for Success --------------------------- Local writers often take for granted the easy availability of their clients' supplies including network hookups, copy machines, laser printers and specialized software. Realize that when you're hundreds of miles away, you won't be able to stop by the office to print out a color version of that table for Chapter Four, or to "borrow" a copy of Illustrator to whip up a graphic. You'll need immediate access to all the tools to get the project done. As a result, many freelance writers own such items as a fax machine, laser and color printers and a variety of software (I have copies of Quark, PageMaker, FrameMaker, Illustrator, Freehand, Word, PageMill and MiniCAD). You may not use all these programs and equipment; just make sure you do have what you need - before you get on the plane. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate ------------------------------------- Your supervisor's biggest concern is loss of control; she fears that by losing day-to-day interaction with you, control will be lost, too. It's your job to reassure her that all will be - and is - well. The best way to put her mind at ease is through constant communication. Set up a schedule to provide regular reports of projects and issues. I've found that a weekly accounting of project status, accompanied by a monthly list of accomplishments, works well for longer-term projects. Read the needs of your individual project and supervisor; some projects or managers require more frequent interaction; others, less. Likewise, each manager has a preferred communication method. Ask up front whether telephone, e-mail or fax is best. If your manager doesn't have a preference, pick what's convenient for you. The main thing is to be consistent. If you say you'll have your report in your supervisor's e-mailbox each Tuesday, make sure it's there - no excuses. Take the Initiative ------------------- The best employee - freelance or permanent - is one who requires little in terms of management time. Assume your manager isn't going to have resources to keep track of what you're up to, even if you do provide regular reports. It's up to you to anticipate any problems or issues with your assignments, consider what you need to get the job done, and pass that information on. Think beyond your immediate projects. What is the next step? How does your piece fit into the big picture? In your weekly status reports, outline problems or issues, especially those that may cause a delay or require additional resources. Never raise a problem, though, without suggesting a solution. By foreseeing possible roadblocks and presenting a resolution, you'll double your usefulness. Know your Limitations --------------------- The quickest route to unemployment is by committing to more than you can possibly accomplish. Know how much you can handle in terms of work and personal life. If you're planning to complete a 350-page manual while on a family vacation in Italy, think carefully. Will you want to take time from the Coliseum and the Spanish Steps to write about database software? Will you be able to access the necessary equipment to get your job done, like laser printers, e-mail connections and software? As a freelancer, you'll also need to schedule and balance multiple projects if you work for more than one client simultaneously. Client A is not going to be too understanding if you're late delivering their brochure because the datasheet for Client B took longer than planned. The key is to underpromise and overdeliver. When in doubt, give conservative time and dollar estimates. It's better to have your clients be pleasantly surprised with an early completion, than disappointed because you've missed the deadline for the third time. Working effectively as a remote writer isn't difficult. In fact, it's not much different from being a great on-site or local employee. The biggest thing to remember is to be responsive and responsible. By keeping the lines of communication open and using them often, you'll be set for telecommuting success, whether you're a block - or a continent - away. ==-----------------------------------------== Lain Ehmann is a freelance writer who has written almost 100 pieces for publications such as Woman's World, Stanford Magazine, Chicago Parent and more. A former technical writer, she also consults to high tech companies on marketing and public relations. You can contact her at Lainie9@aol.com. Copyright (c) 1999 Lain Ehmann. ================================================================= INKSPOT WRITERS COMMUNITY CENTER UPDATE (IWCC) by Shane Stacks http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/ Casual author Q&A and open discussions coming soon. We've had fantastic response to our initial call for authors, more details to come! As a reminder, published authors interested in hosting a chat receive a small honorarium, and publicity in Inklings and Inkspot. (Feel free to contact me for more info) **There doesn't have to be a scheduled chat for you to show up, have some fun, and participate in our writing community. Please drop by anytime!** MISCELLANY: Up-to-date IWCC info and help can ALWAYS be found at http://www.inkspot.com/ss/iwcc/, or contact Shane Stacks directly: staxx@inkspot.com. The IWCC is generously supported by the kind folks at MOOkti (http://noisey.oise.utoronto.ca:9996/). ================================================================= W R I T E R S ' C L A S S I F I E D S ================================================================= WEBSTORE FOR WRITERS includes the popular "Writers' Software Store". Ready to be a Master? See http://www.MasterFreelancer.com ================================================================= Thick skin wearing thin? Agented Bookdoc will help whip your mss into publishable shape. REASONABLE rates. L.Grant@prodigy.net ================================================================= ABC Editing: Successful, published writers perform Effective, affordable editing! See http://www.abcediting.com ================================================================= Get Published! New, affordable way to market your writing online. Visit Manuscript Depot http://www.manuscriptdepot.com/ ================================================================= FREE. Enjoy a weekly fix of crisp, original, short humor. http://www.virtualabsurdity.com or sample@virtualabsurdity.com ================================================================= PERFECT KEYBOARD LITE ($19): Tired of typing the same phrases over and over? Why not let your computer do the work. Launch phrases, paragraphs, URLs email addresses, scripts and macros with one key or combination of keystrokes. This simple program will change your computer using experience forever. Free 30 day trial. http://www.tricksandtrinkets.com/pk ================================================================= == How to advertise in Inkspot or Inklings === ================================================================= Reach over 45,000 people for as little as $30/issue. For full details, write to the autoresponder ratecard@inkspot.com or see: http://www.inkspot.com/admin/ratecard.html ================================================================= EDITOR: Debbie Ridpath Ohi ASSISTANT EDITORS RESEARCH/EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Fox, Chris Donner Shane Stacks, Margaret Shauers SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR WEB ADMINISTRATORS Bryan Fullerton Tony King, Bianca Thomas, Shane Stacks MARKETS EDITOR FRESH INK CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Sal Towse Tony King, Gail Heinsohn COPY EDITORS/ Gail Heinsohn PROOFREADER: SALES & ADVERTISING: sales@inkspot.com BUSINESS PARTNER: Jeff Ridpath CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Moira Allen, Judith Bowen, David Breeden, Charles Deemer, Mark Fowler, Susan Graham, Carol Henson, Ken Jenks, Michelle Sagara, Sal Towse, Lee Wardlaw, Marcia Yudkin. Full masthead info at http://www.inkspot.com/admin/contact.html Thanks to Samurai Consulting for hosting the Inklings mailing list. More info: http://www.samurai.com or bryanf@samurai.com ================================================================= Inklings is a free biweekly newsletter for writers. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint Inklings for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is included (including credits and information at the end of each issue). Others should contact me at editor@inkspot.com. All articles copyrighted by their authors. Back issues and other information available at: http://www.inkspot.com/inklings/ Inklings is part of INKSPOT, a web resource for writers: http://www.inkspot.com/ Autoresponder info (send any email to the following addresses) ------------------ info@inkspot.com - Info about Inkspot and Inklings ratecard@inkspot.com - Advertising info and rates. adminfaq@inkspot.com - How to subscribe, unsubscribe, etc. guidelines@inkspot.com - Writers' guidelines, payment info. SNAILMAIL: 122 St. Patrick St., Box 123, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2X8. For packages, please contact me first. ================================================================ To unsubscribe from Inklings, email majordomo@samurai.com with "unsubscribe inklings " in the message body. ================================================================