Write this Moment

As writers it is very important to remain aware of market developments as well as keep informed about possible opportunities. Although books and directories can be useful, with new publications appearing as well as changes in personnel and requirements, these are not always up to date or reflect current needs. However I recently discovered a service being offered by Write this Moment. For a very reasonable quarterly or annual subscrittion, each week they post details on a job board listing the requirements of certain magazines or publishers.

I have had my own subscription for about a month and have been greatly impressed by the range of work and opportunities being posted. Also, if something is of particular interest, it is possible to have the details emailed to you or be directed to the relevant website.

In Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often I wrote about how to find and profit from 'golden opportunities' and am positive Write This Moment will yield quite a few.

If you are seeking to be published or looking for new markets, I thoroughly recommend taking out a subscription. For details and more information visit, www.writethismoment.com.

Getting the Editor's Approval

In my last blog I emphasised how important it is for you, the writer, to think of your reader. This way your writing will be more appropriate as well as having greater chance of being accepted.

To this, I would like to add how important it is to also think of the editor. The editor has to provide what his or her readers may be wanting. And, when putting work forward for consideration, mention in your covering letter or email how your work will appeal to their readers. Outline some benefits or the relevance and main appeal of your work and, by doing so, the editor can quickly see your work has merit and so will give it closer attention.

As a writer you are trying to sell your work and by thinking of the requirements of the reader and editor and meeting both, your work will stand more chance or publication.

Good luck.

Increasing Your Chance of Publication

I was watching a business programme the other night and the key message one industrialist kept putting forward was 'Think Customer.' It is the customer who buys and who ultimately decides on the success or failure of any venture.

And this message applies to writers. You need to think of the reader. What do they want to know or can gain from your writing? If you can make it relevant to their needs or can engage the reader in some way, then you will increase the chance of selling your work.

Sometimes writers can be indulgent and write for themselves. And while this can make writing a joy and pleasure it does not necessarily help you to sell what you write.

If you want to sell your work, always keep the reader in mind.

Next week I will add a further consideration which can again help you to increase your chances of a sale. In the meantime if you are keen to write for publication, do have a look at my special report, Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often. One reviewer wrote, “I have read quite a few books about writing but I have never read anything as good as this. It says it all simply and is packed with so much information." And with the purpose and theme of the report being to help you to 'Achieve More Acceptances.'

Good luck.

The Magic of Writing Goals

In previous blogs I have mentioned that every Sunday I make a list of what I need and want to write over the next week. This not only helps me to keep on track but allows me to think ahead as well as collect thoughts, ideas and facts.

However this Sunday I not only wrote my list but also added some longer term hopes and aims. I have been a firm believer in the value of writing goals but my action this Sunday helped re-enforce how valuable this process can be. It was as if writing down some personal aims I have re-ignited a spark inside me and yesterday (Monday) was exceptionally productive.

In addition to writing down daily or weekly writing targets, add longer term aims and see what a difference this can make.

If you find this as effective as I do and/or have had success in goals you have previously written down, do please write and tell me at selfhelpforwriters@hotmail.co.uk It is a fascinating area and one that can help with your writing as well as in other areas of your life.

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Thanks to all who have recently visited my blog and for the comments I have received, including a newspaper plug! However if you are visiting for the first time and are keen to make more of your writing talents, do take a look at my ebook, Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often. For reviews, information and to benefit from the current low price (it's just $7), do visit http://achievemoreacceptances.com

Writer's Market UK

A new writing directory has just been published in the UK. Published by David and Charles, Writer's Market UK 2008 is a large directory containing 976 pages of entries, advice and information useful to the writer. To accompany the book there is also a dedicated website and with a free 30 day trial available to those purchasing the book.

The first 110 pages consists of articles on all aspects of writing including Publicity and How to Get It, Writing for Newspapers, Writing for the Web and Good and Bad Letters. This is followed by the Directory listings and which include UK and Irish publishers and publications. These are extensive and just by looking through the entries I discovered publications which I did not know about and which I intend to follow up. (Only yesterday I pitched an idea to one of the publications listed.)

There are also extensive listings for Radio and Television, theatre, agencies and consultancies, organisations, groups and clubs, competition and prizes, festivals and conferences as well as a wide range of resources useful for the writer.

For those interested in selling their work, whether to a magazine or to learn of suitable publishers or agents, I thoroughly recommend obtaining a copy. It is detailed, comprehensive and has all the links and details you need.

Stephen King's Advice

In his excellent book On Writing, Stephen King mentions the time he was asked how he wrote his books. He replied, 'word by word.' And by sitting down and writing his many books and novels got written.

And as writers, we do need to write - regularly and often. And by writing 'word by word,' articles, stories and books will get completed and you will be increasing your chances of publication.

Ideally aim to write something everyday and this way your words and output will mount up.

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The British authoress Suzanne Harris has recently posted a review of Achieve More Acceptances and Be Published More Often on her blog, she writes:

I found the report to be a simple, factual piece of writing that all aspiring writers can learn a lot from, and I personally highly recommend it. This report is a good read, contains valuable information and only costs $7! If you're just starting out, you can a learn from a well-established author, for very little money, simply by reading this valuable document.

For the full review, here's the link to Suzie's blog http://nonfictionmuse.blogspot.com.

My new website

I have often read that it is worth writers having their own website, so making it easier for readers and the media to contact as well as to help promote their work. It is something I have considered for some time and this week have launched my site,www.neilsomerville.com. I hope to be adding to the various pages shortly but do take a look and I'd be very interested and grateful for any comments.

Also my special report Achieve More Acceptances and be Published More Often has been recently updated and with a specially reduced price. Details can be obtained from this link.