Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity Newsletter: April 2024
Susanna Clarke: Breaking the Rules
My number one writing rule is: Situate the reader. Right at the beginning, make readers aware of when and where they are, and who the narrator is. Apparently, Clarke has not heard about my rule. Not only does Clarke leave us totally in the dark for a significant portion of Piranesi as to when, and especially where, we are, we actually don’t know who is telling the story until it is nearly at its conclusion. I was so disoriented that I nearly put the book down. And then it grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. Because not knowing was intoxicating. Read more here>>
84 Calls for Submissions in April 2024 — Paying markets
This April there are seven dozen calls for submissions. All of these are paying markets, and none charge submission fees. As always, every genre, style, and form is wanted, from short stories to poetry to essays. Read more here>>
52 Writing Contests in April 2024 — No entry fees
This April there are more than four dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes this month range from $100,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. Read more here>>
49 Awesome Writing Conferences and Workshops in April 2024
This April there are more than four dozen writing conferences. Some conferences and workshops will be held online, but most will be held in person or use a hybrid format.
These writing events offer everything a writer might want: intensive workshops, pitch sessions with agents, to how to market yourself and your books, discussions — there is something for everyone.
For a full list of conferences held throughout the year see Writing Conferences. If you miss an application deadline, put it on your calendar for next year. Quite a few conferences offer scholarships, so apply early. Plan ahead!
AGENTS SEEKING CLIENTS
9 New Agents Seeking Nonfiction, Picture Books, Kidlit, YA, Fantasy, Memoir, Graphic Novels and more
Here are nine new agents actively seeking clients. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients. All of these agents work for established agencies with good track records. They are looking for all genres. Always check the agency website and agent bio before submitting. Agents can switch agencies or close their lists, and submission requirements can change. Read more here>>
Are You Ready to Contact an Agent? Take This Short Quiz and Find Out
Before you can even think about contacting an agent, there are several important questions you must be able to answer. Why? Because, if an agent contacts you, she or he will ask them. (I know this from painful personal experience.) You must be prepared to reply with compelling answers.
This short quiz will tell you if you are ready to take on the publishing industry. Read more here>>
PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES
15 Publishers Accepting Dark Fiction and Horror — No Agent Required
Here are fifteen publishers accepting dark fiction, horror, urban fantasy, military horror, and anything that goes bump in the night — including vampires. None require an agent, and all are traditional publishers. Read more here>>
20 Publishers Accepting Nonfiction — No Agent Required
Here are 20 publishers seeking nonfiction. They are looking for a wide range of subjects, including art, theater, children’s nonfiction, calendars, memoirs, pop culture, politics, history — in short, if it isn’t fiction, they want it. All are traditional publishers, and none require an agent. Read more here>>
WRITING WORLD
Top 5 Sites for Science Fiction Writers
Of all the fiction genres, sci-fi — aka speculative fiction — stands as the one most likely to inspire devotion. Sci-fi buffs are die-hards. That’s because sci-fi authors are required not just to do world-building, but to do universe-building. That’s real escapism. Read more here>>
What Did Stephen King Read as a Child?
“I have the heart of a small boy… and I keep it in a jar on my desk.” ~Stephen King
Stephen King — he’s smart, he’s successful and he says exactly what he thinks. He also grew up without a TV. That explains a lot.
Self-Published Book Gets Movie Deal … Without an Agent
Not a single agent was interested in D. Eric Maikranz’ debut novel about a young man who is haunted by the total recall of two past lives and then stumbles upon an ancient secret society of other people just like him. So, he self-published his book. But there was a twist.
On the first page, he encouraged his readers to help by offering a cash reward to anyone who would introduce his novel to a Hollywood producer. And it worked!
“If you don’t know what’s impossible, it’s easier to do it …” ~ Neil Gaiman
”Whatever you do, you have one thing that is unique. You have the ability to make art. When things get tough … make good art. Husband runs off with a politician … make good art. Leg crushed and then eaten by mutated boa constrictor … make good art. IRS on your trail … make good art. Cat exploded … make good art. Someone on the internet thinks what you are doing is stupid, or evil, or it’s all been done before … make good art. The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you. Your voice. Your mind. Your story. Your vision.”
Like this newsletter? Want to get a jump on next month’s calls for submissions, agents seeking clients, free writing contests, and publishing news? Sign up for the Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity newsletter on my blog. It’s free! (I also have a ton of free writing resources on my blog. Check it out.)
