Publishing … and Other Forms of Insanity Newsletter: October 2022

10 Bestsellers That Began as Self-Published Books

All of these books have one thing in common — their authors did not simply publish and then lean back and enjoy their success. They marketed, pitched, and sold the heck out of their books. And they continued to write. Read more here>>

46 Writing Contests in October 2022 — No entry fees

This October there are nearly four dozen free writing contests for short fiction, novels, poetry, CNF, nonfiction, and plays. Prizes range from $60,000 to publication. None charge entry fees. Read more here>>

100 Calls for Submissions in October — Paying markets

This October there are more than eight 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>>

37 Outstanding Writing Conferences and Workshops in October 2022

This October there are more than three dozen writing conferences. Many conferences and workshops will be held online, but some 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. Read more here>>

AGENTS SEEKING CLIENTS

4 New Agents Seeking Commercial and Literary Fiction, SFF, Nonfiction, LGBT and more

Here are four new agents actively expanding their client lists. New agents are a boon to writers. They are actively building their lists, and will go the extra mile for their clients.
Kimberly Fernando is interested in representing all voices and backgrounds in adult fiction and nonfiction, especially underrepresented voices.
Michelle Jackson is looking for Commercial, Historical, Humor, New Adult, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, Women’s Fiction.

Rebecca Matte is seeking Young Adult & Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy and Romance with: character-driven stories with strong friendships and relationships, fantasy romance, stories of self discovery and reinvention, queer romance, particularly featuring f/f, bi, pan, trans, ace and other underrepresented identities.
Madeline Ticknor is looking for literary and commercial fiction in addition to narrative nonfiction and memoir. In both fiction and nonfiction, she is looking for character driven stories and multilayered queer narratives. Read more here>>

Agents Looking for Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

Science fiction and fantasy never go out of style, so if you write in either of these genres, you are in luck. Here is a list of reputable agents who represent fantasy and/or science fiction novels. All of them are accepting queries as of this writing. (Note: Agents can close their lists at any time.) Read more here>>

PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES

7 Graphic Novel Publishers Accepting Manuscripts Directly From Writers

Graphic novels, or, as they were formerly known, comics, have always been popular among teens. But the publication of Maus, Persepolis, Watchmen, and other contemporary graphic novels has launched this medium as a literary genre of its own. Tie-ins and film productions based on comic book heroes have driven this genre into the lucrative mainstream, nonetheless, the alternative comic tradition still invites creative thinking, and imaginative writing. Some of the biggest names in the graphic novel industry still welcome submissions. Read more here>>

3 Horror and Dark Fiction Publishers Accepting Unsolicited Manuscripts

Horror is an immensely popular genre. (Zombies! Vampires! Werewolves!) The publishers listed here accept a variety of formats: short stories, poems, and novels. All are open to pubmissions as of this writing. Read more here>>

WRITING WORLD

Why I Love Weird Al … and Other Word Crimes

I love Weird Al. I have always loved Weird Al. (Who could resist that adorable face?) But now I REALLY love Weird Al.Not only does he know that “it’s” is a contraction, he also knows what a dangling participle is. (Be still my heart!) Now that I am backed by a celebrity, I feel inspired to add my own Word Crimes. And at the top of this list is… Read more here>>

How to Win Writing Contests and Big Publishing Contracts

While I normally pay no attention to writing advice (I have a knee-jerk reaction to break all the rules), David Farland’s letter turned out to be pretty good. As I scrolled down through the sections, I was distinctly aware that not only do judges look for these qualities in stories, but editors and agents do as well. Read more here>>

8 Reading and Writing Communities That Can Boost Your Platform

Reading and writing communities can be a great way to get feedback on your writing. They also host competitions for the most popular stories, which are then publicized. On some of the larger sites, notably Wattpad, there are tie-ins with media, publishing houses. Read more here>>

Disengaging from Readers: Dealing with Trolls, Cyber-bullies, and Other Web Cranks

It is received wisdom that writers must actively participate in the online community by joining discussions, replying to comments made on blogs, posting their views on forums, and so on. These interactions, collectively referred to as “engagement,” are presented as requirements for building an audience. If you are a budding author here are a few simple rules to follow when embarking on “engagement:” Read more here>>

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