Help me understand the editor hierarchy at the magazine I write for. Every article I do for them seems to take a different path, with different editors contacting me about different things, but it's never consistnet. I can never figure out if I'm communicating with the right person.
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posted by Ookseer
on Apr 25, 2013 -
9 answers
I've been writing short fiction. I've got my process down pretty well, to the point that I am not getting stuck in writer's block hell or any other common pitfalls. I have ideas, and I'm capable of getting them down on paper. I revise them, I produce new drafts, etc.
My problem comes in the last phase of the process. I don't know when to say something is
done.
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posted by deathpanels
on Mar 21, 2013 -
11 answers
For the last few years, I have reviewed every book I read on Goodreads, just for my own edification. I read a lot. I have written
a lot. Is there a better use to put this content to?
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posted by restless_nomad
on Mar 16, 2013 -
25 answers
I want to write a non-fiction book with basic formatting like bulleted lists, numbered lists, along with some callouts. Think "XYZ for Dummies". I'm on Windows XP / Windows 7. Don't want to upgrade XP on my seconday machine if not absolutely necessary.
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posted by 4midori
on Jan 18, 2013 -
8 answers
Am considering publishing an unusual philosophical self-help tract written in a fiery, contrarian tone. Think Hegel meets Deepak Chopra, for lack of a less weird description. Right now the manuscript is short. I'd like it to provoke conversation, make a reputation, and build an audience. I lack these currently. Am I better off a) self-publishing, b) creating a Kindle Single, or c) publishing traditionally? C would require me to expand my manuscript to 5x its current length, but give me prestige, a (likely small) advance, wider distribution, and perhaps more publicity. The other options would be far faster and might allow me to iterate my ideas / write other pieces based on audience reaction. Any advice on which option (feel free to add options) would best serve my goals?
posted by shivohum
on Jan 16, 2013 -
8 answers
What are the legal rights and obligations of someone reading aloud in public from a published book?
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 24, 2012 -
5 answers
I just got an offer to publish my first novel. I know very little about the publishing industry and the business aspect of being an author. Help!
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posted by inire
on Oct 22, 2012 -
13 answers
I'm looking for literary/media outlets specifically relevant to purveyors of rambly, tangential narrative mostly-autobiographical non sequiturs (i.e. the sort of writing that's my stock in trade). The recent death of David Rakoff has managed to make my old joke about just accumulating all my writing in a well-marked little box so I can be discovered posthumously seem a little less funny, given that I'm only a few years younger than he is and have been steadfast in my dedication to purposely sabotaging every opportunity that comes my way. Thing is, I have a terrible confession—
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posted by sonascope
on Aug 25, 2012 -
11 answers
What are the realistic odds of a movie studio buying rights to fiction? What steps could one take to even attempt this?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 6, 2012 -
21 answers
Tell me stories of people finding unusual routes to getting their books to readers. I have written a book and would love to hear about people who found readers through more DIY channels. Not interested so much in how to self-publish, as in hearing stories to help me find the next step for my creation.
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posted by bobbyno
on May 13, 2012 -
20 answers
I am an aspiring young adult author who has a literary agent. My agent has represented me since 2008 and in that time has tried to sell two different novels that I wrote. My second book has been out with editors since June, and there still have not been any takers. I just finished the first draft of my third novel and am starting to wonder if I should start looking for a different agent to represent me.
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posted by Palmfrond
on Mar 22, 2012 -
13 answers
Naming filter: Help me name a blog devoted to publishing great exercises, activities, and assignments by and for instructors of college composition and literature classes.
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posted by cymru_j
on Sep 6, 2011 -
12 answers
Who might want my essay about Duchamp, Man Ray, Picabia, and the illusion of a differentiated universe?
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posted by cmoj
on Mar 1, 2011 -
7 answers
I've just received a request to use one of my online articles in a textbook. Is this weird?
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posted by crazylegs
on Mar 1, 2011 -
5 answers
Is there an easy, quick way in Word to convert a large amount of block paragraphs (like we have on teh internets) to the sort of paragraphs one sees in print with indents and no space between said paragraphs?
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posted by scaryblackdeath
on Jan 24, 2011 -
12 answers
I found a review of Constant Content. I feel like writing online for this site. Anybody thinks this is profitable?
posted by susanharper
on May 24, 2010 -
4 answers
I want to eventually publish a high school / college level math textbook, but I have no idea what I'm doing.
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posted by anonymous
on May 19, 2010 -
6 answers
I have written a literary science fiction novel. I am confident that it is salable, but I am so far having difficulty finding an agent. I am considering going to the
Backspace Writer's Conference but am uncertain as to whether the $700 cost would be a good investment.
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posted by 256
on May 2, 2010 -
12 answers
Can a pen name protect me from legal repercussions in writing a personal nonfiction book based on previous petty crimes?
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posted by kleenkat
on Apr 7, 2010 -
8 answers
I am looking for journals and periodicals that would be appropriate for submitting interdisciplinary articles in the humanities.
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posted by crazylegs
on Feb 6, 2010 -
5 answers
Can I publish my fiction about a deceased historic public figure without fear of action from his estate?
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posted by IndigoSkye
on Feb 2, 2010 -
5 answers
Innovative Books: I am looking to compile a list of the most innovative uses of the book format. Books that break the mould in their layout and design, perhaps books that use online systems to extend their content value or push their form into new places. I am most interested in narrative and theory, but any book that is interesting (artist books etc.) would be really appreciated.
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posted by 0bvious
on Nov 1, 2009 -
29 answers
I've recently begun work on a children's book. It is inspired by my granddaughter. I was wondering if anyone had any information on how to get a children's book published? Suggested Publishers? Also, any other information pertaining to this process, would be appreciated. ***I realize that children's books are a dime a dozen...but mine just
might be spectacular ;)***
posted by gypseefire
on Oct 17, 2009 -
4 answers
I want to write and publish a book on the
industrial music scene from a feminist perspective. I’m a decent writer, but I have no photography, graphic design, marketing, or publishing experience, and no industry connections. Where do I start?
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posted by velvet winter
on Oct 3, 2009 -
8 answers
I have this amazing idea for a book that has never been done before and will sell like hotcakes. (No, seriously!) But I have absolutely no idea where to start. What do I do?
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posted by Madamina
on Sep 25, 2009 -
11 answers
I have savings and, soon, no work. I want to do something interesting, write about it, and publish - ideally to kick-start a writing career. How should I go about these 3 things?
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posted by jeatsy
on Sep 8, 2009 -
14 answers
I've fallen in love with a certain older British character actor and want to write his biography...where do I begin?
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posted by frosty_hut
on Sep 4, 2009 -
5 answers
There is a literary journal currently asking for a $1 "handling fee" to fast-track submitted stories. Is this okay? What really, is the point of asking for a dollar?
posted by uans
on Aug 22, 2009 -
20 answers
In writing a research book, how far along should I be before approaching publishers, agents, etc? Help needed to get my nonfiction pop culture centric book into bookstores
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 3, 2009 -
7 answers
What do you love about popular books on society, history, and human sciences? What do you hate about them?
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posted by carmen
on Jul 23, 2009 -
19 answers
My dream is to write nonfiction books, but I have more book ideas than I know what to do with. Does anybody have any advice on how to find an agent or even just somebody knowledgeable about the publishing business who could give some good advice about which book ideas would work and which ideas would fall flat? How does one get past the query letter stage, when you have multiple outlines and chapters and book ideas, but you don't have a finished book?
posted by jonp72
on Jul 14, 2009 -
13 answers
How can I make my Word documents look less....boring? Seeking tips & tricks from people with an eye for design.
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posted by Miko
on Jul 8, 2009 -
26 answers
I often have a whole bunch of 500-3000 word articles to read - all reasonably plain English with headings and sub-headings (and occasionally images). Is there any software out there which will take an article (or articles) and write a reasonable one or two paragraph summary of the article, or produce a list of key points?
posted by zaebiz
on Jun 16, 2009 -
13 answers
OK, I've posted on this subject before. Each time, I'm a little further along. Here is where I am right now. I've been working on a book since March. The idea upon which the book is based has been getting a lot of attention recently and has consistently been in the news for about four years.
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posted by CollectiveMind
on Dec 8, 2008 -
5 answers
Something I've been involved in for several years has been getting a lot of publicity lately. And I've just been told that it is about to get some national publicity within the week.
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posted by CollectiveMind
on Nov 16, 2008 -
8 answers
I know how you write an article, I know how you write a short story, I know how you write a book. But how do you write a
marketing plan?
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posted by EmpressCallipygos
on Oct 9, 2008 -
7 answers
