publish – Page 3 – Jean's Writing

Do you need a little push to finish writing that book?

Published on May 17, 2015May 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell14 Comments

How about $2000.00?

And a book contract?

Is your WIP still languishing half-finished in a drawer or file?

Maybe this contest is just the incentive you need to finish that book and get a publishing deal.

The Write Life sent out information about a no fee, contest called Publish or Perish.

Deadline August 15, 2015.

So this summer, finish that manuscript and polish it till that thing shines like a brand new penny. Then put together a killer marketing plan and head over to Publish or Perish and enter their latest contest.

Sounds so exciting right?

Do you know of another contest?

If so share the info in the comments section and let’s get writing.

I love comments, tell me what’s happening with you and if you’re not already, please follow @jeancogdell on Twitter or jean.cogdell on Facebook!

A writing tip worth reading

Published on February 8, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

Get your story pacing right.

I’ve read many writing tips on story pacing. Bet you have too. Wish it were as easy as moving to the beat of a good song. If it were, I’d set up a metronome next to my computer. For me though getting the pacing right in a story is often times a combination of magic, mystery and dumb luck.

However, this morning’s newsletter from On The Premises, a Web-based fiction magazine, was an ah-ha moment for me.

In spite of a story, submitted for publication, flooring the judges with a killer ending the story was rejected.

Why was that story rejected?

Tarl Kudrick, co-publisher of On The Premises, explains in plain English their thought process and provides helpful suggestions too.

… I found its first half predictable and slow [… .]

Get a couple of good writing techniques.

… If you find yourself writing “the boring part” just to get to “the good part,” here are two techniques that should help[… .]

This critique helped me and I hope it will help you too.

Mr. Kudrick goes into detail on how to cut the purple prose get to the point and keep the story moving.

… What’s the absolutely shortest possible way to get the critical information to the reader?[…]

Free to submit – Cash prizes

On The Premises challenges writers to produce a great story based on a broad premise supplied by the editors. Entrants pay no fees, and winners receive cash prizes in addition to exposure through publication. The winners are published in new issues every four months. Opportunity for feedback and critiques are available.

Please share this tip with your Twitter and Facebook friends. Thanks!

Get the info you need to publish on Kindle

Published on February 7, 2015February 7, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell4 Comments

Do you ever wonder…

How hard it is to self publish?

Should you self publish on Kindle?

Is there a secret to self publishing?

I don’t know about you but I love to do things the easy way.

Graeme Shimmin, Commercially published novelist shows you, not just the easy way but the right way, in 3 steps how to self publish.

He explains, in specifics, what every writer needs to do and how.

How to sign up on KDP
Understanding your copyrights
Converting to the correct format
Finding and selecting a book cover
Publishing Territories
Pricing and Royalty

Get Graeme Shimmin’s article:

How to Self Publish on Kindle in Three Easy Steps

Read how he makes self publishing simple.

Did you find this helpful? Then click and share with your Twitter and Facebook friends.

Publish or Perish, so the saying goes.

Published on January 28, 2015January 28, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell

A writer must write.

Give away, post on Facebook, Tweet, blog and yes sell. It’s possible to get your words out there.

Looking for a place to sell your work?

Check out the markets listed at Brainstorms & Bylines and NewPages. I bet they have a place for just about every writer.

Connect with other writers. Find writing prompts.

Go to 100 Word Challenge for Grownups or Five Sentence Fiction or Describi. There you’ll find prompts and story games to stir your creative juices.