Friday, November 28, 2014

Okay. This will be my last post for today. Then I'm going to spend the rest of day rewriting chapter 8 of my novel.

*******

wd-logoNew Literary Agent Alert: Melissa Edwards of The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency 
New literary agents (with this spotlight featuring Melissa Edwards of The Aaron M. Priest Literary Agency) are golden opportunities for new writers because each one is a literary agent who is likely building his or her client list. 
Read more ...

Writing The High Concept Novel or Script

Dear readers,

Following is an article concerning the 'high concept story'. It can point out how to kick you story up a notch or two or three or four.


150x150

The 7 Qualities of High-Concept Stories
Stumped by submission guidelines calling for "high-concept" romance, suspense, young adult or other popular fiction? These 7 qualifiers will help you gauge how (and where) your work fits in.
Read more ...

Scripts Wanted

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving!

Following are two requests for scripts by production company. These requests are from an email newsletter I got today. If the requests apply to you fill free to apply.

******

SCRIPTS WANTED
And now for the Ink-Tip script opportunities. These are requests from production companies looking for screenwriters. 
Though you will need to sign up to InkTip to apply, you will not be charged anything - it is free to send your script in for consideration - and if they option your work, remember THEY pay YOU, never vice versa.
As ever, please address all questions about these InkTip opportunities toJerrol@inktip.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sixth Sense Productions - Seeking Women's Workplace Scripts
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We are looking for completed, feature-length women's workplace scripts, i.e. scripts in the vein of the 1980s hit movie "9 to 5," Starring Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton. Please only pitch if you have a script that meets these specific criteria; we are not looking for anything else, or even anything that can be “easily adapted to fit.”

Budget has yet to be determined. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

Our credits include "The First Grader," among others.

To submit to this lead, please go to:http://www.inktippro.com/leads/

Enter your email address.

Copy/Paste this code: x4ku16ecp7

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

We are looking for completed, feature-length, contained horror scripts with very original premises. As such, we are looking for unique, high-concept horror scripts focused on a few key locations. By high concept, we mean stories that you can pitch in one sentence or less. Please do not submit taglines as loglines. Budget will not exceed $4 million. Both WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.Our credits include "Loveless in Los Angeles," and the upcoming "The White Rose," among others.To submit to this lead, 


Enteryour email address.

Copy/Paste this code: p25fsvy99c

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Envoy Pictures - Seeking Straight-up Action Scripts
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We are looking for completed, feature length "straight-up" action scripts. Material submitted should take place in few locations (with most of the action taking place in one main location), should involve only a handful of main characters, and should focus on fighting and guns and personal action, not explosions. We specifically need material for a male lead in his 30s with a supporting male character in his 50s.

Budget will not exceed $500k. WGA and non-WGA writers may submit.

Our credits include "Night Sights," among others.

To submit to this lead, please go to:http://www.inktippro.com/leads/

Enter your email address.

Copy/Paste this code: jf3tuee9m0

NOTE: Please only submit your work if it fits what the lead is looking for exactly. If you aren't sure if your script fits, please ask InkTip first.

And that's it. 
To your writing! 
Phil


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Hello, readers.

Here is something interesting, Approaches to forming the first chapter of a novel.

The first chapter is the most important part of a novel. It holds the heavy responsibility of hooking readers so they will develop a appetite for the story. The following article addresses this topic and offers some suggestions.

********

4 Approaches for the First Chapter of Your Novel
BrianKlemsBrian A. Klems
Online Editor
WritersDigest.com
@BrianKlems
The following piece is by Jeff Gerke, whose Instructor of the Month bundle is on sale right now for one low price. Read the article and then check it out. Here's Jeff's advice on the different approaches to writing your first chapter. 

How, strategically speaking, should you begin your novel? When a reader reads your first chapter, what should she find?

There are four primary approaches for beginning a successful novel. Probably more, including some highly experimental ones, but these are the classic main four. Run your story idea through the filter of each of these and see if one of them feels right for your book.  Read more... 

Monday, November 24, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!




Dear Readers,

Thanksgiving is this week. It will be a time for eating, seeing relatives, and arguing over politics.

The weather is not at its best; so be careful traveling.

Keep your notebook open and pen ready in case you come across something interesting to use as writing material.

So have a Happy Thanksgiving, and be careful shopping on Black Friday.








Saturday, November 22, 2014

Dear Readers,

I got something new in my inbox.

Check out the tutorial below on writing a memoir. It can help you condense that 800 page life story to a 250 to 300 page story that everyone would want to read.


Writing a Publishable Memoir:
 Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary    

imageplaceholderSUE JOHNSON
Writer's Digest Tutorials

Hi Everyone! 

Many people think their life, or a specific experience in their life, would make a great book. The challenge is that even people with the most fascinating lives usually can't write down their experiences in a way that makes a great book. And yet, some of the most brilliant, riveting novels are about ordinary people in ordinary situations. So how do you translate your real life experiences-common or uncommon-into a brilliant story?

In this tutorial, Ivory Madison helps you develop your own roadmap to write, edit and market your memoir. There is a formula for all great stories, and Madison shares with you what every successful novelist knows about a successful story arc and how you can apply it to your memoir while staying true to your life story. She also shares her foolproof editing method, now used by many writing coaches at Stanford Business School. You'll discover how to determine if marketplace will respond favorably to a memoir like yours, and what to learn from the best-selling memoirs of all time.

Common questions and concerns about your memoir will be answered. Madison helps you navigate issues like what to do when your mother wants to read it, and whether people can sue you over your portrayal of them.

No matter what stage your memoir is at, this tutorial will not only provide you with the tools to transform your idea into a successful book, it will also offer the encouragement you need to follow through. This includes insights from the latest brain research explaining why writing about your past is a crucial tool for moving forward with your life in a positive way.

In this 61-minute tutorial video, you'll learn:
  • How to build trust with readers by being completely honest
  • How to find your authentic voice and let it shine through
  • Tools to analyze your story so you know what's essential and what's superfluous
  • How to write real-life scenes to be as riveting as your favorite fiction
  • Why writing, editing, and marketing area separate activities and how to use this approach to get better results in all three stages of your project, plus a unique approach to necessary research
  • What type of memoir you're writing from a publisher's perspective and if they will want to publish it, plus pitfalls to avoid if you plan to self-publish
  • How to handle your inner critic, fear of embarrassment, and fear of not being believed

Preview: Writing a Publishable Memoir: Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary >

Writer's Digest Tutorials Members enjoy full access to all tutorials featured in this newsletter, as well as every tutorial on the tutorials site. Did you know that for only $199 you gain access to all Writer's Digest's writing tutorials for an entire year? That means you have access to all 188+ current tutorials and all the new tutorials created throughout the year. With the addition of at least one new tutorial every week you have access to a minimum of another 52 educational tutorials. Watch every video whenever you like, as often as you would like . . . and be the first to watch the new tutorial we post each week! 

Haven't taken advantage of the wisdom bestowed through the WD tutorials yet? Why not try it out today and see all that our WD tutorials have to offer! You can try WD Tutorials for only $25/month! You will enjoy instant access to 188+ tutorials, including at least one new tutorial added weekly. Also, there are many new tutorials still in development. Feel free to preview the many tutorials immediately available to you through the WD Tutorials site.

Wishing you a wonderful week!

~ Sue Johnson~

P.S. If you missed the last newsletter (or two), be sure to watch these new and featured tutorials:


10 Tips to Create Great Plots


Editing Skills That Will Make Your Manuscript Shine

Re-Creating Poetry: How to Revise Poems

Writing Scary: How to Use Pacing, Sentence Structure, and Word Choice to Scare the Pants Off Your Readers

Strategies for Character Development: Character-Based and Plot-Driven

Structuring Your Novel: Discover the Proven Blueprint for Creating Stories That Sell

Creating Poetry: How to Self-Prompt Poems

Friday, November 21, 2014

ORIGINAL CARTOON SERIES PILOT WANTED

TV Pilot Animation/Children/Family; 

Posted: 10/17/14 ;Location: LONDON ; DEFERRED PAY[TBD] ;This post will expire: 01/14/15
Small animation house seeking pilots for a new kids cartoon series.

Open to all themes and characters. At this stage we are aiming at a young teen audience but are open to other avenues should the idea seem right.

Duration would ideally be between 15-22 minutes per episode.

If you think you are sitting on the next Simpsons or Spongebob we want to hear from you.

Submit: logline and synopsis 




 Posted by Tim Reynolds

UP-AND-COMING EUROPEAN PRODUCTION COMPANY LOOKING FOR SCREENPLAYS

Feature/TV Pilot Action/Biography/Fantasy/Historical/Mystery/Suspense/Romance/Science Fiction

Posted: 10/21/14 ;DEFERRED PAY[TBD] ; This post will expire: 01/18/15 ;
Peanutbutter Films is looking to enter the feature film market by storm and is looking for submissions.
Currently we have 1 feature in development and are looking to add more exciting projects to our slate!

We are looking for screenplays of any genre (fantasy preferred) that
  1. can be produced on a limited budget
  2. contains a limited amount of characters
  3. contains few locations 
 We do not offer up-front payment, but we do offer deffered payment. When we make money, so do you.

Please submit:
  1. Logline
  2. Synopsis
  3. Screenplay 



 Posted by Peanutbutter Films
SUBMIT TO THIS GIG

SHORT FILM SCRIPT NEEDED/ GRITTY MODERN NOIR

Short Action/Adventure/Crime/Mystery/Suspense/ThrillerPosted: 11/12/14 ; L
Location: LOS ANGELES ; UNPAID; This post will expire: 02/09/15 

















I am a Los Angeles based filmmaker looking for a short film to produce and direct. Examples of my work can be seen at www.thomastrail.com

I've directed a few feature films in the past. Now it's mainly music videos and commercials. I need something new for the reel to present for episodic TV directing. 

I've looked for scripts on other sites, but I always get buried in submissions. Not many sync up with my style of filmmaking. So this time I'm going to get a bit more specific... Maybe this might be a shot in the dark, but you never know.

I'm looking for a short that is a gritty modern noir tale. I love twist endings. Something with some action, but not high budget. Small in scope but clever. Something that allows actors something to sink their teeth into as well as allows me to celebrate my directing style. 

I love the urban texture of Los Angeles as well as films that celebrate this - 'Drive' and 'Collateral' are a few examples (preferably not night shoots). I'm thinking of something that has interesting character dynamics such as the film 'Sexy Beast,' a touch of weirdness like David Lynch, and a sprinkling of 'The Twilight Zone.'

Please send me your logline and synopsis.

This is something that WILL get produced and made. I'm also open to something that can be expanded, though it's not entirely necessary (ex. something that could be extended to a TV show, web series, etc.). And one other thing - I need someone who is open to collaboration if I feel like there are areas that can be improved. 

Thank you in advance.
SUBMIT TO THIS GIG

Publishers Seeking Writers

Dear Readers,

Have any of you written a book and would like a chance to submit it directly to a publishing company?

Trying contacting the following publishing companies below.


3 BOOK PUBLISHERS LOOKING FOR WRITERS
WritersMarket.com lists hundreds of book publishers for writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, writing for children, and more. Here are three open to submissions now:
  • American Federation of Astrologers publishes 10-15 titles per year for astrologers. The ideal book length is 40,000 words. Potential authors can submit the entire manuscript.
  • Highland Press Publishing publishes romance novels. Their editors say, "We buy what we like and what we believe readers are looking for." Prospective authors should query with a synopsis and sample chapters.
  • New Horizon Press publishes 12 titles per year, featuring true stories of uncommon heroes, true crime, and more. Prospective authors should submit a proposal package that includes an outline, bio, 3 sample chapters, and marketing information.
(NOTE: If you're unable to access the listing, it means you either need to log in or sign up for WritersMarket.com first.) 

WritersMarket.com lists more than 8,000 publishing opportunities, including listings for contests, magazines, book publishers, literary agents, conferences, and more. Log in or sign up today to start submitting your work. 

Click to continue.


My world consists of books.


If you need help with your book or script, feel free to try my services.

Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)

Edits/Proofread:  $48.00  (proofread for scripts)

Critique :  $58.00 ( for scripts)

Query Letters :  $28.00 (scripts/books): 

Synopsis :  $38.00 (script/books): 

Edits/ Proofread for Books:  $90.00

Critiques for Books:  $125.00

Are you writing a Short Story?  Now  I offer service for Short story writers as for the other services, the fees are flat.

Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $30.00

Critiques for Short Stories: $30.00

( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need  to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)

Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I  recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.

However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together.  So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.

Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00   This is a discount savings of $40.00

All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks

If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com

Phone: (360) 696-4298
There's nothing like a good deal.



Film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting services, coverage service, screenplay formatting margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, Search terms: screenplays, screenwriting service, edit and critique service, writing screenplays, screenplay format, loglines, query letter, film scripts, movie scripts, screenplay format, screenplay synopsis, script synopsis, treatment, proofreading service for writers, novels, writing services, fiction writing, film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting service, coverage service, screenplay critique service, screenplay format margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, free writing tutorials,   script consultant, screenwriting jobsfilm production companies, writing short stories, writing novels, screenplay contest, short story contest, action, young adult fiction, query letter sample, query letter format,  query letter fiction, query letter nonfiction, professional treatments 


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Nov. 21 Webinar by Agent Andrea Somberg: "Writing and Selling Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal, and Dystopian"

Novels have the ability to transport us out of our lives, to introduce us to characters and events that are beyond our everyday. And this is especially true for fantasy, science fiction, paranormal, and dystopian. Whether we're reading about a land ruled by magic, a deep space odyssey, a bleak future, or a paranormal creature living in a society that mirrors our own, there's always the question - how did the author do it? How did they so seamlessly blend the characters, the conflict, and the world to create a story that compels and entertains? This webinar -- "Writing and Selling Fantasy, Science Fiction, Paranormal, and Dystopian: Everything You Need to Know for Your Adult or YA Novel" -- will show you how, as well as give you the concrete and comprehensive tools you need to market and sell your adult or young adult novel. It all happens at 1 p.m., EST, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2014, and lasts 90 minutes.

ABOUT THE CRITIQUE

All registrants are invited to submit a query letter for critique. All submitted letters are guaranteed a written critique by literary agent Andrea Somberg. Andrea reserves the right to request more writing from attendees by e-mail following the event, if she deems the writing excellent. (Sign up for the webinar here.)

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

  • How to craft your concept, content, and pitch for maximum impact
  • Advice and exercises to strengthen your novel, with special attention paid to character, conflict, and world-building
  • What agents and publishers are REALLY looking for
  • Where your book fits into the marketplace
  • How the industry is changing and what that means for you
  • How to craft the perfect query letter
  • Advice on securing an agent and publishing deal
INSTRUCTOR

A literary agent for over fifteen years, Andrea Somberg represents a wide range of fiction and nonfiction, working with all of the major houses and imprints. Previously an agent at the Donald Maass Agency and Vigliano Associates, she joined Harvey Klinger Inc. in the spring of 2005. You can learn more about her and her list atwww.andreasomberg.com and www.harveyklinger.com. ( Sign up for the webinar here.)
Agent-Conference Opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities for writers to meet agents face to face at writers' conferences and pitch their work in 2014 and 2015. Remember: Meeting agents in person is a great way to get past the slush pile. If an agent is interested in your work and requests a sample or book proposal, you can write "Requested Material" on your submission, making sure it gets a fair read and consideration.

Know that there are two types of conferences. There are general writers' conferences, that address a variety of subjects, and then there are specialized conferences, which usually tend to focus on a single genre-such as western, romance, or mystery. You will find both kinds in this list below.

Arizona Writing Workshops,
 Phoenix, AZ (sold out) and Tucson, AZ (seats available; Nov. 22, 2014)
Attending agents: Adrianna Ranta (Wolf Literary); Steve Laube (The Steve Laube Agency); and Patricia Nelson (Marsal Lyon Literary).

Eckerd College Writers' ConferenceJan. 17-25, 2015, St. Petersburg, FL
Attending agents: Bill Contardi (Brandt & Hochman); Lisa Gallagher (Sanford J. Greenburger Associates).

SDSU Writers' ConferenceJan. 23-25, 2015, San Diego, CA
Attending agents: This event hasn't posted its exact faculty yet, but has 10-25 agents in attendance each year.

The Kentucky Writers ConferenceFeb. 6, 2015, Louisville, KY
Attending agents: Victoria Lea (Aponte Literary); Natalia Aponte (Aponte Literary); Brent Taylor (Triada US); and Alice Speilburg (Speilburg Literary).

Tennessee Writers Conference
Feb. 7, 2015, Nashville, TN
Attending agents: Greg Daniel (Daniel Literary); Lauren MacLeod (Strothman Agency); Brent Taylor (Triada US); Julie Gwinn (The Seymour Agency); and Cate Hart (Corvisiero Literary).

San Francisco Writers ConferenceFeb. 12-15, 2015, San Francisco, CA
Attending agents: There are already about 20 agents confirmed. You can see them all on the conference faculty page on the site.

Portland Writers Workshop, Feb. 20, 2015, Portland, OR
Attending agents: Sandra Bishop (Transatlantic Agency); Adam O'Connor Rodriguez (Hawthorne Books); and Mary C. Moore (Kimberley Cameron & Associates).

The Writing Workshop of SeattleFeb. 21, 2015, Seattle, WA
Attending agents: Kathleen Ortiz (New Leaf Literary); Kristin Vincent (D4EO Literary); Genevieve Nine (Andrea Hurst & Associates); and Fleetwood Robbins (Waxman Leavell Literary).

The Chesapeake Writing Conferences, Baltimore (March 27) and Washington DC (March 28)
Attending agents: Jeff Kleinman (Folio Literary); Ella Kennen (Corvisiero Literary); Jamie Bodnar Drowley (Inklings Literary); Laura Strachan (The Strachan Literary Agency). The faculty is still growing.

Carolina Writing Conferences, Columbia, SC (April 17) and Charlotte, NC (April 18)
Attending agents: Melissa Jeglinski (The Knight Agency); Robin Mizell (Robin Mizell Literary). The faculty is still growing.

Jackson Hole Writers Conference June 2015, Jackson Hole, WY
Attending agents: The 2015 faculty is not set, but this amazing event usually has at least 4 agents to pitch.

Writer's Digest Conference East, late summer 2015, New York, NY
Exact dates coming when available, but this conference usually happens somewhere in late July or early August over the course of one weekend. 

$ New Literary Agents Seeking Writers 2015

Good morning, readers.

Today I want to report two new literary agents in the market for new material. There names were sent to me in an email.


2 New Agents Seeking New Queries

Click on any name below to see the full mini-profile on the GLA Blog (with submission instructions). Good luck querying!  

1. Kimberly Brower of Rebecca Friedman Literary Agency

Kimberly is seeking: Kimberly is interested in both commercial and literary fiction, with an emphasis in women's fiction, contemporary romance, mysteries/thrillers, new adult and young adult, as well as certain areas of non-fiction, including business, diet and fitness.

2. Rebecca Scherer of Jane Rotrosen Agency

She is seeking: women's fiction, mystery, suspense/thriller, romance, upmarket fiction at the cross between commercial and literary

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

To All Writers: Rewrite Please!


Dear Reader,

This is my last post for today. I want to leave you with this advice- again:

Your first draft, whether it be a novel or script, is not your perfect final draft. You have to do a lot of rewriting to get the story right. When you pay for a critique take the advice in it. For every scene in a script or chapter in a book, don't be satisfied with what you've written. Think to yourself, "How can I make this more compelling."



Grab Reader's Attention & Beating Writer's Block

Dear Readers,

Here are more articles.

Column D: Starting Your Script - Somebody Wants Something
How do you grab a reader's attention and lay a foundation for your story? Drew Yanno talks about the importance of starting your script with a strong idea.
Click to Continue

Script Angel: Inspiration for Your Screenwriting Journey
Script Angel's Hayley McKenzie looks at ways to find inspiration on your journey to a screenwriting career.
Click to Continue

Get FREE Download with 16 Tips for Beating Writer's Block from Writing Coach Jenna Avery
What causes writer's block? We show you 5 causes of writer's block and offer Jenna Avery's 16 tips for beating it! Get those words on the page with our free download!
Click to Continue


*****************************************************
If you need help with your script, feel free to try my services.

Treatments : $ 48.00 (2 - 3 pages; for scripts)

Edits/Proofread:  $48.00  (proofread for scripts)

Critique :  $58.00 ( for scripts)

Query Letters :  $28.00 (scripts/books): 

Synopsis :  $38.00 (script/books): 

Edits/ Proofread for Books:  $90.00

Critiques for Books:  $125.00

Are you writing a Short Story?  Now  I offer service for Short story writers as for the other services, the fees are flat.

Edits / Proofread for Short Stories: $30.00

Critiques for Short Stories: $30.00

( If you are not able to pay in full, the payment for any service can be made on installment - divided in half. If you would like to use my service, let me know whether you need  to pay on installment or can pay in full. I am willing to be flexible.)

Some people request edits and critiques together. If a writer wants both, to me this says the writer is not completely confident his or her script is ready. So I  recommend getting the critique first. Use the critique to redo the script. Once the script is just right, then request the edit.

However, there are script, screenplay, writers who insist on having both an edit and critique together.  So I offer an edit and critique combo at discount.

Edit &Critique Combo Discount: $66.00   This is a discount savings of $40.00

All payments are received by Paypal. If you cannot make Paypal payments you may mail payments in the form of cashier checks or money orders. NO personal checks

If you are interested in my services feel free to contact me at
ahicks4298@q.com

Phone: (360) 696-4298
There's nothing like a good deal.



Film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting services, coverage service, screenplay formatting margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, Search terms: screenplays, screenwriting service, edit and critique service, writing screenplays, screenplay format, loglines, query letter, film scripts, movie scripts, screenplay format, screenplay synopsis, script synopsis, treatment, proofreading service for writers, novels, writing services, fiction writing, film script format, writing film scripts, screenwriting service, coverage service, screenplay critique service, screenplay format margins, screenplay writing, screenplay format example, free writing tutorials,   script consultant, screenwriting jobsfilm production companies, writing short stories, writing novels, screenplay contest, short story contest, action, young adult fiction, query letter sample, query letter format,  query letter fiction, query letter nonfiction, professional treatments