| SUNOASIS 2004 PUBLISHING and WRITING BLOG
NEW!
"To limit the press is to insult a nation; to prohibit
reading of certain books is to declare that the
inhabitants to be either fools or slaves."
-- Helvetius
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
- [Editor Notes; Of Editors and Writers]
- [The Writing Life- The Odd State of Reading]
- [Resources]
- [Sunoasis Opinion]
- [Career Advice]
- [At C/Oasis]
- [Markets]
- [Community]
- [Acknowledgments]
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E D I T O R N O T E S
It takes all types to make up a publishing system.
And the contract or freelance writer is usually
the more professional and reliable of her editorial
counterparts. It is strangely wonderful how
self-determination will make a person work harder
than a clock and a hovering boss.
Too often the contract or freelance writer feels
powerless outside the protection of a large organization. This
can strain the relation between editor and writer.
The editor has a large budget, a generous support
group, and many submissions to choose from. The writer
should do everything in her power to deal with editors
on an equal basis.
Approaches to editors that work: Be honest in your
dealings with them. Ask questions if there is a problem
with an assignment. Turn in the piece of writing that you
said you were going to turn in. Be courteous and respectful
of the editor's time.
Other factors that equalize the relation between editor
and writer: Possess as much information and knowledge
about what rights are bundled with your copyright, study
the publication you are dealing with, and understand
the art of negotiating. If those are in place, then
you will deal with an editor on an even playing field.
Most editors are not frustrated writers who want to
seek revenge for their lack of success as writers.
Editors want to produce an excellent publication and
know the key is to purchase wonderful writing.
I still get startled when writers treat me as an editor on
my ezine. And it sharpens the distinction between the
role of editor and the role of writer. The Net has
permitted me to play both roles and I'm thankful. I think.
At least the adventure has given me valuable insights into
what an editor does or tries to do.
Well, I am an editor and making decisions on their pretty baby's.
The editor is straddling between the needs of his readers
and publication and his own response to written pieces.
Most editors don't like the inhuman relation that
develops in publishing and really does want to develop
professional relations with writers who constantly
deliver good writing.
* * * * * * * *
The relationship is fraught with peril on newspapers.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>s h o r t t a k e s <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Freelance writing, as with all other valuable activities, is a
tough nut to crack. I like the interview with this young
freelance journalist in Baghdad.
If he survives he is doing exactly what a freelance writer
must do to have a successful career. He actively pursues
the best story under the direction of his or her own self-
disipline. And reading that interview we get an interesting
picture. Yes, the place is a mess but much of Baghdad
appears secure. There is no substitute for a real person
standing in a real place and reporting on it.
That is why this story about Business 2.0 contracting out
half its freelance material to India should not be of immediate
concern. "Quittner says outsourcing is not a threat to people in
highly collaborative, creative businesses such as his."
It does introduce a few interesting scenarios that may
play themselves out in the next few years.
The recent proliferation of blogs...has eliminated the
Webmaster as a mediator between the writer and reader,
turning the Web into a read and write medium.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> t h e f r e e p r e s s <<<<<<<<<<<<<
Bloggers have invaded the conventions in Boston and, later
in August, New York City. They are the ones squatting on the
floor, heads buried in a laptop, with an unidentified beverage
at their side.
Does the Net confer some credibility on anyone who has the
ability to compose files and upload them to a server?
We look to those bloggers who have done something
distinctive.
It's rare, despite the buzz surrounding the
activity. But blogging brings the same excellent value
that the Web inspired back in the 90's; devotion to "telling
it like it is," freedom, and self-expression. One thing
that the Wired article points out is the strategy some of
these bloggers used in Boston.
Most writers I know believe they have something significant
to say. They now have a form of expression that provides
no resistance to what they want to say. Their only frustration
is that they aren't famous as they think they should be. In
this environment we say, "story is meaningful. Thought counts.
And good, even profound research, has credibility."
The UK has its own wry observation of these things.
An independent reporter at one of these conventions
would stash the computer away in a safe spot and go roam
the floor with a tape recorder, a pen and pad, and a lot
of background research stuffed in his brain. If he's honest
he'll look for something he's never seen or heard before.
If he has strong opinions he measures the convention
against every sense of perfection the system has cut down.
In any case, he lets the convention speak in its own voice,
whatever that may be. And at either convention the
loudest voice is hype.
* * * * * * * *
You can get the more extensive article on market ideas
from Sunoasis X 2004 by subscribing today. You pay what
you believe it's worth to you for a whole year of
resources, articles, tips, and market information.
T H E W R I T I N G L I F E
I think it's interesting the way the press bemoans the
fact that only half of the adults in the United States
read "literature." From anecdotal evidence
I had that figure at about 5%, so I am hopeful. One-half
of the adult population represents tens of millions of
people. And, without being snobbish about it, I bet they
are the smarter half of the population. They are the more
interesting ones; those who have travelled and given more
than passing thought to the life and world that passes
through.
"Reading" in the purest form is rarely a group activity.
That fifty percent of the American people read literature
in some form is a great advancement actually. If, in the
next several hundred years, it gets up to seventy-five
percent the liberal democracy might be able to save itself.
The fact that elites read some form of literature and the
ruled don't, explains a few things that have happened
in my lifetime. It explains the copywriters I have
met, creative writing dreams still intact, who test
out pet theories about culture, life, and art in ads
about cars.
* * * * * * * *
The Featured Article in this month's Sunoasis X 2004 is,
Tips from the Trenches by Dr. Vicki Hinze.
For the fuller article on the writing life,
try the preview by going to this link:
www.sunoasis.com/premium.html
For Freelancers Only
Guide for freelance writers.
Get it in writing.
Freelance writing for online publications.
Freelance article writing.
The feedback we've gotten is superb. We're proud of the
quality of people who have subscribed to Sunoasis 2004.
So, please continue!
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R E S O U R C E S
For being loner-types, writers sure have a lot
of associations.
-----------
C r a f t :
-----------
A funny review of the grammar hit, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves:
The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation" by Lynne Truss.
The Tongue Untied: A guide to grammar, punctuation and
style for journalists.
Guide to writing successful press releases.
Literary Calendar
Research resources for writers.
How to edit your own writing.
---------------------------
O r g a n i z a t i o n s :
---------------------------
Association of Art Editors
Circle of Wine Writers
Faith Writers
Momwriters.com
Police Writers Association
Teachers & Writers Collaborative
-----------------------
P r i n t P u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
Revenues are up for the book industry -- mostly because publishers have
raised the price of books. Americans are buying fewer books and spending
more time with TV and the Internet.
Another tale of self-publishers.
-----------------------
e p u b l i s h i n g :
-----------------------
The low down on blogs.
The Internet is pulling readers from the newsstand, says IDG
chief Pat Kenealy. Two-thirds of BusinessWeek's online users
don't use the print product, and vice versa. (IN PDF format)
Blogging isn't a business yet, but it's on the verge, says one
speaker at the BlogOn conference -- who adds that Craigslist
has taken away 13% of the San Francisco Chronicle's classified
business.
A Chinese novelist is formatting his novel for mobile
phone users.
eBooks are at last becoming a popular reading format,
particularly for commuters, vacationers, and business travelers.
-----------------------
M e d i a:
-----------------------
The Northwest Voice, a California weekly newspaper, is turning over its
newsgathering to community members, in an effort to give individuals a
voice in local news. Blogs "have kind of softened things up."
According to a report from Jupitermedia, quoted in
Tuesday's Wall Street Journal, dollars spent on online
advertising will match dollars spent on magazines by 2007,
then surpass them in 2008.
S U N O A S I S O P I N I O N
Sunoasis Opinion is a new page that contains some of our
responses to things. No thinking man or woman should let
the world pass without a few comments to throw in the way.
C A R E E R A D V I C E
Sunoasis Career Newsletter is free and is full of interesting stuff,
Q and A, links, and other resources you've expected from Sunoasis.com
the past six years. To subscribe just go here.
Ask a question about your career!
A T C/ O A S I S
"Dancers" by John Henry Fleming
It is said that the Lakas are natural dancers because
when they walk from hut to hut or village to village
they must spin, shuffle, and slide over treacherous,
cliff-hugging paths and the knife-sharp rocks that
stipple...
"Writing About Things That Can't Be Written About" by
William Stimson
For me, when writing happens in a way that's real- when
it comes out in rich fluid gushes- it's always the case
I'm writing about things that can't be written about
It's not really writing that's happening, then, but
something more.
Where Have All the Standards Gone? by Rhonda Eudaly
All writers have a single mantra burned into their minds
from an early age - never submit something that isn't in
proper, or standard, format. What many beginning writers,
and even established writers, find is that there is no
cut and dried definition of "proper" and "standard".
Hey, we even have a new literary newsletter and you can get it free
if you click here!
M A R K E T S A N D L E A D S
Marketing Specialist/Copywriter
Location: Southern California
Great Benefits, An easy commute, and a
chance to let those creative juices flow, what
more could a hard-working, enthusiastic professional
ask for? The California Credit Union League has an
immediate full-time opening for a Marketing Copywriter
to let their fingers dance across the keyboard for
print and electronic media. Successful candidate
must have a thorough understanding of marketing principles;
at least 2 years experience copywriting, editing,
proofreading and desktop publishing. Credit union or
financial industries experience a plus. Bachelor's degree
preferred. Send cover letter, resume and salary history to:
Email: jobs@ccul.org
Subject line: Reference job code 200406
or
Attn: Human Resources
California Credit Union League
9500 Cleveland Ave. Suite 200
Rancho Cucamonga, Ca. 91730
www.ccul.org
No relocation package available.
EOE
M/F/V/H
LEGAL EDITOR - Employment Law
Research, write and edit compliance books, newsletters
and web-based products for legal publisher located in Old
Saybrook, CT. Monitor employment issues, legal, regulatory
and industry trends and developments.
Required: excellent writing and communication skills.
Detailed understanding of employment law, including FMLA,
NLRA, employment contracts and unemployment compensation.
Law degree or equivalent experience required. Strong verbal,
writing, analysis, research and communication skills, including
computer aided legal research and Internet navigation skills.
Ability to handle multiple assignments in a deadline oriented
environment. Ability to work both independently and as
a team member.
Please send resume to sschoenfeld@blr.com
On Sunoasis X 2004 there are market listings for Business and Finance
publications that pay very good rates. Many are directly linked
to their writer guidelines. Subscribe today
and get a year's worth of resource for only $10.
Job Links for new leads!
* * * * * * * *
Colossal Directory of Children's Publishers
How to find foreign writing markets.
The National Writer's Union has a list of markets
that pay $1/word and up.
Job Links for new leads!
If you have any suggestions about markets you want
guidelines for, just drop a line
C O M M U N I T Y
The international Cat Writers' Association (CWA) announces
its 11th annual writing competition for published writers,
photographers and editors in print, on-line and broadcast
media. The CWA offers corporate-sponsored special awards
of $500 to $1,300, as well as its own Muse Medallions
to winners in 38 categories.
More information on the CWA competition!
The Society of Professional Journalists invites you to
join the journalism community in New York City,
September 9 11, 2004, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel for
the 2004 SPJ National Convention.
www.spj.org/convention.asp
Or call 317-927-8000, ext 207.
Shaw Guide for Writing Conferences in August.
A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S
Want to keep Sunoasis going? Donate through the
Amazon Honor System and wonderful things will happen!
Thanks to Lynda Lester from the Digital Information Group
of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder,
Colorado for her generous contribution to
Sunoasis! Thanks Lynda!
F Y I
Put an ad in Sunoasis 2004 and reach its 4,400 subscribers.
Just $25 a month!
Contact mailto:eide491@earthlink.net
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With a career spanning 30 years and a client list that
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Jeff Berger has the credentials to deliver the results you
want on any project. Jeff specializes in high technology,
finance, and hospitality; see www.jmbcommunications.com for
a spectrum of writing samples.
Email him at info@jmbcommunications.com
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* * * * * * * *
Sunoasis--You're amazing! A mere five hours after I sent in
the text for my classified ad I got a call for a writing
project, and within two days, the project was mine. Thanks
so much for your invaluable services!
Debbie Lerman, freelance writer
http://www.sunoasis.com/classif.html
E T C/ E T C/ E T C
Editor/Publisher: David Eide
C/Oasis
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Please do if you have any advice; anything you'd want to
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Let's all meet again in August 2004!
David
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