E D I T O R  N O T E S

I've been preparing cover letters for material I am sending out to publishers. It's amazing to note that a "letter" can still be effective in this day and age. And what are the criteria for a well-written letter?

One would be the most impact in the smallest space. "Brevity is the soul of wit." And what this requires is a writing spirit or persona that knows instantly the right word, at the right time.

Remember that you aren't begging the editor or agent for anything. You are, in effect, introducing yourself at a party or conference and inviting the editor to get to know you better by reading the material you have sent.

An editor wants to know something of your background and what the manuscript you have entrusted to her is about so she doesn't have to guess. And the way this is handled tells the editor a great deal about how you size things up and frame them in the written language.

The publishing world is ruthless in this day and age and every 't' must be crossed and every 'i' dotted.

I can say this as an editor, albeit at a small, modest literary ezine: I look for what eliminates manuscripts first. I try to eliminate as many as possible. Don't give the editor the opportunity to reject your manuscript because of some small item.

When a manuscript comes to me in e-mail with a cover letter that says something intelligent about C/Oasis, I take some note. It clues me that the writer has read the publication and wants to contribute to it and add value to it.

Credits do help if you make the list concise and they are relevant to the publication you are submitting to.

If you are preparing a book manuscript I do recommend the Todd Pierce article and his 11 tips to do it right. It's listed below in the "links to use" section.

"Never published anything? A cover letter is a persuasive document designed to do one thing: entice an editor or agent to read your manuscript. Say whatever you have to, within reason, to accomplish this."

There are differences between the proposal, the cover letter, and the query. In the cover letter answer the questions, "who am I?" and "what do I have to offer you?"

Some things that the book editor or agent would like to know about are: have you won any prizes in writing? Are you an expert? Do you belong to an association or group that gives you insight into the subject? Remember that the cover letter is not the selling point of the package. The book proposal is going to convince the editor or agent to take up the manuscript and turn it into a book. But the cover letter is going to be a segue into the proposal. And to some agents and editors it is a kind of gate keeper. "If she can't write a cover letter, for goodness sake, how in the world can she write anything?"

The cover letter gets the editor moving toward your manuscript and helps establish that plum of qualities, relationship.

             >>>>>>>>>>links to use<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Guide for Aspiring Writers- The Cover Letter
Todd Pierce's 11 Tips.
The Cover Letter Made Easy by Liana Metal
Cover letter writing blues by Sylvia Van Nooten

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> t h e   f r e e   p r e s s <<<<<<<<<<<<<

Here is what the "grass roots journalists" can do to get credibility. On Tuesday, Election Day, there is going to be a very big problem with voting machines. It's worth reading the American Journalism Review article linked above. The voting machine problem and undercount is extraordinarily significant as we discovered last election. And local media outlets don't have the heft to cover it all. If all the bloggers and "grass roots journalists" out there got involved in this story they would go to the head of the class. The author of this article explains an easy formula for figuring out the undercount.

Some pointed comments by media writer Ken Auletta on journalism. He finds the low public opinion of journalists "really scary" because, "We don't have subpoena power. We need people to talk to us, and if they don't trust us they won't."

The profession of journalism is increasingly dangerous in Iraq.
More about blogging and politics.
Bloggers in Iran, watch out.
Speaking of watching out, Poets and Writers magazine did a decent abstract on the Patriot Act. Among other things "Journalists investigating terrorism or other crimes, for example, now may be prime targets of surveillance themselves."

You can get the more extensive article on the free press 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 

The advent of the internet and digital publishing has fostered the idea, "everyone a writer." To get a lot of people interested in writing has very salutary effects; among them is the creation of new readers.

If I were president I would actually make it a decree: "Every man, woman, and child must be a writer."

The first thing would be to teach them that all flows from mastery. Therefore, study the masters as if your life depended on it. Connect with the thousands of years of writing traditions from around the world. Convert every dream, every sensation, every perception into language; even as you fly through the air or freeway. Develop freely, with sanity.

The Featured Article in this month's Sunoasis X 2004 is, Add Extra Impact Using Facts and Figures by Resmi Shaji

For the fuller article on the writing life, try the preview by going to this link: www.sunoasis.com/premium.html

For Freelancers Only
Top 100 sites for power reporting.
A beginner's guide to freelance writing---pretty extensive and resourceful.
The truth about editors by Kelly Sagert
Freelancing in India (for all those who have asked.)

The feedback we've gotten is superb. We're proud of the quality of people who have subscribed to Sunoasis 2004. So, please continue!

***************paid advertising*****************

R E S O U R C E S

Here's a useful piece of information about how to handle e-mail overload.

Writers, especially budding screenwriters, might be interested in the recent Jeff Grosso v Miramax Film Corporation case that upholds the screenwriter's contention that the film company stole his idea for a movie. It's not clear if it will help writers or put a barrier between their manuscripts and movie companies.
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C r a f t :
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Evaluating the quality of information on the 'net. It's written for legal professionals but can be used by writers and journalists.
Surviving the rewrite process by Heather Grove.
Guidelines for effective criticism by Amy Watson.
Self-editing success by Carole Moore
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O r g a n i z a t i o n s :
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Boulder Writer's Alliance
International Writing Centers Association
Heartland Writers Guild
Outdoor Writers Association of America
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P u b l i s h i n g :
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Twenty percent of involved newspaper readers read blogs. The other Eighty percent don't because, "not knowing what Weblogs are to finding them self-centered, rude or lacking enough credibility."
Writers who take time out from books to write blogs.
Minnesota is the land of small-presses.
How a local library is using e-books to get patrons the latest.
The Deputy Librarian of the National University of Ireland, Galway takes a look at e-books.

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

The Protestors; a story by George Sparling
"The large turnout in Eureka challenging the U.S. war of aggression in Iraq wasn't unusual because Humboldt County had always been very liberal, at least since Reed moved here in 1974."

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

Los Angeles based copywriter needed immediately, for website and print materials for a aerial camera company. Must have at least 2-3 years experience in technical writing. A degree in english/communications. Corporate and advertising agency experience A+. Please email URL of your work samples and resume.
Email: jobs@monarchdesignsite.com
Posted: October 19, 2004; closes December 2, 2004

Editorial Assistant---Tustin, California

Performs a wide range of editorial and project assistance on USFN publications, training resources, and member services

Major Responsibilities:
Assist in developing, editing, proofing, and compiling annual edition of a 1,000-page industry reference publication. Assist in compiling copy, proofing and coordinating overall development of quarterly newsmagazine, monthly electronic newsletter, state-by-state desk guides, training video scripts, video personal workbooks, and other publications. Assist in developing surveys and evaluating responses to provide focus on future programs and publications. Assist with website updating and maintenance (prior experience using web editing tools and programs is a strong plus)

For full ad click here.

FREELANCE EDITING AND PROOFING FOR MONTHLY OFF-ROAD TRUCK MAGAZINE. EDIT FOR READER'S INTEREST. MUST HAVE ENOUGH AUTOMOTIVE KNOWLEDGE TO EDIT TECHNICAL INSTALLATION OR HOW-TO ARTICLES OR HAVE OFF-ROADING OUTDOOR RECREATION OR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE. ABLE TO WORK ON SHORT TURNAROUND.

Email: andreaf@oramagazine.com
Fax: 310-762-6210

COPYWRITER NEEDED

Award winning New Jersey advertising agency seeking an enthusiastic copywriter with 3 to 7 years experience. Must be able to write clear long copy and demonstrate conceptualization. Background in collateral (brochures, DM, factsheets, web content) and advertising helpful. If you are a self starter looking to contribute to a growing organization please send resume to:

hr2004@grafica.com

This is a permanent full-time position with great benefits and excellent salary.

Posted September 28, 2004; ends November 13, 2004

Financial Writer/Copywriter

The world's leading publisher of financial and investing newsletters is seeking a talented, motivated and energetic financial writer and/or copywriter. The successful candidate will have proven skills in organizing large chunks of information into highly focused and effective marketing pieces. Candidates will preferably have 2 to 3 years experience in a fast-paced newspaper (business section) environment, or proven copywriting skills in a marketing organization.

For full ad go to: www.sunoasis.com/agora.html