first and essential steps
TRANSCRIPT
Get Published Now!
Coronado Adult EducationSpring 2016
First – and Essential - StepsJanuary 26, 2016
Recap of What We Covered Last Week
Course Content & Why Write?
• Why This Course?• Why Are You Here?
• We’ll Talk about the course content & objectives• We’ll all get a sense of why each of us are here
• We’ll look at writing from the 100,000 ft. level• Then we’ll look at some tricks of the trade
Why Write?
• History is what writers say it is• Picking your medium• A building block approach• Due diligence the easy way
This Week:First - and Essential - Steps
“Writing takes deliberation and thought, craft and commitment. If you’re serious about writing, burn the journal and get to work.”
Robert MaselloRobert’s Rules of Writing
First - and Essential - Steps
• Creating content and placing it to win:– Content-hungry media– Recycling and building content– Building relationships with editors – a win-win for both
parties– Solo or with a wingman? The pros and cons of
collaboration• Ensuring what you produce is embraced & accepted:– Avoiding the slush pile – tilting the board in your favor– Getting paid and getting invitations to reduce speculation
A Strategic Pause…
Why Not Just Swing for the Fences First?
• There are cases of self-published books taking off• But those compete against major publishing houses:– Thorough review of treatment and narrative outline– Editorial comments/vectors on in-progress manuscript– Detailed editorial review of completed manuscript– Additional editorial review of updated manuscript– Copy-editor’s review and comments on manuscript– In house editor’s final review and layout of book– Publisher’s distribution network and placement
So while we’re still thinking about swinging for the fences…
…why not test the waters by writing content and seeing it in print
Creating Content and Placing It To Win
• Publications can’t exist without content!• Editors embrace anyone who can:– Create interesting content that meets their needs– Deliver quality content they don’t have to fiddle with– Deliver on time – or early– Accepts editorial changes with ease
“The pace of my stories sometimes suffers while I take the reader by the throat and stuff him with great gobbets of what I consider should interest him, at the same time shaking him furiously and shouting, ‘Like this, damn you!’”
Ian Fleming 1962
So What Should You Write About?
• Whatever you are passionate about• “You’re in a bar with your friends”• What my first agent always asked:– What are you really passionate about?– What do I wish I had more time for?– How would I spend year as a “professional dilettante?”– What do I think about when I’m alone?– What do I worry about and what issues concern me most?– What have I done that people seem curious about?– Is there a topic where friends turn to me for advice?
“Writing has to have a purpose; it’s meant to communicate something to someone. If you’re not ready to write for the general public, then try writing for a very specific audience, one you know will be happy to hear from you.”
Robert Masello Robert’s Rules of Writing
How Do You Get Started?
• Write for magazines and journals you read• Write for the ones first that don’t pay for content• Move on to magazines and journals you subscribe to
– If you subscribe to the magazine you’re paying yourself– There is a reason they call it an “honorarium”
• Follow their editorial guidelines– These are typically not a mystery (USNIP example)– Your article should follow accordingly
• Type of content• Length• Citations – yes or no• Grade level
• The old adage: “Something familiar but something new”
How Do You Submit?
• Read the front matter of the magazine or journal• If necessary, cold call to get an e-mail address• Write a compelling, detailed draft e-mail• Put it aside:– Go back and edit it – share it with a friend– Then make it as short and punchy as possible
• Lots of work, yes, but this is your audition
An Example (I)
Dear Mr. JohnsonI have been an avid reader of Sail for many years and receiving my monthly
magazine in the mail each month helps remind me why I love sailing so much.Over the course of the many years I’ve enjoyed Sail, I’ve noticed you
periodically feature articles about cruising the Caribbean. These articles have all been terrific and they speak to me. Here’s why.
For over twenty years I was skipper of a Pearson ’32 based in St. Thomas, USVI taking visitors on cruises throughout both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
I don’t mind telling you it was a lucrative business and one that I was passionate about. Cruising News did an article focused on my business in 2010. One way I expressed this passion was my service as editor of our Virgin Island Sailing monthly newsletter.
An Example (II)
I have read several articles in Sail that talk about cruising in the USVI in a general way, but none that get deep into specifics. I lived this adventure for over two decades and believe there is so much more to tell.
One of the things that kept customers coming back to my business was the “secret coves” in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Most of these coves could only be reached by small boat.
I believe an article, “The Ten Secret Coves of the Virgin Islands” would be of interest to your informed readership. I can have a 1,500-word article to you on this subject in short order. Additionally, I have attached a JPG file of a photo of one of my favorite coves, “Crescent Cove,” on the southern shore of St. John. Should you decide to publish this article, I have a large collection of illustrations of various Virgin Island coves I’m happy to share.
I look forward to hearing from you and look forward to continuing the dialogue.
Yours in sailing,
“Deconstructing” An Example (I)
Dear Mr. JohnsonI have been an avid reader of Sail for many years and receiving my monthly
magazine in the mail each month helps remind me why I love sailing so much.Over the course of years I’ve enjoyed Sail, I’ve noticed you periodically
feature articles about cruising the Caribbean. These articles have all been terrific and they speak to me. Here’s why.
For over twenty years I was skipper of a Pearson ’32 based in St. Thomas, USVI taking visitors on cruises throughout both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
I don’t mind telling you it was a lucrative business and one that I was passionate about. Cruising News did an article focused on my business in 2010. One way I expressed this passion was my service as editor of our Virgin Island Sailing monthly newsletter.
“Deconstructing” An Example (II)
I have read several articles in Sail that talk about cruising in the USVI in a general way, but none that get deep into specifics. I lived this adventure for over two decades and believe there is so much more to tell.
One of the things that kept customers coming back to my business was the “secret coves” in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Most of these coves could only be reached by small boat.
I believe an article, “The Ten Secret Coves of the Virgin Islands” would be of interest to your informed readership. I can have a 1,500-word article to you on this subject in short order. Additionally, I have attached a JPG file of a photo of one of my favorite coves, “Crescent Cove,” on the southern shore of St. John. Should you decide to publish this article I have a large collection of illustrations of various Virgin Island coves I’m happy to share.
I look forward to hearing from you and look forward to continuing the dialogue.
Yours in sailing,
Deconstructing Our Homework Examples
• We have pairings of writers and editors• Editors: Read the letter and offer your thoughts:– Did the letter grab your attention?– Did the subject matter hold your interest?– What “trepidation” do you have if you ask for the article?– What do you wish the writer had told you?
Writers (left) and Editors (right)
• Jackie• Jennifer• Kate• Larry
• Audra• Jane• Katherine• Linda
Dear Coronado Eagle and Journal Editor,
As you know California is undergoing a drought and people are doing their best to save water - and I’m sure many are interested in learning how to save more. As a Landscape Designer I’d like to propose I write an article for your paper, which could be extended in to a series, where I would interview Coronado residents who have implemented drought saving measures at their homes and share their successes.
If this were to be an ongoing series I can imagine covering everything from front yards and median strips to rain barrels and plant selection. I could submit photographs to go along with the articles. Please let me know if you are interested and I would be happy to submit a piece for your review. Thank you, Jackie Handly
Dear Editor at ECoronado.com, In the recent years, Coronado has established itself as a center for culture and the arts. From its inaugural Coronado Film Festival, to the Wizard of Oz Festival, the Writer's Workshop, Art Walk, and a host of other annual events that celebrate art in all its forms. Local residents and tourists are thrilled with the latest additions to the island's cultural repertoire. I have a proposal for you to consider, that will promote both Coronado's literary art, and perhaps increase readership of your ECoronado website. I have written a historical fiction novel called The Crown City by the Sea about the founding of Coronado in 1886. What I would like to offer you is the book, in its entirety, for your readers to enjoy. Perhaps you can place each new chapter in a weekly installment as a downloadable link on your website.
The ability to share the unique history of Coronado, while promoting the arts would be very gratifying for me as a resident. Attached is the first chapter for your review. If you'd like to read the entire novel, I'd be happy to provide it for you at your request. Kind regards,Jennifer M. FranksCoronado Resident
Kate Carinder(319) [email protected] 21, 2016 Dear Rotarian Magazine,
As a member of San Diego’s Rotary Club 33, I am fully aware of the wonderful things Rotarians do. Before moving to San Diego I was a member of the Maquoketa, IA Rotary Club and that’s why I’m getting in touch with you today.
I’d welcome the opportunity to submit an article for publication in the Rotarian. The article is about a fellow Rotarian, Asher Schroeder, from the Maquoketa club who is a former WWII POW. In 2005 he provided seed money to help start a community foundation in Molln, Germany. I’ve written articles about Asher before. I wrote a piece for regional publication in 2001, a photo copy is attached.
In 1996 my family hosted Rotary youth exchange student, Marcel DuMoulin from Molln, Germany. Asher (whom never shared with us that he was a WWII veteran or POW) actively took Marcel to Rotary events, civic events and even to a TV station on Christmas Eve so Marcel (who is a gifted singer) could sing Silent Night in German on an evening news cast. We didn't learn of his POW story until 1998 when Asher enrolled in an internet technology course that I was teaching.
When Asher Schroeder was captured and imprisoned in a German prison camp during WWII, helping to start a community foundation in Germany was probably the furthest thing on his mind.
“The feeling that one is facing impending death alternates between terror that literally makes the hair stand up on the back of one’s neck, to resignation – “thy will be done,” Asher said.
As a 17 year-old Army private serving in 1944 as a replacement in the 4th Infantry division, Asher endured months of starvation, cruelty, terrible cold and tremendous human loss. And, loss in his own family back home in Iowa. Asher was liberated on April 4, 1945. By this time his 6'4" frame had lost 74 pounds. The very same day back in Iowa, his 43 year old father, (an attorney and mayor of Maquoketa) died of cancer. What was the happiest day of Asher’s life turned out to be bittersweet. Asher came home, went to college on the GI bill and served as an attorney in Iowa until his retirement. We’ve all kept in touch with our exchange student and in 2005 while Marcel was visiting the United States he was talking about starting a community foundation. Asher was the first to step up and offer to make a contribution. The foundation came to fruition in 2013.Please let me know if you’re interested in an article and if so, the length that you prefer. I have a photo of Asher presenting money to Marcel. I also have photos of Asher during WWII, Red Cross letters, his MIA letter to his parents, Western Union telegrams and other items that could be used for visuals. Asher is going strong at 90 and is still an active Rotarian. My contact information is at the top.
Dear Editor: The New Yorker Magazine provides a vital forum for readers on a variety of domestic and global matters that influence our lives. One such topic is the increasing role that women play as members of the uniformed services. My article, “The Plight of Uniformed Muslim Women,” explores how centuries-long prejudices against Muslim women are gradually fading in Middle Eastern countries. I feature three separate case studies in my piece: a female F-16 fighter pilot in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Peshmerga women defending Kurdish tribes in Northern Iraq; and finally, the first group of females to graduate from the Iraqi Police Academy. In an effort to present a sense of balance, I also examine the place of Muslim women currently serving in the U.S. military.
My article should appeal not only to readers that follow military affairs, but also to those who wish to learn more about the modern day challenges faced by Muslim women. “The Plight of Uniformed Muslim Women ” is approximately five thousand words in length. I have also composed an abridged version of roughly one-half the word count. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to contributing to your fine periodical. Sincerely, Larry CarelloEmail: [email protected]: (734) 678-8182 www.larrycarello.com
“You write your first draft with your heart and you re-write with your head. The first key to writing is to write, not to think.”
Sean Connery
Building Relationships With Editors
• A win-win for both parties• Enables you to tilt the board in your favor!• Deconstruct each publication – there are differences• This allows you to adapt your narrative to their needs• Once you have built that relationship:– They could well contact you for a topical publication– You can query them before you write in earnest
Recycling and Building Content
• So now you’re placed your first article in a journal• Do you get a rush?• Recycle and build upon it for other publications• Here are some examples:– My realtor friend– A helo ride– Law of the Sea– And there are many more….
A Helo Ride
• “LAMPS Mk III: Carrier Battle Group Synergist?” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, August 1986.
• “Turning on LAMPS Mk III,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, October 1986.
• “LAMPS Mk III and Carrier Battle Groups,” Technical Directions, Winter 1986.
• “The SH-60F: New Capabilities for the Fleet,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 87.
• “The SH-60F Helicopter,” Rotor Review, May 1987.• “LAMPS Mk III – A View From the Fleet,” Rotor Review, February 1988.• “How to Procure a Winner,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, January
1989.• “Helo Air-to-Surface Missiles,” Rotor Review, Summer 1989.
A Helo Ride
• “Anti-ship Missiles for U.S. Navy Helicopters,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, April 1990.
• “LAMPS Mk III…Battle Group Asset,” Wings of Gold, September 1990.• “Reorganizing our Helo Squadrons,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings,
April 1991.• “Strike Force Air Power for the Twenty-First Century,” Rotor Review,
Fall 1981.• “LAMPS Mk III Update,” Rotor Review, Winter 1991.• “LAMPS Mk III and Air Sea Battle Concepts,” Shipmate, May 1992.• “High Tech Trainers for LAMPS Mk III,” Wings of Gold, Winter 1992.• ….
The Law of the Sea
• “U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea: Time for a U.S. Re-evaluation?” Naval Law Review, May 1992 (with James Stavridis).
• “Revisit the Law of the Sea,” Law of the Sea Leider, January 1993.• “Who Needs the Law of the Sea,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings,
July 1993.• “Time to Revisit the Law of the Sea,” Ocean Development and
International Law, Fall 1993 (with James Stavridis).• “The United States and the Law of the Sea: Time for a Decision,”
Law of the Sea Leider, December 1993.• U.S. Will Benefit by Signing the Law of the Sea Treaty,” San Diego
Union-Tribune, April 1994.
The Law of the Sea
• “U.S. Accession to the Law of the Sea Convention: The Issue of the Freedom of Navigation Program," Law of the Sea Leider, June 1994.
• “The United States and the Law of the Sea: A Narrow Window of Opportunity,” Naval Institute Proceedings, July 1994.
• The United States and the Law of the Sea: A Decision is Coming Due,” Naval War College Review, Autumn 1994.
• “Time for the U.S. to Hoist Sails, Adopt Law of the Sea Treaty,” San Diego Union-Tribune, December 1994.
• “The United States and the Law of the Sea: A Window of Opportunity for Maritime Leadership,” Ocean Development and International Law, January 1995.
• “The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea: A National Security Perspective,” American Journal of International Law, January 1995.
The Law of the Sea
• “The U.S. and the Law of the Sea – Time for an Immediate Decision,” Ocean and Coastal Management, February 1995.
• “Battle Lines are Drawn for the Law of the Sea Debate,” Law of the Sea Leider, February 1995.
• “The U.S. Freedom of Navigation Program: Preserving the Law of the Sea,” Ocean and Coastal Management, June 1995.
• “Progress Toward Senate Consideration of the 1982 United Nations Law of the Sea Convention,” Law of the Sea Professional Newsletter, October 1995.
• “A Chance to Codify the Law of the Sea,” San Diego Union-Tribune, November 1995.
• “The U.S. and the Law of the Sea: A Strategic Window of Opportunity,” Strategic Review, Fall 1995.
The Law of the Sea
• “Time to Ratify the Law of the Sea Treaty,” Christian Science Monitor, April 1996.
• “Law of the Sea is Vital to Our Interests,” Wall Street Journal, May 1996.• “The United States Freedom of Navigation Program: A Bridge to
Compliance with UNCLOS III,” Ocean Development and International Law, Fall 1996.
• “Law of the Sea at the Crossroads,” Law of the Sea Professional Newsletter, Fall 1996.
• ….• “China and the South China Sea: It’s Time to Stop China’s Creeping
Jurisdiction,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, April 2011 (with Caitlyn Antrim).
Where Else Might These Articles Lead?
• Recognition as an expert in a field• Invitations to present at conferences & symposia• Invitations to teach• Invitations to collaborate• A portion of a book on the subject• Your own book on the subject (My example 67 = 1)
Solo or with a Wingman? The Pros and Cons of Collaboration
• Does someone share your passion?• Does working solo work best for you?• Does working with a partner work best…or not?• Start solo – and partner up later is one approach
OK, so now you have a plan to produce riveting copy for the
journal of your choice…
…are they going to like it?
Ensuring What You Produce Is Embraced & Accepted
Ensuring What You Produce Is Embraced & Accepted
• Editors don’t have time to block and tackle• You don’t have to be Tolstoy – but can’t turn in junk• Have some friends in your corner:– Exploit Microsoft Word!– Give yourself time to review– We all learned tricks of the trade in school….– Build your own reference library….
“Give them something old and familiar as well as new and exciting.”
Jeff Edwards
Build Your Own Reference Library
• Pocket dictionary• Pocket thesaurus• William Strunk: The Elements of Style• Jacques Barzun: Simple and Direct• The Great Courses: The Art of Reading• The Great Courses: Building Great Sentences
Valuable Local Resources
• Coronado Cultural Arts Commission• Kelly Purvis – City of Coronado Arts Commissioner
And finally….
“All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Slides Posted:http://www.georgegaldorisi.com/
Next Week
Non-Fiction - The Hungry Market
• Being - or becoming - the expert?• Pursuing a subject - or letting life happen?• Scratching itches - or entertaining?• How much to tell and what’s next?
Optional Homework Assignmentfor Next Week
• We’re mindful the non-fiction book market is vastly easier to enter than the fiction market
• Let’s assume there is an area you are passionate about and have some street creds
• Assume someone you’re met while engaging in this passion is going to compile a book on the subject
• Write a short e-mail to him or her and explain why the book would rock if you wrote one chapter
• Send it to me no later than February 7, and I’ll roll it into the power point slides
Note:No class on February 2
And, have de-conflicted some work assignments and propose class on:
Feb 9, Feb 16, Feb 23 and Mar 2 if OK with all