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The 5 Year Journal

Scribble Articles

Know Your Rights

By Linda S. Dupie

When an editor gives you the great news your article or essay is ready for publication; do you know what rights you’re selling? As a young writer knowing your rights is key.

Your work is copyrighted the moment you put your words on paper, meaning you own the rights to your work. You have full control over how you want your work used. When you agree to have your work published, you are granting the editor certain rights to use it, therefore it is important to understand what rights you are authorizing the editor to use.

TYPES OF RIGHTS

First Serial Rights—First serial rights means the writer (you) are giving a newspaper or magazine the right to publish the article, story or poem for the first time in any periodical. You retain all other rights to the material. North American is often added to the phrase to define the geographical location.

One-time Rights—This is where the editor buys nonexclusive rights to publish your work once (also known as simultaneous rights). With one-time rights, you are free to try to sell your work to other publications at the same time.

Second Serial (Reprint) Rights—Reprint rights give you the opportunity to sell your work to another publication after it has already appeared in another newspaper or magazine. Second serial rights are nonexclusive—therefore you’re able to license the article to more than one market.

All Rights—This is just what it sounds like; you are giving up the rights to use this article forever. The publication that buys the article, story, or poem is now the owner of the article.

Electronic Rights—These rights cover a wide range of electronic media, from online magazines to CD-ROM magazines. Many print magazines have online media and it would be wise to check the contract to see what if any electronic rights you are selling.

COPYRIGHT

Copyright laws protect creators of original stories and articles. There is no need to register your work with the Copyright Office in order for it to be copyrighted. As said above you hold the copyright the moment you put your words on paper. However, registering your work does offer additional protection if you suspect an infringement on your copyright.

Remember a copyright protects your actual form of expression, not titles, ideas, and facts.

You may obtain more information about copyright from the Copyright Office, Library of Congress, Washington DC 20559. You can also visit The Library of Congress web site at http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright

Other Resources

Every Writer’s Guide to Copyright and Publishing Law; Second Edition, by Ellen M. Kozak. Published by Owl Books, 1990, 1996.

Writer’s Market, published by Writer’s Digest. (Annually)

The Market Guide for Young Writers, 5th Edition, by Kathy Henderson. Published by Writer’s Digest Books.

Submit A Query/ Article Per Week

By Mary Emma Allen

A few years ago I read about a writer who did this...decided at the beginning of the year to get her writing career into high gear. She began submitting at least one query a week. By summer she had more assignments than she could handle.

Whenever I've done this.. submitting each week one query where queries are required and one article where manuscripts are permissible...I've seen momentum develop in my writing career. Nowadays with e-mail submissions and online publications, as well as print ones, we can do even more.

Goal for 2001

My goal in the Year 2001 is to stick to this resolution and not get sidetracked. This means submitting something new...not merely the ongoing columns (I write them for three print publications and two online magazines) but a new query or article submitted each week.

Also, keep a log so that you know where and when you're submitting. This will keep you on track, too.

Don't Get Discouraged

Don't get discouraged because it may take two or three months before you see a great deal of success. (Although in today's Internet age, we often hear about our query and are published much more quickly. ) This strategy will work if you study your markets and query and submit, query and submit, query and submit.

Much success!

(c)2000 Mary Emma Allen

Mary Emma Allen is the editor of Writers' Potpourri and Parenting Our Parents, author of Writing in Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont, When We Become the Parent to Our Parents, The Magic of Patchwork, and numerous manuals for writers; author/illustrator of Tales of Adventure & Discovery, an anthology for children. Visit her web site:
http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea; mailto:me.allen@juno.com

Following the Guidelines-Tips on the Submission Process

By Linda S. Dupie

We have all heard these words at one time in our lives from a teacher or our parents, "follow directions" and this holds true for a writer submitting their work for publication. Writing an article, short story, or poem is a labor of love for a writer, submitting it for publication and having it accepted is icing on the cake. There are a few simple rules a writer should follow, because no matter your age being professional is always important.

Before submitting to a publication, read their guidelines carefully; be sure they accept the type of material you are submitting. If possible read back issues of the publication whether print or online. A good rule to follow is to read at least six back issues, this gives you good background information on the publications tone and whether or not your topic was recently covered.

How do they accept submissions, email and postal, email only, postal mail only, with or without attachments to the email. Be sure you submit the manuscript the way the publication wants to receive them. You wouldn't want your hard work rejected before the editor has even read it.

While carefully following, the guidelines look for the rights they purchase, and if you plan to submit your work to more than one publication be sure they accept *simultaneous submissions. If the guidelines are unclear on this subject contact the publication for clarification. Many magazines and web sites do accept them as long as you are not submitting to one of their competitors. Meaning you would not submit your short story to two editors that have over lapping readers. Editors want fresh content for their publications. If your story appears in two similar publications, the readers lose interest in those publications and the editors will lose interest in you for not following their guidelines. Therefore, it is important to inform the editor when submitting your manuscript that it is a simultaneous submission. A brief statement is all you need, no need to mention the other publications you are submitting too.

You've taken great care to submit according to the publications guidelines, it is time to be patient and wait for their response. Publications usually state the approximate time they take to respond. The response times vary from publication to publication. If a web site says, they will respond in two weeks, give them additional time about one month. Editors are busy and the extra time you allow shows the editor you respect their time. When sufficient time has passed, send a short professional follow-up letter briefly refreshing the editor about your submission.

Following publication guidelines, alone will not get your manuscript accepted, but it will get it read. So read the guidelines and follow the directions and success will follow.

*Simultaneous Submission-Sending the same manuscript to different publishers.

Bio-Linda is a mother, wife and writer. She writes on many topics including writing, parenting and travel. Visit her home page at http://www.geocities.com/ldwriter_2000/.

WHAT IS A QUERY

By Linda S. Dupie

There are two ways to sell your idea to an editor/publication, send the complete manuscript, or send a query detailing your idea.

What does the word Query mean? According to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition it means, to ask questions of esp. with a desire for authoritative information or to put as a question.

Now, what does query mean to you the writer? A query is a way for you to submit an idea to an editor before completely writing the manuscript. A query gives the editor a chance to see if the idea suits their publication before you expend your energy on a full article that may not be of use at any other publication.

The Query Letter is your first chance to blow the editor’s mind away with your fresh view on a particular subject. Generally, the letter is no longer than on single spaced typed page. Now, don’t go thinking I could never do this. If your idea is good and you have a grasp on how you to handle your article topic you can boil it down to three to five sentences that state your idea.

You'll use query letters mainly when contacting a magazine that publishes non-fiction articles like travel, how-to, and other informational subjects.

Think of a query letter as a detailed outline of your article idea boiled down to one page. Start with a brief opening to grab the editor’s attention, then a brief paragraph on how you will handle the article and then a brief closing statement on you and why you should write the article.

For more information on query letters see this article on how to write query letters by Emily K. Bivens.

Other sites of interest-

The Writing child

The Writing Corner’s Rising Writers

Author Bio- Linda is a mother, wife and writer. She writes on many topics including writing, parenting and travel. Visit her home page at http://www.geocities.com/ldwriter_2000/.

Writing a Query Letter That Sells
By Emily K. Bivens

Many people think that a writer simply writes for a living. What they don't take into account are the hours it takes to research and develop focused ideas, not to mention the amount of marketing knowledge you must acquire. Writing is not just about coming up with a storyline; it is a direct representation of you.

I have found writing query letters to be one of the most difficult aspects of the entire writing process. You must conform a single idea into a brief, researched, professional letter while maintaining an editor's interest. Sounds easy enough, but many writers find this to be a mind boggling task to achieve. To accomplish the goal of writing a successful query letter, let's first look at the individual segments a query letter must contain and, more importantly, must not contain.

THE HOOK

An attention grabbing lead is the key to the first paragraph. Editors are overworked individuals and often don't read past the first few sentences if their curiosity isn't peaked. The introduction is a direct representation of your writing ability and should convince the reader to continue. This section of your query may contain quotes, interesting or surprising facts or a short anecdote. When writing the hook, try to imagine that you're writing the introduction of your article. Provide the editor with some insight on the slant you're proposing, as well as the overall voice the article will possess.

THE DETAILS

The second paragraph of your query letter will slightly elaborate on the nature of the subject you're proposing. Here you should list potential sources you will be using, a working title for the article and an approximate word count and estimated date of delivery. The standard timeframe for delivering an article is two to four weeks, depending on the nature of the article.

I often find that the second segment of a query letter is the most challenging part to write, as it must be tightly focused and briefly informative. How does one write a query letter without actually writing the article itself? You must learn the rules of research and you must take your time in developing your ideas. Being vague or wordy in a query letter will often indicate that you really aren't sure what you'll be writing about. Another feature this segment should contain is a specific department in the publication that you believe your article would best suit. This indicates that you have studied the publication you're querying and aren't just sending out a blind query.

THE CLOSE

The closing of the article should be brief and should inform the editor why you are the best person to write this article. It should say, "Even though you may have 100 other people querying you with the same idea, I am the one who should write this!" You should provide the editor with a summary of your experience, as well as any specialties you may have regarding the topic.

What if this is your first query and you've never been published before? One of the worst things you can do is say, "I've never been published before, but...." Making this statement is a surefire way to stay that way. Instead, close the letter with a statement that you have enclosed writing samples, preferably relevant to your subject, for the editor to review. Finally thank the editor for their time and for considering you, and state that you look forward to hearing from them.

Now you know the basics about writing a query letter, but how about the parts only an experienced query letter writer knows?

QUIRKS MANY EDITORS HAVE

Did you know that using a "hearts and flowers stamp" when sending a query can label you as an amateur? To avoid this stereotype, use a regular business stamp.

Not addressing your query letter to the correct editor is another big mistake. It shows that you most likely did not take the time to study the masthead of the publication, which in turn shows that you probably didn't study the rest of the magazine either. If you can't find the correct person to query, call and ask.

Never mention money in a query letter.

Never mention rights for sale, unless only reprints are available. Doing so makes you sound too presumptuous.

Calling an editor to pitch your idea. Unless you have personally worked with an editor before, query by mail or e-mail only.

COMMON MISTAKES WRITERS MAKE

The most common mistake a writer can make is to not send an self addressed stamped envelope. If you expect a reply, send one along with your query.

Your idea isn't developed and thought out. Take some time to do preliminary research on your topic. This may be the only contact an editor has with you, so do your best to show you've got what it takes.

Too wordy or vague a query letter.

Over a page in length. If you can't say it in a page or less, you haven't thought it out well enough.

Not studying the publication you're querying. Take the time to read over the past few issues of the magazine to find out their style and what articles have been covered.

PROFESSIONALISM

Follow the basic rules of writing a business letter. Include the editor's name, title, magazine title and date as well as information about you such as your name, address, phone number, and e-mail or fax number.

Proofread your letter, then have someone else proofread it.

Always include a SASE.

Writing a query letter is a learned process. Learning to write them efficiently will make you more productive, more organized and will develop your skills as a writer. Even writing the best of queries will not guarantee you the job, though it will better your chances.

Author Bio- Emily Bivens is a wife, stay at home mother, freelance writer and founder of The Toy Box. She began freelance writing in early 1999 and her work has appeared at: Interactive Parent, Comfortqueen, Inscriptions, and many others. She is also the owner of The Writer's Block, which was her "trial run" with ezines. She has since re-formatted The Writer's Block to be a print newsletter only, so she could focus solely on The Toy Box. Her idea for The Toy Box http://www.thetoy-box.com/ came in 2000 and has since become an obsession. She is devoted to making the ezine fresh and fun, and hopes to see The Toy Box as a print glossy on newsstands in the future. She is currently working on a children's book to be dedicated to her children, Maddie and Macy. She resides in Iowa with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and pet hamster, Spikey.

WANT TO BE A WRITER? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
By Mary Anne Hahn

A few weeks ago, I received the following joke from one of the subscribers to my ezine, "WriteSuccess":

Q. What do you call an aspiring writer?
A. A waiter.

As someone who loves words, and especially plays on words, I found the double-meaning in this little riddle particularly interesting-the answer could either be referring to "waiter" as a profession (i.e., someone who waits on tables in a restaurant while working on his Great Novel), or simply "waiter" as a noun (someone who waits).

Are you an aspiring freelance writer? If so, what are you waiting for?

"I want to write children's books someday," my co-worker Wendy admitted at a recent baby shower we both attended. "I'm just waiting until my kids are a little older." Will Wendy have more time "someday," once the kids are in school, and have joined extra-curricular activities that send her scurrying from soccer games to piano recitals? Or is the time right for her NOW, while her little ones by her own admission provide her with almost daily inspiration for books and stories? I think you know the answer.

If you've been thinking about writing someday, what keeps you from writing now? Could it be, like Wendy, a perceived lack of time? Or perhaps you are waiting until you've studied enough books about writing, have enough money in the bank to support your freelance dream full-time, or you get that new Pentium III processor computer you've been dreaming about. Maybe you've promised yourself that you'll start writing regularly after you've set up the perfect home office, or you'd feel less guilty about writing if you cleaned your house first.

Regardless of your reason, and regardless of how you justify it, the fact is that you are simply procrastinating. To realize your writing dream, you need to write. To have a book written, an article published, a steady stream of corporate clients or an ezine of your own, you need to write today. Not after the holidays, or after you've memorized all 1112 pages of the 2001 Writer's Market. Now.

According to Dr. Kent Yamauchi at Virginia Tech University, procrastination "is letting low-priority tasks get in the way of high-priority ones." Now, in Wendy's case, raising her toddlers certainly doesn't qualify as a "low-priority task," particularly since she also holds down a demanding full-time job. But I'm willing to bet that if she examined how she spent her days, she'd find that she spends enough time doing low-priority tasks (watching television, for instance) that, if she put it to use writing instead, she'd be able to create her first children's book in less than six months.

So, how do you get started turning "someday" into "today?" This weekend, I challenge you to do the following:

1. First, write down your number one writing goal-writing your first novel, publishing articles, making the leap from part-time to full-time freelancing, or whatever it may be. This is your personal mission statement. This is what you want to achieve during the next six to 12 months.

2. Next, write down every reason and excuse you have used to postpone pursuing your writing goals, from the littlest ("I'll start writing as soon as I get over this head cold.") to the largest ("I don't have a clue how to write a book-I need to take a course or read about it first.")

3. After each reason or excuse, write the words "No, you don't. You can start right now."

4. Read both the reasons and the responses aloud. Maybe you'll find that even more reasons surface for putting off your writing career. Write those down, too, followed by the words "No, you don't. You can start right now." Keep this up until you've exhausted every reason and excuse you might possibly have.

5. Lastly, write the question: "Is there ANY reason why I can't write for at least 15 minutes a day?" Think about how you spend your time, from the moment you awake until you collapse into bed each night. Can you forgo reading the comics in the morning paper, or skip watching a television show, to get those 15 minutes? Can someone else do the supper dishes for a change, or start a load of laundry? Do you have to answer the telephone every time it rings, or play one more game of computer solitaire? I think that, for the vast majority of us, we'll find that the answer to the above question is a resounding, "NO."

From this weekend forward, promise yourself that you will spend no fewer than 15 minutes a day on the writing goal you put in writing above. You can spend more, but no less, than 15 minutes every day. Can you honestly say you can't do that?

Then, what are you waiting for? Let's go.

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Mary Anne Hahn is the publisher of "WriteSuccess," a free biweekly ezine of ideas, information and inspiration for writers. To subscribe, visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/writesuccess