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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2308-.html
Noticing Newbies: April 02, 2008 Issue [#2308]

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Noticing Newbies


 This week:
  Edited by: laurencia
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

N0TICING NEWBIES NEWSLETTER

Noticing Newbies Newsletter is geared to help members get acquainted with Writing.com. There are many things to do and learn. Our goal is to help you make your time here more fun and manageable.

Each week we select and showcase new items (poetry, lyrics, short stories, essays, campfires, polls, etc.). Exposure for an item (your writing) helps to bring you more rates and reviews by fellow members and the general public...of course depending on how much exposure you want your item to have. Some writers like to keep their work private. When your work does receive exposure, it helps bring more member interaction, which will give you the opportunity to build new friendships. Remember, it is a two-way street...try to make an effort to reciprocate reviews.


"There's someone that you haven't already met, go introduce yourself to him or her. Walls and labels can't keep you from the people who are so similar to you in spirit. There's a friendly face behind every door if you pick the right moment to knock. Once you start your wave of creative outreach, it turns into a contagious force. People are waking up and smiling at each other, sharing their dreams without hesitation. This community is worth something."

-- Author Unknown


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

Hello Newbies!

Did you know that editors are constantly sending rejection notices to a vast majority of writers because the manuscript was not written to the editor's specifications? Few editors will consider a story, poem or article that does not meet their specifications, precisely.

All publishers are looking for a particular market to sell, so if you send in a children's story to a publisher who is only looking for adult articles, obviously they are going to send it back. Writers need to do their homework to figure out which publishers are interested in what genre, non-fiction or fiction, etc.

Writers must request the publishers manuscript specfications. Sometimes the specifications will be listed right on the website, sometimes not. The following list is just a few of the specifications that a publisher/editor may or may not request:

1.  Query letter
2.  Synopsis
3.  Sample chapter
4.  Table of contents
5.  Manuscript prepared on a computer, will need a printout and a copy of the file on disk
6.  Which word processing software you used
7.  Style sheet
8.  Manuscript conforms to the guidelines in The Chicago Manual of Style
9.  Good-quality plain white paper
10. Standard, easy-to-read typeface

Writing contests also have exact specifications; it is great practice and fun for all writers. Contest are a good way to practice your writing skills, give you confidence, exposure for your writing, meet many other writers, and not only that, if you win you may will prize money.

The contest rules are important!

Whether the contest is here on W.C. or another site or magazine, it is very important to follow the rules. Here are a few rules:

1.  Opening and closing dates of the contest
2.  Genre
3.  Fiction or non-fiction
4.  Content rating
5.  Word limit
6.  Entry fee
7.  Number of entries per person
8.  Newly created items only
9.  Grammar/punctuation
10. Illustrations not required

Do not let perfection keep you from entering a contest. First of all, it's important to remember that your first draft isn't going to be perfect. It doesn't matter how good of a writer you are, there will be things that need editing. Some of the best writers edit and rewrite and edit over and over until the work is as close to perfect as they can make it.

Keep in mind as you sit down to write that first draft, it will be flawed no matter what. If you try not to be the perfect writer when starting a new story or poem, the words will flow better. You should not worry about living up to your own too-high expectations -- writer's block usually comes about from having too-high expections. So, take it easy on yourself!

Until next time...
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Editor's Picks


*Star* NEWBIE SHOW ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR NEWSLETTER: *Star*

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#1403529 by Not Available.


 Too Young Open in new Window. (13+)
A girl in my school was died. I didn't know her but I was so upset I wrote poems.
#1242744 by SasaShehu Author IconMail Icon


 A Flashback in the Future Open in new Window. (E)
A flashback taking me into a past filled with joy and laughter bringing tears in my eyes..
#1403125 by Writer_for_u Author IconMail Icon


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 When Blue Sees Black Open in new Window. (13+)
Green Day slash. Billie/Mike. Mike needs help to recover from an accident.
#1407460 by Graffiti Author IconMail Icon


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*Star* NEW MEMBER LINKS: *Star*


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 The Welcome Wagon Open in new Window. (E)
The folder for the group
#914967 by Destino writing professionally Author IconMail Icon


Weekly NEWBIE Challenge Open in new Window. (E)
LEARN - Bitem Format, Emoticons, etc., and receive Reviews
#989394 by ~*~Damiana Returned~*~ Author IconMail Icon


Tips for New Members Open in new Window. (ASR)
Tips for new members -- things to know to improve your Writing.com experience.
#1016867 by JACE Author IconMail Icon


THE DROP-OFF BOX  Open in new Window. (13+)
Monthly newbie contest.
#530577 by Tammy~Catchin Up~ Author IconMail Icon


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FORUM
Noticing Newbies Open in new Window. (13+)
A warm welcome to our newbies; come meet new and not-so-new members of Writing.Com!
#126963 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

That was a phenomanal poem of spring coming. we are planning to visit Maine one day. I love these newsletters they inspire me!
Stacy Fargood Author Icon


Hello, Thank you Laurencia, so much for putting in not one but two of my works. It is greatly appreicated!
You have a wonderful and very informative newsletter here!
KittyNadem
H.C.Paye - All I Need Author Icon

Thank you both so very much for your encouragement.


And thank you all for your support of this newsletter!

See ya April 30th!

laurencia

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