Erika Dreifus

• Among the many things I’ve learned at this week’s Association of Jewish Libraries conference (#AJLCon23): This year, for the first time, the AJL Fiction Award will be open to eligible books published in or translated into English.
• Call for writers from Unpacked, a division of OpenDor Media, which describes its mission as “throw[ing] open the doors of Jewish and Israeli history and culture to the connected generation”: “Do you have something on your mind that you want to unpack? Great news, Unpacked is looking for writers like you: people who are interested in writing about all things ‘Jew-ish.’ We’re looking for super insightful articles about Israel, religion, or Jewish pop culture. So if that’s your jam, we want to hear about it!” Although the call mentions compensation, rates are not disclosed there. Via email, I’ve been told that for professional writers, Unpacked pays a minimum of $150; for students and less in-depth articles “like recipes,” the minimum is lower. 
• J. The Jewish News of Northern California is hiring an Editor-in-Chief. “Salary range begins at $150K per year + benefits.”
• “Jewish Book Council is now accepting proposals for author-led panels for the 2023 JBC Virtual Writers’ Conference, which will be held November 2023. These panels can focus on a specific topic or genre of Jewish literature; or address the experience of new or established Jewish authors; or they can be specific to children’s book writers/illustrators or writers of adult fiction, nonfiction, or poetry. Panel subjects may also cover all of these categories if appropriate. All selected organizers, moderators, and panelists will receive free admission to the 2023 Jewish Book Council Writers’ Conference.” Deadline: July 13.
• And in case you missed it, the June Jewish Book Carnival has gone live, hosted for this month by The Rachack Review. Check out the reviews, interviews, and other items that have been compiled there.

Shabbat shalom.