Monday Markets/Jobs/Opportunities for Writers

by Erika Dreifus on
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  • Received via email: “The spring issue of online literary journal Revolution House will feature a special section dedicated to all forms of creative nonfiction. One lucky CNF author will receive an editor’s choice cash award, as well as the first-ever print issue of the magazine. Submit by February 20th to be considered. More information can be found at http://revolutionhousemag.com/?page_id=54.” NB: I’ve been told that the prize for this (exceptional) editor’s choice winner will be $35-$50.
  • Did you miss our February newsletter? As usual, packed with paying calls and no-fee contest info.
  • Canada-based carte blanche has a March 1 deadline for its spring issue (May publication). “At carte blanche we believe there is more than one way to tell a story. Our mandate is to provide a venue for narrative of all forms from fiction and nonfiction, to poetry and photo essays.” Pays: “carte blanche pays a modest honorarium per submission. We hope to increase the amount in the future.” (via placesforwriters.com)
  • On My Machberet yesterday, I introduced an unusual pair of writing contests, both addressing “The Catskills and the Holocaust.”
  • “Girton College is delighted to invite entries for the 2012 Jane Martin Poetry Prize. Now in its second year, the prize is a key part of the College’s support for poetry and will be of interest to all those serious about literary excellence.The competition will be judged by experts drawn from across the literary world and academia. We are thrilled that this year the panel will include Bernard O’Donoghue and Gwyneth Lewis. Building on the success of 2011, the 2012 winner will receive not just a cash prize of £1,500, but the opportunity to give a reading at a high-profile poetry event at which the prize will be awarded. The closing date for submissions is 16 March 2012. For full information, including the rules of the prize, please download our flyer.”NB: Entrants must be resident in the U.K. and over 18 years of age.
  • Some changes in the Madeline P. Plonsker Prize (notably, an earlier deadline: March 1; see also that only the first 200 submissions will be considered). “We invite applications for a writer under forty years old, with no major book publication, to spend two months (February-March or March-April) in residence at Lake Forest College. Cross-genre works are always welcome. Beyond this, even residency years (with odd year deadlines) look for prose writers. Odd residency years (with even years deadlines) look for poets.” This means that poets are eligible this year. “There are no formal teaching duties attached to the residency. Time is to be spent completing a manuscript, participating in the annual Lake Forest Literary Festival, and offering a series of public presentations. The completed manuscript will be published (upon approval) by &NOW Books imprint, with distribution by Northwestern University Press. The stipend is $10,000 with a housing suite and campus meals provided by the college.”
  • “Indiana University seeks a 1-Year Visiting Assistant Professor of Creative Writing to teach graduate and undergraduate poetry workshops, as well as literature courses in contemporary poetry. Appointment to begin Fall 2012. Expertise in African-American, Asian-American, Latino, and/or anglophone African-Caribbean literature desirable. A book and MFA required. Previous college-level teaching experience preferred. 2/2 annual teaching load plus thesis advising.”
  • From Columbia University (New York): “The Writing Program announces a full-time position as Lecturer in Discipline to teach poetry in its undergraduate and graduate program, effective July 1, 2012. The initial appointment will be for 1 year with the possibility of renewal for 2 more years. Salary is commensurate with experience. All candidates must have published at least one book with a nationally recognized press and have significant literary publications.”
  • From Sheffield University (U.K.): “The School of English Literature, Language and Linguistics, wishes to appoint [a] Writer in Residence specialising in fiction.” This is a part-time, two-year position.
  • Weill Cornell Medical College (New York) seeks a Writer/Editor, the Brooklyn Public Library is looking for a Copy Editor, and Stars and Stripes (Washington) invites applications for a position as Editor (Website Copy).

    • Friday Find: Five Ways to Write a Poem (and Maybe a Few More)

    by Erika Dreifus on
    Disabled

    How do I write thee? Let me count the ways….

    Or maybe not.

    Still, there are plenty of ways to write a poem, and this week, Robert Lee Brewer shared five techniques that have helped when he’s “been stuck in a rut.” Check the comments thread, too.

    Since I’m a fan of prompts, I’ll also point you to poet Diane Lockward’s recent post featuring sites that provide poetry prompts.

    Enjoy, and have a great weekend. See you back here on Monday!

    Thursday’s Work-in-Progress: Seeking Your Advice

    by Erika Dreifus on
    4

    If you follow this blog, it’s no secret that I’m still pretty interested in freelancing, even if I do have a full-time job. The time I have for it is just more limited than it once was.

    But I want to continue developing my freelancing skills and practice. So here’s my question: Is an ASJA membership something I should be pursuing? I’m starting to notice all of the publicity surrounding the next annual conference, so I’m giving it some thought.

    I welcome your advice–especially if you’re a past or present ASJA member! I’m especially interested in knowing how ASJA may have helped your freelancing practice. Thanks in advance.

    The Wednesday Web Browser for Writers

    by Erika Dreifus on
    1
  • If you’ve read our latest newsletter, you know that the application deadline for the 2012 Sozopol Fiction Seminars is approaching. You can learn a lot more about this fascinating program–which brings together fictionists writing in Bulgarian with an equal number of colleagues writing in English–from Fiction Writers Review, where several participants have shared their experiences and insights. (Cool photos from Jeremiah Chamberlain, too!)
  • Speaking of Fiction Writers Review, that’s where you’ll find my latest review–of Mark Yakich’s A Meaning for Wife (Ig Publishing).
  • Philip Graham shares some observations on titles in this blog post (adapted from a craft lecture he gave at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA residency last year). Too bad the Kardashians weren’t there to listen!
  • Any current or potential freelancer is likely to benefit from this New York Times article with tips for putting a price on your work.”
  • On a related note, Kelly James-Enger shares the results of her 2012 Freelance Income Survey.
  • And for further more on this topic: Carol Tice’s “How I Made 6 Figures as a Freelance Writer in 2011.”