More Paying Short Story Markets

Well, my job is done. It was time to update the Directory of Paying Short Story Markets, and as of this evening, the latest edition is online and available!

The previous version was published in August. As in summertime. As in four months ago. It’s unbelievable how quickly things change in this field. I update these market directories at least three times each year, because I want to make sure anyone buying them obtains the most up-to-date information I can possibly provide. It’s part of the perfectionist in me, I guess.

This new directory is a case in point. Several publications included in the August edition (including Conversely) are now on hiatus–with no clear hiatus end date in sight. So while I’m sad to see them go, they’ve been cut from the new version.

And some publications have moved to new addresses (both on the Web and in their “real” offices somewhere on the planet). You need to have that information, too.

Despite the “cuts,” this e-book is still even more packed with publishing possibilities than the one it replaces. There are now 110 print and online publications included, all of which tell you up front (that is to say, online) what they’re looking for and how much they’ll pay for it. You won’t have to e-mail for the guidelines or guess how much these paying markets actually pay.

But enough blabbing. Go check it out for yourself. You can even download a free preview of the new e-book, complete with sample listings, right here!

More MFA Funding

Hey, film and fiction students: The Institute for Humane Studies Film & Fiction Scholarships deadline is approaching. Given how busy the holiday season is, you’ll want to check it out NOW. These scholarships (up to $10,000 in tuition and stipend) will be awarded to support students who meet the following criteria:

1) Are pursuing a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in filmmaking, fiction writing, or playwriting.

2) Possess “a demonstrated interest in classical liberal ideas and their application in contemporary society.”

3) Display “the desire, motivation, and creative ability to succeed in their chosen profession.”

Application deadline: January 16, 2006.

For more information, click here.

Another Bit About Book Reviewing

If you’re like many writers, you probably receive a number of (free) electronic newsletters on writing and/or publishing (hopefully, our own Practicing Writer is among them!).

Each month I’m sent an e-mail notice when the meaty “public section” of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) newsletter is posted. And I’ve just read December’s offering, which includes Barbara DeMarco-Barrett’s interview with David Ulin, the new book editor of the Los Angeles Times. Ulin talks about his role, his plans for the review, choosing books to review, freelancers, and more. Intrigued? You can find it for yourself here.

Primer on Low-Residency MFA Programs

Happy to announce the arrival of the latest, updated version of our Primer on Low-Residency MFA Programs. This excellent e-book includes:

1) a set of questions to ask yourself in assessing whether a low-residency program may be the right option for you in the first place;

2) a list of what I call “consideration categories”–issues that I recommend each prospective MFA candidate evaluate for him or herself when analyzing individual low-residency programs;

3) the names, websites, and other contact information for more than two dozen degree-granting programs administered through a low-residency model;

4) a directory of additional resources (in print and online) to consult.

Check it out for yourself right here.