Rewriting a Manuscript/Calls for Submissions

My critique buddy, Sandi, and I have worked together on numerous manuscripts over the past few years. She helps me polish my work, and I help (hopefully) spit shine hers. She is currently working on a rewrite by editor request.

When a writer receives a rewrite request from an editor, emotions overflow the psyche: with me, excitement and joy gush first. This is soon followed by an outpouring of doubt and fear. I wonder if I can actually follow through with writing that works for the publisher. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I fail, so the fear is warranted. Once I start the actual rewrite, the task gets easier, but never easy. I find that Sandi experiences the same trepidation. Here’s Sandi’s reaction to rewriting the first draft:

I’ve begun again. Whoever said writing is easy definitely doesn’t write. I climbed over that solid brick wall—you know, the one with black tar cascading down its surface—and  I’m starting with a scream and dialog.

Tell me why again I’m doing this?????

Sandi's comments SHOW (vs. TELL) her emotions—fear, frustration, anxiety—and her efforts—beginning is the hardest part—expose quality writing, are packed with humor, use analogies, and she says she’s starting with a scream (action). These are excellent writing techniques, and they’re heartfelt and authentic. Heartfelt and authentic: two more goals to strive for in writing. I’m looking forward to taking this journey with Sandi as she delivers the goods to her editor…and then on to readers.

 Next week, I’ll discuss fiction inspired by real-life characters.

Call for submissions for adult writers:

Seventeen
300 West 57th St., 17th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
     For more than six decades, Seventeen has been the prototypical teen girls’ magazine. It covers fashion and friendship, popularity and pop culture, family and fiction. The editors look for strong writers who can connect with girls ages 12 to 19. Articles offer sound advice, and inform 2 million girls a month about news and trends. They include self-help, profiles, and personal experience.
    Email a query with outline and clips or writing samples for nonfiction to the appropriate Seventeen editor. Send complete manuscript for fiction. For relationship/love stories, email Devin Tomb, dtomb@hearst.com; for Your Life and fitness and nutrition, Ashley Mateo at amateo@hearst.com; for general health, sex education, and Buzz, Kim Tranell at ktranell@hearst.com; for fashion, Gina Kelly at gkelly@hearst.com; for beauty, Yesenia Almonte at yalmonte@ hearst.com.
      Articles, 650–3,000 words. Fiction, 1,000–3,000 words. Buys first rights. Pays $1–$1.50 a word, on acceptance.

Details at www.seventeen.com

Call for submissions for young writers:

• Silver Pen, publisher of the former Kids'Magination ezine, is planning a new publication for older readers called Youth Imagination. This online magazine will be a paying market.

Their website says,"We are open for submissions, and are particularly interested in creative fiction by teens, but will also accept YA stories by adult authors."

Submission guidelines at http://www.youthimagination.org/index.php/publish/submissions

Check out more contests on my blog: http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com/