Another Writing Opportunity

October 30, 2007

Dear Musers Who Matter,

Fellow Muser Pam Halter has graciously forwarded the writing opportunity below. I encourage you seriously to consider these writing opps. Thanks, Pam! :-)

____________________________________________________________
From: Susan Reynolds [mailto:reynoldsinboston@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 2:36 PM
To: Susan Reynolds
Subject: Hero Series Anthology

Dear Writer,

The finalists for the My Teacher Is My Hero anthology have been selected and notified. If you have not heard from me, unfortunately, your story was not selected. Due to the volume of stories received, I won't have an opportunity to send personal assessments, for which I apologize. Your story may have been good, however, those who thoroughly read and abided by the guidelines, avoided stereotypical or overdone subjects (death, illness, writer slant), focused on the hero more than themselves, or provided substantial beginning/middle/end stories won out. Some choices were made for diversity so it helps to reach for, and convey, what makes your hero unique. Also, it helps to make the hero come to life on the page, and honor what it is/was that made them special. The hero's deeds don't have to be extraordinary, but the story has to be told extraordinarily well.

So, on to the next! For the second book in Adams Media's new Hero series, we seek fifty 850-1400 word true stories no later than NOVEMBER 30, 2007.

We pay $100 per story (one per volume), plus a copy of the book, and we will also award three prizes $100, $75, and $50 for the top three stories. I look very much forward to working with you!

A summary of what we want, formatting requirements, and story tips follows.
Please follow them carefully. Also, please click on www.literarycottage.com and carefully review all the text under: "Hero Series Guidelines" where you will also find new sample stories.

My Mom Is My Hero

Being a mother often proves the most difficult, and the most important, job in the world; one that includes conflict but also brings rich-albeit often unspoken-rewards. In this anthology, we seek to honor real-life mothers and, therefore, want inspiring, true, personal stories that speak to the challenges, ultimately positive experiences, and extraordinary relationships between mothers and their children (mothers of all ages, i.e., grandmothers count). The majority of stories in this collection will be written from the adult child's point of view, but it is also acceptable to submit third person stories by authors who have intimate knowledge of the mother and her children. Also a woman who served as a mother figure, who played a significant role, or who performed a heroic deed may also be honored.

Heroic deeds range from rescuing a child from physical peril to holding down a steady job and raising children with exceptional values or work ethics. As we will print very few stories focused on illness or dying, we encourage authors to choose another time that illustrates your mother's unique character, drive, strength, dedication, tenderness, generosity, intelligence, humor, etc. Bring your mother to life on the page and show the world why she is worthy of accolades.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 30, 2007

Please e-mail entries to sreynolds@literarycottage.com as a separate Word attachment. If you don't have Word available, embed the copy in your e-mail message (Times New Roman, no special formatting, please).

BASICS: 850-1400 WORDS, tightly written, focused, true, uplifting

Formatting Requirements:

Send all stories as a separate WORD document. If you don't have Word, embed the story into the body of the e-mail.
Single-space all contact info (name, address, phone, e-mail) at the top left of the document.
No headers or footers; No page numbers.
Use 12 pt. Times New Roman; single or 1.5 spacing.
Make Paragraphs flush left with one extra space between them. No indentations.
Only use ONE space after a period.
Do not put titles in all CAPS; Do not include byline.
Do not put "The End" or anything else at the end.
At the bottom of your document, please provide a tightly focused three-sentence bio. Bios may include selected writing credits, but limit self-promotion to mention of a website. Humor is good. Link it to the story if relevant.

Story Tips:

Story must be true and uplifting. We are honoring mothers.
Tell a story-utilizing classic story structure, i.e., beginning/middle/end If you write an essay or profile, they must include dynamic characterization Keep the focus on your mother/mother-figure; she's the heroine of the story!
Use description, characterization, action, and dialogue to bring your mother to life on the page Focus on a momentous event that illustrates your mother's heroic character SHOW us why your mother is/was unique, exceptional, colorful, dramatic, heroic Cut right to the chase, open with a scene; do not open with "My mom is my hero because.."

Come up with a snappy, evocative title; avoid "My Mom, My Hero," etc.
Avoid death and illness stories (we'll get way too many) Strive for unique, fascinating, entertaining, distinctive tales Make all the characters in the story dimensional, memorable Please use active voice and strong verbs. Avoid "It was" and "There was" sentences.
Use potent, succinct modifiers.
Employ a strong voice
Humor is WELCOME

THANK YOU, and I look forward to receiving your stories!

All best regards,

Susan


Susan Reynolds
Literary Cottage Agency




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