One of the most common questions writers ask is how to query agents and publishers. Here's one editor's take.
Jennifer Silva Redmond is Editor-in-Chief of Sunbelt Publications, an award-winning small press that celebrates the natural and cultural history of the Californias. She has written for publications as diverse as Science of Mind, Cruising World, and Dog Fancy; one of her stories is featured in Latinos in Lotusland: An Anthology of Contemporary Southern California Literature (Bilingual Review Press, March 2008). Co-founding editor of Sea of Cortez Review (1998-2001), Ms. Silva Redmond joined Sunbelt in 2000; she enjoys speaking to writers’ groups and guiding both well-known and first-time authors through the acquisition, editing, and production of their books.
Please join Jennifer Silva Redmond and Paula B. as they reveal what editors are really thinking, including:
Interviewee: Jennifer Silva Redmond
Host: Paula B.
Date: November 9, 2008
Running time: 01:06:12
File size: 32 megabytes
Rating: G
The Sunbelt Publications Web site: Sunbelt Books
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Ann Paden left; Jim Nevling
With this podcast, we launch our new makeover series. In this fascinating and fun hands-on set of programs, our editors will critique and help you polish your work while The Writing Show community looks on. Everyone wins: writers get professional advice and encouragement; the community gets to see how it’s done, one step at a time.
We start with writer Jim Nevling and the first chapter of his novel Burned . Editor Ann Paden critiques.
Jim Nevling was born near Pittsburgh and moved to California when he was sixteen. After his U.S. Army service in Okinawa during the Viet Nam conflict, he worked in electronics, logistics, and contracts for the U.S. Navy. Late in his career he began his novel, Burned , which he recently completed. “The story was always there; now all I had to do was learn to write," he says. "Like most writers, I’m still learning.”
Ann Paden is a writer and editor who worked as a manuscript editor for academic and commercial presses before becoming a feature writer for a national newspaper chain and later account manager for a Chicago-based advertising agency.
Since 1990 Ann has worked as an independent writer specializing in business histories and as-told-to biographies and as an editor specializing in manuscript analysis and critique.
Interviewees : Ann Paden and Jim Nevling
Host : Paula B.
Date : July 13, 2008
Running time: 01:10:33
File size: 34 megabytes
Rating : G
Michelle Rafter
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From left: Doreen Dvorin, Alan Eggleston, Bill Hinchberger (photo credit David Willard), David Howard, and Walter Glenn
Not shown: Joanne Mason and Kent Oswald
This show came about in an unconventional way. Journalist Michelle V. Rafter had posted an open question on business network LinkedIn: "For freelancers, reporters and other non-fiction types: how do you write short?"
The answers she got were so impressive that we thought, "This would make a great show!" And it does. Michelle's commentary and her responders' tips comprise this brief but pithy podcast full of great techniques for "writing short."
Michelle Vranizan Rafter is a Portland, Oregon, freelance writer covering technology, workplace issues, and business. Her current clients include Inc. magazine's tech Web site, IncTechnology.com; Workforce Management ; and Oregon Business . She's written for The Los Angeles Times , The Chicago Tribune , The Industry Standard , Internet World , and Reuters, and was previously a staff writer at The Orange County Register . Rafter started a blog called WordCount in September 2007 to dish about freelance writing in the 21st century.
The other participants are:
Interviewee : Michelle
Rafter
Host : Paula
B.
Date : June 1,
2008
Running time: 34:22
File
size: 17 megabytes
Rating : G
Michelle Rafter's Web
site : Word
Count
Doreen Dvorin's Web site : CreativeHotlist.com/DDvorin
Alan Eggleston's Web
site : E-Messenger-Consulting.com
Walter Glenn's Web
site : WalterGlenn.com
Bill Hinchberger's Web site : BrazilMax.com
David Howard's Web site : Consultiq
Joanne Mason's Web site : JoanneMason.com
Kent Oswald's Web site : WhinyDad.com
In the land of authors where I live. I find it a different kind of place. A place where those who don't write don't understand the passion, the need, the obession those of us who do write have.
They don't see the characters who live in our head. They don't see the need of seeing our work in print. But, let me tell you they do love it when that new book is released.
They love it when I say guess what it is out. They can't wait to get their hands on it to see what newest characters I have brought to life.
I love living in the land of authors. I love bringing my characters to life. It is like watching a movie unfold with me as the director.
That being said, I want to let each of you know if you don't already- that two new books are coming out. One is really a prelude to the big one.
July the 8th Brilliant Insanity will be released by Triad Publishing Group. For those of you who have not yet read my work. I can only say you should.
Brilliant Insanity is a book that you keep asking yourself what is on the next page.
Rookie newspaper report Mandy McQuaid has just started her job at the Fort Pierce Sentinal. Of course she starts out in the obit section. But that is soon to change. Her life will never be the same after a summons to her editor's office.
He has a job for her. She is the only one who can do this job. The question is "Is she up to it?" Can she see it through?
The job - Mandy has been requested to go to Raiford Mazimum Security Prison in Gainesville, Florida to interview Louis Reinhart. Reinhart has five days left before his date with the death chamber. He has been given permission to tell his story to the local paper.
Mandy's editor wants this story. He has followed the killing career of Reinhart since the beginning and he wants the ending.
Reinhart wants the world to know that what he did was justified. He also wants to brag as serial killers are prone to do. But there is more. And it has to do with Mandy.
While 
is ficition it is a prelude to Silent Scream which is a true crime. The first silent screams began in 1966 and ended in 1972. They happened in Florida and the man responsible was shanked in Starke Prison in 1995. This book gives the victims a voice. A voice which has been silent for over thirty years. A voice which still effects the lives of the law enforcement officers who worked the case. A voice which now gives them peace.
Silent Scream will be released Sept 2,2008. Watch for more details.
