Sillybean

Book contracts analysis

Michelle Sagara West should be on your daily reading list if you’re a writer, but this week she’s going WAY beyond the call of duty and typing in a first novel contract with explanations and commentary. She has…

Stross on ebooks and free books

Another Very Important Link, this time for writers. Charlie Stross has taken the time to explain why authors should give their work away for free online.

Say what? you think.

My theory is this: reading online sucks, but

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Wrath of the Slush God

Incurring the Divine Wrath and Garnering the Divine Favor of the Slush God. Most of this should be fairly obvious, but it never hurts to hear it from the slush reader himself.

The Edsels of the world of moveable type

‘The Book of my Enemy Has Been Remaindered’, by Clive James.

I’ve been wanting to read this poem since I finished Bird by Bird, and PNH has kindly provided a link. (Check out Electrolite’s spiffy new favicon, too.)

Cover letters for asshats

Teresa Nielsen Hayden has found some really dreadful advice on writing cover letters:

Tip Four: Still worried? Never published anything? Lie a little. Yes, lie. A cover letter is a persuasive document designed to do one

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On manuscript submission

Bywater Books manuscript submission notes, found in Learn Writing with Uncle Jim.

On proper formatting…

If there is some really good reason, like you are using a typewriter, and not a computer and it’s a royal pain to

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first novel sales

I think the tale of Elizabeth Bear’s novel sale is going into Writing & Publishing 101.

Why fee-charging agents suck, and common slush mistakes

Again at Absolute Write, an interview with Victoria Strauss:

Q: Why must writers never trust agents or publishers who ask for money up front (reading fee, evaluation fee, representation fee, etc.)?

A: The basis of both

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American Publishers Censored

Via Making Light, we learn that the Department of the Treasury has placed a ban on editing services related to manuscripts from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, and Cuba.

Jim Macdonald:

So how do they get around

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Didjagetit

Now I remember why I hate submitting short fiction.

Voices in My Head (to editors): Didja get it? Didja get it? Huh? Huh?

Me (to voices): Oh, hush up. It’s probably still on the mail truck.

ViMH: But… it might…

Lines in the sand

Over at the Rumor Mill, SFWA has announced that it’s changing the rules on which publications are categorized as professional. Writers might wish to weigh in on the discussion.

Today on BoingBoing…

Cory Doctorow discovers Making Book.

“Strange Girlfriend”

Go read Scott’s new story at Ideomancer. Do not pass go, etc., etc….

Agent Q&A

Six SF/F agents answer questions from SF Crowsnest. The questions themselves are fairly standard, but what’s fascinating is the opportunity to compare answers side-by-side.

Weekend treat

Judging books by their covers: book reviews based solely on the dust jackets. Lovely stuff.

See you Monday!