Dublin, Ireland will be hosting the 77th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) across two venues: the Convention Centre Dublin and the Point Square during August 15-19, 2019. You can meet some of your favorite authors, illustrators, and more at this fantastic event. This will be an event to remember with scenic views to inspire any writer or artist. Check out the program here.
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.
Deadline approaching! The Feminist Press has partnered with TAYO Literary Magazine for a contest seeking the best debut books by women and nonbinary writers of color to celebrate author Louis Meriwether’s achievements. This contest is for first time authors. Submit your complete manuscript of fiction (including novels and short story collections) or narrative memoir between 50,000 and 80,000 words. Capture their attention with your words to receive $5,000 and a publishing contract from the Feminist Press!
The third annual Louise Meriwether First Book Prize entries will close on June 28, 2019. To learn how to enter and complete guidelines, go here or here. As always, good luck!
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.
Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers in the world. For all the times you kept going when everyone else became ill, good job! For all the troubled times you were strong and everyone around you crumbled, I’m proud of you! For every dream you set aside to help another achieve theirs…you are awesome! For every person you tucked into bed to chase nightmares away and lost your own sleep, go you!
But this is YOUR day! It’s okay to sit, sleep, read a book, let the grass not get mowed, not pick up your clothes, let someone else fix the car, or have another grill the burgers. Rest, because you deserve it! And it’s okay if you want to seize life and do something spontaneous or out of character, or simply be yourself. Take a hike, explore a cave, go fishing, bungee jump, repel, ride a motorcycle near a beach, pick some flowers, or maybe knit a scarf (like Russel Crowe). Take the kids or don’t take the kids. Seize your day because you are DAD and you are APPRECIATED!
Love to you all!
P.D. Pabst
It’s time for another PBPitch (picture book) twitter party using the hashtag #PBPitch! So, if you write or illustrate picture books, this is the event for you. This party will take place June 20 2019 from 8am-8pm EST. But remember, anyone can troll the feed, so be sure and do your research! There will be legitimate agents and editors popping in and out, including those that haven’t confirmed their attendance. (You can visit the PBPitch website for a list of over 100 agents that represent picture books.)
Be sure and only pitch once before 2pm and once after! (Yes, twice is all you get per manuscript!) If you’re an illustrator, you can attach an image to the pitch. For complete rules and proper hashtags, go here. And don’t forget to check out their success stories while you’re there! As always, good luck!
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.
The Bent Agency is searching for a paid, full-time intern whom will work in their office in the Flatiron District. The intern will work M-F from 9a-5p. (However, Fridays until Labor Day will end at 1pm, instead of 5pm.) Ideal applicants can work independently, are highly organized, and are quick learners.
The hired candidate will work with royalty statements, filing, and mailing; will be adding clients to the website; creating posts for social media; and assisting with other general administrative tasks. Interns will also leave with knowledge of how to evaluate a query, write a pitch letter, craft a submission list, write an edit letter, and read contracts and royalty statements.
This opportunity is based in New York. No publishing experience is necessary. The internships are a great way to learn more about an agent’s work and decision-making process. Past interns have been writers for children, children’s librarians, elementary school teachers, MFA students, and passionate readers.
All interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to claire@thebentagency.com, with “Internship Application” in the subject line. As always, good luck!
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.
Agents and editors are taking live pitches on the SavvyAuthors blog! What you will need is a three line pitch (unless stated differently on their personal pitch page). Be sure to state the title, genre, word length, and your author name. Then post your pitch below that information. The format should look like this:
Title: This Scary Manor Blows
Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal
Length: 48,000 words
Author: P.D. Pabst
Agnes plays pretend in an old manor to keep her father’s memory alive and learns she must solve the murder of an eight-year-old ghost—daughter of Franz San Galli, the inventor of the radiator. Her non-believing brother wants her to grow up but she must convince him to acquire his help. After all, it’s not safe to play in secret passages and hidden rooms when a sinister specter threatens her.
Be sure to read the guidelines thoroughly before pitching. And don’t forget to research each editor/publisher and agent to make sure your manuscript fits their wish list. To pitch editors/publishers, go here. To pitch literary agents, click here. And don’t delay! The Pitchfest runs June 12 – 14, 2019.
As always, good luck!
P.D. Pabst
Dystel, Goderich & Bourret is looking for organized, reliable, efficient individuals to be interns and are interested in learning about the publishing industry. Candidates should be committed to devoting 15-20 hours per week in-house (New York). Applicants should be interested in learning the specifics of agenting, open to reading widely, and are detail-oriented, organized, and have critical reading and research skills.
Intern Responsibilities:
• Assist with reading slush, partial, and full manuscripts.
• Request and evaluate manuscripts.
• Write readers reports.
• Assist with contracts, royalty statements, and author correspondence as needed.
• Administrative duties, including but not limited to research, copyediting, filing, scanning, answering phones, data entry.
This will be for one semester from January until mid-May 2020 and is unpaid. Requirements:
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Detail-oriented & organized
• Well-read across different genres
• Basic computer skills
• Availability 2-3 days a week
Interested candidates can e-mail Amy Bishop at abishop@dystel.com with their resume and cover letter. The cover letter should include answers to the following questions:
• Why are you interested in working at a literary agency? Why DG&B in particular?
• What are your favorite genres?
• What gets you excited about a book?
• What are your three favorite authors and what genre would you be interested in learning more about?
• Why do you think you would be a good candidate for our internship program?
As always, good luck!
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction
Per the Florida Writing Workshop website, this writing event (June 8, 2019) is a wonderful opportunity to get intense instruction over the course of one day, pitch a literary agent or editor (optional), get your questions answered, and more. Note that there are limited seats at the event (200 total). They will inform everyone directly on the website when seats are closed.
Here are a few of this years faculty that will be in attendance:
Since the seats are limited, don’t delay in registering. Have fun and learn lots!
P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.
pdpabst 