Tag Archives: Stories

Manuscript Wish List

MSWL Logo

If you don’t know what Manuscript Wish List, you’re in for a treat. This fantastic blog was created by agent Jessica Sinsheimer for agents (and some editors) to let writer’s know what they’d like to see in their inbox. Yes, it’s that simple! So, before you decide to query that shiny new manuscript, check out the website to see if any agents would be a perfect fit. Even more exciting, they’ve created a sign-up for upcoming newsletters!

So when will the next one take place? On February 8th, 2017, tweeting of wishes will unfold on twitter using the hashtag #MSWL. But remember, this IS NOT for direct pitching. Please make a list of agents and/or editors stating your MS might be what they’re looking for. Then send queries as directed by the agent/editor. (If you have trouble locating the information, most can be found on the agency/publisher websites.

Then stay tuned to twitter on February 8th, 2017, as Jessica promises a BIG announcement!

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Pikes Peak Writers Conference

2017-banner-final-copy

Pikes Peak Writers Conference is an opportunity to get literary advise from a professional in the business or get invaluable feedback on your manuscript. The conference will be April 28-30, 2017 held  in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

ACQUIRING EDITORS:

AGENTS:

For more authors and specialist, go here. And be sure to register before the workshop fills up. As always, have fun!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

@WriteOnCon #Conference Is Coming!

WriteOnCon

WriteOnCon is “A writing conference you don’t even have to wear pants to. (Please wear pants, though.)” This isn’t just an opportunity to attend a writing workshop, but it’ll be the cheapest and closet conference you’ve ever attend (aside of being free, of course). Seriously, you can participate from your home! And while you might have missed the raffles and perks to buy, there is still time to sign up to join. Admission is either $5 (General Admission), $10 (General + Live Events), or $15 (General + Live Events + Extended Access). You can’t wrong with any choice!

WriteOnCon is an online conference for kidlit writers and illustrators. Connect with writers, authors, and agents in this event. There will even be Ninja Agents & Editors and live pitch sessions (check the schedule for all 3 days)! But hurry to get registered because it’ll take place Thursday-Saturday, February 2nd-4th, 2017.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Costa Rica Retreat for Writers and Families

 

Finca Luna Nueva

 

You’ll stay on a working farm in the heart of the rainforest, with easy access to both hammocks and hikes. Each morning, you’ll participate in creative writing workshops, and each afternoon, you’ll have time to write or explore.

The week begins and ends with public readings — which your family is welcome to attend!

Cost: $1,345-$1,819 per person (does not include lunch or dinner); $290 per child (if sharing a room with two adults). The retreat will be February 4-11, 2017. Remember, if you’re an author, retreats are tax deductible. Get complete details here.

Have fun!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

Writing With The Stars

BeckyTara Books is hosting Writing With The Stars, a mentorship opportunity for picture book writers and illustrators. The industry stars who have generously agreed to donate their time and knowledge to this program can be found here. Applicants who are selected will be paired with one of these amazing author/illustrators for a three-month mentorship. Wowza!

Be sure to check their complete submission rules and application. Deadline to enter is January 16, 2017. As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction

The Masters Review Short Story Award for New Writers

The winning story will be awarded $2000 and publication online. Second and third place stories will be awarded publication and $200 and $100 respectively. All winners and honorable mentions will receive agency review by: Amy Williams of The Williams Agency, Victoria Marini from Irene Goodman, and Laura Biagi from Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency, Inc. We want you to succeed, and we want your writing to be read. It’s been our mission to support emerging writers since day one.

They say they don’t have any preferences topically or in terms of style. They’re simply looking for the best. Also, they don’t define, nor are we interested in, stories identified by their genre. However, they consider themselves a publication that focuses on literary fiction and are looking for stories that dazzle, take chances, are bold — and do so by focusing on more than plot.

You can check out the complete guidelines for submissions and previous winners here. Please note the deadline to enter is January 15, 2017.

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers & Illustrators of the Future

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers and Illustrators of the Future contest entries end at 5pm on December 31, 2016. So, hurry and get your submissions in.

Writers

L. Ron Hubbard’s Writers of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new and amateur writers of new short stories or novelettes of science fiction or fantasy. No entry fee is required. Entrants retain all publication rights. All awards are adjudicated by professional writers only. Prizes every three months: $1,000, $750, $500, Annual Grand Prize: $5,000 additional! If you have not read the contest rules, please click here before submitting. To enter, go here.

Illustrators

L. Ron Hubbard’s Illustrators of the Future Contest is an opportunity for new science fiction and fantasy artists worldwide. No entry fee is required. Entrants retain all publication rights. All judging by professional artists only. $1,500 in prizes each quarter. Quarterly winners compete for $5,000 additional annual prize! If you have not read the contest rules, please click here before submitting. To enter, go here.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

2017 Minnesota Writing Workshop

The 2017 Minnesota Writing Workshop 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 (150 total). This workshop is a full-day “How to Get Published” writing event in St. Paul, MN on February 11, 2017.

Agents and editors confirmed to be in attendance and/or available to pitch are:

For information on how to enroll and where to stay, go here. As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

12 Book Giveaway!

book-spines

Sharon Johnston and eleven other authors have banded together to give 12 books away they authored. This is a great giveaway around the holiday season. I’ve read both Sharon’s books Divided and Shattered, and highly recommend! As for the other awesome sounding titles, I’m entering in hopes of winning too! I mean, c’mon, who doesn’t like books! Go here for information on entering and links to the other authors.

As always, good luck!

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.

The Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition

Chicken House Books

While they no longer accept unsolicited manuscripts, they do offer unpublished and unagented writers of children’s fiction the chance to submit their work to the annual Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. They’re looking for original ideas, a fresh voice and a story that children will love!

First prize is a worldwide publishing contract with Chicken House with a royalty advance of £10,000 (approximately $12,500 US), plus representation from a top children’s literary agent.

To enter, you must have written a completed full-length novel suitable for children/young adults aged somewhere between 7 and 18 years. The full-length , manuscript should be minimum of 30,000 words and do not exceed 80,000 words in length.

The deadline to enter is December 18, 2018. Also, there is an entry fee of £15 (approximately $18.76 US). For complete guidelines and entry form, go here.

P.D. Pabst
Blogger and writer of MG/YA fiction.