Author: Sheila McIntrye Good, Author

This Week’s Stories to Share

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

“After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”
― Philip Pullman

Welcome to another segment of, Stories to Share.  As writers, we all want to send our stories out into the universe. But, in world filled with writers, sometimes it seems our own work gets lost in the ever-growing sea of words. However, I believe each writer deserves their moment in the sun.

Stories to Share, is my way of shining the spotlight on writers and their work.  I hope you’ll enjoy today’s list and encourage you to pay it forward. You’ll find more stories in the magazines and websites, in which, they are featured. Check them out.

  1. First up, Episode 20 at No Extra Words Podcast, The Legend.  Two stories make up this episode, “Achilles,” by Charles Rammelkamp, and “What We Talk About When we Talk About Homer,” by Marina Frances Mularz ( a particular favorite).  I encourage you to check out the No Extra Words Podcast, meet the  producer and editor,  Kris Baker Dersch, and submit your own work for consideration. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you my story, Life in Repetition, is scheduled for  episode 35, in February. I’ll keep you updated.
  2. Duck Man, by Mary Ellen Lives ( a dear friend) is one of my favorite writers. Published in numerous literary magazines, I hope you’ll visit her website to check out the list of her published works. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy her exclusive short story.
  3. And from one of my favorite magazines, Carve, the 2nd place winner of the 2015 Raymond Carver Contest, by Andrea Bobotis, Kudzu.

What did you think of the stories? Do you have a story to share? I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.

 

Prayers for Paris

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

2014-04-12 06.29.41What happened yesterday breaks my heart. Having family members  in Paris made it even more frightening. Thank God, they are safe. Unfortunately, more than 100 other innocent people were not and my heart hurts for them and their families.

Today, let us all remember life is precious and can be fleeting, hug those close to you, and lift all of Paris up in your thoughts and prayers. I stand with all of Paris and today.

You Asked: Secrets That Will Help You Get Published

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

Welcome to another, You Asked, the Experts Answer, segment. This week ‘s question is: Is there a secret to getting published in literary magazines?

Well yeah, sort of.  Lincoln Michel, a Buzzfeed contributor, takes us behind the scenes in his two-part article, The Ultimate Guide To Getting Published in a Literary Magazine.

This is one of  the most in-depth articles on getting published I have ever read. We’ve all heard the tips :

  • Submit often
  • Read the magazines
  • Follow the guidelines
  • Proofread

But, we’ve never understood what happens behind the scenes or how literary magazines actually select those they choose to print. Well, now you will. Lincoln goes into great detail about editors, readers, the slush pile, solicited and non-solicited work, and even “carpet bombing.”

“Most editors would probably consider at least 60% of the slush pile to be unpublishable, period. Twenty percent shows promise but needs some work, and 10% is publishable but not in the journal being submitted to. That leaves 10% of work that might deserve real consideration.”

Here’s a few important things I gleaned from the article, but I still encourage each of you to read it in its entirety.

  1. Submissions go first to the slush pile.
  2. 60 % of those in the slush pile are unpublishable.
  3. Acceptance rates are about 1% for good magazines.
  4. Submissions are sometimes solicited by editors or through agents (I had no idea).
  5. 20-100% of works published come from the slush pile.
  6.  Connections are important.
  7. Editors are not the first to read your work, readers are (typically 2).
  8. Readers are volunteers, or students.
  9.  The first paragraph and page is important in making it past the readers.
  10. Persistence in submitting is one of the main keys to success.
  11. Know the Cover letter No-No’s (see the article).
  12. Selective your top 3 to 5 magazines and go for it; again & again.

Where to Find the Right Market for Your Story?

Many sites offer information on Magazines open for submission. Here are my top five resources.

  1. Every Writer’s Resource 
  2. Duotrope
  3. The Review Review
  4. The Writer’s Database
  5. Clifford Garstang’s Pushcart Rankings

I’ve only given you the teasers from the article, but I can tell you it’s one worth keeping for the files. What do you think? Are you seeing submission success? Do you have a favorite market site?

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.

You Asked: 7 Things You Can do to Identify Your Genre

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 16 Comments

Welcome to another, You Asked, the Experts Answer, segment. This week ‘s question is: How do I know If I’ve chosen the right genre?  

Choosing a genre is something many writers struggle with and the biggest reason is being  unfamiliar with the different genres. Unfamiliarity breeds confusion, which in turn makes it difficult to know which to choose.

Whether you plan to self-publish or go the traditional route, selecting the right genre is essential for success. After all, you want people to find your book.

Why is Genre so Important?

  1. It gives you clarity for pitching to the right agents.
  2. It’s how the publishing world will view your work.
  3. It’s easier to find your target audience.
  4. Makes it easier for readers to find your book.
  5. Helps you write a succinct pitch.
  6. Helps the industry know how to market your book.

7  Easy Steps to Find Your Genre

  1. Ask yourself: What readers would like my story? What books are similar to mine?
  2. Review Amazon’s bestseller list and check out the list of genre’s.
  3. Go to your neighborhood bookstore, look at where the books are shelved. Fantasy? Mystery?
  4. Select five-six books and  read the descriptions; make a note of the core story in each. What stands out?
  5. Look at titles – can you determine the genre?
  6. On what shelf do you see your book?
  7. Know what your story is about and be able to verbalize it in a succinct manner.

The Downside of Getting it Wrong

  1. You will get rejected and your book will end up in the slush file.
  2. You won’t know how to market your book, which in turn makes it hard to sell.
  3. You’ll miss  your target audience and, likewise, they will miss your book.
  4. Getting it wrong will make agents think twice about you and your work.

We all want to see our books on Amazon or our local bookstore shelves. But, in order to do that, we must not only write a compelling story but know who our audience is and choose the correct genre. For more information, check out these great resources for writers on writing in your genre.

Resources:

  1. Identify Your Novel’s Genre
  2. How to Pick the Right Genre for Your Novel
  3. Where Does My Book Fit? Figuring Out Your Genre
  4. Don’t Know Your Book’s Genre? Here’s What to Do
  5. How to Pick the Right Genre for Your Novel

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. And as always, you can follow me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.