When I graduated with a journalism degree in 2000, I thought literary writing was the only thing worth doing. I wanted my writing to enlighten, to touch people deeply and maybe even to change the world one word at a time. I was also in my early twenties, so of course I knew absolutely everything. Now several years later I know otherwise.
We had a wonderful time visiting Richard’s family in Corpus Christi, Texas and the heat wasn’t as oppressive as we’d feared. We stayed at a nice campground on the beach there and we had lots of family time and even a day of shopping, which the children particularly enjoyed. Ali even got her very first set of silk wrap nails while we were there. I can’t type with long fingernails, so I just had a manicure.
I was appalled by your article on Janet Kay & Associates and the plea agreement. Another appalling thing that I would like to bring to everyone’s attention are the words “deferred adjudication” in the district attorney’s e-mail.
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Like you I’m appalled at how easily this woman and her cohorts got off. But my question is who is going to be watching them to make sure they don’t just set up shop and start this all over again?
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I read your recent posting on the Janet Kay fraud, and I’m not at all surprised that the victims ended up getting a raw deal. I spent 5 years years being an advocate for a group of investors who were victims of a massive investor fraud ( $8 million total) in Texas, and about the same thing happened.
hanks, WritersWeekly readers, for your great response to my article, No More Rejection Slips: Sub-Contract Article Assignments, published by WritersWeekly.com on August 3rd. Public relations agencies and creative design shops can provide a steady stream of lucrative article assignments to freelance writers — often over months or even years. Most of these assignments are writing marketing or employee newsletters which are typically published on a monthly or quarterly basis. Many writers asked exactly how they could get such work. Here’s how to find such opportunities and successfully sell your writing and professional skills to public relation agencies and creative design shops — even if you don’t have previous business communications, public relations or copywriting experience.
I have a question… I recently finished a fantasy novel and I am in the midst of looking for an agent and a publisher. I received an offer from a publisher, but the details are that I need to pay $1500 first, and according to the contract, the onus of marketing is on me (they do cover art, editing, printing, and I think I get 100 books). They’ll do SOME marketing but it reads that most of it is my responsibility. One friend says this is a vanity press. I’ve contacted a couple of authors who have been printed with this publisher and both of them raved, very positive. It’s the $1500 part that bothers me and how many books it takes to make that back.
This was the first Saturday that prospective buyers would traipse through my house considering it as their own, and I had it immaculate. Walking out back to sweep the patio, I stopped in my tracks. A hundred fish floated belly-up to the sun with a stench to curdle your breakfast. I frantically called the homeowners association who had dumped the new fish in the lake that week. Frustrated with their lack of concern, and angered at the fact that several house hunters were passing us by, I wrote a letter to the local newspaper editor. Surprisingly, the editor emailed me that my fanatical opinion instead was being considered for the editorial page with a $50 payment.
We’re at a a campground in South Texas this week. Since Richard’s dad and step-mom have to work during the day…we get to, too! So, our official “vacation” period is over. It’s terribly hot and humid here. What’s worse, there are storm clouds teasing us, but not a drop of rain in sight. The nice thing is it’s so windy here that the clothes I set out to dry this morning are already ready for folding.
As you may all remember, Janet Kay & Associates (including her husband George Titsworth) were accused of ripping off hundreds of hopeful authors in a horrible scheme of deceit. With the help of many writing websites and discussion lists, she and her husband were finally caught, indicted and arrested.
Months later (last week), we received an email from the District Attorney letting us know the Titsworths plan to plead guilty in November, will serve no prison time, and have agreed to pay restitution…even though they don’t have the money…
In the 9/28 issue you listed a national cheerleading magazine as someone in need of articles, so as a former high school cheerleading captain I sent in a query the same day with a story idea about how cheer skills can help one off the court and in real life situations. Lo and behold, my idea was accepted yesterday and they’re sending me a contract! I just got back into the writing game a month or so ago and joined your list then (I emailed you earlier about a book contract and your advice was very helpful, and I bought one of your e-books) but I wanted to let you know that your job postings are dead-on…you actually list magazines who really NEED and WANT writers, as opposed to stale information that anyone can find!
Thanks so much for your awesome list!
Take care,
Nancy
Groan and moan all you want to, but the successful writers do some type of business plan to figure marketing and income projections. You do not have to take the financial details down to nickels and dimes, but you need a map to your destination. Dislike the business stuff? Then write for self-satisfaction; there is nothing wrong with that. When you write, you are a writer. When you sell, you are a businessperson. If you do not like the business aspect, then write for your own enjoyment.
