You could compile the worst book in the world entirely out of selected passages from the best books in the world.” G.K. Chesterton.

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Vestal Review wants Flash Fiction stories, up to 500 words. The magazine pays 10 cents a word for stories to 100 words, 5 cents a word for stories between 101 and 200 words, and 3 cents a word for 201 to 500 word stories. The editors would especially like to see humor pieces. They are open for submissions through May 2015. Find the guidelines here.

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Timeless Tales focuses on retellings of classic myths and fables. Editor Talia Merrill Kirk is currently looking for stories based on or inspired by the tale of Perseus and Medusa. She is open to all genres of stories. Submit your story of up to 2,000 words (1,500 words or less preferred.) by March 23. Payment is $15. Find the guidelines here.

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The Wolfe Pack and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine are sponsoring the Black Orchid Novella Contest, for the best mystery novella in the tradition of Nero Wolfe. Entries should be 15,000 to 20,000 words, contain no overt sex or violence and emphasize the deductive reasoning of the sleuth. There is no fee to enter the contest and first prize is $1,000 and publication in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. The deadline for entries is May 31, 2015. Get more details here.

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Loving the Outlaw is my first new historical romance in years. Spinster seamstress Laura Brown has a secret. Once the spoiled, privileged daughter of a banker, her life was destroyed by scandal when she fell in love with an outlaw. Disgraced in the aftermath of her lover’s arrest, she ran away and started life over in the small town of New Spring, Texas, where she’s slowly regained the peace and respectability she craved.

But her former lover Cole Randall is out of prison now and has tracked her to New Spring. Unnerved by her lingering attraction to Cole, Laura resists his attentions. But when a bullet meant for her strikes Cole, Laura finds herself back under his spell. Will loving the outlaw destroy Laura again, or will it restore her to the only life worth living?

Find your copy at Amazon, or your favorite ebook retailer. LovingTheOutlawOTHERSITES

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Books To Go Now is actively seeking romance (all sub-genres), mystery and new adult fiction (characters from 18-24 years old, first person), from short stories to full-length novels. Length – 10,000 to 75,000 words. They are particularly interested in 10,000 to 30,000 word novellas with Valentine’s or Christmas themes for anthology collections. All work is originally published in ebook format; longer works may also be released as trade paperbacks. Books to Go Now, based in Seattle, was founded in 2010. Find more details here.

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Darkhouse Books is looking for mystery and crime short stories for an upcoming anthology “Destination: Mystery.” Stories should lean toward the cozy side and should be set in popular vacation locales. All stories should be set after the mid-nineteenth century to contemporary times. Length: 2,500 to 7,500 words, Deadline: March 31, 2105. Find more details here.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others — repost, reprint, retweet. Please credit me as the source of the information and include a link to this blog. Find out more about me on my websites here and here, or on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter@CMyersTex. Thanks!  Cindi

I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide.”  Harper Lee

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Fiery Seas Publishing publishes a variety of fiction for adults and young adults, including romance, mystery and science fiction/fantasy. They publish both ebook and paperback editions of their titles.  Right now, the editors are particularly interested in holiday stories — Beach Reads (deadline March 1, 2015), Halloween (deadline May 1, 2015), Christmas (deadline August 1, 2015) and Valentine’s stories (deadline October 1, 2015). These stories may be romance, or any other genre Fiery Seas publishes, and should be between 15,000 and 45,000 words. Read the details for these Special Calls here, or fFind their submission guidelines here.

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Canadian romance ebook publisher Morning Rain Publishers is temporarily closed to submissions.

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Diversion Books publishes contemporary and historical romance, thrillers, mystery, young adult, new adult, science fiction/fantasy and women’s fiction in both digital and print. Their slogan is “Great reads to distract the mind.” The editors accept submissions from both agented and unagented authors. Their catalog includes both new material and previously published work. They pay quarterly royalties and do a lot of online marketing. Find out more here.

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The first volume in my Titled Texans trilogy, To Love a Lady, written under my historical pen name, Cynthia Sterling, is currently free at Amazon, B&N and most e-book retailers. Check it out, along with the two other titles in the trilogy,

Educating Abbie and The Runaway.

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Only a short time left to enter the Denver Women’s Press Club Unknown WritersContest. Previously unpublished Colorado residents 18 and older may enter a short story or nonfiction article up to 2,000 words or a poem of up to 40 lines. The deadline to enter is February 17, 2015. First prize is $125. The entry fee is $25 for fiction and nonfiction and $15 for poetry. For more info, go here.

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A heads-up for my UK readers — Author Christopher Fielden maintains a comprehensive list of short story and novel writing competitions for UK writers or all sorts. Many of these competitions are free to enter and some offer prestigious prizes. Check him out here.

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The Next Novelist hosts an online writing competition for aspiring thriller, mystery and crime novel writers. Submit your novel of between 50,000 and 150,000 words to be read and voted on by the online public in elimination rounds each week. The winner receives a publishing contract and $5000. The book will be published as an ebook and you will receive royalties. Get the details here.

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Thuglit ezine accepts original crime fiction stories between 3,000 and 5,000 words. Payment is $25 plus 50 percent of digital sales. Check out the detailed (and profane — just warning if you’re sensitive to foul language) guidelines here.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. Please give me credit as the source, and include a link to this blog. To find out more about me and my books, visit my websites here and here. Or find me on Facebook.

“There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.”
– Terry Pratchett

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Harper Voyager Impulse is a new digital-first imprint from science fiction and fantasy publisher Harper Voyager. Executive Editor Jennifer Brehl hopes the imprint will offer more “fan-based, fast-paced, action driven ebooks.” The imprint will launch with 31 titles with a variety of types and styles of books, most acquired through an open call the publisher had last fall. Read the details in the official press release here. 

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Bloomsbury Children’s Books is launching If Only, a new imprint to showcase young adult romance novels. Publishing Director Cindy Loh hopes to offer readers “clean, spirited and down-to-earth,  ‘new love'” stories.  Each novel in the line features a ‘what if’ scenario, includes humor, and is suitable for readers as young as 12, but should appeal to older teens as well. At this time, Bloomsbury accepts submissions only from agented authors.

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In November, Barbour Publishing will debut a new line of Christian fiction for readers ages 3-12. Shiloh Kidz will include a variety of types and styles of fiction. See their writing guidelines here.

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Lee and Low Books is sponsoring a New Voices award for children’s picture book authors of color. Submit your children’s picture book manuscript of up to 1,500 words. The winner receives $1000 and a standard publishing contract with an additional advance and royalties. An honorable mention winner receives $500. There is no fee to enter and you may enter up to two manuscripts. The deadline for entries is September 30, 2014. Find all the details here. 

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Minotaur Books and Malice Domestic are once again sponsoring a Best First Traditional Mystery Novel Competition.  Submit your mystery novel manuscript of over 65,000 words for a chance to win $10,000 and a standard publishing contract from Minotaur Books. The story should center around a murder/mystery/ or crime. The deadline for entries is October 15, 2014. Find all the details here. (Scroll down to the contest info.)

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There will be no market news update next Wednesday. I’ll be in San Antonio, attending the Romance Writers of America convention. If you’re there,  I hope you’ll look me up and say hello. I’m giving a workshop Thursday morning at 8:30 on “Writing Faster, Writing Better” and I’ll be participating in the Kensington authors’ signing on Friday.

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“I don’t need an alarm clock. My ideas wake me.” —Ray Bradbury

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Only three weeks until the release of A Change in Altitude. Book Three of my Eureka, Colordo series continues the stories of the quirky characters in the Colorado mountains, but can also be read as a stand-alone novel.  altitude

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Silkwords is a newer romance publisher (established 2013) that combines romance novels with gaming. Silkwords novels are interactive — readers can choose different paths in the story that lead to different endings. Readers pay a monthly subscription fee to the service. The editors are actively seeking submissions. Stories should be 15,000 to 20,000 words and at several points in the stories, readers should have the opportunity to make a significant choice — between two partners, two locations, two jobs, etc. Stories may be romance or erotica. Romances should have a happily ever after or happy for now ending. Payment is $500 plus $3 per subscription the story generates. Find all the details here.

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Want to win a house, free and clear? The Write a House program awards emerging writers with a 900-square foot house completed with basement, one or two bedrooms, bathroom and front and back yard. The house is completely renovated. And it’s in Detroit. Write a House is now accepting applications from writers from across the country. You must agree to live in the house at least 75% of the time and interact with the Detroit literary community. You must pay yearly taxes of approximately $2000. You must be a part-time or full-time writer with a low to moderate income and you must submit a sample of your writing. Find all the details here.

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Entangled Bliss is on the hunt for new authors. The editors would love to see your small-town set romantic comedy — either sexy or sweet. They love contemporary, everyday heroes and modern heroines. Manuscripts should be 50,000 to 65,000 words. Get all the details here. 

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. Please give me credit as the source and include a link to the blog. Thanks!  Cindi. Find out more about me at http://www.cindimyers.com or http://www.cindymyersbooks.com

 

 

“Half my life is an act of revision.”  John Irving.

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SciFi Romance quarterly seeks stories for its next issues. Stories should combine the genres of science fiction and romance and feature strong heroines who actively advance the plot. Stories should be 1,000 to 7,500 words. Payment is $25 and the deadline for submissions is May 1, 2014. See the guidelines here.

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Imajin Books is open for submissions until April 15, 2014. Imajinn is a digital and print publisher that has been around since 2005, focused on spec fic, but this year they would also really like to see more mystery and suspense manuscripts. Editor Cheryl Tardif particularly interested in authors who have had at least one book published, either traditional or indie. “Writers who have 2+ unpublished books written and ready in a series or a single standalone novel will be especially appealing.”  She’s accepting submissions in mystery/suspense/thriller; horror; paranormal (no vampires, werewolves or erotica); science fiction; romance/chick-lit. Imajinn pays royalties and requires the rights to the book for five years. Find all the details here. 

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Rocky Mountain Rescue is still in stores, and is now available for download from your favorite digitial book retailer.

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Shenandoah Literary Magazine is hosting the Bevel Summers prize for best short story to 1,000 words. The winning story receives $1,000 and publication in the magazine. There is no fee to enter. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2014. Find the details here. 

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Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine and the literary organiztion, the Wolfe Pack, are sponsoring the Wolfe Pack Black Orchid Novella Award. First prize is $1,000 and possible publication in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. There is no fee to enter. The deadline for entries is May 31, 2014. Stories should be written in the style of author Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe mysteries: “a traditional mystery in which the lead character, an investigator, must solve the crime using basic dogmatic skills and the victim already knows the villain.” Stories should be 15,000 to 20,000 words. Find all the submission details here.
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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. Repost, reprint, foward and tweet. Please give me credit as the source and include a link to this blog. If you’d like to know more about me, check out my website.

“The two most engaging powers of a good author are to make new things familiar and familiar things new.” William M. Thackeray

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The ebook version of The View From Here is on sale this week at most major ebook retailers for a bargain price — only $2.51 at Amazon, $2.99 from Barnes and Noble. This is the first book in my Eureka, Colorado series. It won the 2013 Colorado Book Award for genre fiction. Snag your own copy and find out what the buzz is about.

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Amazon is once again accepting submissions for its. Breakthrough Novel ContestThe competition is free to enter. The Grand Prize winner receives a publishing contract with a $50,000 advance, while four First Prize winners receive publishing contracts with $15,000 advances. Enter your manuscript (Suggested length 50,000 to 125,000 words) in one of five categories: Romance, Mystery, Speculative Fiction, Young Adult or General Fiction. The contest will close March 2, or once Amazon receives 10,000 entries. Find all the details here. 

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Cairn Press wants your short stories, essays or poems about rejection for an upcoming anthology. And not just any rejection — but rejection as a writer. Channel your frustration and anger into this work and you could receive $100. Find all the details here.

 

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The Journal of Unlikely Entemology wants your short stories about bugs. Submit your story of up to 5,000 words by August 1. Payment is 5 cents a word. Find the details here.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. Repost, Forward, reprint, etc. Please give me credit as the source of the material, and include a link to this blog. Thank you!  Cindi

My first Harlequin Intrigue, Rocky Mountain Revenge,  is on sale now in stores. Available for download Feb. 1.  9780373697427

Despite her new identity in the WitSec Program, Anne Gardener has been found by the one person who hurt her the most: FBI agent Jake Westmoreland. And when she testified against her own flesh and blood, her whole existence was turned upside down. Jake couldn’t expect any more from her—except that he did. He wanted the impossible…her help.

Jake doesn’t have much time to restore Anne’s faith in him. She is the only one who can help him locate her mob-boss father and put him away for good. He knows that his betrayal has hurt her deeply. Loving her was never part of the plan; yet losing her is a risk he won’t take. He’ll do anything to keep her safe—even if it means walking into the lion’s den….

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Lyrical Press is now a digital imprint of Kensington books. Director Renee Rocco, Lyrical’s founder, is looking for partial and complete romance and erotic romance manuscripts, from 25,000 to 110,00 words. Items on her wish list include :

Sports-themed romance and erotic romance

Military themed romance and erotic romance

Urban erotic romance

Erotic romance featuring multiple partners

“Tormented sexiness”

These are just a few things she’s interested in — she’s wide open to your story ideas.

Find all the submission details here.

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Blogger T. Gene Davis publishes a speculative fiction story every Monday and pays contributtors $50 per story. If you have a short story (from flash fiction to novella-length) that is fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, utopian or dystopian, or any sub-genre that might fall under the umbrella of speculative fiction, your story might be right for the blog. Stories should be “family friendly” (no sex or graphic violence). T. Gene buys first electronic rights and the right to publish the story in an anthology. See all the details here.  

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Simon451 is a new Speculative Fiction imprint from Simon and Schuster. The name is in homage to Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. The line will launch with original short fiction, serialized novels and reprints of classic novels, though plans are to branch out to more original novels. The editors are accepting submissions from unagented authors for Fantasy, Apocalyptic/Dystopian, Supernatural, Science Fiction and other general Speculative Fiction. Submit a 250-word synopsis and the first 50 pages of your work via the online form. Find the details here.

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Only a few days left to sign up for my online class, Editing and Revision for Fiction Writers. Take the class in your pajamas. I promise you’ll learn a lot and we’ll have fun. Find out all the info here.  (And everyone who signs up gets a free copy of my upcoming romantic suspense from Harlequin Intrigue, Rocky Mountain Revenge. )

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The Saturday Evening Post is sponsing a Great American Fiction Contest for 2015. The winner receives $500 and publication in the January/February 2015 issue of the Saturday Evening Post. Stories should be between 1,500 and 5,000 words and should celebrate what makes America America. There is a $10 entry fee per story. The deadline to enter is July 1, 2014. Find all the details here. 

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog post with others. You can reprint, repost and pass along — all I ask is that you give me credit as the source of the information, and include a link to the blog. Thanks!  Cindi Myers

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.” ~Anne Lamott

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I’m continuing this week with my look at the publisher spotlights from the Romance Writers of America’s national convention in Atlanta in July. The Spotlight on Avon Books was presented by  Jesse Edwards, Assoc. Publicist;  Tessa Woodward, Editor;  Amanda Bergeran, Editor;  Shawn Nichols Sr. Director of Marketing and  Eric Tsang, Editorial Director.
Avon publishes historical, contemporary and paranormal romance and has a long tradition of publishing best-selling romances. “We’re always looking for different ideas in all genres [of romance.] We’re looking for the right story. We’re looking for good stories and we hope you’ll keep us in mind.”\
Avon began publishing new adult stories this year. Tessa Woodward talked about Avon’s new adult books. “drama filled fun stories that keep you reading.” Heroes and heroines between 18 and 26 or 28.
Amanda talked about Avon Impulse, Avon’s digital-first imprint that launched two years ago. They publish about one book a week, occasionally more. They publish authors who are new to Avon as well as established Avon authors. In 2013 they have published 13 debut authors so far. They can publish as quickly as in 12 weeks, though they can take more time also.  Impulse publishes everything from paranormal, romantic comedy, erotica, historical — pretty much everything. The same art, marketing, and editorial team works on Avon and Avon Impulse.
Sean Nichols in Avon’s marketing department talked about Avon’s marketing and publicity team. Campaigns are tailored to each book and start three to six weeks before the book is released. Examples of the kinds of things they do are free e-samplers with excerpts from upcoming titles; QR codes “everywhere”; Facebook; Twitter, as well as working with retailers to get books primary placement.
Jesse spoke about publicity. Every book has a dedicated publicist and a dedicated campaign. They also make heavy use of social media, especially Twitter. They’ve partnered with Little Black Dress Wines to sponsor events. They use Street Teams — the Avon Addicts — 25 super-readers who receive a package of swag and books each month.
The final segment of the workshop discussed submitting to Avon. On Avonromance.com you can post excerpts from your book and get feedback from other romance fans, writers and some editors, who pop in occasionally. AvonImpulse.com is the portal to submit your manuscript to the editorial team. Use the online form to upload your book. They accept anything from novellas to long novels. They accept agented and unagented submissions, and will accept simultaneous submissions.

The editors spoke briefly about some of their personal preferences:
Amanda –Contemporary romance with high concept and great new adult. Romantic suspense, serialized erotica
Tessa — more erotica, whether full-length of serials. “super dark and dirty heroines and heroes.” Historicals — would love a new historical series with “an amazing concept.” She’s also looking for contemporary and new adult.
Erica — “anything but zombies.” She does a lot of historicals, also likes paranormal. She also likes more emotional, gothic historicals and “dark, angsty stories.”
Tip: Follow the editors on Twitter. They sometimes issue calls for submissions via Twitter

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Entranced Publishing is a Minneapolis-based e-publisher that publishes young adult, new adult, romance and erotica. They’re also interested in fantasy, science fiction and urban fantasy with strong romantic elements. Entranced currently released three to four titles each month. YA and NA titles should be 50,000 to 90,000 words. Other manuscripts may be from 10,000 to 120,000 words. They pay royalties of 40 percent of net. Find their submission guidelines here.

Entranced is accepting novellas of 25,000 to 35,000 words for an upcoming anthology of contemporary takes on classic fairy tales. The editors are interested in stories with strong heroines who rescue themselves — or maybe even rescue the hero. “Simmering sexual tension” is a must. The deadline for submissions is November 30, 2013. Find more details here.

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Authornomy, a project of HarperCollins, is sponsoring a First Line contest. The winner will receive a package of self-publishing bennies, including a professional editorial review, a professional book cover, a book trailer and an e-press kit. Simply enter up to the first three sentences of your book (no more than 100 words) by September 8. You must be an Authornomy member to enter, but membership is free. All genres of fiction are welcome. Get the scoop here.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. All I ask is that you give me credit as the source and include a link back to this blog. Thanks!  Cindi

 

You don’t find time to write. You make time. It’s my job.”

– Nora Roberts

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Harlequin Blaze is sponsoring a contest for those who want to write for the line. Submit your first chapter and a brief synopsis (no more than 10 pages) to the contest by June 1, 2013. The contest is free to enter and you could win a Harlequin editor for a month to mentor you, or a one-time consultation with an editor. One entry per person. Find all the details here.

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Grand Central Publishing has plans to expand its Forever romance imprint, from 64 titles last year to 120 titles this year and 190 titles in 2014. They’ll also be releasing more titles in their ebook only imprint, Forever Yours. While Grand Central normally takes only agented submissions, the editors are open to unagented submissions for Forever Yours. They’re looking for manuscripts between 8,000 and 100,000 words in all romance sub-genres, including contemporary, historical, paranormal, romantic comedy, time travel, romantic suspense, westerns, urban fantasy, futuristic romance, fantasy romance, inspirational and erotica. Your submission package should contain a query letter, a 3-5 page synopsis and your complete manuscript. Find all the details here.

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Hagerstown Community College in Hagerstown, Maryland is sponsoring the Nora Roberts Writing Institute August 2 and 3, 2013. The two-day retreat is designed to help beginning and aspiring writers learn the fundamentals of writing from professionals. There’s also a Young Writers Institute for students in grandes 10-12. Find out more here.

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Longtime editor of Mira Books, Valerie Gray is retiring at the end of March. In the wake of her leaving, Tara Parsons will assume the role of executive editor, Harlequin MIRA. Susan Swinwood will take over as executive editor, Harlequin HQN and LUNA, and Margo Lipschultz will be senior editor, Harlequin HQN and LUNA.

Peter Senftleben has been promoted to Associate Editor at Kensington Books.

Kaela Myers, Anna Pitoniak and Sam Nicholson are now Associate Editors at Random House.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others — repost, reprint and pass it on. Please credit me as the source, and include a link to the blog. Thank you.  Cindi

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Shop Vitacost for all your health and wellness needs. Groceries, vitamins, home items and more, with $10 free for your first order and free shipping for orders over $49.

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One King’s Lane – vintage and market finds for every room in your home. On sale every day.

 

“I would advise anyone who aspires to a writing career that before developing his talent he would be wise to develop a thick hide.”  Harper Lee

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Cup of Tea Books is a new imprint from Page Springs Publishing, a small press out of Ohio. Page Springs publishes books in digital and print. Cup of Tea focuses on women’s fiction and the editors are seeking completed women’s fiction manuscripts. See their submission guidelines for more information.

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Woman’s World magazine publishes an 800-word contemporary romance story in each issue — 52 stories a year. They pay $800 for each story, making the challenge of writing such a short story worth your while. Breaking into the magazine is tough — they have very specific wants. If you’re serious about writing for them, check out this great resource. Blogger Kate Willoughby, who has sold nine stories to Woman’s World, analyzes each published story and provides tips and insights to help you sell to WW too. Check out her blog Writing for Woman’s World for great information.

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Liternational is still accepting submissions for its Santa Claws contest. The editors are looking for Fantasy stories about “magical holiday fun.” Stories should be 1,000 to 5,000 words. The deadline to enter is December 1, 2012. There is no fee to enter and the top stories will win $500 and $250 respectively. See the contest guidelines for more information. And be sure to check out the submission tips.

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Want to receive news about Entangled Publishing directly to your inbox? They’ve launched mailing lists for each of their imprints, plus a general Entangled List. Here are the links to sign up:

Entangled Pub Main List: http://eepurl.com/oZnnn
Bliss: http://eepurl.com/rsgV9
Brazen: http://eepurl.com/rsg-T
Indulgence: http://eepurl.com/rshhP
Flirt/Ever After:
http://eepurl.com/rshgn
Scandalous: http://eepurl.com/rshjP
Covet: http://eepurl.com/rshaL
Dead Sexy: http://eepurl.com/rshcr
EntangledTeen: http://eepurl.com/rsheT

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The View From Here goes on sale in three weeks. The first in a series set in the small mountain town of Eureka, Colorado, the book received a 4 1/2 star review from Romantic Times and has been picked up by Reader’s Digest for condensation. You can preorder your copy at Amazon, Barnes and Noble or your favorite bookstore.

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As always, feel free to share the information in this blog with others. I only ask that you give me credit as the source, and include a link to this blog. Thank you. Cindi Myers

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Shop Vitacost for all your health and wellness needs. Groceries, vitamins, home items and more, with $10 free for your first order and free shipping for orders over $49.

**********************************************************************************************************

One King’s Lane – vintage and market finds for every room in your home. On sale every day.