Free entry writing competition news
Here's a competition for funny poems. You can send in a written version, or film yourself performing it. I'm almost tempted to try the latter option. The prizes are book tokens.
Promotion opportunity
If you've ever been published by Bridge House, then you're able to submit your writing news for their blog and newsletters. (The blog post is an old one, but the link appeared in the current newsletter.) Thanks to Fiona for passing on this info.
It's been a bit hot for much writing lately. The photos in this post are an indication of what I've been doing instead.
For those who enjoy short stories, here are a selection of individual stories and collections which are free when you sign up to the authors' newsletters - https://books.bookfunnel.com/short-story-smorgasbord/d0i6qzkuhv
And this one is is for longer works - whole books or sample chapters - https://books.bookfunnel.com/freejulyreads/6nqmo5v36v
Do any of you produce your own writing related newsletter? (If you'd like to, put a sign up link in the comments and I'll put clickable links in a future post.)
Discussion topic - do you subscribe to any author newsletters? What do you like / dislike about them?
10 comments:
Here's my news: I sent 3 crime stories to an online fiction project. I won't name it.They pay £15 per accepted story via PayPal. I don't have a PayPal account, so I couldn't claim it.
The ed proof read my work and he provided brief crits, but I hadn't asked for these! All he could find were wrong hyphens. I didn't want a crit, as I hadn't asked for one.
Perhaps he thought he was being helpful, but I'd worked on the stories before I'd sent them and I was happy with them. Anyway, all 3 stories were rejected. So that was disappointing.
It can be difficult to realise that not all editors will like your work. He didn't, so I'd hesitate to submit material there again.
Well done to all with positive news.
As for newsletters, I'm afraid I don't tend to bother with them, sorry. I do read blogs instead though.
I submitted the final part of my TPF serial last week, so am waiting to hear the verdict on that. I'm currently working on a short story for an Australian competition.
I'm not really keen on author newsletters. If I like a particular author's work, all I really want to know is when their next book is out, and that information is usually readily available elsewhere. I never really read author blogs either for the same reason. However, newsletters and blogs are seen by many authors as good marketing tools, so obviously a good many readers think differently from me.
I subscribe to several newsletters but dismiss those which are full of adverts (all book fairs, books and signings, but I’m not interested in those). I like a bit of “personal” and also “my writing life” which several authors do — it’s interesting and, obviously, upcoming information about their own books. Some authors take a lot of care in getting the “right” balance. A group of romantasies recently offered a free download (pdf) of a celebrity-style glossy magazine based on their books and characters. It must have taken a lot of effort although I expect they had a bit of fun doing it. Some authors, I’ve noticed, are going to Substack where there’s more interaction with readers. I like this but am not at all pro paying for newsletter content which is, essentially, advertising. Those who do charge have tiers, mostly offering a free one. I appreciate everyone’s writing time has value, but I just think it’s a sign of the times where we (could) end up paying for someone else’s advertising. (Maybe I’m too cynical!) I found a book I fancied in your last Bookfunnel, Patsy, and I was taken by the cover (unusual for me). It had a cute dog on it (I can't emphasize how much I am NOT a dog person!) and I have "found" a new author and a new-to-me genre. Just... be open to all experiences... 🙂.
I'm not too sure I'd like a critique if I didn't ask for one! I'm with you on that, Sharon!
@ Sharon - I'm sure the ed did mean to be helpful. I can understand you being surprised by the criticism though, as it's now so unusual to get any feedback from submissions. Getting criticism we've asked for is very different from the unexpected and unasked for kind.
@ Liz – Good luck with both of those.
@ Marguerite - Gosh, I didn't know anyone charged for newsletters and the like! (But then I've only recently heard some authors charge for their autograph and still haven't quite got over the shock of that!) I try hard to make mine a bit more than 'buy my book' but making potential readers aware of my books is a major reason for writing them, and I wouldn't expect anyone to pay for allowing me to share my marketing attempts.
I didn’t know about authors charging for newsletters until I read an article in last week’s Guardian magazine. Interesting reading!
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jul/12/where-authors-gossip-geek-out-and-let-off-steam-15-of-the-best-literary-substacks
Liz - hope you get good news about your serial soon.
Sharon - that is a surprise getting a critique. My experience with too many submissions is total silence, not even a rejection, which leaves things hanging in the air. Really dislike that.
On a more positive note, I sent a Christmas story to TPF thinking it might be too late but got an acceptance a few days later, so that was lovely news.
I often sign up for author newsletters having had some interaction with them and the unsubscribe when I find they are mostly advertising for their books - it must be for authors to get the balance right. I'm afraid I'm far to lazy to write a newsletter or organise a blog, probably I should be. more appreciative of those that do.
My news is I sold a Christmas story to Andrew at WW this week and a pocket novel to Tracey at TPF. My short stories seem to have gone into a black hole atm though...
Congratulations on those with writing successes!
Above was Alyson - hit the button too fast!
I also sold a Christmas story to Andrew at WW this week, which I’m pleased about.
Patsy, I recently bought a copy of your Slightly Spooky Stories volume one, which I’m currently enjoying reading. Congratulations to those who’ve had successes and good luck to those with work ‘out’.
Michael
Ally 27
I don't have any news on the writing front but thank you Patsy, as always, for the info and updates and thank you to all contributors. I love the photos - especially the pic of you swimming. Where were you? The beach looks gorgeous. I thought it looked like Bournemouth beach - or somewhere in Devon?
Anyway, congrats to all those with positive news and wishing everyone some writing success very soon. May you all find some winning inspiration over the summer.
Hi Patsy, thanks for phots and comps. I enjoy author's newsletters including your own, I find most authors really want to engage with their readers in a positive way and not just with their latest book advert. I've had my head down writing and editing and delighted to have sold a pocket novel to PF it's been a while since my last one so very pleased. My writing group has been engaging with our local radio station and we've recorded a podcast. Another new skill under the belt! Good luck everyone on your writing and submissions.
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