Moving forward

I'm slowly sorting out the blog, but in meteorological terms I'm standing still, by pretending it's still colourful autumn, and the dull grey days are a long way off...

Subscriptions

It seems that entering your email in the little purple box at the top of the right hand column really will result in you getting email notifications of new posts on this blog - however they may not arrive until the following day.

My aim is to have a post every Saturday morning (around 7 UK time) with occasional posts on other days in between (guest posts, breaking news, stuff I just didn't have room for... ) If you have questions / comments regarding a previous post it's fine to make them there, or on the new one.

btw, only subscribe if you'll find it helpful and feel free to unsubscribe anytime. This blog doesn't benefit, or lose out, whether you subscribe or not.

Womag news

I'm continuing to update the submissions database - thank you so much to Alyson, Liz Sharon B and everyone else who has helped by providing information. Most of the entries relate to short stories, but I'm adding flash fiction, poetry and non-fiction when I come across these, or are sent the details.

Please do continue to pass on any market news and changes, let me know if anything on the database is wrong or inaccurate etc. (By comments on posts, emails, or however is easiest.) I can't do this without you!

Here's how to submit your 'real life' stories to magazines in the Bauer group. These seem to be well paid, and you'll be interviewed so won't necesarily have to do much writing yourself. Be prepared for anything you submit or say to be edited to make the most of anything weird, shocking etc

I did one of these once, when I first started writing for womags. I *may* have exaggerated a little in my version, and the published version contained some details I don't recall happening... 

Free entry writing competitions

Thanks to Fiona for the details of this haiku compeition. The theme is the joy of nature, and there are several cash prizes going up to $500 for the winner.

Thanks to Sharon Boothroyd for reminding me about the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Competition, which has a prize package including $2,000. 

Other writing opportunities

Thanks to Sharon Boothroyd for mentioning Fiction on the Web. They consider stories, not available elsewhere online, of 1,000 to 10,000 words and pay £15 (or $15) via Paypal.

Sharon also came across the Inkitt website and thought some blog readers might find it of interest. They run free entry writing competitions, with good cash prizes, plus publishing deals (here's an example) – but you do have to be a paid subscriber to take part. That also apparently allows you to share your work for free with millions of readers, which somehow gives it a great chance of becoming a bestseller and being made into a film. 

I haven't done enough research to be able to recommend this company, but I did find a few references suggesting they're legitimate and a good platform for new authors. If you'd like to get published and feel you write the kind of thing they're after, then it might be worth taking a look. As always, read all the t&c's and only proceed if you're happy with those.