Careers: Writing/Poem

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Expert: - 6/16/2010


Question
Hello,

My sister has written a beautiful poem about her cat who passed away.  We were wondering what her avenues are to market that poem and how she would  go about publishing for greeeting cards, posters etc.  She is in the process of getting the copyrights.  The copyright company told her there was a 1 year backlog.  Any suggestions on how to get the ball rolling in marketing and selling the poem throughout the world.

Answer
Hi, Bea!

Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been deep in edits for my next book. I'm not sure what you mean by a "copyright company." An author can apply directly to the U.S. Copyright office for registration of the copyright, and there's no particular delay (at least no more delay than for applying with any government agency.) To find out the process of registering for copyright, visit the easy-to-understand U.S. Copyright Frequently Asked Questions page at:

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq

Getting a greeting card company to accept the poem for publication in their cards means querying the companies much like selling a novel or short story. As for where to find out who to sell it to, I belong to a really awesome writers forum that has a room just for greeting card and poster writers. You can find out a TON about the process by visiting this link:

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131468

They have links to markets and to great books to buy to learn more. It's a great place!

Hope that helps a little. Good luck!

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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