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Careers: Writing/Questions Answered by Expert Cathy Clamp
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Including Blog posts/comments | 1/16/2012 |
| Q: I am writing a memoir, and the vast majority of the material in my book will be taken from blog ... A: Mike! 1. When you say "the owner of the blog" do you mean the person who runs the blog, or the ... | |
| Use of nom de plume | 12/28/2011 |
| Q: Cathy, You told a writer that a nom de plume had no effect on taxes and legal matters. But what ... A: James, The quickest way to answer this is to send you right to the source: The U.S. Copyright ... | |
| Starting in writing | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: I am hoping you can help me. For the last few years I have wanted to, and been told I should, ... A: Richard! I actually wrote an online class about beginning in freelance writing. I'd be happy to ... | |
| The confession market/writing/submission | 12/1/2011 |
| Q: A few years back I sold several stories to, The Confession Market. I made a few bucks and padded ... A: Anita, The "reliable" confession market is all but gone. The "Trues" were sold several years ago to ... | |
| Driving forward a novel's plot | 11/7/2011 |
| Q: I'm a bit undecided how to continue my story since I'm afraid a sub chapter could stop the story's ... A: Ariel, I think what might be happening that you feel the book is monotonous is that you're ... | |
| Driving forward a novel's plot | 11/3/2011 |
| Q: I'm a bit undecided how to continue my story since I'm afraid a sub chapter could stop the story's ... A: Ariel, I guess I'm not sure what you mean by a "sub chapter." Do you mean a scene break or a ... | |
| sterling/macfadden | 10/31/2011 |
| Q: TRUE LOVE>TRUE ROMANCE>TRUE CONFESSIONS>TRUE STORY> IF THEY HAVE STOP PUBLICATIONS ON THESE ... A: Katherine, I was afraid of that. The "True" magazines were sold in 2008 to Dorchester Publishing, ... | |
| long words | 9/30/2011 |
| Q: I have recently started reading and I can't put a book down till I am done with it. Anyway, what ... A: again, Joyce! I guess my best answer would be that many authors don't realize they're using what ... | |
| long words | 9/23/2011 |
| Q: I have recently started reading and I can't put a book down till I am done with it. Anyway, what ... A: joyce! I suppose a lot depends on what sort of books you're reading. Are they fiction or ... | |
| Copyright protection and on-line posting | 9/21/2011 |
| Q: Greetings! As a writer/artist with a slightly twisted sense of humor, I'm planning on posting some ... A: Jameson! There a couple of potential problems with what you're planning: 1. Do you plan to ... | |
| review and advice | 9/9/2011 |
| Q: I am a budding writer and I need you to please give me a review on one of my short stories, if you ... A: Paul, Unfortunately, when I signed on with AllExperts, I was asked not to review stories and ... | |
| copyrights | 7/4/2011 |
| Q: How can I find out if a title for a book or story has been copyrighted or registered or trademarked ... A: Desirai! Titles can't be copyrighted. There are several things that can't receive copyright or ... | |
| Getting paid for short stories | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: I'm 22/female. I have a creative itch that I thought I was going to scratch by getting a degree in ... A: Desirai! There is still a short story market in the United States but it's shrinking all the time. ... | |
| Teen Novel/Psychological Thriller | 4/28/2011 |
| Q: My name's Amelia and I am attempting to write a novel. My main character is female and has ... A: Amelia! I'm glad you're interested in writing a novel. You've picked a difficult subject to tackle ... | |
| Creating a Ficitional Character with Mental Illness | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: I am currently writing Mini-Bios for the primary characters for a three volume novel. To help with ... A: Charles! I guess I'm a little confused about what you consider a "character bio." Typically, a ... | |
| Fiction Novel Manuscript | 2/19/2011 |
| Q: Cathy! I’m an aspiring YA novelist in the paranormal romance genre. At the present time, I’m about ... A: Carrie! Sure, you can use real towns. You just have to be careful not to "date" yourself because of ... | |
| style guides | 2/15/2011 |
| Q: Is it necessary for every writer or editor to read all of the style guides, e.g. Chicago Manual of ... A: Danielle! It's certainly necessary for every writer, because most every publisher uses the Chicago ... | |
| Editing | 2/13/2011 |
| Q: I have a completed manuscript that I would like to get published into a novel. Can you recommend a ... A: Jerry! Well, if you're seeking out a commercial publisher you might see on the shelves in a ... | |
| Short Stories | 2/6/2011 |
| Q: Cathy Since mid-summer I have written and completed 8 "creepy" short stories (I have 2 more that I ... A: again, Richard! "Creepy," in genre parlance would most likely be considered "speculative fiction". ... | |
| Short Stories | 1/12/2011 |
| Q: Cathy Since mid-summer I have written and completed 8 "creepy" short stories (I have 2 more that I ... A: Richard, Yes, THEY pay you. Never pay them--not even just for copies of the book. At the very ... | |
| Short Stories | 1/4/2011 |
| Q: Cathy Since mid-summer I have written and completed 8 "creepy" short stories (I have 2 more that I ... A: Richard! Sorry for the delay in responding. Your first email must have gone missing so AllExperts ... | |
| writing | 10/29/2010 |
| Q: how can you enhance your writing skills? A: Ivan, First and foremost, READ. Pick books from the subject/genre you intend to write and not only ... | |
| Mystery Series on Blog? | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I'm a high school junior from Massachusetts. I'm looking to become a writer later in life. Right ... A: again, Chris! Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been hard in the middle of finishing a ... | |
| Mystery Series on Blog? | 8/25/2010 |
| Q: I'm a high school junior from Massachusetts. I'm looking to become a writer later in life. Right ... A: Chris! It's great you're interested in writing, and mysteries are one of the perennial bestsellers. ... | |
| Flow of a sentence | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: There is a particular sentence in my short that did not flow in the manner that I wanted. The ... A: Aria, This reads a lot like a homework assignment question, but I'm going to answer it without ... | |
| writing | 6/20/2010 |
| Q: I love writing poems, i have passed 12th just now, in 2010. I have written one & given online. Can i ... A: Chhavi, There are some people who have made a career of being a poet, but it's a hard way to earn a ... | |
| Poem | 6/16/2010 |
| Q: My sister has written a beautiful poem about her cat who passed away. We were wondering what her ... A: Bea! Sorry for the delay in responding. I've been deep in edits for my next book. I'm not sure what ... | |
| essayists | 4/12/2010 |
| Q: Is it possible to have a writing career and only write essays? It seems like most writers who do ... A: That can be a good way to start, provided your essay is targeted toward the viewpoints of the ... | |
| essayists | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: Is it possible to have a writing career and only write essays? It seems like most writers who do ... A: Danielle! There are a few essayists who have made a career in that field. But most started as ... | |
| Writing Credits | 3/25/2010 |
| Q: How are writing credits determined? How many do you have to have to be considered a professional and ... A: Laura! I saw your question in the pool and thought I'd try to help. "Writing credits" have ... | |
| Columnist | 1/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a question concerning columns or writing as a columnist in regard to the question that was ... A: Benny! Sorry for the delay in responding. This apparently went to my bulk email folder by accident. ... | |
| technical writing | 1/20/2010 |
| Q: Do you know what technical writing? I was told I would be using this in my english class and have no ... A: lynn! I'm presuming you're in high school. Technical writing for English class is a way to prepare ... | |
| Is there a lot of competition in the writing profession? | 1/3/2010 |
| Q: Is there a lot of competition in the writing profession? Thanks. ANSWER: Hi, Matthew! This is ... A: Well, they're pretty much all competitive, and yet they're not at all. That's the thing with books ... | |
| Is there a lot of competition in the writing profession? | 12/28/2009 |
| Q: Is there a lot of competition in the writing profession? Thanks. A: Matthew! This is sort of a loaded question. What KIND of writing? There are fiction writers, ... | |
| Finding a publisher for paranormal middle grade novel | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: In addition to my six already published novels and upcoming projects, I have a completed novel on a ... A: Not really. I don't keep up much with YA or MG books. But what you might do is go over to one of my ... | |
| Finding a publisher for paranormal middle grade novel | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: In addition to my six already published novels and upcoming projects, I have a completed novel on a ... A: Simon! This is a pretty heavy topic for MG, but if handled well, it might work. There is actually a ... | |
| All Rights | 11/20/2009 |
| Q: If I sell all rights to a specific article is there any amount of "re-working" I can do to the ... A: Tammie! I saw your question in the pool and thought I'd try to help out. For an article, you may ... | |
| hiring freelancers | 11/6/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me if a bad economy affects freelance writers? I would guess yes because I can't ... A: Once you're in college full time, check with your advisor about publishing internships. Most of the ... | |
| hiring freelancers | 11/3/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me if a bad economy affects freelance writers? I would guess yes because I can't ... A: Danielle, Here's a good article about the state of the entire industry, since the market isn't all ... | |
| academic publishing | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I don't know if your expertise extends this far, but I thought I would try. Do you know anything ... A: Tue! I would think that yes, it's quite possible. The trick is you have to pick an article topic ... | |
| hiring freelancers | 10/10/2009 |
| Q: Can you tell me if a bad economy affects freelance writers? I would guess yes because I can't ... A: Danielle! I saw your question in the pool and thought I'd try to help out. Actually, the reverse is ... | |
| Compensation | 9/2/2009 |
| Q: I have recently been accepted for publishing an article I wrote on Ovarian Cancer. I haven't asked ... A: Anne! Actually, it's appropriate to ask NOW. Simply send an email to the editor asking for a list ... | |
| Sources | 8/4/2009 |
| Q: I am somewhat new to the internet as a tool for doing research for my writing. My question is what ... A: Ron! I saw your question in the pool and thought I'd help, but don't know what sort of sources you ... | |
| How to publish with penname | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: Let's say you don't like your name and want to publish under such alias as T.H Thriller. How do you ... A: Heather! Never fear! This situation is as old as dirt. :) First, a publishing contract is entered ... | |
| Publish-ability | 6/25/2009 |
| Q: I've been blogging for a year and I'm really enjoying it. I've often had aspirations of becoming a ... A: Rita! Well, it's not so easy as that to explain. Whether something you put on your blog is ... | |
| Help Address- Dorchester | 5/18/2009 |
| Q: Someone asked a question concerning where to find writer's guidelines and an address for Dorchester ... A: Bonnie! What I found for Dorchester Media is the MySpace blog for True Love Magazine. ... | |
| Editor | 4/29/2009 |
| Q: Howdy there! First of all, I would like to thank you for filling out your profile so completely and ... A: Jade! Howdy right back at you. :) These are all good questions and you're smart to ask them. Let ... | |
| Starting Out As A Columnist | 3/29/2009 |
| Q: hope all is well with you. I am writing into ask you if you have any advice on how to become an "ask ... A: Margo! Sorry for the delay in responding, but my ISP has been down for a few days. Columnists are a ... | |
| Memoir | 3/27/2009 |
| Q: I am writing a non-fiction story of my life..a memoir if you will. I am having trouble with the ... A: Kristen! My best advice is to read other memoirs that are already published. It might take a dozen ... | |
| Transitioning to a career as a copy editor | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Cathy, I have spent the past 25 years in professional contracting, spending a large percentage of ... A: Shari! Sorry for the delay in answering, but I've been out of town for a few days and forgot to ... | |
| Writing career | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: How many drafts do you write for an average story before it is published? A: Jake! I'm afraid I'm the wrong person to ask. I'm not a "normal" writer. I write one draft and turn ... | |
| Is A Play Considered A Manuscript? | 3/17/2009 |
| Q: Elisa De La Torre And I Am Writing A Play About The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) Is A Play ... A: Elisa! Do you mean is it a manuscript as far as copyright law? Then yes. A play is considered a ... | |
| Pictures in novel | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: I have written a novel and my daughter has taken photographs for the novel. It is fiction, but ... A: Nancy! It might well be that your attorney friend can at least look up the information, or knows of ... | |
| Pictures in novel | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: I have written a novel and my daughter has taken photographs for the novel. It is fiction, but ... A: Nancy! This is a really interesting question. Technically speaking, a photograph is the property of ... | |
| writing exercises | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: I got ahold of "Writing short stories" by William Phillips. I started a writing exercise in the ... A: If it happened to you at 14, why would it NOT be targeted to fourteen-year-olds? Yes, you can aim it ... | |
| paranormal fiction thriller | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: I have written two fiction paranormal thrillers; they each also have a hint of romance, an ... A: Jan! Sure, there are plenty of them. You'll just have to decide which elements are strongest. If ... | |
| Interview Questions | 2/6/2009 |
| Q: My name is Kendall Palmer and I'm attending Morgantown Elem. I hope to become an author and I was ... A: Kendall! It's great you're considering becoming an author. It's a lot of fun and it's a good idea ... | |
| writer's income. | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: Never mind the last question that I asked. I am curious on this question, what is the best way to ... A: again, P.J. Do you mean eight to ten grand once, or each year? And do you mean ten grand gross or ... | |
| What else shall I do besides copywriting | 11/27/2008 |
| Q: I intend to move to a remote area of Scotland next year. Last year I undertook a copywriting ... A: Heather! Hmmm... What I fear is that someone has convinced you that free work is a portfolio for ... | |
| Anthropology student wanting to become a copy editor | 11/17/2008 |
| Q: I am currently a senior anthropology major at my college, but writing and editing remain my true ... A: Christine! Well, there are a couple of things you can do to make yourself more appealing. Most of ... | |
| contests | 11/9/2008 |
| Q: i'm currently a high school senior going through the stressful college process. my english teachers ... A: jacky! Sorry for the delay in answering, but apparently I didn't get your question the first time. ... | |
| writing | 11/7/2008 |
| Q: i just wrote what i think is the best short story i've ever written, though it still needs some ... A: David! There are still places to publish short stories in today's market, but they're growing ... | |
| Professional article | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: Can you answer a question about publishing an article in a professional journal? I have submitted ... A: Maria! Yes, you will annoy the editor. Keep in mind how publications work. First, editors are very ... | |
| paranormal subjects | 10/20/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in writing about my paranormal experiences during my years in business in a haunted ... A: Nan! Well, there are a lot of different styles that can attract readers. The ones that seem to do ... | |
| I love to write, but dont know what to do from there | 10/18/2008 |
| Q: Hey there! Ok, so I love to write poetry. It comes naturally and is just an amazing outlet for me... ... A: Annie! There are a few places to earn money from poetry, but know you're going to have a LOT of ... | |
| Publishing paranormal books | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: ok I am 21 years old I've written several books that are completed manuscripts. I've also written ... A: again, Samantha! Well, you'll probably want to work on different pen names for the horror and ... | |
| Publishing paranormal books | 9/26/2008 |
| Q: ok I am 21 years old I've written several books that are completed manuscripts. I've also written ... A: Sam! A woman after my own heart... :) What sort of paranormal books are they? Are they paranormal ... | |
| autobiography | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: I have always wanted to write a book about my life and was wondering how do you shop around for ... A: Virginia! What you're looking for is a "ghostwriter." These are professional writers who put ... | |
| Publishing under a nom de plume | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a legal/financial question about nom de plumes I hope you will be able to answer. First a ... A: Amanda! Okay, you've actually got two different questions going on here, so we'll tackle them one ... | |
| Letter | 7/26/2008 |
| Q: I have to write a letter to the school that I’m applying to as to why they should take accept me – ... A: Jasmin! Congratulations for taking the steps to improve yourself. That deserves a lot of praise so ... | |
| Should I register as business if I'm writing freelance? | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: My concern is about freelance writing and taxes. At this time, my writing career has evolved from ... A: Sirius! Actually, I don't know of any publishers or magazines that withhold taxes. Everything I get ... | |
| q1 | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: whats your opinion about someone analyze all things around him , usually searching for trunth , ... A: ga! Well, you seem to have some of the abilities that could make you a storyteller. But I'm ... | |
| using copyright material | 6/19/2008 |
| Q: I'm starting my first fictional novel, but not sure how or if I can use copyright material. ... A: Mark! Sorry for the delay in responding to your question, but apparently I didn't get it the first ... | |
| Inapplicable | 5/25/2008 |
| Q: Ego (a comic character) Below is his stats with number defining its abilities and word describing ... A: Henry! Well, this isn't really a "writing" question so much as a definition issue. But my best take ... | |
| rights | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: What exactly does it mean when publishers say they buy first world rights? A: Jim! Good question! Many aspiring authors get confused about the difference between "rights" and ... | |
| hi could you help reading old signature | 5/4/2008 |
| Q: ,i could email the pic,,thanks for your time A: I'm not sure what this has to do with writing, I'm afraid. If you're having problems reading a ... | |
| Online Writing Portfolio | 4/23/2008 |
| Q: I'd like to create a free online writing portfolio that looks clean and professional. I've found ... A: Shawna! I'm afraid I don't know. I'm not sure if you're looking for software to CREATE the site, or ... | |
| ques | 4/17/2008 |
| Q: explain "fire is savior as well as destroyer"? A: anjumawasthi! I saw your question in the question pool, so I thought I'd see if I could help answer ... | |
| Presentation when submitting chapters | 4/14/2008 |
| Q: When submitting chapters to an agent or publisher, is it advised to start each chapter half way ... A: Davina! Actually, the answer depends on whether you're approaching agents/publishers in the UK or ... | |
| important | 3/31/2008 |
| Q: there are some observations happened to my live need to know is that a signs got author or screen ... A: You're very welcome. I try not to presume whether people are writing as a first or fifth language ... | |
| important | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: there are some observations happened to my live need to know is that a signs got author or screen ... A: JC! Wow, lots and lots of questions, but they all boil down to this: Can you, as an engineer, also ... | |
| licensing a poem | 3/12/2008 |
| Q: hey, cathy, thanks for your time. i read your bio and such and am not sure my question will be of ... A: Manny! Well, probably the first thing you want to do is remove the word "license" from your ... | |
| Freelance | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: I have just started to work as a freelance writer. I have initial work experience as a Content ... A: Annie! This is a good question. If I were in your place, I'd start to determine a "per-word" rate ... | |
| brand names and copyrights | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: Are there any legal problems with writing a work of fiction in which a brand name, or perhaps even ... A: Paul! No, not at all. The only trick becomes when you start making disparaging remarks about said ... | |
| Writing careers? | 2/21/2008 |
| Q: It's P.J. I was wondering, does a perosn really have to be fantastic at English and Grammar and have ... A: P.J. A degree? No. But English and Grammar are pretty critical if you want to publish. There are ... | |
| Submitting short stories | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: I have recently completed several short stories, and I am not exactly sure how to go about ... A: Andrew! Well, you've picked one my favorite genres, so I'll be happy to help if I can. :) Horror ... | |
| how do I know if my royalties are accurately reported? | 2/14/2008 |
| Q: My publisher recently confided that he settled a case in which one of his writers accused the ... A: Suzanne! This is something that most of us struggle with. There are a few things you can do to ... | |
| Dialect issue in my dialog... | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: In the opening preface of the story I'm writing, I have a scene between a marijuana grower and a ... A: You're very welcome, JD! I just heard back from my friend. He's got a short break between books and ... | |
| Dialect issue in my dialog... | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: In the opening preface of the story I'm writing, I have a scene between a marijuana grower and a ... A: J.D. Unfortunately, I've never actually heard Rastafarian, so I wouldn't have a clue what it would ... | |
| Online Free Content Sites | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: I recently submitted some articles to an online free content site, which uses RSS to distribute ... A: Boy, this is a tough question, Cindy. Yes, your writing is showing up online, but how does it get ... | |
| becoming a writer | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: How much money does a writer earn? Does he/she have to pay alot of money to publish? I am 13 and i ... A: Samira! Well, the amount a writer makes really varies. For example, if you become an author of ... | |
| Submitting for Publication | 2/4/2008 |
| Q: As my title suggests, I am an aspiring author, and my focus right now is on short stories. I seem to ... A: Andrew! Well, honestly---I'm a fan of theory #1. If your writing is good, then why not get paid top ... | |
| Hello again I have a question about salary | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: How much do authors make on average each year, A: again, Dreamer! Well, authors don't get a "salary" per se. A salary implies that an author would ... | |
| About writing requirements ? | 2/1/2008 |
| Q: What education is required to become a writer/author? A: Dreamer! Well, there's no "formal" educational requirements to become a writer or author---like a ... | |
| a too long idea incubation | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ... A: Don't worry. You'll get over it. I felt the same way when I started this. I was producing about the ... | |
| a too long idea incubation | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ... A: Farida! I know exactly what you mean about needing that inspiration to really get enthused about ... | |
| getting started w/ writing | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: I'm 35 y o a,Journalism B.A. that I've never used. Have wonderful story ideas just from bazaar ... A: Tiffany! Well, the best way to get started with magazines is to decide what sort of magazines you'd ... | |
| requesting writer's guidelines & editorial calendars | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: When requesting writer's guidelines/editorial calendars from magazines that do not offer the ... A: Once you have the "masthead" from the publication, which is the official address of the publication ... | |
| deal | 1/22/2008 |
| Q: Just today, I saw that an author of the same genre as the book I have written has a six figure deal ... A: Demetrius. I don't know that it would really help. There are an awful lot of authors who get film ... | |
| How to get started working | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: I'm a very good poetry and prose writer.I've always wanted to know how to get a job or a foot in the ... A: Stephanie! Sorry for the delay in responding, but apparently I missed getting your first email. But ... | |
| ways of writing | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I have to write a story for school and i was wondering if you had any tips on writing "letter" ... A: Sophia! This is a pretty classic style of story, and it's not very hard. Here are the things you ... | |
| What next after writing | 1/7/2008 |
| Q: ..hopefully you can handle this one too just as well. I have lived in the Middle East for 21 ... A: again, Lee Ann! Actually, middle eastern stories are pretty hot sellers in America and abroad right ... | |
| Freelance writing | 12/29/2007 |
| Q: I'm in India and right now doing freelance writing for a small company. But I think I'm not being ... A: Yasser! Sorry for the delay in answering. Apparently, I didn't get the question the first time it ... | |
| To Begin as a Writer | 12/28/2007 |
| Q: Since I was very young I have enjoyed writing. I even won some awards for it now and then. In high ... A: Lee Ann! I have to confess that what you're going through is something I see every day. Not me ... | |
| targeting readership FOLLOW UP | 12/15/2007 |
| Q: If the magazines readership is affluent, educated white males aged 25 to 45, how do you target an ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering, Demetrius. Apparently I didn't get the email the first time. ... | |
| targeting readership | 12/14/2007 |
| Q: If the magazines readership is affluent, educated white males aged 25 to 45, how do you target an ... A: Demetrius! Well, I guess a lot depends on nature of the article. For example, two magazines with ... | |
| Editorial writer | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: I spotted something with few details, about someone being a professional editorial writer. Could you ... A: Ah! You're asking about a very specialized field of editorial writing. Although, in reality, speech ... | |
| Editorial writer | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: I spotted something with few details, about someone being a professional editorial writer. Could you ... A: Demetrius! An editorial writer is a journalist who works for a newspaper on the editorial page. ... | |
| My Novel | 11/5/2007 |
| Q: and I would like to thankyou in advance for taking the time to read my question! My name is Victoria ... A: Victoria! Congratulations on starting on your first novel. I really wish I had time to give it a ... | |
| writing | 10/23/2007 |
| Q: Do you think it is out of the question for me to write a self help book - similar to Deepak Chopra ... A: Al! Well, you're right to question whether a publisher would pick up a self-help book by an unknown ... | |
| Careers: Writing | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: I'm going to high school next year, and I'd like to now the education needed to become a writer. I ... A: Briana! Glad you're taking an interest in writing so early in life. I didn't start until I was in ... | |
| How, Where, Who, What to submit first works | 10/12/2007 |
| Q: I am American born, was educated with BA in English many years ago. I have traveled the world, and ... A: Wow! Lots and lots of questions. That's great, 'cause it means you're really thinking the subject ... | |
| How do I get started as a freelance writer? | 10/11/2007 |
| Q: I'm semi-retired & have been told that I have excellent writing skills. I enjoy writing & wonder if ... A: I'd be happy to, Andy. I recently taught a class on beginning a freelance writing career. It's too ... | |
| How, Where, Who, What to submit first works | 9/27/2007 |
| Q: I am American born, was educated with BA in English many years ago. I have traveled the world, and ... A: Joe! Well, you're asking a lot of really good questions and I'll try to start you out in the right ... | |
| careers in creative writing | 9/12/2007 |
| Q: i am a writer. i don't have a qualification in writing per se, but i have written articles for local ... A: Shruti! Hey, in my opinion, if you're writing articles for national newspapers and magazines, ... | |
| nonfic | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: I've spent the last four years working toward my English degree. I graduate after this semester. ... A: Chris! Sorry you're getting discouraged by the publishing process. If your professors think your ... | |
| Re: Submitting to the True magazines | 8/24/2007 |
| Q: Bump for when you have the information. I really appreciate this! A: Grace! Thanks for bumping this again. I was able to get the information from my friend. Hope it ... | |
| Submitting to the True magazines | 8/21/2007 |
| Q: I'm interested in submitting a story to True Confessions magazine. I've looked at Dorchester Media's ... A: EDITED WITH INFORMATION AT BOTTOM... Hmm... you know, I don't. But I do know some people who ... | |
| Copyright story before getting it edited for Protection? | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: .Angie here again......For protection, should we copyright the story my friend and I wrote BEFORE we ... A: Angie. You're actually protected by U.S. copyright laws from the moment you put pen to paper (or ... | |
| help please... | 7/6/2007 |
| Q: Clamp, Hello again! I now have a potential crisis/triumph on my hands. Friday I received a ... A: How about I tell you what I DID do in your place? I kept writing, but not all on the same series. I ... | |
| help please... | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: Clamp, Hello again! I now have a potential crisis/triumph on my hands. Friday I received a ... A: Okay, there are two sides to writing on book 2. On one side, you'll have TWO completed manuscripts ... | |
| help please... | 7/5/2007 |
| Q: Clamp, Hello again! I now have a potential crisis/triumph on my hands. Friday I received a ... A: LOL! Well, first you need to leave the negative attitude at the door! :) Why WOULDN'T the agent fall ... | |
| Small world? | 6/20/2007 |
| Q: Clamp, Hello! The craziest thing happened to me in class this afternoon. My professor mentioned ... A: again! Sorry to be so long in responding, I was out of town for a few days. I think your initial ... | |
| Small world? | 6/19/2007 |
| Q: Clamp, Hello! The craziest thing happened to me in class this afternoon. My professor mentioned ... A: Junior! You raise an interesting situation--and one that shows up in the writing world quite a bit. ... | |
Careers: Writing
Answers by Expert:
Cathy Clamp
Top Expert on this page
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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