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If you would like to be informed whenever this section of the JBWB website is significantly updated, simply send an e-mail to doug@jbwb.co.uk with 'UPDATE' as the subject.
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Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau
I'm sorry to announce that, for a variety of reasons, the JBWB Competition is going into temporary hibernation. Following the sad, sad loss of Jenny Hewitt, the Bureau has had to regroup, and I'm afraid that this process is taking longer than expected.
The Competition will be reinstated at some stage, in a slightly different format, to be announced closer to the time, but it will become a tribute, a memorial to Jenny, and I hope it will return to its former glory, and possibly exceed it.
My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of you who have been so supportive during these past few sad and empty months. Without you - and your writing - life would have been intolerable.
Doug Watts
If you feel you need some professional input on your writing, let us take a look. (Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.) So that you can see for yourself the high quality and level of professionalism offered by Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau, we offer a way in which you can benefit from our services, free of charge and with no obligation. Why not e-mail the opening paragraphs of your novel (max 300 words - as a Microsoft Word attachment only) for free constructive comment and critique? (NO POETRY PLEASE.)
Print Express Children's Story Competition
PrintExpress are running a competition for kids aged 13 and under. If you're a keen short story writer, we want to hear from you - and you could win £150 in Amazon vouchers. Deadline: 30th June, 2012 Full details on website.
The Biographers' Club Tony Lothian Prize
The £2,000 Tony Lothian Prize (sponsored by her daughter, Elizabeth, Duchess of Buccleuch) supports un-commissioned first-time writers working on a biography. Applicants should submit a proposal of no more than 20 pages, including a synopsis and 10-page sample chapter (double-spaced, numbered pages). Deadline: 1 August 2012. Entry fee: £10. Full details on The Biographers' Club website.
Blue Mountain Press
Blue Mountain Press, the book division of Blue Mountain Arts, publish in the following categories: self-help, personal growth, gift books, poetry, young adult, teen/tween, family, and relationships. The majority of the material is positive, uplifting, or inspiring, and it is always highly original. Based in the states, they do accept manuscripts from international authors. Blue Mountain Press, P.O. Box 4219, Boulder, CO 80306. Request writer's guidelines or e-mail queries to BMPbooks@sps.com.
Novelicious
Novelicious Undiscovered invites aspiring commercial women's fiction writers to submit the first 3000 words of their novel before April 3. The top twenty entries, as chosen by the Novelicious.com team, will be showcased on the site during May and put to a public vote in June. From these top twenty entries two winners will be chosen. Full details on website.
Words with JAM First Page Competition
Looking for the most gripping, read-on-able first page of up to 400 words. Any genre. Prizes: £500, £100, £50. Closing Date: 8th June 2012. Entry Fee: £6 for one entry; £10 for two. Full details on website.
The Fiction Shelf
The Fiction Shelf - an entertainment site for readers and writers. Short Stories (max 12,000 words) and Poetry of any length wanted for publication on an ambitious web site that aims to feature the best modern fiction and poetry for the modern reader in multiple formats. Open to new and established writers and accepting work previously published elsewhere. www.thefictionshelf.com/submit for submission guidelines. Website with an annual printed anthology.
The 2012 Pint-sized Plays Writing Competition
A premier international competition for short plays, Pint-sized Plays is your opportunity to show just how imaginative and original you can be. Website: http://www.pintsizedplays.org.uk
Thames River Press
A new imprint seeking properly edited submissions for multiple novel contracts (three to four novels) per writer. The writer should preferably have been previously published. Quality writing only. Genres: Romance, Thrillers, Fantasy, Young Adult, Erotica - Henry Miller, Olympia Press, or those of the Paris crowd of intellectual writers of the 1950s. Website: www.thamesriverpress.com.
The Washington Pastime
An international publication located in the Washington DC Metropolitan area, The Washington Pastime was founded as an electronic and print publication committed to publishing the best in literary and genre fiction, as well as some non-fiction.
My-Publisher.Com
My-Publisher.Com The quick, easy and cost-free way to see your poetry in print. Read the details on each page. Up to three poems per subject. Website: http://www.my-publishers.com/index.html
OpenMicVoices.com
OpenMicVoices.com is a social network, for poets and people who enjoy poetry. Showcase your talent - add photos, audio and video, as well. Competitions.
The Westport Writers' Workshop
Sign up for their monthly newsletter with news of the WWW Community, writing wisdom, prompts, and announcements of upcoming events.
Fur-Lined Ghettos
Fur-Lined Ghettos is a new magazine aiming to publish poetry, prose, and the occasional short story. Always after good writing regardless of genre. Details on website.
Éclat Fiction
Éclat Fiction aims to create an ambitious and enjoyable publication that showcases nascent writing talent. Competition every 2 months; 8 best short stories published in anthology. The top 3 stories will receive a monetary prize as well as publication. Website: http://www.eclatfiction.com/home.html
The Horror Zine
The Horror Zine accepts submissions of fiction, poetry, and art from morbidly creative people. A "4 the luv" market, but privileged to publish some pretty famous people. See website.
Shortbread Stories
Shortbread is an online community of short story readers and writers. It's free to join. Joining gives you the ability to read, listen and download stories online, participate in the community and if you're an author, showcase your work and enter short story writing competitions. Try their website.
HarperCollins Authonomy
Now here's a chance for all you aspiring writers of children's fiction (and other genres, of course) to see how it's done - and then to get in there and do it yourself. If you haven't already looked at HarperCollins Authonomy website, then seize the moment. Take your time, investigate what's on offer, and while you're there, be sure to look for Strata by Katherine Edwards. See what wonderful things people are saying about this talented author. Then, explore further, and visit Katherine's highly inventive blog The Britbok Chronicles. Get to know her, leave a comment or two or three - if you appreciate real talent, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Irish Pages
Irish Pages is a biannual journal, edited in Belfast and publishing, in equal measure, writing from Ireland and overseas. Its policy is to publish poetry, short fiction, essays, creative non-fiction, memoir, essay reviews, nature-writing, translated work, literary journalism, and other autobiographical, historical, religious and scientific writing of literary distinction. There are no standard reviews or narrowly academic articles. http://www.irishpages.org/
Kudos(formerly Competitions Bulletin/Writing Competitions Monthly)
The ONLY magazine of its type on the market today. Lists details of current UK and Overseas writing competitions - and there are more than you think! Up to £250,000 of prize money in each issue. POETRY - SHORT STORIES - ANTHOLOGIES - PLAYS - NOVELS - NON-FICTION. Compiled and edited by Carole Baldock. Subscribe to any number of issues @ £3 each UK postpaid, largely offset by savings on postage (around 70p each time) because several entry forms are usually enclosed, which also saves time and effort. Save even more - £3 off, if payment for new subs or renewals received by January 31; old rates still apply: £15/6.. Write to Carole Baldock, 17 Greenhow Avenue, West Kirby, Wirral CH48 5EL, stating how many issues of Competitions Bulletin you'd like at £3 per issue. (Also, please state which month - Competitions Bulletin is published in: January, March, May, July, September, November.) Enclose Cheque/PO payable to Carole Baldock - and don't forget to include your name and address. Queries: baldock.carole@googlemail.com. Website: http://www.kudoswritingcompetitions.com
Sword & Saga Press
Sword & Saga Press publish both professional and new writers in a variety of speculative fiction genres, and seek vivid, creative works of fiction and poetry. Submission details HERE.
Riptide
New short fiction by both established and emerging writers. We are committed to providing a forum for high quality, innovative fiction, expanding the readership of the short story genre and enhancing its standing. We invite work by prominent authors who believe in the continuing importance of the short story, but we aim to include new voices in every issue. Details: http://www.riptidejournal.co.uk
Flame Lily Books
Flame Lily Books is now accepting submissions from unpublished writers. Of particular interest are new and different books aimed at children and early teens. Details: http://www.flamelilybooks.co.uk
Writing Raw
Writing Raw is a literary ezine dedicated to new and emerging writers. Explore what’s on offer at http://www.writingraw.com
Meet Gerhard Heinzelmann, a German who lives in England, in Gravesend, Kent. This is how he describes himself: ‘I am an artist and if I am not writing or painting, I live in the other reality, the world of dreams that gives me the inspiration to be creative.’ Wonderful. Visit his website and try his book…
Find Gerhard Heinzelmann on Lulu.com
Wyvern Publications
A small press publishing house for teen fiction in the form of annual anthologies. Submissions for full length novels for teens and young adults are also required. Free flash fiction competition, short story competition. Details: www.wyvernpublications.com
The Ghosts of Eden by Andrew J H Sharp
The Ghosts of Eden is a cross-cultural, cross-racial love story with a spectacular East African setting. Andrew J H Sharp has created a superb read, not to be missed. Highly recommended.
Writing4all
Writing4all is a creative writing community with an ongoing monthly competition, where Irish writers can share and develop their work. Website: www.writing4all.ie
100 Words or Fewer Writing Contest
First Prize $500, Second Prize $200, Third Prize $100. Fee for each entry is $15.00, through Paypal. Feedback available for an extra $25.00. Details: http://www.100wordsorfewerwritingcontest.com
Dog Oil Press
Dog Oil Press is now accepting short works of dark/black humour (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) of 981 words or less. The fee for published pieces is $10 (payable only by PayPal) for first rights, as well as the right to archive the piece at the Web site. More details in the FAQ:
http://www.dogoilpress.com/2009/01/faq-dog-oil-press.html
Spread the Word
Spread the Word works with London writers at all stages of their careers to help them achieve their full potential. They provide a dynamic range of services and opportunities for all levels, including advice and information, networking, mentoring, events and work in the community. Website HERE.
Gold Dust magazine
Gold Dust magazine is 50 pages of quality writing, including short stories, poems, articles, interviews and reviews. Two issues a year. Gold Dust is run as an on-going competition, with a small entry fee for submitting work and cash prizes for all published poetry and prose. Every issue, the best poem and the best short story each win £20 first prize. All other published stories and poems are awarded a £6 runner-up prize. Website: http://www.golddustmagazine.co.uk
The Yellow Room
The Yellow Room is a bi-annual literary magazine publishing quality fiction by women writers residing in the UK. Each issue features around 12 short stories, a lively readers’ letters page and articles of interest to women writers. The magazine is professionally presented in A5 format with a two-colour glossy perfect bound cover. Website (a place where women writers can gather together for support, encouragement and friendship) and submission guidelines: www.theyellowroom-magazine.co.uk
Txt Lit
Txt Lit is a new literary genre of creative writing using a mobile phone texting system, or SMS (Short Message System). A single mobile phone text message contains just 160 characters, including spaces and punctuation. Each entry costs £1 plus the normal cost of a text message as charged by your network provider. You can enter each competition as many times as you like. First prize: at least £50. Competitions every month. More details on website at http://www.txtlit.co.uk
Gwilym Williams
Gwilym Williams (see Poetry section of the JBWB website) now has his own highly readable blog. Even if you're only remotely interested in poetry, pay Gwil and his friends a visit - and enjoy. You can find the blog HERE.
Daughter of Prophecy (Bron) by Iris Lloyd
Congratulations to Iris Lloyd, whose new book (the first in a series of wonderfully accomplished historical novels) is now published and available from Amazon. Gripping, insightful, funny and inspiring - unreservedly recommended.
Featureworld
Sell your Story with Featureworld.co.uk, your online media agent. Up to £6000 paid. Have you experienced a life-changing event? Beaten an illness? Blossomed after divorce? Found love? Want to expose a love-rat or cheat? Ever read a real life story in a national newspaper or women's magazine and thought 'That could be me.' Perhaps you dream of selling your life story and becoming famous. or being on TV? But maybe you're nervous about selling your story to a national newspaper or women's magazine yourself or through a big impersonal news agency? Featureworld is the place for you.
Writing for Children
Pamela Cleaver's wonderful book.
You can learn much more about Pamela by visiting her website - and while you're there, check out her excellent page of writing tips for children's writers. Sadly, Pam died suddenly on 23rd November, 2005. We miss her...
Congratulations to JBWB clients Shelia Crosby and Gail Crane whose short stories will be published this summer in two major UK magazines - Sheila's in Yours magazine and Gail's in The People's Friend.
Hey, Mr Big!
Jamie Gasking, aged 11, died in an accident at the Falls of Bruar in Perthshire, Scotland on 11th of July 2003. Since then, much of David Gasking's time - Jamie's father - has been filled with the production of a 'very different' kind of book, Hey, Mr Big! All proceeds go to The Jamie Fund to improve facilities for young people in and around Jamie's home village of Carr-Bridge in the North of Scotland. You can find more details on the Mr Big website at www.mr-big.ik.com . Please visit the website - or you can buy Hey, Mr Big! directly from Amazon by clicking on the cover above. Check on David's fund-raising progress so far by visiting the Highlands & Islands Arts Journal website, HERE.
Vintage Romance Publishing
Vintage Romance Publishing, a US publisher of nostalgic romances, is proud to announce the release of its very first print novel. Written by Dawn Carrington, a multi-published author of fantasy and paranormal romance, Thirty Days Late depicts a historical romance set in 1933 Virginia. It is available online at www.vrpublishing.com , barnesandnoble.com, and booksamillion.com and will soon be available in national book stores.
Highlands & Islands Arts Journal
Writing can be a lonely business, particularly in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland - that's where the online Highlands & Islands Arts Journal comes in. Find all you need to know about forthcoming writing- and other arts-linked events at http://www.hi-arts.co.uk - highly recommended website.
The Scots Corpus is a collection of writings and text that demonstrate Scotland's linguistic diversity, culture and identity, and aims to archive this information for future generations.
See also:
http://www.yourgarden.com/blether
http://www.ruralgateway.org.uk
Poetry Salzburg Review
Highly recommended by Gwil Williams: 'It's a super thing, written in English, with over 200 pages in a glossy artwork cover and contains a variety of poems from many poets ranging from Martin Anderson to Vassilis Zambaras, translations ranging from Emanuele Bettini to Motokiyo Teami and several miscellaneous pieces of prose. The website is www.poetrysalzburg.com/psr Postal address is Poetry Salzburg Review, Dept. English and American Studies,University of Salzburg, Akademiestr. 24, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria. Potential contributors would do well to read a copy of the new-look Poetry Salzburg Review before sending in their material to get an impression of what's required.'
The Society of Authors' Prizes (for published or unpublished authors):
Tom-Gallon Award for a short story. Eric Gregory Awards for poets under 30. McKitterick Prize for first-time novelists over 40. Betty Trask Prize for first-time novelists under 35. Details and entry forms from website: www.societyofauthors.org or email: info@societyofauthors.org or send SAE to Awards Secretary, Society of Authors, 84 Dravton Gardens, London SW10 9SB.
JBWB Competition runner-up now published
Joe Stein, recent runner-up in the JBWB Short Story Competition, is now a published author. His superb new novel Cold Fire, Calm Rage is available from Amazon and highly recommended.
Unheard Words
An online writer's group for 'people-of-colour' - a place to share experiences, thoughts, ideas and work. Visit by clicking HERE.
Sound of Battle
Alan O'Reilly's Sound of Battle tells a compelling story that will appeal to readers of historical fiction for its fast-pace, riveting detail, and deep characterizations. But, more, O'Reilly's underlying theme of how war tests the faith of even the most gung-ho of soldiers in the most justifiable of wars will ring true today. No matter which side one aligns oneself with, hawk or dove, Sound of Battle will leave the reader to thoughtfully question whether there are any winners once the war is over. Read more at Amazon.co.uk or (in the US) http://www.llumina.com/store/soundofbattle.htm
Snowbooks
Snowbooks is a new, exciting publishing company based in London who have set out to challenge and improve the way publishing works, by treating authors equitably and by aiming to make a real, valuable contribution to the process of getting a book from the author to the reader. Check out all they have to offer at www.snowbooks.com
Chance to write (and do other things) for the BBC
WRITERSROOM - The BBC's online resource for writing for television, radio and film.
The Historical Novel Society has named Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau its critique and editorial service of choice. Together, we make an unbeatable team for new writers of historical fiction. If your work shows real promise, JBWB will pass the manuscript to the Historical Novel Society for a second reading. Then, if the HNS agree with the assessment, they promise to recommend it to suitable agents and/or publishers – at no additional cost. Find out more about JBWB's editorial services HERE
Market News and Competitions
Have you seen the new Poetry Pages section yet? Click here to visit.
UKAuthors
UKAuthors was initially launched in January 2002 by Richard Harris and Andrea Lowne as a free, UK-based website on which writers and poets could publish their work and receive ratings, comments and feedback, and read and comment on the work of their fellow-members. UKA also features a hugely popular Chatroom where members meet to discuss their work (and other things!), a Discussion Forum section, polls, Shoutbox (members can leave messages to each other on the front page of the site), internal personal messages, ratings and comment facilities, a Random Story button and numerous other serious and fun gizmos to play with. There is also an extensive resource directory containing (mainly) UK competitions, markets, news, publishers, books, agents, small presses and much more. UKA is in the process of publishing its first prose and poetry anthology Voices from the Web, containing work by UKA members, and plans to make the anthology an annual event. Visit UKAuthors by CLICKING HERE
Mslexia
No other magazine provides Mslexia's unique mix of debate and analysis, advice and inspiration; news, reviews, interviews; competitions, events, courses, grants. All served up with a challenging selection of new poetry and prose. Mslexia is read by top authors and absolute beginners. A quarterly masterclass in the business and psychology of writing, it's the essential magazine for women who write. Mslexia, PO Box 656, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1PZ; tel: 0191 261 6656; e-mail: postbag@mslexia.demon.co.uk; website: www.mslexia.co.uk
Solent News and and Photo Agency
Got a story? Think it might make a national paper or maybe a women's magazine? Get in touch! Solent News will give you an honest opinion. If they like the story, they pay top rates. Ring in confidence, or email. Based in Hampshire, England, and established since the 1960s, their team of reporters, photographers and feature writers produce top quality work for the UK and world media market. Website: http://www.solentnews.biz/
ANDREA SEMPLE
Published author Andrea Semple has an excellent website with loads of help and resources for writers, all of it presented in a humorous yet extremely lucid way. Sign up now for Andrea's 'Writing Tips' monthly newsletter.
Scriptwriters, take note:
Complicated Productions Theatre Company http://www.complicatedproductions.co.uk/ Operates across the south east of England, this company aims to produce intimate drama and comedy with the emphasis upon new writing. Read about its current production.
If you're writing - or merely interested in - Historical Fiction, you can't do better than join the Historical Novel Society. For full details, see the HNS website
New Low Price : Jacqui's book 'From Start to Finish'
The entire book From Start to Finish is now available to download for just £3.00, combined with an extra special and UNMISSABLE FREE OFFER.
Click below to find out more...
The Scottish Poetry Library
The Scottish Poetry Library's project to expand European poetry collections and information resources, both in native languages and in translation, is well worth a look at. Since its foundation in 1984, the library has amassed an impressive collection of written works, as well as tapes and videos. Although the emphasis is on 20th-century poetry written in Scotland, in Scots, Gaelic and English, historic Scottish poetry and contemporary works from almost every part of the world feature too. The library is a registered charity, so all its resources, advice and information are accessible, free of charge. Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton's Close, Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DT; tel: 0131 557 2876; fax: 0131557 8393; e-mail: inquiries@spl.org.uk; website: www.spl.org.uk
Congratulations to my client Liz Hinds, whose new book A Cop for Christ is heading for the top of Hodder's Christian bestsellers list. This title tells the dramatic true life story of Mike DiSanza, from his tough childhood among the gangs of New York, through 20 gritty years with the NYPD and his astonishing ministry. 'An amazing true story of a New York Cop: powerful stuff!'
You don't have to be a Christian to enjoy this superb book - find out more by clicking on the cover or HERE
Soho Press
Soho Press (http://www.sohopress.com) is a US publisher of hardbacks and paperbacks covering a wide range of genres: literary fiction, thrillers, mysteries, adventure, historical, or feminist. Setting can be the USA or anywhere in the world. It also handles non-fiction in the form of travel, autobiography, and biography. Recent titles have, for instance, included a tale of hitchhiking round Japan. Juris Jurjevics, publisher/editor-in-chief, prefers complete manuscripts for fiction submissions, outline and sample chapters for non-fiction. Two book series are also featured: Hera, historical fiction reprints with powerful female characters; and Soho Crime, mysteries with overseas settings (including the British Isles). Completed manuscripts should be 60,000 words or more. Competition, however, is steep. Soho gets some 7,000 submissions a year and publishes only 40 of them. Nevertheless, it places a high priority on unsolicited manuscripts; agents are not required. Write to Soho Press at 853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA. Be sure to enclose enough postage (IRCs) for the return of any materials.
Now Available: Jacqui's book 'From Start to Finish'
Market News from Australia & New Zealand
Stride Magazine
After 33 issues as a poetry magazine, four issues as an 'occasional arts journal' and a few years gap. Stride Magazine has a new website www.stridemagazine.com - a gathering of new poetry, short prose, articles, news, and reviews. The editor, Rupert Loydell, welcomes submissions of four or five poems, short prose, reviews or articles. Please submit in the body of e-mails (not attachments) to: submissions@stridemagazine.co.uk or snail mail with sae to: Stride Magazine, 11 Sylvan Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 6EW. If in doubt about what to submit, please ask first - editor@stridemagazine.co.uk
Jacqui's Recommended Books for Writers
Great Books on Writing - Unmissable Bargains
The Word Pool
An excellent website for writers for children (highly recommended):
and now their recent addition:
http://www.ukchildrensbooks.co.uk - the directory of the on-line world of UK children's books.
If you're serious about submitting scripts or ideas to the BBC, this is the resource for you. There's also plenty of general advice for writers, if you take time to glean the words carefully. Visit the BBC Online Writers' Room.
Copyright (c) 1998-2019 Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau
Jacqui Bennett Writers Bureau, 87 Home Orchard, Yate, South Gloucestershire BS37 5XH
Phone: (044) 01454 324717
e-mail: doug@jbwb.co.uk