Archives: January 2007

Novelist Nicole Bokat, whose first novel Redeeming Eve was widely praised by outlets from Publisher’s Weekly to Kirkus, says, “The best advice I learned — not from any one person, but from years of experience (it’s included in one of my lectures for my online novel writing class)– is: Stop waiting for the world to nudge you along. That includes your supportive spouse, fantastic friends or encouraging writing teachers. The world will not comply. No agent, editor, or publisher will come knocking at your door. You need to develop a self-imposed discipline that becomes a lifelong habit, so that you write regardless of your mood, lack of inspiration, or any of the obstacles that life inevitably will put in your way.”
Click here to check out novel writing courses with Nicole.
-Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Create a social media strategy, launch your campaign, and track the results in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. The online event and workshop will feature speakers including The Onion's Baratunde Thurston (left), Facebook's Morin Oluwole, and bitly's Tim Devane. Register now.

Editors are looking for “how to do anything better” articles, so put on that thinking cap.
How to Pitch: Scholastic
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Dashka Slater‘s picture book Baby Shoes was named one of the best children’s books of 2006 by both Booklist and Nick Jr. Magazine, and placed on the Texas Library Association’s 2 x 2 list of 20 recommended books for children from age two to grade two.
Dashka says, “When I was starting out as a journalist, my computer malfunctioned an hour before deadline, and I lost an entire 1,500 word story. When I called my editor in tears, he said, ‘Go take a walk around the block. Then, sit down and write it again.’ His advice taught me the importance of knuckling down and just writing the damn thing, no matter how impossible it feels.”
To take “How to Write a Children’s Picture Book. And sell it, too” with Dashka, click here
-Taffy Brodesser-Akner

The foodie magazine’s a tough pitch, but the rewards are as sweet a gourmet candy cane.
How to Pitch: Bon Appétit
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Former Gannett news and copy editor Indira Ranganathan, who recently completed a screenplay, remembers that the best advice she received came when she was at a crossroads in her career, deciding which gig to take. “A great friend told me to take either one and don’t look back because it will always be the right decision, just a different one.”
To take Intro To Copy Editing with Indira, click here.
-Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Find a “story” not a “subject” if you wish to break into the exclusive Texas Monthly club.
How to Pitch: Texas Monthly
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Steven Heller isn’t just The New York Times’ art director. He’s also written about 105 books, tons of articles, directs a school program and even has “a life” outside of work. Here’s how he gets it all done, the secrets of his interviewing technique, and a peak at his thoughts on President Bush.

So What Do You Do, Steven Heller?

With 66 million people suffering from arthritis, there’s no end of ideas to pursue.
How to Pitch: Arthritis Today
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A PR expert reveals the tricks of marketing movies so bad they can’t even make the remainder bin. D-List celebrities and fake film festivals are only the beginning.

How to Sell an Awful Film in 12 Easy Steps (Image: BadMovies.org)

Editors at an electronic music junkie’s fave pub want knowledgeable writers for under-the-radar stories.
How to Pitch: Remix
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