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Working Mom Wednesday: Tips for Aspiring Writers
By metropolitanmama | January 23, 2008
I’ve been diligently lining up all kinds of great interviews for this all-new Working Mom Wednesday column (which operates under the truth that all moms are working moms).
For today, however, I’m delighted to introduce you to Robert Brewer, the editor of Writer’s Market. If you’re not already familiar with WM, it’s perhaps the most reputable and highly-acclaimed writing resource that is available on the market. You’ll find information about submitting your work to magazines, newspapers, journals, and publishing houses…plus, much more!
Writing is an ideal career for moms because it allows you to create your own hours (think: naptime and bedtime) and you can work from home. Of course, the downside is that there isn’t necessarily always a steady flow of income, but there are lots of moms who are making it work (you’ll meet them on this column in the upcoming year).
And now, without further ado, please welcome…Robert Brewer!
ME: Tell us a little bit about your background.
BREWER: I’m just an English major from the University of Cincinnati who lucked into his dream job straight out of college. Started off interning at F+W in early 2000 and slowly worked up the editorial ladder to the editor position of Writer’s Market and WritersMarket.com. Along the journey, I was production editor of Photographer’s Market and Guide to Literary Agents and other stuff. Since early 2002, though, I’ve been primarily involved with Writer’s Market and WritersMarket.com. Currently, I also contribute to the Poetic Asides blog.
ME: How has the writing/publishing world changed over the years?
BREWER: Through this decade, the publishing world has changed in how information is delivered. However, there has been a consistent theme of identifying audiences and providing them with the content they need, whether celeb articles on websites or boy wizards in books. And that is something that will probably never change in publishing as far as writers are concerned.
ME: Is writersmarket.com just “the book” online or is there more to it?
BREWER:WritersMarket.com lists thousands of publishing opportunities that just can’t fit into the book because of page count limitations. The website is also updated regularly throughout the year—so the information is always more up-to-date on the website. In addition, the website offers subscribers marketing articles, publishing news, customizable favorites folders, submission tracking, and more.
ME: What will be new in Writer’s Market 2009?
BREWER: We’ve got some great stuff planned for early through mid 2009, but if I’ve learned anything about promising things “to come” on the Web, it is don’t promise anything until it’s actually up and running.
ME: What are your top three tips for aspiring writers?
BREWER: First, learn all the basic tools of writing as well as you can. Second, figure out your goals as a writer. If you see writing as a means to make money, then you can rule out writing poetry. But business or copy writing may be just up your alley. Third, always look to improve. No matter what stage of your career, you can always improve both your craft and marketing abilities. If you get complacent, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually be forced into early retirement.
ME: What are your top three writing conference recommendations?
BREWER: I’d prefer not to make a top three recommendation, because I don’t want to offend the various organizers. However, if a writer’s goal is to get a book published, then I can 100% vouch for the annual BEA/WDB Writers’ Conference. This conference has a 2-hour “pitch slam” with face-to-face opportunities with dozens of literary agents that can be more valuable than years of submitting work blindly.
ME: What are the five writing “tools” that you use most often in your personal writing career?
BREWER: For my marketing, I use a combination of Writers Market and WritersMarket.com. For my first level research, I use Google. Of course, I’d be nowhere as a writer without my Pilot Precise V5 Rolling Ball pens with extra fine ink—preferably blue, though I’ve been known to use black, green, and red ink as well. Outside of that, I use Microsoft Word and my dictionary a bit. There are, of course, several tools out there, but these are my basics.
Thanks for sharing your tips, Robert!
WIN IT! One aspiring writer mama will receive a Writer’s Market 2008 Deluxe Edition book (it comes with a one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com!!!). To enter, simply leave your e-mail address and a comment about what genre of writing you’re interested in on this post prior to Sunday, Jan. 27, at midnight. The winner be announced and contacted on Monday, Jan. 28. * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.
* UPDATE * The winner is #16 ladyamanda. Congratulations!
Topics: Working Mom Wednesday, contests, working mother |
January 24th, 2008 at 12:44 am
WOO-HOO!!! ME ME ME!! This is ONE thing I asked my husband to buy me for Christmas, and it wasn’t under the tree.
I haven’t had a chance to get it yet.
I want to know ALL about getting published in magazines.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:58 am
I would love to write for magazines. Thanks for the great giveaway! maraco36@yahoo.com
January 24th, 2008 at 1:29 am
I do graphic design for a non-profit magazine so I know a lot of freelance writers (everything from fiction to poetry to nonfiction and beyond) who would just love this!
January 24th, 2008 at 2:10 am
I received this book for Christmas, so don’t enter me, but I wanted to say thanks for a great interview. And also, I second Melissa’s request: magazine-writing is my area of interest.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:30 am
Sounds great! Count me in, please!
cbdulrich[at]yahoo[dot]com
January 24th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Yooowwwzzers! What a fab give away…I write historical fiction & women’s fiction. Hope I win!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:34 am
leigh@hereticscircle.com
I’m interested in expanding my freelance copywriting and technical writing opportunities.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:37 am
Hello, What a fantastic contest! I like to experiment with historical romance! Please enter me in your contest. Thanks,Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
January 24th, 2008 at 4:54 am
This is such a great book! My professor recommended it highly but I never had the money (first student, then mama) to ever buy it. I love to write Children’s or young people’s fictional books (around age 11-13 or so). I would love this book.
sarahmarie.pemberton@gmail.com
January 24th, 2008 at 5:32 am
I’d love to be part of this contest. Thanks.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:33 am
ooh! I’m trying to juggle pregnancy and my MFA in Creative Writing courseload. I’m mostly a sci-fi fantasy writer, though I’m tyring my hand at a few different genres. I’ve been coveting this!
January 24th, 2008 at 5:37 am
I love to write poetry and fiction!
January 24th, 2008 at 6:12 am
Memoir with a twist!
January 24th, 2008 at 6:41 am
I’m a WGA member so please support us in all our endeavers.
January 24th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I love general writing, words are my passion.
January 24th, 2008 at 7:34 am
This sounds wonderful- i’m a former paralegal turned SAHM, and I’d love to win this. I’ve been looking into business or copy writing, but haven’t been sure where to look, now I know!
January 24th, 2008 at 8:25 am
I love writing poetry
“My Little Angel Of Love”
I gave life to a precious angel just a few short days ago
I love her more than life itself but I loved her enough to let her go
For two short days I held her close in a warm loving embrace
Those beautiful moments in which we bonded my mind will never erase
God gave me a Christian couple that can take care of her every need
But my eyes will always be streaked with tears; my heart will forever bleed
If I could have just one wish our paths will cross again
But I will hold her close in my heart and love her in silence until then
I know I did the right thing. I’m at peace with the Lord above
And I know He will always be watching over “My Little Angel Of Love”
January 24th, 2008 at 8:39 am
Please add me too!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Great book….would help me for my specialty….reviewing new software programs. Thanks.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:43 am
awesome book, right up my alley!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I’d love to have this - I have an older version and it’s been quite useful. Aside from blogging, I write a column for several regional parenting magazines.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
This is a great book, I am particularly interested in creative non-fiction.
January 24th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Wow…Looks like a really useful read! Thanks!
stbaisch@yahoo.com
January 24th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Every writer who is serious can use this book, but it is expensive, which is why I am still using on that is 8 years old. I could use a newer one.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I like writing short fiction.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Wow- this looks great. I want to write children’s books!
January 24th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
I’d like to submit articles to magazines! And I know a friend who could probably use it way more than me, so I’d love to share this!
January 24th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
fantasy or sci-fi for upper elementary/middle school children. Thanks for the chance.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I’d love to improve my blog and also sports writing …
January 24th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Writing for children is my hobby!
I’m really excited about your Wednesday column, by the way!
kelli (at) pfrog (dot) net
January 24th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Ooh, I write SF and Cookbooks, and would love my own copy.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I would love to be able to write for parenting magazines rather than just blogging.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
romance
January 24th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Not sure, but I do love to write.
January 24th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I would treasure this volume - I love all kinds of writing: politics, travel, human interest articles, short stories, poetry/haiku…
January 24th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I’m interested in Poetry and Fiction…I’d love to win this!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Non-fiction
January 24th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I like romantic fiction
January 24th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Oh, my, what a prize!! I am itching to delve into Southern fiction. Thanks! ( meg dot wilson at gmail dot com )
January 24th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
travel writing! I want to see the world…
mizbighead1 at yahoo.com
January 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
WOW! What a great prize!! The bound book is expensive, and is outdated fairly quickly, so what I’m particularly excited about is the subscription to the website. That would be truly beneficial to any writer serious about the craft.
I’d like to win this because I was previously published in historical romance by a small press publisher, but the experience was not what I expected. This would open up resources for my future work that I never dreamed of, as well as the opportunity to improve my writing and network with other writers and hopefully agents and editors.
Also, I’m looking for ways to put all that lovely historical research to further good use, so finding magazine resources for articles would be an added benefit!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
My wife wants to write childrens books, this would be the perfect help for her to realize her dreams.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I would LOVE this!!
btnash@comcast.net
January 24th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
This sounds like a fabulous resource, and I loved the interview. Thanks so much! I’m interested in writing a children’s book and I currently write product reviews online.
mlebooker@hotmail.com
January 24th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Thanks for the chance to win such a great book! Count me in!
im.smiling at gmail.com
January 24th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Science fiction…
January 24th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
i love reading
January 24th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I’m an unpublished writer in need of guidance. This book would be wonderfully helpful! Thanks for the opportunity.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
sci-fi
January 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
More than one genre. However, to sum it up, it would be Christian non-fiction mostly. I have a Christian Family website with over 8k unique visitors a month (not my blog, but my website), yet I don’t make a dime for all the family devotionals with object lessons I write. I am a stay at home, work from home, homeschooling mom who would love to find how to break in and actually get paid for what I do sometimes.
Thanks for this opportunity and blessings to you, Julianne
January 24th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I write multiple genres. I started out with Fantasy-type writing, and slowly moved into poetry. Now I write memoir and poetry, and I’d like to try my hand at writing a novel one day.
Good luck to everyone!
ciscomatisse at gmail dot com
January 24th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Oh! Oh! My friends and professors have told me for years that I should be a writer. I was just starting to look at ways to submit stuff. I would be in the genre of relationships/biography/self-help. I come from a very abusive family and would like to write things that would help others in their battles with their own abusive backgrounds. And of course, motherhood would be my other genre! The humor and joy that comes with having children is my favorite thing to write.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I have been told for years that I should try my hand at writing, and I’m almost to the point of throwing my hat into the ring. I’d love to be a contributing writer to magazines or various publications!
January 24th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I would love to win this prize. After many years of being a single parent I remarried to a wonderful man. Unfortunately, he has two kookie step children and I would love to write about our life and blending of our families.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Sounds great!
I’ve also included it in my blog post at my book review/contest blog - A Book Blogger’s Diary. Thanks!
January 25th, 2008 at 12:18 am
History
January 25th, 2008 at 12:36 am
I am interested in writing Speculative Fiction
January 25th, 2008 at 1:13 am
kduesber@yahoo.com
I would love this book and subscription. I am interested in writing magazine articles on a variety of topics: parenting, education, etc.
January 25th, 2008 at 1:15 am
As a corporate drone I dream of freelancing and would love to win this book.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:18 am
I have a journalism degree and worked as TV news producer until my job as mommy called me away. I do some freelance newspaper reporting now, but I’d love to do magazine articles.
Please enter me!
csaspo@yahoo.com
January 25th, 2008 at 3:19 am
I would love to win this. I would like to write and illustrate children’s books, but my mom would also benefit from this giveaway. Before she dies she wants to have a book published.
Shay
shaythatcher@yahoo.com
January 25th, 2008 at 4:11 am
This is such a great giveaway, esp for us SAHMs who would love to write a book to expand their horizons. I’d love to write a biography or autobiography b/c sometimes what happens in ppl’s lives you can’t even make up! LOL!
January 25th, 2008 at 4:16 am
I’m an optioned screenwriter and have also completed seven and manuscripts in the romance, drama, paranormal romance and horror genres. Since I’ve designated 2008 The Year of Accomplished Goals, I believe this could be the stepping stone I need to make a living doing something I love.
Thanks!
Ginger Voight
gsvscreenplays@aol.com
January 25th, 2008 at 4:22 am
What an awesome comment! Both me and dh are interested in writing Christian fiction… although we are working together on an alternative history book concept right now.
January 25th, 2008 at 4:50 am
This is a great giveaway!
January 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Wow - what a generous give-away! I would LOVE a copy of ‘Writer’s Market’. I’m a military wife and mother of 2 kids under 3. I’m busy, but I write in between diaper changes, potty chair runs, fixing meals, giving hugs, kissing boo-boos, making the kids laugh, romping on the floor, and getting milk and juice refills. My favorite thing to write are humorous memoirs on life and all the experiences I’ve had.
I’ve started learning to find enjoyment in writing about things I found boring in the past (stock market, economics, etc). I’m trying to force myself to be able to write on a wide variety of topics so I never fall into a stale niche. I write everything from news articles, magazine-style articles, fiction, etc.
Despite all this writing, I haven’t gotten published yet. I’m now finally just getting confident enough to go for it.
fenderchick1977@yahoo.com
January 25th, 2008 at 11:06 am
I’d like to write Science Fiction and horror. Please enter me. Thanks for the contest.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Children’s fiction. Thanks for the chance to win.
January 25th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Count me in. Nonfiction.
January 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Wow…what a great prize…and useful too!!
January 25th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Hi there! I write non-fiction articles, with an emphasis on parenting and food.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
This book sounds like a wonderful resource! I’m sure it would teach me a think or two about nonfiction writing.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
historical fiction
January 25th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Good morning! Of all the ways to help me do what I love to do, Writer’s Market is the best. Speechwriting and marketing. Fiction.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Speech writing, poetry, and non-fiction.
January 25th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
My favorite is historical fiction. ~
January 25th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Non Fiction for me
January 26th, 2008 at 12:18 am
I work as a writer by day, but would love to do some freelance writing chick lit fiction.
January 26th, 2008 at 12:32 am
I have to write research reports at work, but in the secret quiet time that comes at home when everyone else is asleep…I am a Maya Angelou wannabe!!! Please enter me for this fabulous book that might just help me find an outlet for all that poetry and prose that oozes out in the pre-dawn haze!
January 26th, 2008 at 12:33 am
Nancy says: I want to travel (more) … and write about my travels! Guess that would make me a wanna-be travel writer?! Haha … halfway there.
January 26th, 2008 at 1:02 am
After mostly newspaper writing for 13 years I’d love to break into travel writing, guidebooks would be ideal!
January 26th, 2008 at 1:10 am
What I am most interested in writing is inspiritional stories (both fiction and non-fiction)for both children and adults.
skipper_71953@msn.com
January 26th, 2008 at 1:12 am
Writer’s Market is an excellent publication. I was introduced to it in college by a professor. I’d love to have the new edition.
January 26th, 2008 at 2:26 am
Historical romance
January 26th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Children’s books
January 26th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Non-fiction magazine articles.
January 26th, 2008 at 5:00 am
I would love to write inspirational fiction–novels, magazine stories, and children’s books.
January 26th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Children’s books. Thank you for the giveaway!
January 26th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Horror!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Non-fiction~Educational…This book would be immensely helpful to me! This website is an incredible find too –bookmarked!
January 26th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I have several “started” children’s book, but don’t know how to proceed… this would be great!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I would like to market non-fiction articles related to fly fishing.
January 26th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
poems
January 26th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
Travel writer..
January 26th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I’m working on some short stories - SF, mostly.
January 26th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I think that this would be a wonderful win
January 26th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’m interested in ALL aspects of writing! Please include me!
dansan826 at yahoo.com
January 26th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
contemporary anecdotal humor
theyyyguy@yahoo.com
January 26th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Writing for magazines really interests me, and this book would be a great way to get started! Thanks!
ksrutledge at hotmail dot com
January 26th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
childrens books and scifi/fantasy. thanks for the great contest!
January 27th, 2008 at 12:49 am
cool giveaway
January 27th, 2008 at 1:38 am
I’d like to write mystery.
yadgirl (at) chartertn (dot) net.
January 27th, 2008 at 2:29 am
I would love to write a historical novel
January 27th, 2008 at 4:50 am
I would love to just write one book in my lifetime.
I blogged this in my post:
http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/thursday-edition-of-contests-galore_24.html
January 27th, 2008 at 6:51 am
When I was studying writing, I was interested in writing horror fiction and would read and reread anything I could find about Stephen King.
But now that I’m a grownup and more aware of my strengths and limitations. I’ve realized that I’m funny and irreverent and that my actual life is weirder than anything I could invent so I want to focus on nonfiction and also do how-to pieces on making art and making cool clothes.
tonylethal@aol.com
January 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I am interested in writing mysteries and maybe horror
January 27th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Being a college student, I am very involved with writting. I would love this book!
January 27th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I write how to on weaving and short articles.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I’d like to win. I’ve been getting into writing a lot more lately.
January 27th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
What a wonderful book. My better half is a blind writer and this would be a great additional resource.
January 27th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I am very interested in fantasy love stories, or supernatural love stories. Anything that includes Vampires & Werewolves.
January 27th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I would write for children. deanna@count.com
January 27th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I need a new Writer’s Market! Thanks for the giveaway.
I’m working on memoir, picture books, and a novel.
January 28th, 2008 at 1:58 am
I am entering for my husband…
He has always loved writing (for fun that is) about traveling…
January 28th, 2008 at 2:11 am
I want to write books for children.
January 28th, 2008 at 2:54 am
I want to know ALL about getting published in magazines.
January 28th, 2008 at 3:38 am
I am going to be working on some technical and journal writing this year. I would love this newest edition (especially the online access.) Thanks!
January 28th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I’m interested in food criticism.