My New Postion and an Opportunity for You

About a month ago, I was contacted by my friend, Tracy Ruckman. She asked if I would be interested in taking over her Christian Writing Examiner position. I didn't need much time to think about it. I was VERY interested. So, a few days ago, I officially became the National Christian Writing Examiner.

I still maintain the Grand Rapids Chsitian Fiction Examiner title, but now I am also able to post articles about Christian writing. Articles that will help you along on your writing journey. I am just beginning to add content, but I'd love to have you pop over and take a look. Consider subscribing to my page, so you don't miss anything. And if you have any ideas for articles you'd like to read, let me know and I'll do my best to post one.

Examiner.com also offers a wonderful opportunity for you! Are you passionate about something? Do you have knowledge or expertise that others can benefit from? Consider joining Examiner.com. Just a few of the thousands of topics covered are:

• Family Balance Examiner
• Single Parent Examiner
• Frugal Family Examiner
• Children's Toys Examiner
• Stay-at-home Moms Examiner
• Homeschooling Examiner
• Word Geek Examiner
• Pet Health Examiner
• Cats Examiner
• Christian Worldview Examiner
• Bible Verse of the Day Examiner
• Youth Ministry Examiner
• and thousands more...

For an extensive list of topics covered, visit this page: Browse Examiners by Category. Examiner.com is open to new topics, too, so if you have an idea, let them know. There are Local, as well as National positions available. Find out if your city is included by clicking HERE. If so, you can request a position on almost any topic of interest to local visitors. There is also a Canadian edition available.

All you need to do is fill out an application and you're on your way. Please note: You won't get rich! Well, unless you really know how to market well and develop a huge audience. But this is a wonderful way to build a platform, gain exposure, inform the public on something you're passionate about, regularly write, and earn some extra spending cash.

If you do apply, I'd appreciate it if you could name me as the referral! There's a spot on the application form for you to list my name and I'll receive a bonus (YOU can receive that bonus, too, once you become active and refer others).

Anyway, I'm excited about this new opportunity and wanted to share it with you. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you sign up. I'd love to link to your Examiner page.

If becoming an Examiner is not for you, I hope you'll at least bookmark my page. I hope to provide many helpful articles for Christian writers.

Humorous Devotional Opportunity

The other day, someone posted a link on Facebook to a devotional opportunity. I clicked on it and immediately knew I wanted to share it here, because it looks like fun. If you are experienced in or want to try your hand at very short, humorous devotionals, I encourage you to check this out.

The company is Creative Enterprises, a community of freelance publishing professionals, who have worked with many familiar publishing houses, such as:

•Word Publishing (Dallas)
•Thomas Nelson, Inc. (Nashville)
•Insight for Living (Plano, Texas)
•FamilyLife Ministries (Little Rock)
•WaterBrook Press/Random House (Colorado Springs)
•Baker Publishing Group (Grand Rapids)
•Guideposts Books (New York)

They are currently requesting submissions for a 365-day devotional project being compiled for a major Christian publisher. This is a popular devotional series and you may submit one or several pieces for consideration. PLEASE NOTE: there is no guarantee your devotional(s) will be accepted and they do not respond unless they are interested.

Here are a few details:


Submission Deadline: January 15, 2010, or sooner, if possible


Story Length: Minimum 275 words; maximum 325 words, including the title you create, your name, a short opening scripture verse, and a short closing prayer. Each devotional must fit on one book page, thus the short length requirement. Submissions that are too long cannot be considered.

Payment: $20


Story Requirements: This devotional project is based on humor. Therefore, each story must be funny. We are looking for true stories, preferably told in the first-person, that are funny and also make a spiritual point. The reader should be able to "get" the spiritual point from the story itself, rather than having to include an actual statement of the point at the end. The scripture at the beginning and the prayer at the end should also focus on the spiritual point of the story.

For more information on this project, including specific submission guidelines and a story sample, visit the SUBMIT A STORY PAGE.

The Ultimate Opportunity

I came across a great opportunity and I want to share it with you guys. Recently, I posted information on The Chicken Soup series. But here is another series that you may be interested in submitting to.

Health Communications, Inc.(Or, HCI) has been named by Publishers Weekly as the #1 Self-help publisher and many of their books, including many Chicken Soup for the Soul titles, have gone on to the New York Times best seller list.

The Ultimate series made its debut in November, 2008. The website informs us that: "Each title in the ULTIMATE series features talented writers who express the texture and nuances of everyday life full-color photography that tells a story without wordsthe insight and knowledge of top experts and mentors in specific topics of interest to readers."

For a list of previously published and soon-to-be-published titles, click HERE.

Now for YOUR opportunity. The three books currently under development are The Ultimate Pastor, The Ultimate Runner, and The Ultimate Bird Lover. Suggestions for chapter topics are posted HERE.

They are looking for not only stories, but photographs, as well. So this is an excellent opportunity for both writers and photographers.

The deadline for submitting your work for these three Ultimate books has been extended until August 15. Publication date is scheduled for Spring, 2010.

I know what you're wondering...if my entry is selected, will I get paid? The answer is YES you will!

Here is the pay structure:

$200 per story (500-1500 words)
$200 for expert "must-know" info (750-1800 words)
$50 per "words of advice" (less than 200 words)
$200 per interior full-page (1725 x 2666 px at 300 dpi) photo

You will also receive credit for your work, including a bio, one copy of the book per story or photo, and a generous discount on purchasing additional copies from the publisher.

Quick links:

FAQ'S

BASIC GUIDELINES for submitting

STORY AND PHOTO SAMPLES

HCI HOME PAGE