tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post6922507151217037605..comments2023-08-10T04:58:47.675-07:00Comments on Derek's Dungeon: Are you a Writer? Are you, Really?Derek Odomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09966552110797197451noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-25137000097050021422011-02-21T23:21:50.436-08:002011-02-21T23:21:50.436-08:00Yup, but I used the Glimmer Train specifically bec...Yup, but I used the Glimmer Train specifically because 1st place for a $15.00 entry fee is 1200 bucks and 20 copies of the "issue" your work appears in - NOT bad! Yes, the chances of winning that are slim even if you are a really good writer, but placing for $750.00 or even $500.00 is pretty darn worth it to me! :)Derek Odomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09966552110797197451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-85401656828463340612011-02-19T22:17:43.346-08:002011-02-19T22:17:43.346-08:00Did you know you can submit directly to Glimmertra...Did you know you can submit directly to Glimmertrain without paying a fee? You get $750 for publication if you are selected, instead of the higher amount, but it's free to submit. So if the money is an issue, if you really can't afford it, then there is a way to break into that market without paying a fee.<br /><br />Here's the thing, Derek -- I rarely pay high-dollar contest fees myself, and yet, I submit all over the place. I have paid for things like Faulkner-Wisdom, which is a huge contest with a $7500 prize, but I'm not paying $25-30 bucks for a contest that only pays $500 bucks, and with which publication does little to further my career. There's a lot of them out there.<br /><br />So it's not necessary to pay big bucks to get published. In fact, it's not necessary to pay ANYTHING to get published. <br /><br />So while I'll agree with you about being serious about your writing and how you should be submitting, I have to disagree with those who won't pay for contest fees on principle. As long as they are submitting and sending their stuff to places, it doesn't have to be places that charge a fee.<br /><br />Remember, money flows TO the writer, not away, and a writer should never have to pay to be published if they don't choose to -- and that includes contest fees.<br /><br />If you submit to ten contests that charge $25 bucks, but you only win $200 bucks when you finally win, you're NOT ahead of the game, and you are paying to be published.<br /><br />It's all about managing your career as a writer like the business that it really is!<br /><br />Love and stuff,<br />Michy<br /><br />(PS: Amen on the fact that most things are probably in need of polishing and editing!)makMichelle L. Devonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07541110185489103160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-38755063238052880392011-02-19T22:08:56.018-08:002011-02-19T22:08:56.018-08:00I wouldn't have any of the gigs or have been p...I wouldn't have any of the gigs or have been published anywhere if I didn't go for it once in a while. I love the Glimmer Train contest, btw. I do occasionally enter. Haven't won, but I think it gives me that small push to become better so that one day I might. Great post!Christinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13476239061333846750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-30781419882984430522011-02-19T21:53:06.628-08:002011-02-19T21:53:06.628-08:00I agree that this could be applied to every aspect...I agree that this could be applied to every aspect of life: I hear so many who complain they missed the boat when you could see the boat in the harbor--they were too lazy to get out of their chair and walk over to it!<br /><br />I don't do much fiction, but I do a lot of nonfiction. I spent a lot of money submitting stuff only to receive rejection slips and even quit for a time. <br /><br />I didn't quit though--I still scouted around for opportunities and now this is how I pay the bills. Kinda amazing how things work out if you don't quit. <br /><br />Like the post!Annienygmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11040462668571940686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-31052142427301487752011-02-19T21:36:21.011-08:002011-02-19T21:36:21.011-08:00Very well said Derek. I also believe that this ca...Very well said Derek. I also believe that this can be applied to many facets of life. Keep up the good work and goodluck on the big ones!Jennifer Corbinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16378874549266466417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4223430009691470937.post-36150381820490999442011-02-19T20:50:44.728-08:002011-02-19T20:50:44.728-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.E Boathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03867736430145351692noreply@blogger.com