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New York Agent, Editor

Keynote Ozark Conference

OCTOBER, 1996, EUREKA SPRINGS, AK--Published and aspiring writers gained an insider's view on the publishing business October 10-12 at the 28th annual conference of the Ozark Creative Writers, Inc. The conference drew nearly 200 writers to scenic Eureka Springs, Arkansas for the three-day event.

Well-known literary agent, Meredith Bernstein, and Harry Helm, editor of history and military fiction for Bantam Doubleday Dell, were among keynote speakers.

Ms Berstein, who heads the Meredith Bernstein Literary Agency, Inc., in New York, explained why an agent can be key to a writer's career.

A good agent protects the writer in a number of ways, she said. "In the contract phase with a publisher, we not only influence the final purchase price, but also the amount of advances and royalties. In addition we negotiate for cover consultation, an important concession usually difficult for the writer to secure, on one's own."

In some situations, a publisher can cancel a contract then ask the writer to pay back the advance. A professional agent makes sure the writer is protected against such unforeseen disasters, Bernstein explained.

The Bernstein Agency becomes involved in many subtle aspects of a client's publishing contract, such as how royalties are paid out, first serial rights (sales to magazines before publication), second serial rights (sales to magazines after publication), and long discount clauses ( the discounts offered to chain stores which often can reduce the writer's royalties if not properly negotiated).

The Meredith Bernstein Agency also follows the client's work through to publication, seeing that books actually arrive in the stores when a writer is touring; and assuring that the writer receives all the royalties due, by careful reconciliation of print runs against shipping quantities and reserves for returns.

Ms. Bernstein recently negotiated a sale on holistic healing of animals to Knopf, and a $150,000 deal for another two books on pet care. She advised writers to "avoid paying a reading fee to an agent, and said "never, never pay an up-front fee to an agent for the promise of securing a book contract."

On the question of whether to hire a book doctor (sometimes recommended by an agent or publisher), Bernstein said, " If you're that close to being published, and a book doctor might improve your chances, why not?" Bernstein, who refuses to take "kick-backs" from book doctors, advised writers to be wary of agents who do.

Asked about the appropriate length for a query letter, Bernstein replied: "A query letter is like a woman's skirt. It should be long enough to cover the subject, and short enough to keep it interesting."

Bantam Books Editor Harry Helm, former book buyer for 1300 WaldenBooks stores, Walmart and K-mart, asks himself seven questions when he considers acquiring a manuscript for Bantam's Domain imprint (novels of the West):

1. Did I enjoy it? Was it well written?
2. What is the current retail/wholesale market for the book. I can't acquire it if there is no market.
3. Is this a title our sales force will be comfortable handling?
4. Does the author have a track record. Do books of this type have a track record?
5. Is the author promotable?
6. Can I work with this author?
7. Do I see this author can grow in sales?

Asked about what types of books are currently selling well, Helm said: "Americans are reading character-driven novels. They are looking for more emotion and feelings than in the past. They want to leave the book having experienced something vicariously."

Helm also encouraged writers to get an agent. "A good agent is a kind of pre-editor in a very crowded marketplace. I prefer agented manuscripts, because they have been pre-screened. However, I would be foolish not to review unagented manuscripts too."

Those who wish to query Helm, should submit a synopsis and three chapters (of a finished work only).

The Ozark Conference agenda also featured award-winning Western writer, Elmer Kelton. Awards for outstanding writing were given in eighteen categories.

The Ozark Creative Writers conference is an annual event, planned by a six member board. Chrissy (Leister) Willis is president. For more information contact Chrissy Willis at 5 colony Road, Little rock, AR 72227.

Oklahoma Literary Magazine

To Debut In '97

OCTOBER, 1996-- Absolute, a new literary magazine to be published by the Oklahoma City Community College, will debut in April, 1997. Editors are now accepting submissions for consideration. They are looking for short stories, essays, poems, artwork and photography. Submissions may be directed to: Clay Randolph, Oklahoma City Community College Arts & Humanities Division, 7777 South May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73159

UNT Press Seeks

Writers For African Anthology

OCTOBER, 1996--UNT Press is publishing KenteCloth: Southwest Voices of the African Diaspora, edited by Jas. Mardis. KenteCloth, an anthology of creative works by writers of African descent, seeks submissions of previously unpublished poems, stories, essays, and creative non-fiction by writers from Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. No literary criticism will be included.

KenteCloth seeks to define the voice of the changing Southwest, a region uncharted by the current emphasis on writers of African descent. The Southwest has always been known for its oral tradition, a tradition which will be made richer by the addition of the voices of the African Diaspora. We invivte Puerto Rican, African, Carribean and others in this region who acknowledge their African origins.

Submission deadline is April 30, 1997, and the book is scheduled for publication in the late fall of 1997. Send up to three poems and/or two stories or essays (hard copy and disk copy preferred). No need to include a SASE, as only accepted submissions will be acknowledged and manuscripts will not be returned. Submission of work being considered elsewhere is discouraged.

SEND SUBMISSIONS TO:

JAS. MARDIS, EDITOR

KENTECLOTH

P. O. BOX 190841

DALLAS, TEXAS 75219

Roswell Literary Review

Seeks Submissions

OCTOBER, 1996--ROSWELL, NM--THE ROSWELL LITERARY REVIEW is seeking submissions for its bi-monthly publication. The Review publishes high-quality, short fiction of any genre up to 5000 words, and short-short fiction up to 2000 words. First-person essays and poetry are also accepted. For poetry, there is no line limit. No concrete or "found" poetry, and no Japanese forms, please. The Review is especially interested in politics--local, state, national, or international; social issues, and literature. Avoid over-done issues.

Payment: $2 or more per poem. 1/4 cent to 4 cents per word for prose. Plus copy. Pledge: The editorial staff will work with promising writers and poets, and will comment on and critique every rejected manuscript accompanied with an SASE. No generic rejections, ever!

Contact:

The Roswell Literary Review

Harvey Stanbrough, Editor/Publisher

P.O. Box 2412

Roswell NM 88202-2412

(505) 623-0180