Market Update
Written by Michele T on September 22, 2007 – 5:35 pm -By
I just discovered that Parade has “ceased payment” for Your Space essays, effective September 14, 2007. Since it’s the weekend, I had the notion to write an essay and submit it to Your Space at Parade. Of course, that notion faded as soon as I read that update, found here. Oh, I’m still going to write an essay. I just won’t submit it to them.
“They may not have even bought your essay!” You might be thinking. True. BUT if they did I’d want to be paid for it, wouldn’t you? Are they working for free? I seriously doubt it!
Writing the cyber highway (for a fee!)….
Tags: markets, news
Posted in Writer's Markets | 12 Comments »
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
Phoey on Parade, I say!
There are plenty of markets that consider a writer’s time valuable.
Keep writing, for a fee, of course!
Renie
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September 22nd, 2007 at 6:07 pm
My thoughts exactly, Renie!
It’s a shame, too.
You’re right, there are plenty of markets out there that consider out time valuable and worth more than “exposure.”
Smiles,
Michele
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September 22nd, 2007 at 6:14 pm
That’s too bad. Luckily there are quite a few places that pay for essays. I enjoy writing essays also. I’m always excited to find a new market that pays for stories, too.
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September 22nd, 2007 at 6:21 pm
It is too bad, that’s for sure!
I have enjoyed writing essays since I was a kid. Other kids at school would cringe at the thought of reading a book and writing a report on it, or turning in an essay on this or that. But I was the weird one, I guess (ha ha!).
I love the opportunity of finding a new market that pays for essays–it’s awesome!
I actually have essays coming out soon in different anthologies as well as Websites.
Smiles,
Michele
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September 22nd, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I love writing essays, which is why I love having a blog~I get to indulge my essay writing passion every day, about any topic.
I really enjoy reading them too, and it’s too bad Parade has stopped paying for them, because I’m sure it will discourage people from submitting really good work.
I like the new essay anthologies – let me know when you’re are available!
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September 22nd, 2007 at 11:41 pm
Hello Becca,
Writing essays is a calming experience, isn’t it? I enjoy reading them as well.
I sure hope Parade’s decision to stop paying writers for their essays discourages people from submitting! Our words are worth something, after all.
And my blog readers will be the first to know when the anthologies my essays are in will be available!
Smiles,
Michele
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September 23rd, 2007 at 12:18 am
Hi again Michele ~thanks for the link
I have a newer blog that’s completely related to the craft of writing. It’s at movingwritealong.blogspot.com.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
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September 23rd, 2007 at 12:22 am
Your welcome, Becca. I’ll be sure to add your other blog as well
You have a blessed weekend too!
Michele
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September 23rd, 2007 at 2:03 am
Good on you for sticking to your writerly self worth!
There is a lot of emphasis to new writers on gather clips even if it means writing for free but what it really means is to gather them from reputable sources.
You really have nothing to lose by not writing for Parade, in fact, you’re saving wonderful content for a source that will show their appreciation by paying you and will be a bigger credit to your clips. So, great decision!
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September 23rd, 2007 at 2:19 am
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for stopping by, and for leaving such kind words!
I agree, that there is a lot of emphasis for new writers to gather clips even if it means writing for free.
I actually thought I’d have to write free for a long time when I first started pursuing my writing dreams. I’ve found that it just isn’t true–Words sell!!
Sticking to my “writerly self worth”,
Michele
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September 23rd, 2007 at 5:10 am
That’s weird – Parade has always been a nice mag….
It’s owned by Advance Publications, who own many newspapers and first class magazines, or should I say a good part of America?
Check it out:
Advance – Wikipedia
Advance Net
And I agree with Rebecca, I think that as a writer we all must ‘pay our dues’ in some way – but it should be in a good way. I don’t believe that a writer should give away everything just to see his/her name in print. Choose carefully.
Now those of us who like to write poetry are apparently in a different situation. I haven’t entered a contest since 2004 and it has come to my attention that if I don’t enter at least 2 or 3 a year, win or loose, I will be disgraced.
The few poems that I have copyrighted are under my legal spelling, Debra, and I have received offers for the rest of my work. But I want to wait until after Christmas.
I also think essays are great – and should not be given away.
William Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily” Virginia Woolf’s, “The Death of the Moth”, Langston Hughes, “Salvation”, Shirley Jackson’s, “The Lottery”.
A person’s intellectual property should always be respected by NOT expecting that person to give it away for free.
Good last few posts, Michele – very informative.
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September 23rd, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Hi Deborah,
I know it’s weird. I was SO shocked when I discovered that information on their essay submissions page. I just don’t get it!
I’ll check out those links (thanks!).
It sounds like you’re quite the writer yourself! I write poetry as well although none of mine has been published just yet. I’m working more on non-fiction stories/articles.
Thanks for the mini lesson of authors!
And you’re right, our words should be respected and not just valued as free thoughts.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the last few posts, Deborah. It’s always a joy to have you stop by! (I Love the Indian canoes over at your blog!!!).
Smiles,
Michele
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