By

Michele L. Tune

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!)….

By

Michele L. Tune

Have you ever noticed a “Progress Edition” in your local newspaper? Well, this is an avenue to pursue your writing! Granted, it probably won’t pay. But if you’re looking to create a list of clips and just get something published, this is a wonderful opportunity! And, who doesn’t love seeing their name in print?

The Progress Edition in my newspaper comes out in November. Another newspaper, runs theirs in Spring. Progress issues usually have a theme of some sort. Last year, our newspaper chose the theme: “Old & New”. I had several pieces published in that issue. One of my articles was longer and wouldn’t fit within the boundaries of the inserted Progress issue, so the newspaper chose to print it on page 3-A!! So, right when I opened the paper, there was my article! Such a blessing, considering I had never had anything published at that time.

That article happened to be about the night Mom and I were stuck out in the harsh elements of the tornado that came through our town. We were trying to get home from church, but couldn’t get to our house because of fallen trees and power lines. Of course, we eventually made it home.

The anniversary of that tornado happened to be the very month the Progress Edition came out. I think that’s one of the reasons that piece was chosen for publication. The editor even had photos of tornado damage from the previous year when they first reported on it, and they added those photos to my story–those photos and the cut line were the icing on the cake!

My Mother was published as well in last years’ Progress issue. She had previously been published in a newspaper before, though, so she wasn’t quite as ecstatic as I was (smile). One of her poems was chosen because it touched on family and weaved the “Old & New” theme throughout. She also had a few articles in that issue.

So, what are you waiting for? Do a little digging and see if you can figure out when your newspaper publishes a Progress Edition. Most newspapers even run ads asking for writers to contribute their stories/photos. They especially love local information and old photos.

Good luck!

By

Michele L. Tune

I’m no seamstress, and I can barely sew a button that’s fallen off a shirt but I came across the guidelines for Sew News magazine. You can study them here. If you sew or interview someone who does, the pay is pretty nice.

If you’re query is accepted, you can expect to receive (according to Sew News’ guidelines at the time I checked them):

“…from $50 to $500, new writers generally $50 to $150, depending on the length and complexity of the subject, and the garment(s), samples, photography, illustrations or sources to be supplied.” –Sew News magazine’s guidelines

‘Sew’, if you’re interested in thread and needle, or just love to write about new things, you may want to shoot for publication in this magazine! Look around, anyone you could interview?

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

‘Sew’ long, I’m off to write the cyber highway….