Opportunities for Writers

Some opportunities for our members:

First, NSAL's short fiction contest (for writers 18-32) deadline is February 8. More details here.

And the 13th Bay to Ocean Writers' Conference is February 20. Learn more about that conference right here.

Then, for those of you interested in getting some great editing experience with a wonderful local institution, consider this posting for a volunteer editor:

Editor-The Montgomery County Story

Are you detailed oriented? Do you enjoy reading stories about Montgomery County History? Are you computer savvy? Then Montgomery County Historical Society has the opportunity for you. The Society is currently seeking an Editor for its bi-annual publication The Montgomery County Story. The Story is the Montgomery County Historical Society’s journal focusing on the history of the people, places, events, and organizations in Montgomery County, Maryland. The Editor’s chief responsibility will be formatting and editing stories that are slated to appear in the publication. The Editor will be responsible from the first to the final draft of the publication. The Story is published in February and August. The volunteer editor will receive a 20% discount in the Museum Shop and the opportunity to attend MCHS programs for free or at a reduced fee.

The mission of the Montgomery County Historical Society is to collect, preserve, interpret, and promote the history of the County so that children and adults of diverse backgrounds can use the past to better understand the issues of the present and together build a shared vision of the County’s future.

Please Contact:
Elizabeth Otey
301-340-2825 ext. 223
eotey@montgomeryhistory.org

Job Description:

Editor-The Montgomery County Story
Supervisor: Assistant Director

Time Commitment
Twice a year in November-January and May-July

Duties
· Oversee production of The Story from first to final draft
· Edit submitted “stories” for print
· Format The Story in preparation for print
· Collaborate with staff members to determine final content
· Interact with authors to keep them on deadlines for promised articles
· Develop guidelines for authors regarding formatting, and footnote usage
· Verify data in footnotes
· Select and prepare photographs for publication

Qualifications
· Interest in local history
· Experience with MS Office Suite
· Detail oriented
· Ability to meet deadlines with minimum supervision
· Familiarity with Photoshop or similar scanning program

Call for Writers: The Pink Line Project

As we wind down Member Appreciation Month, I'd like to remark that it's been an enormous pleasure reading all the member stories--and corresponding with each writer. So many different stories. Sitting at my desk here at The Writer's Center, it's often too easy to forget just what this place means to people. What it means to me is a lot of work--rewarding as it may be.

So it's really great to get outside my little bubble and read these stories. Now I want to alert members to this opportunity to write--for pay. From the Pink Line Project:

The Pink Line Project is looking for writers to write short blog posts about the DC art scene for its website (www.pinklineproject.com), specifically the Art Chat section.  The purpose of Art Chat is to provide the emerging collector and art enthusiasts with information about the DC art scene, to inspire them to participate in the community of people who are culturally curious, to provide accessibility to an otherwise intimidating and seemingly unwelcoming world.

I'm not looking for traditional art writers.  I'm looking for good writers who are good observers and who are interested in bolstering the DC cultural landscape.

I have been posting reviews of shows but what I am really interested in human interest stories.  Profiles of collectors.  Something quirky about the art scene - artists Matt Sesow and Dana Ellyn wedding at Longview Gallery.  Interviews with interesting people who are doing neat things, like Tim Tate who started the Washington Glass School.  A couple things that Jessica Dawson from the Post that I've liked: story about art in condos and story about Mera Rubell's studio visit whirlwind. 

I will pay $50 for at least 300 words.  We will create an author profile on the site where all your articles will be posted.  I will promote your piece as much as I can through Facebook and my running blog on www.hoogrrl.com.  (Note: The Pink Line Project site will be revamped considerable in a few weeks to be more friendly and fun.)  

If interested, please send a writing sample to philippa@pinklineproject.com.