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The SFWA Blog
How Not to Read Like a Beta Reader
by Kate Heartfield
A few distinct kinds of reading come with the job of being a writer: research, market research, reading for awards ballots and contest juries, reading for sheer pleasure.
And then there’s beta reading or critiquing.
May Market Report
Welcome to the May Market Report for SF/F.
Nebula Awards Autographing Event
In or near Chicago? Got any plans on May 13th around 8PM? An exciting reminder! As part of our SFWA Nebula Conference, there will be a free and open to the public mass autographing event sponsored by Tor Books! This…
Guest Post: Set Powerful Deadlines
by Leo Babauta
I’m not always a fan of deadlines and goals, but it’s good to be able to use whatever works best for you. If you’re working great without deadlines and goals, then by all means, keep going. But if…
Dragon Con Announces Creation of the Dragon Awards
Dragon Con bills itself as the largest popular culture convention in the universe. As part of their 30th anniversary, they have announced the creation of the Dragon Awards.
Contracts Committee Alert: Non-compete and Option Clauses
The SFWA Contracts Committee believes there are serious problems for writers with the non-compete and option clauses in many science fiction and fantasy publishers’ contracts. The non-compete language in these contracts often overreaches and limits authors’ career options in unacceptable…
Special Synopsis Sauce
by Curtis C. Chen
Okay. You wrote a novel. That was the easy part.
Now you need to write a synopsis.
Latest SFWA Star Project Announced: By the Silver Wind
The newest “SFWA Star Project” recognition is awarded to By the Silver Wind by Jess E. Owen. This is a model Kickstarter for all self-published professionals. Congratulations!
Guest Post: The Work of Writing
by Theodora Goss
I keep reading blog posts that basically all make the same point: anyone can find time to write. You’ve probably read them too. The message is, if you want to be a writer, you can find the time….
Get Some Humble Bundle Goodness!
Humble Bundle has released another great lineup. A portion of the proceeds supports SFWA’s Givers Fund. So get some awesome books and support a worthy cause!
April Market Report
Welcome to the April Market Report for SF/F. Deadlines and Closures to Note: Alfa Eridiani (Spain) has ceased publication. Gypsy Shadow Publishing, Unlikely Story, and Urban Fantasy Magazine are closed to new submissions until further notice. Hyperpulp (Brazil) has not released an…
How Kindle Scout Works
by Joan Marie Verba
Kindle Scout is a publishing option sponsored by Amazon.com. Writers can submit an unpublished manuscript of 50,000 words or more in the science fiction, fantasy, mystery, or romance genres.
Prometheus Award Finalists Announced
The Libertarian Futurist Society has announced finalists for the best Novel category of the 36th annual Prometheus Awards.
The 2016 awards will be presented during the 74th annual World Science Fiction Convention Aug. 17-21, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri.
2016 Philip K. Dick Award Winner Announced
“Apex” by Ramez Naam (Angry Robot Books) has won the 2016 Philip K. Dick Award. Special citation was given to: “Archangel” by Marguerite Reed (Arche Press).
Romance Tropes for SFF Writers
by Jeffe Kennedy
Mystery readers expect to find out who done it. Suspense readers expect the big bad to be stopped. Romance readers want the romance to end with promise.
Invitation!
The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) would like to invite YOU to attend the 50th Anniversary Nebula Conference & Awards Banquet.
Ask the Tax Czarina: Hobby or Business?
In previous posts, SFWA’s own “Tax Czarina” discussed some basic tax issues writers face, bartering, and the 1099 Misc. form. This week’s post focuses on how the IRS differentiates hobbies from businesses.
Story Cake
by Sylvia Spruck Wrigley
The popular advice for writers is to write your first draft for just one person and then to revise for the world. Your voice, they say, should be personal and true and deep but the story itself…
Ask the Tax Czarina: 1099-MISC
So far, SFWA’s own “Tax Czarina” has discussed basic tax issues writers face and questions about bartering. This week, she focuses on questions regarding Form 1099 MISC. Q: Did I miss the deadline for Form 1099-MISC? What should I do? A: The deadline for delivering Form…
We Are All Allies
by Dan Koboldt
In some ways, publishing is a zero-sum game. There are only so many slots in the schedule of traditional publishers. Only ten books can occupy the top ten list, and only one can win the Hugo. Yet the…
March Market Report
The SFWA Blog is now offering monthly market updates. Here’s the March, 2016 report.
Last Chance to Help Fund “Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin”
A Kickstarter campaign for a documentary about Ursula K. Le Guin is in its final hours. As part of the final fundraising drive, all backers ($15 and up) will receive (in addition to the regular rewards) a “What…
Ask the Tax Czarina: Bartering
Last week, our own “Tax Czarina” discussed some basic tax issues writers face. This week’s Q&A, focuses on bartering.
Schrödinger Sessions Application Period Open
The application period for “The Schrödinger Sessions: Science for Science Fiction” is open now through March 20.