In early 2004 Erika launched a free monthly e-newsletter, The Practicing Writer. Each issue includes an article on an aspect of the craft and/or business—the practice—of writing. Every issue also features:
- a highlighted online resource to assist you with your writing practice;
- announcements for upcoming contests and similar opportunities, none of which charge entry/reading/processing fees;
- a "Submission Alerts!!!" section, where Erika keeps subscribers posted about calls from paying literary journals and anthologies and nuances in editorial calendars;
- highlights from Erika's "Practicing Writing" blog; and
- a calendar of free literary events worldwide (the calendar also includes fee-charging events that offer student discounts).
What Writers Say About Our Newsletter
"Thanks for mentioning the Portia Steele contest in The Practicing Writer a few months back. I'd never heard of it but sent in a piece- -what's the harm? Anyway, I came in third place in the 2009 Prose winners. You have a great newsletter."
–Adrienne Ross
"Last year, I read about Tales from the Couch submissions in your "Practicing Writer" newsletter. I submitted, having worked in a State Mental Hospital for 35 years, and my story was accepted for the anthology publication. When I received my author's copy, I find that you too, Erika, are among the authors of Volume V.
Thank you so much for including that listing. I never would have known about it to submit, without your newsletter and now I am on Amazon.com! I am rather proud of my accomplishment, as I never submitted anything to an anthology before...."
–Carol L. Bowman
"Dear Erika, Congratulations on five years of publishing your newsletter. It seemed an appropriate time to tell you this...Thanks to a lead I found in The Practicing Writer's Directory of Paying Essay Markets, I now have a story appearing the forthcoming book The Ultimate Mom due out in April [2009]. The Ultimate series is published by HCI Books (of Chicken Soup fame), the largest life issues publisher in the US.
Thanks for your wonderful newsletter and resources. I couldn't have done it without you!"
— T.K.
"Erika, Thanks for your listing about Writer's Eye....I have just received notice of an acceptance of a story/picture....Thank you so much for the lead."
— Hank Nielsen
"Dear Erika: I've been receiving your newsletter for several months and
just wanted to thank you for this free service. The time and effort you
take to inspire and support other writers is appreciated. I look
forward to each issue: the featured article, workshop entries,
freelance opportunities, and contest listings. [....] Again, many
thanks."
— Katharine Morgan
"[The Practicing Writer is] one of my essential writing resources that just happens to be in digital format. [....]This newsletter contains an amazing array of free and low-fee writing competitions every month."
— Achaessa James, Editor, Whidbey Island Writers Association Newsletter, August-September 2006
"Hello, Erika. I LOVE your newsletter. It is practical and is helping me quite a bit as I pursue my writing career. Keep up the good work!"
— Erin Di Paolo
"I got a hit from your newsletter last month. My story is out there [as] a podcast at www.boundoff.com ."
— Brenda C. Wilson
"Your newsletter is a peach. I am a practicing writer (but a very private, unpublished one) who lives on an island off the coast of Maine and really enjoy this bit of literary news that arrives from the real world each month. Keep 'em coming...."
— Colleen (last name withheld upon request)
"I loved your latest issue of the newsletter, especially the article on historical fiction. I don't know of any other newsletter that does what you do: practical information on grants, markets, etc. combined with substantive literary discussions."
— Colleen Roach
See a sample issue here (PDF).
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