WEwrite

WEbook about to Launch New Writing Contest!

2010-01-13T17:05:10Z

Hi friends!

WEbook.com is about to launch a new writing competition: PageToFame. PageToFame is brand new and like no writing competition you've seen before. It empowers writers to test out the strength and appeal of their book idea and opening pages — whether they have completed a manuscript or just one page in. The best of the best have a great shot at publication!

How does it work? Submit your first page and a short synopsis. If enough readers give your submission high ratings, you will be invited to submit the first chapter for further evaluation by readers. Successful books go through four rounds, eventually submitting a complete manuscript.

As a bonus, every time you advance to the next round, your submission will be reviewed by a top-notch literary agent! Books that make it to the final round have an excellent chance of getting signed by a participating literary agent who will work to get you a great commercial publishing deal.

Rating begins next week. There is an introductory fee of only $4.95 per submission, and as long as readers continue to give your work high ratings, this one-time fee can take you all the way to the final round and into the hands of a prominent literary agent.

Submit today! ...and tell your writer friends about PageToFame!

Happy writing,

Katie

Ahhhh Mondays

2009-11-17T01:04:41Z

Hello Everyone!

Today is feeling like a typical Monday, so I figured I should come on here and let off a little steam. Why does everything start to feel especially busy every year when November hits? After Halloween it is like a downward spiral to New Years, when things start to calm down a little bit. Cannot imagine if I was trying to write a novel this month...anyone doing NanoWriMo?! I want to hear stories! And I will promise to eat a bite of chocolate for you all. Right now actually...

Delving into Little Boys Come From the Stars by Emmanuel Dongala. He is coming to speak at Colgate University on Thursday and I am very excited. A little late week pick me up! What book should I start next? Have a couple plane rides coming up for the Holidays and need some friendly inspiration...

all for now!

-Zoe

A Whole New WE!

2009-11-09T02:25:48Z

Hello all! My name is Zoe and I will be taking over the WEbook LiveJournal from Emily for now on. I couldn't be more excited to get back into the LJ community...I had my own personal journal on this site a few years ago (I would link you all, but out of potential embarrassment, I will keep those fond entries to myself). But luckily, being an intern at WEbook has brought me back to you all...and I am looking forward to making some new friends and letting you all in on the greatness that is WEbook. Just fyi, I worked with all the fine WEbook staffers in the always entertaining New York City office this summer and continue to work from my more subdued apartment in upstate New York. I am free to answer any questions, diminish any concerns, read any submissions or chat about all things WEbook...or writing, or reading, or well...you get the idea. Here is my profile: http://www.webook.com/member/zoekatherine Friend me!

Anyways, in the short span of a few months, the site has undergone some revolutionary changes...we're talking really big, really exciting things. You can always find any new announcements on the WEbook blog (http://blog.webook.com/) . More importantly, the blog has taken on a semi sexier identity and now features columns from best-selling authors Esther Cohen (titled "My Writing Life"...not so ironically about all things writing...and wonderfully witty, a consistent must read) and Ben Mezrich (of "Bringing Down the House", the true story about a group of M.I.T. students who made millions by counting cards in Vegas, made into the movie 21). The entries are entertaining and inspiring, and all readers are given the opportunity to ask questions to the authors themselves.

But I have bigger news for you all...and it goes by the name AgentInbox.I remember hearing about the new feature this summer--I knew it would be huge for the site and potentially for the publishing community at large. In shameless self-promotion, due mainly to my overwhelming excitement: AgentInbox is an author-to-agent service that connects publication-ready writers with reputable literary agents. You can do a multitude of things with the new service: learn how to write query letters, search the roster of pre-screened agents, directly submit a manuscript sample, track all submissions, etc etc! Here is the blog entry introducing AgentInbox: http://blog.webook.com/webook_blog/2009/09/webook-launches-agentinbox.html

and here is a little more about all the awesomeness directly from the WEbook site: http://www.webook.com/literary-agents/landing/AgentInbox-Basics

I know the service has already been a huge success and once again, WEbook has taken the stress out (and put the fun in) to a component of the writing process.

For now, I will leave you with that on the WEbook front...Go play around with them and let me know what you think! I will be back again soon with less of a housekeeping message, but in order to jump start my time here, I thought I should fill you in on all that you have been missing. I look forward to connecting with you all! Until next time, write on!

-Zoe

webook @ 2009-08-20T10:32:00

2009-08-20T14:45:07Z

Well WEbookers, my stay at the WEbook office is coming to an end..a few more hours and I will be relinquishing my summer position :(! Working here has been a wonderful experience and I gained a lot of valuable knowledge about the inner-workings of a writing website, blogging, interviewing, and giving constructive feedback. Though I won't be blogging on LiveJournal on a regular basis anymore, I will still have a WEbook profile and be available to provide feedback on your projects. The link to my WEbook is: http://www.webook.com/member/EmilyM1206 ...stay in touch, WEbookers and LJers! I'll miss all of you, but thank you for reading and writing with me!

Best wishes,
Emily :)

webook @ 2009-08-18T10:03:00

2009-08-18T14:15:27Z

Good morning bloggers and WEbookers!

Another steamy day in the northeast and I'm here in the nice air-conditioned WEbook office. As many of you know, WEbook has its very own twitter page! Not only can fans follow our tweets, but many post links to their WEbook projects for others to access. Yesterday, I spent a lot of time on our twitter page, commenting on individual tweets and leaving in-depth feedback on many of the links posted by our tweeters. Tweeting on our twitter page is a great way to instantly publicize your WEbook work and for the rest of the week, I will be responding to a majority of the tweets. Tweet for feedback!

-Emily :)

webook @ 2009-08-14T10:19:00

2009-08-14T14:25:42Z

Good morning, LJ!

As the poetry vote deadline draws closer and closer, there's been a lot of nervous excitement among the WEbook community! As an intern, one of my main tasks is to provide in-depth feedback for a variety of projects. I've actually received a request from a WEbooker that follows our LJ blog to review his poems and give him feedback. Feel free to shoot me a message if you want me to read over your work and give you feedback as well! Also, check out the writing tips widget for some new tips that the interns have been working on!

I'm only a message/click away,

Emily :)

webook @ 2009-08-10T13:02:00

2009-08-10T17:15:34Z

Good Afternoon LiveJournal!

It is a scorching hot day in NYC - so happy to be in the cool confines of the WEbook office!

Great news! The WEbooker of the WEek interview is complete and ready to be published on the WEbook blog! Keep your eyes out for this new post within the next day or two.

Also, I believe one of the other interns has produced some new writing tips for the writing tips widget...you never know when those may come in handy!

Hope everyone is keeping cool on this boiling August day! It's the perfect weather to stay in the nice, air-conditioned indoors and write on WEbook :)!

-Emily

webook @ 2009-08-06T11:50:00

2009-08-06T16:11:16Z

Good morning (there were 10 minutes left in the morning when I started writing this) LJers!

The next WEbooker of the WEek has been chosen and her interview will be posted on the WEbook Blog early next week! Be sure to read up on a WEbooker with plenty of potential!

As an intern at WEbook, I have contributed to and completed a variety of assignments. My latest accomplishment (that I completed with the two other interns) was a competitive analysis of other websites similar to WEbook. Though there are a multitude of writing and publishing websites, this analysis showed me that WEbook combines three main features most individuals look for in a writing or publishing website. On WEbook, you can upload as many writing pieces as you'd like, all genres, all lengths, and receive feedback from other members, all at the convenient price of free! Additionally, as a member of the WEbook community you can enter and vote in a variety of contests, many of which result in publication of your work! WEbook is the perfect tool for aspiring writers who want to receive feedback on their writing and enhance their chances at becoming the next big writer to hit the scene...

Keep writing, and who knows, you could end up seeing your name in lights...

-E :)

webook @ 2009-08-04T14:55:00

2009-08-04T19:06:33Z

So as many of you know, I'm one of three interns here at the WEbook office in NYC for the summer. Very exciting, I know! I'm working on a variety of assignments, all of which are geared towards making WEbook the best online writing community for people like you! Did you know that WEbook provides its users with a chance to get published? Our multitude of contests give aspiring writers like yourself the opportunity to submit their work for a chance to be published in print! Wowee! Additionally, all WEbook members are able to instantly publish their work online and receive feedback from not only other WEbook writers, but WEbook staff (i.e.: ME!) that can help take your writing to the next level, setting you on the path to finding a literary agent and publication. I'm constantly giving WEbookers feedback - could your writing be the next piece I critique? Friend me on WEbook (EmilyM1206) and let's get to feedbacking!

See you on the site...

Em :)

webook @ 2009-08-04T13:36:00

2009-08-04T17:37:50Z

Bloggers!

I've posted a new poem under the "poems" community on LiveJournal. Feel free to shoot me a comment and tell me what you think...

It's kind of a work in progress. I might revise and extend it and maybe upload it to my WEbook account! Ch-ch-check it out!

Thanks a ton!

-E :)

webook @ 2009-08-03T17:27:00

2009-08-03T21:32:19Z

Hi LJers!

Hope you all had a fantastic weekend and have started the week on a good note...

Just a few reminders:

*WEbooker of the WEek is back! Stay tuned for an in-depth interview with the latest WEbook prodigy on The WEbook Blog! I will be debuting my interviewing skills in an upcoming piece!
*First Clicks will continue to be updated on a weekly basis, as well. Click your way into our writing tips and shout-outs to featured WEbookers!
*WEbook has a new interface! Check out our attractive new layouts and graphics!

See you all on WEbook!

-Emily :)

webook @ 2009-07-30T16:51:00

2009-07-30T21:20:08Z

A writer can never have too many tips!

Here are some ways to help your poem reach its full potential:

1) Zoom in to the tiny, sensory details of the moment. What does the scene look like? Smell like? Taste like? Feel like? Sensory details help to fully transport the reader into your moment.

2) Be ambiguous! Now, don't take this the wrong way. You want your poem to evolve around a theme or main idea, but in order for your piece to leave a powerful, lasting impression on its readers, it's best to avoid telling them what is going on. Make them work for it! Leave room for interpretation and the ability for them to apply your words to their own experiences.

3) Your lines don't have to rhyme! Yes, as hard as it is to believe, many people think a good poem has to rhyme. When, the truth is quite the contrary! You can stick to one rhythm, or switch it up for every stanza. Or, ditch the rhyme scheme altogether!

All these tips aside, remember the most important thing is for you to speak with truth. The only mold your poem has to fit is your own!

Happy writing,
Emily

webook @ 2009-07-30T10:08:00

2009-07-30T14:26:09Z

Good morning, LiveJournal!

I apologize for my minor LJ hiatus! However, I have some good news.

1) WEbook First Clicks will be updated by the end of this week. Be sure to check if your project is featured as a First Click and for helpful writing tips!

2) WEbooker of the WEek is back! Could you be the next "WEek" winner? Keep contributing to your WEbook projects and you may be the next WEbooker to receive an exclusive interview published on the site!

To all of our LJ followers, thanks for the devotion! If you have any questions at all, feel free to shoot me a message and I'll get back to you ASAP! Happy WEbooking!

-Emily :)

webook @ 2009-07-22T13:54:00

2009-07-22T18:20:36Z

Writing tips from yours truly...

1) Keep your tense clear and consistent! Familiarize yourself with first person ("I"), second person ("you"), and third person ("he/she") and decide which one you will use for your piece. Sticking to one tense provides clarity and makes it easier for your reader to follow the narrative.

2) Make an outline of your piece. Your outline should include the protagonist(s), antagonist(s), precipitating event, climax, resolution, etc. A lay-out will help guide your writing and ensure that your piece is clear and organized. If you prefer a more spontaneous "write-as-you-go" approach, that's fine too! But for all you "stick-to-the-plan" individuals, this tip may come in handy!

3) So every story you've ever read starts with "Once upon a time...?" Snore - what a bore! Jump right into a scene from the first sentence of your story. Starting with ambiguous dialogue immediately draws the reader in, making them work to comprehend what is going on. Keep your readers on the edge of their seats!

More to come...

-E :)

webook @ 2009-07-22T13:17:00

2009-07-22T17:43:01Z

Good afternoon LJ!

So, I have a few things to share with all you bloggers...

1) I decided to change my WEbook pen name and thus, had to create a whole new WEbook profile. Sounds like a daunting task, right? Actually, it was quite simple. I relocated all of my projects and reviews to my new WEbook profile, so it's basically the same, minus the different pen name. Here's the link! http://www.webook.com/member/EmilyM1206

2) At WEbook, we have some great writing tools designed to help you enhance your writing skills, cure writer's block, or just basic tips on how to leave another WEbooker feedback. All of this highly useful information can be found at the following URL: http://www.webook.com/toolbox

3) Additionally, under "writing tips," there is a very helpful "writing tips widget" that you can conveniently place on your MySpace or Facebook profile, or just access through WEbook for daily writing tips. The link is: http://www.webook.com/landing/Writing-Tips-Widget

Feel free to comment and leave any tips of your own! Also, I'll occasionally be posting my own tips...stay tuned!

-Emily :)

webook @ 2009-07-21T12:04:00

2009-07-21T16:16:10Z

NYC is home to some beautiful (hint of sarcasm) subways! Always jam-packed, with stifling temperatures, and home to a plethora of smells...lovely. Got any funky-smelling subway stories? Share them on WEbook under the "Subway Series" project!

webook @ 2009-07-21T11:04:00

2009-07-21T15:07:50Z

Calling all Starbucks drinkers!

My new project invites WEbookers to share their drink order and analyze a potential relationship between their order and their lifestyle. Are you a triple shot of espresso CEO? Or a hot chocolate third-grade teacher? All ideas/inspiration welcome!

Check it out! http://www.webook.com/project/What-does-your-Starbucks-drink-order-say-about-you

:)

-E

webook @ 2009-07-21T10:34:00

2009-07-21T14:41:19Z

Good morning, LJ! Hope you all had a pleasant night's sleep...or a pleasant night's blogging!

I've updated my projects once more, this time with a college-themed prompt! Since it seems like everyone's doing the college thing these days, I figured this topic could elicit a variety of responses and provide an outlet for current college students and recent graduates to complain about or praise their alma mater!

One click will take you there! http://www.webook.com/project/Rules-of-College

Happy inspiration!

-Emily

webook @ 2009-07-20T16:19:00

2009-07-20T20:30:19Z

My second project is up on the "Book!"

Here's the link: http://www.webook.com/project/Best-Ways-to-Strike-Up-a-Conversation

Feedback makes a WEbooker :)!

-E

webook @ 2009-07-20T15:16:00

2009-07-20T19:19:04Z

Hi everyone!

So, I've just successfully posted my first WEbook project. Very exciting!

Here's the link to check it out: http://www.webook.com/project/High-School-and-the-City

Feedback on the idea/story contributions are highly appreciated! Happy reading and writing!

-E

webook @ 2009-07-20T13:59:00

2009-07-20T18:12:33Z

Hi LiveJournal!

I'm Emily, a recent addition to the WEbook summer staff. For all the WEbookers in cyber space, I'm available to answer any questions, address any comments, and help you navigate the site. WEbook is the best place for aspiring writers to showcase their work and receive feedback from other WEbook contributors. Start a new WEbook "project" today and get great tips on how to hone your writing skills!

Here's the link to my WEbook profile: http://www.webook.com/member/ChiquitaEmilita
Feel free to add me! :)

Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming projects that are in the works!

Can't wait to get to know the WEbook community better! :)

-Emily

Summer Called

2009-06-29T19:28:55Z

hi LJ!

My name is Katie, I work at WEbook full-time. As many of you know Nina took over for Sam just a few months ago...now, Nina is off this summer on some adventures.

Help me learn more about you and LiveJournal. Send me a message if you have some advice or any comments for me. I would love your input.

: )
Katie

The Poetry Vote!

2009-06-15T20:51:08Z

Come to WEbook and take a look,
We're publishing an upcoming poetry book!

Hopefully your rhymes are better than mine,
And you'll have a shot to enter your work and shine!

Share your work with me!

Nina

______________________________________________________________________________
WEbook is happy to announce a poetry-only vote that will result in a collection of the very best poetry on WEbook to be published in a single volume. Here's how it works:

1.    All registered WEbook users can participate in the vote.

2.    The submission period is open thru July 31st. The voting period will begin on August 1st and will last for one month, ending on August 31st.

3.    Create a new project that contains your best three poems. Then submit the project for voting by clicking "Submit Your Book" in "My Tools" on the
       project's homepage.

4.    Each author can submit only one (three-poem) project to the vote. Please only one per author. A submission of multiple projects from the same author – even
       if under a different pen name – will disqualify all of the author's projects.

5.    The final collection will contain approximately 100 poems. WEbook will determine the final count after the voting has closed.

6.    The WEbook editorial staff will select the poems for publication from the projects ranked at the top of the vote. In doing that, we will closely follow the results
       of the vote, although we reserve the right to make some exceptions.

7.   The WEbook editorial staff may select one or more poems from the top projects. Our choice will be guided by the desire to put out the best poetry collection
       we can.

8.    The theme of the collection will be “The Very Best Poetry on WEbook 2009.”

Click here to see poems already submitted to the Vote.

Got a poem, short story, or novel you've been dying to share with NYC??

2009-06-09T15:39:40Z

Greg Kemp will kick off the night with a short reading from The Legend of Vinny Whiskers. The floor will be open...for YOU. So join us and take your latest draft out for a test drive.

June 22, 2009
7:00 to 9:00 PM

Roots and Vines
409 Grand Street (btw Attorney St & Clinton St)
New York, New York 10002

Email us in advance at katie [at] WEbook [dot] com to get on the list early! ...and pass on this invitation!

http://www.webook.com/landing/Open-Mic-Night-NYC

Writer's Block: Rabbit Rabbit!

2009-06-01T18:59:13Z

A summer share in the Hamptons or Fire Island, perhaps! Or to win a vacation!