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Announcing the 11th Delmarva Review…a literary journal of exceptional prose and poetry

25 Thursday Oct 2018

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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All Writers, Anne Colwell, Authors, Bill Gourgey, Cheryl Somers Aubin, Creative Nonfiction, Fiction, Gerald F. Sweeney, Harold O. Wilson, James O'Sullivan, Jay P. Fleming, Jodie Littleton, Literary Journals, Literature, Magazines, Michael Pretl, Poetry, Wendy Elizabeth Ingersoll

Delmarva Review, Volume 11, cover photograph “Sharps Island Light” by Jay Fleming

Welcome to Delmarva Review, Volume 11, a literary journal publishing exceptional new writing.  With humble deference to the great literature of the ages, this collection of poems, short stories, and creative nonfiction is proof that all stories have not already been told.  Here, each writer gives us an original, new voice.  The creative pen endures.

A common theme emerges from this year’s writing: the discovery or realization of one’s individuality, frequently during difficult times.  Adversity leaves its impression on one’s identity; it shapes us.  It can also be celebrated.  Individuality and creativity are inseparable.

As a journal, the review’s focus is on the voice and literary qualities of authors’ work to tell their stories.  We are impressed by the courage and clarity of a writer to reveal skillfully a personal feeling or truth that will be remembered.  They represent human challenges in a changing world.  In most cases, the stories take on more than one meaning. In all cases, the voice is authentic.

Our editors selected the work of 45 authors that stood out from thousands of submissions.  Enclosed are 57 poems, 10 short stories, 11 nonfiction and four micro nonfiction selections.  We also reviewed five recent books by regional writers.  In all, the authors come from 19 states and two other countries.

Delmarva Review was created to offer writers a valued venue to publish literary writing in print at a time when many commercial publications were shutting their doors or limiting literary content.  We still favor the permanence of the printed word, but we also publish an electronic edition to meet the digital preferences of many readers.  Both print and electronic editions are immediately available at Amazon.com, Kindle, and other major online booksellers.

Submissions are welcome from all authors who pursue literary writing (writing as an art).  Our editors read each submission.  Since the first issue, we have published the new work of over 300 writers from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 foreign countries.  Fifty-one percent are from the tri-state Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay region. Over 50 have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and others have received notable mentions in Best American Essays and other literary publications.

Delmarva Review is an independent, nonprofit literary journal supported by a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with revenues from the Maryland State Arts Council, and from individual tax-deductible contributions.

As the editor, I am deeply appreciative of the personal dedication of our genre editors, each utilizing their experience and skill to select compelling fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction from thousands of writers every year.  The editors and advisors include: Bill Gourgey, Managing Editor, Harold O. Wilson, Fiction Editor, Anne Colwell, Poetry Editor, Cheryl Somers Aubin, Nonfiction Editor, James O’Sullivan, Fiction Reader, Wendy Elizabeth Ingersoll, Poetry Reader, Gerald F. Sweeney, Book Review Editor, Jodie Littleton, Copy Editor, and Michael Pretl, Legal Advisor.

Wilson Wyatt, Executive Editor

Submissions period open from November 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 for Volume 12, publishing in the fall, 2019.

 

 

Delmarva Review’s 10th Edition features 40 writers – New Submissions period is open

23 Saturday Dec 2017

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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Anthology, Authors, Best Writing, Birth, Book Reviews, Change, Chesapeake, Death, Delmarva Review, Eastern Shore Writers, Essays, Fiction, Future, Hope, Inspiration, Literary Magazines, Love, Nonfiction, Poetry, Prose, Recovery, Schizophrenia, Short Stories, Submissions

DR-V10-Cover-Web-sig

I am pleased to publish “Delmarva Review” announcements on my blog, as chairman of the editorial board and executive editor.  All of us are proud of its continued progress over 10 years to publish outstanding literary work. – Wilson Wyatt

Delmarva Review announced publication of its tenth annual literary journal presenting original poetry, short stories and nonfiction from 40 authors in 18 states. The Review welcomes submissions from all writers.

“The tenth anniversary issue touches on the themes of change and hope,” said Emily Rich, editor of the tenth edition. “Amidst the uncertainties of life, people grasp for what is eternal in the human condition.”

The 2017 first place winner of Chesapeake Voices Prose Contest is featured in this edition. The short story, “The Future is Not For Sale,” by Jeremy Griffin, of South Carolina, was hailed by contest judge Laura Oliver, of Maryland, as “sophisticated with especially strong characterization.”

Editors selected 41 new poems, 11 short stories, five nonfiction essays, and five book reviews for the tenth edition.

Since its first year, the journal has printed the original literary work of over 280 authors. Some are newly discovered. In all, they have come from 35 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 other countries. About half are from the Delmarva and Chesapeake region. Fifty-three works have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, and some have received notable mentions in anthologies and critical journals.

Delmarva Review is published by the Delmarva Review Literary Fund (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit), supported by individual contributions and a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The submission period for the 2018 issue is open now through March 31, 2018. Submission guidelines are posted on the website www.delmarvareview.com.

The journal produces print and electronic editions. Both are available worldwide via Amazon.com and other online booksellers. It is downloadable in a digital format for tablets, computers, smart phones, and other reading devices. Two-year subscriptions are available at a discount through the website. 

Public Radio Delmarva features the new “Delmarva Review”

11 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Maryland, Poetry, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

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"A Limited Sky", Author Ree Davis, Authors, Book Reviews, Delaware, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Editors, Literary Journals, Maryland, Personal Essays, Poetry, Salisbury Players, Short Stories, The Delmarva Review, Writing

Recording in the WSDL studio, Delmarva Public Radio, are(l to r) George Merrill, Wendy Elizabeth Ingersoll, Wilson Wyatt, with show host Harold   Wilson

Recording in the WSDL 90.7 studio, Delmarva Public Radio, are(l to r) nonfiction editor George Merrill, poet Wendy Elizabeth Ingersoll, executive editor Wilson Wyatt, with show host Harold Wilson, fiction editor      Click on image for larger view

“Delmarva Today – Writer’s Edition” highlighted the new issue of The Delmarva Review, a literary journal, in a one-hour radio show, which included interviews and a dramatic reading by actors of one of the short stories in the Review.

Poet Wendy Elizabeth Ingersoll read from her poetry and was interviewed by program host Harold Wilson. Also interviewed were nonfiction editor George Merrill and executive editor Wilson Wyatt. The literary journal, published by the Eastern Shore Writers Association, printed an expanded edition of poetry, short stories and essays. It is available in print and e-book editions at major online booksellers, like Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Apple, and others. It is also carried by regional book stores, the News Center, in Easton, and Mystery Loves Company, in Oxford.

RADIO BROADCAST link:  http://delmarvapublicradio.net/post/delmarva-today-writers-edition-17

AMAZON link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPP6BZ4

Join us for two Holiday Book Signings . . . “Authors’ Nights” on the Eastern Shore

10 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, Maryland, Photography, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing, YOSEMITE - CATCHING THE LIGHT

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Authors, Book Signing, Brent Lewis, Centreville, Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Views - Catching the Light, Christmas Gifts, Delmarva Peninsula, Gerald F. Sweeney, Holiday Books, Joseph Ross Jr., Kent Island, Kenton Kilgore, Mark Lidinsky, Nick Hoxter, Photography, Robert Bidinotto, Stevensville, Susan Jones, Susan Reiss, The Delmarva Review, Yosemite - Catching the Light

Because books make great gifts!

CHESAPEAKE VIEWS - CATCHING THE LIGHT, on its way to two Authors' Nights

CHESAPEAKE VIEWS – CATCHING THE LIGHT, a tabletop photography book by Wilson Wyatt Jr., on its way to two “Authors’ Nights”

My photography book, Chesapeake Views – Catching the Light, and The Delmarva Review will be among the many books presented at “Holiday Authors’ Nights” at two libraries on the Eastern Shore.  I’m delighted to join with other authors to sign and sell books for the season.  Refreshments available. You’re invited!

Authors’ Night in Centreville – Wednesday, December 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Queen Anne’s Free Library, 121 S. Commerce Street, in Centreville, MD.

Authors’ Night on Kent Island – Wednesday, December 18, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Kent Island Library (Queen Anne’s Free Library branch), on Kent Island, 200 Library Circle, in Stevensville, MD.

Join us . . . we’ll talk about books, writing, and photography (in my case). Nothing is formal . . . just a festive evening.  Books are the lasting gifts of words and images.

Meet the authors, including: Robert Bidinotto, Nick Hoxter, Susan Jones, Kenton Kilgore, Brent Lewis, Mark Lidinsky, Susan Reiss, Joseph Ross Jr., Jerry Sweeney, and Wilson Wyatt Jr. (me).

Just bring your good spirit!

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A wonderful task for an editor. . . Pushcart Prize nominations!

03 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Inspiration, The Delmarva Review, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 1 Comment

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Authors, Book Reviews, Creative Nonfiction, Eastern Shore Writers Association, Editors, Fiction, Inspiration, Literary Reviews, Literary Writing, Maryland, Poetry, Recognition, Submissions, The Delmarva Review, The Pushcart Prize, Writers

DR-6-Pushcart

 

The Delmarva Review nominated the writing of six authors for The Pushcart Prize. It’s one of the greatest pleasures an editor can experience, recognizing the writers among the best, all in contention with other selected authors around the nation, their work competing for the coveted Pushcart Prize.

Being nominated for a prestigious literary prize gives authors more than recognition.  It propels their work to another level of discovery.  It’s a powerful incentive for writers to seek the best in literary writing, one of the primary purposes of the Review.

Personally, this caps a long year of hard work.  A gifted team of editors, all skilled volunteers, can appreciate our selection of poetry and prose, all over again.  We’ve gone through the difficult task of reading hundreds of submissions, making tough choices, accepting and rejecting the words that so many authors have labored over, sometimes for years.

The selection process was followed by the careful eyes of our copy editor, proofreaders, and designer.  All of us felt an obligation to print a quality journal that respected the words of our authors.  This often goes unnoticed, but a fine literary review is not just glued together and haphazardly sent to readers or posted online.  It takes time, and a creative, caring hand.

The pleasure we feel today is from knowing that our authors appreciate their opportunity. It’s now up to another set of editors to make their choices. We’ll know next year.

The Delmarva Review nominations include:

–       “Writing My Way Home,” a personal essay by combat veteran Ron Capps

–       “Melissa,” a poem by William Peak

–       “Immigrant,” a poem by Holly Karapetkova

–       “November Morning,” a prose poem by Devon Miller-Duggan

–       “Dioscuri,” a poem by Paul Otremba

–       “Flowers Scarcely Withered,” a short story by Nancy Ford Dugan

Thank you to Pushcart Press for its continued support of literary work published in the small presses.  And, thank you to a gifted team at The Delmarva Review…and to our sponsor, the Eastern Shore Writers Association.   For more about the Review, copies, and submission guidelines, please see the website: www.delmarvareview.com.

 

 

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Self-publishing today…dependable truths

11 Thursday Apr 2013

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in The Future, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Agents, Amazon, Author's Platform, Authors, Book Design, Books, Distribution, Editing, Empowerment, Good Writing, Hybrid Authors, Marketing, Metadata, New Agents, Publishing, Readers, Self-publishing, Social Media, Traditional Publishing, Writer's Digest Conference East, Writing

 
Writer's Digest Conference East, New York

Writer’s Digest Conference East 2013 – New York, NY

Finding dependable “truths” from the turbulent publishing world is like trying to catch a bird from a roller coaster.  By the time you reach up, publishing has flown by, in new directions.  The best advice may be to climb aboard, enjoy the ride, and focus on the track ahead.

I just returned from the annual Writer’s Digest Conference (WD), in NYC, which included an entire day devoted to self-publishing, during the three-day event.  It’s surprising how the publishing world has changed in one year.  From the growth of  “metadata” techniques to the successes of a new category of “hybrid writers” (those who combine self-publishing with traditional publishing) to an evolving role for “nimble” agents, a vanguard few who are transforming from traditional agent to “change agent”…so much valuable information for writers.

It was interesting, as well, to see that in the midst of all this dazzling change, some basic things remain the same. I’ll elaborate below.

Here are a few highlights gleaned from the presentations. I think they are accurate or representative of the publishing marketplace, at the moment.

  • 70% of traditionally published authors who have also self-published, prefer to self-publish their books. The author is empowered. (WD survey of 5,000 authors)
  • Ironically, 68% of self-published authors still want to be traditionally published, a lingering “prestige” factor. (WD survey)
  • A new category of “hybrid authors” is emerging, those who combine self-publishing and traditional publishing for the same book project.
  • “Hybrid authors” sell more books, on average, and receive 38% more book revenue than either traditional or self-published authors, and they are more aggressive in marketing.
  • Marketing is up to the author, regardless of traditional or self-publishing.  While not new, many writers still think publishers do the marketing.  That’s not the case.
  • The one key advantage of traditional publishers is they assign an experienced project editor to the author, guiding the book from beginning to completion (content, line, and proofreading editing).  Self-published authors must do the same, on their own.   However, a traditional publisher controls the content, design, and keeps the book rights, paying the author only 15% of sales.  Advances have almost disappeared, except for major authors.
  • The democratization of marketing online is what is new and essential, not the author’s platform.  “Authors have a load of work to do,” said Joe Fine, of Amazon.com.
  • Word-of-mouth is still the best way to reach readers, based on a recent survey.
  • Distribution is king. When selecting your publishing imprint, think how it can be distributed as far as possible. Some self-publishing houses are proprietary, limiting distribution.
  • Know your audience, first.  Define the audience in detail. Then plan marketing accordingly, including who is on your launch team.
  • The “author’s page,” as an online site, is the critical place to sell your book.
  • While self-publishing is no longer a stigma, some traditional writers and agents still hold onto remnants of the past.  Why? Unfortunately, many self-published books are not written well or carefully edited.
  •  “If you write a good book and it develops a following, believe me, the agents will find you.” – Keith Ogorek, of Author Solutions, Inc.
  • New agent’s role can be additive to sales, bringing the knowledge of many publishing options to the author.  The “new agent” (only a few, so far) can help link the author to markets and accelerate sales.  This is a growing field: “change agents.”
  • Understand the “metadata” and check it frequently as your book travels through the distribution pipeline.  This is more important as we move toward an open source Web, worldwide (Web 3.0).  If data can’t speak to each other, a book’s availability becomes limited in a worldwide marketplace.  Good data results in more sales.  This is a growing topic.
  • Book design is more important than ever, for e-books and print.  In short, consider paying for a professional book designer who knows the current marketplace, including the technology necessary for your audience to find your book.  The cover art and layout is critical.  Don’t rely on your best friend’s artwork…if you want readership.
  • While authors are more empowered by self-publishing, readers are also more empowered…by online distribution.  They have far more choices for books to read.

What remains the same:

  • Marketing is still marketing.  The basics are not new.  Only the delivery systems have changed.  Social media is only a means, among many.  It’s good to keep up with social media and online techniques, but it’s far better to spend most of your time writing a good book and knowing your audience.
  • Good writing!  Nothing is more important than a well-written book.  It trumps clever marketing ideas and establishes your reputation among readers.
  • Editing.  Nothing turns off a discerning reader faster than poor editing.
  • Readership determines sales.

These are only a few highlights from a huge array of detailed information.  If you want to know more, let me know.  I’ll probably post again on this subject in the days ahead.

If you are genuinely interested in self-publishing, you can attend the “Publish Now” seminar for writers, all day on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at The Writer’s Center, in Bethesda, Maryland. This is an annual “how-to-do-it” event that will speed your way to publishing your work. You’ll learn what to do and avoid many of the common errors, all from a dependable, independent source. Check their website for details: http://www.writer.org or call: (301) 654-8664.

In the meantime, we can all enjoy writing, writing, and rewriting…as well as reading a great book.  It’s a good ride.

Writing and publishing today…what’s honest and true?

01 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by Wilson Wyatt Jr. in Writing, Writing and publishing today

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Agents, Amazon, Authors, Digital, Genre fiction, Google, Hemingway, High impact fiction, Honest and true, Internet, Literary fiction, Self-publishing, Supported self-publishing, Traditional publishers, Writing and publishing

"Books" - photo copyright 2010 Wilson Wyatt Jr (click on image for full size)

Hemingway would say we learn “what is honest and true” by the doing of it.  Of course, reading is good…isn’t it, Ernest?

As a writer, I try to immerse myself in what’s new.  Being current is important, but it can be a dizzying pursuit these days.

In January, I attended the annual Writer’s Digest Writers Conference in New York.  Like all large conferences, there’s an art to picking and choosing topics and speakers to discern what’s new.  I wanted to see, on a national or global scale, what is really happening in the “publishing” and “self-publishing” industries, from a writer’s perspective.  I wanted to know “what is honest and true.”

Amid all the various presentations, there were a few important insights…showing  definite changes to the publishing landscape.  You can believe them, or you can fight them…your choice…but they carry a strong measure of truth.  Here are the highlights.

–  Thanks to digital technology, there are more authors than ever…more content…more books being published…good news for authors!

–  90 % of all books (traditional and self-published) sell under 1,000 copies.  The “honest” truth is the number of “sales” is the ultimate measure of success…if we’re writing to reach readers.

–  The big news is self-publishing now stands on its own feet and competes head-to-head with traditional publishing.  This is a sea change from only a year ago.

–   “Supported Self-publishing” has emerged as a new growth industry, assisting the author with all those nitty-gritty things they hate (digital coding, ISBN’s, barcodes, layout, design, printing, E-books, marketing, and distribution), including services once performed only by traditional publishers.

–  The role of the agent is changing…but not disappearing.

–  Authors can control, for the first time, editing, design, printing, marketing and distribution.

–  Legitimacy of “self-publishing” has arrived and is permanent.

–  Self-publishing can be much more lucrative to authors than the 85% taken by traditional publishers.

–  Traditional publishers, once “the gatekeepers” of “good writing,” aren’t keeping pace with technological change.  Good writing is being published everywhere, in new formats, digitally and in print. The “dinosaur theory” is knocking at the door of the big publishers.

–  Is traditional genre fiction dying? The boundaries between genres (mystery, thriller, romance, paranormal, sci-fi, etc.) are rapidly combining or merging into “mainstream.” A new mixture of “high impact fiction” and “literary” writing is enduring on the best seller lists.

–  The value of good writing is more important today than ever, as the marketplace floods with more books.  Readers will search for the best.

And finally…for better or worse…the most profitable market for writers is writers.  These are writers who sell “how-to-do-it” advice to other aspiring writers.  Wading through the quagmire to find the grains of truth can be painful, especially with technological advances and search tools.  Buyer beware.  As with all books, a few are good, and still fewer are great.

Most of us are still searching for “what is honest and true.”

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