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What Reviewers Are Saying...
About Books by Moira Allen

Writing to Win: The Colossal Guide to Writing Contests

...with the multitude of contests out there, where does one start their search? Moira Allen of Writing World has an answer with her book Writing to Win: The Colossal Guide to Writing Contests. Weighing in at 350 pages, this book provides hundreds of contests for every style and level of writing imaginable, from short story competitions for unpublished science fiction writers to literary awards for experienced novelists... The advice at the beginning is alone worth the price of entry, and the listings are user friendly and browseable, allowing the reader to discover contests they might not find if they were actively searching for what they thought they wanted.

-- Sean McLachlan, author

I have yet to find an online compendium of writing contests that compares to the one compiled by Ms. Allen. Because its listing are organized by writing type (poetry, short fiction, nonfiction, books, scripts and screenplays) and also by deadline (so that the author knows when to submit her work), Writing to Win is easy to use. And, with over 300 pages of listings, the book is probably as close to comprehensive as any resource like this can be.... it [also] offers plenty of good advice about how to prepare a story for submission as well pointers on how to determine whether a competition is legitimate or not. If you are at all interested in entering writing competitions, then I recommend this book.

--Elle Scott, "Writing for Newbies"

Starting Your Career as a Freelance Writer

An extremely practical and detailed career guide for the aspiring writer seeking to become a paid professional. Starting Your Career As A Freelance Writer comprehensively and accessibly covers how to make time for writing; honing research and interview techniques; find markets for written work of all kinds; writing and marketing nonfiction books and articles, and a great deal more. A no-nonsense advice guide packed with tips, tricks, and techniques, Starting Your Career As A Freelance Writer is an absolute "must-read" for anyone seriously interested in developing a successful career as a professional freelance writing.

-- Midwest Book Review

Commencing a career as a freelance writer is a difficult task, and one in which a great deal of perseverance and patience is required. It is Allen's vast experience and her ability to effectively convey her knowledge from these experiences that is very much in evidence throughout book, and will surely prove to be invaluable to aspiring freelance writers.

-- Norm Goldman, Editor of Bookpleasures

Moira Allen's book is so good it makes me want to start all over again as a freelance writer.

-- Lewis Frumkes, Director of the Marymount Manhattan Writing Center

Allen's advice to freelancers is concise, accurate, and right on target. The chapters on rights, copyright, and contracts, particularly, should be required reading for all aspiring writers.

-- Marcia Preston, ByLine

Getting a freelance career off the ground and keeping it there is daunting even for experienced journalists. Moira's book not only has the answers to the business dilemmas that plague beginners but also offers pros revenue-enhancing ideas. Well worth shelf space in every freelancer's library.

-- Jennie L. Phipps, FreelanceSuccess.com.

This is the book that I've always wanted to write. It is, in my humble opinion, literally "everything you need to know to start your freelance writing career."

--E2K/NetAuthor

I am a fan of Moira Allen's incredibly resourceful website WRITING-WORLD and looked forward to reading her all-in-one guide on freelancing writing. As I expected, no disappointments here -- all you ever wanted to know about the basics of writing for magazines and going freelance is explained simply and expertly in this book.

-- Radhika Meganathan


Writing-World.com's Guide to Paying Fiction and Poetry Markets

Moira Allen has done it again. She's assembled 675 publications who pay for fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction, in a 214-page e-book that is easy to use. Markets are divided into logical sections... Each of these sections contains alphabetical listings, including payment, length, rights purchased, contact info, and the website where more specific guidelines can be found. More than a third of the listings in this guide are literary magazines, which is extremely valuable because many of these publications don't appear in other market guides, and it's often difficult to know if literary magazines mentioned elsewhere actually pay contributors. In the introduction, Moira offers solid marketing advice based on her vast experience in the freelance world. This marketing guide is ideal for both beginner and experienced writers.

-- Barbara Florio Graham, SimonTeakettle.com


The Writer's Guide to Queries, Pitches and Proposals

This book helped me get an assignment to write an article on speculation with my first response to a query. My first two responses arrived on the same day--the assignment and a form rejection letter; her book prepared me for both! Her concrete examples, understanding of what editors look for, and detailed explanation of query construction were invaluable. This is a great book!

-- C. Businelle

Moira Allen offers writers practical advice (and great examples) to help them get their work published. A great source for the writer's bookshelf.

-- Elfrieda Abbe, The Writer

This book is an excellent resource for beginning and experienced writers, packed with useful tips and practical examples. In addition to covering essential topics such as writing queries for articles and books, syndication, and writing columns, it also discusses alternative publishing methods, grants, networking, and other opportunities for writers. Highly recommended.

--Debbie Ridpath Ohi, Founder, Inkspot

Whether you write articles, novels, nonfiction books, business material, or something in between, [this book] is brimming with valuable information for you. Allen and a host of experienced writers offer everything from submission basics to venturing boldly into cyberspace. This should be required reading for all writers!

--Karen S. Wiesner, author


Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet

A wonderful, helpful book filled with information and guidance... Treats this serious subject with sympathetic feelings... An excellent guide allowing us to understand that we are not alone with our grief. Anyone who has a pet should read it.

-- Dog Week

Written with compassion and understanding; truly required reading for any pet owner.

-- Dog World

Coping with Sorrow should be welcomed by those who are grieving or are anticipating extreme stress and grief over the loss of a pet. The author's presentation and knowledge of the subject offer solace and understanding to the pet owner in need.

-- Cats Magazine

Coping with Sorrow addresses every aspect of pet loss and grief... Written in a clear, friendly style... It takes a pet owner by the hand and walks him through the stages of bereavement, offering explanations and coping strategies at every step.

-- Canine Concepts

A small gem of a book... Anderson's book fills the need for a comprehensive, yet easily read, publication on pet loss and owner bereavement. The message is one of love, common sense, and practical information.

-- The Delta Society

This book has been needed for a long time -- like forever! The wealth of information given by pet owners makes the book come alive. It's a lovely thing, beautifully and generously written from the bottom of a superb writer's heart.

-- Dog Writers Association of America

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Copyright © 2009 by Moira Allen. All rights reserved. Copyright to individual articles held by authors.