Featured Article
SO, WHO'S BEEN PLAYING CHICKEN IN THE FOX
COOP? - With Nielsen expected to announce later
today that it will yield to the immense pressure building
from broadcast, political and consumer advocacy
groups to delay the rollout of people meters in the Big
Apple, you'd think that the people behind the
successful campaign would be tripping over themselves
to take credit for it. And maybe they are, the problem
is nobody seems to be able to tell the us exactly who's
responsible for it. The code of secrecy surrounding the
marketing effort - unprecedented in the history of a
Nielsen ratings debate (and there have been plenty of
those) - has all the earmarks of high-powered political
intrigue: sealed lips, lots of finger-pointing and virtually
no paper trail to speak of. This is surprising for such a
public campaign that has involved speeches and
statements by legislative leaders, direct mail and ads in
major daily papers. But BLP has seen this kind of cloak-
and-dagger media spin before and if our deduction is
correct, the trail likely ends with an old master of
political spin and corporate positioning, Fox News
Channel chief, Roger Ailes.
IT MAY BE THE GREAT WHITE NORTH, BUT WHERE'S
THE RED AND BLUE? - BLP frequently feels as if it
were a alone in the world, but we're feeling especially
so after reviewing the findings of a Harris Interactive
study of other nations' views of the U.S. and its
policies. It's not that we were surprised to learn that
major European industrials like France, Germany, Spain,
Italy and even Great Britain have a relatively negative
attitude toward the States, it's the fact that our next-
door neighbors do. Generally speaking, Canadians
appear to be just as sour on the U.S. as the Western
Europeans about almost all things American, except
one, our media content. In fact, our northern neighbors
apparently think more highly of American films and TV
programs than Americans do. While only 48 percent of
Western Europeans and 44 percent of Americans think
positively of U.S. media content, 60 percent of
Canadians do, according to the Harris Interactive
survey. Perhaps it's the fact that so many Canadian
actors appear in American TV shows and films, or
maybe it's all those reruns of SCTV. The only other
area where Canadians appear to have any affinity with
American culture is our cuisine. More than half (53
percent) of Canadians have a positive view of American
food, vs. only 17 percent of Western Europeans.
Yahoo! Revs Up Brand Campaign: 'Life Engine' -
Yahoo!, a brand born on the Internet, shows its grown-
up side in a comprehensive new brand campaign that
broke out yesterday with four 30-second TV spots
positioning the Web powerhouse as a life engine that
enables people to get more out of their lives.
The initial four spots will run primarily on cable
channels, including Discovery's TLC, The Travel
Channel, Bravo, FoodTV, Viacom's VH1, and Comedy
Central; some network television is also planned. The
effort also includes online rich media and banner
advertising throughout the Yahoo! network, and a
special micro-site where consumers can engage with
the subjects of the TV commercials and interact with
highlighted services.
Yahoo! plans to make online media buys outside of its
network, although it declined to name the
properties: "It's very important for us to be leaders in
the space and to show advertisers to really use this
medium to its full potential," Dunaway notes.
Sci Fi Channel's Upfront: More Than Just
Space -Sci Fi Channel isn't just about aliens and
humans in far-flung reaches of the galaxy anymore.
That's evident when you look at what the channel has
in store for the next year or so. Sure, you'll still find
some spaceships, lasers, great special effects, and all
the other requisite science-fiction staples. But Sci Fi
has loosened the strict bonds of the species, focusing
on more down-to-earth locales with a twist, as Sci Fi
chief Bonnie Hammer said.
In other words, Sci Fi has seen the future--and it isn't
necessarily the future.
It's hard to argue with the success--the network is
among the top 10 in cable households and key demos,
and is breaking into the top five for some of them. Sci
Fi had a record-setting year in 2003, and the first
quarter of 2004 continued the trend. It's done that
with miniseries like "Taken"--a 10-parter that ran in
December 2002--and last year's "Battlestar Galactica,"
along with original movies, series, and a new thrust in
reality-based programming that is pulling in the adults
ages 18-34 compared to the 25-54s that had been the
channel's core.
GUERILLA MARKETING
How to Increase the Power of your Testimonials
Are you using testimonials in your marketing? If not,
you are missing one of the most successful forms of
marketing ever used. Adding a testimonial to your
current marketing material can not only increase your
sales but also more importantly increase your credibility!
Adding testimonials can greatly increase the power of
your marketing program if done correctly. Done
correctly? How hard can it be to add a testimonial you
say? Read on and learn how you can increase the
power of your testimonial by ten fold and avoid the
most common marketing mistake many top on-line sites
make.
Browse around some of your favorite web sites and see
how many testimonials from satisfied customers are
prominently displayed. I bet many of them are lacking
the most important part. Contact! How many times
have you come across a page full of testimonials that
are listed like the following example:
Great products and services! I will recommend you to
everyone I know. Your services are fantastic.
D.S. - Wilkes Barre, PA
Wow that's believable...Not! Who is D.S. and why
should I believe this person? When you are using a
testimonial on your site or for any form of marketing for
that matter include as much information about the
person as you can.
How much more credible do you think the above
testimonial would be if it had the full name, email and
URL if available of the author? 10 times or more! If you
are concerned about people blasting your customers
with email asking about your business, don't. Most
people will not bother emailing them. Just the fact that
they could is all the support your testimonial needs.
When you receive a testimonial from your customers or
a happy visitor, respond and thank them! Ask them if it
would be ok to use their kind words on your site. Be
sure to tell them you will give them full credit for their
testimonial with a link.
Leery about asking for your customer's permission?
Most people will be glad to let you post their
testimonial. In fact I bet most will appreciate the link.
Always ask before posting comments on your site or
including them in your marketing material.
You will be surprised at how far a testimonial can go in
the eyes of your prospects. One great bonus is the
fact that there is absolutely no cost! Nothing beats a
personal recommendation.
I hope you re-evaluate your use of testimonials and if
you never used them, start. It could make you rich!
Catching Opportunities
You have missed hundreds, possibly thousands of
opportunities. Don't feel too bad about it, though. We
all have. In fact, every time we choose to do
something, by extension we are choosing NOT to do
something else. It's a fact of life.
The trick is to catch those opportunities that are best
for us. Sometimes, we don't even see them until after
they have passed. How many times have you seen
what someone else did and said, 'Why didn't I think of
that?'
Here is the secret to catching those opportunities
before they slip past you: Teach your brain to make
connections. Connections between related items.
Connect between items that don't appear to be related
to Connections that are 'unexpected' to the untrained
brain.
Training your brain to make connections will help you to
catch opportunities to create new products, package
and repackage your products and services to attract
new markets, find marketing opportunities others have
missed, get publicity, and provide high-quality service
to your customers. Plus, it's fun!
Here are a few exercises to help train your brain:
Go through your Rolodex(tm) or address book. Pick a
person at random, and look for connections between
the two of you. What do you have in common? How do
your differences complement each other? Could you
come together for a purpose that would benefit them
and you? Don't stop at the obvious. Could they
introduce you to a market you haven't pursued? What
could you do for them?
When you're surfing the Web, look for connections
between your business and the sites you visit. Is there
a site that offers products or services to the same
market you serve? Could you work together to build
your businesses? How could your products and services
be packaged with theirs?
Work puzzles and play games. I love to work puzzles--
word puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, all kinds of puzzles--
because they get my brain humming. When your brain is
active, you'll start to see possibilities you didn't see
before. Also, working puzzles gets you to look at things
in new ways, from new angles.
Look at a calendar. How can you associate your
business with holidays? Can you come up with a
promotion for each season, or each month? One
website which sells baby products did a special
Valentine's Day promotion. At first glance, you might
not see the connection but, as they said, 'We know
where babies come from.' Cute!
Get together with a couple of friends, and brainstorm.
When you get a freewheeling session going, the ideas
are flying and the free associations get made. Bring in a
couple of wild and crazy friends, and see what you
conjure up!
MOVIE REVIEWS 
Hellboy - 5 out of 5 points
Released from the underworld in 1944 by evil Russian
puppet master Grigori Rasputin (Karel Roden) and a
crew of Nazis as part of Hitler's plan to use occult
powers to turn the tide of World War II, Hellboy is
rescued and raised by kindly Professor Broom (John
Hurt). Years later, in present-day Manhattan, the big
red demon (Ron Perlman, who at this point must have
spent more of his life in a makeup chair than out of
one) smokes cigars, tosses off wisecracks, and fights
otherworldly baddies for the secretive Bureau for
Paranormal Research and Defense. He's joined by the
water-dwelling Abe Sapien (played by Doug Jones,
voiced by David Hyde Pierce) and fresh-faced FBI
agent John Myers (Rupert Evans), the professor's
designated Hellboy handler-in-training. When Rasputin
resurfaces and unleashes a horde of evil spirits on the
city in an attempt to finish what he started back in
the '40s, Hellboy and Co. (including fetching pyro Liz
Sherman, played by Selma Blair) must face the dark
magician in a no-holds-barred supernatural showdown
that (naturally) will determine the fate of the world.
All the digital enhancements and red makeup in the
world couldn't make Hellboy a sympathetic character if
the actor underneath wasn't appealing.
Del Toro fans have come to expect slick, moody action
from the man behind Mimic and Blade II, and they won't
be disappointed with Hellboy. From gloomy, dripping
subway tunnels to stark Russian graveyards, Del Toro
has created a more convincing comic book world than
almost anyone else who's brought a graphic novel to
the big screen in recent years (Spider-Man's Sam Raimi
and Bryan Singer's X-Men flicks are notable exceptions).
Walking Tall - 4 out of 5 points
When retired U.S. Special Forces Soldier Chris Vaughn
(Johnson) returns to Kipsat County, Wash., it's only to
find his hometown overrun with crime, drugs and
violence. The old mill where Chris's father (John
Beasley) worked for most of his life is closed, and the
town's only thriving industry is the Wild Cherry casino.
Even Chris' high school sweetie, Deni (Ashley Scott),
couldn't resist the Wild Cherry's lure; she's become a
peepshow dancer to "pay the bills." But Chris really
loses it when he discovers the casino's dealers are
using loaded dice--and he starts a brawl that ends with
the security team carving up his chest and abdomen
with a rusty Exacto knife. Chris also learns that that his
old high school rival, the casino's owner, Jay Hamilton
(Neal McDonough), has transformed the mill into a
crystal meth lab and is using the casino's menacing
security staff to sell the drugs to innocent kids. Chris
strikes back by running for sheriff, firing the entire
police department on his first day and, with the help of
a cedar two-by-four and his deputy and buddy Ray
Templeton (Johnny Knoxville), restores peace to the
Pacific Northwest.
Johnson, looking buffer than ever, is well cast in the
role of Chris: He's a fearless and determined soldier with
beyond-human fighting skills. But while the film takes
advantage of Johnson's brawn, it fails to take
advantage of his brain.
A WWE production with Vince McMahon serving as
executive producer, Walking Tall has none of the
subtlety of director Kevin Bray's last film, All About the
Benjamins, and all the elements of a wrestling match.
As with wrestling, the film begins by melodramatically
establishing the story (Chris and his family's lives are
devastated by the mill's closure) and, just like rival
pugilists who publicly taunt the favored wrestler, Chris
challenges Jay--not for the world title, but at least for
control of Kipsat County--in a never-ending battle
between good and evil that mimics wrestling to a T.
Bottom Line: Walking Tall could have used more
intelligent storytelling and less wrestlemania; it reeks of
SmackDown!, but it never fully exploits its champ, The
Rock.
The Prince & Me - 3 out 5 points
Paige Morgan (Julia Stiles) is under a lot of pressure.
She's a pre-med student at the University of Wisconsin,
so she's got class all day, a minimum wage job tending
bar in the evenings, and she burns the midnight oil
filling out med school applications through the night.
She's driven, she's got goals, and by golly, she doesn't
have time for love. Prince Edvard (Luke Mably), on the
other hand, lives a charmed existence: He'll be king one
day, and he lives in a castle in Denmark, travels the
world, races fast cars, has a butler (Ben Miller) to tend
to his every need, and his exploits in love are
emblazoned on the pages of nearly every European
tabloid. But when the royal mum and dad (Miranda
Richardson and James Fox) demand that Edward start
acting like a guy about to become king, he's feeling
some pressure, too. Miraculously, an infomercial
featuring hot Midwestern college girls baring their
breasts inspires him to head for the dairy capital of the
world--penniless, but with butler in tow--where he
meets Paige. He introduces himself simply as "Eddie,"
then asks her to bare her breasts. This tack, naturally,
gets him nowhere fast, so he decides to woo this coed
spitfire by learning to be a little more like her and a
little less like the pampered prince that she, as yet,
doesn't know him to be: He gets a job, tutors her in
Shakespeare, and helps with the chores when they visit
her parents' dairy farm. Love blooms, but what the
future holds for these star-crossed lovers, from two
such different worlds, remains to be seen.
With The Prince & Me, Stiles adds another lightweight
coed romance to a growing list that includes Save the
Last Dance and A Guy Thing, and as usual the talented
actress adds more to the role than she gets from it.
When her character's in her element, especially on the
family farm in Wisconsin, Stiles comes off as genuine
and the performance is relatively natural, although her
accent still carries vestiges of the posh 1950s school
girl she played in the recent Mona Lisa Smile, which
rings a little false.
Throughout the movie, one wonders how director
Martha Coolidge and writers Jack Amiel and Michael
Begler will end the fantasy: Will Paige be queen? Or will
she stay true to her own dreams? Will Edward give up
the throne to be with Paige? Or will The Prince & Me
overcome all the obstacles of its formulaic plot setup
and be--gasp--original? The filmmakers don't seem able
to decide, and there are at least three stuttering codas
at the conclusion of the movie, none of them
particularly memorable or fulfilling.
Bottom Line: It's trite, it's contrived, but hey, it's
romantic, and it's a great teenage date movie.
Betsie's News
Saturday I responded to an article that gnawed at me
like a dog on a bone. At the same time I decided to use
my response to do a liitle PR.
Sunday the Globe Correspondent emailed me back
saying that she forwarded my email. I said hmmm ok
Monday the Globe called wanting to publish my
response to the article and asked for additional info. I
said ok - it's not what I wanted, but sure why not -
knock yourselves out.
Twenty minutes later I got a call from a radio station
whom I had contacted sometime back wearing a
sign: "help out a struggling author day"(one hand open
for any handouts) They wanted to meet Thursday.
After yesterday's discussions, we opted for another
meeting next week. Here's the scoop: A special for
authors - to promote your book. They own 80 stations
across the country. Can you see the potential here? Is
it gonna be free? Of course not silly! But I'm working on
getting it down to something that even my dog can
afford - well of course I would have to pay for the dog !
So for any who are interested in this promotional deal
raise your hands up high and scream PIXIE DUST!!!!
***
We appreciate and hope you continue to send us your
comments, opinions, articles and suggestions.
Remember if you submit anything to our newsletter -
include a link back to your site.
Betsie's Literary Page is where readers and shoppers
are respected, books are cherished, aspiring writers are
encouraged and authors are adored.
Copyright by Betsie, 2004 All contents of this
email are for the use of Betsie's Literary Page
subscribers and may not be reproduced in any way
and/or posted on websites without prior express written
permission. If you would like to have friends or
associates receive our emails, rather than forwarding
this, please have them subscribe.
Thank You for reading, see you next week!
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Greetings Dear Readers!
WOW! Its been a another great week, hope the same
has been happening in your part of the world.
We have lots of exciting news to share as well as
information.
1st BLP has somehow made it to Italy!!!
Yep - you heard right - Italy. I received several emails
requesting a translated version of the newsletter. Not
sure how this came about though. To top it off my
Italian is a bit rusty - I sure hope they understood my
response LOL
2nd On behalf of everyone I'd like to give a warm
welcome to our newest subscribers. It is my hope that
the information provided is entertaining and helpful - in
some way or another.
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| Rebeca's Recipes & More | | | 
Mexican Dessert - Apricot Almond Empanaditas
Ingredients :
1 sht frozen puff pastry sheet thawed
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup apricot preserves
1/8 tsp cinnamon
2 tbl ground almonds for topping
* Yields 16 Empanaditas.
1. Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a cookie sheet with
vegetable cooking spray. On a floured board, unfold and
roll out puff pastry sheet to a 12-inch square. Cut
pastry into 16 3-inch squares.
2. In a small bowl, mix apricot preserves with almonds
and cinnamon.
3. Top each pastry square with a heaping teaspoon of
apricot preserve mixture. Fold squares in half to form
triangles. Brush edges of triangles with water and press
edges together with tines of a fork. Place triangles on
prepared baking sheet. Bake empanaditas for 15
minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Transfer to a
wire rack and dust with ground almonds.
* Serve warm.
BLP's WEEKLY JOKE
THE FBI REPORT
The phone rings at FBI headquarters. "Hello?"
"I'm calling to report my neighbor. He is hiding marijuana
inside his firewood."
"Thank you very much for the call, sir."
The next day, FBI agents descend on the neighbor's
house. They search the shed where the firewood is
kept. Using axes, they bust open every piece of wood,
but find no marijuana. They swear at the neighbors and
leave.
The phone rings at the neighbors house. Hey, Adrian,
did the FBI come?"
"Yep."
"Did they chop your firewood?"
"Yep."
"Great, now it's your turn to call. I need my garden
plowed."
NEW FOR KIDS
Singing Great Gray Owl Plush Toy - an adorable plush
toy has an added bonus! Squeeze the owl to hear the
luring call of the Great Gray Owl. Great gift for kids.
Measures 6" high. Available at the Nature Store -
Price: $ 7.95
Fingerpuppets To Win A Little Girl's Heart! - Three
amazingly detailed little fairies from the famous
Folkmanis collection, are right out of the pages of a
fairy tale! Great for bringing story time to life . . . or
adding a very special touch to a little girl's fairy tale
bedroom decor! Available at DaddysToyShop.com -
Price: $21.95 + shipping
Collectible Military Vehicles - Cold Steel 32x is a new
series from 21st Century Toys based on their plastic
32x vehicles. Using the tooling from the 32x line, they
have added metal and die cast parts with all new paint
schemes to these vehicles making them comparable to
Forces of Valor. Available at Michigan Toy Soldier -
Price:$ 21.95
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| Books Reviews & More | | | 
Title: Killer in Pair-A-Dice
Author: Dennis N. Griffin
Publisher: Writers Exchange E-Publishing (2003)
Genre: Murder Mystery/Suspense
ISBN: 1920741577
Ebook Format; $3.00
CD; $15.95
Paperback; 201pp $12.99
Rating: Highly Recommended
Night Phantom dulls glitter of Vegas
In the fabulous city of Las Vegas just past 10pm
Juanita Hernandez is leaving her job as a manager of a
women's clothing store. Juanita is excited and looking
forward to taking her daughters for a joyride in her new
convertible mustang.
Having parked at the distant end of the parking lot she
checks her new vehicle for what she thinks is a
scratch. So engrossed is Juanita, that she is unaware
that a night predator has his eye on her. Before she
can react, she is in his grasp!
In fear for her life she unwittingly decides its best not
provoke him and allows her captor to take her to a
secluded area where she believes he is going to rape
her. When he reaches the destination - he savagely
and repeatedly rapes and worse. Juanita soon realizes
this was a mistake.
By 6am Juanita is wrapped in a sheet and left at a well-
traveled intersection in the city.
Metropolitan Detective Steve Garneau and his partner
of a few months Terry Bolton are assigned to the case.
Discovering there is little to no evidence and no
witnesses to the crime. Lt. Daniels, Garneau's superior
is receiving pressure from the press as well as from city
officials to catch the predator before he can strike
again.
This is a first for the stalker, and he is genuinely
satisfied with his handiwork. As the press glamorizes his
crime, his ego is over inflated and is convinced that he
is unstoppable and can and will paralyze the city with
terror.
An over zealous reporter overhearing a private
conversation between Lt. Daniels and Det. Garneau
releases a story that insights the stalker to target Det.
Garneau. Steve races against time before the killer can
harm one of his loved ones.
Mr. Griffin's, Killer in Pair-of-Dice instantly
captures and holds reader's attention. For this reviewer
it is the one of two books read by this author, having
read the second book in the series first (One-Armed-
Bandit), finding that these novels will make a wonderful
collection to your library, and a must for avid Detective
story fans.
Reviewed by Juanita Reynolds
***
*** Books NOt yet Released ***
Title: Fire in the Ice
Author: Katlyn Stewart
Publisher: Publish America
Genre: Contemporary Romance Fiction
ISBN: Pending
Rating: Recommended
Deedra Elizabeth Marlan is the sole owner of the
Fireside Inn, only after her husband's untimely death
and for which she becomes involved to fill the void in
her life. Building an outer shell, not allowing love to
venture back into her life, with a matter of time her
employees dub Deedra "Ice Princess".
Her sincerity, and her flaming self-respect serve well to
ward off any potential suitors.
Until one day a stranger with a familiar face walks in.
Although, she would soon find out that Joshua Tyler
McKenzie was no ordinary man. His gentle smile, that
could melt stone and flashing eyes, maelstroms into
which a woman could fall happily forever and never
once question where she was headed.
In a standoffish game of Cat and Mouse, Deedra, and
Joshua, search out one another. Fascinated by their
attraction, Marcy Tomlinson, Deedra's best friend takes
matters into her own hands. In order to help things
along, Marcy sets up a surprise dinner that turns into
much more than expected.
What can readers expect form Fire in the Ice? A
lush and spellbinding story of passion and betrayal that
grandly sweeps readers. Hot and sensual scenes, as
well as interesting enough characters to sink your teeth
into.
Katlyn Stewart's writing style is a little raw in this genre
and the plot moves at a slow pace, finding a couple
parts to be slightly sappy and corny. The worry for this
reviewer had been that the author, might not be able
to pull everything together to give this romantic tale
the ending it needed to be worthwhile. But alas, worry
not dear readers.
Fire in the Ice is for anyone who loves a
detailed story taut with physical attraction and
fascinating characters. Makes for a good relaxing read.
Reviewed by Betsie
Comments or questions about book reviews may be
sent to: betsiesbooks-books@yahoo.com
***
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 
Linda Pannett, author of "Silent Killers" recently
received some wonderful news:
Dear Ms. Pannett:
Thank you for your March 20, 2004 letter and enclosure
regarding your new book "Silent Killers." I have ordered
a copy of the book and after I have finished, I will
share the same with my probation officer and his
assistant. Additionally, I will certainly encourage my
wife to read the book, as she is a very valuable
reference for determining how someone outside of the
court system would respond to the book.
As you are aware, I have been in office a little over
three years. In preparing to take office and during my
tenure, I have commenced several projects. One of the
projects, which I have been interested in, is a victim
conciliation, which can particularly important in
Operating While Intoxicated cases.
Again, thank you for your suggestions and I will be back
in contact with you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
James A. McEntarfer
Judge, Perry Circuit Court
Betsie, isn't this wonderful? Maybe the Judge will
make "Silent Killers" a mandatory reading for all drunk
drivers who come before him. I am so excited I just had
to share this with you.
Sincerely,
Linda Pannett
Well Linda,
Here's what I say: Scientists have often used the
word "uncertainty" to describe the enormous
possibilities of one thing, and uncertainty is truly what
dreams are made of. So dream big!!
***
Shirley A. Roe after obtaining our review
for "Of Dreams and Nightmares" included it with a query
and summary to Harper Collins and Bantam, along with
several agents.
Her efforts paid off!!!
A HUGE Congratulations to Shirley! For having received
a request for her manuscript from Harper Collins. I'm
sure she must still be dancing on cloud nine.
Can someone help her down... ^_^
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| For Aspiring writers | | |
MANUSCRIPT SUBMISSION
For those of you who are unaware of how to submit to
the big houses here's the low down on standards:
1. I strongly urge you to query by e-mail first.
2. Use the word "Query" as the subject of your e-mail.
3. Your query should be brief, no more than a two-page
description of your book. Do not send chapters or a full
synopsis at this time. You will receive a response --
either a decline or a request for more material -- in
approximately one to two weeks.
Once the manuscript has been requested, ensure
the following:
1.Title page - Don't number the title page. Begin
numbering with the first page of the text of the book,
which usually will be the introduction or chapter one.
2. Don't put any copyright information on the
manuscript. It's copyrighted when you write it, and the
editor knows this.
3. Manuscript should be submitted as a hard copy
unless otherwise requested.
4. Double-spaced on one side - on standard 8½" x 11"
paper
5. Margins - 1 inch to all sides
6. Font - Times New Roman or Courier 12 font
7. Italics or bold are accepted within the manuscript to
emphasize. DON NOT use fancy lettering - this will be
up to the editor/publisher.
8. Cover letter - Include your name, address and
telephone number.
9. Your manuscript should be error free. This goes for
grammar as well as spelling and typos. Follow the
writer's guidelines. You may need to submit a few
chapters rather than the entire manuscript.
10. Submit the manuscript loose-leaf in an envelope or
box. That's why the slug and page numbers are there.
If the editor wants to put it in a binder, he will do so.
11. Keep an original copy for yourself. Keep an original
copy both on your computer hard drive and on a
separate storage medium kept in a secure place, such
as a fireproof safe.
**Note
From a reputable NY agent: If you are already published
the best way to get big house attention is by either
making the bestsellers list or selling 5,000 copies of
your book.
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| How to write Radio Drama | | |
While there are hundreds of books on writing film
screenplays and stage plays, radio scripting isn't a
widely known form. However, because radio is produced
with the script in hand, it is important that the various
cues for dialogue, music, and sound effects be able to
quickly and clearly communicate the writer's intentions
to the cast and crew for rehearsals and performance.
PAGE HEADINGS
The purpose of page headings is to indicate what
program or episode you're working on and what page
you are on in the script. These go across the top of
the page.
The page number should be in the top right hand
corner, so actors can easily see it as they page
through their scripts in rehearsal and performance. Old
time radio scripts would use a period after a number or
put dashes to either side of it. I suggest you include
program and episode titles on your script in case
somebody drops their script pages in a production
featuring several sketches or commercials. Many
troupes don't use staples to hold their scripts together,
so pages can get out of order. I use one staple in the
top left corner and instruct my actors on how to turn
script pages quietly--slowly flip the page over. Don't
ruffle the paper and make a sound..
For drop-in ads or announcements, I suggest creating
separate pages with their own numbering scheme. This
way they can be altered or added at the last minute
and not effect the page numbering scheme of the
dramatic script. All spacing is up to you. For these
headings, use a small plain font (like 8-point Arial) and
give the page heading a bit of space separating it from
the script text so actors won't get confused as they
turn to a new page and begin speaking their lines.
Footers
Footers at the bottom of the page can be used to
indicate the production company, the writer's contact
info, or to display the date or revision number of the
script. Make sure there's sufficient space between the
script text and the footer. Again a small 8-point Arial
font here will help differentiate the footer from the
scripted cues.
Typical Footer Example: Production Co. Name 12345
Main St. Radioville CA 90019 - email@something.com
SCENE HEADINGS
Radio scene headings are based upon standard
Hollywood film screenplay format. They indicate the
scene number, description of the scene's location, and
time of day. You can also include info such as
(Flahsback) or (Montage).
A scene is some dramatic action that takes place
somewhere. If one scene ends, then there is a narrator
who leads you into another scene, put that narrator in
the middle. SCENE 4---NARRATOR---SCENE 5. If we
switch from one location to another and then the
narrator begins speaking, put that narrator in the latter
scene. SCENE 5--SCENE 6 (with Narrator).
NOTE: Like all other script text (as opposed to headers
and footers) this is in a 12-point New Courier Font that
has been bolded to photocopy better. Other fonts can
be OK, but I strive for the traditional look of old-time-
radio scripts, plus the New Courier font has enough
serifs to make for easy reading in a live performance. All
cues for dialogue, music and sound effects are double-
spaced, to allow for easy reading on the fly and notes
or new lines added in rehearsal.
Example: SCENE 4: INT. ZORG'S EARTHSHIP - DAY
Scene Numbers
Scenes are numbered to easily identify them. There
may be six scenes set on Zorg's Earthship. Numbering
scenes keeps them distinct from one another for
discussions, rehearsals, and direction. For example, a
director could say to a sound designer, "Zorg's
Earthship in Scene 44 has just suffered a power failure.
I need the background ambiance of beeps and such to
be greatly reduced from all the other scenes set on
that Earthship..."
Environment Descriptions (Where and When)
Scene headings such as, EXT. EMPTY BATTELFIELD -
NIGHT may seem too "visual" for a radio drama, but
they are very important to quickly and easily establish
the setting for actors, composers, sound effects
artists, sound designers, engineers and directors.
Without this brief description, everybody must try to
figure out the setting and time of day based upon
dialogue or sound effects cues. The listener may never
hear these scene headings in your drama, so some
writers think it's unnecessary. However, when this
information is missing in the script, it must be supplied
verbally in meetings and rehearsal--sometimes
repeatedly. I've had to score or create sound effects
for many student scripts missing the scene headings
and had a hard time determining where a scene takes
place. Don't make anybody have to guess the setting.
They could guess wrong and thus misinterpret your
drama. Save time and trouble by describing the setting
here--and make it brief.
Indicating INT. or EXT. (interior or exterior) can help an
engineer or director determine the micing or reverb
settings. This instruction may suggest background
sounds that are not indicated in a sound effects cue--
like crickets for an outdoor scene at night. The
DAY/NIGHT/30 MINUTES LATER style info can suggest
to a sound designer that crickets or coyote howls be
used for background ambiance. It also keeps the
timeline straight for actors trying to imagine the scene
in their heads. The idea here is be quickly set the
scene for the players and technicians. Be brief.
Characters in the Scene
I suggest you also include the names of any
characters appearing in the scene. This way the
actors, who may be sitting away from the microphone,
can see that their lines are coming up and get to the
microphone in time. In live radio, actors missing their
cues really harm the show.
Example:
SCENE 14: INT. UNION HALL - DAY
(Mary, Stewart, Babbo, Cuthbert)
** This should get you started! written by Tony Palermo - is a radio dramatist,
composer, educator and sound effects artist living in
Los Angeles, California. He operates Encyclo-Media, a
small, multiple (but not multi)-media production
company. Since 1996, Tony has been writing, directing
and scoring radio plays for Public Radio, | | |
| For Screenwriters | | | 
SCREENPLAYS WANTED!!! - As of 4/5/04
------
1) Acrobat Films
------
We are looking for a completed character driven
comedy/romantic comedy script with a unique and fresh
concept.
Note: Only writers who have one of the following may
submit:
a) Top finalist in screenplay competition, and/or
b) Have notable coverage
Budget range is $5-10 million USD - WG and Non-WG
writers welcome to submit.
Our most recent credit is titled 'Low-Fat Elephants' and
we are currently in pre-production with three other
films.
Please email a logline followed by a synopsis and the
information on your screenplay award and/or coverage
information in the body of the email (no attachments or
scripts will be read) to: Phillip Marzella -
Phillip@acrobat-films.com
------
2) Zinkler Films
------
Zinkler films is looking for screenplays to replace
option's let go from development. Also looking for
projects for co-producing if talent, funds, and strong
working producer are attached. Zinkler is looking for the
following: writers from Canada, and U.K. Intelligent
comedy, drama and smart and clean urban films budget
from 200,000 to 8 million. from US and European
writers. Send synopsis to: submissions@zinklerfilms.com
------
3) BP Filmes
------
New portuguese independent film company is looking for
scripts suitable for low-budget telefilm productions.
Romantic comedies and dramas on exotic locations
preferred. We will also consider intelligent, well-writen
thrillers. Please send your synopsis (1-3 pages) to the
address given and do not forget to mention "synopsis"
on the subject field. Do not send any attachments as
they will not be read. Is there money upfront? -
MaybeBuyer Name: Jose Rendeiro - Email:
jpedro@ibercel.pt
Looking for Screenwriters
Need screenwriter who is willing to work with
some of my ideas to develop screenplays. I have
several good ideas that I am having problems writing. If
you would like a screen writing partner, please respond
to the add and see what happens. Take a chance and
maybe we would make a great team. Please send
sample of your writing. Chris at Four02films@yahoo.com
Director/Producer's looking to collaborate with talented
writer with a few script's written and many more on the
way. I have nearly a hundred idea's I am determined to
turn into feature length screenplay's just seeking a
director/producer to have faith take a chance and
realize that the sky is the limit. Email:
Rudy0719@aol.com
| | |
| Publishing News & More | | |
PUBLISHING NEWS
Major generic promotions hailed at BML
conference - INDEPENDENT MARKETING
CONSULTANT, Alastair Giles, likened the UK book trade
to the MCC at this week's Book Marketing Limited (BML)
Conference, describing it as "exclusive, elitist and self-
obsessed", more "concerned about 'which' book
someone might want as opposed to whether they want
a book at all". However, rather than continue a
broadside against the industry, he went on to hail
initiatives like the Richard & Judy Book Club (R&JBC),
The Big Read and World Book Day as examples of
generic promotions in which the trade has successfully
worked together with results that benefited everyone.
The statistics are impressive. The R&JBC has led to
sales of some 400,000 units of the 10 titles, worth
nearly £3m. Sales of one of the titles, Joseph
O'Connor's Star of the Sea (Vintage), now stand at
215,000. The Big Read top 21 accounted for 2.3m
units, worth £15.4m, while World Book Day's sales were
7.9% up in volume on the WBD week in 2003.
# Meanwhile, BCA Chief Executive Christian Friege,
presenting data at the conference, showed how book
club advertising provides an important source of
information about books to members and non-members,
with 56% of general book buyers "very often"
or "sometimes" persuaded to go to bookstores after
seeing club promotions. The data also indicated that
book club members spend heavily on books but buy
from all channels.
"People's perception of the sales channels has led to
some very interesting findings," said Friege, using data
to show that independents are perceived to offer as
wide a selection of books as online booksellers and that
book clubs and independents offer the worst deal in the
eyes of non book club members.
Such research, conducted by Synovate for BCA,
presents its own challenges to the club and Friege
said, "We need to communicate the value of our deals
to more people."
# HarperCollins General Books MD Amanda Ridout
praised the creative thinking of libraries, "which puts
some publishers' marketing departments to shame".
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Desmond Tutu Challenges
Bush, Blair and Other World Leaders to Follow God's
Dream
Ten years after he helped to defeat apartheid,
Archbishop Desmond Tutu is again generating
controversy by saying God belongs in world politics.
Archbishop Tutu articulates that dream in his own rich
voice in the Audiobook version Of "God Has a Dream,"
Published By Maui Media (www.GodHasADream.com).
His new book "God Has a Dream," praised by the Dalai
Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Jimmy Carter. The book,
published by Doubleday on March 16 is already in its
second printing.
Introduced as "the foremost moral authority of our
time" by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Anan, Tutu
recently told a standing room crowd at the
U.N., "Arafat and Sharon, Bush and Bin Laden belong in
God's family."
At age 73, Tutu continues to challenge world leaders
by:
* Calling on Bush and Blair to apologize for
misleading the public and saying that as a result of the
war, "The world is a great deal less safe than it was
before." He says, "President Bush and Mr. Blair would
recover considerable credibility and respect if they
were to say, 'Yes, I made a mistake.'"
* Claiming President Bush was oversimplifying when
he labeled Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of
evil." "People buy into that because they don't want to
sit down and work out the complex nature of things,"
Tutu said.
* Visiting a death row inmate in Texas and claiming
that the death penalty is "an absurdity that brutalizes
society." Death row inmate Dominique Green, Tutu
says "is a remarkable advertisement for God. This is not
the monster that many would wish, or think, that is on
death row."
* Proclaiming that God's Word belongs in world
politics while warning against the rise of fundamentalism
and religious warfare. "Religious faith is resilient and not
easily destroyed.... Religion is a potent force, but it is
in fact morally neutral. It is neither automatically good
nor bad. It can be either depending on what it inspires
its adherent to do."
Speaking to people of all religious backgrounds,
Archbishop Tutu's message resonates personally as well
as politically in these times of terrorist attacks, war,
and economic hardship.
Publisher cancels reissue of racy novel by Lynne
Cheney - A publisher has canceled plans to reissue
a racy novel by Lynne Cheney, wife of Vice President
Dick Cheney, after she said the book did not represent
her "best work."
New American Library, an imprint of Penguin Group
(USA), was going to reprint Sisters, a historical
romance published in 1981 that includes brothels,
attempted rapes and a lesbian love affair.
But according to Cheney's attorney, Robert Barnett,
she did not even know about the reissue until receiving
calls last week from the media. Barnett then contacted
the publisher, which agreed this week to pull the novel.
Perl and Barnett said no legal action was threatened.
Although New American Library had the rights to reissue
the novel, Perl said, there was no desire "to put out a
book that the author was not happy with."
Cheney has been active in publishing over the past
couple of years, releasing the best-selling children's
book America: A Patriotic Primer, and sponsoring a
literary prize, the James Madison Book Award, for the
best history written for young people. She was a
featured speaker in February at the Association of
American Publishers' annual meeting.
LOOKING FOR A LITERARY AGENT?
Don Gerrard
The Bookworks
Del Mar , California 92014
Phone: (619) 481-6048
Fax: (619) 481-6048
Email: DonGerrard@aol.com
Home Page: http://members.aol.com/dongerrard/
Areas of Specialization:
Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, Mainstream Fiction,
Mystery, Science Fiction and Suspense
Description:
Long-time agent Don Gerrard is seeking exciting
science- and technology-based commercial adventure
novels in any genre. Completed manuscripts only. New
writers welcome. Call or e-mail for submission details.
Barbara J Harris
Harris Literary Agency
PO Box 6023
San Diego , California 92166
Phone: (619)697-0600
Fax: (619)697-0610
Email: n@adnc.com
Home Page: http://www.HarrisLiterary.com
Areas of Specialization:
Adventure, Contemporary Fiction, Feminist Fiction,
Mainstream Fiction, Mystery, Science Fiction,
Suspense, Other Fiction, General Nonfiction,
Health/Medicine, Psychology and Other Nonfiction
Description:
I am seeking new or established writers to add to our
client list. No fees for reviewing work. Query first,
please. Contact us by E-Mail, fax or regular mail only.
Please refer to our website for additional information.
HarrisLiterary.com
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USA News (charge is now $10)
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Success Planning (has $50 charge -depending)
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FOR AUTOGRAPH SEEKERS -CELEBRITY
ADDRESSES
YOUNG, JOHN, c/o NASA, Mail Code AC 5, Johnson
Space Center, Houston, TX 77058-3696
Michael Jackson, c/o Neverland Valley Ranch - 5225
Figueroa Mountain Rd - Los Olivos, CA 93441
WOOLFORD, DONNELLE, c/o Chicago Bears - Halas Hall
250 N. Washington Rd. Lake Forest IL 60045
WINSLET, KATE, 31/32 Soho Square London W1V 5 DG
England
WILLIAMS, BILLY DEE, 1240 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly
Hills, CA 90210
WHITE, VANNA, c/o WOF, 3400 Riverside Drive, 2nd
Floor, Burbank, CA 91505
WHITE, BETTY, P O Box 3713 Granada Hills CA 91344
WELCH, RAQUEL, 540 Evelyn Place, Beverly Hills, CA
90210
** Authors remember you too can request a celebrity
read your book! | | |
|
