Resources for Muslim Writers

Writers Needed at Nia Prima

2012-01-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Nia Prima is seeking writers to cover topics of interest to Muslim women.

This is a non-paying opportunity.

Editor Sought for 100-page Report

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

This ad seeks an editor for a 100-page report "on the foods that used to be a medium of exchange (money) in the past." Among other things, the report contains Islamic religious material, including sections on usury from an Islamic standpoint.

If interested in this job, continue reading here.

Interviewed!

2012-01-11T03:32:00.000-08:00

Sr. Kimberly Ben of The Avid Writer and Muslimahs Working at Home recently interviewed me about the business of freelance writing. Insha'Allah you will enjoy the interview--and if you have any specific questions about getting started as a freelance writer, please feel free to leave a comment on this blog's Q&A section.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

2011-11-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Chicken Soup for the Soul, is seeking submissions for an upcoming anthology on faith:

Whether we consider ourselves to be Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or any other religion, our belief in a higher power directs our lives and our thoughts. Everyone's "faith story" is different. Some of us find faith late in life. Others lose their faith after a tragic event or spiritual dry spell, only to rediscover it through a divine nudge. Faith can appear quickly or build up over time. It can hit us like a sledgehammer or whisper in our ear. It can show up in a miracle or in an ordinary event. However faith arrives, it is life-changing and powerful.

If you have an inspirational personal story of finding your faith, we want to hear from you!

The deadline date for story and poem submissions is December 31, 2011.

Continue reading here for submission guidelines.

I have heard that accepted submissions are paid $100, but I am presently unable to find this information on the site.

Edited: I finally found the sentence I was looking for. Payment is actually $200 and ten copies of the book your work appears in.

Articles Sought at LastProphet.Info

2011-11-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

According to this ad:

LastProphet.info invites postgraduate students to submit articles on Islamic topics related to Hadith and/or Sirah, Islamophobia, perceptions of Islam and/or Prophet Muhammad in the media. Articles could be about misrepresentations and misconceptions of Islam and Prophet Muhammad in the post 9/11 world, or they could refer back to as early as 14th century perceptions.

Pay is a minimum of $60 per article of 1000-2000 words.

Continue reading here for more information.

Muslim Mothering

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Demeter Press, which claims to be the "first book publisher focused specifically on the topic of mothering and motherhood," is seeking submissions for an edited collection on Muslim Mothering. This is not a mere anthology, but a scholarly work that will include "multiple, varied, and even contradictory images, symbols, and representations of Muslim mothers and Muslim mothering." While the deadline to submit abstracts has already passed, it may be worth contacting the publisher to see if they will make any exceptions. The guidelines state that the work is to be published in 2012, while the website says 2013...so perhaps there is still some time left to make a contribution to what seems like it will be an interesting collection.

Continue reading here for more information.

Internships at ASMA

2011-11-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

The American Society for Muslim Advancement (ASMA) has various internships available.

The Media and Communications internship "involves the use of social media tools, including Twitter and Facebook, and will be responsible for monitoring the occurrence of key terms and individuals in the media for updating and promotional purposes." Among other things, the intern will be expected to write "op-ed’s and opinion pieces on contemporary social issues, relating to Islam and America."

The Office of the Development and Fundraising internship, on the other hand, "involves research, writing, database maintenance, and general administrative duties." Specific writing duties include:

Creating and updating donor and prospect profiles.
Drafting inquiry letters, acknowledgement letters, newsletter copy, and other donor correspondence.

Visit the links contained within this post for more details on each internship.

Creative Writer Needed for Islamic Website

2011-11-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

This ad seeks the following:

A professional sales copywriter that can create quality wording to draw people in towards the new and innovative products our company offers. These writings include Product Descriptions, Features, and Benefits, promo wording, Newsletters, etc. The writing will be featured on our website as well as documents and promotional materials (forms, flyers, banner ads) where applicable.

Although you may bid, pay is listed as $10-$15 per hour.

Continue reading the ad for more details.

Deadline Extended!

2011-11-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Remember the two writing competitions at the IWA I told you about last month? Originally, the deadline for submissions was supposed to be November 8, 2011, but it has now been extended to November 18, 2011.

Eid Mubarak!

2011-11-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

May Allah SWT accept your good deeds from the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah!

Enjoy the Eid!

2011-11-05T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Eid Al-Adha, an important holiday on the Islamic calendar that commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael to God before God provided him with a ram to sacrifice instead. The day begins with Eid prayers. After that, many Muslims get together with their families, friends and neighbors to exchange Eid greetings, while those who can afford it slaughter an animal (usually a sheep, cow, goat or camel). At least a third of the meat is designated for the poor.

As a busy freelancer, I have, in years past, made the mistake of working on the Eid. The first time I did this was to help out a Muslim-owned newspaper that was behind schedule but whose publisher wanted the paper to be ready for distribution after Eid prayers. I spent about 12 hours the night before the Eid editing a newspaper that was simply not ready to be published. Articles were missing, and I did not (at the time) have the software needed to edit PDF files directly. This meant that I had to make a lot of notes in a Word file so that someone else could insert the corrections.

Needless to say, the newspaper did not get printed on time for Eid prayers. Even in better circumstances, it would have been a very tight squeeze. I don't regret helping the publisher, but I do regret taking time away from my family and not spending time with them the night before the Eid as is customary in our home. I also had trouble waking up early the next morning for Eid prayers. The kids were pretty upset that year--and justifiably so! As a professional with production management experience, I should have informed my client that the paper could not realistically be edited, designed and printed according to the schedule he had in mind. I also should have respected the importance of the Eid to my family and simply declined the job.

You would think I'd learn after that incident, but the next time a client needed me to work on the Eid, I accepted the job without comment. This time, I was working with a non-Muslim client who was sending me lucrative work on a daily basis. Not wanted to disrupt the flow we had established, I accepted work from this client on at least three Eids without telling her I needed a day off. When the fourth Eid rolled around, however, I finally felt comfortable enough to tell her I needed to spend time with my family on the Eid. The client was fine with this and marked it on her calendar. By accident, however, she sent me work on that day anyway. I reminded her that I would not be available to complete the work. She apologized and asked if I could make an exception since no one else was available to do the job. It would have been easy to cave in, but this time I apologized and said it would not be possible. I did not leave the client with no solutions, however. Instead, I told her that I could do the work once the Eid had finished, and she accepted this proposal. Everyone was happy, especially my kids!

Eid Mubarak to all blog visitors! You may wish to take a look at this checklist to review the sunnah practices associated with this holiday.

The Encyclopedia of National Dress

2011-11-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

According to this ad:

Greenwood Press would like to announce the launch of a new book series on ethnic dress from around the world. The Encyclopedia of National Dress will be published under the main editorial direction of Jill Condra. The book series aims to publish a comprehensive look at clothing and culture from around the world from an ethnic dress perspective.

If interested in contributing to this encyclopedia, follow the instructions in the ad.

2012 Arab American Book Award

2011-11-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

According to this announcement:

Submissions are currently being accepted for the 2012 Arab American Book Award. Authors and publishers may contact Kristin LaLonde at 313.624.0223 or klalonde@accesscommunity.org for nomination forms and criteria. Submission deadline is February 01, 2012.

The Arab American Book Award honors significant literature by and about Arab Americans and was established by the Arab American National Museum in 2006. Categories include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children/young adult. Last year's winner in the children's category was Time to Pray, by Maha Addasi.

Jobs at Muslim Aid

2011-11-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

Muslim Aid is hiring. Of special interest to writers are the following two positions:

Proposal Writers
Social Media Specialist

Continue reading here for more information about the application process.

Mohammed (PBUH) in History, Thought, and Culture

2011-11-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

ABC-CLIO is in the process of compiling a comprehensive two-volume Encyclopedia on the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his impact on world thought and culture. If interested in contributing to this publication, continue reading here for a list of desired topics and other relevant information. I hope those who are qualified to write about the Prophet's life will not pass up this unique opportunity to share their knowledge with a mostly Western readership.

It's that time of year again...

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it is already time for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). If you're unfamiliar with the event, each November participating writers from around the world spend the month working to complete the rough draft of a 50,000-word novel. It sounds like a lot of work, but it is basically writing a little more than 1,600 words each day, which is very doable if you are motivated. Good things can come out of NaNoWriMo. I personally know a few authors who completed novels during the month and went on to have them published. Others broke out of their longstanding writer's block to find that they are capable of writing a full-length novel. There is even a NaNoWriMo for young writers.

Are you participating? Let us know by leaving a comment.

5 Halal Writitng Opportunities for Sunday, October 30, 2011

2011-10-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Halal Writing Opportunities are back! Here is this week's list:

Freelance Writer for Eco-Friendly Company

Contributing Editor for BusinessAgility.com

Stay-at-home Mommy Bloggers

E-book Writer for HowtoGeek.com

Freelance Writer for Various Projects

Not sure what is meant by halal?

See: Standards Used to Determine Halal Writing Opportunities

Add Value to your Work with Teacher Study Guides

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

If you are writing for young people, one of your goals may be to get your work into classrooms, but how can you make your books more attractive to teachers? How can you make your books more attractive to homeschooling parents? Think about it for a moment. Educators are busy people. The last thing they need is the burden of preparing more lesson plans for their students. Make it easy for them by offering a teacher study guide with your book.

I first learned about teacher study guides while collaborating on a project to produce a whole series of them for Muslim Writers Publishing. More recently, I have come across guides produced by other Muslim authors, such as Rukhsana Khan and Jamal Orme. Although it takes time and skill to put together a professional study guide that teachers (and students) can genuinely benefit from, it is well worth the effort and may help your books reach a wider audience.

Call for Writers, Editors, Translators, Transcribers, and Others

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

MuslimMatters.org is seeking writers, copy-editors, translators, transcribers, and others to join its team.

Read more about the requirements for these positions and application process here.

Creative Inspiration from 1001 Inventions

2011-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00


Abbas ibn Firnas

Unfortunately, I did not find out about the Creative Story Writing Competition taking place at 1001 Inventions until after the deadline for participation had passed, but the guidelines are worth taking a look at anyway, especially if you are a teacher, a homeschooling parent, or a writer who simply needs a burst of creativity. The guidelines provide you with a list of eleven figures from the Golden Age of Muslim civilization. The idea is to choose one and write a 5,000-word story that includes the character. Historical accuracy is encouraged, but the rules also allow for some artistic license. I can definitely see a story like this making a nifty book for kids or even turning into a full-length novel.

Did you participate in this competition?

If so, tell us about it by leaving a comment below.

Post-9/11 British and American Literature: Ten Years Later

2011-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Kristine Miller, an English professor at Utah State University, is compiling a series of essays centered on the theme of "post-9/11 British and American literature" for publication in a book.

Potential topics include:

The work of a particular British or American writer
Comparative studies around a particular post-9/11 theme
Representations of other conflicts (WWII, for example)
Literature by or about British or American Muslims
Representations of the media
Women responding to 9/11
Representations of public rhetoric and/or private trauma
The 9/11 Commission Report as literary text
Graphic novels or comics after 9/11
Literary commemoration and memorialization

If interested in submitting an essay, continue reading here.

Deadline for proposals: December 1, 2011
Deadline for submissions: June 1, 2012

Muslim Bloggers Needed at the Dharma Deen Alliance

2011-10-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Dharma Deen Alliance, a blog intended to promote harmony and dialogue between Hindus and Muslims, is in need of Muslim writers to create more balance on the blog. From the guidelines:

Two priority topics that need to be addressed are Multiplicity in the Divine (ie. the 99 names of Allah) and Women’s Rights in Islam.

Also:

If someone is interested in writing but not necessarily on these two subjects, other possible topics include music/ghazals, the importance of giving to charity, scientific facts backed up by the Quran, treatment of animals, namaz, human rights and equality, etc. Suggestions are also welcome.

The blog owners are also seeking tweets that include quotes from Muslim figures, short verses from the Qur'an or the hadiths, and other material.

There is no mention of pay in the guidelines.

For more information, continue reading here.

Recipe Contest at Sadia

2011-10-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sadia, a producer of halal frozen food, including chicken, turkey, pizza, meatballs, and other items, is currently sponsoring a recipe contest for legal residents of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon. The first place winner will receive two airline tickets to the destination of his or her choice, while nine other winners will receive home appliances. You must use at least one Sadia product in your recipe.

Deadline for participation: November 13, 2011

To enter, see the Guidelines.

Research Intern Needed at the AIC

2011-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

The American Islamic Congress (AIC) seeks an intern to assist in researching the current political climate in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly the events of the "Arab Spring", as well as editing and helping to write a chapter for an upcoming anthology on current Middle East issues.

Candidates should have experience in research and an interest in writing/journalism.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of Arabic preferable
Knowledge of Middle Eastern culture, politics, and religion
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Excellent writing and editing skills
Background in Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, History or related field

Note: This internship is unpaid.

If interested, continue reading here.

Q&A: Sending Attachments to Publishers

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Question (submitted via e-mail):

Asalamu alaikom warahmatullah,

I have written a small children's book of 15 pages. It has been written on my laptop in a simple word document. I want to send it to some publishers to see if they can get it published. Is it ok to send it in a word document as I have already typed it this way?

Kind regards,

Answer:

As-salamu Alaykum, and congratulations for writing your book. I pray you have success with it.

Regarding your question, the answer is very simple. Find out what each publisher wants, and adhere to the guidelines for that specific publisher. This varies from publisher to publisher. Kube Publishing, for example, allows authors to submit short manuscripts as Word documents, but also wants to see a proposal. Other publishers have different guidelines and may not want you to send in a manuscript until they evaluate your idea first.

In general, the publishers of short children's books (especially picture books) will allow you to send in a completed manuscript because the stories are so short that it does not take much time to read them. The same is not true of longer books. Do not ever make assumptions, though. It is bad manners to send an attachment to a publisher unless you've been given the green light. That is why you need to find and follow each publisher's guidelines. If they are not available on a publisher's web site, then you should write to the publisher to request them. I am almost certain that interested publishers will want to see your manuscript as a Word document and not in some other format.

Sincerely,
Amel S. Abdullah

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