ASTA SPEAKS MONTHLY
Newsletter
December 2012
AC
Happy Holidays from Asta Publications!
 
As the snow begins to fall and family and friends enter your home bearing sweet treats, it is sometimes easy to forget about those less fortunate. For that reason, our December issue is about inspiring all of you talented authors out there to give back. Writers Rhonda Hopkins and Anne Riley were kind enough to share some words of wisdom in hopes of creating dialogue about helping communities worldwide.

While being charitable is very important, taking care of yourself during the holiday season is critical. For many authors, myself included, putting pen to paper can be a means of catharsis. A little writing during the busy holiday season can do wonders for the spirit. To this end, I have created a writing contest and the lucky winner will receive a free self-publishing package. Read on to see the details of this contest.  

Until the Next Time,

Assuanta
 
Anne Riley is a contributing author for Winter Wonders, an anthology uniting more than a dozen writers of different genres. This book is scheduled to be released in December and all profits will go directly to Literacy Inc.  

"The idea for the anthology was mine...It was always intended to be a charitable project--I wanted to do something for the holiday season that would benefit those in need.

 

We chose Literacy Inc. because they are a well-known and recognizable organization who is proactive about encouraging teens to read. There are many other organizations who would have been a great choice, but we wanted people to immediately feel comfortable with where their money was going, and a well-known charity was ideal for that purpose.

 

I think it's important for authors to donate some profits to charity because it sort of gets us outside of ourselves, if that makes sense. The big picture is to connect with readers and to encourage reading, especially in children and teens, and donating to a charity with that same goal in mind is an important step towards teaching the world--not just the residents of our local bubble--to appreciate literature of all kinds."

 

The Authors Give Back series started
in July 2012 and is 
the brainchild of Rhonda Hopkins, author of the
upcoming book
Illusion of Safety: 

"Having worked in the social work field for twenty years previously, I know there is a huge need for all types of services. And most of us have our favorite charities -- usually influenced by events in our own lives or in those 
of our loved ones.
 
I remember the first time I saw an author had donated a portion of her book sales to an organization; I thought it was a wonderful idea. When I began writing my upcoming release, Illusion of Safety, the domestic violence theme was a natural tie-in for charity. I plan to donate a portion of my sales from the book and am researching local and national organizations.
 
I think it's important that we give back to society and our fellow man regardless of our professions. We all need help at times. And when we support each other, we're all a little stronger."
 
If any Asta writers would like to be a guest blogger, Hopkins encourages use of the Contact Page on her blog.
 
"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life."
 ~ Arthur Ashe

"Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more."
~ Anthony Robbins

Win A Self-Publishing Package! 

 

Asta Publications announces a new contest for authors. Asta Publications will select 2 authors to receive a self-publishing package free of charge. The winners receive a package equivalent to the Gold Self-Publishing to include the following: a professionally edited manuscript, customized cover design, personalized interior layout, 1 author eproof copy, 5 complimentary paperback books, ebook, ISBN, LCCN, POD distribution for two years, and limited social media marketing.

 

Asta Publications is accepting fiction and non-fiction submissions. For this contest, Children's, Poetry, Urban Fiction, Romance, and Erotica will not be accepted. 

 

Judging Criteria will be based on the following:

         Originality

         Story Development

         Quality of Writing

         Ability to Engage Reader

         Character Development

         Originality of Writer's Voice

         Marketability


Benchmark Dates and Deadlines:

 

Contest Start Date: December 1, 2012

 

Final Submission Date:  December 31, 2012 

 

Judges Review Period: January 2, 2013 through January 31, 2013

 

Winners Announced: February 8, 2013 

Asta Publications is proud to introduce a new title joining the Asta family:
 
WHAT I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS  
Easy Reader
 
After the loss of their father, sisters Amber and Tammy are struggling to get into the holiday spirit. Devising a plan for the perfect gift for their mother helps them rediscover the joy of Christmas.  

      Contact Asta Publications about your writing project! 
 
Phone: 1-800-482-4190
 
Email: info@astapublications.com
     

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