Books › Blue Book v073-n03 [1941-07], 1941 › scan 4
Scan 4
Blue Book v073-n03 [1941-07], 1941
53 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026, twice; the two readings disagreed in places. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1Prize Offer for Real Experiences
3THERE is material for a novel in every person's life, it has been said. Whether this is true or not, we do believe that in the lives of most of us some experience has occurred sufficiently exciting to merit description in print. With this idea in mind we shall be pleased to receive and to print true stories of real experience, running from one thousand to four thousand words each. For each of those accepted each month we will pay, according to our appraisal of its length and strength, an average price of $50.
5In theme the stories may deal with adventure, mystery, sport, humor,—especially humor!—war or business. Sex is barred. Manuscripts should be addressed to the Real Experience Editor, the Blue Book Magazine, [address hidden], New York, N. Y. Preferably but not necessarily they should be typewritten, and should be accompanied by a stamped and self-addressed envelope for use in case the story is unavailable.
7A pen name may be used if desired, but in all cases the writer's real name and permanent address should accompany the manuscript. Be sure to write your name and correct address in the upper left-hand corner of the first page of your story, and keep a copy as insurance against loss of the original; for while we handle manuscripts with great care, we cannot accept responsibility for their return. As this is a monthly contest, from one to two months may elapse before you receive a report on your story.
9Coming!
11"ARIZONA FEUD"
12A complete book-length novel
13By FRANK R. ADAMS
14Who wrote "Taking Care of Sylvia," "King's Crew" and "The Fathers of Madelon."
16Bus Driver Sells [address hidden]
17"Since reporting the sale of my first attempt at a magazine article, I have sold three others, also four feature stories were accepted by the local newspaper. The credit is all yours. When you consider that I'm a driver for the local bus company, you can readily see my time is well taken up."—Herman R. Bach, Box 113, Pacific Grove, Calif.
19"How do I get my Start as a Writer?"
20——- Here's the Answer ——-
22First, don't stop believing you can write; there is no reason to think you can't write until you have tried. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts are rejected. That happens to the best authors, even to those who have "arrived." Remember, too, there is no age limit in the writing profession. Conspicuous success has come to both young and old writers.
24Where to begin, then? There is no surer way than to get busy and write.
25Gain experience, the "know how." Understand how to use words. Then you can construct the word-buildings that now are vague, misty shapes in your mind.
26O. Henry, Mark Twain, Kipling, Ring Lardner, just to mention a few, all first learned to use words at a newspaper copy desk. And the Newspaper Institute Copy Desk Method is today helping men and women of all ages to develop their writing talent … helping them gain their first little checks of $25, $50, $100.
28Learn to Write by WRITING
29The Newspaper Institute of America is a training school for writers. Here your talent grows under the supervision of seasoned writers and critics. Emphasis is placed on teaching you by experience. We don't tell you to read this author and that author or to study his style. We don't give you rules and theories to absorb. The N. I. A. aims to teach you to express yourself in your own natural style. You work in your own home, on your own time.
30Each week you receive actual newspaper-type assignments as though you worked on a large metropolitan daily. Your stories are then returned to us and we put them under the microscope, so to speak. Faults are pointed out. Suggestions are made. Soon you discover you are getting the "feel" of it, that professional touch. You acquire a natural, easy approach. You can see where you are going.
31When a magazine returns a story, one seldom knows the real reason for the rejection; they have no time to waste giving constructive criticism.
32The N. I. A. tells you where you are wrong and why, and shows you what to do about it.
34A Chance to Test Yourself
35Our unique Writing Aptitude Test tells whether you possess the fundamental qualities necessary to successful writing—acute observation, dramatic instinct, imagination, etc. You'll enjoy taking this test. It's free. Just mail the coupon below and see what our Editors think about you. Newspaper Institute of America, One [address hidden], New York. (Founded 1925)
37NOTICE
38Men 21 to 35
39No need to hesitate to test your writing ability, even though you are of conscription age. N. I. A. agrees to refund in full the tuition of anyone accepted as a student who is subsequently called for military service.
41Newspaper Institute of America one of two readings
42One [address hidden], New York one of two readings
43(no line here) one of two readings
44Send me, without cost or obligation, your Writing Aptitude Test and further information about writing for profit as promised in the Blue Book, July.
45(no line here) one of two readings
47Miss ____________________________
48Mrs. ____________________________
49Mr. ____________________________
50Address ____________________________
51(All correspondence confidential. No salesman will call.) 68L561 one of two readings
52(All correspondence confidential. No salesman will call.) one of two readings
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.