Tape Library
The tape library is in a slight state of limbo while it is being converted to a MP3 format. The present custodian can bring the tapes to meetings for exchange, but is likely to be very slow at mailing them. You may still request tapes, but unless you pick them up at the meetings, it might take a while to get them.
Questions? Contact our Tape Goddess and she'll be glad to help you!
Order Form
(Opens in a new window for your convenience. For best results, minimize the order form while you browse, then maximize when you're ready to cut/paste titles directly from the catalog)
For a low rental fee of only $1 per tape, per month, you can have access to hundreds of tapes on all aspects of writing. These tapes are presented by writers well known in the genre as well as authorities in other fields. The low fee is used to cover postage and costs . . . we're not out to make money on this enterprise but to help you become a better writer.
Some Common Questions
How much does it cost to rent a tape?
Rental fee on all tapes is $1.00 per tape per month. The low fee is used to cover postage and costs . . . we're not out to make money on this enterprise but to help you become a better writer.
How do I order a tape?
Browse the catalog to see what looks interesting, then fill out a form on-line, requesting tapes. No payment is due up front. Tapes are sent to you—postage paid—along with a note for the rental fee, to be paid when you return the tapes.
How will my tape arrive?
If you order on-line, the librarian will either:
- Mail your selections to you. The chapter picks up the cost of postage when delivering the tapes to you anywhere in the U.S. This cost is included in the $1 rental fee. You pay for return postage. The Tape Goddess will include a note on how much rental fee is owed (i.e. 5 tapes = $5 dollars). Include a check for your rental fee when you return the tapes.
- Bring them to the meeting for you to pick up. If you pay by check, make checks payable to GSRWA.
How long can I keep a tape?
The check-out time is for one month.
What do I do if the tape I want isn't available?
If the tape you wish to check out is not currently available, the librarian will let you know and you can place a hold on the tape.
How do I return a tape?
You may return your tapes through the mail or at the meetings. Or, you may mail the tape back to the Tape Goddess. If you mail the tape, please include a check for your rental fee
*As others may be waiting for your tape, please return all materials promptly.
What about the Emerald City Writers' Conference tapes?
Emerald City Conference tapes are not available for rental for a full year after the conference. For example, the October 1999 tapes won't be available until October 2000. All tapes marked "Undated OCC" are from the Orange County Chapter. Workshops marked with a † are also available on video; contact the RWA office in Houston to order.
How current is the information?
The dates on the tapes will tell you when it was recorded. They are updated annually after each RWA conference and represent only those houses that held a workshop and permitted RWA to tape a session. They have not been reviewed. Many older tapes also contain marketing suggestions and information. It makes good business sense to verify all marketing information before you contact anyone or send a submission.
What do I do if a tape is damaged?
Report any damaged/lost tapes to the librarian.
How good is the quality?
Recording isn't an exact science and speaker's styles vary. Many tapes have a long pause at the beginning of the second side. If you encounter this, simply fast forward until you reach the recorded portion. Other tapes begin abruptly, especially the older tapes. Unfortunately, on many tapes, audience questions/comments are not repeated for the mike. If you encounter a tape that is unusable for whatever reason, please let our librarian know.
A NOTE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE:
We operate primarily on the honor system but have been known to hunt down violators and . . . well, you get the picture. Don't tempt us. We're writers and can be very creative with punishment.
