The Gale Group, a leading reference book publisher based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, is seeking freelance writers and researchers to contribute to Contemporary Authors, the world’s leading reference source on authors. Contemporary Authors provides both detailed information and essays on more than 100,000 authors working in a wide range of media. We are currently seeking to expand the already significant coverage of international writers in this product.

Assignments will focus on authors from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Ideal candidate will have both language proficiency and familiarity with the contemporary literature of at least one of these countries. Entries, however, must be written in English.

Entries include biographical information, a complete list of published works, and an essay on the author’s life and work (ranging from 250 to 1,000 words). The essay is an impartial survey, not a critical analysis, so applicants must be able to maintain an objective tone. Contributors will be expected to conduct biographical, bibliographical, and critical research. In addition, they may be required to translate original source materials into English.

Applicants must possess a clear and concise writing style appropriate in tone and reading level for a high-school audience as well as a personal computer, e-mail, and Y2K compliant software (MS Word 97, WordPerfect 8.0, or upgrades of either). They must adhere to style and coding specifications and have the ability to meet deadlines.

Interested parties may submit a resume and short, unpublished writing sample (approximately five pages) for consideration. (Writing samples must not necessarily be literary in nature.) Include the phrase "Contemporary Authors International" on the subject line and e-mail to: sara.constantakis@galegroup.com.

Suitable candidates will be contacted by an assignment editor, who can provide more comprehensive specifications, a list of available assignments, payment information, and details regarding deadlines.