VOLUME 24, ISSUE 39 | SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 |
PITCHING AND
PROOF FundsforWriters receives many pitches and submissions. Barely half are given a second glance. One even pitched to me how to pitch to an editor like me and got it totally wrong on so many levels. What not to do in pitching a feature/story/piece: - Not list a bio.
- Not list a website with proof of where you have appeared before.
- Pitch several titles without proof of whether you can write.
- Pitch differently from the guidelines.
- Ask what are the guidelines when they are on the website.
- Submit an article with zero links, zero examples, zero personal experiences.
The more general you pitch, the more ambiguous you are, the more vague you are about who you are, what you'd done, and how you have succeeded with your idea you are pitching, the more the editor thinks you don't know what you are doing. And the more they think you used AI. Maybe you didn't use AI, but if it sounds like AI could have written it, then you still get rejected for sounding like AI. Editors want you to: - Have a unique voice/style.
- Demonstrate expertise.
- Connect to a website/social media that supports you are
knowledgeable.
- Include unique facts and current events that justify your premise.
- Prove you understand their audience.
- Show you have read the guidelines.
It's not easy. Anyone can write. Few people can write and follow guidelines and show they have connected their knowledge with the
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AFTER THAT FIRST DRAFT
I was reading a post by someone the other day, someone who had been writing a while but never let loose of a manuscript to an agent or publisher. They said they had their first draft down pat. Not sure how a first draft
can be down pat, but anyway, now they wanted a beta reader to help clean it up. There are miles between those two stages. There are many skipped steps. You've spent a lot of time with that manuscript, and you're eager for someone to offer feedback. I get that. We all get that. We aren't sure we haven't
strayed, or if we were ever on the right path to begin with. To me, you have options here when finished with the first draft: 1) Hire a developmental editor.
2) Go with one or more beta readers who is an experienced writer, to act as a developmental
editor.
3) Put the piece down for a couple weeks then return to it with a reader's eye to analyze the big picture (therefore acting like a developmental editor).
4) Compare your work to that of similar books in your genre and attempt to rewrite in another POV, another tense, single POV or multiple POV versus what you already did. Take another direction with the plot. Elaborate the setting, making it a character.
There are a zillion things you can play with at this stage. This too is a part of developmental editing, if you are doing this yourself. In other words, be prepared for total rewrites at this stage. Especially if you have never written book-length before. Or if you've only done one or two and a voice is not clear. In other words, this is not the time for grammar. This is the time to hone style. Anyone can write a story with good grammar; however, it's the stories that are memorable, with unique styles, done well after lots of practice failing at writing in other directions, that have a better chance at success. Answer this . . . what is your style? And do you have a voice? Not sure?
Then consider a rewrite. You have to get comfortable with writing for a voice to materialize, and that takes tons of edits, rewrites, and attempts at being different than the first draft. And that still doesn't mean you are done. Deadline: October 1 $5,000 Fiction | $5,000 Nonfiction | $5,000 Poetry Winners receive a cash prize, publication in the Spring
2025 issue of the Missouri Review, and promotion across our social media channels. Guidelines - Submit one piece of fiction or nonfiction up to 8,500 words or any number of poems between 6 to 12 pages. Please double-space fiction and nonfiction entries.
- Multiple
submissions and simultaneous submissions are welcome, but you must pay a separate fee for each entry and withdraw the piece immediately if accepted elsewhere.
- Entries must be previously unpublished.
- Standard Entry fee: $25. Each entrant receives a one-year subscription to the Missouri Review in digital format (normal price $24) and a digital copy of the latest title in our imprint, Missouri Review Books, a short story anthology by former contributors (normal
price $7.95).
- "All Access" Entry fee: $30. In addition to the one-year digital subscription to the Missouri Review and TMR Books e-book, Life Support: Stories of Health & Medicine, entry fee grants access to the last 10 years of digital issues and the audio recordings of each digital issue.
-September 29, 2024 - Newberry Opera House - "Artists 5" - 2PM (tickets
required - music, art, wine, and sample plates to match the readings of three authors, to include C. Hope Clark) -October 10, 2024 - Edisto Bookstore, Edisto Island, SC - 3-5 PM -October 28,
2024 - St. Andrews Church Women's Club, 6952 St. Andrews Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29212 - 2PM (tentative) -October 30, 2024 - South Carolina Library Association's Annual Conference, Columbia Convention Center, 1101 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201 - 2 PM -November 12 -https://missourireview.com/contests/jeffrey-e-smith-editors-prize/ Bennettsville Book Club, Bennettsville Library, SC - 4PM -November 22 - Newberry Library - Newberry, SC - 3 PM -November 23, 2024 - Irmo Chapin Holiday Market, Chapin, SC - 8AM - 2PM -May 17, 2025 - Pelion Library Book Club, 206 Pine St, Pelion, SC, Saturday, 1-2PM
Email: hope@chopeclark.com to schedule events, online or otherwise.
"Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goals: my strength lies solely in my tenacity." —Louis Pasteur
Hello Hope, This note comes as a thank you for the encouragement you have given to me and countless others over the years. I recently won first place in a writing contest. There were almost 500 entries and I did not expect the good news I received, nor the $300
prize. https://24hourshortstorycontest.com/archive/summer2024 Over the years, you have been adamant in your advice that writers keep writing, edit well, and then send their work out. That
advice was sound and gave me the confidence I needed to send in my story. Contests ARE important. Not just for the wins, honorable mentions, writing experience, or prizes but for the fact it shows we are serious about our writing lives. The extra joy in winning this contest came with the kudos, and
congratulations I received from other writers, friends, and strangers alike. Seeing your name among those greetings was especially wonderful. I am truly humbled by the camaraderie of the writing community and thank you for leading the charge to encourage writers to "write on!" Thank you again for taking your valuable time to send congratulations to me. It meant a lot! Ginger Marcinkowski
<<If you have a success story you believe was prompted by FundsforWriters, please share with us! Send to hope@chopeclark.com >>
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Grants for Neurodivergent Individuals
By Rich Scott Keller Did you know there are grant opportunities for those with disabilities, including those in the neurodivergent community? One came from my home state, Colorado, through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). After years of struggle as an independent author, a glimmer of hope emerged when I learned about the DVR grant. You see, I have bipolar
disorder. Unique Perspectives I’m not unique. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, reports three percent of U.S. adults are
afflicted. Ten percent are diagnosed after they’re fifty. This was me when I was fifty-one. I spent a week mental treatment facility and years getting used to my new life. Bipolar, along with related symptoms like depression and ADHD, places me in the
neurodivergent community. Basically, our brains process information differently from what’s considered typical – whatever that is. Those with dyslexia, OCD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are part of this group. This doesn’t mean we’re disabled. In fact, we probably work with or hang out with you. Yet, sometimes, we have issues with everyday routines. Money For example, earning a living. As creatives, we would love to sit at our desks and write. However, fatigue, anxiety, loneliness, and wrong decisions take over more for us than for “typical” individuals. The thing is, we need cash to hire book editors and cover designers. We need funds to market and buy copies to sell at speaking
engagements and book fairs. Nevertheless, something pushes us away from working toward these monetary goals. This is why we may need outside help to reignite our motivation. For me, this was the DVR grant. I reached out to speakers about the funding opportunity. A week later, I eagerly committed to moving forward. As I did, I learned the grant was for disabled individuals to start or grow their small businesses. For me, it was a chance to
publish my memoir on mental illness and get it out to a ready audience. Once approved, all costs required for a full-throttle book release would come from the grant. The Process This wasn’t a simple process. I had to create a business plan and complete a feasibility statement, Additionally, I had to research memoir markets, particularly for titles written by those with
bipolar disorder. Fortunately, the grant provides you with a mentor. Working through emails and meetings we properly formatted the information. I also had to complete a rough draft of the memoir. In the spring of 2024, I output one to two thousand words a day to ready a workable manuscript. The push invigorated my creative soul after years of emptiness. As of this writing, Faith and
Slipper Socks is on its way to the grant committee for approval. The publisher believes it can be released in the fall of 2024, which would be an enormous accomplishment. Finding Your Grant Finding a grant for disabled/neurodivergent individuals isn’t as difficult as it may seem. First, visit the US Chamber of Commerce. They have listings of national and regional programs to assist. Further, review state options. If your state lacks a vocational rehabilitation department, contact their office of economic development. Small business development centers near you can also point you in the right direction. Don’t be upset if there’s nothing solely for creatives. Many of these programs are for disabled business owners. You must consider yourself one as well while preparing your
manuscript. Finally, don’t do this alone. Ensure you’re assigned a mentor to help. A guiding force can reduce your anxiety and minimize the pressure to complete tasks. In doing so, they’ll keep you on the path to publishing. Neurodivergents and disabled creatives, don’t let your conditions stop you from fulfilling your dreams. Seek out funding opportunities to help you take those next
steps. Bio:
Rich Scott Keller is the owner of Wooden Pants Creations, author, and mental health proponent. His memoir on bipolar disorder, Faith and Slipper Socks, is scheduled for a Fall 2024
release.
8114095 © Adonis1969 | Dreamstime.com
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"Happy Anniversary, My WRITEDAY Subscription Box" MyWRITEDAY Subscription Box for writers is celebrating one year in September with a
treasure trove of writerly goodies sure to inspire your writing journey. For $59.00, My WRITEDAY is a bi-monthly subscription box containing curated products from authors, creators, and small businesses to writers and readers in the U.S. It's unique in that many products are sourced from writers who are also crafters and artisans. I love my WriteDay boxes; each one has been a fun surprise and has given me a lift when I most needed it! ~Gerry W. Each box delivers a writing craft book and 3-7 items associated with
the key concepts (journaling, fitness, relaxation, nutrition, and creative play) of Writer Wellness, my flagship program. Click here to subscribe! FC2 RONALD SUKENICK INNOVATIVE FICTION CONTEST
https://fictioncollective2.submittable.com/submit
$25 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline November 1, 2024. Open to writers of, from, or in the United States writing in English who have not previously published with FC2. Submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a novel. There is no length requirement. Translations and previously published or self-published works are not eligible. The Prize includes $1,500 and publication by FC2, an imprint of the University of Alabama Press. THE FC2 CATHERINE DOCTOROW INNOVATIVE FICTION PRIZE
https://fictioncollective2.submittable.com/submit
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline November 1, 2024. Open to writers of, from, or in the United States writing in English with at least
three books of fiction published. Submissions may include a collection of short stories, one or more novellas, or a novel. There is no length requirement. The Prize includes $15,000 and publication by FC2, an imprint of the University of Alabama Press. BATEAU BOOK CHAPBOOK CONTEST
https://bateaupress.submittable.com/submit
$14 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 15, 2024. Between 20 -30 pages of poetry, prose, comics, art, insanity, hybrids, rants, joy, etc. Everyone who enters gets a copy of the winning letterpress, hand sewn chapbook or any in stock chapbook from out catalogue. Winner gets $250 & 25 copies of their chapbook. ZOETROPE ALL-STORY CONTEST
https://www.all-story.com/zoetrope-all-story-short-fiction-competition/
$30 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 1, 2024. We welcome short fiction of no more than 5,000 words. First prize is $1,000 and
publication at the magazine’s website as a special online supplement to the Spring 2025 edition; second prize is $500; and third prize is $250. Additionally, the three prizewinners and seven honorable mentions are considered for representation by participating talent agencies. AMERICAN POETRY REVIEW HONICKMAN FIRST BOOK PRIZE
https://americanpoetryreview.submittable.com/submit/2170/apr-honickman-first-book-prize
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 1, 2024. The prize of $3,000, with an introduction by the judge and distribution of the winning book by Copper Canyon Press through Consortium, will be awarded in 2025 with publication of the
book in the same year. The author will receive a standard book publishing contract, with royalties paid in addition to the $3,000 prize. The prize is open to poets who have not published a book-length collection of poems with a registered ISBN. Submit a manuscript of 48 pages or more, single-spaced, paginated, with a table of contents and acknowledgments.
GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING MASSACHUSETTS GRANTS FOR CREATIVE INDIVIDUALS
https://massculturalcouncil.org/artists-art/grants-for-creative-individuals/
Grants for Creative Individuals
are unrestricted grants of $5,000 to Massachusetts artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners to equitably advance creative expression throughout our diverse communities. Guidelines and application instructions for the next grant cycle (FY25) will be published Fall 2024. Sign up for the newsletter to be notified. PETER BULLOUGH FOUNDATION
https://www.peterbulloughfoundation.org/residency-faq
Deadline October 1, 2024. Artists from across the US may apply for our month-long Spring and Fall Residencies which provide studio and living space for emerging artists while they pursue their craft. We accept US citizens living abroad and anyone currently residing in the US.
Location Winchester, VA. GREEN BOX ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE
https://greenboxarts.org/year-round-programs/artists-in-residence/
Deadline October 11, 2024. We provide time and space to our
resident artists, to develop and/or create new work. They also have a unique opportunity combining a two-week spring residency with on-site presence during the 2025 Green Box Arts Festival (June 27 – July 12, 2025). The selected artist will create feature articles in advance of the Festival, write daily blog posts reviewing Festival events, and provide pre/post context conversations during Festival events. We welcome applications from both domestic and international artists. Location Green
Mountain Falls, CO. THE OPEN NOTEBOOK FELLOWSHIPS
https://www.theopennotebook.com/early-career-fellowship-program/
Deadline October 31, 2024. During this fellowship, each fellow will
pitch, report, and write four articles for publication at The Open Notebook—a mix of “story behind the story” interviews and reported features. They will have weekly phone or video meetings with a mentor who is an experienced science journalist and who will help them shape story ideas, provide reporting and writing guidance, edit fellows’ article drafts, and offer general craft and career-development advice and guidance. Stipend $6,000.
CHICKEN SOUP - CHANGE YOUR HABITS AND ATTITUDES
http://www.chickensoup.com
Deadline November 30, 2024. We are looking for true stories about how you realized a certain habit or attitude
was detrimental to you, what you did to change that, and the difference it made in your life. Limit 1200 words. Must be in first person. Pays $250 and 20 copies. CATALYST
https://catalystmagazine.net/about-catalyst/writers-guidelines/
CATALYST is a newsprint magazine that has served as Salt Lake City’s resource for creative living since 1982. We’re always on the lookout for great local writers, both to take story assignments from our editor as well as to present us with stories and story ideas. We are most interested in pieces on the following topics: Arts, Environmental Issues, Sustainability,
Progressive Politics,
Health, Spirituality, Healthy/Organic Food, Transportation (alternative, etc.), Gardening/Food Security. EATER
https://www.eater.com/2016/12/15/13962822/eater-pitching-guidelines-how-to-pitch
Eater is a national publication dedicated to reporting
on, telling stories about, and critically examining the world of food and drink, with a particular focus on restaurants. Not only is there a general Eater, but you can pitch specific Eater cities. List on the website. Expect 25-65 cents per word. EXTRA CRISPY
https://www.myrecipes.com/extracrispy/how-to-pitch-extra-crispy
Opinion pieces, reported stories, personal essays, works of humor, illustrated narratives, breakfast-y profiles of people, original breakfast recipes, how-tos and unusual points of view on the beloved morning meal are all welcome. We don’t do restaurant reviews. WILD
PEACH
https://wildpeach.org/about/#sub-guide
Wild Peach Magazine publishes work by unpublished and emerging creators, and features profiles and interviews with all kinds of people that thoughtfully explore the varying approaches to being a human. We publish narrative non-fiction, reviews, flash fiction, and short stories.
For fiction, we accept all/most genres; we look for character-driven pieces. Pays $100-500 for essays, $100-500 for fiction stories, $25 for poems, $50 for reviews, $50-700 for original art/comics/illustrations/photos. $25-200 for reprints.
NIGHTWOOD EDITIONS
https://nightwoodeditions.com/pages/about
Nightwood Editions is committed to publishing and promoting the best new poetry and fiction by writers across Canada. Please
feel free to send us a 15-page sample of your work. When we are soliciting manuscripts, we’ll contact you if we want to see more. CARCANET
https://www.carcanet.co.uk/cgi-bin/scribe?showinfo=ip002
Carcanet's
next submissions window opens on 1 March 2025 and closes 14 March 2025. We are accepting New Collections only. Submissions received outside these dates or outside of this specification will not be considered or held for consideration. We will be looking primarily for full-length poetry manuscripts in English or translation. Submissions must be between 15 - 20 pages - you may also include an outline of the book, but this is optional. If we like the substantial specimen, we will
ask to see the full typescript. SECOND STORY PRESS
https://secondstorypress.ca/pages/about
Our list spans adult fiction and nonfiction; children’s fiction, nonfiction and picture books; and young adult fiction and nonfiction.
We continue to look for stories that feature strong female and queer characters and explore themes of social justice, human rights, equality, and ability issues. NEWEST PRESS
https://newestpress.com/submissions
NeWest publishes
outstanding literary works by established and emerging Canadian authors. On average, we publish from 10 to 12 books a year. Our list includes fiction (including mysteries), poetry, drama, and non-fiction works with literary merit; we are especially interested in publishing books by Western Canadian authors or which explore Western Canadian themes. Please forward the newsletter in its entirety. To reprint any editorials, contact hope@fundsforwriters.com for permission. Do not assume that acknowledgements listed in your publication is considered a valid right to publish out of ours.
C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com Copyright 2000-2024, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326 Our subscriber list is NOT made available to others. Use information listed at your own risk. FundsforWriters gives no warranty to completeness, accuracy, or fitness of the markets, contests, and grants although research is done to the best of our ability. FundsforWriters finds open submission calls, contests, and markets from a wide variety of sources, including Erika Dreifus' Practicing Writer newsletter, Erica Verrillo's blog, Authors Publish, Poets & Writers, Duotrope,
Winning Writers, Write Jobs Plus, LinkedIn Jobs, Emily Stoddard, and other newsletters and online sites. Many announcements are submitted directly to FundsforWriters. All must be paying opportunities. Contests must pay a minimum of $200 first place. Submit potential listings to hope@chopeclark.com **Note that FundsforWriters.com places paid advertising in this newsletter. ALL ads are related to writers and the business of writing, screened by FundsforWriters to make sure the information is suitable for writers and their endeavors to improve their careers. While the mailing list is not sold to third parties, other parties do advertise in the newsletter, to include
the occasional solo ad. You will not receive this newsletter without your permission. It's physically impossible since recipients must opt-in, giving us permission to send the newsletter. If at any time you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, click the UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of each newsletter. We want you to enjoy this newsletter at your pleasure, not be forced to read anything you do not wish to receive. Direct any complaints, suggestions, and accolades to Hope Clark at hope@fundsforwriters.com. We are an anti-spam site. | |
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