VOLUME 24, ISSUE 40 | octoBER 20, 2024 |
HURRICANE
HELENE You know . . . I am so tired of this hurricane I almost don't want to write about it. There was no possible way for me to deliver a newsletter last week, but here it is. And you'll get another one tomorrow. Can you believe it has been a week. Thank you to so many people who checked in to see how I was. We did without power and water and internet for
days, and frankly, right now I am in a coffee shop sponging off their wifi to just do this. But we got hold of a generator that kept us from losing our food at home, and to run a small fan. We flushed toilets out of the lake. It was rather warm and not fun sleeping, but we knew better than to complain. A catastrophe is when you see the best and worst of humanity. The complainers who are tired of no air conditioning . . . and then
you see people with no roofs not complaining one bit. But to see the worst of the devastation is humbling....so damn humbling. You cry. Partly because you feel guilty being so blessed. Partly because so much is out of your control. Partly because you can only help so much when the damage is so vast. Just be thankful, people. Wherever you are, whatever your lot,
count your blessings. Don't tell people how you've had it worse or had it better...don't tell people how things could've been handled better. Just count your blessings. |
SELF AND TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING Okay, we all know that you can make money at both self and traditional publishing. We should all know as well that just having books up on Amazon does not sell them, regardless how you publish. I've was asked six times last week for financial aid for someone to publish their first novel, too. But when asked what specifically they need the money for, they say to pay a publisher. They think this is the only way to publish. When I ask about their attempts at traditional publishing, they don't know what that is. They believe that getting a book up on Amazon is all they have to do. I'm amazed at how common a belief this is. I've also seen several posts in the last week where self-published authors are losing hope. They've published 40-60 books in their writing life (they are in their thirties and forties) but aren't coming anywhere near financially breaking even. Then I see posts that advocate self-publishing, and are anti-traditional, because you have more control and make more per book. I've read posts by a lot of self-published authors lately who would beg to differ with
you. The truth is, you have to create a brand, develop a voice, and become a commodity . . . regardless of how you publish. You can be successful either way. The marketing may be different, but both are doable. The key is being consistent, steady, and diligent in the marketing while still producing products with strong voice. That hasn't changed in decades of publishing. -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 -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.
"Dreams are lovely. But they are dreams. Fleeting, ephemeral, pretty. But dreams do not come true just because you dream them. It's hard work that makes things happen."
—Shonda Rhimes
<<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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Newspapers Offer Writing Income Opportunities
By Randy Pierce Writers can earn income by contributing to local newspapers. My full-time job as a reporter for Better Newspapers Inc. in downstate Illinois not only provides my primary income but also includes opportunities to supplement it through work for the company’s other publications. Newspaper writing can be
considered as a career or a side gig. Creating local news for The Tribune, a weekly based in Fairview Heights, IL east of St. Louis, is my main responsibility. But every week, I also submit articles used in the Troy Times-Tribune. The Mascoutah Herald and Scott Air Force Base Flier are other weeklies where my work appears along with a monthly regional newspaper, the Illinois Business Journal (www.ibj.online.com, www.heraldpubs.com or www.timestribunenews.com) My approach is to focus on what’s going on where readers live and involving people they know, places they go plus circumstances affecting them and/or capturing their interest. This encompasses schools, local
government and other sources. The Tribune - June 13, 2024 (newstogo.us) “Local” is a motivator for the success of such publications. This includes, for example, what municipal or regional governments do with income from taxes collected, services provided, and recreational opportunities along with actions related to the
education system, public safety departments, businesses, churches, transportation agencies, and various organizations. To gather news from those sources, start is where the decisions are made, such as when the groups convene. An alternative or supplement to that approach would be direct communication with the appropriate individuals. The concept of taking notes of public meeting proceedings or during an interview has been enhanced by technological advances such as digital recording.
Purchased for less than $100, a handheld audio recorder can be used to capture conversation in nearly any setting, either in person or online, then reviewed to ensure that the statements made are quoted accurately, an absolute must.
Recordings are generally allowed in public government meetings and are highly recommended, particularly when it comes to complex matters. To help minimize the time I devote to this process, I also benefit from an online
transcription service. The transcriber I use, TurboScribe: Transcribe Audio and Video to Text, for a nominal monthly fee, permits me to convert any audio recordings to print then I review what was said and use that information to write my newspaper articles. The only drawback is the transcription rarely makes it clear who is saying what when multiple speakers talk. Learning to recognize voices or becoming
familiar with the process by which speakers are identified is helpful. Larger cities’ television broadcast news stations leave numerous questions unanswered because they rarely present with the same depth as a well-written newspaper story. Who, what, why, when, where, and how are the high priority concerns in composing intriguing news that will be read. Creativity has a place in newspaper writing but facts rule. Look at your geographical region and try to define it such as
“northeastern Ohio” or “Atlanta and suburbs” then in an Internet search box, preface that with “newspapers in” to determine your targets. Make an in-person visit because phone calls are too impersonal. Show an interest by familiarizing yourself with the type of content they use and the circulation area. Present ideas for stories about schools, interesting people, sports, entertainment, other subjects that seem to be missing from a particular newspaper. Present yourself as a potential
contributor. Ask if there is anything they need you to cover for the benefit of the publication’s readers and be open to some trial writing without pay to prove you are capable. BIO – Randy Pierce has been a community newspaper journalist for over 20 years after having earned an applicable liberal arts degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. (www.ibj.online.com,
www.heraldpubs.com or www.timestribunenews.com) (1) Randy Pierce | LinkedIn
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Deadline: February 27, 2025 Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 Next Generation Short Story Awards, a
not-for-profit international awards program for authors of short stories. The Short Story Awards offers 30+ categories to choose from and accepts original, unpublished stories (5000 words or less) written in English by authors in the U.S., Canada, or internationally. The Next Generation Short Story Awards is offering an Early Bird Special Discount for the month of October to all story writers. Enter and pay by October 31, 2024 to receive your second category (for the same story) for free! Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to have your story considered for 30+ cash
prizes, gold medals, complimentary gold digital stickers, literary exposure and recognition as one of the top stories of the year! Winners will have their story published in an Anthology of Winners and will receive a complimentary copy of the Anthology of Winners (you retain copyright). Finalists will have their author name and story title mentioned in the Anthology of Winners. Enter today at www.ShortStoryAwards.com. The Short Story Awards is brought to you by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the largest international book awards program in the world for independent and self-published authors. LONGLEAF PRESS BOOK PRESS
https://longleafpress.submittable.com/submit
$27 ENTRY FEE. Deadline January 15, 2025. The winning manuscript is to be selected by Roger Weingarten and will be published by
Longleaf Press in early 2026. Along with publication, the author will receive a $1000 prize, 25 author copies, and a virtual reading. Please submit an original manuscript in English of at least 50 pages of poetry. AUTUMN HOUSE PRESS RISING WRITER PRIZE IN FICTION
https://autumnhousepress.submittable.com/submit
$30 ENTRY FEE.
Deadline November 15, 2024. The 2025 Rising Writer Prize is for a first full-length book of fiction. The winner receives publication of their full-length manuscript and $2,000. Must be the author’s first full-length fiction book (previous publications of chapbooks and full-length books in other genres are fine). The winners will receive book publication, a $1,000 honorarium, and a $1,000 travel/publicity grant to promote their book. Submissions should be approximately 100 – 200
pages. ALICE JAMES BOOK AWARD
https://www.alicejamesbooks.org/submit
$30 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 11, 2024. Welcomes submissions of full-length, previously unpublished poetry manuscripts from emerging as well as established poets. Entrants must reside in the United States. The winner will receive $2000, book
publication, and distribution through Consortium. In addition to the winning manuscript, one or more additional manuscripts may be chosen for publication as the Editor’s Choice. JAKE ADAM YORK PRIZE
https://copper-nickel.org/bookprize/
$25 ENTRY FEE. Deadline October 15, 2024. The prize-winning poet receives $2,000 and
publication by Milkweed Editions. The Jake Adam York Prize is for a first or second poetry collection. Limit 48 pages of poetry. Previously self-published books are ineligible for submission for the prize, as are translations and co-authored books. Poets must be US Citizens (living abroad is fine) or must live in the US and be writing in English. GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING NIGHTBOAT EDITORIAL FELLOWSHIP
https://nightboat.org/editorial-fellowship/
Deadline November 15, 2024. Seeking to support the labor of editors of color, we are delighted to open applications for our second Editorial Fellowship. We are looking for an aspiring BIPOC editor to
work alongside Nightboat staff to develop a book project of their choosing over the course of two years. Black and Indigenous editors are strongly encouraged to apply. Projects should not be comprised of the applicant’s original work. Besides the experience, fellow will receive $10,000 (paid in installments—$5,000 per year of the fellowship or according to the fellow’s individual needs) for their work and participation in the program. We approximate that this fellowship will require a commitment
of 400 hours at $25/ hour in total, approximately 15 hours/month over the course of two years. BLACK MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE SHEARING FELLOWSHIP
https://blackmountaininstitute.org/fellowships/apply/
Deadline November 1, 2024. For emerging and distinguished writers who have published at least one book with a
trade or literary press, this fellowship includes compensation of $46,500 paid over a nine-month period; a nine-month-long letter of appointment; eligibility for optional health coverage; office space in the BMI offices on the campus of UNLV; housing (fellows cover some utilities) in a unique and vibrant arts complex in the bustling district of downtown Las Vegas—home to The Writer’s Block, our city’s beloved independent bookstore; and recognition at BMI as a “Shearing
Fellow.”
FREELANCE ARTICLE WRITERS NEEDED
Email: info@myhouseofdesign.com
We're seeking professional writers for articles, infographics, and blog posts. We need someone with an expressive writing tone, professional demeanor, sound research capability, and the ability to communicate clearly. Someone who can inject humor into their writing is a definite
plus. You will be provided with topics, directions, samples, and scope. This freelance, remote position pays 12 cents/word (length between 700-1400 words). To apply, please send a resume and two of your best business writing samples to info@myhouseofdesign.com. Please note that your application will not be considered without the requested samples. BETTER REPORT
https://betterreport.com/about/
Accepting freelance pitches for reviews, buying guides, and other commerce articles. Specifically looking for tested product comparisons, reviews of new releases or category favorites, and love letters to products you can't live without. Send your ideas to medea@optimism.com with PITCH in the subject line. Rates are a WIP but depend on experience and length. For a short 600-700 word review we start at $250 but can go
up if it’s more in-depth or if it’s a guide with multiple tests needed. Better Report’s three main categories are home, health, and wealth but there’s a lot to explore within those. SE EUROPE COALITION ON WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
https://see-whistleblowing.org/call-for-pitches-2
Deadline December 31, 2024. We
are looking again journalistic articles from the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. The Coalition will pay $500 for an article of 1200 to 1500 words produced exclusively for Whistleblowing Chronicles after the pitch is approved. The stories could be explanatory, reportages, analyses, personal essays, opinions, features. REST OF WORLD
https://restofworld.org/about/hiring/labor-tech-reporting-fellowship/
Deadline October 4, 2024. Rest of World is excited to announce a new opportunity for reporters native to regions outside the West who want to produce deeply reported work on how tech impacts labor and workers
around the world. We are looking for 12 reporters from around the world to produce a series of stories at the intersection of tech and labor over the course of 12 months. Particularly interested in contributors from Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, UAE, Turkey, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Colombia, and Brazil. Contributors will be expected to publish four stories over the course of the year, running from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, and will be paid a total of $5,000 for the
four stories. GIGS FOR WRITERS
https://www.patreon.com/gigsforwriters
Gigs for Writers is a directory of the best writing and writing-adjacent jobs curated from around the internet, industry contacts, and email leads. We’re looking for real stories from working writers, particularly personal essays between 500-800 words that are
brilliantly written and shed light on the world of writing for a living. (It can be anything related to your experience as a working writer.) We’re accepting pitches on an ongoing basis and all stories are paid a flat rate of $200. If you think your voice would be a good fit for this publication, you can pitch us at gigsforwriters@gmail.com.
BRICK BOOKS
https://www.brickbooks.ca/about/submissions/
Brick Books publishes full-length poetry collections of the highest quality by both new and established writers. While our definition of poetry is expansive and encompasses many aesthetic modes, we do not publish chapbooks (i.e.,
books fewer than 48 pages), single poems, fiction, or conventional prose nonfiction. OOLIGAN PRESS
https://www.ooliganpress.com/submissions/
We seek to publish regionally significant works of literary, historical, and social value to the Pacific Northwest. Literary fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Young adult fiction, Books about the
craft and teaching of writing, publishing, and book production,
Books on sustainable practices. NEW STAR BOOKS
https://www.newstarbooks.com/submissions.php
New Star welcomes unsolicited manuscripts. We publish in the following areas: Social issues and politics, The culture and history of British Columbia and the West, Literary
prose, both fiction and non-fiction. We also publish poetry, however we do not consider unsolicited poetry manuscripts. LLEWELLYN
https://www.llewellyn.com/about/author_submissions.php
Llewellyn is the oldest and largest publisher specializing in books for body, mind, and spirit. We accept submissions directly from
authors (including first time authors) and from literary agents. ORISON BOOKS
https://www.orisonbooks.com/submissions
Orison Books seeks to publish spiritually-engaged poetry, fiction, and nonfiction of exceptional literary merit. In our view, spiritual writing has little to do with subject matter. Rather, the kind of work we seek to
publish has a transcendent aesthetic effect on the reader, and reading it can itself be a spiritual experience. 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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