VOLUME 25, ISSUE 25 | june 20, 2025 |
WRITING RETREATS I'm back from my annual writing retreat in Maine where I help facilitate writers in their dreams to bring their work alive and get it published. All week I attend and assist in a class a day. The rest of the day, attendees are supposed to write. I'm on call around the
clock to answer questions, give advice, and offer feedback on their writing. We are all friends by the end. It's amazing watching how difficult it is for some to write that much for that long. There is no television. There's only nature all around, from the ocean on one side and woods on the other with wildlife everywhere. A fire at night. If there's a time to write, this is it. Funny how it takes diligence to write when that's
all you have to do. A true test. I love the simpler retreats like this. Days full of classes fry a person's brains. Why not attend a retreat where the guidance is occasional or as needed, instead of all day long? Some think the more they pay the more guidance they need. To me, the CHANCE of very SPECIFIC guidance beats classes all day long. That's what this retreat
offered. These events are not free, though some offer scholarships and work-study programs. At this retreat, an attendee volunteered to keep coffee going, put out snacks, and clean up the kitchen in exchange for attendance. This is quite common. Never hurts to ask. Instead of a conference, consider a retreat next year. You might be amazed at how much such an experience
opens your writing mind. And oh the connections you'll make. |
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Own your story. Keep every word and every reward. REJECTED FOR BEING OBSCURE
This is a great lesson, in my opinion, and when it occurred, I yanked open my laptop to note it for the newsletter. It will be eye opening to some and common sense to others, but it merits mention
here. A writer pitched me a piece. They led saying they had over a decade of experience but all the paid work had been subcontracted or ghostwritten, with the client owning the rights. Therefore, they had no paid experience to show me. My first red flag. They said that was the reason they never established a website or online presence because they could not list links or testimonials. They opened a LinkedIn to find more work but
it showed little experience. They had a Medium site, but that’s not being hired to write. In other words, all I had was their word that they had a history of earning a living writing. In this day and time with AI so prevalent, I couldn't accept that, so I rejected the submission. First and foremost, I suspect AI in cases like this. The piece might not be AI written, but if it
sounds more AI than human, I side with AI. Second, if someone cannot confirm their experience, I cannot trust they have any. It’s too easy to pretend these days. Third, in several years of freelancing, they surely wrote something they could publicize, and if they haven't, that's on them. They countered with an article they immediately posted on Medium that addressed my rejection. They even emailed me to show me it was up. They
addressed this experience with being rejected. That's good. I like the world seeing both sides. https://medium.com/@renuka.athena/when-visibikity-outshines-talent-a-ghostwriters-regret-and-resolve-95fd2e0a024c You cannot
read it all without signing up for their page, but you get the gist of the message. They opined about the writing being good but they were rejected on the sole basis of having no online presence. They asked, “When did writing start being not about what you say but about how many people saw you say it?” My answer is…since writing began. Who wants to read something and not know who wrote it? Writers have always needed credibility. Whether in the form of clips, experience, testimonials, links, or publications, someone buying work wants incentive to trust it. Since the internet began, writers have needed an online presence. Skip to today and AI is too easy for people to use. So many writers pitch using AI (though they say they don’t) but the giveaway is the fact they are not known as a writer and have no links to paid published work. You seriously have to grow
with the times. If you want to be paid for your work, have an online presence. Post testimonials if you don’t have clips, and attempt to link to where your published work exists. There’s too much pretense out there. A publisher has a reputation to protect and readers to honor, and if you have no proven writing history, the publisher has to move on to one of the many who do.
In need of editing for your manuscript? Looking for an experienced beta reader to offer feedback on your work-in-progress? Need another brain to bounce ideas off of in a dedicated workshopping space? Look no further! Story Therapy offers editing, beta reading, and workshopping to all writers of all backgrounds. Whether you're working on a script or a novel, I'm here to help with the writing process. Visit taylorlouiseblog.com
for more information! Hope taking a break overlooking the harbor at her Maine writer's retreat. -Sept 9, 2025 - Chapin Library, Chapin, SC - 1PM
Email: hope@chopeclark.com to schedule events, online or otherwise.
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
~Aesop
<<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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The Facebook Author Page: An Essential Marketing Tool
By Sean McLachlan Social media promises writers a way to reach a large number of potential readers. The problem is, the possibilities are rather limited. X is a dumpster fire of partisan politics. Bluesky will probably follow. I don’t know anyone who gets many sales through Instagram. Tiktok works only for extroverts and the app’s future
in the U.S. is uncertain. That leaves Facebook, the world’s largest social networking site with an estimated three billion monthly users. That’s a huge audience, and one that skews older, the very demographic that tends to read more. Our personal page is not the best place to push our writing. Our friends aren’t our customers! Instead, start a Facebook author page solely devoted to your work. From your existing account, click on the menu button on the upper
right. Under “create”, click “page”. You’ll then go through a few steps similar to making your personal page. It only takes a few minutes. Create a banner featuring your books, a profile photo of yourself, and links to your website. But how do you get people to join? List the page wherever your books are listed such as your Amazon author page, website, sig line, etc. Invite your friends, mention it in your newsletter, and in any Facebook groups that allow you to do so. It will
start slow but will grow with time. If you want to run Meta ads, you’ll need an author page in order to do so. Meta ads, when focused only on Facebook and not Meta’s many other platforms, can be incredibly profitable. Any ads that appear on users’ feeds will be shown as posts from your author page, encouraging people to visit even if they don’t click on the “buy now” button. You can also “invite the likes”. Facebook users can like an ad the same as any other
post. If you click on the thumb’s up or heart icon, you’ll see a list of who liked or loved your ad. Next to their name you’ll see an invite button. Click on that and they’ll be invited to follow your page. Do this once a week and you’ll be rewarded with steady growth. The most popular pages offer a mix of personal posts about the writing process, photos, shared articles of interest to the reader, and the occasional announcement of a new book or promotion. I say “occasional”
because the author page should make readers feel they’re cozying up to the author and getting to know them better, not being sold to. Since my historical mysteries take place in exotic locales such as Egypt and Morocco, I share lots of photos of my travels there. I also share interesting articles on Egyptology (like the discovery of the tomb of Thutmose II. Yay!), updates on my writing, and photos of books I’m reading that my followers might like. I post at least every other
day. Only about one in ten of my posts have some sort of sales angle. Your content depends on your writing. You don’t have to be too personal or share photos of yourself if you don’t want to. Bestselling science fiction, fantasy, and paranormal author Sarah Noffke, https://www.facebook.com/officialsarahnoffke, offers a mix of cover
reveals, teaser quotes, and cute photos with her husband. Aviation thriller writer James Blatch, https://www.facebook.com/jamesblatchauthor, shares lots of photos of fighter jets and vintage video from the Cold War, the same era his novels are set in. Archaeological thriller author Luke Richardson, https://www.facebook.com/lukerichardsonauthor, focuses on travel on his Facebook author page, much like his books do. Facebook author pages are an effective sales tool. These are your hardcore fans. When you announce a new release or a promotion, you can expect a nice bump in sales. Timed to coincide with other promotions such as new Meta or Amazon ads, or promotions such as
Bargain Booksy, this can level up the effect. Just don’t be too pushy. For marketing on your author page, less is definitely more.
So start an author page and start building your readership today!
BIO: Sean McLachlan has been a full-time writer for 25 years and is currently penning several historical mystery series. You may find him at www.seanmclachlan.net and on his Facebook author page www.facebook.com/writersean
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$20 ENTRY FEE. Submissions open June 16 – July 16, 2025 (5PM ET). The Gutsy Great Novelist Page One Prize is awarded for an outstanding first page of an unpublished novel. First prize is $1,000; 2nd is $500; 3rd is $250. The prize is open internationally to anyone over 18 writing a novel in English in any genre
for adult or YA readers. BROOKLYN CARIBBEAN LITERARY FESTIVAL SHORT FICTION CONTEST
https://www.bklyncbeanlitfest.org/2025-bclf-short-fiction-story-contest
NO POSTED ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 1,
2025. Theme: Roots and Remedies: Prescriptions for an Uncertain World. This year’s BCLF Short Fiction Story Contest seeks new fiction that speaks to the urgent need for grounding and healing. - CATEGORY 1: BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Caribbean-American Writer’s Prize. All entrants must be of Caribbean heritage/of Caribbean descent, be a resident of the United States/Canada, be over the age of 18 years, self-published writers
may apply. Stories must be original works of fiction. Work should not be published in any nationally distributed publication. Word count: 3,000 words or less. Prize $1,750 and other items like interview, merchandise, etc. - CATEGORY 2: BCLF Elizabeth Nunez Award for Writers in the Caribbean. Exclusively open to unpublished and published writers who were born/raised and holding nationality in the Caribbean. You may submit if you
are currently on temporary assignment elsewhere in the world (except the US and Canada). Submitted stories must be original works of fiction. Word count: 3,000 words or less. Prize $1,750 and other items like interview, merchandise, etc. RICHARD MARGOLIS AWARD
https://www.margolisaward.org/apply-for-the-rjm-award
NO NOTED ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 1, 2025. Given annually to a promising new journalist or essayist whose nonfiction work combines warmth, humor and wisdom and sheds light on issues of social justice. The award combines a one-month residency at Blue Mountain Center, an acclaimed writers' and artists' colony in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, with a $5,000 prize. Finalists receive $1,000. SIR PETER USTINOV TELEVISION SCRIPTWRITING AWARD
https://www.iemmys.tv/international-emmy-awards/other-awards/sir-peter-ustinov-scriptwriting-award/
NO NOTED ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 1, 2025. The competition is designed
to motivate non-American novice writers under the age of 30, and offer them the recognition and encouragement that might lead to a successful career in television scriptwriting. Entrants are asked to create a completed half-hour to one-hour English-language television drama script. The award winner receives $2,500. The Applicant must be a non-U.S. citizen. The script must be a minimum of a half-hour and a maximum of one-hour commercial length. The script should be a stand-alone or pilot
script. SUSTAINABLE STORY AWARD
https://www.worldofbooks.com/pages/sustainable-story-award
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline July 6, 2025. The Sustainable Story Award aims to direct resources to those in need, supporting literary and sustainable growth. The prize
consists of a mixture or financial and mentor support with £15,000 bursary for winner, 2 x £5,000 bursaries for runner, and mentorship from industry experts for winners, with a minimum of 2 x one hour sessions - subject to mentors' discretion. Available to authors based in the UK at any stage of their careers, provided they have been published at least once before. NOT QUITE WRITE PRIZE FOR FLASH FICTION
https://notquitewritepodcast.com/prize/?utm_source=funds+for+writers&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=comp+list
ENTRY FEE AU$35 / ~US$22. Deadline July 27, 2025 AEST. The Not Quite Write Prize for Flash Fiction challenges writers to break the writing "rules" to craft a
compelling 500-word story. Shortlisted stories are read aloud on the Not Quite Write podcast and published in the annual print anthology. The winner receives AU$1,500 plus a trophy and publication. Open to writers worldwide. 83-WORD EMAIL CONTEST
https://www.awai.com/2025/06/write-a-short-email-and-you-could-earn-200/
NO ENTRY FEE. Deadline June 23, 2025. For this contest, you’re going to promote a pair of sleep buds. And, if yours is one of the three best submissions, we’re going to award you $200. Not a bad payday for 83 words! We’re doing this because we want you to have immediate, hands-on experience with digital copywriting. We’ve done this before, and HUNDREDS of people have taken part. It’s
fun! A team of us here at AWAI gets involved in judging all the submissions, and it’s amazing to see so much creative writing. MASTERS REVIEW REPRINT PRIZE
https://themastersreview.submittable.com/submit/329254/the-2025-reprint-prize-500-prize
$10 ENTRY FEE. Deadline June 29, 2025. Open for submissions of previously published prose. Winner receives $500 and online publication. Submissions of fiction or nonfiction must be under 6,000 words. Sets no limitations on style or topic, but primary interest is in literary prose.
GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP / CROWDFUNDING SOUTH CAROLINA INDIE GRANTS
https://www.indiegrants.org/indie-grants
Deadline August 11, 2025. The program produces South Carolina short films with high production value and inventive storytelling,
with professional development and workforce training for the state’s production industry at its core. Funding can range from $25,000 to $45,000 to cover the full production of short film projects, including post-production. Selected grant recipients are expected to manage their productions with a high level of professionalism, quality, and practicality throughout the process. Creative thinking, cost-efficiency, smart management of funds, and pooling of resources are key. At least one member of
your core team must be a native South Carolina filmmaker. GREENACRES ARTS CENTER
https://green-acres.org/event/greenacres-artists-weekend-2025/
Deadline September 7, 2025. Price: $75 Student, $125 General. The Greenacres Artist Weekend is an annual
three-day event where artists can create, collaborate, and generate new ideas in the fairytale-like setting of the Greenacres Arts Center. Nestled among historic architecture, forests, and farmland, Greenacres offers an idyllic sanctuary that is sure to inspire creativity. Eligible participants are 18 years of age or older and reside in the Greater Cincinnati Metropolitan Area. GRAND CANYON CONSERVANCY
https://www.grandcanyon.org/experience-grand-canyon/residency-program/artist-in-residence
Deadline July 15, 2025. The Artist in Residence program serves the priorities of the National Park Service’s Department of Interpretation and Resource Education including inclusive storytelling and climate change and
aims to highlight differing perspectives on this precious natural resource. MILES MORLAND FOUNDATION
https://milesmorlandfoundation.com/
Deadline September 19, 2025. Scholars will receive a grant of £18,000, paid monthly over the course of twelve months. At the discretion
of the Foundation, Scholars writing non-fiction, who require additional research time, could receive an additional grant, paid over a period of up to eighteen months. The aim is to allow each Scholar the time to produce the first draft of a completed book. The Scholarships are open to anyone writing in the English language who was born in Africa, or both of whose parents were born in Africa.
THE ORANGE BEE
https://theorangebee.substack.com/p/submission-guidelines
OPEN PERIOD 9:00 am 1 July to midnight 14 July. Poetry: flat rate $US50 per poem (up to 50 lines). Flash fiction/non-fiction: flat rate $US80 per story (max.
1000 words). Short fiction/non-fiction: $US 0.08 per word (max. 4000 words). We are seeking original works of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction that engage in a significant way with the long history of fairy tales. We are interested in works that stretch, expand, test, subvert, and challenge the fairy-tale tradition. PHILADELPHIA MAGAZINE
https://www.phillymag.com/contact/
$1/word, and are always looking for departments (3,000 words) and features (5,000 words and up). You can pitch the editor directly Bradford Pearson at bpearson@phillymag.com. Provides topical, in-depth reports on crucial and controversial issues confronting the region-business trends, political analysis, metropolitan planning, sociological trends, plus critical reviews of the cultural, sports and entertainment
scene. Articles range from law enforcement to fashion, voting trends to travel, transportation to theatre, also includes background studies of the area’s newsmakers. CONE
https://conemagazine.com/about/
CONE is an independent magazine and media platform covering authentic and innovative creators
across all artforms including music, film, and culture. Our objective is to create original and engaging content, providing a platform for the thousands of extremely talented, but largely uncovered, artists to find and engage with their audience. Pays $100 to $400. MERGANSER MAGAZINE
https://mergansermagazine.com/about.html
Merganser Magazine is a free online literary magazine, featuring a variety of prose and poetry. Please submit prose (fiction or creative non-fiction) and poetry by email to Jake Ott at editor@mergansermagazine.com. Anything longer than 2,000 words is likely a hard sell. For prose, we pay the SFWA pro rate of $0.08 USD per word. For poetry, we pay $1 USD per line.
CHELSEA GREEN PUBLISHING
https://www.chelseagreen.com/about/submission-guidelines/
Chelsea Green publishes books by authors who bring in-depth, practical knowledge to life and give readers hands-on information related to organic and
regenerative farming and gardening, ecology and the environment, healthy food, local economies and resilient communities, and integrative health and wellness. AKAN BOOKS
https://akanbooks.co.uk/
This new publishing imprint aims to break down barriers for writers and make our industry more accessible.
Seeking new talent across fiction and non-fiction, Akan Books will provide a platform for writers who have compelling stories to tell but lack the resources or industry know-how to get published. We specifically target three key demographics: Authors from ethnic minority backgrounds, Authors who identify as working class, and Authors with disabilities. Right now we are focusing on the following genres. In fiction: crime and thriller, psychological suspense, romance, historical,
contemporary/book club and family drama. In non-fiction: self-help, smart thinking, memoir and parenting. MILLS AND BOON
https://www.millsandboon.co.uk/pages/submission-process
Mills & Boon publishes category romance and fiction. We publish a wide range of content and
welcome writers from all backgrounds, cultures and communities to submit to the romance series best suited to their unique voice and story. Read the guidelines for all the series to find out exactly what we’re looking for and which one suits your writing style best. The editors have written guidelines that reflect the key promises of each series but do remember there is no formula for writing a publishable romance! EVERYTHING WITH
WORDS
https://www.everythingwithwords.com/about-us/
Everything With Words is an independent publisher of literary fiction for children and adults. We open for unagented submissions in August. At the moment, we don’t publish picture books and we’re not very interested in books with a strong moral or didactic aim — fine books do change
people’s view of the world but we find that books where the author’s views are the main driving force tend to be heavy and predictable. We don’t publish adult horror fiction or pure fantasy though we are open to magical realism. No science fiction. Your book must be full length which means at least forty thousand words. 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 2000-2025, 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
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