FundsforWriters - December 9, 2007

Published: Sat, 12/08/07

 Volume 7, Issue 49       
December 9, 2007

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS
Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
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Editor:  C. Hope Clark
Mailto:    Hope@fundsforwriters.com
Website: http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Newsletter: 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.
                 
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EDITOR'S THOUGHTS
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Read newsletter online at: http://www.fundsforwriters.com/FFW.htm
=====
 
HOPE'S HYPER HARANGUE
 
Had to check my thesaurus on that last word to make sure I had
it right, but once I did, I realized I'd hit my feelings right
on the money. Here goes...those who disagree, I'm sorry. This
is my spin on writers and compensation. After all, this is
"FUNDS" for writers.
 
We've all been touched by the writers' strike. These writers
represent film, television and radio writers working in the
United States and belong to Writer's Guild East and West. The
strike is against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television
Producers (AMPTP), a trade organization that represents film and
television producers. The strikers claim that a writer's profits
made from subsequent airings or purchases of a program are a
necessary part of a writer's income. The WGA has requested a
doubling of a writer's payment for DVD sales, which would
compensate eight cents (up from four cents) per DVD sold.
AMPTP refuses this suggestion.
 
While the gross majority of us do not write for theatre or
television, the point is the same. Writers will get paid as
little as they allow to occur. And those that perpetually
write for free erode the foundation of those earning a living.
Stop and study this...a DVD sells for an average of $15. A
writer gets four cents of that. One percent is 15 cents. They
are asking for about one-half of one percent of sales, yet
they can strike and bring the industry to its knees. This should
indicate how important a writer is to the business.
 
Every writer, at one time or another, is asked to write out of
the goodness of his heart. All writers have done it at some point
in his career. Writing for free has its place...but it should
not be a common practice. If you write for zero financial
compensation, ask yourself these questions:
 
1. How are you being compensated for your time? In other
words, if you are writing a piece for free, what is its
worth? If someone saw your name in a byline for a publication
that expects your words for no payment, what do you gain? If
you say an additional clip for your file or exposure, move
on to item 2.
 
2. What would a paying editor think about that byline you
wrote for free? Does it mean something on a resume?
 
3. What is your hourly wage for your writing? Tally the
paid and unpaid articles and determine what you're worth.
 
4. Are you proud of your writing income? If not, how much
gratuitous writing did you do in the past year?
 
5. If you could write for compensation, would you choose to
write for nothing?
 
6. Would you suggest your children/spouse/friend write for free?
 
7. Who do you respect more...those who give it away or those
who earn a living in the craft?
 
If you had a choice, you'd write for money, right? Cough...
but you have a choice!
 
Writing for free should be a rarity and should carry a tangible
reward you can put your finger on. None of this...I need clips,
so I'll donate my work until I have enough credits to move on.
Why not gather paid clips? Even the little $35 per 700 words
that FundsforWriters pays equates to probably $35/hour in
wages because the pieces I purchase do not require much
research, if any at all. That's decent pay!
 
The time you spend writing for nothing sucks the life out
of your income, making that 50 cents/word sale equal to more
like 25 cents if you wrote an equal length article for nothing.
Keep doing it, and you've eroded that half dollar to pennies
per word.
 
And the more we accept that our value is nothing, the worse
we feel about ourselves. Look at the publication taking your
work. What is its purpose for existing? Someone is publishing
the periodical, web site, newspaper or book to either make a
name or make a dollar...for himself...on your back.
Maybe it's time to think about that New Year's resolution, huh?
 
    Hope

http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com
People are raving about the new look...and the new opportunities
offered four-five days a week.
 
=====
 
FINAL CALL FOR TOTAL
 
The $6 per year subscription rate for TOTAL FundsforWriters
expires on December 31, 2007. After that, who knows what it
will be? It's been $12 for years. Thought about giving it
as a Christmas gift for a writer friend? Be glad to mail
them a FundsforWriters postcard as notification of your
gift!
 
The clock is ticking...
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/totaldeal.htm
 
=====
 
THE SHY WRITER IS OUT...AGAIN
 
The second edition of The Shy Writer is out and available for
your Christmas giving. Included is a subscription to TOTAL
FundsforWriters. A nice gift package for a writing pal.
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/shywriter.htm
 
=====
 
THE WOW - WOMEN ON WRITING COLUMN IS UP FOR DECEMBER
http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/16-Funds4Writers.html
"Compete While Waiting for That Contract"

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~
WORDS OF SUCCESS
 
Dreams come in a size too big
so that we may grow into them.
~ Josie Bisset
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ARTICLE
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THE CATCH-22 OF CONTRACTS!
(5 ways to protect your shirt without having one!)
 
By Jennifer Brown Banks
 
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
 
Any writer worth his "salt" knows that to stay sane and
successful in this industry requires business savvy as well
as creativity. Many horror stories exist about creative
individuals who get "burned" as a result of bad decisions
in protecting their "intellectual assets."
 
Take for instance, Barry Manilow, who lost millions due to
improper management of his career, and was forced to return
back to the touring circuit to avoid financial ruin! Not to
mention the many "childhood star" actors victimized by signing
off their rights and entrusting their welfare to greedy
"guardians," agents and unethical lawyers.
 
Many online scams target aspiring writers. A friend of mine
naively invested $8,000 to publish a poetry book, only to
have this vanity publisher go out of business, leaving her
broke with nothing to show for her efforts.
 
As a result of this scamming culture, many writers have
opted to only work with publications with legal contracts.
They believe that it guarantees that they will be paid
according to the terms established, and ensures that the
publication is reputable. Right? Well, not necessarily.
As a veteran freelance writer and senior editor, my
experience has sometimes dictated differently.
I have written for over 12 years for a popular, national
lifestyle magazine for singles. This particular publication
pays me well and consistently for more than a decade, despite
never having offering a written contract. Our "deal" was
sealed by a simple phone conversation. I simply took a chance. 
The publisher gave me her word of what I would be paid and when. 
She has been as reliable and regular as the sun!
 
Conversely, I have had "legal contracts" with a few publishers
with whom I have had to beg, plead and pray before honoring
our agreement. I have discovered there are always loopholes
and stall tactics.  Always.
 
Sometimes getting someone to pay you for your craft is a
matter of ethics and not legalities. Ethics can't be governed
by a piece of paper. Writers shouldn't necessarily shy away
from writing for publications that don't have contracts.     
 
To lessen the odds of being taken advantage of, consider
these common sense tools before saying okay to a writing gig:
 
1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! 
Online bulletin boards and forums expose many scamming
publishers and editors. Those who have been scammed scream
loudly in these arenas. Listen to the horror stories of
others and learn not to make their mistakes. A few to check
out are:
 
Preditors and Editors
http://anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubwarn.htm
 
Writers Beware
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/
 
2. EXAMINE HOW LONG THE PUBLICATION HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE AND ITS CIRCULATION NUMBERS. 
Odds are the longer the magazine/site has been around, the
better their track record and the better the odds of being
paid.
 
3. ARE ADVERTISERS ABUNDANT? 
Publications get a great deal of their revenue from ads and
subscriptions.  Use this key to assess income potential of
the enterprise.
 
4. IS THE PUBLISHER OR EDITOR RESPONSIVE TO YOUR QUESTIONS,
COMMENTS OR CONCERNS? 
Those who are not, won't be any different when it comes to
paying you promptly.
 
5. TRUST YOUR GUT. 
It's okay to take risks that are reasonable.  It's the only
way to grow and learn. Does it feel right?  You decide.
To familiarize yourself with standard contracts, what they
can and cannot do, and to minimize risks, you might want to
check out the following sites:
 
WEBSITES FOR LEGAL HELP AND/OR SAMPLE CONTRACTS
http://www.findforms.com
For writers' forms and legal documents.
 
http://www.nwu.org
National Writers' Union - Writers' advocacy group
 
http://law-arts.org--- Lawyers for the Creative Arts
Copyright and trademark assistance.  Also helps with
disputes over payments.
 
By following these five tips and exploring these web sites
before forging into a writing deal, you can increase your
writing credits and your bottom line and decrease your
vulnerability.
 
BIO
Jennifer Brown Banks is a veteran freelance writer,
editor and award-winning poet, with over 400
publishing credits regionally and nationally.
Email: Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com

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COMPETITIONS
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DOROTHY SILVER PLAYWRITING COMPETITION
http://www.clevejcc.org/Dorothy_Silver_Playwriting_Competition.asp
---
NO ENTRY FEE
An annual competition which is designed to encourage new plays
that provide significant, fresh perspectives on the range of
Jewish experience. $1,000 and a staged reading of the winning
play by The Mandel JCC in Cleveland.  This award is paid in $500
increments with the first payment being on announcement of award
and the second at or near the date of the reading to help defray
travel costs for the playwright during the brief production
period.  All winners are announced in American Theatre magazine.
NOTE:  By mutual agreement, the winning script will be considered
for a future production by The Mandel JCC of Cleveland. Deadline
December 31, 2007.
 
=====
 
15th DAME LISBET THROCKMORTON SHORT FICTION CONTEST
http://www.coffeehousefiction.com
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
Original short stories 3,500 words or less are being accepted
for this annual contest.  Four cash prizes of $500, $125, $75
and $50.  All winners will be published on site with pics and
bios. The judges also offer a critique service for an optional
fee.  Deadline:  January 31, 2008.  For more information email
info@coffeehousefiction.com or go to the website.
 
=====
 
THE PHILIP MANGELSDORF AWARD FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE
http://www.writingformoney.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=17
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
150 words or less. Fifteen winners. Your best opening 150
words (or less) for any fiction or nonfiction work. Submit
as many entries as you wish.
1 First Prize: $500
2 Second Prizes: $100 each
3 Third Prizes: $50 each
4 Fourth Prizes: $25 each
5 Fifth Prizes: Honorable Mention
All winners will be announced on writingformoney.com, and top
winning entries will be published on the WfM site. NOTE: All
prize winners will receive an official certificate from Writing
for Money. Deadline January 15, 2008.

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GRANTS
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A ROOM OF HER OWN FOUNDATION
http://www.aroomofherown.org/giftfreedom_application.html
---
Application is now available for the 2009 Gift of Freedom Award
for poetry, playwriting, creative nonfiction and fiction.
Download the application form here. Deadline October 31, 2008.
The foundation provides Gift of Freedom grants of up to
$50,000 to women with creative vision. It is the largest
grant of its kind in the United States.
 
=====
 
MARTIN DIBNER FELLOWSHIPS FOR MAINE WRITERS
http://www.mainecf.org/Default.aspx?tabid=243
---
Grant Size: $500-$1,000. Application Deadline: January 15.
2008. Applications will be accepted from promising Maine
writers who have not published a full-length book. Fellowships
are meant to help further writing skills and experience.
Attendance at writing workshops is the primary purpose for
support; assistance with living expenses while finishing a
writing project will also be considered. The fellowships do
not support the purchase of computers or printing/publication
expenses. Recipients will be selected in order of the
following priorities: quality of work and financial need.
In even years the award will go to writers of FICTION and
in odd years to writers of POETRY.
 
=====
 
GRANTS FOR JOURNALISTS TO STUDY RELIGION
http://www.rna.org/scholarships.php
---
Journalists interested in taking college courses in religion
or spirituality may apply for a scholarship program offered
by the Religion Newswriters Association. Journalists will
receive scholarships for up to $5,000 each to study religion
at any accredited college, university or seminary. Scholarships
cover expenses including tuition, registration fees and books.
Deadline January 1, 2008.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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ASCENT MAGAZINE
www.ascentmagazine.com/images/writer_guidelines_2007.pdf
---
Ascent is a quarterly journal of yoga and engaged spirituality.
With an emphasis on personal narrative, Ascent's articles
translate the philosophy of yoga and other spiritual traditions
into practical realities. Features 2,000 to 3,500 words.
Features one question-and-answer style interview in every
issue which is about 1,800 to 2,500 words in length, plus a
400 to 800-word introduction. Other articles or profiles run
from 1,000 to 2,000 words. Reviews of recently published books
and CDs are 300 to 500 words. Pays 10 to 20 cents/word.
$50 for reviews.
 
=====
 
AMERICAN STYLE MAGAZINE
http://www.americancraft.com/STAFF/Our_Staff.htm
---
The mission of AmericanStyle magazine is to inform craft
enthusiasts and art collectors about the significance of
handmade objects of art. AmericanStyle magazine provides
art lovers with valuable tips on decorating, interior design,
display and lighting ideas for everything from designer
jewelry and art glass to collectible teapots, art furniture
and sculptural ceramics. More than 250 arts festivals,
gallery exhibitions and museum events are listed in the
Datebook section of each issue.
 
=====
 
FOREST MAGAZINE
Forest Magazine is a nationally distributed publication that
explores issues pertaining to America's system of national
forests. NOTE: With all the droughts and wildfires across the
US from the east coast to the west, some stories have to be
just chomping at the bit to be told. ~Hope

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
JOBS
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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Albany, NY
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?sc_extcmp=JS_JobAlert_Title&ipath=PSSK0&psa=1&Job_DID=J3F39M647532RDL8BSQ
---
Write and edit material for a variety of outlets with an
emphasis on overseeing student recruitment publications and
reporting on scientific research. Conduct interviews and
provide critical input for other campus publications, events,
and media coverage.
 
=====
 
STYLE EDITOR
Location Los Angeles, CA
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeeker/Jobs/JobDetails.aspx?sc_extcmp=JS_JobAlert_Title&ipath=PSSK0&psa=1&Job_DID=J8H60G6457RG64R0QH8
---
The Los Angeles Times Media Group is seeking a full-time
style editor for Metromix Los Angeles, a new Entertainment
& Events Cityguide for both print and online. Metromix will
be the premier guide to entertainment for young Angelenos.
It's the place to find out about dining, bars, music, movies,
television, events, style, and more.
 
=====
 
WRITER
Location Cincinnati, OH
http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=65965997&aid=27015391-4127&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
----
Deadline December 24, 2007. Employing Agency: Centers for
Disease Control & Prevention. Researches and interprets DHHS
and CDC document clearance procedures and guides CDC clients
accordingly.  Establishes policies and procedures for
accomplishment of the writing and editing services. The
incumbent will perform supervisory personnel management
responsibilities.  Advises and provides counsel to employees
regarding policies, procedures, and directives of management.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
WINTER WITCH BOOKS - UK
http://www.winterwitch.co.uk/about.html
---
Winter Witch Books is a small, independent publisher nestled
between the Lake District and the Solway Coast. Our main
interest is fiction, in the form of full-length books for
children and adults. We will be branching into poetry in the
near future.
=====
 
DON CONGDON ASSOCIATES, INC.
http://www.agentquery.com/agent.aspx?agentid=171
---
Represents sci-fi, mystery, commercial fiction, historical
fiction, thrillers, adventure in the fiction arena. In
nonfiction, represents biographies, politics, science,
parenting, memoirs, travel, true story, business, women's
issues, pop culture, finance, psychology and more. Member
of AAR.
 
=====
 
HAROLD OBER ASSOCIATES, INC.
http://www.agentquery.com/agent.aspx?agentid=188
---
No email queries. In fiction likes literary, crime, mystery,
commercial fiction, romance, historical fiction, thrillers,
adventure and military. In nonfiction likes history, true
story, narrative, military and journalism. Member of AAR.

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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
TAKE YOUR FICTION WRITING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
 
What do Dan Brown, J.K. Rowling, Stephen King and Nora Roberts
have in common?
 
They're all great storytellers, and great storyTELLERS make
great storySELLERS.
 
Storytelling, like writing, is a craft that can be learned.
Writers Central specialises in online courses and e-books
devoted to the art and craft of writing great fiction.
And great fiction sells.
 
Join published author and columnist Suzanne Harrison, as she
guides you on a journey through the simple but powerful
processes of freeing your imagination and onto writing your
award winner or bestseller.
http://www.writerscentral.com.au.
 
=====
 
FOUR Ps TO PUBLISHING SUCCESS WORKBOOK -
Your Guide to Getting Published
 
"4 Ps to Publishing Success is Step One in every beginner's
path to becoming a writer. All that information is condensed
in one place to tell you where and how to commence that dream
career as a copywriter, author or freelance writer." --C. Hope Clark
 
Publishing consultant and former New York book editor Shelley
Lieber shares easy-to-follow exercises, resources and insider
tips to help beginning and intermediate writers navigate the
entire publishing process from initial concept to publication
and promotion. Convenient ebook format lets you download and
get started in minutes. Full details at:
http://www.shelleylieber.com
 
=====

WORLDWIDE FREELANCE WRITER - Download a free list of writing
markets if you subscribe this week. Our database has almost 2,000
writing markets from USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia.
http://www.worldwidefreelance.com
 
=====
 
ARE YOU A STARVING POET?
 
Even if you're not, how would you like a free resource coming
to you monthly via email?  Subscribe to the free newsletter,
The Poetry Market Ezine, by logging onto www.thepoetrymarket.com
and using the sign up box, or send any email to: 
poetrymarket-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
The newsletter features poetry markets, contests, and news.
Listed as one of Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites for
Writers 2007, The Poetry Market ezine has been exclusively
catering to poets for over 6 years! 
For general info, send any email to tpme@thepoetrymarket.com
 
=====
 
Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
Advertise with FFW Small Markets!
ADS FOR $9 AND UP!
$ 9 - one week in FFW Small Markets
$30 - four weeks in FFW Small Markets
$20 - one week in FundsforWriters
$60 - four weeks in FundsforWriters
$25 - one week in both FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets
$75 - four weeks in FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm

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BUSINESS STUFF
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C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com
140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036
http://www.fundsforwriters.com
Copyright 2000-2007, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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