Volume 8, Issue 37
September 14, 2008

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FUNDS FOR WRITERS

Writer's Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

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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
Read past issues at: http://www.aweber.com/z/article/?fundsforwriters

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HIGHS AND LOWS

Just came out of a rough week. Actually, I'm writing this
still bummed out, but that's all right. Writing helps me
collect myself, resort the trash, and decide what to toss
and what's worth keeping.

When we get knocked down due to rejection, disagreement,
or lost opportunity, we seem to think everything else is
coming unglued as well. We judge the world through a jaundiced
eye. I hate talking to people during these moments, because
I won't see them in their best light.

Recently, I had an online editor critize my writing skills.
I swear, I can toss out a quick piece with a one-time proof
and hear accolades about it. Then I'll spend a solid day on
another assignment, proofing it a half dozen times, and hear
lukewarm comments. I just experienced the latter; got dressed
down like a Marine Corps rookie.

The experience left me confused. You probably understand the
feeling. You think you did your best...and apparently didn't.
Or maybe it's something else.

Maybe the match isn't right. The situation could be more of
an oil and water situation. You don't mix. You're constantly
shaking up the mixture, trying to make the blend work, but
it always settles out with you and the editor on opposite
sides, with you winding up on the bottom.

I've learned during these blue times to keep an eye open for
a message. Yeah, I know. Sounds corny and hokey, but the
concept never fails me. I seek some notice from a higher power
telling me what to do, or at least how to adapt to the hand
I've been dealt. That answer came in the form of a blog I
absolutely adore. It's called Freelance Switch.

The title of the day's post was: 9 Ways to Enjoy Freelancing
More. Zing! This post couldn't be a clearer message than if
someone came up and smacked me with a wet dishcloth. The very
first lesson was "Work With Clients You Like."

Sometimes we get so caught up in the minutiae of our lives
that we don't step back and analyze the simple. So I did.
Stepping away from the computer, I considered what I should
do. Then I quit that publication with the editor who wouldn't
like me if I bought her the winning lottery ticket.

So, when writing sucks, or anything else sucks, for that
matter, know that somewhere, someone will send you a
message on how to move past it.

http://freelanceswitch.com/freelancing-essentials/9-ways-to-enjoy-freelancing-more/

---
NOTE:
This past week was the 7th anniversary of the events we now
call 9-11. Hope contributed to the blog 3 Questions...and
Answers, one of my favorite blogs, to commemorate that day.
http://3questionsandanswers.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-did-911-attacks-affect-you.html

    Hope

http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

People are raving about the new look...and the new opportunities
offered four-five days a week.

=====

TOTAL FundsforWriters

Love FundsforWriters newsletter? Wish you had more grants,
contests and opportunities for your work? Does the regular
newsletter not give you enough chances to stretch your
writing muscles? Subscribe to TOTAL FundsforWriters.

For $12/year, you receive 80+ grants, contests, markets,
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That's a deal!

Don't forget THE SHY WRITER. Total comes with the paperback
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http://www.fundsforwriters.com/total.htm
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=====

7th ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST
Sponsored by IdeaWeaver
www.ideaweaversoftware.com

FundsforWriters and its annual sponsor IdeaWeaver, creator
of writing and creativity software, announce the 7th Annual
FundsforWriters Essay Contest.

THEME: "The Best Advice I Ever Had."

As is the FundsforWriters trademark, applicants enter with
or without an entry fee, their choice. Prize monies range
from $10 to $200.  Limit 750 words. Deadline October 31,
2008.

www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm
Questions to hope@fundsforwriters.com

Also sponsored by:

Shelley Lieber
4Ps to Publishing Success:
Get Your Manuscript Off Your Desk & Into Print
www.shelleylieber.com/work1.htm

and

Original Impulse - Cynthia Morris
Creativity & Life Coaching Resources for Writers
www.originalimpulse.com

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WRITER'S DIGEST TOP 101 BEST WRITING WEB SITES TAKING NOMINATIONS

Writer's Digest is now accepting nominations for next year's list.
Refer sites for 2009 by sending a nomination to:
writersdig@fwpubs.com  with "101 Websites" as the subject line.

Hope FundsforWriters has aided you in some way in 2008 to
prompt your nomination of us to this wonderful competition.
Much thanks for your consideration.   ~HOPE

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"You should put your URL on everything.
Mine is on the bumper of my car, on every
ad and flyer, and even on my checks. Every
piece of mail I send out gets a JAKonrath.com
rubber stamp on the back. I always mention my
URL in the newspaper and radio interviews, on
panels and while doing signings."

-J.A. Konrath in an article in
Writer's Digest, October 2007

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ARTICLE
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A PROMOTIONAL RANT

By C. Hope Clark and friend

Surprisingly, this rant isn't from me. A fellow writer and
professional friend sent this in, asked me to speak about it,
and said to plagiarize her email, if needed, to make the point.

We've all heard the term guerilla marketing. Yes, we know
we have to be aggressive about our self-promotion. After all,
who else is going to flaunt our wares? But my fussy writer
had a point.

"I believe new and upcoming hungry authors believe, or have been
told, that emailing the entire world announcing their new book,
regardless if they know you or not, is okay and acceptable.
Well, it ain't. It is annoying, it's SP*M, and waves a red flag
in my face that says, 'I'm a new writer and someone who makes
six-figures a year sold me their high-dollar 'how to do it'
marketing plan, and now I'm going places.'

"Guess what? I'm not. And that writer has just slipped a notch
or two down the respect ladder. Especially when the email starts
out with, 'Do you like to read books? I wrote to you because I
see from your web site that you and I have a lot in common.' You
don't have a clue who I am, because if you did, you would know
I'm a writer and have my own books. And you're lying. You've
never read my web site. You just stayed there long enough to
capture my email address. And you believe this is a good marketing
tool?"

She went deeper into her rant, and I chuckled all the way.
I also realized she was right. Listen. In marketing your
book or your image, consider the following:

1. Are the people you contact in your marketing plan? That means
   are the people part of that slice of humanity you've defined as
   interested in your type of writing? If you don't know, you're
   invading their privacy, and being really dumb about your outreach.

2. Copying someone else's way of marketing doesn't necessarily
   mean it's good for you. You have a brain. You had enough
   gray matter to publish a book. Why can't you use that same
   talent to define your own marketing plan, sell your book
   your own way?

3. Because you paid big bucks for a marketing guide, doesn't
   mean you follow it verbatim and don't use your common sense.

4. Don't hawk your books to other writers unless it's a writing
   book. Sticking to your writing circles to sell your romance,
   mystery, sci-fi or travel book is like going to your bowling
   league and selling your book on skydiving. You might make
   one or two sales, but doesn't it make more sense to find
   where skydivers congregate instead?

Authors think they've done all the hard work writing the pages
of their book. Agent after agent complains that writers sweat
blood writing the story and ten minutes composing the one-page
query that's supposed to sell it.

Authors do the same with marketing. They practically think
the book will sell itself. All they have to do is spread
a few PR notices, throw up a web site and email the world.
The book could be pure genius, but the slack marketing doesn't
give it a chance.

I'll summarize this second-hand rant with my friend's words:

"Chain saws are good things, but don't believe the salesman
who says they're as easy as falling off a log. If you don't
know how to use one, and if you aren't willing to take the
time to do research and find out how to do so properly, you
might just lose an arm, leg, or even worse, a potential buyer
for that new book.

"Be savvy, be aware, ask questions, get answers! There are so
many resources available today for authors to sell their books.
Don't be lazy. Be exceptional! Or maybe I should say.....
e-mailceptional!"

Be just as unique in your marketing as your writing.
Otherwise, you wasted everybody's time, especially your own.

BIO
C. Hope Clark thinks marketing scares writers. Learn to
embrace the business side of writing opens phenomenal doors
to opportunity.  www.fundsforwriters.com

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COMPETITIONS
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BLACK CAUCUS OF THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
http://www.bcala.org/
---
NO ENTRY FEE
The Committee will present three prizes of $500 each for
adult books written by African American authors: a First
Novelist Award, a Fiction Award and a Nonfiction Award.
The First Novelist Award is given to recognize an outstanding
work by a first time African American fiction writer. Honor
Book citations are also awarded in fiction and nonfiction
without any accompanying monetary remuneration. Additionally,
an Outstanding Contribution to Publishing citation is provided
to an author and/or publishing company for unique books that
offer a positive depiction of African Americans. Books from
small, large and specialty publishers are welcome for review
consideration. Titles forwarded for review must be published
between January 2008 and December 2008. Deadline December
19, 2008.

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WALTER RUMSEY MARVIN AWARD
http://www.ohioana.org/awards/marvin.asp
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NO ENTRY FEE
A $1,000 award given to an author under 30 years of age who
has not had a book published. In addition to the monetary
grant a portion of the winners entry may be published in the
Ohioana Quarterly. Deadline January 31, 2009. Applicant must
have been born in Ohio or have lived in Ohio for a minimum of
five years. Applicant must be no older than 30 years of age
on January 31 of the year the award is given. Applicant must
not have had a book published.

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GLAMOUR REAL LIFE STORY CONTEST
http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2008/08/nonfiction-contest-rules
---
The prize is a $5,000 cash prize, possible publication of
the winning manuscript in an upcoming issue of Glamour
(winner understands that Glamour does not guarantee
publication), and the opportunity to speak with a literary
agent. The approximate retail value of the prize is $5,000.
Open to US residents at least 18 years old. Deadline
December 31, 2008. The essay must be minimum 2,500 words,
maximum 3,500 words.

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GRANTS
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ARROWHEAD REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL
http://www.aracouncil.org/individual-grants.html
---
McKnight/ARAC Individual Artist Career Development Grant
program provides developing and established regional artists
with funds of up to $1,000 to take advantage of an impending
or artist generated, concrete opportunity. The project must
represent a unique, short-term opportunity that will have a
significant impact on the applicant's career. These grants are
not meant to support the completion of ongoing work or to
develop commercial venues for an artist's art. Artists
working in the visual, literary, or performing arts are
eligible to apply to this program. Deadline November 28, 2008.
The Council serves the art needs of the seven county area in
northeastern Minnesota which is comprised of Aitkin, Carlton,
Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis Counties.

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BROWN UNIVERSITY IWP FELLOWSHIP
http://brown.edu/Departments/Literary_Arts/IWP/applying.html
---
The Brown International Writers Project is currently seeking
nominations and applications for its one-year fellowship
with residency.  The Fellowship, supported by a grant from
the William H. Donner Foundation, is designed to provide
sanctuary and support for established creative writers -
fiction writers, playwrights, and poets - who are persecuted
in their home countries or are actively prevented from
pursuing free expression in their literary art. The fellowship
will be accompanied by a series of lectures, readings and
other events that highlight the national artistic and
political culture of the writer and address the global
issues of human rights and free expression.  It will include
a stipend, relocation funds, and health benefits.  Brown
will aid the writer in the visa and relocation process and
provide administrative support, office space on the Brown
campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and equipment. Next
deadline Spring 2009.

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WIN A LONDON WRITERS RETREAT IN 2009
http://urbanwritersretreat.web.officelive.com/aboutus.aspx
---
Entry is free. To enter, sign up to the Urban Writers Retreat
newsletter online. The prize is one Urban Writers Retreat
weekend worth £60. No transport, accommodation or other extras
are included, and there is no cash alternative. The draw opens
on 1 July 2008 and closes on 31st December 2008 at midnight
and the winner will be notified by email within 14 days.
Winner's name available on request. Urban Writers Retreat
reserves the right to change or cancel this competition at
any time, and their decision is final in all matters relating
to this free competition. The winner may be asked to participate
in publicity, though they are free to decline.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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JUNIOR BASEBALL
http://www.juniorbaseball.com/moreinfo/writersguidelines.shtml
---
Addresses the needs and interests of the youth baseball
player, parent, and coach. Covering the 7 to 17-year-old
age range (with emphasis on the 10-14 year old experience),
Junior Baseball is the magazine for the kids who play the
game. The standard rate for text is 20 cents/word, unless
other arrangements are made. For reprinted articles,
or work that requires extensive re-editing, the payment is
half standard rate. "In The Spotlight" articles accompanied
by photos (when applicable) pay $25 - $50. 'Player's Story'
pays $50. Coaches' Clinic pays from $50 to $100.

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SHARPINGTON AND COMPANY
http://www.stampington.com/html/wanna_get_published.html#guidelines
---
Please note that the artwork itself often sells the article.
Managing editors seek first-rate projects and encourage
artists who have not published articles before to submit
ideas, as editorial assistance will be provided. Competitive
editorial compensation is provided for all published articles.
Web site has general guidelines for all the company's magazines
as well as the individual themes of each. Magazines include:

Somerset Studio - The Art of Paper and Mixed Media
Art Doll Quarterly
Somerset Memories - Scrapbooking and Heritage Art
The Stampers' Sampler
Belle Armoire - Arts to Wear
Altered Couture
Belle Armoire Jewelry
Artful Blogging
Life Images
Somerset Life
Take Ten - Ten minutes or less artwork
Haute Handbags
Sew Somerset
Somerset Workshop
Somerset Home
Somerset Holidays & Celebrations
Somerset Digital Studio

In 2009, they expect to release several new publications:

Stuffed
Apronology
Somerset Reader - fiction, poetry and memoirs
Art Quilting Studio
Greencraft Magazine

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DEFENDERS MAGAZINE
http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/defenders_magazine/submission_guidelines.php
---
Defenders magazine is published quarterly for the membership
of Defenders of Wildlife, a national nonprofit organization
devoted to wildlife conservation. Content reflects the
organization's dedication to endangered species, public lands,
habitat preservation, biodiversity conservation, the
international wildlife trade and related subjects. Query first!
Include a brief description of your background, qualifications
and how your ideas relate to the mission and work of Defenders
of Wildlife. Most of our articles are assigned following a
query. Please include two or three previously published general
interest articles. We do not accept fiction or poetry and
rarely use essays.

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JOBS
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TECHNICAL WRITER
Location Research Triangle Park, NC
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=75447812&aid=27015391-598&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline September 19, 2008. Employing Agency: National
Institutes of Health. You will serve as a copy editor and
proof reader for Environmental Health Perspectives, a monthly
scientific journal.

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ONLINE EDITOR/WRITER
Location New York, NY
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/jobs-volunteer/jobDetails.asp?jid=2734
---
Planned Parenthood Action Program seeks a dynamic, experienced,
web writer to research, develop, write, and edit content for
Planned Parenthood's online presence, on its own websites and
on external online media, with a focus on political and other
non-health subject areas.

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COPYWRITER
Location Atlanta, GA
http://www.talentzoo.com/index.php?action=view_job&jobID=87867&ref=indeed
---
80% marketing, advertising and customer communications copy;
10% B2B marketing, advertising, and business partner
communications copy; and 10% internal corporate copy. Develops
copy that executes on strategy and adheres to legal guidelines.
Experience writing for the following channels:
-Direct Mail (e.g., letters, mailers, postcards)
-Print (e.g., ads, cover wraps, brochures, inserts)
-Web (e.g., e-mails, landing pages, Web sites)
-Multimedia (e.g., scripts, presentations)

Knowledge of proofing marks and AP style, perform well under
pressure, and proficient in Word, Outlook, Excel, and Acrobat
Pro. Insurance or other industry expertise with a heavy focus
on legal compliance is a major plus.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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XOXOX PRESS
http://xoxoxpress.com/press.shtml
---
We're a growing independent publisher in Ohio. We publish
regional and national authors and books that devoted readers
will love -- including our newly-issued No Bottom: In
Conversation with Barry Lopez by Mike Newell.  XOXOX Press
presents a diverse gang of authors and work, including short
fiction, novels, nonfiction, poetry, oral history and an
ambient-sound CD that will have you crowing. 

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HISTORY PRESS
http://www.historypress.net/contact.php
---
The History Press welcomes project proposals from authors
seeking to publish books on local and regional history topics.
Located in Salem, MA and Charleston, SC.

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BONAVENTTURE BOOKS
http://www.bonaventture.com/
---
We are interested in quality manuscripts in: memoirs,
biographies, ghost stories, hauntings and the supernatural,
Savannah true stories, cookbooks, Savannah guidebooks, Savannah
history, historic novels and other non-fiction categories. Each
book is carefully designed to reflect the main concept of the
text, resulting in handsome and unique books. They tell stories
that are relevant, moving, informative and affecting.

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SPONSORS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Visit http://www.jacquelincangro.com/EditingServices.htm
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=====

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

=====

Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
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http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BUSINESS STUFF
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

C. Hope Clark
E-mail: hope@fundsforwriters.com

140-A Amicks Ferry Road #4
Chapin, SC 29036

http://www.fundsforwriters.com

Copyright 2000-2008, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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