Volume 8, Issue 47
November 23, 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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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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PAID SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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CAN YOU WRITE A SIMPLE LETTER?  

If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing
just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to
be. Learn the secrets of this little-known, lucrative business.
 
http://www.thewriterslife.com/awi/b8a1

                 
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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

=====

Y'ALL BE CAREFUL

An entity called the Maple Winston Group has been contacting
writers about a new poetry site. Please be careful. I've
learned they actually have a mailing address in my community
of Chapin, and writers are wondering if they are affiliated
with me.

THEY ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH HOPE CLARK OR FUNDSFORWRITERS.COM.

I've been unable to find a name behind the company, and they
have the obvious red-flag waving - a web site wanting info from
you, but giving nothing in return. This one promised "winners"
to be published in an anthology. The only contact is
support@originalpoetry.com . A Google search shows no contact
information other than the above and a 1-888 number. This entity
has other affiliated sites:

http://www.originalpoetry.com/ (affiliated with Moniker, Privacy
     Services and Uniquenetproductions.com from Pompano Beach, FL)
http://www.efflye.com/poetry/ (website established 11/5/2008
     through Maple Winston Group from Chapin, SC - this web site
     defaults to the one above - originalpoetry.com)
http://www.christmasonus.com/ (www.efflye.com from the poetry
     site above defaults to this web site, affiliated with
     Bullseye Media, which has a popup ad class action
     lawsuit pending against them in New Jersey)

I found this information in about twenty minutes of flitting
around the web. However, all many new writers see is "published"
and "anthology." This site is brand new, but what worries me is
the partnerships it's affiliated with.

When you see someone requesting your writing, make sure it's
serious about the writers and writing, and not just a means
to turn a dollar. If an entity is legit, you can ask questions,
see the legalese, and find detailed guidelines. Otherwise, you
might as well post it on the web and let anyone have it.

    Hope

NOTE:
FundsforWriters.com placed second in StartUpNation's 2008
Home-Based 100 under the "Boomers Back in Business" category.

http://www.startupnation.com/homebased100/winner/1572/index.php

How cool! Completely unexpected.

====

http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

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

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GRANTS FOR THE SERIOUS WRITER IS NEW AND IMPROVED

Just spent days updating Grants for the Serious Writer.
I believe this is the 7th edition of this well-read ebook.
665+ grants and 191 pages. All for $8.95, the same price
as seven years ago.

Grab it while it's fresh at www.fundsforwriters.com/ebooks.htm

{Those who purchased GRANTS within the last two months are
welcome to a free download. Email hope@fundsforwriters.com }

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic.
It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost,
but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.

~ Arthur Ashe

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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Dear Hope,

People may have been mad about the solo ad you published
weeks ago, but I signed up for the AWAI course and am learning
a lot. Haven't pitched myself yet but I'm practicing writing
copy for the website where I work and things are falling
together nicely in my head so far. Thanks for beaming out
that opportunity. I'm noticing all sorts of advertising and
copy in magazines and websites that need a serious boost.
Now I know who I'll be contacting when I pitch myself!

I've actually ordered several AWAI programs but the copywriting
one is by far the best one so far. Keep on rocking. =)

Mary K.

NOTE:
This is the abbreviated ad that Mary is referring to.

CAN YOU WRITE A SIMPLE LETTER?  
If yes, you could be in big demand, earning big money, writing
just a few hours a day from anywhere in the world you choose to
be. Learn the secrets of this little-known, lucrative business.
 
http://www.thewriterslife.com/awi/b8a1

DOUBLE NOTE:
Each week we'll highlight a thank-you or success story from
a FundsforWriters reader. E-mail your FFW success to
hope@fundsforwriters.com  ~HOPE

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ARTICLE
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Cultivating Clients -
Common Courtesy is Most Powerful Marketing Tool

by Jessica McCann

Super models get to say, "Don't hate me because I'm beautiful."
As a full-time freelance writer, I get to say, "Don't hate me
because I turn away new clients." Oh, and don't hate me
because I spend almost no time (and almost no money) marketing
my services to new prospects.
 
Do you hate me? Do you even believe me?
 
Operating a successful freelance writing business brings many
challenges. But cultivating a loyal client base is simpler
than many aspiring freelance writers are willing to believe.
There are four steps a freelance writer can take to maintain
her existing client base, accumulate regular referrals, and
even enjoy the occasional need to turn away new clients
because she is simply too busy. Each step is based in common
courtesy.
 
1. Provide excellence service. It seems obvious, but sometimes
freelancers overlook the obvious (such as providing regular
updates to the client on large or long-term projects, or
immediately informing an editor of any obstacles that may
cause a missed deadline). Don't over promise. If an editor/
client asks for an article or other written project in two
days and you're not sure you can get it done, then say so.
Ask if he has any wiggle room in that deadline. More often
than not, he will. If he doesn't, let him know it's tight,
but you'll do your best to deliver. He'll appreciate your
candor, and he'll learn that they won't have to worry about
whether you will deliver on your promises.
 
2. Send reminders. People get busy. Sometimes they get so
busy, they forget to ask for help. Occasionally remind your
clients that you're available to help out, and you will get
a steady stream of projects (and even be revered as a hero
from time to time).
 
When it comes to working with editors, for the most part,
you remind them of your worth and availability by sending
regular queries with solid story ideas. For corporate
clients, you simply remind them you're ready and able to
help lighten their load. You can also send them clips or
links to recent articles you've written that they may find
of interest (even if it's not related to their industry or
line of work).

3. Be friendly. Pick up the telephone once in a while,
instead of corresponding only by email. If you see a client's
name in the paper or industry magazine touting a recent
promotion, award or other recognition, send a handwritten
card of congratulations (and you should be looking for their
names on a regular basis). Don't forget to thank them, either.
My clients receive a Thanksgiving Day card every year - it
lets them know I appreciate their business (and it stands out
ahead of the holiday card deluge); the mailing also typically
generates two or three new projects (a.k.a step 2).
 
4. Treat referrals well. When you receive a referral from an
existing client (and you will, if you follow steps 1-3), make
sure to treat that prospect to the same professional attention
that earned you the referral in the first place. Also make
sure to thank your client for the referral, whether it leads
to new business or not.
 
BIO
Jessica McCann is a full-time professional writer based in
Phoenix. Her articles have appeared in Business Week, Arizona
Woman, Phoenix and many other consumer, trade and university
magazines. She also serves a variety of corporate clients
throughout the country in industries ranging from education
and retail to entertainment and waste management.

www.jessicamccann.com

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COMPETITIONS
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SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY PROSE POEM/FLASH FICTION CONTEST
http://oddcon.com/contest.html
---
Adult division: 18 and over, $10 entry fee per story/poem;
multiple entries allowed. Prizes: $500 + OddCon membership
to first place; books, etc. to top three.
  
Youth division: under 18 as of January 1, 2009. No entry fee,
but send no more than one entry. Prizes: $50 + OddCon membership
to first place; books, etc. to top three.

Send 500 words or less of speculative (SF & F) fiction or
prose poetry (paragraph form) by January 1, 2009.

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FIRST ANNUAL DOS COSAS AWARD
http://wordsandimagesjournal.wordpress.com/the-first-annual-dos-cosas-award/
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
Words and Images will give this award to the poem or short
story that best explores the following topic: the ways in
which seemingly disparate arts (literary and visual) can
affect and inform one other, thus erasing the boundaries
between them. This is vague, pseudo-intellectual babble for
the following: we're looking for poems and short stories
which take their influence from, say, film, or painting, or
popular music, or [insert your own]. Prize is $1,000, in
addition to publication in the 2009 issue of Words and Images.
Deadline February 1, 2009.

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ROOMS CHAPBOOK CONTEST
http://roomsoutlastus.wordpress.com/
---
$15 ENTRY FEE
Rooms announces its inaugural chapbook contest.  The winning
submission, chosen by Rooms' editors, will be published by
Articles Press, its parent non-profit organization and
publisher. The chapbook will receive a first printing of
200 copies to be sold for $5 each on the Rooms and Articles
websites. Each entrant receives a one-year subscription to
ROOMS. The winner of the contest will receive half the proceeds
from the contest and 25 copies of the chapbook. Deadline March
15, 2009. 

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GRANTS
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OLDER WRITERS' GRANT
http://www.speculativeliterature.org/Grants/SLFOlderWriters.php
---
The SLF Older Writers Grant is awarded annually to a writer who
is fifty years of age or older at the time of grant application,
and is intended to assist such writers who are just starting to
work at a professional level. We are currently offering one $750
grant annually, to be used as the writer determines will best
assist his or her work.

This grant will be awarded by a committee of SLF staff members
on the basis of merit. Factors considered will include:
a short (less than 500 words) autobiographical statement,
describing the writer and his/her work thus far; be sure to
include date of birth; a writing sample (up to 10 pages of
poetry, 10 pages of drama, or 10,000 words of fiction or
creative nonfiction -- if sending a segment of a novel, novella,
or novelette, please include a one-page synopsis as well);
a bibliography of previously-published work by the author
(no more than one page, typed); applicants need not have
previous publications to apply. If awarded the grant, the
recipient agrees to provide a brief excerpt from their work,
and an autobiographical statement describing themselves and
their writing (500-1,000 words) for our files, and for possible
public dissemination on our website.

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MODEST NEEDS
http://www.modestneeds.org/
---
Modest Needs is a nonprofit organization reaching out to hard-
working individuals and families who suddenly find themselves
faced with small, emergency expenses that they have no way to
afford on their own. Even if you are not in need, visit this
website. You can donate and earn points, then choose the
individual you wish your donation to go toward. Very interesting
arrangement.

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THE MARGUERITE AND LAMAR FELLOWSHIP FOR WRITERS
http://www.mccullerscenter.org/fellowships.htm
---
Begins the first of September and ends the first of December. 
During this period of time, the Smith/McCullers Fellow will
reside in a spacious private apartment in Carson McCullers'
childhood home, the Smith-McCullers House.  The Fellow will
be provided with a stipend of $5,000 to cover costs of
transportation, food and other incidentals. Fellowship
recipients will be required to introduce or advance their
work through reading or workshop/forum presentations. The
Fellow will work with the McCullers Center Director to plan
a presentation near the end of the residency. Location
Columbus, GA.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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READER'S DIGEST
http://www.rd.com/submissions/article10717.html
---
Original articles are usually assigned to regular contributors
to the magazine. We do not accept or return unpublished
manuscripts. We do, however, accept one-page queries that
clearly detail the article idea--with special emphasis on
the arc of the story, your interview access to the main
characters, your access to special documents, etc. We look
for dramatic narratives, articles about everyday heroes,
crime dramas, adventure stories. Do include a separate page
of your writing credits. Please email your article proposal
queries to articleproposals@readersdigest.com. No fiction.
Reprints can be paid up to $400.

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SOUTHWEST FLY FISHING
http://www.nwflyfishing.net/SouthwestFlyFishing/WritersGuidelines.aspx
---
Southwest Fly Fishing magazine is a destination specific
publication to be viewed as an inspiring, collectible
reference of Southwest angling destinations. Feature article
length should be 2,500 to 3,500 words. Departments run 250
to 750 words.

Feature Articles - $400 to $600
Southwest Fly Tying - $250               
Notes, News & Reviews - $100 to $150
Conservation - $150
Guide Flies - $ 50

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TOASTMASTERS
http://www.toastmasters.org/ToastmastersMagazine/WriteforUs_1.aspx
---
Topics relating to communication and leadership are endless,
and it's the magazine's mission to explore those topics to
the benefit of readers worldwide. Our readers are knowledgeable
and experienced public speakers; therefore we accept only
authentic, well-researched and well-crafted stories. Show,
don't tell! Use sources, quotes from experts and other
research to back up your views. Article length should be from
700 to 2,000 words. We need articles related to the fields of
communication and leadership, on topics members can use in
their self-improvement efforts. Appropriate topics include
speaking techniques, leadership development, language use,
club management principles, and profiles of famous speakers.

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JOBS
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ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Location London
E-mail annette@spreadtheword.org.uk
http://www.spreadtheword.org.uk
---
Spread the Word is London's leading writer development agency.
Between January 9 and March 9, 2009, a writer, or collective
will be in residence at Spread the Word's office, situated on
Lambeth Walk, SE11. We are commissioning a writer, or collective
to develop a project that connects with the people, places and
organisations on our doorstep and involves our staff in creative
activity. The residency will culminate in a showcase event as
part of Spread the Word's Summer Season. This project has been
designed to be writer led and experimental in its nature.
Deadline December 8, 2008. Paid (£10k-15k) Part time.

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WRITER-EDITOR
Location Washington DC
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=77300948&aid=27015391-10118&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline November 28, 2008. Employer Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission. The incumbent of this position writes or edits
various reports, presentation materials, and other written
materials that are intended to educate FERC staff, federal
and state governments, industry participants and members of
the affected public and to facilitate partnerships with
external entities.

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Location Nashville, TN
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=77415975&aid=27015391-14118&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline December 15, 2008. Employer US Department of
Agriculture. Applies the Associated Press Style guidelines
to news releases, feature articles, brochures, reports, etc. 
Disseminates to the media, customers, stakeholders, etc.
Edits and formats digital photographs primarily using Adobe
Photoshop.  Interviews and confers with field members to
obtain information for use in news releases, TV and radio
programs, articles, and meetings with media representatives. 
Advises field staff regarding content and presentation of
information materials.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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CREME DE LA CREME CRIME BOOKS (UK)
http://cremedelacrime.com/submissions.htm
---
Small, flexible, independent and fast-moving, Crème de la
Crime specialises in high-quality original crime fiction.
We publish up to six new crime novels a year - gritty,
tightly-paced, well-written and suspense-packed books with
high production values, aimed at discerning crime fans.
Our goals are to introduce new crime writers to the UK book
market - previously unpublished novelists, or established
authors who want to switch to crime writing, and to provide
a platform for writers who want to expand the boundaries of
the crime genre. We encourage authors to experiment: unusual
locations, mould-breaking characters and cross-genre elements
are all of great interest to us.

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PERSEVERANCE PRESS
http://www.danielpublishing.com/perseverance/perseverance.html
---
Perseverance publishes mysteries in the mainstream tradition
of the Golden Age, when explicit violence and gore were not
part of the canon. We will not publish what some call "slice-
and-dice" books, with graphic mutilation, horrific torture,
violence against children, and so on. Nor will we dwell on
the sordid or show only the worst face of humanity. We want
our mysteries to provide an escape for the reader, not a
duplication of what increasingly fills newscasts as well as
movies and television. Our books range from soft-boiled to
semi-hardboiled, but they won't give readers nightmares.
Violence is an inescapable part of crime fiction, but our
books don't portray it in excruciating detail.

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MIDNIGHT INK
http://www.midnightinkbooks.com/about_us.php
---
Midnight Ink is a fresh new voice in mystery fiction. Aiming
to satisfy readers of all tastes, we are committed to
publishing suspenseful tales of all types: hard-boiled
thrillers, cozies, historical mysteries, amateur sleuth
novels, and more.

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SPONSORS
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http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/

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Streamline, Target and Time your fiction, poetry and essay
submissions to 400 publications using this database.
Literary Database lets you know where you can submit your work
ONLINE, saving you postage. And you can CUT & PASTE addresses
to your cover letter and labels.  It also has 'hot links' to the publications'
websites, and always lets you know who will PAY for your work.
Fully updated 2009 version now over 30% off through the end of Nov.

www.LiteraryDatabase.com

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THE DESK DRAWER:  Tired of hiding your words in a closet?

Ready for a nudge to write more? 

We have both published and unpublished members - no financial obligation,
but we do require participation.

http://www.winebird.com/

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"Words of hope when life gets hard"

The Basic Card Line includes the categories:
Illness, Everyday Life, Asking for Help, New Life Phases,
and Tried but Failed. Each verse states the realities of life
but ends in conveying the strengthening power of God's hope.
 
Hand-stamped with nature designs on 80#,
30% Recyclable Royal Fiber cardstock.
 
Having trouble finding a card to commemorate a special event?
Through my Specialty Line, one can be written just for you.
 
Both card lines come with a Scripture card insert and envelope.
 
Contact information, verses and card examples at
www.prayfullyyours.com

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NEED A REVIEW FOR YOUR POETRY BOOK?

Bonjour Poetry Reviews is now accepting submissions.
We specialize in poetry and encourage poetry sales by
offering three professional review packages along with
a written critique to be used in the marketing effort
for your book.
 
http://bonjourpoetryreviews.homestead.com

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www.thewriterspond.com

The Writer's Pond has tools for the trade; paper, pens,
writer's supplies, and research materials. You'll also
find fuel for the passion, in a special blend of New Orleans
style coffee, to sip from our chalkboard mug. Our gift items
are unique and all hand picked for interest and fun meant
for writers of all genres.

Can't decide? Go for the non-expiring, but, very inspiring,
Gift Certificate from The Writer's Pond. Great for the readers
and writers on your holiday list, just print it out and you've
wrapped it up! By purchasing a Writer's Pond Gift Certificate
you also receive a free gift.

Make a Ripple~
www.thewriterspond.com

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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

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ATTENTION POETS!

Are you searching for poetry markets and contests?
Then check out The Poetry Market Ezine and
The Poetry Market Ezine - Premium Edition.  Both
newsletters are catered exclusively to poets featuring
poetry markets and contests.  Publishing since 2001,
The Poetry Market Ezine has been listed as one of Writer's
Digest's 101 Best Websites for Writers for 2007 and
2008.  Subscribe to the free newsletter by logging onto
www.thepoetrymarket.com and using the sign up box,
or send any email to:  poetrymarket-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
For general info, send any email to tpme@thepoetrymarket.com

=====

GET YOUR ADS READY

Fundsforwriters is offering its annual advertising discount.
Purchase advertising in November. Advertise your writing
business, how-to book, editing services, workshop, or other
writing-related opportunity to our readers...for ONE-THIRD OFF!
Ad doesn't have to appear in the month of November.

Why the discount now?

We want to introduce you to our advertising, and show you
how Fundsforwriters readers are eager folks, anxious to
take their writing to another level. They're good people,
just who you need to reach with your product.

$ 6 - one week in FFW Small Markets
$20 - four weeks in FFW Small Markets

$13 - one week in FundsforWriters
$40 - four weeks in FundsforWriters

$17 - one week in both FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets
$50 - four weeks in FundsforWriters & FFW Small Markets

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/adrates.htm

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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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