FundsforWriters - November 9, 2008
Published: Fri, 11/07/08
Volume 8, Issue 45
November 9, 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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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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PAID SPONSOR OF THE WEEK
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TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID SHORT STORY CONTEST 
17th year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,350. Top prize $2,000.
Seeks short stories, essays and other works of prose, up to 5,000 words. Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Fee per entry is $15, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline March 31, 2009. Judges: JH Reid, DC Konrad. Submit online or mail to:
Winning Writers, ATTN Tom Howard Short Story Contest
351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060
Winning Writers is proud to be one of "101 Best Websites for Writers"
(Writer's Digest, 2005-2008).
www.winningwriters.com/tomstory
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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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MAGS FEEL THE PINCH...DO YOU?
This week I learned that GRAND Magazine and the CHRISTIAN
SCIENCE MONITOR are going to online only. TIME Magazine is
cutting 600 jobs. The Canadian satire magazine FRANK is
going out of business altogether. QUICK & SIMPLE, a grocery
store magazine, ceased business. The list of layoffs and
closings grows daily in the publishing arena.
But there seems to be no end to contests. Are you entering
those? Entry fee or not, add some contests to your writing
mixture for diversity, to make your brain think on a different
plane. You never know when one may fall in your favor. Those
clips are great, even for a chapter from your ever-pending novel.
Copywriting is still big, and pays better than articles.
Have you checked into that leg of writing? I'm currently taking
the AWAI copywriting course, and I see potential. (Remember the
big solo ad a few weeks back? And those CAN YOU WRITE A SIMPLE
LETTER ADS?). Impressive course. Very tempting. People will
always need commercial copy. In addition, as a new copywriter,
you're probably cheaper than the old seasoned ones, so those
businesses cutting back may land in your lap.
Many mags are moving more heavily to an online presence.
Have you studied how to write for the web versus paper?
The submissions are simple. The feedback is fast. The pay
is less, but it comes more quickly. Make sure you get yourself
a PayPal account. If you want to do business online, you need
go whole hog and accept payment accordingly.
Yes, times are hard and will get harder. But you are an
entrepreneur. You don't get laid off and lose your benefits
like a nine-to-five worker. You roll on to the next gig. You're
used to keeping your assignment radar honing in on the next
opportunity anyway.
Instead of crying about the way things are, dig in and vow
to make things better. When times are bleak, everyone loves
to see your smile. As a light in the dark, more jobs
find their way to you.
HOPE
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
=====
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com
People are raving about the new look...and the new opportunities
offered four-five days a week.
=====
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
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WORDS OF SUCCESS
Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing
enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel
insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our
own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission
to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our
presence automatically liberates others.
~Marianne Williamson - http://mariannewilliamson.com/
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ARTICLE
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EDUCATIONAL BOOK PUBLISHING
By Anne Vize
Educational books are created by writers with an understanding
of teaching, or by teachers with some writing skills.
Specialists from areas such as art, physical education, math,
literacy or health often write educational books in their
field. Writing an education book is a great way for an
unpublished writer to get a start.
Types of education books
1. Teacher resource books - written as a practical book for
teachers. They are usually photocopiable and have
descriptions of detailed lesson plans and general activity
ideas. A teacher will buy a single book and copy it for the
whole class. They sell for $30-50.
2. Student workbooks - used by students, so a school will buy
a class set. Workbooks have the advantage of selling in higher
numbers as every student needs a copy, but the disadvantage is
strong competition from other writers. They sell for $10-25.
3. Professional / academic textbooks - bought by teachers for
their own reference, or by schools, libraries or universities.
Some are used as texts in university teacher training courses.
There is extensive research and time involved in writing textbooks,
and writers need academic qualifications in a specialty area (for
example, special education). They sell for $40 and up.
Royalties and payments
Royalties are often lower than other genres such as fiction or
children's writing, but should continue for at least five years.
Eight to 15% is common, based on how much the publisher is paid
per book rather than retail price. The royalty amount varies
greatly, as many publishers sell in bulk at a discount. The
publisher is paid less per book, and so is the writer. Expect
around $2,000-$5,000 per book, with sales increasing over the
first two years, then decreasing.
Advances are in the $200 - $400 range paid once the book is
published. Money is also due from copyright fees (paid by a
school or university for copying of books).
Pitching an idea
Teacher resource books are the easiest to write for a first
timer. Think of topical education areas where the market is
not already saturated with books. Current examples are bullying,
obesity, sustainability and the environment and values education.
Listen to teachers in schools, watch for articles in newspapers
and online, and read blogs and bulletin boards such as Proteacher
( www.proteacher.com ) or Teacher Lingo ( http://teacherlingo.com) .
Focus on a single idea, and keep your pitch simple and easy to
follow. Aim at smaller publishers who specialise in your area
of writing, as many large publishing houses prefer experienced
writers with a track record of successful books. There is a
full listing of educational publishers by country at
http://www.publishersglobal.com.
When I began writing in Australian education, there were few
resource books on special education for secondary students.
Most teachers used primary books and adapted them for older
students, or overseas books unsuited to Australian learners.
I identified the gap in the market and found a small publisher,
Phoenix Education, with whom I have now published 10 teacher
resource books in literacy and numeracy for special needs
learners. I also published five as primary and lower secondary
resources for Curriculum Corporation.
Promotion
Educational magazines are great for promoting your book. Many
fields have specialty magazines bought by teachers for up to
date information and references. Examples include ESL magazine
(teachers of English as a second language), Arts and Activities
(art and craft teaching), Learning through History (history for
ages nine plus) and Mathematics Teacher (primary and secondary
math). Most magazines pay $50-$100 per article at best, but
include an author byline with your book title and website link.
The byline promotes your book and helps build a following of
readers for future publications.
About the author
Anne Vize is an Australian educational writer. Her latest
books are 'Everyday Literacy Book 1 and 2' (Phoenix Education
www.phoenixeduc.com)
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COMPETITIONS
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PEACE PLAY CONTEST
http://www.goshen.edu/theater/Peace_Plays
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NO ENTRY FEE
1st Place: $500, production, room and board to attend rehearsals
and/or production. 2nd Place: $100, possible production. One
submission per writer, unproduced submission preferred, 15-50
minutes in length, exploring a contemporary peace theme
(broadly defined). Deadline December 31, 2009.
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TENNESSEE WILLIAMS/NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL FICTION CONTEST
http://www.tennesseewilliams.net/contest
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$20 ENTRY FEE
Grand Prize
Second Prize: $200, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.
Third Prize: $100, a Public Reading, and Festival Pass.
Short stories, written in English, up to 7,000 words.
Deadline: November 15, 2008 (postmark). Only open to writers
who have not yet published a book of fiction. Stories must
be previously unpublished.
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HACKNEY SHORT STORY AND POETRY AWARDS
http://www.bsc.edu/events/writing-today/hackney.htm
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$10 ENTRY FEE
The winners will be announced at the conference on March
13-14, 2009. Length not to exceed 5,000 words per story.
Poetry not to exceed 50 lines per entry. Deadline December 31,
2008. Awards $5,000 in annual prizes for poetry and short
fiction, ($2,500 national and $2,500 state level; 1st place,
$600; 2nd place, $400; and 3rd place, $250).
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GRANTS
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MARGERY DAVIS BOYDEN WILDERNESS WRITING RESIDENCY
http://www.johndaniel-author.net/mdb-res.php
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A unique opportunity for a writer or pair of writers seeking
a lengthy spell of unparalleled solitude for work and personal
refreshment. In exchange for an hour a day of routine caretaking,
the resident receives use of a remote, small but comfortable
house in the Rogue River backcountry of southwestern Oregon and
the support of a $5,000 stipend. The residency runs from the
beginning of April through the end of October. The residency
is open to poets and writers of all kinds, advanced in their
careers or just setting out. Publication credits are not
mandatory. Applicants may be individuals, couples (with or
without children), or partnerships of two willing to live
together in close quarters.
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COLONIAL PLAYERS SCHOLARSHIP
http://www.cplayers.com/Scholarship.htm
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Colonial Players, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability
of an annual scholarship award. Each year the theatre offers
a $2,000 scholarship to encourage participation in theatre,
reward an individual with a record of involvement, and foster
life-long appreciation for and support of community theatre.
This year's application deadline is December 31, 2008.
Location Annapolis, MD.
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SOUTHERN ARTS FEDERATION
http://www.southarts.org/site/c.guIYLaMRJxE/b.4612267/k.5CD2/Literary_Arts_Projects.htm
---
Grants for Literary Arts projects: Aimed at smaller presenters,
Southern Fast Track Touring seeks to establish an active arts
environment in underserved communities. This grant program
offers organizations the opportunity to receive fee support
to present writers who reside outside of the presenter's state.
Support is awarded to literary projects that contain both a
reading and an educational component such as a writing workshop.
The maximum request is 50% of the writer's fee, up to $2,500.
The postmark deadline is 60 days prior to the project start date.
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FREELANCE MARKETS
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BOYS' LIFE
http://www.boyslife.org/home/383/resources-for-contributors/
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NONFICTION. Major articles run 500 to 1,500 words; payment is
$400 to $1,500. Subject matter is broad. We cover everything
from professional sports to American history to how to pack a
canoe.
FICTION. Our short stories run 1,000 to 1,500 words. Payment
is $750 and up. All stories feature a boy or boys. We use humor,
mystery, science fiction and adventure. We run one or two short
stories per issue. Occasionally, stories are specifically written
for ages 6 to 10 (low-demographic issue) and for ages 11 to 18
(high-demographic issue).
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GIRLS' LIFE
http://www.girlslife.com/docs/Mediabistro.pdf
---
Girls' Life is open to pitches in nearly every section of the
magazine, and the front of the book is a great place to start,
with short, 850-word, one-page features. The feature well is
also freelance-friendly and stories--if they're not in quiz
form--usually run about 1,200-1,500 words. Girls' Life is
one of the last magazines that publishes YA fiction.
These 3,000-word short stories publish in the back of the book
and the editors will consider any story that is relatable to
teens. Most stories center on a friendship, a family situation,
or a crush, but the magazine has published some wildly original
pieces as well. $350 for the front-of-book one-page pieces;
the rate goes up from there for features.
=====
FACES
http://www.cobblestonepub.com/magazine/FAC/
---
Become a world traveler - no passport needed. FACES® brings
the world to kids. The coolest adventures await young readers
in each issue as they visit places and cultures both far and
near, explore new foods and customs, and meet other kids all
around the world. FACES is the greatest traveling companion
for the curious kid. FACES is packed with breathtaking
photography, fun activities, folk tales, and an art connection.
It's the next best thing to traveling the planet. Pays
20-25 cents/word.
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JOBS
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Location Schofield, Wheeler, Wahiawa and Kunia, HI
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=77144070&aid=27015391-3118&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
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Deadline November 24, 2008. Employing Agency: Army Installation
Management Agency. Serves as Command Information Specialist
participating in all phases of Public Affairs Office work,
writing all types of articles, features & stories for the
Hawaii Army Weekly. Prepares info for guidebooks & pamphlets
& disseminates info to the public via the Web, Hawaii Access
Cable Network (HACN) Channel 2 internal TV network & other
internal/external mediums.
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MUSEUM WRITER
Location New York
http://www.idealist.org/en/job/317103-79
---
The Jewish Museum, a Fifth Avenue museum of art and culture,
seeks a talented, creative and strategic individual to write
and edit copy for engaging print and electronic materials
that enhance the institution's image while advancing core
objectives. Many of the duties assigned to this position
cross museum departments and divisions. Work involves full
participation in the efforts of the Marketing and Communications
Department to increase the number of walk-in, adult and school
group, and program visitors to the Museum. Bachelor's degree
required (e.g. in Art History, Journalism, Communications,
Advertising or Publishing). Minimum of five years of relevant
experience in promotional and informational publications
writing and editing for a non-profit cultural organization
preferred.
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OFFROAD MAGAZINE JOURNALIST
Location Denver, CO
Reply to: jobs@atticuspubs.com
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/wri/901257581.html
---
CRAWL Magazine, a nationally distributed offroad publication
(covering Jeeps, rock crawling, desert racing, adventure) seeks
a freelance / staff writer based in Colorado. We'll pair you
with one of our top photographers and send you out to cover
trail rides, races, write vehicle features etc. Most articles
are 800-1,200 words, magazine is bi-monthly, and each writer
handles 1 or 2 articles per issue. Pays 25 cents/word and most
expenses. Initial assignments will be in and around Colorado
and Utah but travel may be required to other states / countries.
Previous writing experience a must - we're a nationally
distributed title with strict submission guidelines and
deadlines. Offroad / automotive subject matter knowledge
highly desirable as is a college degree. At the end of the
day though, your writing should speak for itself. Please email
resume and two writing samples in a Microsoft Word Doc, 12
point Arial font, single spaced, to jobs@atticuspubs.com.
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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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PEARLSONG PUBLISHING
http://www.pearlsong.com/submissions.htm
---
Pearlsong Press endorses Health At Every Size. Spiritually
and metaphysically themed books and products by Pearlsong
Press encourage and celebrate the connection and ultimate
Oneness of all that is, and the remembrance of who we truly
are.
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SOUTHEASTERN MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
http://www6.semo.edu/universitypress/Submissions.htm
---
Note the single-spaced lines in the guidelines. Wants
finished projects rich in place and historical context to
the Mississippi River Valley and books (fiction or non-fiction)
with a Midwestern interest. Some of their best sellers have
been works of historical fiction. Query first.
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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS
http://www.ucpress.edu/press/submission.php
---
University of California Press is one of the largest, most
distinguished, and most adventurous scholarly publishers in
the world, respected for its creativity and renowned for
attracting authors whose work transcends traditional academic
boundaries to speak to people everywhere. For more than a
century, UC Press has considered manuscripts from the world's
foremost scholars, writers, artists, and public intellectuals.
UC Press publishes annually about 200 new books and 40 multi-
issue journals in the humanities, social sciences, and natural
sciences.
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SPONSORS
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LITERARY DATABASE 2009
Designed BY writers FOR writers.
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.
=====
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 fee membership,
but we do require participation.
=====
PRAYFULLY YOURS ~ a unique Christian card line
"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
=====
Are you struggling with plot? Don't know what to take out?
Learn the elegance and simplicity of using Joseph Campbell's
classic hero journey concept to build the perfect plot for your
novel, biography, screenplay, short story, or children's book.
Available as printed spiral-bound 50 page workbook or as an e-book
Order from Gwynne Spencer, PO Box 525, Monmouth, OR 97361. $15.
Also available on amazon.com.
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Ramble Underground, an international fiction quarterly
is hosting its semi-annual Short Story Contest.
$6 entry fee. Deadline: 11/15/08.
http://www.rambleunderground.org
=====
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
Have writing goals you want to achieve? Want to see your
work in print or on the web for the world to read?
Then grab a hot cup of joe and join us at the Coffeehouse
for Writers, a community of over 10,000 members dedicated
to helping each other learn the craft of writing and
publishing. Sit down with us and get the support and
encouragement you need and deserve. Registrations are being
accepted now--classes run 4 or 5 weeks.
Join our e-mail groups, critique groups, online workshops
and classes--and don't forget to sign up for our free
newsletter. You don't have to do it alone.
http://www.coffeehouseforwriters.com/
=====
If yes, you could make $2,000 a week taking snap shots in your
own backyard, on your family vacations. Or anywhere in the
world you care to travel. Here's everything you need to know
about this fun and lucrative business:
http://www.thephotographerslife.com/ph2/b8a
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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
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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 2000-2008, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326
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