Volume 9, Issue 4
January 25, 2009

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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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Want to be on national TV?  Ex-Oprah guest booker
reveals the three big secrets to getting booked as a
guest on top shows.  Free telephone seminar
Thursday, January 29th.  Go here now to register:
 
http://www.getmajorpress.com/call317

                 
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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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YOUR OUTLOOK

Misery seems to love company. I've received so many emails
from readers who have been taken advantage of by magazines and
publishers in recent months. They seem to be multiplying.

Especially in these weird economic times, we feel the need
to complain. After all, who has anything to cheer about? If
we walked into the office, a classroom or the local bar and
said it's a great day, someone would throw something at us.

Much of the reason we become freelance writers evolves around
taking control of our lives. Many employees, working for a boss,
feel as though they're living a life scripted or prescribed by
others. We dream of taking the leap, so we run the show.

So why aren't we?

We choreograph our own dance. What's to stop you from saying
you won't take the negative anymore? Here are my suggestions:

1. Turn off the news. Reporters become almost orgasmic over
the dropping Dow, a crooked CEO or a misspoken politician.
As the pundits yell and announce late-breaking financial
disasters, our blood pressures spike. Mute them out of your day.

2. Get away. I know you can't afford a vacation. Go to the
bookstore or the library. I go outside. Change your environment
to brainstorm about what you can do differently with your
writing career. Come home and note dates, deadlines and
measurable benchmarks to determine your success.

3. Let it pass. If an editor hasn't paid you, and the cost
of pursuing the publication outweighs the payment owed you,
let it go. Write it off your taxes. Don't rant for days on
every blog you subscribe to. It won't make you feel better.

4. Quit complaining. When we dwell on the bad, the mindset
hangs like a low, gray winter cloud over our heads. Stop
every negative comment. For some weird reason, we love
gathering with like souls to rant about what's wrong in
our lives. We love to talk about everything screwed up or
malfunctioning from the weather to prices, from politics
to religion, from the neighbors to our coworkers, from our
friends and relatives to people we don't even know. Remember
curse jars? Set up a jar and put a nickel in it each time
you put down anything or anyone.

For some reason, we want to prove to people we're having a
tough time. What's wrong with showing people we're actually
okay? How about content? It's not trendy to be happy, and
that's sad.

Start conversations with good ideas, notions of success or
comments of something pleasant. The positive will instill
confidence in you, in others, and empower you to make the
best of 2009. You might find this year is when you recreated
yourself into something better.

    Hope

EBOOKS ARE COMING TO LIFE!

Check out our ebook updates...

Grants for the Essayist        - updated November 2008
Grants for the Serious Writers - updated December 2008
Tis the Season                 - updated January 2009
Markets for the Young Writer   - Updated January 2009
The No Fee Contest Book        - updated January 2009

www.fundsforwriters.com/ebooks.htm

(***purchase $30 or more in ebooks and receive a TOTAL FFW
 subscription)

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BYLINES DAILY WRITERS CALENDAR

This daily writers' calendar is perfect. 2009 will be
Hope's fifth year using this marvelous writing tool. See
writers just like yourself on each weekly post. Keep up
with literary conferences, author birthdays. Manage your
submissions. Its uses are endless.

Offered each year by FundsforWriters.

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

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http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

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

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

"When you have a passion for the correct furrow in a field
well-ploughed and sowed, erstwhile farmers who watch will
either applaud you and go away and do the same, or they will
wish your field, for reasons best hidden in their hearts,
had remained fallow. Such pioneers of passion may choose to
sit on the fence and watch and learn or turn away to other
pursuits, for most realise they cannot drive your tractor
nor turn their hand to your plough, nor use your seed; they
must, ultimately, tend to their own field with whatever
provision they have, and then put into practice what they
have seen and learned . . .  if, that is, they expect a similar
harvest when summer arrives. And summer always comes--sadly,
it often finds well-meant men wanting."
 
Winston Churchill.  from, 'Ideas and The Man'

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope,
 
I regularly use your listings to find submission venues for
my work. The most recent one to come up trumps for me was
Bylines Calendar 2009. I got my copy in the post this week
and found myself in February. I love adding books that I
have written or been displayed in to my display shelf. Plus
I get to use the calendar/book myself for my writing goals
this year. Thanks for all the inspiration, common sense, and
market and contest listings down through the years. Your
publications are real gems.
 
Kind regards,
Grace Tierney
 
Grace Tierney is a freelance writer, survey-fieldworker,
and mum living in rural Ireland. "The Writing Contest
Expert's Guide to Fiction Contests" (available at
www.lulu.com/gracetierney). www.gracetierney.com

(Bylines available at www.fundsforwriters.com/Bylines.htm)

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ARTICLE
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DEAR DIARY...
(How to go from private pain to public acclaim and profit!)

By Jennifer Brown Banks

"He was right for all the wrong reasons," my diary read.

This simple journal entry, chronicled to bring closure and
perspective to a failed relationship with a sinfully, sexy
"bad boy" type, brought more than therapy. Years later, with
some creativity and emotional distance behind me, it brought
a writer's fee of a hundred bucks and publication in Simon
and Schuster's best-selling "Chocolate for Women" series.

That clip was the beginning of a beautiful relationship--diary
entries and dollars. Over a period of time, I discovered a
gold mine that would serve as the foundation for many short
stories for popular anthologies and feature articles for
women's magazines. My "dear diary" accounts, covering everything
from parenting guilt, to vents about my family, to love gone
wrong, garnered fan mail and writers' fees on a frequent basis.
Yours can too.

Very few writers realize that the raw, uncensored stuff we
pen in our journals, where we deal with our demons and
reveal our humanity, is just what many editors look for in
personal essays, poems, articles, and commentary pieces.
Here's how you can use yours to expand your writing
portfolio and your bottom line:

1. Start with an intriguing title and a killer lead. A
few that I've used cleverly are: "Three Cheers for Courage!"
"What's Good about Bad Guys" and "A Paradox in Pink."

2. On the go? Carry your journal with you daily to capture
those "Kodak moments" on paper while in the moment. These
hurried happenings have led to some of my most successful
pieces.

3. Learn the art of tasteful dirty laundry.  Recognize
the difference between slightly soiled and down-right dirty. 
Never reveal deep family secrets, things shared in confidence
or a mate's physical dysfunctions.

4. Always request permission to use real names and true
identities.

5. Use exciting excerpts rather than day-to-day, hour-to-hour
passages in your submissions. None of us is noteworthy 24/7.

6. Think universal appeal. What prevailing themes in your
writing have you read as topics in magazines and anthologies?
A few of the most common are relationships, sibling rivalry,
work woes, mid-life issues, parenting guilt, infidelity,
illness and dieting dilemmas.

7. Provide take away value. Show your readers how to
cope with grief, or live with greater passion, or laugh
til' it hurts.  For example, when I lost my job five years
ago, my journal entries addressed my new way of life,
serving as the foundation for an article I wrote on
unemployment coping strategies and resources. The piece
entitled "The Upside of Being Downsized", sold to Being
Single lifestyle magazine and appeared as a feature in
their career corner.

This account of my emotional and financial upheaval
received rave reviews, because it dealt with the sometimes
unexpected blessings that evolve from life's hardships. I
even did a variation of this theme, and wrote a humorous
poem months later entitled "Ode to Unemployment" which
appeared in the Chicago Independent Bulletin.

8. Read often to discern what makes for a good, compelling
story. Other slice-of-life stories are not just competition,
but serve as educational material, teaching you how to pare
down your life to interesting snippets.

Your diary can not only bring closure to emotional issues,
but also open doors to a more enriched, profitable writing
career. My humorous rants on parental guilt have garnered
publication in anthologies.  Keep in mind that anything
from rants to revelations can reap rewards.  Even jottings
from a travel journal, sharing your adventures to various
destinations and recommended "sites to see" can connect with
readers, and help others to make informed decisions toward a
better way of life.

BIO
JENNIFER BROWN BANKS is a veteran freelance writer and
columnist. She has published over 500 pieces in regional
and national publications.  She is the former Senior Editor
Of Mahogany Magazine, and currently serves on the Board of
Directors of Chicago Writers Association.
Email: Jenniferwriter@yahoo.com

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COMPETITIONS
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EARLHAM SCHOOL OF RELIGION ESSAY CONTEST
http://esr.earlham.edu/events/50years/essay.html
---
NO ENTRY FEE
ESR is celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2009-10! In honor
of this occasion, we are holding an essay contest. Essays
need to address the following question:

What message or gifts do Quakers offer today in answer to
the world's greatest needs?

Contest winners will be invited to attend ESR's 50th
Anniversary kick-off event on Saturday, September 26th
and read their entries. Their essays will also be printed
in a commemorative booklet, and excerpts may be printed in
Quaker publications. Essays will be read and judged by a
three-person panel. One essay will be chosen and given a
cash prize in each of the following categories:

Under age 19 - $300 cash prize
Age 19 and over - $700 cash prize

Essays for the under age 19 category cannot exceed 2,500
words, and essays for the age 19 and over category must be
a minimum of 5,000 words and not exceed 7,500 words.
Deadline May 31, 2009.

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4th ANNUAL LIAM RECTOR FIRST BOOK PRIZE FOR POETRY
http://www.brierycreekpress.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=3
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
Winner receives 50 books, a reading, $1,000, and a letter-
pressed broadside created by book-artist Kerri Cushman.
All entries receive a copy of the winning book. Send between
48 and 60 pages of poetry, no more than one poem per page.
No restriction on content or style; we're simply looking for
excellent poetry. Reading: February 1 - March 30, 2009.

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STELLA KUPFERBERG MEMORIAL SHORT STORY PRIZE
http://www.symphonyspace.org/shorts/writing_contest
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
The winning submission selected by Ann Patchett will be read
as part of the Selected Shorts performance at Symphony Space
on May 20, 2009.  The story will be recorded for possible
later broadcast as part of the public radio series.  The
winner will receive $1,000. Submit a single short story that
contains a surprise. Deadline March 6, 2009.

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GRANTS
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THE SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOKWRITERS & ILLUSTRATOR'S SUMMER
CONFERENCE SCHOLARSIP
http://www.fairygodsistersink.com/News_and_Events.html
---
The Godsisters are offering a $1,500 scholarship for an
writer or illustrator to attend the 38th Annual SCBWI
Summer Conference held on August 7-10, 2009 at the Hyatt
Regency Century Plaza Hotel & Spa  in Los Angeles, CA.  If
you are not currently a SCBWI member, you can apply on-line
at www.scbwi.org. (Yes, you really must be a member before
you can apply.) To apply, please submit a 250-word essay
describing what you hope to accomplish by attending this
year's summer conference. Please submit your essay
electronically to fairygodsistersink@yahoo.com.
The application deadline is April 15, 2009. The **winner**
will be notified by May 15, 2009.

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POETS & WRITERS GRANTS FOR READINGS
http://www.pw.org/content/funding_readingsworkshops
---
To support as many literary events as possible, we generally
grant no more than $1,500 to organizations in New York and
California, and $500 to organizations in Atlanta, Chicago,
Detroit, Houston, New Orleans, Seattle, Tucson, and Washington,
D.C. during the course of our fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
Grants for readings or spoken word performances range from
$50-$350. Grants for workshops range from $100-$200 per
session. We make grants for writers' fee payments only. Grant
checks are payable to the writer and sent to the sponsor, who
is responsible for delivering them to the author. In California,
we generally grant no more than $500 total for a workshop
series.

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KULTTUURIKAUPPILA RESIDENCY - LOCATION FINLAND
http://www.transartists.nl/air/kulttuurikauppila.8992.html
---
Through the AiR programme KulttuuriKauppila supports
international art activities bringing multicultural dimension
to the region. The guest artists are provided time and space
to work in peace separated from the everyday haste and new
contacts to the art field as well as to the local community.
No deadline.

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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OREGON HUMANITIES
http://www.oregonhum.org/oregon-humanities-writers-guidelines.php
---
Oregon Humanities is an award-winning magazine published three
times each year (spring, summer, and fall) by the Oregon
Council for the Humanities. As a publication of ideas and
perspectives, Oregon Humanities offers a forum through which
Oregon writers, scholars, and readers can use the humanities
to deeply explore themes of both timeless and timely
significance. Payment ranges from $50 for reviews to $1,000
for features and varies depending on the length and complexity
of the piece.

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DRAFT
http://draftmag.com/submissions/
---
Pitches need not be beer-centric (DRAFT is about the lifestyle
of beer), but those that are should focus on beer/brewery news,
trends and ideas, rather than the technical aspects of brewing.
Aside from beer, we happily accept pitches on topics ranging
from sports (both professional and leisure), travel, food-
really, any subject our readers may have an interest in.

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BAY NATURE
http://baynature.org/about/submissions
---
BAY NATURE is a quarterly magazine dedicated to the intelligent
and joyful exploration of the natural places, plants, and
wildlife of the San Francisco Bay Area. It contains writing,
photography, art, and cartography about the natural history
of the land and waters of the nine counties ringing the Bay,
as well as significant nearby areas(such as the Delta and
Monterey Bay). We are a nonprofit enterprise, sponsored by
the Bay Nature Institute in Berkeley, California. Our articles
and features generally range from 700-3,000 words. Pays is
up to 50 cents/word. BAY NATURE is also seeking submissions
for a new, twice-annual "Literary in Nature" feature. We are
looking for poems, essays, and short fiction. Prose pieces
should be approximately 1,600 words or fewer, inspired by
the natural world of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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JOBS
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POLICE REPORTER (AMERICAN MEDIA, INC.)
Location Los Angeles, CA
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Magazines%2FPublishing&JobID=1012742
---
Entertainment Web site focusing on news is seeking experienced
police reporter for staff position. The right candidate will
know how to make the right contacts and where to look for news.
We want a detail-oriented star who values accuracy and breaking
news and knows where to dig and who to talk to once a story
breaks. Deadline February 23, 2009.

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FREELANCE COPYWRITER
Location virtual
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/wri/998817261.html
---
A publishing company has an immediate opening for a freelance
copywriter with 4-7 years experience. Excellent communication
skills and experience writing in the healthcare industry are
a must. Writer must be able to handle catalogs, online product
descriptions, direct mail, print ads, and brochures. Must
have a bachelor's degree, preferably in English or related major.
Excellent copywriting, editing & proofreading skills with
demonstrated experience in marketing/advertising copywriting,
brand messaging and promotional copy.

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NEWS ANCHOR/REPORTER
Location Wichita, KS
http://www.nationjob.com/job/JOBG32
---
Write and edit hourly newscasts, sportscasts, headlines,
possible traffic reports, severe weather coverage; generate
story ideas; cultivate news sources and provide editorial
support; monitor emergency police and fire scanners; other
duties as assigned by manager, including Sunday afternoon
news conferences by Wichita Police.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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JUMPING JACK PRESS
E-mail creativedirector@jumpingjackpress.com
http://www.jumpingjackpress.com/creative.html
---
We are always on the lookout for new talent, story ideas,
great designs and inventive paper engineering to help
ensure that our pop-up books continue to be among the best
in the market. If you would like to find out more about
designing books for Jumping Jack Press, please contact the
Creative Director. (Per WOW-womenonwriting.com, this market
is offering $1,200 for an 8-page pop-up book.)

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MIRIAM ALTSHULER AGENCY
http://www.miriamaltshulerliteraryagency.com/
---
Focuses on literary commercial fiction and nonfiction, but
most important to her is the quality of the writing and how
the subject is approached. In nonfiction, she is interested
in general nonfiction, narrative nonfiction, memoirs,
psychology, travel, nature and biography. A member of AAR.

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DWYER & O'GRADY, INC.
http://www.dwyerogrady.com
---
Dwyer & O'Grady, Inc. represents writers and illustrators
of children's books.

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SPONSORS
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MILL CITY WRITERS' WORKSHOP

Founded by author and former New York acquisitions editor
Ashley Shelby, Mill City Writers' Workshop offers aspiring
and established writers unparalleled editing services and
editorial assistance. From short stories and novels to memoirs
and narrative nonfiction and beyond, Mill City Writers' Workshop
provides comprehensive editing services, including structural
editing, line-editing, copyediting, and proofing, as well as
publishing-focused consultations and personal coaching packages.

Visit us online at www.millcitywriters.com.
Mention Funds for Writers and receive 15% off any service.

Writing is a passion. Publishing is a business.
VIP Authors know the difference.
 
Would your book be published today if you had someone
to mentor you every step of the way? Would you be closer
to your goal if you knew how to:

Decide if you should traditional publish or self-publish
Find legitimate agents and publishers and avoid scams
Choose the right POD publisher
Find markets for your work
Build a waiting audience before your book comes out
Use the Internet to market and sell your work
Use social networking sites effectively (and not waste your time)
Get free publicity

There are more opportunities now to get published than ever
before--if you know what you're doing. Join VIP Authors as
we make 2009 The Year of the Author.
 
For free newsletter and benefits:
http://tinyurl.com/96akbo

=====

 

"Words of hope when life gets hard"
 
A unique Christian card line written and designed after
being healed of a disability. Card categories include:

Illness - New life Phases - Everyday Life -
Tried but Failed - Asking for Help

Each card comes with a card insert with the Scripture
reference typed out in its entirety.
 
Need a card personally written for someone or something
special? Check out website information about our
Specialty card line.

Contact information, verses and card examples
at www.prayfullyyours.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

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Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
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$90 - 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 2000-2009, C. Hope Clark
ISSN: 1533-1326

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