Volume 9, Issue 5
February 1, 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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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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NICHES YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF

It's time to dig deep and grab hold of unique ideas to be
successful in this environment. All too often we get lazy,
wanting to lean heavily on the work we've done in the past.
We think doing more of what we've always done will save us.
These are times for new thoughts.

So shake the cobwebs and step outside yourself. Look at
what you've done with a fresh eye and decide how to be a
writer in demand. That means getting practical as well as
savvy. Consider these ideas for 2009:

1. Write about conferences.
Every town has a parade of conferences throughout the year.
Trade magazines adore reports about such conferences. While
you are there, you can grab interviews as well, selling those
to professional and trade publications. Interview a charismatic
female speaker about real estate and sell that interview to
real estate markets, public speaking publications and
professional women's magazines. A weekend conference can give
you enough material for ten pieces, depending on how well
you spin it. You'll make network connections like crazy as well.

2. Interviews.
One morning's newspaper can uncover a dozen potential
interviews in business, law enforcement, politics,
medicine, the arts, even with the journalists themselves.
Ring up the people, perform the brief interviews, and have
a slew of submissions in two weeks' time. Specialize in
interviews for 2009. They're easy and easy to sell. Become
a people story guru.

3. Current events.
Sign up for PR Newswire as a journalist. Receive the latest
press releases about everything under the sun - the weird,
the exciting, the motivational, the disturbing. If these
prompts don't give you fodder, nothing will.
http://www.prnewswire.com/

There. It's easy to start tackling these niches. So what if
you write romance stories or scifi fantasies. If you need
money for the bills, write what works during the day and pen
your dreams at night.

    Hope

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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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.

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

"I don't sit at my desk because I have an idea,
but in case I do!"

~Flannery O'Connor

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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hey Hope!

I really love reading your newsletter. As a matter of fact
you helped me become a paid author! I have been writing for
a local magazine in Florida for a year and a half for free.
I write because I love it, so I really didn't care about not
being paid. It was helping me understand the in's and out's
of writing. I honed my talent and worked under deadlines.

Then I read one of your newsletters about writing 'How-To'
articles about saving money. So, I did. I wrote "How to Have
a Kids Birthday Party on the Cheap". The same afternoon that
I wrote it, I sent it in to a local magazine called Space Coast
Parent and they bought the article for the March issue, which
just so happens to be about parties. The article told my plight
of throwing my 9-year-old daughter a birthday party with the
$35 that was in my pocket. The funny thing is, the pay for the
article was $35 as well! 

So thank you for your advice and your newsletter and your time.
I really appreciate it!

Sincerely,
June K. Brown
An official professional author!  
E-mail: moonmother8@gmail.com

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ARTICLE
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Growing a Career in Garden Writing
 
by Cindy Kerschner
 
"The most noteworthy thing about gardeners is that they are
always optimistic, always enterprising, and never satisfied.
They always look forward to doing something better than they
have ever done before."

This quote by Vita Sackville-West explains the need for garden
writers. According to the Garden Writers Association Foundation,
garden writing offers a niche market estimated at targeting 74
percent of American households. That's a lot of green. 
 
The market for garden related articles goes beyond garden
magazines. Gardeners span all ages, abilities and incomes. An
article on container gardening can appeal to several specialty
magazines at the same time. The easy care aspect can interest
people with special needs (Special Living Magazine
www.specialiving.com), children (Highlights for Children
www.highlights.com) or busy lifestyles (Recreation News
www.recreationnews.com).
 
I'll let you in on a secret. You don't need to be an authority
on plants to be a garden writer. There is a wealth of experts
at your fingertips. Best of all, this information is free for
the quoting. You can contact your local County Cooperative
Extension office for interviews, trends, current insect
problems and general garden information. This office is
backed by your state agricultural college. Local botanical
gardens and garden centers are staffed with knowledgeable
people ready to answer any garden questions. Landscaping and
nursery associations are another great source for information.
 
There are several ways to get your foot through the garden
gate. Don't rule out local newspapers. I wrote as a contributor
to three local papers and amassed over seventy clips, free
subscriptions and exposure to over 100,000 people.
 
Newsletters are another avenue for garden writers. Local
garden clubs, plant societies and garden centers all need
to keep members abreast of member news as well as new products
and trends. Create a standard newsletter with seasonal
information and a section tailored for an individual
organization's news. Explore creating both print and online
versions.  
 
Garden writing is different than most nonfiction writing
since the seasons dictate your topics and available materials.
Seasonal lead time averages (check individual guidelines)
3 to 6 months beyond the standard magazine requirements for
reviewing submissions. Some magazines require queries a year
or more in advance.
 
It can be hard to think about planting trees in January. One
thing to remember is that garden topics run on a seven year
cycle. To get a feel of what to submit for an upcoming issue
you may only need to go online. Major magazines like
Horticulture (hortmag.com), Fine Gardening
(www.taunton.com/finegardening/pages/) and Backhome Magazine
(www.backhomemagazine.com/) have online versions where you
can check the back issues table of contents and also look for
additional content.
 
A garden writer's secret weapon is photos. Take pictures of
the good, the bad and the ugly. Gardeners are not only
interested in the beauty of a new floral species. Photos of
insects, plants ravaged from disease or cultural factors rank
high in demand. If photography is not your forte, there are
sites that offer free photos in exchange for giving photo
credits.    
 
Consider adding garden writing to your resume since as sure
as spring follows winter, there will be a need for garden
writers.
 
Free expert advice:

USDA Plant Database - www.plants.usda.gov
Agriculture Information Center- www.agnic.org
Cooperative Extension by state-
   www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html

Free articles and photos:
Scotts - www.scotts.com
Pro Garden Biz Magazine - progardenbiz.com
USDA agricultural research image gallery -
   www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/
 
Bio:
Cindy Kerschner is a Master Gardener and member of the Garden
Writers Association of America. Her articles have appeared in
national publications including Mother Earth News, Backhome
Magazine, Clamor, Inscriptions, Relish and Parenting Humor.
You can reach Cindy at cindykerschner@gmail.com.

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COMPETITIONS
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ESSAY 101 - WIN A HOUSE IN HAWAII
http://www.winhawaiianhome.com/index.html
---
$101 ENTRY FEE
Grand prize of a beautiful custom-built home (affectionately
called "The Sweetheart Cottage") on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Essay must be 101 words or less. No profanity, sexual or
political rants. A raffle is illegal in Hawaii, so this is
a competition of writing skill. Due to the economy in Hawaii,
the couple has been unable to sell the property. Deadline
May 1, 2009.

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WABASH PRIZE FOR FICTION
http://sycamorereview.com/contest/
---
$10 ENTRY FEE
First Prize: $1,000 and winning entry published in Summer/
Fall 2009 issue. Entries of honorable mention also published
in Summer/Fall 2009 issue. Deadline March 19, 2009. Submit
one piece of fiction (or a series of related short-shorts)
totaling no more than 10,000 words.  

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ABBEY HILL LITERARY CONTEST
http://www.ahliterary.com/index.php?p=home
---
ENTRY FEE $12
AHLiterary.com is a fun and challenging place for short
fiction writers of all stripes and kinds -- beginning,
experienced, and everyone in between. AHL now invites entries
for its quarterly 2009 Quick Lit Challenges. Review the three
writing challenges posted at the web site, and write a story
incorporating those challenges.  Prize List ($US):  1st-$500,
2nd-$200, 3rd-$100, and Evolving Writer-$50. Electronic entries
encouraged, snail mail accepted, entries due end of second month
of each quarter.  Most genres accepted, international entries
written in English accepted with entry fee via PayPal.  Contest
open to both published and previously unpublished authors.
Winning entries, including author's name and a brief bio, will
be posted for up to 180 days. Limit to 1,000 words.
 

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GRANTS
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FURTHERMORE GRANTS
http://www.furthermore.org/
---
The Furthermore program is concerned with nonfiction book
publishing about the city; natural and historic resources;
art, architecture, and design; cultural history; and civil
liberties and other public issues of the day. Our grants
apply to writing, research, editing, design, indexing,
photography, illustration, and printing and binding. Furthermore
applicants must be 501(c)3 organizations. They have included
civic and academic institutions, museums, independent and
university presses, and professional societies. Trade publishers
and public agencies may apply for Furthermore grants in
partnership with an eligible nonprofit project sponsor.
Applications from individuals cannot be accepted. Grants from
$500 to roughly $15,000 are awarded in spring and fall with
March 15 and September 15 deadlines.

NOTE: Since you cannot apply directly, you need to connect
with a nonprofit publisher or a professional organization.

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GETTY IMAGES PHOTOJOURNALISM GRANTS
http://corporate.gettyimages.com/marketing/grants_editorial/index.asp
---
Getty Images believes in the power of photojournalism to
bring attention to significant social and cultural issues.
We also know the rigors of executing world-class photography
assignments and understand that in order to produce their best
work, photojournalists need time, freedom and support. Every
year, Getty Images awards five professional photojournalists
individual grants of $20,000 each, for a total of $100,000.
Professional grant recipients are given the opportunity to
sign a one-year exclusive-rights deal with Getty Images whereby
their work will be marketed and available for license to
customers worldwide through gettyimages.com, while retaining
copyright of their imagery. Starting in 2009, four additional
grants of $5,000 will be awarded to students who are under 30
and currently enrolled in photojournalism courses at an
accredited college or university. Deadline May 15, 2009.

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ALABAMA COUNCIL ON THE ARTS GRANTS
http://www.arts.alabama.gov
---
The Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) is now accepting
applications for the 2009-2010 Artist Fellowships and
Fellowship in Arts Administration Program. The application
deadline is Monday, March 2, 2009. Council's Fellowships
provide direct assistance to Alabama artists and arts
administrators across a range of disciplines, to recognize
exceptional work and to support further development of their
talents. Fellowships give individuals the financial ability
to hone and deepen their craft. The program supports artists
and administrators in all career stages, including emerging
and mid-career as well as well established artists and
administrators. These highly competitive awards also provide
artists and administrators with recognition and affirmation
from their peers and the public. The Council awards Fellowships
of $5,000 for artists and arts administrators working in crafts,
dance, design, media/photography, music, literature, theatre
and visual arts.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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SATURDAY EVENING POST
http://saturdayeveningpost.com/submission-guidelines.html
---
In addition to feature-length articles, the Post buys anecdotes
suitable for "Post Scripts," as well as cartoons, illustrations,
and photos. Payment ranges from $25 for Post Scripts to $400
and up for feature articles. Nonfiction must be 1,000 to 2,000
words in length. We generally buy all and/or first serial rights,
as well as online rights. We also welcome new fiction. A light,
humorous touch is appreciated. We are also always in need of
straight humor articles. Make us laugh, and we'll buy it.

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CANADIAN NEWCOMER MAGAZINE
http://www.cnmag.ca/editorial_guidelines
---
Pays ten to thirty cents/word. The mission of the magazine
is to connect the region's diverse ethnic communities in
Canada using one voice and language by providing free
information, advice, entertainment and encouragement to new
immigrants. To that end, the magazine is written in English,
but the vocabulary and grammar are kept as plain and simple
as possible - complex ideas written in entry level English.
Subjects covered include employment, housing, Canadian
lifestyles, health, finances, ethnic media and education.

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WEND MAGAZINE
http://www.wendmag.com/writersguide
---
Wend is namely interested in first person accounts of literate
adventure travel with a social/anthropological/environmental
awareness that permeates throughout the story. Our stories
are about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, not
extraordinary people doing ordinary things. We give a lot
of space to our features to give the writer a chance to
really express him or herself, and take our readers along
for the ride. All departments pay 25 cents a word, plus photos.

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JOBS
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EDITOR
Location Orlando, FL
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Online%20Media&JobID=1014034
---
This is a hands-on position, gathering and writing news stories,
images and video and publishing. A major focus of the position
is on delivering breaking news quickly, accurately and in a
compelling manner with text, video and photos and other Web-
based technology. This job requires a thorough understanding
of how to promote interactivity and engagement with a Web
audience. The position also requires the ability to stay on
top of all the latest Web-based technology available and how
it can enhance the audience's experience with the site.

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ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER
Location Arlington, VA
http://www.conservationfund.org
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Non-Profit&JobID=1014036
---
The Online Content Manager will craft strategy and provide
support for The Conservation Fund's online presence. This
position will generate and edit website content, email
newsletters and online marketing materials that advance the
Conservation Fund's brand.

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WRITER-EDITOR
Location College Park, GA
http://tinyurl.com/ctfnnz
---
Deadline February 11, 2009. Incumbent researches and develops
basic written information on common, recurring aviation issues
and Executive Services programs. The incumbent uses appropriate
sources (regulations, the internet, file documents, etc.) to
find facts and statistics, analyze information, organize findings,
and use the written word to express business concepts, convey
information, and assist constituents. The incumbent revises or
rewrites drafts, searching for the right phrasing or the best
format or organization. Agency: Federal Aviation Administration.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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BEACON PRESS
http://www.beacon.org/client/client_pages/about_mission.cfm
---
Please note that we are not accepting any new poetry or
fiction at this time. Beacon Press is an independent publisher
of serious non-fiction and fiction. Our books often change the
way readers think about fundamental issues; they promote such
values as freedom of speech and thought; diversity, religious
pluralism, and anti-racism; and respect for diversity in all
areas of life.

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BROKEN JAW PRESS
http://www.brokenjaw.com/submissions.htm
---
Most years we publish five to eight new, almost exclusively
Canadian-authored, mostly English-language or multilingual,
literary arts titles in trade paperback editions. Additionally,
we release a chapbook or two, limited edition hand-bound books,
broadsheets and ephemera. Broken Jaw publishes mainly literary
works--fiction, poetry, and some creative nonfiction including
some local history and arts/artist books.

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GREAT LITTLE BOOKS
http://www.greatlittlebooksllc.com/our_mission.html
---
Great Little Books, LLC is an independent publisher located in
Glen Rock, New Jersey.  We're in business to publish fiction--
novels, children's books, poetry and short stories--from new
voices in traditional and new genres, and in new formats and
across multiple mediums. We publish lifestyle and self-help
books that grow out of the way people really live their lives
and the support they need.

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SPONSORS
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"Words of hope when life gets hard"
 
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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
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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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ARE YOU THE NEXT VIP AUTHOR?

Writing is a passion. Publishing is a business.
VIP Authors know the difference.

Would your book be published today if you had someone to
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--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
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For free newsletter and benefits:
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BEFORE YOU QUERY (again) - GET PROFESSIONAL HELP!

Elizabeth Irwin provides editing services for fiction
and non-fiction of all lengths - from manuscript
evaluation to proofreading to content editing. Publicity
consultation is also available.  Twenty years of writing,
editing, and marketing experience are just a click away.

Visit www.irwinfreelance.com for more details or
email Elizabeth@irwinfreelance.com.

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TOM HOWARD/JOHN H. REID SHORT STORY CONTEST

www.winningwriters.com/tomstory

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CAN YOU TAKE A SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPH?

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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A FUN AND REWARDING SECOND INCOME FOR WRITERS

Wouldn't it be wonderful to be responsible for creating a
happy memory that will stay with a child forever...and get
paid handsomely to do it? With the tremendous recent
successes of children's books, many publishers are looking
to develop first-time authors. When you know who they are,
what they want and how they want it, you'll be ahead of
90-95% of other new writers. If you've ever considered
supplementing your livelihood by writing for children, this
will make it easier than ever: 

http://www.publishachildrensbook.com/kid/b8a

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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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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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