Volume 9, Issue 7
February 15, 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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YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE THE BEST

That doesn't mean you don't have to be YOUR best. When we
decide to become writers, we worry that we're novices, without
the fancy degrees or list of published titles. We haven't
published in $2/word magazines or had a book on the NY Times
list. Our names aren't dropped at dinner parties in New York.

But we can still be successful.

Someone invariably asks me how to become successful, as if
I started out nine years ago and said, "By 2008, I'll be
successful." Frankly, I never thought I wasn't successful.
It wasn't a black and white, open or shut, this or that
measurement. I just did what I wanted to do the best way I
knew how. And if I didn't know how, I studied and adapted.

Here's how to be successful anytime:

1. Realize you are an expert at something. List what you
know, then polish it. Some people get an MFA to do that.
Some people don't need that MFA. I believe an MFA would
undermine what I've already achieved, so it isn't part of
my success journey.

2. Realize someone is always better than you are...and
someone is always worse than you are. You'll never be
the best. You don't ever want to be the best, or you
have nothing to strive for.

3. Enjoy improvement. Fight to be better, whether you're
starting out or been around for a decade. If you want
to learn faster, then teach. Nothing makes you acquire more
knowledge than having to train others.

4. The focus isn't on you. Huh?? Fact is, those individuals
who focus on the customer's and reader's needs over their
own, catapult themselves to a higher level of success than
those who "want to tell their story." Desire to help, instruct,
aid, enlighten, entertain and promote others, and you'll ride
on their dreams as well as your own.

    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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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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THE BLOG, THE BLOG!
http://www.hopeclark.blogspot.com

TWITTER ME
http://twitter.com/hopeclark

CONSULT WITH HOPE
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/ConsultHope.htm

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WORDS OF SUCCESS

If you don't understand what makes people tick, they won't tick.

Robert Swan
Explorer and environmentalist

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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On a recent consult with Hope...

At this point, I am just getting started and feel challenged
by the myriads of tasks that are involved (in writing).  I am
so lucky to have HOPE (No pun intended). She is amazing,
resourceful, reliable, and very affordable. She is so good at
mentoring that I literally am speechless.

~Lynne Robbins

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ARTICLE
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6 Things To Do Before Sending Your Query

By Susan Johnson
 
We've all been there: precisely 2.5 seconds after you click
"send" on your email query you wish you could take it all back
and start over. Unfortunately, most email programs don't have
this feature, so you'll have to get it right the first time.
Here's a little check list to help ensure that your query
hits the mark.
 
1.    Find out if your idea has been done. Before you start
searching for stats or crafting your query, check if the
publication has covered the topic in the past year. Unless
you have a really creative angle, it's best not to pitch an
idea that's been covered recently. Instead, focus on finding
other ideas or creating new twists on those evergreen ideas.
You can browse back issues at the library or search online
(use this formula - "article idea" AND site:yourmag.com - if
the website doesn't have a search bar).

2.    Write a strong subject line and opening paragraph. I
generally use the formula "Query: Name of Proposed Article"
as my subject. "Query Letter" or "Story Idea for X Magazine"
is boring and tells the editor very little about your idea.
Write a compelling subject line and an attention-catching
opener so they'll want to read more. Many freelancers write
the opening line of their query as if they were writing the
opening to the actual article. Then they'll give a short
overview of what the article will include.

3.    Check your spelling, but don't rely on spell check.
Some will argue that good content is more important than
good spelling, but that doesn't excuse laziness (especially
if you're querying a monthly magazine that doesn't churn
things out at the same pace as a blog or online news source).
If nothing else, be sure that you spell the editor's name and
the name of the publication correctly!

4.    Remember to include writing samples. You'll look pretty
silly if your query says "I've attached a few writing samples
for your perusal" and you forget to upload the attachments. In
fact, a lot of writing experts recommend that you use links to
articles instead of attachments so you don't get caught in an
editor's spam filter. Best to double-check the links first,
though. If you don't have writing samples, then don't say "I
don't have any samples." Just gloss over it and focus on why
you can write this piece.

5.    Add the editor's email last. This tip comes from a book
on writing cover letters, but it holds true for queries, too.
Avoid embarrassment by composing your email first and reading
it over before you add the email address.

6.    Don't obsess. We've all made email blunders, but it's
best to let them go. After all, a flawless query still doesn't
guarantee an assignment. If you spend a whole evening searching
for that perfect, poetic turn of phrase or the too-good-to-be-
true stat, then you're missing out on personal time or time that
could be spent developing other ideas. Get your ideas on paper,
let them marinate overnight, and move onto the next one.

BIO
Susan Johnston is a freelance writer who has contributed to
The Boston Globe, DailyCandy.com, Self magazine, and
WomenEntrepreneur.com, among other places. She blogs at
UrbanMuseWriter.com.

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COMPETITIONS
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INTERSECTION FOR THE ARTS AWARDS
http://www.theintersection.org/resource_awards.php
---
NO ENTRY FEE
Deadline March 31, 2009. The Joseph Henry Jackson, James Duval
Phelan, & Mary Tanenbaum Awards are offered annually to
promising young California writers. Manuscripts from eligible
young authors are invited for three $2,000 literary awards.
Under the terms of the trusts, the awards are intended to
encourage young writers of an unpublished manuscript-in-
progress. All applicants must, therefore, be between 20 and
35 years of age on March 31. Depending on the award, entrants
must residents or previous residents of California.

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LIFE IN THE USA $1,000 CONTEST
http://www.lifeintheusa.com/contest.htm
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NO ENTRY FEE
Contest will end either June or on the publication of 100
new articles, whichever comes later. The www.lifeintheusa.com
$1,000 Essay Contest is designed to help www.lifeintheusa.com
grow and serve immigrants and American students wishing to
know more about American life. A first prize of $500 will be
awarded, plus five $100 second place prizes.

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MAG OPEN POETRY COMPETITION
http://www.poeticrepublic.com/
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£6 ENTRY FEE
Innovative, exciting, challenging and democratic - the greatest
ever online poetry competition. Prize fund accumulates @ £20
per entry (up to £10,000 maximum).

1st Prize-50%, 2nd Prize-25%, 3rd Prize-15%, 4th Prize-10%.

The entrants judge the competition themselves. It's a knockout
system in three rounds- but beware, if you don't participate
in the judging, you will be knocked out yourself! In each
round the entrants read 12 poems. In the final round everyone
reads the last 12. The judging will take place in the 2 months
following closure of the competition. Any subject. Style:
Poetry or Prose Poetry. Maximum 42 lines.  All profits from the
poetry competition will be donated to MAG (Mines Advisory
Group). MAG is a neutral and impartial humanitarian
organisation that clears the remnants of conflict for the
benefit of communities worldwide. Our target is to get 1,500
entries in the first year. Deadline April 30, 2009.
 

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GRANTS
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COLUMBIA FOUNDATION
http://www.columbia.org/index.htm
---
Columbia Foundation focuses its grantmaking on the following:

Specific projects for the creation, development, performance
or exhibition in the performing (music, opera, dance, theater)
or visual arts; general support for development of organizations
with annual operating budgets under $500,000. Grant period:
The foundation considers single grants as well as multi-year
grants for up to three years. Annual Deadline: March 1 for a
full proposal.

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KENTUCKY ARTS ACTIVISM GRANTS
http://www.kfw.org/artact.html
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Deadline March 6, 2009. The Art Meets Activism (AMA) program
supports feminist artists and organizations in actively
engaging individuals and communities in the development,
creation or implementation of art activities that are directly
focused on progressive social change in Kentucky. Art Meets
Activism applicants should demonstrate a commitment to
community involvement and be able to illustrate that they
have a concrete plan to accomplish social change. Grants
range from $ 1,000 to $7,500.

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ALL ROADS FILM PROJECT
http://www.ngs.or---
Grants from $1,000 to $10,000 to indigenous and underrepresented
minority-culture filmmakers from around the world. Grants are
also available to filmmakers who have been designated by
indigenous or minority groups to tell their stories. Funds
development and production of feature films, long documentaries,
short documentaries, narrative shorts, animation, and music
videos. Grants may be used for equipment, travel for research,
editing time, etc., and may be solicited in addition to funds
from other sources. Deadline March 15, 2009.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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THREEPENNY REVIEW
http://www.threepennyreview.com/submissions.html
---
At present The Threepenny Review is paying $400 per story or
article, $200 per poem or Table Talk piece. In addition, each
writer gets a year's free subscription. Critical articles
should be about 1,500 to 3,000 words, stories and memoirs 4,000
words or less, and poetry 100 lines or less.

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HORTICULTURE
http://www.hortmag.com
---
Horticulture is dedicated to celebrating the passion of avid,
influential gardeners, who take delight not just in gardens
but in garden-making. Through engaging writing and brilliant
photography, our informative and inspirational content enables
gardeners to create garden spaces that will make them proud,
beautify their local community, and provide a gathering place
for family and friends. Pays up to 75 cents/word.

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FIT PREGNANCY
http://www.fitpregnancy.com/contact/
---
We address concerns about how to stay healthy, eat right
and look great while expecting and how to get back into
shape after delivering. We also offer the essentials for
new parenting and infant care through baby's first year.
Pays $1+ / word.

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JOBS
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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDITOR OF ALUMNI & FRIENDS MAGAZINE
Location Fort Smith, Arkansas
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Magazines/Publishing&JobID=1017988
---
The most exciting and significant responsibility will be to
develop and grow all facets of the University Advancement
communications program including the University's first
alumni and friends magazine (a bi-annual, four color, 32
page publication). This is an incredible opportunity to
start a program and publication from the beginning.

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WRITER
Location New York, NY
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Non-Profit&JobID=1018149
---
In this position you will help us build philanthropic
relationships with major donors by writing carefully
researched acknowledgement letters and providing writing
and editing support for special events. This is an ideal
entry-level opportunity for a recent college graduate who
wants to gain experience in one of the world's leading
medical centers. Responsibilities include researching and
drafting thank-you letters to donors; writing, editing and
proofing materials for bios and journal ads; providing writing
support for executives; and assisting with donor mailing lists.

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST
Location Fredonia, AZ
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=79191101&aid=27015391-929&WT.mc_n=MKT000125
---
Deadline March 9, 2009. Agency: Forest Service. Establishes
and maintains relationships with the general public, the news
and information media, key officials, agency stakeholders,
industry representatives, and/or community groups in order
to communicate and disseminate program information which
results in an understanding of the agency's mission and
activities.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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WHITE CLOUD PRESS
http://www.whitecloudpress.com/pilot.asp?pg=submissions
---
White Cloud Press offers spiritual inspiration, acclaimed
translation of religious texts, and descriptive explorations
of spiritual practice and faith. Integration of paradigms
within the worlds of faith fit White Cloud best. We are
always open to explorations of religions and spiritual
practices off the beaten path.

RiverWood Books offers literary fiction as well as titles
illuminating cultural awareness and West Coast regional
topics. We've had great success with historical fiction, but
other genres are welcome. We do not publish science fiction,
fantasy, or detective stories. Please note we no longer
publish children's books.

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VELO PRESS
http://www.velopress.com/
---
VeloPress is an endurance sports and fitness publisher with
training books that help both serious athletes and beginners
build skills and fitness. VeloPress authors are trusted
authorities on training, gear, and nutrition. VeloPress also
publishes historical and biographical books that take a closer
look at the celebrated athletes and personalities in our sports.

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TURTLE BOOKS
http://www.turtlebooks.com/
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An independent publishing house specializing in illustrated
children's books. The goal is to publish a small, select list
of high quality children's books each year. In most cases,
we publish our books in both English and Spanish.

AWARD WINNING NOVELIST, STORY WRITER WILL EDIT YOUR WORK

Your work must be polished before you send it out.
Richard Krawiec can help. He has published novels, story
collections, plays, poetry, award-winning feature articles
and Young Adult sports biographies. He's been nominated for
the National Book Award and the Pushcart Prize.  He won
fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the
North Carolina Arts Council and the PA. Council on the Arts. 
He wrote Fiction Writing curriculum for UNC Chapel Hill.

Email: rkwriter@gmail.com or visit him at
http://home.mindspring.com/~rkwriter/ 

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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

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Advertise with FundsforWriters !!!
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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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