Volume 9, Issue 16
April 19, 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, 2009

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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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SOCIAL NETWORKING CLASS FOR AUTHORS

Need help navigating online promotion possibilities on the web?
Want to increase your web presence but unsure what to do next?
Do you have the Twitter Jitters?
This 4-day introductory class to Online Social Media can help.
 
WHEN: May 4,5,6,7     
COST: $60
WHERE: Online. Work at your own speed.
DETAILS: http://www.susantaylorbrown.com/classes.html

                 
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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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CAPITOL CITY YOUNG WRITERS PROGRAM

Anyone who has known me long, knows how much I love enticing
young people to write. It's a skill that, once learned,
provides a life-long talent with the potential to catapult
youngsters into better careers and higher self-esteem. So when
I came across a new program for young writers, I had to pass it
along.

Capitol City Young Writers (CCYW) is a national non-profit
organization that provides career exploration, writing workshops,
scholarships, internships and leadership opportunities.
Members discover the skills necessary to enter literary related
careers such as editing, journalism or broadcast radio. From
fiction and non-fiction, to poetry, screenwriting, songwriting
and broadcast radio, students are supported through workshops
bringing professionals and mentors together in local communities
through online tutorials, annual conferences, a youth run
literary journal, writing and audio competitions, and mentoring. 

CCYW offers a diverse and distinctive group of published
authors and professional writers to work directly with young
writers in the Master Mentor Program. CCYW is always seeking
new mentors! A list of Master Mentors are at the website.

Currently, CCYW also seeks student members interested in
applying for the position of editor to Write On! - the youth
run literary journal.  Editors will learn how to run a literary
journal, develop the skills necessary to act as an editor and
work as a team on a collaborative project. 

The "Day in the Life" internship program provides its senior
level members with the opportunity to explore various careers
in the literary world without a long term commitment to either
the sponsor or the member. These internships offer a glimpse
that will provide insight into the realities of specific
careers and the daily duties that accompany them in the writing
field. One day can make a lifetime impression for youth who
are struggling with career choices, the college application
process and choosing a major.    

CCYW started in Northern California in 2008, and currently
serves members throughout the U.S. and internationally in
Canada, Germany and the UK. Two levels of membership are
available, a junior membership for youth up to the junior
high school level (age 11) and a senior membership for students
in junior high and high school (ages 11 to 18). Membership dues
are $25 annually. Scholarships are available to families with
financial need.

Contact Ms. Verna Dreisbach, Founder and President if you
have an interest in mentoring, volunteering or joining as
a young writer. Thanks for caring about young writers, Verna.
 
Founder and President of CCYW, Verna Dreisbach
E-mail: verna@capitolcityyoungwriters.com
http://www.capitolcityyoungwriters.com

GRACIOUS...A NEW EBOOK!

FEROCIOUS PROMOTION FOR THE TIMID AUTHOR

Emphasizing the self-publishing author, the joint authorship
of Gwynne Spencer and C. Hope Clark penned a 64-page ebook
packed with ideas on how to make those sales. With an emphasis
on selling locally and regionally, the book gives you hope
and savvy advice through the occasional sprinkling of cute
weener dog paws throughout.

Being small doesn't mean you can't be ferocious.

www.fundsforwriters.com/ferocious.htm

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GOOGLE LAWSUIT

On June 11, 2009, a federal court will hold a fairness
hearing to review the proposed settlement of lawsuits
brought by U.S. authors and publishers against Google for
its unauthorized scanning and use of in-copyright books as
part of the Google Library Project. Rightsholders affected
by the class-action settlement have until May 5, 2009 to
decide whether to participate or opt-out.

A few folks have asked me about this case. Here is the
formal page for opting in or opting out of the Google
Settlement.  http://www.googlebooksettlement.com/

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WORDS OF SUCCESS
 
Character is what emerges from all the little things
you were too busy to do yesterday, but did anyway.

~ Mignon McLaughlin

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Dear Hope:
 
I want to thank you for your great newsletters and encouragement. 
Thanks to one of your listings, I've now written three articles
for www.homestead.org and am currently working on the fourth. 
Although I've done writing for employers and community groups
for years, this has been my first paying experience as a
freelancer.  Very exciting!!!
 
Thanks again for your encouragement.
T. Zoe Kimmel

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ARTICLE
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How My Freelance Career Derailed
and How a Sympathetic Editor Got it Back on Track
 
By Martha Miller
 
My freelance career began about two and a half years ago
after reading an article and deciding I could have written
it better. I had dreamed of becoming a published writer
and had sent in queries every few years, but had never
received so much as a rejection letter back. This time I
seriously studied writing how-to books and carefully
crafted a query to a small local publication. The editor
responded in about a week with the go-ahead to write it.
Two weeks later, I submitted the 800-word piece in which
every word had been scrutinized repeatedly. She loved it
and even asked if I had other ideas. I was ecstatic.
Finally, I had broken through and was going to be a
published writer.

After that initial success, I submitted three more
stories in a row and each one was accepted. The topics
were about local resale shops, a wedding coordinator and
a gala fundraiser. These were all subjects I had experience
with and felt comfortable writing about.

Then I took a cooking class and thought I'd write about
that. I didn't know a lot about cooking and the words
didn't come easily. Getting quotes from the chef was almost
impossible and I found myself trying to write anything
to reach the 800-word mark. Still not convinced it was
worthy, my deadline had arrived and I had no choice but to
submit what I had written. Rationalizing that the editor
had accepted everything else I'd offered, she probably
wouldn't complain.

The stinging response will forever be etched in my memory
"...very disappointed" and "...not up to par" and "...we all
think so." She went on to say the article was unacceptable.
Who knew words could hurt so much! Mortified, I promised
her I would do an excellent job on my next assignment to
redeem myself. I read books on the subject, conducted an
interview, wrote, rewrote and edited until the cows came
home. Not one hundred percent sure I had nailed it, I
submitted the piece. Again, rejection. Ouch!

With my tail between my legs, I slipped into the magazine's
office to pick up payment for a previous article. When the
editor heard I was there, she asked me to come back to her
office to talk with her. She quietly said, "You've gotten
into some unfamiliar territory. It seems you can't see
the forest for the trees." We talked about why the pieces
didn't work and how they had been drudgery to write. After
brainstorming some ideas that were more up my alley, I left
feeling hopeful and excited about the next assignment.

The next piece was a joy to write. Words came easily. It
was fun to do the interviews and I had a feeling when I
submitted it that it was good. The editor's response was
the salve my wounds needed, "You're absolutely back on
track" and "I'm as delighted as you will be." I followed
up with six more articles for this magazine, all of which
were published. I would still be pitching to that editor
if I hadn't moved out of the area.

Three valuable lessons came from this experience:

1) There are good reasons newbies are advised to write
what they know - it's easier, more fun and the chances of
success are higher.

2) A slump will pass - just try to regain footing on
familiar ground.

3) Now when a friend suggests a topic for me to write
about, unless I have a very strong interest and some
familiarity with the subject, I politely decline.

BIO
Martha Miller is a freelance writer and editor based in
Texas. Her work has appeared in Parents, The Christian
Science Monitor, Catholic Digest, Bead & Button and many
other publications. She also writes two columns, Living
Greenly and Living Online, which appear in parenting
publications across the country.

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COMPETITIONS
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ATLANTA REVIEW INTERNATIONAL POETRY CONTEST
http://atlantareview.com/page6.html
---
$5 ENTRY FEE
Winners will be published in Atlanta Review and appear in
over 120 countries. Grand prize $2,009. Twenty international
publication awards. Deadline May 8, 2009.

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WRITINGROOM.COM AUTHOR CHOICE CONTEST
http://www.writingroom.com/Writing-Contest-Authors-Choice-2009.aspx
---
NO ENTRY FEE

GRAND PRIZE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com,
National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $500 cash prize.
Read by a top New York literary agent, Loretta Barrett
(www.lorettabarrettbooks.com). Read by top editor Eric Rabb,
at Tor/Forge books. Video interview with writingroom.com.

SECOND PLACE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com,
National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $250 cash prize.

THIRD PLACE: Publishing Package with PublishingRoom.com,
National Press Release, Local Media Coverage, $100 cash prize.

Top 10 Finalists will receive advice, help, and guidance from
both Jon Land and Lindsay Preston to help improve quality and
overall marketability of their books to a wide audience.
Final Submission Date: May 18, 2009.

Writer must register with both PublishingRoom.com and
WritingRoom.com. Submissions must be between 50,000 to
125,000 words. Winning writers must publish their manuscripts
with PublishingRoom.com. Requires purchase of three books.

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WAG'S REVUE FICTION, POETRY, CREATIVE NONFICTION CONTEST
http://www.wagsrevue.com/submit.html
---
$20 ENTRY FEE
First prize in each category receives $500 and publication in
Wag's Review. All submissions are considered for publication.
Deadline May 31, 2009. Submissions of poetry may include
multiple poems but should not exceed ten pages. Fiction and
nonfiction should not exceed 8,000 words.

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GRANTS
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CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM
http://www.cbscorporation.com/diversity/cbs_network/institute/writers_program.php
---
The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is
no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program
of career development, support, and personal access to
executives and decision-making processes, with the goal of
preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities
in television. Each participant will be teamed with two
different mentors. One is a show mentor who is a senior-level
writer on a current CBS drama or comedy series. The other is
a CBS network or studio executive with whom they will meet on
a regular basis, to discuss their work, get creative feedback
on their material and get advice and support in furthering
their career. Deadline May 1, 2009.

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THE KEROUAC PROJECT
http://kerouacproject.org/
---
The writers will live rent and utility free in Kerouac's
historic Florida home. In addition, he/she will be awarded
a gift card for Publix Supermarkets. Accepting applications
for the coming year's residencies through April 2009. Those
periods to which you will be applying for are September-
November 2009, December 2009-February 2010, March-May 2010, and
June-August 2010 . We read the applications in May and announce
the winners in June.

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AMY CLAMPITT RESIDENCY FUND
http://www.berkshiretaconic.org/sharedpdf/GrantApps/ClampittApp.pdf
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Poets or literary scholars with professional standing in
their fields as well as emerging poets/scholars are eligible
for residencies. The level of accomplishment of the work
submitted will be considered as it is commensurate with the
applicant's age and/or experience. The Residency award consists
of the use of the Amy Clampitt House free and clear for a six
month or twelve month period beginning on February 1, 2011
and ending on January 27th, 2012. Grants for travel to and
from the Clampitt House are available based on need. A monthly
stipend of $2,500 is paid to the resident fellow. It is
expected that the resident fellow commit to residing in the
house full-time and focusing exclusively on his/her creative
work except for occasional absences. The Resident Fellow will
be asked to give a reading locally of his/her work. Location
Massachusetts. Deadline August 1, 2009.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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VETERINARY ECONOMICS
http://veterinarybusiness.dvm360.com/vetec/Writers-guidelines/static/detail/356190
---
VETERINARY ECONOMICS is a monthly professional trade magazine
for practicing veterinarians that provides detailed articles
about the business of client and patient care. We cover topics
related to practice management, including personnel solutions,
communication, practice finances, personal finances, day-to-
day management issues, client relations, life balance, and
more. We also cover industry issues impacting the veterinary
profession. For example, we've published articles on the
changing models of practice, changes in vaccine protocols,
the gender shift, and so on.

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TRAINS MAGAZINE
http://www.trains.com/trn/default.aspx?c=a&id=526
---
TRAINS Magazine depends on its contributors for the majority
of photos and words we publish. TRAINS buys news stories and
feature articles covering railroading's past and present,
including first-person recollections. We do not buy travel
stories, poetry, or fiction. We pay upon receipt of a signed
author contract. Standard manuscript rates begin at 10 cents
per word and go up.

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BIBLE STUDY MAGAZINE
http://www.biblestudymagazine.com
---
Bible Study Magazine is a bi-monthly publication with over
10,000 subscribers. We cover Bible study art, science, and
practice for a non-denominational audience. We're looking for
a direct, informative and engaging writing style--as simple as
possible but as technical as necessary. All our stories have
a compelling hook, a clear lead, and a progression that engages
the reader. We want great writers who are excited about Bible
study. We pay competitively. Send a resume and samples of your
writing to Associate Editor John Barry at
john@biblestudymagazine.com.
 

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JOBS
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REPORTER
Location Farmington, NM
http://www.daily-times.com
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Newspapers/Wires&JobID=1044072
---
We need a solid reporter looking to experience lively action
at a daily that is the largest media entity in the Four
Corners region, serving readers in New Mexico, Colorado,
Utah, Arizona and the Navajo Nation.

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GOSSIP WRITER
Location Washington DC
http://www.thehill.com
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Newspapers/Wires&JobID=1044653
---
The Hill newspaper is looking for a full-time gossip
columnist to cover the social scene in the nation's capital.
This exciting and challenging job requires someone with a
genuine interest in the intrigue and amusing happenings on
Capitol Hill and around town. He or she will be able to treat
federal politics and politicians with both respect and
cheerful irreverence.

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REPORTER
Location Gig Harbor, WA
http://www.gateline.com
http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?Media=Newspapers/Wires&JobID=979346
---
We are looking for a writer who loves community journalism,
particularly local politics and breaking news.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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WORDSERVE LITERARY AGENCY
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-women-want.html
---
In all genres, I'm looking for books that don't contradict
a Christian worldview. In fiction, I'm concentrating on books
that can be placed in the Christian marketplace (i.e. CBA
publishers), and this year I'll be slowly moving into more
general market fiction. In nonfiction, I'm representing books
that would fit in the general market or the Christian market
(or both).

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THE EXPERIMENT
http://www.theexperimentpublishing.com/home.php
---
We are a new independent publisher focused on publishing a
wide range of practical nonfiction in the areas of health,
nutrition and cooking, fitness, psychology, relationships,
self-help, parenting, sexuality, science and the environment.
We begin to publish our first books this September 2009.

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SNOWBOOKS
http://www.snowbooks.com/submissions.html
---
Accepts general fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, horror, thrillers,
historical fiction, general nonfiction, cycling, fitness,
crafts and gift book ideas. Located in the UK.

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SPONSORS
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IT'S TIME TO TURN YOUR BOOK IDEA INTO A MEGA SELLER

Mark Victor Hansen, the founder and co-creator of the Chicken
Soup for the Soul series, has made millions in book sales and
information products. He has established the Mega Book
University event for passionate authors with great ideas, a
manuscript or published work. This is a rare opportunity to
connect and mingle with top literary agents, publishers, and
other experts sharing their immense knowledge and insider
secrets with you.

Event Date: June 5th-7th '09. 

Details: https://mvhansen.infusionsoft.com/go/MBook/kajendra/

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MARGARET REID POETRY CONTEST FOR TRADITIONAL VERSE

6th year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,350. Top prize $2,000.
Submit poems in traditional verse forms, such as sonnets and free verse. Winning entries published online. Both published and unpublished work accepted. Entry fee is $7 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark deadline June 30, 2009. Judges: J. H. Reid, D. C. Konrad. Submit online or mail to Winning Writers, ATTN: Margaret Reid Poetry Contest, 351 Pleasant Street, PMB 222, Northampton, MA 01060.

More information: www.winningwriters.com/margaret

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AWARD WINNING NOVELIST, STORY WRITER WILL EDIT YOUR WORK

Winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award from UNC Chapel Hill,
Richard Krawiec has published novels, story collections, plays,
poetry, feature articles, and Young Adult biographies. He's won
national awards and regional awards, been nominated for the
National Book Award, and Pushcart Prize.

It's hard to publish these days. 
Let Mr. Krawiec help you prepare your work for publication.

http://home.mindspring.com/~rkwriter/id2.html

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GENIE AKIN & CURTISWOOD FARM
Cordially Welcomes C. HOPE CLARK, of FundsforWriters
to the First Annual Writer's Retreat at Curtiswood Farm

July 17-19, 2009

"A Weekend of Freelance Hope in Kentucky"

Limited to 35 writers.

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

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ANHINGA WRITERS' STUDIO 2009 SUMMER WORKSHOPS

Join us from July 29-August 1 in Gainesville, Florida,
for The Anhinga Writers' Studio 2009 Summer Workshops!

Coursework in general fiction, romance, mystery, poetry,
and narrative nonfiction. Guest of Honor Charlaine Harris,
author of the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries on which HBO
series TRUE BLOOD is based. One-on-one agent, editor, and
instructor meetings are available, as well as manuscript
evaluations. Full tuition:  $395, $375 through May 15.
Single-day rates available. info@anhingawriters.org

http://www.anhingawriters.org/

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CROWE'S FEET TYPING

After 20 years as an administrator for top companies,
I am excited to open my doors to you!
I type 100 wpm with 0 errors and provide speedy delivery.
Proofreading and spellchecking service is always free.
$20/hour but $15/hour to first 10 to respond.
As Associate Editor for a top fiction magazine,
my services come with a free critique upon request.
Please contact me for details or with inquiries.
Liz Crowe: (513) 254-3199 or ecrowe@crowesfeet.com

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"5 Things You May Not Know About Publishing
& Why They Are Important to YOU."
 
On this call, you will learn:

What You Need to Be Thinking About Before You Even Start Writing
3 Key Tools
What is a Niche Market
How to Price Your Book Properly
Why Your Royalty is so small
Plus some Bonus "Secrets" of the Pros

This is one conversation you don't want to miss!

Here's how to get on the call:
Free Class: VIP Author Talks Series with Guest Laura Duksta
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 8:00pm to 9:00pm Eastern
(7:00pm Central, 6:00pm Mountain, 5:00pm Pacific)

Details: http://vipauthors.com

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WORLDWIDE FREELANCE MARKETS - Serving the freelance writing
community for 10 years. Come and try our searchable database of
writing markets from North America, Europe and around the world. 

http://www.worldwidefreelance.com

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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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