Volume 9, Issue 36
September 6, 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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Winner of the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award from
UNC Chapel Hill, Richard Krawiec has published novels,
story collections, plays, memoirs, poetry, feature articles,
and Young Adult biographies.  He's won NEA and NC Arts Council
grants, been nominated for the National Book Award and
Pushcart Prize. He was a Finalist for the 2009 Indie Book
Awards for Poetry.
 
It's hard to publish these days. 
Let someone who knows what they're doing help
you prepare your work for publication.

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

                 
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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

=====

THE ART OF PUBLISHING

Someone wrote me this week and said my editorials were
interesting reading, but they wondered why I'd strayed away
from telling someone how to get published. I often think
the rules to getting published are too obvious, so I don't repeat
them. This reader didn't think they were so clear-cut. I'll
make some points about getting published here - the myths,
the realities, the facts and the fiction with no rhyme or
reason to the order. You will see yourself in here somewhere,
I promise.

1. EXPECTING ACCEPTANCE
You should write a lot, write regularly, and edit like a
fanatic before you are entitled to the EXPECTATION of being
published. If you write here and there or don't write like
it's a passion, you should not EXPECT acceptances from editors.

2. HATE WRITING.
Write until you hate writing. So many writers talk about
their love for writing, but the truth is that you don't
know how much of a writer you are until you write until you
can't stand it. Writing through that type of moment takes
you to another level and improves your chances of publication.
You then know you can meet any assignment or deadline.

3. GETTING PUBLISHED
When you "get published," someone else vetted your material
and deemed you worthy of publication. When you "publish
yourself," you decided when you were worthy of publication.
There are arguments on both sides. When you decide whether
to traditionally or self publish, do it with eyes open, and
don't make excuses one way or the other.

4. STAND UP AND BE JUDGED.
You want to be judged. If you avoid critiques, rejection
or submissions to publications you feel are above you, you
hold yourself back from being a better writer. You need
people to tell you "no," "this isn't for us," "this stinks."
Without someone telling you what's bad, you won't understand
what's good.

5. READ
Read a book a month in your genre. It's a basic need for
a writer. Your mind absorbs what works, what flows, how
to mesh together a good story. How else will you know
what readers and editors alike prefer?

6. POLISH THE QUERY
Whether you freelance for magazines or pitch your book
to agents and publishers, that query should be SMOKING HOT,
not acceptable. The Internet is full of samples. Your
bookstore and Amazon are full of books on queries. Taking
two weeks to perfect a query can nail that acceptance.

7. FIND MENTORS
As much as I love to hide at my country home, if I didn't
talk, critique or share work with peers and mentors, my
work wouldn't be half what it is. If you cannot find a
writer's group then create one. Then use it to critique
instead of rambling about the writing world. Cut the
chitchat and stick to dissecting each other's work.

8. WRITE AND SUBMIT
Do it more than once a week unless you don't care how
long it takes to get published. Do it over, over, over
and then over again. Keep a certain number of submissions
in play - always. Pick a number like six or ten, whatever.
Just stick to it. Query that many times. When a rejection
or acceptance comes in, get another submission back out
to keep your number in play.

9. BE STRAIGHT-FORWARD
Editors' and agents' lives are frantic. Give them just
what they want, make it to the point, crisp and unique
enough to stop them in mid-read. Counting the letter
opening, they usually don't give you thirty seconds to
make your pitch. Don't blame them. Blame yourself for
not grabbing them by the lapels in the first paragraph.

10. STUDY
Make your writing better. No, it's not as good as it
can be. If you aren't publishing as much as you like,
there's room to improve your writing. And yes, if you
receive a rejection, chances are that your work needs
more attention. You never arrive as a writer. You just
have moments along the journey.
 

     Hope

EIGHTH ANNUAL FUNDSFORWRITERS ESSAY CONTEST
Sponsored by VIP Authors

Theme: Invisible Writing
Compose 750 words or less addressing this theme in essay form.
Deadline October 31, 2009.

Pay $5 or don't pay anything. You have a choice with FFW.
First, second and third prizes in each category, ranging
from $10 to $200.

NEW: FundsforWriters is featuring Tweetebooks. Yes, you
read right. In this day of social networking in spurts,
FFW has created abbreviated ebooks with abbreviated prices.
Enter the $5 entry fee category of the contest and receive
one free. Or buy one. They are only $1.99.

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/annualcontest.htm
http://www.fundsforwriters.com/tweetebooks.htm

NOTE:
Shelley Lieber and VIP Authors is our Platinum Sponsor this year.
We still have openings for gold and bronze sponsors. See the
deal you can buy for advertising in sync with the FFW annual
essay contest.

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

VIP AUTHORS SUPPORTS YOUR WRITING!
Get our FREE 53-page PUBLISHING SUCCESS ebook, loaded with
insider tips and resources to help you launch and skyrocket
your writing career at http://vipauthors.com.

  ~~~~~~****~~~~~~

WORDS OF SUCCESS

Somebody saw something in you once -
and that is partly why you're where you are today.
Find a way to thank them.

~ Don Ward

 
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SUCCESS OF THE WEEK
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Hi Hope,
 
I read about the Lah Dee Dah Dee Dah poetry contest in one
of your newsletters. (I subscribe to three!) Sponsored by
The Ontario Poetry Society, it called for poems that could
be sung to the tune of an old song.  That was a total
departure from what I usually write, but it sounded like a
fun challenge so I tried it.
 
I submitted "The Ipod Song," to be sung to the tune of "I've
Been Working on the Railroad." My little ditty won an
honourable mention which entitles me to a free copy of the
soon-to-be-published book of winning poems. Contest results
are at http://www.theontariopoetrysociety.ca/ladeda.htm
 
I always perk up when I see your newsletters in my inbox. 
They help keep me inspired.
 
Janet Hartman
http://JanetHartman.net

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ARTICLE
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University Writing 101

By Jessica McCann

Freelance writers who want to generate a steady income
can check into their local university - not to take classes,
but to write for university publications.

Most universities produce an abundance of publications,
both in print and online. These include alumni magazines
and research magazines, as well as special publications
like annual reports and email newsletters for the various
colleges and departments across campus.

The editors of these publications often wear many hats.
They have titles like communications manager or alumni
relations director, and they have many job responsibilities
in addition to producing a magazine. These folks are too
busy to write all the articles themselves. Yet they're
less likely to receive the large number of freelance
queries that typical consumer and trade magazine editors
receive. Thus, alumni magazine editors are more likely to
respond quickly, and favorably, to queries from freelancers.

There are several benefits to pursuing this type of
freelance writing:

== Portfolio builders: Alumni magazines generally have
fewer advertisements than consumer or trade magazines;
features in these publications are often well-designed
and make nice by-lined clips to build a portfolio.
Article assignments can also lead to other types of
writing assignments and project management work within
the university network.

== Referrals: Once you land an assignment for a university
publication - if you deliver a well-written piece on
deadline - that editor is likely not only to use you again
but also to refer you to other university editors.

== Reprints: Writers can often resell alumni magazine
articles with a little effort. For example, after
completing a profile about an underwater wildlife
photographer for his graduate school alumni magazine
editor, I pitched the same piece to the alumni magazine
editor of his undergraduate alma mater. That editor
reprinted the profile with only a few minor revisions,
and I earned double income on the piece.

Breaking in to university magazines can be easier than
breaking in to traditional consumer magazines; but that
doesn't mean it's easy. This market has many nuances, as
does any market or industry. The successful freelancer
will do his or her homework on several levels - about
the publication, the university and the industry - before
making the first pitch.

Get to know the university in your area first. Spend a
few hours reading through its website. Study hard copies
of the school's various magazine. Attend a few events on
campus; brown bag luncheons, free lectures and student
performances are newsworthy events in and of themselves.
Digging deeper, often times the speaker or event organizer
will have an interesting story to tell beyond the
presentation or activity that day.

Next, get familiar with the news and issues surrounding
higher education in general. The following resources can
help you learn more about the industry, as well as generate
leads for potential clients.

University & College Designers Association
http://ucda.com

University Research Magazine Association
http://www.urma.org

Council for Advancement and Support of Education
http://www.case.org

The Chronicle of Higher Education
http://www.chronicle.com

As you become more familiar with higher education and
specific universities, your opportunities will grow. It
will become easier to generate story ideas. Your
reputation as a reliable professional will expand and
produce referrals. And you will be well on your way to
becoming a long-time staple for a cadre of university
editors and marketing/communications professionals.

###

Jessica McCann is a full-time professional writer based
in Phoenix. Her articles have appeared in Business Week,
Arizona Woman, Phoenix and many other consumer, trade and
university magazines. www.jessicamccann.com

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COMPETITIONS
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THE CARRIE MCCRAY NICKENS FELLOWSHIP IN POETRY
http://sc.gov/NewsCenter/SCSL/pr07272009.htm
---
$5 ENTRY FEE
The South Carolina Academy of Authors is pleased to announce
The Carrie McCray Nickens Fellowship in Poetry, worth $500,
to be awarded in April. Applicants must be South Carolina
Residents. There is no restriction to form or content. Send
three copies of 6-10 pages of unpublished poetry (no more than
one page per poem), with a separate cover sheet. Deadline
November 13, 2009.

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MAUREEN EGEN WRITERS EXCHANGE AWARD - FOR NJ WRITERS
http://www.pw.org/files/WEXApplication09.pdf
---
For New Jersey resident poets and fiction writers who have
never published a book, or have published no more than one
full-length book in the genre in which they are applying, and
have resided in New Jersey for at least two years prior to the
date they submit their manuscripts. Writers may apply in the
poetry and/or fiction categories (only one manuscript per
category). Writers may not be previous winners of contests
sponsored by Poets & Writers, Inc. One New Jersey poet and
one New Jersey fiction writer will be selected. The names of
the winning writers will be announced by April 15, 2010.
Each winner will receive a $500 honorarium; a trip to New
York City in October 2010 to meet with editors, agents,
publishers, and other writers. All related travel/lodgings
expenses and a per diem stipend are covered by Poets & Writers.
Winners will also give a public reading of their work; and
one-month residency at the Jentel Artist Residency Program
in Wyoming (optional, at writer's request). Deadline December
1, 2009.

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ABUJA WRITERS' FORUM
http://www.abujawritersforum.com/competitions.htm
---
Writers can enter in three different sections. Deadline
October 1, 2009.

Section I
Exclusively for writers resident in Nigeria's Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) - that is Abuja and the Council Areas of Abaji,
Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali. Submit a short story of no
more than 2,500 words, three poems in any style or form, or
a short one-act play. Top three in each category will win
N50,000, N30,000 and N10,000 respectively.

Section II
Open to Nigerian creative writers and scholars regardless
of where they are domiciled. Submit in one of seven categories
involving fiction, poetry, and drama. Top three in each
category will win N150,000, N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Also can submit literary essays of 5,000 words or less. The top
three in critical essays will win N150,000, N100,000 and N50,000.

Section III
Open to Nigerians and non-Nigerians. Entries are invited for
previously unpublished poems and short stories. Any length or
style poetry. Short stories of 2,500 words or less. $20 entry
fee. Top three in each category will win $300, $200 and $100.  

 
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GRANTS
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FRUITLANDS ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM
http://www.fruitlands.org/artist-in-residence
---
The Artist-in-Residence Program (AIR) at Fruitlands seeks
contemporary artists whose work compliments the collections
and landscape. The resident artist participates in a season
long study of the museum as reflected in their artwork. Any
artist may apply, including those whose work includes poetry,
painting, fabric, pottery, sculpture, music & sound, new media
and site specific installations.  During the selection process,
the artist's vision and its relationship to the institutional
mission and the goals of this program are more important than
the specific artistic medium. The program seeks artists who
live within the greater Boston metro area.

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SOUTH CAROLINA ARTS FELLOWSHIPS
http://www.southcarolinaarts.com/grants/artists/fellowships.shtml
---
Deadline October 1, 2009. Fellowship awards are $5,000 each.
Four fellowships are awarded each year. The next deadline will
award in Prose, Poetry, Theatre: Acting, Theatre: Playwriting.

NOTE: The SC Fiction Project Program is on a moratorium.

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THE JACK STRAW ARTIST RESIDENCY PROGRAMS
http://www.jackstraw.org/programs/asp/2010/2010_apps.shtml
---
Offer established and emerging artists in diverse disciplines
an opportunity to explore the creative use of sound in a
professional atmosphere through residencies in our recording
studios and participation in our various presentation programs.
Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2009.
 

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FREELANCE MARKETS
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ANIMAL WELLNESS
http://animalwellnessmagazine.com/p/awsubmit.htm
---
Publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from
physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well
being of animals. Welcomes unsolicited articles and story
outlines. Length from 500 to 1,500 words. If you submit an
outline for a story, please also send samples of your work.

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EXPERIENCE LIFE
http://www.experiencelifemag.com/about-us/experience-life-writers-guidelines.html
---
Experience Life is a progressive health/fitness/quality-of-
life magazine (we call it "a healthy-way-of-life magazine").
It's also the membership magazine of Life Time Fitness -- a
large and rapidly growing health and fitness organization
with dozens of industry-leading facilities located throughout
the country. The magazine is written for a general audience
of active, educated, discerning people who are interested in
good health and passionate about self-improvement, well-being
and living a good, satisfying life.

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MOMENT
http://www.momentmag.com/about/wguidelines.html
---
Moment is dedicated to publishing unpredictable stories that
will interest members of all branches of the Jewish community
including Jewish Renewal, Reform, Conservative, Modern
Orthodox, Haredi, Hasidic, Secular Humanist and the
unaffiliated. Our stories range in scope from global to local
(with a global twist), right to left, the literary to the
political. We are looking for in-depth, evocative and richly
rendered compositions on all things relevant to Jewish life.
Features run from 2,500 to 7,000 words. Each issue Moment profiles
a Jewish life, engaging, detailed portraits of a well-known Jew
who has accomplished noteworthy feat or in some cases, is just
someone we should know about. Essays are usually, although not
always written in the first person. They should run between
1,000 and 2,500 words. Pays a kill fee.
 

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JOBS
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FULL-TIME COPY EDITOR
Location Knoxville, TN
http://journalism.berkeley.edu/jobs/detail/10229/
---
The Knoxville News Sentinel is looking for a journalist who
possesses strong word and headline skills and a command of
AP style and grammar.

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WRITER
Location Kirkland, WA
http://jobs.climber.com/jobs/Computer-Software/Kirkland-WA-USA/Writer/2168521?source=simplyjobs&bid=2168521&cid=Writer
---
WB Games Inc. seeks a Community Writer to work with the
Community Team to create compelling written content that
will inform, educate, and engage our gaming community and
keep them returning to our sites. This position supports our
three game development studios based in the Seattle, WA area;
Monolith Productions, Snowblind Studios and Surreal Software.
Copy will be written for various social media outlets, including
websites, blogs, forums, Wikis, Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace as
well as external game community and news sites. Maintains
documents and completes writing assignments according to set
standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, terminology
and style.

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EDITOR
Location Congers, NY
http://www.thejobbox.com/tjb/JobSeeker/search.cfm?page=position-description&JobID=%25%23MHB2U8%20%0A
---
Seeking highly organized, detail-oriented editor for ToyFare
Magazine, the magazine of collectible action figures, pop
culture and humor. Candidate should possess strong proofreading
skills and the ability to write in an engaging, entertaining
voice. Comedy writing experience is a plus. Familiarity with
toys and geek culture is a must. Freelance writers also sought.
Send cover letter, clips and writing samples to Senior VP/
Operations Joe Yanarella at jyanarella@wizardent.com or to
Wizard Entertainment, 151 Wells Avenue, Congers, NY 10920.

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PUBLISHERS/AGENTS
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HEARTSONG PRESENTS
http://www.barbourbooks.com/pages/downloads/bpi_heartsongpresents_guidelines.pdf
---
The main element of a Heartsong Presents inspirational romance
is the sweet love story. A very close second is the inspirational
theme and content. All manuscripts in the Heartsong Presents
inspirational line should present a conservative, evangelical
Christian worldview. Manuscripts that do not reflect this
position will be returned to the author(s). Considers manuscripts
between 45,000 and 50,000 words. Must have a strong inspirational
theme. Historical manuscripts--prior to and during World War II.
Contemporary manuscripts--present time, but not specifically dated.
Does not accept any futuristic, fantasy, time travel, or
paranormal stories.

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SPECK PRESS
http://www.fulcrum-books.com/client/client_pages/speckpage.cfm
---
Speck Press, an imprint of Fulcrum Publishing, explores cultures
and subcultures through nonfiction and crime fiction books--
revealing scenes that are typically invisible to the casual
observer.

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FLASHLIGHT PRESS
http://www.flashlightpress.com/submissionguidelines.html
---
Stories should have universal themes and deal with family
or social situations. They should appeal to 4-8 year olds
and have approximately 1,000 words. They only publish picture
books. Not interested in concept books, non-fiction, early
readers, chapter books, holiday books or YA novels.

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SPONSORS
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7th year. Fifteen cash prizes totaling $5,350. Top prize $2,000.
Submit poems in any style or genre. Both published and unpublished
work accepted. Winning entries published online. Entry fee is
$7 for every 25 lines, payable to Winning Writers. Postmark
deadline: September 30. Judges: J.H. Reid, D.C.Konrad. Submit
online or mail to Winning Writers, ATTN: Tom Howard Poetry
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).

More information: www.winningwriters.com/tompoetry

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Download the free audio here ==> http://tinyurl.com/l2nlbd

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            GIVE ME YOUR NEEDY MANUSCRIPT            

=====

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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